EPL Match Day 14: Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur: Match Preview
It's Derby Day People
Sometimes you read some things that just make you laugh. Like this for instance:
“We’re a lot closer to them than we have been for a long time, and against the best we seem to raise our game.” – Peter Crouch.
Peter, Peter, Peter, you should just shut up and focus on that hottie WAG of yours. You are clearly speaking out of turn. Sure, you had two great games against Inter. No offence mate they are hardly the team they were under Mourinho and had they been coached by the special one you’d be out of the bloody tournament already. But in terms of the best – as you classify the teams ahead of you in the table, you have yet to win in 68 away visits to either Liverpool, United, Chelsea or Arsenal. So you really have gotten up for the best – more like gotten beat by the best.
I’ve now gone and spent entirely too much energy on Tottenham when what we really want to talk about here is our Gunners. But I have to go on for a bit because for whatever reason (actually I think I know the reason) every year the press annoits Tottenham the likely squad to overtake us and every year – well, the don’t. Personally, I think it has more to do with Wenger and a bit of xenophobism that still exists in the press and in the pundits. Fat ‘Arry who has appointed himself the next manager of England (just ask him), is English and runs this team and is defended and lauded as a saviour every time he speaks. But here’s the thing, sure by all means ‘Arry is a “players manager” but his tactical nous is non existant. Just ask Van der Vaart who says he likes Tottenham because ‘Arry doesn’t make you practice anything. Which could explain a lot when it comes to the Spurs inconsistent form. Or it could just basically mean ‘Arry doesn’t know how to manage and has been riding an extraordinary wave of luck.
Seriously I often wonder if at the Redknapp family dinner table on Sunday’s if Fat ‘Arry and his spawn Jamie discuss who is the bigger twat.
Okay now I have really spent too much energy on that other team from North London. Let’s turn our attention to the only team in North London that matters – Arsenal.
Let’s get right to the elephant in the room shall we? Our home form this season hasn’t been exactly oustanding. More a long the lines of rather frayed if you ask me. But the Gunners are going out in matches and fighting for them. Just ask Wolves and Everton. The squad is working for it’s wins and as I said in an earlier article this may be a good thing. If you can build this as sustainable habit even in matches you walk through it will go a long way to getting the club some silverware. Why is this important in this match? Spurs are a different team this season in that even through their own foibles they have played well at times. They want to prove their CL credentials like we do our title credentials, they should come to play. Our boys will need to turn in a yeoman effort this Saturday morning.
Should we win and we will enjoy displacing Chelsea from their top spot. Lose – and all the hard work at the Molineux and Goodison park were for naught. For me the key is going to be who Arsene sets up front to lead the attack. The back four of Spurs are decidedly weaker than they have been, with only Hutton being the one who merits any positive mention. That is why I am hoping for a front line of Van Persie, Chamakh and Walcott. Walcott is admittedly more of an offset for Bale (keeps him honest). Bale would have to be aware that Assou-Ekotto is mismatched for Walcott in terms of speed and will need to spend some of his time tracking back to keep tabs on his friend and former Southampton colleague. I want Van Persie in the line up because I think he can benefit from Chamakh’s ability to hold the ball up and bring in supporting players. With Van Persie you get someone who if he gets fed the ball up front will take his chances and an in form Van Persie converts those chances more than not.
All that being said, the is an argument (more of a likelihood that he starts) for Andrei Arshavin to start. Arshavin offers us a level of creativity up front that may put him on the pitch rather than Van Persie. To me though for this match especially, Arshavin is going to have to improve his ability to track back and put some defencive coverage on either Modric or Van Der Vaart. Clichy as good as he is prone to the odd gaffe and having only one player on either Van der Vaart of Modric could come back to hurt us.
Defencively I am looking forward to the battle between Bacary Sagna and Gareth Barry. I really do rate Sagna as the best RB in the league. He is strong defecively, the odd mistake he makes are few and far between, he has pace, he can cross the ball and as he has shown, he can score. But it is his pace and defecive skill that will be called on.
There is no denying the form of Gareth Bale right now. But Bale does have issues with his offencive play. An interesting look at the stats shows that Bale has attempted more assists than any other player in the EPL but only has one or two to show for it. He does not seem to be able to get as much on EPL defenders as he is against Europeans ones. Also, I think Bale can be neutralized somewhat by our right side attackers. If as I said earlier, Bale is kept honest either through the pace of Walcott or the creativity of Nasri, hewill have to play a little more true – i.e. back as cover. Assou-Ekotto isn’t the best LB in the league and has let many chances comes through him. Nasri, Walcott, and Sagna are good enough to take care of that.
The good news for Arsenal fans is that we actually came through an international break without – a break or a bruise. While there are some notable admissions from our squad due to injury(Vermaelen), we have most of our first choice starters available to play. Which is a lot more than can be said for the visitors. Arsenal are a strong attacking side, probably the strongest attacking side that Spurs will have come across with maybe the exception of Inter Milan. Harry’s recent tactic of pushing everything forward can work against him with the pace our squad posseses. With such a weak back four any counter-attack made by Arsenal could be deadly for the visitors. Arsene’s squad selection will be interesting because I think he sees this in Tottenham and may select a squad that can really burn the Spurs.
How the Match Should Play Out:
So Tottenham want to come to the Emirates and prevent the Gunners from going atop the league. The Gunners want to come out and go atop the league and further solidfy their title credentials. All that equates to a cracker of drby. It won’t resemble that bore fest that was the Manchester derby a couple of weeks ago. This should be an out right down and dirty attacking affair. Which is why I like our squad much better than Spurs. Our strikers aren’t as dubious as the Crouch and Pav tandem. Even if Defoe comes off the bench he is only just returned from injury and by the time he comes on it may be too late. I look for Arsenal to go back to their home form and take it to the Spurs. The Emirates will be a loud and raucous place and I expect the boys to take full advantage.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Sing it with me folks – “Naseri, Samir Naseri, Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na, Samir Naseri.” Samir Nasri is a consistent breath of fresh air in this otherwise inconsistent run we are having. He is creative, he is direct and he is fast. If he has the ball on his feet he is making opposing defences tremble. The blistering run he had against Everton showed that his touch is as deadly as his speed. If not for some good goalkeeping against Everton, he could’ve had a brace. He said earlier in the week, he wished he could’ve not done the international friendly, because he was much more focused on the derby. Here is a lad who gets it!!
Spurs: Gareth Bale. Well why not, the press are busting their wad over him – with some calling him as good as Lionel Messi. Bah. He’s good, not that good. He is the engine by which Spurs are running right now. But he does tend to disappear from time to time. If they are to do anything he can’t disappear for this match.
Probable Starting XI
Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Wilshere (back – D) Rosicky (hamstring – D) Almunia (elbow) Vermaelen (achilles) Ramsey (ankle) Frimpong (knee) Diaby (ankle)
Spurs: Defoe (ankle – D) Lennon (hamstring – D) Dawson (knee & ankle) Huddlestone (ankle) Keane (ankle), Dos Santos (groin) King groin) Woodgate (groin), O’Hara (back)
Last Meeting (Carling Cup):
Arsenal: 3
Spurs: 0
Last 5:
Arsenal: WWLWW
Spurs: DLLDW
Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Chamakh 8 (5 league) Nasri 7 (4 league) Walcott 7 (5 league) Arshavin 5 (2 League)
Spurs: Bale 8 (4 league) Pavyluchenko: 8 (4 league) Van der Vaart 7 (5 league)
Goals For:
Arsenal: 2.5
Spurs: 1.2
Goals Against:
Arsenal: 1.0
Spurs: 1.7
Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 14
Spurs: 1
Match Officials:
Referee: Phil Dowd
Assistant Referees: Darren Cann & Simon Long
Fourth Official: Andre Marriner
Broadcast Information:
US: ESPN 2 7:45 AM
UK: Sky Sports 2 1245 BST
Feeds:
www.atdhe.net
GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!!
www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 3
Spurs : 1
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185 comments
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Nip,
Thanks for the stats question and agree with your comments.
Funny about expectations (at least mine) as I admit to being excessively optimistic. Why not !
Read the papers, website headlines, tv…….its all focused on FEAR: robberies, shootings, murders, tragic deaths, suicides, war, disease, poverty, starvation, natural disasters, glorified politicians that are nothing by whores with ties; the world is f*cked up – with too many *ssholes.
Arsenal is my outlet.
So the team plays poorly and loses, plays well and lose, play poorly and win, other play well and win……the games are only entertainment.
Right Josh?
The fact that we don’t will all of our matches, makes the winning MORE APPRECIATED.
You can either go through life immersing yourself with good thoughts around people of good influence……or you can allow your mind to dwell on negativism, which only prevents you from seeing solutions and ENJOYING THE MOMENT.
This season is not lost. We have a talented squad that has given us moments of bliss and disappointment – just like raising children.
Isn’t that what we’re experiencing?
Do you enjoy watching good actors in bad or disappointing movies? Spending a couple of hours of your life watching talented individuals going through the motions of a tired, cliched script? After all, it’s ‘only’ entertainment? It doesn’t need to be good, just distracting, right?
(I can’t even begin to address the analogy between raising children and supporting a football team. But please link your book to parenting when it’s done. That should be quite entertaining.)
Arsesession got the answers spot on.
Kos has the worst record – 1.22 points per game (9 games started).
Followed by Nasri – 1.4 in 10 games.
I was surprised by both. I thought Kos was doing much better and Nasri has been our best player this season. Another interesting stat is that Arsenal won all five games in which Kos didn’t play – 3 of which were tough away games at Man City, Wolves and Everton.
In terms of leading the charts, Djo, Sicky, Gibbs and RvP have a 100% record so far, although Djo has started only 4 games, Sicky 3 and the other two have started only one game. In terms of players who have at least played 50% of the games, Cesc has the best record (2.11 pts per game) followed by Arsh (2) and Song (1.92).
Frankly, I wasn’t making any point just stating “facts” or “stats”, whichever way you like to see them. Some people will say these numbers show that Cesc, Arsh & Song are our most valuable player, and others will rubbish them as lies and more lies. I was surprised by some of the numbers and wanted to share it with others.
But at the same time, I was also curious to see if anyone would come out saying “what’s your point?”, “yeah, typical monger observation”, “so what?”, etc. ;)
Thanks very much for the stats….Maybe you could do them again at season’s end, you know when we’re all celebrating…..(winky face)….then we’ll know exactly who we can sell to complete the double/triple/quadruple (you know, to include the “profit trophy”….)
Like I’ve said many times before, I think the ‘monger/hippie/etc/etc labels are gross simplifications, though sometimes useful, and (usually) reasonably fun. I also think there’s some truth in both of the following statements: A “supporter” offers “support” AND “low expectations are the key to happiness.”
But then again I’m hardly a supporter as all I do is buy TV so I can watch Arsenal (which goes to all PL teams equally)….And thanks to many of you, (freakin’ ‘mongers!) my expectations are suitably low. Still with each kickoff, the hope (somehow) is renewed….
(And speaking of support….DAG, we need info on ordering T-shirts…Only 34 days ’til Boxing Day….)
Sure enough. I can roll out these stats after any game. Just let me know if you want them. I keep a lot of stats wrt to Arsenal and the EPL. :)
As for “supporter”, I agree with the first part (support) but not the second (low expectations). Nothing wrong in having high or “not so low” expectations. As long as you keep supporting. And as you know so very well, I turn up for almost every game. Just that I tend to criticize a lot more than before. And after 6 trophy-less season, I think that is fair.
But I have tuned myself to handle disappointment a lot better. I blew my lid after the Wigan debacle. And this was a lot worse (at home and against one of your biggest rivals), but I am cool about it because I have now come to expect this of Arsenal (which in turn might indicate that my own expectations are lowering). :(
I suppose you are well aware that stat is absolutely useless though aren’t you.
You are well aware that stat is of no relevance to individual performance whatsoever, right?
So why did you bring it up, to back up your lord and master in his ignorant assertation that Djourou is beter than Kosch right?
You really are a fully fledged Monger now aren’t you Nip?
Arsesession got the answers spot on.
Kos has the worst record – 1.22 points per game (9 games started).
Followed by Nasri – 1.4 in 10 games.
I was surprised by both. I thought Kos was doing much better. Another perplexing stat is that we have won all five games in which Kos didn’t play – 3 of which were tough away games at Man City, Wolves and Everton.
In terms of leading the charts, Djo, R
Dying to know the points per start answer from Nip the stat man….For worst I’ve got to go with either Cesc or Nasri (3rd choice, Alex Song, but LK6 is a good guess too) and for best I’ll agree with Djourou….
It’s got to be morning there in Bangalore…
Hey DAG,
Down the trail…..is it possible to add next to each post a thumbs up / down – keeping an on going tally, yeah or nay.
I’m sure their are many visitors to the sight that don’t want to express their opinion and be subjected to attacking criticism.
The option to cast a vote on a comment, would more accurately reflect the views of all who follow the sight rather than just those posting.
Uh, can’t those stats get manipulated fairly easily….I once (casually of course) put a few thumbs up next to a comment I made on another site, when I went to check to see if anybody responded….I stopped after 3 or 4, I think….
Generally I’m pretty pleased if people don’t call me a fucktard (or the like)….but it would be nice to think people actually read my (often too long) posts….
You maybe right about same person……reentering sight and voting again.
But then, technology keeps moving forward.
Re: Djourou
This player’s return from injury has been a welcome surprise for most Arsenal fans. As to whether he should have started against Spuds…I’m assuming the manager tried to select his strongest line up.
As far as Djourou being faster and stronger than Koscielny, I have not seen anything published that confirms.
Djourou is definitely taller than Koscielny. The only times that Djourou has started is due to Koscielny sitting out on red cards (I believe). So obviously Arsene favors Koscielny over Djourou at the moment.
That is the manager’s choice.
Last season, Gallas and Vermaelen paired at CB; as Djourou was out with injury.
In the two previous seasons, the preferred CB partnership was Toure and Gallas. It was only when Gallas was injured, late in each season, that we saw glimpses of Djourou (possibly some CC and FA cup). His performances were up and down, typical for his age (early 20’s). Some will remember his own goal, the long leg stretch to block a cross that diverted into our goal. Anyway, his past starting performances did not leave fans enamored, like Wilshere’s performances have.
From Djourou’s play prior to this season, I am only guessing that few fans expected to see him capable of a starting CB role OR at least a solid back up…….yet he has!
I like everything about this player’s game…….and selfishly would like to see him move forward into the DM role or as part of the dual DM, especially if and when Vermaelen returns.
Arsenal need his height and skill on the pitch in some manner.
I was making the point earlier Koscielny is fast, no one knows who is faster. Djourou looks stronger or should I say he has more weight. Both are good in the air. But I saw no sense in debating that fact as those attributes are not what makes Kosch the better player.
I like Djourou but from what I have seen he losses concentration at times and has suffered from this throughout his Arsenal career. Kosch is greatng at reading the game and intercepting, he also more aggressive than Djourou and that can make all the difference sometimes.
I know Djourou has had history as a DM, but I cannot remmeber seeing him play there myself, it would be an interesting experiment.
Your most hilarious comment yet.
Koscielny good in the air? OK, it would be nice if he stopped heading the ball straight up in the air right in his own box.
Koscielny is great at reading games and intercepting YET racks up the cards and teeters on the edge of getting sent off in almost every game -“awesome reading” there.
In that context the “more aggressive” argument is hilarious.
All in all, the Koz/Squillaci pairing is a disaster pairing of two passive, mild-mannered “good boy” players.
Koz can only form a balanced CB partnership with Verm and Djorou. Same with Squillaci. But because Squillaci is more experienced and … better in general, Squillaci/Djorou should start till Verm gets back, then Johann can return to the bench.
That is why I know you know very little about football apart from what you read. Kosch is in his first season. He has still to adapt to the pace of theEnglish game somewhat. His commitment and aggression is what gets him so many cards.
He IS strong in the air there is no doudting it he has proven that over several matches this season. Djourou is good in the air but often doesn’t even get of the ground when necessary as he is often so slow at reading the game.
“Koz can only form a balanced CB partnership with Verm and Djorou” – see you do not know what the eff you are talking about.
When Verm comes back you will find it will be Squilla that drops to the bench in the long run.
The great manager of my home team thinks Kosch is better than Djourou, I think I agree with him :-D
clown, stop hiding your laughable response in an old thread.
come spew your shit on the new one where everyone can see it.
Guess which Arsenal player has the poorest record in terms of points won per league game started (not including substitute appearances) ?
And while you are at it, you can even guess the player with the best record.
lowest – Koscielny; but Nasri not far behind
highest – gibbs, rvp, rosicky, djourou; all won every match they started….
And your point is? :-D
Hard to believe (maybe not for others) it is the end of November and RvP has only started one match.
Bendtner – none.
Ars’ I figured Nip was siding with his master, so wanted him to come out the closet.
I’m trying to avoid being confrontational. At times I’d like (im)posters to account for their statements that they claim as ‘facts’. LOL
I’m also curious about Nip’s point.
I used to try that; be non-confrontational until I think it was Vibe who first pissed me off.
Then after listening to Fred break eveyone off whenever he felt like it I said f’ it, I am going out with all guns blazing, if anyone wants to throw shit in my direction.
I relate to people how they relate to me. If they want to be rude I can be too.
Yesterday I took a day off from the troubles of being a “serious” Arsenal supporter, but I’m at it again (painfully early, unable to sleep, etc.) today….
In the morning I read Arseblog, look at the overnight comments here on the YAMA and scan the Guardian and NewsNow (which also spells “new snow”–current total here = 3 feet!) for items of interest. Certainly the emanations from Chelsea/Ancelloti are very interesting, and it’s good to see Fred and Stag going at it again (rather than ganging up on my and the AKB grouping I get tossed into)….
Arseblogger questions the mind-frame of the team this morning and (see above) I place a lot of it at the feet of our best player/captain. Of coruse, he’s not really at fault as he’s being held hostage, for at least a bit. It’s the weakness of the Management (in our case is one man) that this is how we’ve chosen to use our hard-won financial might.
In pre-season, I argued that I saw this as a transition season: using Cesc to learn how to live without him (Hmmmm?)and allowing the younger players to get another year of top level football under their belts. Intellectually, given our injuries (to be expected really) we’re doing great…2 points off the top, solid in the two cups that are in play in the Fall, players coming back, etc., etc….
But that’s the problem, it’s all intellect…There’s no heart to this club. We can’t win at home, the (over-taxed) supporters are at the end of their/our patience and project all their nervousness, if not outright scorn for the team, in the stadium and on the interweb. Yes, (say it with a French accent….) we have outstanding quality throughout the squad, but we lack focus….
Or do we? Nasri has the “focus” (“strengfth”?) to spurn the “old” leader (Gallas) of Arsenal/France and to tell us that someday he hopes to return to Marseilles, not to mention score a lovely goal with skill that few (in the world) possess. But that’s enough for one day, and better (afterwards) to pout along the touchline, where he’s “forced” to play. I can’t blame him, really, the guy in “his” spot (Cesc) has a foot out the door back to his homeland….But at least he got to play. Had he been more outspoken, perhaps he would have had a recurrence of his nagging “groin injury” and seen his half-hour of sub time go to a loyal (but truly unfit) “world class striker”….
Many have said that we have to blame Arsene as it’s his team. Why not? He believes in technical quality. He takes young, technically skilled players and puts them on the pitch (wherever he can fit them) or on the bench or in the reserves and then wonders why it all doesn’t mesh on the pitch. The other day it did (and it was LOVELY), at least until the congratulatory digestifs at half time….
But what’s that light at the end of the tunnel?….There’s a CHANCE (current odds anyone?) that the technical quality and intelligence will show and prove itself an unstoppable force. Chelsea are a bit at sea, with injuries and strange leadership issues (Roman to bring Shevchenko back as player/coach?). And will Sir Alex’s Scottish ruminations (psychobabble….) to the press work better on Rooney than AW’s “best–or longest–conversation of my life” did on Cesc? At the moment, however, it’s still ‘ard to take the (inspired) beating we took at the ‘ands of ‘Arry’s band of (really pretty decent) rejects/misfits….
No true Arsenal supporter can abide losing at home to Spurs (our tunnel or darkest hour….) even if the team/manager can. And given that result and the way it happened, why shouldn’t other beatings be coming?…You know, maybe that light IS actually a train….
If Cesc keeps up this bad form (and he could with his lack of interest in playing for Arsenal) we are going to get far less money for him that we would have had we sold last summer. Credit to those who made that point last summer. I recognized the logic behind that argument, but I did not think Cesc’s play would drop very dramatically. The last 3-4 games are proving that original assertion wrong.
In thinking about Cesc’s “form,” I really don’t think it’s dropping…And “value-wise,” his value to Barca will always be high (unless he gets really hurt or Xavi/Iniesta appear that they can play unhurt hurt for years and years). For me, it’s his contribution to the team that is much, much less than it could or should be….He’s got time to turn it around, with 6 weeks (or months) until the (appropriate) transfer window opens, or longer if AW continues to think holding him hostage is the correct play….
What I mean is this, I think if you put together a YouTube of his touches from this season (or even this past Saturday) it would be jaw-dropping. Cesc’s ability to create chances is simply astounding. The creativity and the ability to execute his ideas is at a level I really haven’t witnessed before. Of course, they don’t always come off, but this is football….
The flip side is that I wonder if he actually cares if they come off. Against Newcastle I saw (over and over) his attempts to one touch past the defense to runners who often weren’t there. And again and again we had to regroup and re-establish possession. In that match I thought his patience was non-existent and the decent work from the other players was often un-done with his attempts for glory.
In the interim (maybe as his fitness increased) he did better (including his goal vs Everton). And in road matches and situations where we take an early lead you don’t expect loads and loads of possession. Still, I see a desire for greater directness and instantaneous “killer” balls from Cesc than in past seasons.
Cesc IS our best player, and by dint of this and because he wears the arm-band, he is our leader. But I wonder if that’s the problem….
If he’s going to leave anyhow, we need new leaders. If he’s going to stay he needs to do more than cement his reputation as a technician and a whiner….How easy is it for Phil Dowd to give a penalty when Cesc is in the face of EVERY referee, EVERY match? Oh wait, he’ll have a match off here in a moment when he picks up his 5th (next) yellow….Some might salute his ‘ardness, going in on those pointless (frustration) tackles, but I don’t….(In fact he probably should be in the middle of a suspension for his tackle vs Wolves….)
Again, Cesc IS our best player so it’s hard to pin the derby loss on him, idiot handball, missed (or comfortably blocked) shots and all. Still, I’d argue that the best player AND leader of a team, if he really, really, really cares about the team needs to do more in the dressing room at half time (to create the needed focus) and more on the pitch (with possession, intelligence and vocalizing) in protecting a 2 goal lead than our Captain did.
Imagine if he was wearing the arm-band for Barca in the Clasico (just “another 3 points” in La Liga). Somehow I think it might’ve been different….
Wow – supposedly Ancelotti tendered his resignation today only to have the Chelsea board reject it.
Kinda awesome, if true.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=845020&sec=england&cc=5901
Uh, I try not to work too much, but this would seem an opportune moment to ask for a pay raise….see for example, Wayne Rooney….
@ Vibe
“I realize I’m slightly off ”
Yeah, this being a blog sight, staying on topic is not essential.
Ha. Yeah, YAMA is famous for it’s single focus, one topic, no-deviating-even-slightly-threads.
You either don’t understand the point I was making, or your trying to deflect from a lack of a good response.
Either way, by all means, go on with the important debate of whether or not Chelsea and United are stronger second half teams. There’s really nothing much of interest to discuss about Arsenal, anyway.
Actually, you are not making a point – but restating your position on one of the mainstream ongoing debates. A debate that has been around Arsenal fans for as long as the club has existed; only the names have changed.
So with regards to Fred’s assertion, you’ve moved the goal posts AND so I made the remark, “this being a blog sight, staying on topic is not essential.”
You may read into into it as you wish, but I was only laughing at my own expectation for a civil discussion.
One thing about your Bills, Fred. They play hard every, single game.
Yup, great comeback! Made my weekend :-)
I’ve got the Sunday Ticket, so between the RZ channel and flipping around, I’ve seen a fair bit of the Bills. All heart. With a little more talent, they could make some noise.
Giants fan, here. Holding my breath.
Yup, just needs a strong QB pick and maybe a wide receiver and we will be set to go.
Coincidentally also follow the Giants (hate the Jets though). Was at the New Meadowlands for the Bears game in October.
LOVE seeing Inter playing like rubbish, and it is easy to see what Eto is considered a punk-bitch, no matter how much skill he has. He’s a poison to a team.
Eto’o scored and still tops the league in goals.
Poison? He was a major part of the team LAST year when they won the treble. So you are talking nonsense.
The ONLY thing that has changed since last season is Benitez – who is a big-time plank coach.
Dont mind me though, go ahead with your fact-free spiel.
yes. his Zidane-like head butt should earn him some well deserved suspension time.
POISON!
ain’t winning shit with him this year.
and I LOVE IT.
He’ll be out of Milan within 2 years.
If your argument is that he’s “POISON!” b/c his team “ain’t winning shit with him this year” then by that logic every player on every team (in every league) that has a trophy-less year is “poison”.
He’s won the CL THREE TIMES, the last two of which were as part of TREBLES. How many players have won 3 CL’s with 2 different teams? How many players have won TREBLES even once, let alone in 2 different LEAGUES? Not to mention the other league titles he’s won. If you win that much you clearly aren’t poison. He may not be an angel, but few players are, and the better managers know how to work with players of all different personalities.
Leave Stag alone … he leaves in his very own fact free world!
One would think he would go against someone who doesnt have enough stellar data to make him look foolish.
The only two strikers who have come close to Etos goal/game record in the last three decades are the phenomenal Van Basten and Ronaldo. Unfortunately both succumbed to injury too early.
Stag, you are so fact-free and biased you are hilarious! :-D
So Vieira would have stayed quiet after taking a punch in a game? What about Keane who BRAGGED about deliberately injuring players or Cantona? Bergkamp? And EVERY other star player in the world.
Of all the idiotic reasons to display your anti-Eto’o bias you go for his “winning”?? He won the treble in his only full season at the club … following up a treble in his last season.
And how does him sparring with an opponent make him “poison” for HIS team? If any thing it makes him even more popular in the locker room … go ask Vieira, Keane.
Lets stick with some FACTS staggy boy:
—He has won more medals/trophies than ANY other player in the last THREE decades bar Neville, Giggs and Scholes.
—Has scored more goals per game than ANY other player in the last FOUR decades!
—He is the second highest goalscorer in Barcelona history.
Chew on that … and get out of your fact-free world.
PS: Staggy boy, dont forget our bet from early October …
1) Eto’o will outperform Ibra.
2) Barca wont win anything this year.
I have paypal and can put 500 bucks on each!
Put your money where your big mouth is! :D
you still have defined “Out Perform”
I simply said their numbers would be comparable. Repeatedly.
And if you mean outperform, like Ibra OUTPERFORMED Eto last season… then I understand, you just won’t define it.
Barca will win their league this year…
Then the bet is on then.
— Eto’o will outscore Ibra goals per game.
— Barca wont win a trophy.
Stop dodging … put up or shut it.
Oh, just trying to figure out your definition of “Outperformed”.
So last season… please confirm who outperformed who.
Eto 42 starts in all competitions: 15 goals – 7 assists.
Not bad, but nothing special.
Ibra 36 starts in all competitions:
21 goals – 9 assists.
so, that’d be 6 less starts, 6 more goals, and 2 more assists.
CLEARLY, we both know who outperformed who in the past season.
Let’s see if you can acknowledge that.
Dodging the bet like a coward once again.
Last season, Eto was a winger in a defensive 4-5-1 and won the treble. Ibra was the apex in an attacking 4-3-3 and is considered a monumental flop by everybody but yourself. The Barcelona papers were talking about selling him as early as December, just four months after he came in! He was so “successful” that they couldnt even sell him, so they had to loan him! LOL!
Keep on living in your ridiculous, fact free world.
Put up with the bet or shut your BIG pie hole.
Well after a day of fuming and being threatened by Tottenham fans via twitter (I’ve been told if I ever make it to North London I won’t walk out of my own accord – yes I am serious) – I have decided to put my disgust aside and comment:
1. Yes, I am disgusted at losing a 2-0 lead especially after completely dominating in the first half.
2. The pundits who can’t remember Chelsea or United ever dropping a two goal lead have very short memories – United has dropped two matches where they were up by 2-0 only to be drawn 2-2. Chelsea has bigger problems then dropping a 2-0 lead. They can’t find the back of the net. It is like I said at the beginning of the season United and Chelsea have defencive issues and it is showing for both teams. United are undefeated by luck more than anything else. But as has been said you also need luck to win the title.
3. I would feel better (in comparative terms) if we had been dominated in this match. But we weren’t we simply decided to take an entire half off.
4. For you Chamakh doubters, I absolutely disagree with your assessment. He is one of top 10 scorers in the league right. He is direct. His biggest problem is being too unselfish – he should’ve shot on at least two occassions where he decided to pass. On a third occassion Arshavin if could’ve been bothered to pick up his pace might have actually gotten the ball Chamakh was holding up for him but no the Russian couldn’t do it. Sorry, even with his sweet setup on the second goal, Arshavin is a bigger disappointment for me.
5. The next 5 weeks will be interesting that’s all I can say for sure because there is noone in the league that is making me think they are going to run away with the title. I still contend that the league winner still lays within the top 3 teams. One of them will win it on luck more than anything. Tottenham for all their gumption will still be fighting for the 4th CL spot and in my opinion – I picking either Sunderland or Coyle’s Bolton to nip them to it. Sorry, I can’t find anything nice or unbiased to say about Tottenham after some of the tweets I received yesterday.
6. This wasn an entire team loss. There is noone who escapes blame for this one. Even the fucking water boy should lay his head in shame.
Well,
the problem again is that Chelsea and Man U are proven second half of the season teams? They dont need to reprove their credentials. As long as they are within 6 points of the lead in March they will both be in very good shape to make it a two horse race as usual.
Chelsea’s current weakness just means Man U have the upper hand.
As for Chamakh … ANY Arsenal forward playing at the apex would be a top scorer in the league just by the sheer number of chances alone.
He is not a bad player. He just isnt what Arsenal needs given the style of play and formation we use. We need thrust, release, pace and singleminded goal-greed. You cant teach these things, and Chamakh just doesnt have those qualities.
Second half my ass. Wasn’t it United that faltered away at the second half -okay maybe final third of last season. Chelsea won not because of some late season, second half surge, the won because United faded away. There was no mystical run in the second half by either team. It really is some over hyped fallacy the media has perpetrated. The fact of the matter is they’ve just been more consistent in the wins and losses column. It has nothing to do with late season readiness.
I disagree on the thrust and release and pace portions but agree with single-minded goal-greed with regard to Chamakh. He does very well with his pace and 9-10 out of ten he beats his marker. He is outstanding holding the ball up to bring others into play when needed what he just needs to do is shoot the bloody ball.
As I recall, both ManU and Chelsea faltered during the spring that enabled Arsenal to get back in the race. (twice after December)
As I recall, we finished the season 10 points from second and 11 from the top.
not the issue that is being discussed
I realize I’m slightly off the meaningless topic at hand. But it doesn’t matter at all that we were almost close at some arbitrary point in the Spring. All that matters is where we finished.
The considerable time being spent discussing whether or not United and/or Chelsea tend to get relatively hotter in the second half of the season is a distraction.
The only trend of any significance is who tends to finish where, and with what silver to show for it. History suggests, regardless of what they do, we’ll do less. There’s no arguing that.
Actually, it is NOT opinion that Chelsea and Man U win more points in the second half of seasons. It is hard FACT. So no need to argue about that.
Every team in every European league “fades” somewhat linearly (on average) in points acquired as the season progresses – due to fatigue, mounting injuries and various other indications.
BUT Chelsea and Man U are alone in their consistent ability to have a points acquired line that trends slightly upwards in the second half.
This phenomenon has been ongoing for the last five years and for Man U for over a decade now on average.
Man U might look like they cratered at the end of last season … but they got MORE points than ANY other team (including Chelsea) in the second half of last season.
Thats a fact. Verify it.
And no, its not an over-hyped media fallacy.
not a damned thing wrong with Chamakh. He has done well, and has ZERO to do with why we are just a team trying to make the Top 4.
Completely agree. Chamakh has been stellar. People complain that he can’t use his feet very well, and that he isn’t a terrific passer. If I recall, one of the major complaints against Arsenal recently is that we have TOO MANY players like that. And that we didn’t have any DIRECT players who could act as the FOCAL POINT of our attack. Which is exactly what Chamakh provides- he isn’t great at everything, but few players are.
He gives us exactly what were missing. AND he is our LEADING GOALSCORER. Oh yeah, he’s also in a 7-way tie for the SIXTH HIGHEST SCORER in the league, in his FIRST SEASON in England- a league which is notoriously difficult for continental players to adapt to.
‘Nuff said.
Did Arsenal ever win the league title on the last match of the season?
Premier league you mean? Don’t think so. 1989 was obv last day of the season. Saw a clip of us beating Tottenham to pip leads to the title. Think it was linked in the last thread. 1971…
Yes, I was thinking PL.
I believe the league race last season was not decided until the last match.
Parity, Ars’, parity ;-)
How does a horse race between the top two equate to parity within the league as a whole? False, nonsensical arguments as usual.
:yawn: :loser:
The idea that we have the “most talented squad” out there is a massive illusion.
The “pass and move” system makes our mostly mediocre players look much better (aesthetically) than they really are. There is no meat-and-potatoes to their talent, its all vanilla-flavored cake icing.
Who exactly is very talented in our team? Our CBs range from promising to mediocre, our GKs are big question marks, our fullbacks are useless offensively and the left sided one is also calamitous defensively. As for midfield, other than Fabregas, I dont see exciting right here right now talent in Song, Denilson or Diaby. Arshavin, Walcott, Chamakh, Rosicky, van Persie wont start for any top clubs.
Is our glamorous attack of Chamakh,RvP,Bendtner,Vela more talented than Rooney/Hernandez/Owen/Berbatov or Drogba/Anelka/Malouda/Kalou or even Defoe/VdV/Crouch/Pav ?? Do our midfielders, defenders and GKs really compare well?
So it would be interesting to find out exactly where the label “most talented squad” comes from.
Its this type of attitude that makes Arsenal fans down play dangerous opposition players (like the AKBs were on VdV and Bale). Am sure soon enough we’ll be talking about how Young and Agbonlahor are “overhyped” and “not really that good”. When in truth they are probably as good as anything we’ve got.
I’m the one who made the statement and i was NOT downplaying anyone. In fact I said that talented as Bale is, and he is talented, VdV would be their biggest threat.
We do have talent. The thing that is missing is the mentality to go with it to allow us to apply it. I suppose it could be argued that that is a talent in itself…
Our offense of Arshavin/Nasri/Rvp/Chamakh with Bendy, Vela, Theo et al in reserve is as good as any in the league. Would I swap it for Chelsea/Utd… the only thing going for them over ours is the sharp edge that your earlier post and mine alluded to. The selfish sniff-out-and-convert any half chance striker. Tottenham’s strikers are shite. They would be in a much, much better position if they were able to use the service provided to them by Bale and VdV.
Our midfield of Song, Cesc, Wilshere has undoubted talent. The depth isn’t up to the same standard but Diaby, Ramsey, Denilso(bleh) aint bad as a whole. Again, the application question comes into play. Our problems yesterday would have been solved by a disciplined mid that shielded the back for. You said it yourself, suss out the changes made by the opposition at half time.
Our defense is fine too. We all know about Clichy’s brain farts but as a whole we’ve done alright. Again, it would be much better if the team defended well as a whole and cut out stupid mistakes. The raw ability is there. George Graham or Mourinho would be able to turn our existing backline into a solid unit.
Our GK situation has been a long-time weakness, though it’s steady at the moment. Sczsesny looks the goods and Fabianski, when he’s mentally up for it has shown good goalkeeping ability as well.
The recurring theme in my eyes is clear. Ability without the mental fortitude to apply it. But if I’m mistaken, and you can convince me that we’re shite, then I’ll be much happier with being 2 points of the pace. It’s the fact that I think our squad is capable of so much more that really gets to me.
Oh dont get me wrong. I never said we were shite.
In my view we are pretty much about as talented as the Spurs, City, Villa, Everton mob … and Fabregas (and his effect on our playing system) pretty much lifts us slightly into that space above them but still quite some ways from the Utd and Chelsea folks.
But you see the thing is after a particular level talent is not a prerequisite for actually winning. I believe the old top 4 plus Everton, Villa, Spurs and City all have the talent … then what the manager does with the team determines whether they can compete for the league or not.
Fred remember if you don’t like what you see you are welcome to get up at a respectable time of day and watch your own “mediocre”, “vanilla-flavored cake icing” home team.
Ad hominem and irrelevant attacks from an imbecile.
Why dont you support your own home team? Laagos Scammers FC? Adebayor Rebels? Laagos Genociders??
:yawn:
We probably have the most talented squad around. If not, we’re right up there. I have no doubt in my mind about that. But unless these players, every single individual, can learn to keep their concentration for every second of the 90 minutes, we’re not going anywhere. Cut out the stupidity and we’re serious challengers rather than the pretenders we seem to be at the moment. If we played the 2nd half the way we did at Everton, tracking their players and not giving them an inch, we would have strolled this game. Very disappointing.
Chamakh’s done well. Better than I would have expected for a new guy in the English league. But he’s not Torres/Drogba/Rooney. He’s not the explosive forward that Fred is talking about. I’m happy to have him, but my god we miss Henry.
Bloody Birmingham has ensured that our torture is going to last a bit longer because we’re miraculously only 2 points behind. A slow painful death it’s going to be it seems. Painful because when you consider the 3 points dropped yesterday, 2 points at Sunderland, non-performances vs Newcastle and West Brom, thats 11 massive points we’ve flushed down the toilet. Leaves a bitter taste in my mouth just thinking about it.
I suppose it is a cup half empty or half full kind of scenario.
We have had some really bad results and performances but we are still only two points behind the leaders. That means if we find some consistancy quickly, who knows what can happen. But I suppose it is better not to have high expectations.
I am looking forward to turning them over at the Lane, I will see if I can get a ticket for that one.
I don’t set aside much stock by what most football pundits say, but the MOTD crew said something interesting. We were top of our game in the first half yesterday, if either Chelsea or Utd played at their best level and went 2-0 up, you would bet the shirt of your back that they would finish the job in the second half. With us, even at 2-0, it’s still just one fatal error away from having the momentum shift completely to the other side.
I hope we’re still in it when we go down to the lane…
I have little respect for what Lawrenson says but Hansen can be quite insightful some of the time.
I had to agree when I heard Hansen say it too, I cannot rmember seeing ManU or Chelsea throw away a two goal lead. It would be almost unthinkable for that to happen at Old Trafford or the Bridge.
Do you get MOTD in Australia?
yawn.
all so boring at this point.
same old Arsenal. not much has changed at all.
the AKB brigade is still convinced that the team is better than ever, deeper than ever, and well on its way to winning the EPL.
why? I have no idea. Who have we beaten worth a damn? When you lose at home to WBA, Newcastle beats you, you blow 2 goal leads in your “alleged” biggest game… what does it say?
it says not much has changed, the goalposts are moved, and perhaps the league is much more competitive, and the 2 teams that were FAR above the rest have come back to the pack some.
that doesn’t make Arsenal any better…
it just makes most of us not really care as much, because it seems like the club cares less about winning, more about money… so if the results are good enough for the Arsenal FC, so be it…
On the other side, it adds to the fuel to find football to watch elsewhere… you can say its not a substitute for Arsenal, but its just fine to me thanks.
QPR won today, Cardiff lost… they are still unbeaten, and top of the table…
Charlton Athletic won… now in 2nd place… good for them…
and PSG is in 2nd in the most wide open French League I have seen…
where a newly promoted team LED the league about 10 days ago.
Its entertainment. I can’t see investing all my time & energy into Arsenal at the moment, I’ll spread it around and enjoy a variety of football thats all over the internet.
Who do we play next? not sure it matters any more.
I agree our club has not improved as much as we would all like. And that our apparent step forward is particular due to the weakness of the big two.
However our youths have improved massively, players like Nasri, Song and possibly Djourou (haven’t seen enough of him playing well this season to verify that), even Denilson and Fabianski seems to have upped their game.
The unfortunate thing is most of the improvement is coming from the 2nd string players like Wilshere, JET. Our DF is new and will need time to gel too.
I don understand why your club has to win all the the time to satisfy you. A fan is support his club through thick and thin, loss or victory. How many loyal fans go and look for a winning team to support because thry are disatisfied with their own teams performance.
Arthur.
I have watched the same shit, over and over for going on 6 years.
We have failed to address problems in the team, EVERY YEAR.
What we are doing is NOT working.
I go into the Summer PRAYING for us to address the problems, and exit the Summer feeling betrayed again.
January comes and goes, we still don’t address the problems.
I go elsewhere for entertainment because … I’m not INSANE. Doing the same thing over and over… that’s Arsenal. Expecting a different result from that same action? That’s INSANE.
Sorry. I watch Arsenal always, but not nearly as intently. When we lose, I don’t let it bother me. I expect it. I used to believe a win every match was possible, because I KNEW we could beat ANYONE.
Now? A win is often a surprise.
I can watch good football in the Championship, France, and in the NFL.
Before, Arsenal consumed my time… Now, I’m not that stupid.
When they stop trying more to make profit over winning trophies… when they start addressing the issues even idiotic supporters can see… then I’ll think about giving my undying love and time back… and think about traveling across the ocean to spend my hard earned money on the club.
for now.
no thanks.
I’ll be happy when we win, and expect us to drop points regularly.
I understand you Stag. It is frustrating. I get annoyed sometimes with Arsene’ decision making sometimes particularly in not adresssing the obvious flaws in his squad. but I learnt a long time ago that we have to live with our dear manager and his flaws and mistakes, either until he learns from his mistakes or quits.
We all know Arsene is stubborn and principled but he does listen to criticism and adapt accordingly sometimes. Let’s just hope he will address the issues or prove us all wrong in the long run.
I lowered my expectations a long time ago but I will never let go of my hope that Arsenal will again deliver the success we all crave. The ride is a rollercoaster but you can enjoy it anyway.
missed the game today so i can’t talk about performances. can’t believe we lead by two at home and still lost. what’s made this even more unbelievable is i’ve never witnessed arsenal lose two consecutive games to spurs.
i monitored the proceedings on soccernet however, the air force internet wouldn’t allow me to get on YAMA. i was baffled by the substitutions. it seems wenger made the changes because he felt the need to do something in response to spurs scoring. only problem is his something seemed unspecific; no real logical purpose. i love van persie but is he fit enough to lead the line yet? chamakh’s been getting it all season. if we were up 3-0, okay but right after we just let spurs back into the game? also, to take off samir nasri when we still need goals seemed a poor choice.
someone mentioned wenger saying he has too many players. i was thinking that when he made those changes. he felt the need to do something. the problem is what he did lacked any real direction and may have done more harm than good. i don’t know because i didn’t see the game yet. what i read during the game seems to be confirmed by posts i’ve read. our goals were more lucky than good. also, van der vaart seemed to be at the heart of everything good that happened for tottenham.
the downside to having so many newbies is they probably can’t appreciate how intense a tottenham game is. this is especially true for a player like koscienly considering he hasn’t been playing regularly, so it might have been a better option to start djourou for this game. oh well, that milk is spilt. on to the next one.
Well technically we didn’t lose 2 consecutive games to them, as there was the CC tie earlier this season. We did lose 2 consecutive league games though, and it’s a matter of opinion really whether or not our win in the Mickey Mouse Cup counts or not.
Lotsa snow here in my world, but now I’m caught up with the post-mortems and, surprisingly, after a little posturing, there’s a lot of consensus building happening here….
And, Fred, no offense taken with the “F&ck off”….In fact, I lol’ed (as they say….)
I wouldn’t throw myself into the AKB (Arsene knows best) camp, but I think that his responsibilities run deeper than our own and I’m inclined to cut him some slack and say that in addition to today’s match he needs to “manage” the (very big, fairly promising) squad for the future, which always looms. As mere fans we have the luxury of living and dying with each kick of the ball. If we think we can do better than the manager, let’s at least embrace the full range of his duties….
My meta-narrative is this: We ARE progressing, and the game IS changing. There is some real parity at the top of English and European football and we’re among that group. Our new stadium and the financial discipline we’ve shown are both assets AND liabilities. We’ve entered the “modern era” w/o a sugar daddy or outlandish financial leveraging. To justify everything (however, of course) We NEED to win something. Given the depth of our squad there is no reason to not push for both domestic cups this season. And, with Chelsea dropping points and United both undefeated and far from convincing, the league is in play too. The CL is all about the draw so we’ll worry about that when it happens.
Unfortunately, until we do win something it’s all just “potential” and it’s pretty damn frustrating.
None of this is news to anyone…And personally, for reasons below, I think we’re a year or two out from winning ANYTHING. At the moment, I think it’s a huge ask for us to beat United over two legs or at Wembly, which is what will almost certainly be required….Still I remain hopeful, and at least we’ve got the depth in the squad to give it a go…..
I’ll also say that the history of the club is important, very important, and while it’s “just 3 points,” it isn’t….losing to Spurs is bad, very bad. They’re strong right now and if we run into them in the tournaments, the mental scarring from today’s events will be a hurdle.
IMO we have a substantial leadership vacuum. Cesc is great and his passes look pretty, but he needs to lift trophies at Arsenal if he wants to leave with his head held high. And among the silly comments/drama of Nasri’s statements last week was the notion that one day he’d like to return to Marseilles. I realize that is a pledge of loyalty to his particular French/Algerian roots, but it’s also an exact replica of what he’s learning from Cesc regarding his Catalunyan heritage. We could use a little “London Pride” (even if the beer of the same name is a bit on the swilly side….) It has been a huge disappointment (for me) that TV5 has been unable to build on the leadership potential he seemed to show last season. RVP will need to do more, as well, being our World Cup finals striker (for whatever that’s worth….) and the future of the English squad (Theo, Gibbs, Wilshere) played a total of ten (useless) minutes today…..
Anyhow, lotsa love for my YAMA/AA brethren of all stripes (mongers/hippies/realists), etc.
And for those that enjoy the white stuff….Here’s today’s snowfall… http://s1100.photobucket.com/albums/g418/clydesdad/Derby%20Day%202010–First%20Big%20Snow/ How about Lake Tahoe for the first YAMA meet-up over the festive period?….The house across the street sleeps 14….
I love the “white stuff” as long as I don’t have to deal with it. 14 years in the NE left me a little jaded.
Love to visit my sis in the Canadian hinterlands and do a little snowmobiling, etc., knowing fully well I can head south whenever I want.
Maybe Arsene should introduce the tradition Eskimo practice of having the guys wander out in the cold to fall asleep and die when they are no longer deemed to be able to contribute to the society.
Clichy anyone?
LOL….re Clichy. Their first goal was a phenomenal “team” goal…midget Defoe outjumps Clichy to win the header, RvdV controls it perfectly in the middle of a CB sandwich and Bale’s toepoke was purrrfect. (Flappy still impresses me with the ground he covers on those Hollywood dives.) Sorry but Denilson wasn’t gonna catch Bale there, lazy track-back or not….
The photos are just the first wave of the storm…Another 1.5 to 3 feet coming. It’s not bad at all with my sexy new snowblower and our new hippie (passive solar) house….
Thanksgiving comes early….Derby result notwithstanding….
Stevo, it looks beautiful.
Thanks Kiwi, good to have you in the GDC at the crazy hour…Were you able to get any sleep after that?
Very good post up above, esp. re: Makh and shape and about AW and the “best (biggest?) squad” comments. Sure Chelsea could use a few extra solid bodies (at the moment) but we’ve clearly got too many to keep happy (Bendtner/Vela/JET) up front while we’re still lacking quality and numbers toward the back (hence the unsafe two goal lead).
But that’s the glory of the Milk Cup (This year, I guess….) AND the glory of second guessing (in the blogosphere) the manager’s every move when things go horribly wrong…..(At the very least I would have slammed the water bottle at a shallower angle, in order not to wet myself….)
Steve! you could have tidied up the coffee table a little before you exposed your living room to the entire world ;-)
Excellent 1st half……by Arsenal. Controlled every third of the pitch – won tackles and 50/50 balls. Spurs were “never” threatening.
Nasri makes something out of Cesc’s heavy touch pass and Gomez’s indecision. Chamakh shows determination to beat his marker
to Arshavin’s cross and scores.
This match was decided on 2 set plays and unfortunately for our captain and uncharacteristically of him, he was a catalyst for both their scores.
We all show our passion for the club differently…….
Yikes that was cruel. A first half as good as you could wish for followed by a nightmare second 45. In some ways that game mirrors Arsenal post-invincibles.
I mentioned in the GDC that I wanted a 3rd goal and sadly (I mean that) it proved relevant. It is our weakness isn’t it, that we aren’t comfortable on a 2 goal lead. When the Spurs first goal went in I had a sinking feeling, the Spurs second goal didn’t really come as a surprise and neither the third. Each hurt like crazy, but it wasn’t a surprise. There’s a particular horror, a deeper pain, at losing when you were winning. And to lose at home to your local arch-rivals after being 2-0 up is just plain yuk.
Art and Fred, take it easy on each other, you both share interesting thoughts and you both clearly luv the club.
I don’t have a lot to say. I’m a little jaded by the yo-yo nature of our campaigns. We have a couple of good results and then a rotten one and then we need to ‘re-prove’ our metal….press repeat. Now let’s be fair – upset results happen – but this lack of putting a run together suggests to me we aren’t (yet?) at the stage we should be.
Before the match there was much quoting of Wenger saying this is his strongest ever squad and how he has too many players etc. I honestly find that type of talk to be silly. We relied again (in attack) on the same few guys that have carried the season thus far – Chamakh, Arshavin and Nasri. The so-called depth was an illusion – Van Persie, Bendtner, Walcott and Rosicky offered little or nothing at the sharp end. Same same. Yet the criticisms are ironically aimed at the guys carrying our game. Chamakh gets called out, ditto Arshavin. Well in the game I watched Arshavin crossed the ball for the goal Chamakh scored!
The subs is a sideshow, but after we’d gone to 2-2 we needed a goal. I’d have been inclined to keep Chamakh on and replace either Arshavin or Nasri with Walcott. In midfield I’d have replaced Denilson with Wilshere. Once Chamakh left the park we had no shape at all. Van Persie was an irrelevance ‘up front’ and frankly he should be made to regain his fitness/form in the stiffs or in less critical games. We’ve seen this before with Robin. With a shapeless team Walcott looked at his worst – giving Waddle more ammunition. Rosicky is useful but not in a situation like today.
I felt a bit embarrassed by Wenger’s behaviour today. What has the 4th official got to do with our demise? Why rant at him. A bit undignified really. Spurs did us. That’s it. And well he might chuck the water bottle – but what we see today is not a lot different from the last 5 years. Maybe he needs to relook at his values?
Didnt see the pre-match, but just read that Nasri refused to shake Gallas’ hand. LOL! While this doesnt bother me so much because he at least played reasonably well in the game, it just reinforces the feeling that this team is full of spoilt, impetuous and overpaid kids who haven’t won shit and as such act unprofessionally.
I mean short of a really big public reason (eg. Terry/Bridge) it really is unsportsmanlike and petty. You dont have to look at him or say a word, just get on with it. I mean, if absolute gladiators and arch enemies like Keane and Vieira could shake hands who the hell is Nasri? He is a 23 year old who hasnt won shit. The ONLY time I want to hear this kind of shit from a youngster is after he has won a couple of trophies first.
A much better attitude would have been to briefly shake his hand then give him a very hard (but fair) crunching tackle in the early minutes. But our players prefer to do petulent.
I fear that sort of negative attitude/culture is entrenched in the team … and in the long run is not a winning one.
The link on yahoo is just plain sad. “Nasri carries out threat not to shake Gallas’ hand. Spurs win”
http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/blog/dirty-tackle/post/Nasri-carries-out-threat-to-not-shake-Gallas-ha?urn=sow-287665
“it just reinforces the feeling that this team is full of spoilt, impetuous and overpaid kids who haven’t won shit and as such act unprofessionally”
Ummmh so what gave you that feeling in the first place, Bendtner, Jack Wilshere, JET’ misdemeanors?
That is just youth for you, nothing extraordinary about any of those events.
Nasri’s refusal to shake Gallas’s hand is nevr a good move, but them two have issues pre Arsenal in the French national set up. Obviously there was no love between them but I think Nasri’ rebuff was more about a saement of his loyaly to Arsenal. And of course it shouldn’t bother you too much.
A better statement would be to do the settling of scores on the pitch and act professionally off it.
Loyalty to Arsenal wasnt involved as I saw Denilson, Song and all the rest all hugging and kissing Billy boy.
Ofcourse all this wont matter at all if we had the three points.
I agree.
If Man Utd win the league this year and somehow manage to stay unbeaten, then Fergie would be able to kill two rival’s achievements in one season — erase Liverpool’s current joint status of most league titles and match Arsenal’s unbeaten season. I am sure back in 1990, no Liverpool fan thought their 11 title lead over Man Utd would disappear like in that two decades. Actually no Liverpool fan probably thought about Man Utd’s title counts because they were probably only looking at their team’s success.
Also, I am sure no Arsenal fan thought back in 2004 that their team would go another decade without a league title. Yeah I know the decade is not complete yet but in reality it feels like 2 decades already. Interestingly the decade without titles would be complete in 2014 which would be Wenger’s last year of the contract. Although I am sure a three year extension would be signed in 2013 because by then the future would truly be bright when young Ramirez, signed from Venezuela at the tender age of 14, would be on the threshold to lead Arsenal to glory.
By the way, we just signed a 15 year old kid from Japan! ;-)
I thought you were joking but I assume you meant the 17 year old Ryo Miyaichi. Wenger is finally trying to re-tap his Japanese connections and getting ready to launch for the title in 2013. All makes sense. Now we just need a solid 15 year old CM from Canada (you need players to handle the cold weather :) ) and Arsenal will be in business…
“Although I am sure a three year extension would be signed in 2013 because by then the future would truly be bright when young Ramirez, signed from Venezuela at the tender age of 14, would be on the threshold to lead Arsenal to glory.”
LOL, funny Sachin
I don’t think anyone should be surprised at all about today’s result.
You can HOPE that things are different this year, and all this shit about us turning the corner, and have so much depth and talent, and…
its all non-sensical wish-ery.
we are the same as we’ve previously been… not good enough.
Just that Chelsea are decimated by injury and playing shit football, and ManU are down a tick as well…
so, it means there is more of a chance for everyone.
If we were ON POINT, and playing with confidence, we’d be top of the league and pulling away.
It seemed like we were running in slow motion at times today. Slightly off our passing game, just a little off, never quite clicking. Did they forget to cut the grass? The ball wasn’t moving with its usual speed for our passing game.
Nice try Arsenal.
Now we are losing home matches too.
OK.
Not too dissapointed, because I have zero expectations.
Arsenal are just not that good team… one of about 5 or 6 at the moment vying for a top 4 spot.
How Wenger can’t rant and rave? Not sure, but he looks like a fool.
How Cesc could even question the hand ball? not sure, he looked like a fool… it was a STUPID footballing play… that amateurs make. He made it in our “self-professed” biggest match of the year.
Good win for Spurs. We just gave them a life-line.
There is no more dominance. We are one of a group of relatively equal teams.
BIG opportunity lost to take first.
But its all expected.
I’ll say it again…
In the grand scheme of things… NO BIG DEAL.
We are playing for a TOP 4 spot only, anything else is gravy.
60,102. that’s the most important thing to the club.
Arsenal FC PLC INC prefer that number to 20,000 empty seats and a win.
Nice to see Thierry Henry in the stands.
Too bad he couldn’t play today.
Oh shit I agree with you too maybe it is me that is nuts or insane :-D
Well of course I cannot agree with you entirely. You are making excuses for Chelsea again, weren’t we also hit with loads of injuries this season and almost the whole of last season. With the money they have spent they have less of an excuse.
And we do have serious depth and talent. Obviously it is not profiting us at the moment, we are simply not playing well enough. And in my opinion we lack variety within our depth. We are overloaded with attack minded MFs not enough of the Frimpong or better still Flamini type players.
Fuck, fuck, FUCK!
We had that game in the bag. First we fuck up and let in a ridiculous goal- it took what, 10 seconds to go the length of the pitch and score?. Then Cesc and Moron Chamakh both put their arms STRAIGHT UP IN THE AIR WHILE IN THE BOX, WHILE PART OF THE WALL!! If that’s what you’re going to do, the I’d be a better player for that job. Yes, me, ChicagoGooner. I would be better in the wall than they were on that play b/c I’ve never once put my arms directly into the air when the ball is coming straight at me… while in the box. (NOTE: I called him Moron for this play but I still very much like him overall… except on that fucking ridiculous play where he beat the last defender… then… STOPPED! WTF!! Let ‘er rip you idiot!)
But to me, Arsene was still the biggest fuck-up of the day. I may be in the minority, but even when Spurs scored their 2nd, I still felt like we had a good chance to win. We were playing OK, not great, but I felt like we could still settle and get a 3rd goal.
Until Arsene made those ridiculous substitutions. Why take off your leading scorer for the season and replace him with a guy who’s played in what, 3 games all year?? Doesn’t make any sense. Why take of Nasri, the most dynamic player we had on the attack?? I am not saying to keep Walcott/Rosicky on the bench- you need some dynamism if you’re going to get that extra goal, but for Christsake take off a “DM” like Song or Denilson- not the most dynamic attacking player of the game.
Van Persie shouldn’t have come on for Chamakh IMO. Walcott and Rosicky, okay. But take off Arsh and a “DM” for them, not Arsh and your most creative attacker of the day.
Q: Why sub Nasri?
A: So that the great Denilson can remain on the pitch to pretend like is “protecting” the back four while Song roams around upfront. Song is a very good AM dont you know?
Point blank the most ridiculous move of the day.
Agreed on the weird substitution patterns, but historically that has not been Wenger’s forte.
The worst in my opinion was taking off Chamakh, especially since he was arguably one of our best defenders on set pieces.
Denilson off with Nasri dropping back to the MF and RVP on the wing with Arshavin and Chamakh up front.
Other Sub would have been Theo for Arshavin.
As good as Denilson was in the first half he was as bad in the 2nd and needed to go.
Again agree with it all.
It simply boils down to the fact that we are not good enough to win the EPL at this time of the experiment.
An unlikely culprit in Fab who is now contending with Clichy for most stupid play ever by an Arsenal player. That was just plain dumb and changed the whole complexion of the game. Otherwise, Fab played very well.
As usual, Clichy’s inability to beat the midget Defoe for the header and Denilson’s continued inability to track the open man led to a comedy of errors which resulted in the first goal. Nothing we really could do about the third.
Give Chamakh some credit. He played hard, helped out on defense, especially from set pieces and scored a goal. He was unable to clumsily convert a few chances but he did his job! He scored.
It was the usual Arsenal we have gotten to know over the past 5 years. Can’t play an entire game, non-clinical finishing and stupid defensive lapses.
Credit for helping out with defense and working hard! Yeah, thats what Arsenal is reduced to.
We are talking about our lone striker here … someone to give us an extra dimension … not become a team cliche.
I have never seen a striker turn back so often after beating the line or pass so much in the box. That shit used to annoy me so much about Hleb … yet we have our LONE striker doing it.
I thought strikers were supposed to be greedy fuckers … I guess not at Arsenal.
I agree with everthing you said Carib.
Strange how some people want to major on our goalscorers performance and misses. How about Cesc he should have had at least two from what i saw. And that handball was incredibly stupid from a guy with such a great “football brain” too.
And just to rub it in, Chelsea lose at Birmingham.
This is where I put some intellectual distance between me and the result. I actually stopped watching properly after Sp*ds got their first goal. I just knew it was all going to roll away. Even though technically we were cruising – that was the problem. Our goals came too easily and we hadn’t really got the killer version of our passing game together,
We got the early goal to settle the nerves. Then picked them off with a counterattack. Then failed to deliver the coup de grace.
Cesc’s ho-humness can be explained by his niggling injury, I think. Chamakh played – again – like a guy still battling a stomach bug. Strangely erratic.
But still – no excuse for our lack of resilience and spine, or tactical savvy. When will we ever learnt how to shut up shop George Graham-style?
The Carling Cup it is.
I feel you Macmac. I had that feeling even though I tried to remain upbeat throughtout.
I said we would have to be in good form to win this game. I didn’t see the 1st well enough to see if we playedny etter than we have when we struggled to those last two away victories. I think we were all nervous as fans when that 1st goal went in so early in the 2nd half.
It is another testament to a roller coaster season we are going to see unfold before us. You just have to watch without too much expectation. As my friend used to say don’t put your trust in Arsenal youi know they will let you down :-)
But one has got to admire the balls on Redknapp … to come to the Emirates and play a 4-4-2 throughout. No fear!
But then again, West Brom and Newcastle have come out to attack us …
Funny Spurs had only 2 in the middle yet still had as more real DMs than we had.
What is the point having a 3 man midfield if you have Denilson in there? Especially when you have a weird striker playing alone up top?
To be honest, I felt quite satisfied and bemused watching Wenger in the last minutes.
Yes, well, glad to know you’re satisfied….
As I’m sure many “supporters” also are. Good day for you all and Spurs fans…(though perhaps there are a few of them who are pleased when their team fails….)
Personally, I can roll with that attitude, but I can also see why some find it so incredibly galling….
And speaking of Gauls, why not just make the switch….Gallas did….
Seriously….re:tactics and subs. AW (unlike any of us) needs to think beyond this match and get his players good time on the pitch. With Frimpong and Ramsey out and Wilshere (maybe?) hurt, Denilson and Song go 90. RVP is “supposed” to be our “top man”, so why not give him (and Theo) some time, as Arshavin and Nasri both played 90 in midweek.
Chamakh, I think is a hardworking, mature center-forward, if not exactly the most proficient with his feet. Bendy, however, needs to get his head straight, and somehow, get faster. (Makh is a bullet by comparison….) Likewise Djourou has been looking very good and Koscielny (whose failure I know you also pleases you) needs to improve his nerve in front of goal….could’ve been a hero, etc….With 3 healthy CBs it seems wise to rotate….
Continuing on….You could argue that ‘Arry played a 442 for the 2nd half (when Defoe came on–did you notice Van Der Vaart fouling people incessantly on defense, not a striker, IMO) but I think he (Defoe) was deployed to the wing in order to lure Calamity forward, which led (directly) to the first goal.
The team collectively is (utterly) failing in its home matches. It’s a huge issue and one that won’t be turned around easily. Only good results against our “real” rivals Chelsea and United (after today both are 2 points up on us) will suffice.
For me, I hope we win our matches with against them….And that somehow, you can find other ways to find satisfaction….But as always, that’s just me, and WTF do I know?…..
Oh f&ck off with you and your hippies trying to claim that those who dont toe the Wenger line are not real supporters. We are not all idiot sheep like you.
Wenger is NOT Arsenal and he never will be. If you and the other hippies cant stand criticism of this obviously flawed team and manager then go jump in a lake!
No offense.
—————–
Koscielny hasnt failed yet. That can only be judged after a full season.
His struggles dont “please me” … I didnt want him in the team in the first place. My main gripe was that we were already a “soft”, “weak” team with significant problems in CB and we were buying a completely inexperienced, slender French Div. 2 defender. And no, he wasnt a new Vermalaen … Verm. had a shit load of experience for his age. For the money blasted on him we could have got ourselves a READY made centerback.
All that said, the facts of the day are that at this point in time, Djorou is MORE experienced in the EPL, faster, stronger, a better header and a better fit for Squillaci.
Ah well doesnt matter anymore.
Yes Steve the guy is seriously fucked up!
Coming on an Arsenal site calling himself an Arsenal supporter and the only person he defends throughout this discourse so far is Gareth Bale.
You complain soft, weak team and you go and pay to watch the Bills. I think you are both nuts and insane, why did I even ask the question.
Hmmm … maybe because Gareth Bale proved you completely wrong, you big fool.
The Bills are my home team so I support them. I always support my hometown teams. I dont expect you to understand given your primitive mentality.
Why dont get lost and stop responding to my posts, you scammy twerp. Dont you have some fraudulent emails to send out??
Told your friend Vibe, that season amgoing all out on Mongerdom.
When you chat shit Fred you better know that I am going to be there to tell you.
Like Vibe once told me he comes on here to vent sometimes. That’s what I am doing right now venting on you :-D
I am glad you are wound up. You can come on here with your dogs and mock Andez behind his back and you want to take the moral high ground on me, you asshole.
You call me a big fool, and you are dumb enough to believe I come from Nigeria. LOL! Sherlock, this scammy twerp has only just started :-D
You love to insult our players and other posters. You have been doing it for years but now that I have turned the table on you and your Monger friends you can’t take the heat.
Just like you were satified watching Wenger bemused I am satisfied knowing I have pissed you off.
arsenal is my hown team dude so why don’t “f&ck” off and support your soft, weak home team full time. Effing Monger.
I am glad you acknowledge the hell hole you come from.
Arsenal is NOT in any way whatsoever your home team you pathetic, scammy liar.
Infact you have never been to Europe before.
Except for that pathetic made up one time “day trip” to Calais when “you were a kid” ofcourse.
Pathetic, asshole with a pea brain LOL! :-D
Oh and why don’t you answer the question rather than resort to your usual diversionary nonsense?
I repeat why don’t you “f&ck off” and support your own pathetic, nonsense home team full time? rather than call yourself a supporter of my home team? YOu said it yourself you only support Arsenal because of Bergkamp, he has gone now why don’t you “f&ck off” too, peice of shit Bills fan.
Again, Arsenal is not your home team AND you have never been to Europe (except that day-trip to Calais when you were a “kid”).
Stop humiliating yourself and get back to what you do best – scammy emails.
:-D I think it is you that is humiliating yourself dear boy!
So when you tell me Arsenal is not my home team do you expect me to believe you or feel offended? LOL! :-D
You dont have to believe me. You have never been to Europe (except on a day trip to Calais as a kid), and you yourself know that.
Zzzzzzz :yawn:
You are so boring, Fred. LOL!
Answer my question:
Why do you persist in claiming to be a supporter of my home team instead of supporting your peice of shit Bills.
The Bills are a joke outfit even the Yankees can play “football” better than those sissys. I suppose that explains it. You want to associate with Arsenal as maybe you want a little glamour in your life. Why don’t you go on a Bills blogs and tell everyone how shit they are at least there everyone will agree with you.
Funny my home team can lose at home to our local rivals and you still rather come here to moan then spend time on a bills blog after a victory. :-D
Like your friend said the Bills lack talent, LOL I will add they are classless, clueless and crap.
Oh, I have been an Arsenal fan since 1995 (pre-Wenger), Ajax since 1989, Barca for their Ajax-ball and Milan for a while when they had the great Ajax Van Basten, Rijkaard, Gullit triumvirate.
When I moved back home, I supported all my NY teams … Bills and Sabres (hockey) are the only upstate team. I support the Giants (different conference so I dont have to choose), Knicks (bball), Yankees (baseball) but they are all in the NY metro area which is 8 hours away.
Supporting the Bills is like supporting West Ham, everyone knows from the beginning they will struggle and would need a miracle to make the playoffs, but as long as they play hard and with passion, the fans still come out. The stadium is full every week – even in the heaviest snow.
When all is said and done I still got my Giants for my play off thrills, and I still got my other NY teams.
I dont expect you to understand any of that though.
You come from a tin pot country and your local teams are more like Gun Shots United, Rebels FC and Laagos Sectarians. The Angola branch of one of your teams nearly took out your lover, Adebayor the other day! The horror!
I hope your local teams do well this season :-)
No you haven’t been an Arsenal “fan” since 95 you liar. We both know you jumped on the wagon when Arsene brought renewed glory to the club.
Over here in my home town we call guys like you Glory Huntesr. That’s why you get so upset when we do not give you what you “supported” the club for in the first place, glory.
It is funny you making jibes about Nigerian politics etc. Because even Nigeria has a better record than Uncle Sam. Your nation was built on genocide. You president is a scammer. You have been to Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Vietnam and fucked all those countries up and not won any of those “wars”. I will also remind you of you Satanic president Truman who dropped nuclear weapons on civilians. At least Nigerians can blame poverty as the driving force behind their evils. What is your excuse Mr “All American”?
I am certain this will be the first derby that Spurs will issue a Blu-Ray disc for, just in time for Xmas shopping season. They should send a complimentary copy to Wenger and he should be forced to watch the second half over and over again, Clockwork Orange style, eyes forced open.
After going 21 games unbeaten against Spurs, Arsenal have suddenly become very beatable against their fav. opponents. Harry started his era with that dreadful 4-4 tie and now has had back to back wins in the league against the Gunners.
If things don’t change in the Chelsea game, Man Utd will go joint top today.
ps- Cesc needs to get booked at Villa so that he can get the damn suspension out of the way in the c.c…
PS:
Djorou is BETTER than Koscielny. I dont understand why Djorou was dropped. Not only is he faster, stronger, a better header and most importantly a better match with Squillaci, he is also on form.
Chamakh is one of the most over-hyped Arsenal strikers I have ever seen. Maybe he will make a great strike partner in a 4-4-2 … but for the system we play and for our formation he simply is NOT what we need. We need a greedy, explosive SOB. He is the direct opposite of the word explosive. Even Mother Theresa wasnt so selfless. And we havent even touched on the fact that he is sloooow and relatively weak.
Ah well.
Are you nuts or are you a raving lunatic? which one? Djourou better than Kosch! You are having a laugh, I won’t even adsress that comment seriously, I will just have a laugh with you :-D
As for Chamankh he is the best we have right now for that position and it is his first season. He was indecisive today, but I think he will learn from it. He is far better than Bendtner regardless of what Mazza says and has scored a respectable amount of goals, today included. It is his first season give him a chance.
Slow and weak? No he is not slow, slow is that German defender you wanted us to buy, Per Slowersacker or something like that. Weak no not real but he has a propensity to go over easily I think that is more cunning than weakness.
Djorou has more EPL experience and is in better form. You cant deny that Johann is also a much better header, faster and stronger player. At this point in time, yes, Djorou is a much better defender than Koscielny.
————-
I dont care if Chamakh is the best we have now. That is Wenger’s failing. He is just not the striker that will ever give us the extra dimension.
We need power, thrust and pace upfront and a heavy dose of SELFISH. Chamakh at his very best will never give us those. That just isnt his playing style.
PS: Per won several footraces with Messi at the WC and several other speedsters in his 7 years of international experience. Such snail speed.
You are a big liar Fred.
Per slowerfucker cannot outrun his grandmother much less Lionel Messi, who are you trying to kid.
Ad hominem attacks.
Absolutely no argument points about Koscielny YET still responding and veering into random topics.
Imbecile.
I am just giving you a taste of your own medicine :-D
Djourou had one flawless game this season and you are holding him up as a model DF with experience just to cover the shame of gettting it wrong on Kosch.
You are a pathetic.
I never said Djorou is a model CB … he is just better than Koscielny (which is not very hard), thats all I said. Try to understand the English language.
And up till now, you are not disputing any of the facts that Djourou is faster, stronger, a better header and in better form than Koscielny.
Even a scammy imbecile like you cant dispute any of those.
Djourou, God bless him has had one outstanding game at CB this season, that was against Everton.
Kosch has been impressive in the majority of his games. He is strong in the air, reads the game far better than Djourou and he also has pace. I do not know who is the strongest or the fastest but I know that doesn’t determine who is the better player.
I think the majority of fans will agree with me that Kosch is better than Djourou, it is not an arguement worth serious debate.
That is my final word on the matter :-D
“majority of fan” in your head maybe. All the major blogs and the commenters on them dont seem to agree with your nonsense.
Nice dodge on comparing both their attributes and form. Even, the answers in your head dont agree with the shit you spew.
Name the blogs with links please :-D
I didn’t dodge anything. I told you from the start Kosch is far better than Djourou, regardless of pace and strength.
If pace and strength were so fundamental then Cameron Jerome would be one of the best players in the world. That is just as laughable as your assertation that Djourou is better than Kosch.
arseblog, arsenaltruth and several others on goonernews.com.
Djorou is a better CB.
Arsenaltruth! you are having a laugh! That site written by your monger friend?
Links please :-D . It’s Okay I don’t want the link to ArseTruth though :snicker:
arseblog is the biggest hippie out there … but facts mean squat to you.
Djorou is a better CB.
I’ll give it a go, on behalf of the HOs….(although I like to think of myself as Optimistic by nature, realistic by my distance from the N5….)
Absolutely gutted…particularly for the Red half of North London….This is a very low moment for the team/club/supporters/etc. Luckily, here on the YAMA we are able to parse these events with our intellects while our guts depend more on the time of day….(beautiful sunrise to a foot of new snow–I’ll post a photo, if I’m not run off the site….)
I guess I was guilty of downplaying the Bale hype….He took his goal nicely and goes to ground easily for a fellow his size. I’d take him in our squad, for sure.
And Van Der Vaart, out-Cesced our Captain, manipulating Phil Dowd in fine fashion, putting the FK onto (cheating?) Cesc’s hand and coolly dispensing of the Pen before celebrating in front of our fans…Spurs legend in the making, while Cesc dreams of warm weather and holidays with the family (perhaps). VDV’s assist on the first goal was very nice as well….
The normal calls about our complacency etc. will be made and to a certain extent I agree. Nasri was content to stay aloof after the goal. Arshavin likewise after his assist. And Makh was all hooves after his nice finish. We could’ve killed the match when RVP crossed to Kos, but he’s no Gallas in front of goal. It was RVPs only decent moment…and it’s a pity he couldn’t jump to disrupt Kaboul’s header for the third….The overall effort seemed fine to me. They took their chances, we didn’t. And they grew in confidence while we wilted (somewhat). Song and Denilson, esp. went into a disappearing mode. Plenty to be said in favor of the next generation (Wilshere/Ramsey) in MF.
The problems run deep and we’ve further alienated the “highest paying home support in all of Europe”. We now require a near flawless away record, starting next weekend at Villa. We’ll see if the other teams (United/Chelsea) can punish this result (I expect them to.) And frankly, I think we need some real leaders (Nasri perhaps) to step up and start carrying a load, as the Cesc “issue” continues (not good enough, heart not in it, you-tell-me?).
So, fire Wenger, get a new squad, etc. or Maybe we’ve just lost another gutting match at home and need to re-coup the points and take our chances while not conceding (all of) theirs. And perhaps the era of the Derby (and fortress-like home support and referee timidity) has passed. Obviously If the team crumbles and Spurs finish ahead of us, go further in the CL etc, this will be the defining moment. For better or worse, against other, arguably more important foes, we need to battle back….
How’s that? (Like I said, the sun is–still–rising here, and I’ve got snow to blow and then ski upon….)
Not much to be said. As good a first half as anyone could ask for followed by… that… Stupidity all round. Cesc’s handball taking the cake in that department (before anyone attacks me, yes I realize he is our best player, it was still the most stupid moment of the game by any one of our players).
The Arsenal coaster continues. No doubt, they’ll slowly reel me back in over the next few weeks just in time for the ManU/Chelsea games. B’ham doing their part by going a goal up.
Meh. I’m over this… again…
Wenger will never ever win anything at Arsenal again.
One can criticize the players all one wants but this is 100% his team, his tactics. Everything at Arsenal is completely what he wants. There are simply no excuses.
Two basic questions:
1) When will Wenger start DRILLING defense?
2) Can Wenger now ask Song to start sitting back and not leaving the hard labor to the likes of Wilshere and Denilson?
Why is it that Spurs can come to the Emirates and play a 4-4-2 successfully THROUGHOUT the game … but when we needed a goal, he still left THREE CMs in midfield?
Modric and Jenas are actually a small pair. Fabregas and Song would easily have matched them. What the fuck was Denilson needed for???? Oh yeah, as protection so that Song can bomb forward! LOL!
In the 6-7 minutes before Spurs crucial first goal at the beginning of the second half, Song was RELENTLESSLY going forward. Why do that at 2-0?? And just after the break, when you need to feel out what changes the opposition have made at the break?? Oh yeah, because Arsenal is a special team and the rules of common sense and history dont apply to the special ones!
Whats up with subbing Nasri?? And leaving just ONE half fit striker for the rest of the game??
I hate these kind of days, now I have to face the messages from all my Man U and Chelsea friends – merciless. I dont think I am going on facebook for a while either.
Correction Fred, Arry played a 4-5-1 until he brought on Defoe.
The way to tell formation is to see where the players stand during goalkicks. VDV was quite close to Pavluchenko with the mids holding a line much further back – hence 4-4-2.
Nonsense Fred it was a 4-4-1-1 more broadly known as a 4-5-1 with one man playing behind the striker. Just because the VdV decides to be closer to Pav as an AM than the rest of the MF doesn’t make him a striker.
If he is closer to the striker than the midfield then it is a 4-4-2 (one striker ALWAYS drops back a bit in a two-man strike force) – the EXACT same way Bergkamp used to play in a 4-4-2 for us.
Or was Arsenal playing 4-5-1 back then too, genius?
He did not play as Berkamp, he played as a AM behind the striker not a CF.
Watch how deep he comes, how many strikers CFs drop that deep, genius?
With that IDIOTIC logic then Henry was a left-winger for Arsenal. Afterall how many strikers go out that wide that often, genius?
Consisently deep not only at set peices he was playing as an AM behind the striker like Diaby does for us when Wenger wants him to.
We are not talking about Henry
Oh and have you forgotten with all your alleged football wisdom that a MF will always need to be closer to a striker in a 4-5-1. When a team has possession, particularly at goal kicks if you want the option to hit it long to the the front man to flick on with the head.
As carib and steve pointed out it was basically a 4-5-1 until Defoe came on.
All nonsense backed up by nothing as usual. With your clown logic, Ljunberg was our striker, Bergkamp our AM and Henry our left winger.
:-D
Andez and the other hippies, PLEASE dont hide from this one. If you are going to attack us for not getting excited about nervy wins to Wolves and Everton … then have the balls to come out now and make your case.
Football is a funny old game eh? At least that’s what Andez was telling us last week.
EVERY single time Andez comes out to gloat we LOSE the very next game.
Before the West Brom game, before the Newcastle game, and before this game.
Actually, the best quote was
“Boy, I love football. ‘Cos no where else serves more humble pies than the world of football.”
Uh huh.
Right let’s lay off Andez shall we? I like the balance of optimistic posts. Happiness can be infectious and I definitely prefer blissful ignorance over the feeling that I have right now: convinced that we’re not good enough over a season. It would be torture here if it was just doom and gloom.
Oz, how about everyone on here wears their big boy pants? We’re all equally accountable for what we write. And that quote is more smug, than cheery rainbows, really. The irony is hard to miss. You know, unless one decides to take another break from the board.
Jeez, between you and Art, what Andez must spend on lawyer fees. I know it’s well intended, but…
Yeah lay off Andez. He is worth three of you guys.
Seriously if you were to ask our players, i.e Cesc, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Thomas Vermaelen, Andre Arshavin or any other player you rate who they would rather support their team you three or Andez?
You know what the answer will be.
You are pathethic excuses for supporters.
Vibe bring the accusation, you know I don’t need a lawyer, you good for nothing Monger, talking crap about big boy pants.
It is funny. I go on vacation, miss all the good wins, and come back to this. :(
The roller coaster ride continues.
2-3… Five mins to go. Everytime we speak up about how strong how squad is we implode.
No one else to blame for this collapse. We got too fairly soft goals and then took our foot off the gas.
So much for maturity.
Fire Wenger
wait, hold on, i thought you were a hippie?! you used to attack me for saying this last year!
needless to say, i concur.
You must have me confused with someone else. There is nothing to be optimistic over about this team.
Who were those yapping about the merits of Gareth Bale?
PS: Am sorry, Maroaune Chamakh is not the type of striker to take us to the next level. The most non-dynamic striker I have ever seen.
It would be nice to finally have an EXPLOSIVE forward who does not TURN back after beating the last defender.
He is an absolutely awful player.
Typical of tight-ass Wenger though. Instead of splashing money on a top draw right footed forward he wastes literally a year waiting on player no better than Bendtner. Because he’s free.
I don’t get it. What about Bale?
On the last thread, folks were seriously down-playing Bale – saying he doesnt do much in the league.
Josh……
spot on remarks about the line up
Starting XI:
Fabianski, Sagna, Koscielny, Squillaci, Clichy, Nasri, Fabregas, Song, Denilson, Arshavin, Chamakh
Subs: Rosicky, Van Persie, Walcott, Wilshere, Djourou, Eboue, Szczesny
Thierry Henry met the team bus this morning wearing a red and white scarf, shaking the hands of the team as they walked off the bus.
Now that’s legendary status and class.
it will be a difficult game for us but i’m sure with the strength and confident that we have right now, we will beat them, my prediction will be 2-1, but if walcott and RVP on 1st squad, i would say 3-2..Go Gunners..All the best..
p/s: i bought a box of tissue..can’t wait to give to Spurs after the game. :-D
Lol.
I predict 3-1. Last time i ventured an Arsenal win we lost to Newcastle. Hmm..
Nerves are mounting and I Am only a fan.
No way that’s Arsenal’s starting line-up. Chamakh is likely to lead the line but RvP is unlikely to start along side him. It will be either theo or samir starting, not both. You’ve got to keep an ace to bring off the bench. Samir’s playing too well to be dropped for a big game. Wilshere or Denilson will start in cm. also, there is no way that both rosicky and arshavin start this one on the bench. Lastly, I think Koscielny starts over Djourou. The fact that he tried to get Kosh’s last red card overturned says to me that he may have forgiven the kid. We’ll see. You’re going to mess up the streak.
for the first time in years, arsenal has a deep team with many options. my greatest concern is will fabianski keep his nerve. Everyone is on standby for his ever-impending meltdown but I’m hoping it doesnt happen.
Admittedly I went more for the lineup I’d like to see.
I agree its likely one or two of the studs will be kept on the bench to add a new dynamic if needed in the 2nd half.
It is more likely that AA23 will start ahead of Van Persie and that Nasri will start on the attack and either Denilson or Wilshere will start in the MF
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/nov/20/arsenal-premier-league-title-spurs
Interesting bunch of stats about Arsenal’s play. Mostly we top the charts with passing, shots on goal, etc.
And most proudly, we now top the unfair play league.
Hey – whatever it takes.
I seriously hope we crush Sp*ds tomorrow – deflate any ambitions they have of top fourdom.
Key factors for us are tempo and midfield muscle.
Mostly likely it will be 2-1.
Bendtner will not be part of the Derby squad.
Serves that bitch right.
Funny thing is the Bendtner to Bayern story seems to be picking up steam.
BTW DAG, the last meeting b/w the two was not 3-0, but 4-1. We were drawn 1-1 at the end of regular time before they completely collapsed in extra time.
I stand corrected
Good write up as usual DAG.
Like you said, this match should be entertaining and have it’s share of goals. Ole Arry may well start both Crouch and Pav up front to give us fits in the air. Although Bale, Modrich and VDV are the known commodities the aerial battle up front with Pav and Crouch could well be the decisive factor.
On the other hand, if Arry decides to play defensively I think we will kick their butts. Their MF lineup of Bale, Modric and VDV with probably Palacios or Sandro anchoring the DM role is scary and leaves me to wonder why they have been floundering so much this season, even though they are new to the CL and thus, have had many games added to their schedule. Their problems are defensive in nature and if we are to top them, we need to attack from the outset and do not give them time to recover.
No prediction on this one as it could be wild and woolly.
By the way to clarify on Bale – he has made more scoring attempts than any other player in the EPL. The Pavlyuchenko goal in their recent 4-2 win is the first goal since April of 2010 off a Bale assist.
I think the fact so few of the chances he creates for his teammates actually get converted is their fault as much as his.
Anyways, it seems like one of Arseal’s problems this year is that they don’t start playing until the 2nd half in a lot of their subpar games. That shouldn’t be a problem tomorrow.