EPL Match Day 17: Arsenal v Manchester United: Match Preview
Is there any better way of showing up a group of chatty women then to end their league unbeaten run? Is there any better way of stating your intent for the league than going to Old Trafford and winning? Is there any way to remove beyond all doubt you aren’t soft in the under belly than to shut down England’s top-boy Wayne Rooney and his strike partner Dimitar Berbatov? Obviously no, there isn’t but in order for all that to happen, Arsene Wenger’s boys are going to need to come out and play the match of their lives.
In these matches against United and Chelsea, history hasn’t been kind to the Gunners. Over the last couple of years, the squad hasn’t had its share of the rub against either of the league’s recent title holders. In fact it’s been downright abysmal. In some cases it hasn’t even been close – like the Champion’s League semis against United. In most cases the club has held their own only to give it away due to a solid counter-attack or a mindless mistake. Make mistake about it, United know this and no doubt Fergie will have them looking to be patient and get their chances.
In the Wenger and Fergie era the teams have met 43 times with Fergie winning 17 times and Wenger winning 14. There have been 11 draws. That means that prior to the latest run, Arsenal have had the better of the “biggest” club in England. A win in Monday may put the club back on the path to getting their again.
The noise from United has been rather loud this week with both Ji Sung Park and Patrice Evra having their fair share to say about Arsenal and their ‘title aspirations.” It’s infuriating and frankly, disrespectful but is it necessarily untrue? The only way this will stop is if Wenger’s charges finally deliver on the promise that has been bandied about and discussed for the last five years. A win at OT or even a commanding draw will show that the Gunners are for real. It will shut the likes of the brain child of France’s revolt that he should be mindful of his own team and less concerned about the other.
This is a match Arsenal can win. The match ups aren’t as glaring as they have been when the likes of Tevez and Ronaldo wore the red of United. Arsenal have an attack that go toe for toe with any team in the league and in my opinion our attacking options from the mid-field up are better than what United have. The obvious weak spot is in central defence. Squillaci and Koscielny have “potential” but for whatever reason have not been on the same page at all when it comes to playing together. With the absence of Vermaelen, the back four seems more cohesive when Djourou is playing. Frankly, I think he could be the shut down man we need against United but I am not sure Wenger is reading my blog lately.
But that is not to say that United have it any easier in the back four. The United defence have had their own issues and they’ve let a lot of teams back into matches towards the end of matches, the most damning was being up 2-0 with 10 to play at Goodison park only to concede two quick goals in succession. Van der Saar is a legendary keeper but he is in his swan song and can be had as can this defence if Arsenal take their chances and don’t spend too much time trying to tiki-tak the ball into the best possible shot. As I have always shouted “SHOOT THE DAMN BALL.” Test the defence and the keeper with your weapons don’t give them the chance to devleop a counter – you do that by shooting and making VDS work for each shot.
Arsenal have plenty of players who can do it. Chamakh from his headers, Van Persie (when his chocolate foot is healthy) Arshavin when he can be bothered, Fabregas from sublime runs of play and so on. But the real man of the hour will have to be Arsenal’s in form Samir Nasri. He has shown poise and balance in the box working to get shots on goal and sinking them. He is cool and collected around the box. He doesn’t seem rushed and frankly he is throwing in “neeeded” goals in the same way Henry did for us. When we played like crap Henry always was good for goal or two to lift the spirits of the faithful and carry the team. Nasri while a long way to go to the status Titi enjoys is showing a propensity for similar habits. Eventually, I would like to see a midfield of Nasri and Fabregas together. To me this could be as good as that tandem down in Barcelona, some guys named Iniesta and Xavi. Ah but Idigress.
The two other guys I am going to be interested in watching play in this match are Jack Wilshere and Alex Song. If there is any remedy for Fletcher’s antics it could very well be a player who won’t mind getting it on with him and our own English bulldog, young Jack Wilshere Esq. may just be that offsetting factor. We have been missing someone in the middle of the pitch who commands the respect of strength that Vierra did. For the last few years our players have been bowled over without fear of anyone doing anything about it. Jack has shown two things to me (besides his uncanny on the ball skills) – he may be small but he can control players bigger than he is and he is not afriad to mix it up – something we haven’t had in a while. Frankly this could be what we need to keep Fletcher in check.
For Song the assignment is simple – stay at home and give your defenders the cover they need. When Song plays the DM well, like he did against Messi in the first lef of last year’s CL tie, he can control big name players. When he roams the pitch trying to be the next Ronaldinho then we get in to trouble because our defence is uncovered. He needs to focus in on one role this match and that is making life miserable for Rooney and Berbatov.
As a whole the team has to be committed to getting the ball back when they don’t have it. One of the things that makes Barca so good is what they do when they don’t have the ball. They close down the opponent with it and get it back. They man press better than any team I have ever seen. It forces so many errors and give aways that Barca can then do what they do best hold the ball, and score. And they do it all together. The entire quad is committed to it. If Arsenal are going to play the possession game then they need to fine tune this area of play and that is a total committment to defending and getting the ball back when they don’t have it. If they have the ball the likes of Rooney and Berbatov can’t score. If they can’t score they aren’t a threat from anywhere else. And if they aren’t a threat – you can win the game.
How the Match Should Play Out:
When it comes to playing Arsenal effectively, United and Chelsea have shown the way over the last ten games. In that span the Gunners are W0 D1 L9. United will be content to let the Gunners have the ball and will try and get the advatange on the counter, most likely with a long ball through the centre. Look for both Rooney and Berba to be playing high up on a 4-4-2 to try and be available for feed. Where Arsenal stand a major chance is in the midfield and attack which to me is in much better shape than it was last year (and since the last time these matches meant something). In the middle the Gunners could simply overrun the Red Devils with the likes of Nasri and Wilshere pulling the strings. Arsenal should attack early and often to get their goals. Defensively as good as Vidic and Ferdinand can be, they’ve been leaky and can be put to the test and I think this is what the Gunners will look to do with a prolonged attack – Ferdinand only just passed a fitness test. It will be up to the defence to control the game after that – and by that I mean a whole team committed to pressing defence once they have their goals. While I can see the Gunners winning this match, I suspect either a bad call or a defencive mistake will allow United to get an equalizer just before the end of the game.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal: The CENTRAL DEFENCE. It’s not normal for me to pick a group of players but for me this will be where they earn their keep. If they can have a game like they did against a stronger Chelsea side (yes, I think they did well against Chelsea overall) then I think the match will be more towards a favorable Arsenal result. If they get wobbley kneed then there will be problems. United are not the othr teams we have played and will take care of their chances if they make mistakes. I am also hoping Wenger sees the need to start Djourou ahead of Koscielny. He’s been great in every match he has played. He wins every ball in the air and he is calm in the back when the pressure is on. He needs to start on Monday.
Manchester United: Wayne Rooney. I wish I were picking him because his form has ben blistering. No it is Dimitar Berbatov who has had the better run of form. But Wayne Rooney has been an Arsenal thorn since his Everton days when he scored his first EPL goal against us. But I am picking him moreso because the deadly combination of Howard Webb and Rooney means a likely PK call could go the home sides’ way. Rooney gets a break for some of his in “box” antics by the English press but it is clear Rooney is a master of getting the calls in the box. It is the prime reason we lost at OT last season (that and a Diaby OG)
Probable Starting XI:
Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Fabregas (thigh – D)Almunia (elbow) Vermaelen (achilles) Frimpong (knee) Diaby (ankle) Gibbs (ankle)
Man U: Hargreaves (hamstring) Owen (hamstring), Valencia (ankle)
Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 1
Man U: 3
Last 5:
Arsenal: WWLWW
Man U: WDDWW
Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Nasri12 (8 league) Chamakh 10 (7 league) Walcott 8 (5 league)
Man U: Berbatov 12 (11 league) Hernandez 7 (4 league)
Goals For:
Arsenal: 1.9 (away)
Man U: 3 (home)
Goals Against:
Arsenal: 1 (away)
Man U: .8 (home)
Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 16
Man U: 19
Match Officials:
Referee: Howard Webb
Assistant Referees: Dave Bryan & Darren Cann
Fourth Official: Phil Dowd
Broadcast Information:
US: ESPN2 1500 ET
UK: Sky Sports 1 2000 GMT
Feeds:
www.atdhe.net
GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!!
www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2
Man U: 2
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Getting news the game is off… Can anyone confirm? anyone in London?
Match appears to have been cancelled/postponed….Though there’s sunshine in Sunderland for the lunchtime match (Sunderland-Bolton)….
I guess DAG knows what he’s doing (or not doing)….not putting out a match preview….
Shoot, I needed a little remedy to last Monday’s weak performance, and I think the team could’ve used a match before Chelsea….
Curious when they’ll try to make up the match, seems like sooner would be better than later….
Sadly, the delay in getting the match preview up was the result of my having too many single malts at the office Christmas party.
I was in the middle of it when I got the notice it was cancelled.
Cesc better not get booked today or he’s out of the Chelsea game… Unless it’s done in the process of breaking Shawcross’s shin, I’ll take that trade
Oh DAG or anyone else, how do i get an avatar?
Thanks
Not a word on the Stoke game eh? Fair enough as well, what’s ultimately the point. They’re probably going to stop us from playing, as they do, if we do overcome them, we have Chelsea to look forward to blah blah blah… ultimately, I don’t think anyone here thinks we’re going to be anywhere near the title come May.
I’ll watch and enjoy the game in the hopes that 1) We see some good football 2) See how Szczesny gets on with the Stoke boys 3) Hopefully see Shawcross’s face plastered on the post or something along those lines
For what it’s worth, I do think we’ll win… Not that it matters much.
ps- Regarding the CL draw, oh god I hope Milan beats Tottenham. One of my best mates is a spud fan, and I’ll NEVER live it down if they progress further than us, esp after the years of grief I’ve given him. The 3-2’s bad enough thanks…
In a one game scenario, anything is possible. Whether due to luck, refereeing, defensive lapses, offensive misfiring or any combination of the above a decent team can win on any given day.
Leading up to the CL I said that there were 2 teams Arsenal could not beat this season over a 2 game span, Barca and RM. I also added AC Milan and Inter as 2 teams who we would have great difficulty to beat in this same type of format.
The point here is that regardless of who we draw, if we are good enough we can win. The other point is that in my opinion we are not anywhere close to being in the class of the top European teams. the third point is, whether we think the drawings are fixed or not should not make a difference. If you are good enough, you can win.
Actually I think on a good day we can take Milan or Inter without problems.
Infact other than the big 2 Spanish and English teams, we have a good chance against all other clubs.
But overall, Barca is one team out of those seemingly unbeatable four that is truly unbeatable for us.
Why? Because there is only ONE way to beat them … you have to play some hardcore defense, bolt down passing lanes, work your socks off and hope they get frustrated. Thats it really.
If you try to go blow for blow with them in attack they will blow you out of the water. Mourinho had the successful formula with Chelsea and with Inter … but when he moved to Madrid, he figured since he now had Ronaldo, Kaka et al he could stand up to Barca’s attack. He got destroyed.
Can we defend for our lives … even better than we did in 2006? I seriously doubt it.
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PS: This match will also be good viewing for those who defend Song roaming around the pitch. They will finally get to watch an all-out attacking whose DM actually SITS and does his fucking job.
Arsenal can totally beat Barcelona…provided they manage to sign Messi, Xavi and Iniesta in Jan. But those players are cup-tied, so Arsenal won’t be able to field them but then again, neither will Barca :) Problem solved. Not really because I am sure without the trio, Barca will still manage to press and press Arsenal out of their comfort zone and cause giveaways.
But on a serious note. Have Arsenal ever considered making an offer for any of those players? Arsenal don’t have to break the bank but can make an initial token offer, just for laughs. Heck, if Barca can do that all the time, why can’t Arsenal? That way, Arsene can make it look like it tried to sign players but was priced out..wait a minute…that sounds familiar…2 million anyone?
“Arsenal can totally beat Barcelona…provided they manage to sign Messi, Xavi and Iniesta in Jan. But those players are cup-tied, so Arsenal won’t be able to field them but then again, neither will Barca”
LOL, nice one Sach, you had me fooled for a second there.
On the flip side of the bad draw …. we can now concentrate properly on domestic competition.
Win the CC, then after February concentrate solely on the League and the FA cup.
An FA cup and Carlings Cup double will be a big success for this team.
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PS: Steve McClaren, currently tanking at Wolfsburg wants Denilson for 11 million!
Oh god!
Seriously? Denilson for 11 million? I guess go ahead and do it, but it’s not likely that the 11 million would be put to any good use… unless you consider the board lining their pockets with it to be a good use.
I would be happy just to get rid of him … even without replacement.
Same with Clichy, Eboue and Almunia.
The most predictable draw EVER! UEFA dont even bother pretending anymore … they pretty much sit over lunch with their marketing department and choose the most profitable draws.
Ofcourse because we couldnt win the EASIEST group of the eight the team is now going to be gunned down like animals … first at the Emirates and then for the proper pummeling at the Nou Camp.
And no, there will be no miracle. We dont learn anything. We havent learnt squat about playing the likes of Chelsea and Man U (who we play fairly regularly) so we arent going to commit any miracles against Barca.
Just sad really, especially looking at the draws of Man U and Chelsea …. they get Copenhagen and Marseilles!!! All you need to get those weak teams is to come first in your WEAK group.
PROGRESS!!!
This “random” draw does even more th reinforce the suspicions that I (and Fred) voiced on a previous thread.
Arsenal-Barca? Oooh, never saw that one coming. How original.
Lyon-Madrid? Yeah, like we’ve never seen that one before. Seriously, this is the 4th season out of the last 6 that they’ve played each other in either the group stage or round of 16. I mean, come on…
Inter-Bayern? A rematch of last year’s final wouldn’t be suspicious on its own, but throw it in w/ the rest of the pattern and it makes me wonder.
NOTE: I am not blaming this perceived corruption related to the draw for Arsenal getting stuck w/ Barca. If they wanted an easy team then Arsene should’ve committed to winning the group.
When we go out to them, I wonder what the Wenger-spin will sound like? We made it to the semis 2 years ago, quarters last year, and in all likelihood, we will go out at the R of 16 this year. Somehow I am sure he will twist those facts around to make it look as if progress has been made. We are now in serious danger of going out of the CL before the Spuds. The fucking Spuds- possibly alive in Europe’s top club competition, while we will be focusing on winning the CC. Is it just me, or was the exact opposite situatoin the norm just a few seasons ago? Well, that’s progress I guess.
Winning the C cup would be some consulation and i suppose could be seen as progress considering fans haven’t been satisfied with just mixing it with big boys season after season.
If we get to the final i will pay over the odds to get a couple tickets it will be a glorious day if we win.
Yes the Spuds will see this as further evidence of what they have been saying for years that they are going to surpass us as the kings of North London. If they win nothing we will still have the bragging rights albeit hollow knowing that they have virtually closed the gap.
Our reward for NOT winning the easiest CL group in recent memory…
Barcelona.
We will once again get PLAYED OFF THE PITCH…
just like last year.
It will be embarrassing again, and if I were Cesc, I would feign injury.
Mabye we can transfer him JAN.1st… then we can play against him.
This is UGLY.
It is the ONLY team I didn’t want to face.
Play against him?? How long have you been watching the game … You cant play for two teams in one season in the CL.
That is why no major player moves in January.
oh, that cup-tied thingy!
LOL
LOL Cesc feigning injury, that is funny Stag.
Agreed, we are in trouble, probably lose home and away this time. I don’t know what would have been worse Barca or Real with Jose at the helm though.
Ars’ about that link its an interesting perspective into training regimes, I think his points are valid.
I remember watching Arshavin during the preseason friendlys in Ausria. After reportedly going through two intense training sessions a day during that camp, although he didn’t play in the world cup he looked really tired and ultimately underperformed. At the time I took it for granted that this intense training although having an adverse effect in the preliminary would bring him up to optimal fitness for the seasns start.
I also remember watching Arshavin start after being dropped for one match, I was thinking how sharp and up for it he looked. I believe, and I am somewhat influenced by that article that Arsh does need to be rotated a bit more often or the training regime, be it a personal or collective one needs to be revised.
As for RvP it would be interesting to know how much muscular injuries as opposed to the more unavoidable injuries he has sustained and compare that to his injury record when he was at Feynoord, I am sure Kiwi has the stats ;-) Kiwi maybe the MvP is not all to blame, but I agree his apparent fragility is an expensive price to pay. Maybe with some more attention to his personal training regime might get us better value for money.
Steve, you touched on something with regards to Arshavin’s fitness 2 years ago and right now.
Is it possible that we are just training wrong (over training perhaps) ??
I posted a BBC link a couple days ago and the guy implied that a lot of teams are just flogging the players into the ground. I have a feeling he might be right and we are doing that.
I know that the team often trains hard twice a day. Yet this is one of the big-big no-no according to the guy. (Though this sort of things are more of an art than a science). It is claimed over training is one of the major causes of non-contact injuries – which happens to our players often. So he might be on to something.
Maybe over-training them is Wenger compensating for the player’s lack of quality/sharpness – with the unfortunate side effect of numerous injuries.
Dutch fitness coach Raymond Verheijen….
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Chelsea-Arsenal-and-Tottenham-criticised-over-the-fitness-handling-of-Arjen-Robben-Robin-van-Persie-and-Rafael-van-der-Vaart-article648703.html
Yes, great article, and Bellamy was certainly a terror there at ManCity, for a spell….
I think over-training is a huge problem in all sports. Many athletes can obtain a level of satisfaction by saying, “I trained harder than anybody else, but I got injured, oh well….” It’s an ego protection device, for those who cannot face the fact that results are results are results….
It is very possible that Arsenal, or AW (if you believe that he IS Arsenal) use this very same idea as a means of protecting the team from the fact that our results blow…..We simply don’t have enough info to know….In general, as of late, I think we’re getting better on this account, but it’s really hard to say, we need a “training ground insider” to give us the straight dope.
I think in the past we’ve suffered more because of the club’s youth policy, and the need for these players to “prove” themselves when they play for their countries….Our youngish players get picked because they play for a biggish club but then feel the need to “prove” themselves on the international stage, even when it’s just a friendly. I’m thinking here of Theo, RVP and TV5….
I don’t however think this applies to Arshavin, who often plays as if he has absolutely nothing to prove. He has simply lost that critical level of speed and quickness that was a key part of his game. Like I said, I think he has the ability to adapt and still be a very valuable asset to the club, but that it is a difficult situation, esp. from a psychological perspective. He needs to accept his new limitations and alter his game accordingly. Likewise, supporters and teammates and the manager need to adjust to the new reality.
We will NEVER see Andrey do what he did at Anfield again, and I doubt we’ll ever see him break from an opposition corner kick like he did with Theo for that 4th goal. But that doesn’t mean he can’t still be useful and make a few goals and assists and (most importantly) keep defenses honest with the threat he presents. I think he’d do significantly better with a more astute full-back supporting him, which is another reason I wish we were deeper at that position. I also think he had some good interplay with a rarely mentioned, i.e. hardly missed by many, Abou Diaby, who possibly is making a return to the team sooner than later. That’s a long, lanky limb to go out on, but I’ll take a tentative (and hopeful) step in that direction….Another thin twig to cling to, but there you go….
That we might never see THAT Arshavin again is a real shame.
He lost his mojo after rubbing shoulders a bit with the likes of Eboue, Clichy, Denilson et al.
How Arshavin performs on the pitch is his own doing.
I look at the team results to date and don’t see defense as the issue.
Our 1st 9 matches we scored 29 goals / 3.22 match
thru 9/28. Five of our eight highest scoring matches came in this 9 game stretch. 6W – 2D – 1L
Our last 17 matches we scored 31 goals / 1.93 match (double the matches almost, yet almost the same total of goals) 11 W – 6 L
5 of Arshavin’s 6 goals came in the 1st 9 matches. 1 in the last 17 matches; 1 goal from October, November, and December.
Tired players don’t execute and get injured. If players don’t play to their normal level of performance AND don’t execute – no managers’ tactics will work.
Arshavin and Chamakh need a good break, while Bendtner, RvP, and Theo need to step up and contribute.
I have excluded assists.
For me an assist is just as important stat as a goal. Its a measure of a player’s contribution. I know Arshavin has had his best output for assists so far this seasons, but also I have never seen him play so many poor passes in the last 6 weeks and for me this is a sign of fatigue.
When will we start talking about Nasri losing his legs?
We have seen Rosicky this season play about 1 match a week and every time he’s on the pitch, he gives an industrious performance in distribution, defensive support, and stability to our linking play.
Maybe Nip can confirm or correct these numbers.
I don’t know how old others on this board are, but I’m a codger….and I lost my legs in my late twenties and had to rely on my wiles (experience) to keep at my best. In the one sport I played that involved massive running, I could only do this for a year or two, in the other, which still involved quite a bit of running, I was able to go on for a lot longer.
When I first saw Arshavin, in the 2008 Euros, the boy could RUN….and he could still do it a year later (Anfield will never be forgotton….In fact his fourth goal, in tandem with Theo, made me think, with AA we can–finally–play on the counter….) Nowadays, I see a longer build up to full speed and MUCH shorter bursts. Whether he might do more (less vodka, more sprints, etc.) to maintain his legs is an open question. The sad fact, I think, is that he needs to make the most of those short bursts because that’s all he’s got….
A fine example is that two footed tackle and the foul (and yellow card) it earned him against United….He made a poor first touch (in a terrible part of the pitch) and then did what he could to rectify it (i.e., he was/is committed to the cause….) but it wasn’t enough and it only earned him censure….
Frankly I worry that if we flog him he’s going to have more and more of these “senior moments,” and one of them might be against the likes of Ryan Shawcross (or some other brutish type, who is prepared to snap bones). Andrey’s always had a knack for pulling out of dangerous challenges, but it gets tougher when you’re writing checks your body cannot cash….(see for example the Karl Henry 50/50 he thought he could win at Wolves a month ago….)
With the planets currently aligned (RVP, Theo, Rosicky, Bendy ALL healthy) it makes little sense to keep rolling the dice with Andrey. He presents a great threat AND he can still execute (on occasion), we just need him fully engaged (hungry) and preserved for the true moments of need….
(And Nasri could use a rotation now and again too….but in that case it’s physical, not mental fatigue, nor the ravages of time. Clearly, he’s just reaching his physical peak….)
All very fair comments Arsesession.
Some have criticised Rosicky – but not me!! Whilst he has not been a compelling attacking force, he is an enthusiastic contributor and a normally tidy player. Critically, I bagged the guy for being woefully injured and absent – so I’m not going to lambast him when he actually makes the field and provides a return. He’s been helpful this season.
More generally, what I do see in Rosicky and sadly in Diaby and Van Persie is the curse of the fragile. It’s a real shame, but repeated injury often seriosuly dillutes a players on-field value. Even now that Tomas has seemingly ‘returned’ his impact seems quite subdued and his appearances are carefully managed (not too often). I think there are serious lessons to be learned from the last 5 years. There is little room for sentiment in professional sport. Indeed, sentiment and squad management do not = success. Wenger, imo, has failed to be cool and decisive in his squad management and it has played a part in our lack of on-field success.
On the matter of goal scoring. I was a bit of a lone voice for a while on this. Many look at our season-end goals-for stats and simplistically proclaim we are fine in attack. Your stats Arsesession highlight the errors these macro comments hide. When we get into the season proper we repeatedly have
serious issues trying to win games and it is the attack. We simply don’t have the quality to execute enough goals to win. Part of this is what you highlight – that ‘the core’ players get tired and the fragile are never there . But another part is the issue of quality. Since the departure of Henry, Pires and Ljungberg (and the Bergkamp glue) we simply haven’t had a cohesive attack that can front up week-in week-out and execute the chances we create.
It is only recently that Nasri has ’emerged’ as a Pires-like scorer, we don’t have anyone like Henry who can get 30, and Arshavin might do a Ljungberg but I sense the guy needs the right context for that to happen. So…. whilst our defense is sad, I agree that the attack is an equal concern given that we are an attack-centric team.
Stevo, your comments on the Stoke line-up makes sense to me.
Not a lot to discuss so here’s a divergence on the theme of left-back.
Seaman has given an interesting interview, he’s clearly still got close connections to Arsenal/Wenger and the tone of his answers are very carefully worded. I may be wrong, but it sounds like he still provides some input with GK training.
What I found particularly interesting was his thoughts on Ashley Cole. As we know Cole has become AFC public enemy no.1. What is fascinating is that Seaman unambiguously sides with Ashley in the fallout – 100%. From Seaman’s perspective it was AFC that let Ashley down and then ‘hung him out to dry’. Interesting me thinks. Now, remember Seaman is not an Ian Wright type character that shoots his mouth off – he’s the very opposite – slow to speak and considered when he chooses to do so. Every other comment he makes is very AFC-PC in the interview.
For those who didn’t see Seaman – to me, he is the standard. No other AFC keeper in my AFC-following lifetime has come close. Lehmann was good but nowhere near Seaman’s alround level. Seaman literally won EPL points every season for AFC. No surprise that he won 3 titles, 4 FAC’s, 1 LC and a UEFA cup and that he was Englands keeper for eon’s. The only EPL keepers that compare are guys like Peter Schmeichel and Peter Shilton. We’re talking the very best craftsmen.
Seaman also says Cole is the best LB in the world. And he’s right imo – 100%. If he’s correct in gauging that we messed up the relationship with Cole, and if it was a matter of the money promised as Cole says then you gotta say we ended up the losers. We got Gallas (who I liked a lot – but he proved the wrong fit) and Chelsea got the best LB in the world in his prime a guy who fitted Wenger’s aspirations as an attacking LB who was defensively 1st class.
To now…..
Well we don’t have an answer at GK (like Seaman) nor an answer at LB (like Cole). Indeed, when you scan over the back 5 – the only guy that is an answer is Sagna. Hardly surprising then that we can’t sustain trophy challenges.
Clichy for Benzema swap?
I say YES, YES, YES … a change of scenery could do Benzy a world of good like Sneijder and van der Vaart.
And best of all, we would be shot of Calamity.
We could then sell Vela and use the proceeds to buy a proper LB.
I’ve been stumping for a real fullback (purchase) for awhile now, as Eboue (much as I love him) seems like actually getting a chance to play is not his bag, and Gibbs, of course, is like delicate china….And what’s the story with Armand Traore (on loan at Juve? getting playing time there?)
But wouldn’t Benzema’s Frenchness bother you? (You know the “pussy” factor?) I know, one in, one out (if Clichy were really sold). For me, Benzema seems just a tiny bit reminiscent of Cantona….Anybody else get that?….
Or maybe, by dint of being left off the World Cup squad, he (like Nasri, maybe) is some sort of “new” French and could use England as a spot to really blossom…..
Only the French players Wenger has recently been bringing in have bothered me. Most of them look good till they come in to the Wenger youth camp and flop.
Anyway, I think Benzy being overhyped and then getting floored at Real has done him a world of good. I think his game has actually improved from what it was when he joined Real, he just does not have the confidence. A change of scenery could help him.
Josh I gotta agree with you man. Our progress this season has been on the back of Chamakh, Arshavin and Nasri . Those three have carried our attacking efforts from August till Dec – during this time Messrs Van Persie, Bendtner and Walcott have been on the treatment table (again) and are only now returning and only in a rehabilitation sense. So…… to suggest Chamakh and Arshavin should be benched for their efforts is misguided. Yes they need to be rested a bit, but not as punishment!!
The same thing happened last season. It became ‘in’ to label Arshavin the lazy underachiever despite the undeniable fact that the little guy played from August to May (even playing CF) – contrast that to the likes of Van Persie, Bendtner and Walcott who spent most of the season off the pitch. So try and work out the logic with that – the flogged one becomes the problem – and the absent the answer. Yes the guys who contribute little or nothing (season after season) are considered major talents!! It’s one of those amazing aspects of human thinking where being absent results in ones standing growing to new and higher levels without any basis. I mean seriously, what exactly have Van Persie and Walcott EVER contributed to an Arsenal season – EVER??? The fact they are internationals is irrelevant or perhaps even a demerit.
Stoke would be a good game to rest Chamakh and Arshavin – let’s see what Van Persie and Walcott and even Bendtner can do. They’re all calling for match-time so give it to them and give the regulars some deserved time off. Stick the three of them in against Stoke and see if they can deliver. I kinda doubt it will happen. Wenger is more inclined to keep flogging the core whilst he carefully rehabilitates his forever-injured favourites. This has been a pattern for 5 years – remember Adebayor, Hleb, Fabregas, Flamini a few years back – they could barely run in April-May.
At the close of the United match Chamakh seemed to be grabbing his groin, and not in the good way…. so I was thinking he might have injured it. I haven’t seen a word about this in any of the post-match talk. Having used our subs he had to carry on, but certainly it didn’t help us get the late equalizer we needed. Maybe we’ll hear something about it when AW does his pre-match press meeting.
Makh HAS been huge for us so far and he’s looked better when not paired with RVP (or maybe RVP has looked fairly crap thus far, and maybe a little better when Makh’s been sat, like in the CC match vs Wigan). Ultimately I’d like to see us try a 4-4-2 with Makh and RVP playing together, with Bendy or Theo ready to slot in when the (inevitable?) injuries come.
The argument in favor of sitting Arshavin in favor of Theo (but playing him on the right, Nasri shifted left) maybe has greater merit. Arsh can create something out of nothing, but my observation is that it’s getting much, much harder for him. I feel he’s simply lost his legs or cannot obtain his past levels of fitness. He’s a smart player who CAN compensate, but it’s a tough thing and it’s easy to get down, uninterested or misplace the focus. In the United match, to me, Arshavin was “trying”, what with the very poor shots from distance, but he also expended a lot of mental energy trying to playfully “work” Howard Webb, an approach that backfired miserably with the bad foul/yellow near our box. On balance, in that match, given his contributions both physically and leadership wise, other options might’ve been superior…which, given that it’s Theo we’re talking about, speaks volumes…..Unfortunately, using Theo comes with a lot of problems: bad turnovers, no ability to guard possession and a quickening of our general pace, which the rest are not prepared for. These are the liabilities that make the idea of Theo as a striker, long term (and maybe with a team with lower ambitions), perhaps the superior idea….Still, I think we need to give it (Theo for Andrey) a shot,….
So for me, for the Stoke match, I’d go four four two with Makh (if available) up top with RVP (Bentner to sub at 65 mins) and a MF of (left to right) Nasri, Cesc, Song and Theo) . I’d prefer to rest Arshavin (or use him as a sub if the game is tight after 65-70) and have him rested for Chelsea.
sorry, dag, but gotta disagree with the idea of dropping arshavin and chamakh. those two have been putting food on the table all season for arsenal.
arshavin scores goals and creates chances for others. while he’s had quite a few stinkers, he’s put up good numbers. i know stats don’t tell the whole story but they put points on the board.
our free transfer from bordeaux has been putting in better than decent work. that guy has been scoring goals, linking play, chasing defenders, putting his head in dangerous places, and leading the arsenal line all season. while chamakh may not be the most talented, his work ethic is beyond reproach. he’s workded harder for arsenal than any other player this season. he goes out on his shield every single game and deserves nothing but praise.
back at the start of the season, i said that our main need was not mark schwarzer or another defender, but that we needed a center forward. after wenger sold jay simpson, i suspected that neither van persie nor bendtner would prove fully fit before january. i knew wenger wasn’t willing to play jay thomas. i knew that neither arshavin, vela or walcott are proper center forwards. not buying a center forward would mean that at the half-way point this season, chamakh would be injured or completely flogged. unfortunately, wenger didn’t buy another center forward and here we are.
gotta understand that these players are human beings, not robots. playing so many games in a short period of time as a lone center forward is very hard work and it’s impossible to maintain a high level. i hope chamakh gets some help soon before his level prophetically drops and people start treating him like they did his togolese predecessor when his human factors eventually manifest themselves.
proper experienced CB’s and an experienced committed DM…
we score plenty of goals, its our leaky defense, that almost never produces a clean sheet, that keeps us from winning anything.
in the big games, we fold… we play cautious and without confidence… instead of just going for it.
perhaps we fear going forward “too much” against good teams, because we know the back & spine aren’t good enough.
100% at the feet of Wenger.
Against Stoke, I think we should just revert back to our basic 4-4-2. For most teams having 3 in CM helps solidify their defense. Not us … so whats the point, we might as well have our extra man in attack back.
Bendtner – RvP up front, Walcott and Rosicky on the wings, Nasri and Song in CM.
In terms of the overall look, it is handsome as hell. it appeals to my eye. If I was shopping here, I’d believe this to be an instantly credible site, based on the look alone.
But, like Mazza (and others), I somehow like it less as YAMA The richness that would make it feel real as an ecommerce site, feels heavy for a free-flowing discussion space. It somehow feels less inviting to get around in.
Some of this could simply be a reaction to change, Who can say for sure that a few months down the line, this doesn’t all feel as normal as the old look?
If I had a wish list, it would be the ability to bold/italicize/use quote blocks. I’ve seen some here use some of these skills, so maybe it’s possible, and I just don’t know the code.
On the oldest/newest first discussion. I’m guessing this comes as a result of a self-consciousness stemming from when threads would get older due to a lack of update, which would make a ton of scrolling necessary to get to the bottom. For me, that was more an issue of stuff getting buried, sometimes in the middle (as conversations branched off).
As this board is set up as a ‘one thread at a time’ kind of place, that’s always going to be an issue. So for my money, a little scrolling to get to the new stuff doesn’t feel like too much work.
Mostly, I REALLY appreciate the desire to make this place as aesthetically appealing as possible. More than anything else, the redesign speaks to how much you care about what you’ve built here, DAG. I’m sure we can’t thank you enough, but I hope you feel the appreciation that is offered. You are the Moses of AA…you rescued us from the wilderness and brought us to the promised land. Make this place pink with bows, if you want. You’d have to close it down to get rid of us.
Well said Vibe, I too love DAGs approach of incrementally improving this site. We’re indebted to your efforts DAG. The fact you are doing this at a time when It’s not easy to be developing an Arsenal blogsite is even more meritorious. Deep down we all pine for the glory days to return to our club, and as frustrated as we may be, I’d punt that almost everyone would love it to be Arsene Wenger that happened upon a new winning formula and the rediscovery of his own managerial mojo. Wouldn’t it be nice to see him on the sidelines looking concerned yet happy? I think so.
since Arsenal aren’t really worth talking about much at this point… and we have a couple of virtual brawls on the site at the moment, I’ll poke Fred!
:)
Who has 9 goals and 7 assists in Italy?
Whose team is in first place?
Whose team is struggling mightily?
very COMPARABLE stats… actually, in the league, its not contest!
enjoy your day YAMA-ians.
Inter’s struggles aren’t due to Eto’o, they’re due the manager. Rafa Benitez is the most over-rated manager in world football. Seventh place? Pathetic for the defending European champions, especially when you realize they have all the same core players as last year. I may complain a lot about Arsene, but he’s far, far better than Benitez.
Fact-free Stag,
Ibra has scored 13 goals in 20 games. Eto’o has scored 19 goals in 18 games. He is also the most prolific striker (goals/game) of the last 3 decades bar none. All his other trophies and medals speak for themselves.
“Comparable” my ass.
Feel free to stay fact-free though … its always fun. ;-)
so assists don’t count in your world?
apparently not, Eto is about himself, not making other players around him better…
he’s a bitch.
and he’ll probably be playing elsewhere next year.
add the goals WITH the assists… go on…
and then total them up, and tell me the numbers aren’t comparable.
YOU CAN’T … because they are.
He couldn’t carry Thierry Henry’s JOCKSTRAP…
and if he’s the MOST prolific striker, then Ibra is close behind.
Facts-free Stag,
Assists? What do you think AMs are for? You know, Schneider, Iniesta, Xavi, Fabregas? For tackling?
Goals per game, Eto’o is unrivalled in the last THREE decades. That is FACT. Even France Football (the paper that gives the Ballon d’Or) have named him most prolific since Gerd Mueller of the early 70s.
You next comment must name a more prolific goal-pummeller of the last 2-3 decades. If not shut your pie hole. :-)
PS: What does Big Game Bottler have to do with this? ;-)
But oh boy, Gerd Mueller’s record was unimaginable ….
68 goals in 62 games for Germany, 398 goals in 453 for Bayern.
Ronaldo and Van Basten could have joined this prolific group but for serious injury. That is why when you see one who breaks thru, you gotta respect him.
Lacina Traore is a very interesting prospect. I threw his name out there in 2008 on the old AA site and again last year. He is someone who has all the physical attributes and skill set that might be beneficial to our current setup.
Strength, directness, height and raw pace. At 20, still very inexperienced … but at least he will offer something different from the bench (occupy opposing CBs) unlike our current duo of Bendtner and Vela – who are ineffective afterthoughts.
Downside is that he misses quite a few relatively straightforward chances (so the Barndoor jokes will definitely come out) but at least he works hard to get in those positions. I think he has a very high upside … at his peak he will be a beast like Drogba was 2-3 years ago. If on the other hand he doesnt pan out he is another Diaby on our payroll.
All in all, it would be a profitable transaction to sell Bendtner and buy a cheap punt someone like him.
Frequenters of the site Football365.com will know that they always do a feature “16 Conclusions” which discusses points drawn from the biggest league match each week. This week, the first 12 conclusions all had to do with 2 themes: (1) Arsenal are pretty good, but still not good enough and (2) Man U have not played real well this season, but this win makes them stand-alone title favorites- especially if they get a result against Chelsea this weekend.
Now, the last 4 conclusions all had to do with how the ref and linesmen favored Man U big-time. I seem to be more pissed about the refereeing in this match than the rest of you, but if there’s one thing I’m more tired of than Arsenal not getting it done in big matches, it’s refereeing bias at Old Trafford. Here are those 4 conclusions:
-” Darren Fletcher refereed the game in exemplary fashion. Although Chamakh’s caution, delivered with the sort of scream generally only associated with mouse-spotting women, was issued for a foul identical to the one by Vidic a few minutes earlier which went unpunished, it was still warranted and Fletcher’s determination to see it issued was a magnificent credit to the game. It also spared the linesman from another sweary tirade. Buy that man a whistle for Christmas.”
-” What a shame, on the other hand, that Howard Webb, the number one referee in the country and, judging by his appointment in the summer, the world, seems not to appreciate the duty of care he has for the rest of his profession. The behaviour of Fletcher when he chased Webb at full sprint to barge into the referee was utterly outrageous. But it paled alongside the non-response of Webb. In doing nothing, he betrayed his profession and the next referee to be assaulted on a Sunday morning.”
-“Very dull people will point to the number of fouls – 17 – conceded by Arsenal and shout ‘hypocrite’ in the direction of their manager. Pity such people because they do not how much they have failed. With Webb particularly whistle-happy in the opening exchanges, the foul count was wholly out of sync with the amount of dirtiness in the game. Alex Song’s late hack on Patrice Evra was the only foul made by an Arsenal player of truly dirty note and the only dangerous tackle made during the 90 minutes was committed by Rio Ferdinand as he planted his studs into Bacary Sagna’s midriff. With a goal-kick then awarded, retrospective action against Ferdinand is not inconceivable.”
*-” further evidence is required of just how difficult it is to play in opposition at Old Trafford then try a replay of Gael Clichy’s penalty concession (which presumably also figures in the foul count?). Commentary on the decision seems to have been shelved in favour of remarks about the oddity of Rooney’s run-up – penalty takers shouldn’t be off balance when they strike the ball so Rooney probably ought to stop attempting to mimick the style of Burnley’s penalty expert Graham Alexander – but the linesman concerned should surely suffer sanction for such an outrageous error. Replays showed him signalling to Webb that Clichy had both slammed his hand down on the ball and then scooped it up in the air. The Arsenal full-back did neither – which should prompt some very awkward questions of linesman Dave Bryan. Can officials be banned from Old Trafford?”
The Clichy hand-ball was a penalty. It prevented the attacking player from advancing on goal in the penalty box.
One can argue about whether it is accidental or not … but that is irrelevant. Accidental handballs have been given as penalties since the beginning of time. Infact, I would venture that the vast majority of handballs in the box are accidental.
All in all, the ref didnt really have an effect on the outcome of the game.
The Clichy handball was not a penalty, the rule books say there has to be intention regardless of whether accidental handballs have been given since the beginning of time.
‘cago I also remember him gesticulating to the referee with a scooping action as if to suggest Clichy intentionally handled the ball. That is probably why HW gave him a yellow card.
As it is so obvious that the handball was not intentional what he did was scandalous, but of course we will hear nothing more about it.
I hope the person who is at games to assess referee performance takes note though as at present the reason behind that errant decision is inexplicable.
Yeah and the Fletcher barge was worse than dissent, Ballotelli got a yellow card for far less.
It was quite interesting listening to the English press saying how Balotelli’s transgression, deemed as dissent was unaceptable yet when Rooney overracts it is described as something akin to frustration.
Wow the Daily Express is reporting that Arsenal are going to open a full-fledged academy here in the US.
Oh boy!! Maybe I can still make it to the big time! Oh wait, I’m too old! At the ripe old age of 21 I’m far past the prime age that Arsene likes his prospects to be… about 5 years too old in fact. (Hah, I kid, I kid… obviously I have nowhere near the skill required to become a pro footballer. I’ll stick to the local park.)
In all seriousness, though, that is exciting and interesting news. Any idea where it will be based? I wonder if this means the end of Arsenal’s partnership with Colorado Rapids. Hopefully this will encourage the squad to come to this side of the pond one day for summer pre-season games.
No word on where – but it is supposedly Stan the K’s brainchild to open up the US market to Arsenal.
Trying to succeed where United’s partnership with the Yankees failed.
Stan owns the Rapids, so the Academy would surely be an extension of both AFC and CR. Another very smart move by Kroenke.
Hey guys.
Thanks for all your feedback on the site.
Things are being placed in order in due time. I have a top knotch Gooner who is assisting me on my programming issues.
You’ll notice that the smiley’s are fixed. We are discussing ways to improve the comments and we will go back to an order of oldest comments at the top of the page and newer at the bottom – though I do like the current format myself.
I think I will sit firmly on the fence on this one both players and managers are culpable, but mostly the manager.
Arsene, God bless his cotton socks, has put together teams and tactics for the last few years against United. I would imagine the personnel has changed a fair bit during that time. Who is to be blamed? team or tactics probably a bit of both but I am inclined to believe tactics is the major problem. Fergie appears to have Wenger sussed tactically or he has put together a better team either way the manager justifiably has to take responsibility.
Oops that was supposed to be nested in DAGs comment on the Caribs post ending:
“Just pisses me off. It’s time for Arsene to have the players show the same dedication he does to Arsenal or weed the fucking overpaid, molly cuddled assholes out and start Arsene version V.”
Having reread my post I suppose I am not sitting firmly in the fence as I think Arsene is ultimately to blame. I agree with you Carib the man is dedicated to the club proabbly more dedicated than some of the players but I sometimes doubt he has the tactical understanding to outdo the likes of Fergie and Murinho on a regular basis that and/or he lacks to ruthlessness to weed out where necessary.
Art,
If there is one person on this site who has his head deep down his own arse, it is YOU. Everybody has common sense on this site and is agreeing to one theme but you are on your own ego trip. Fine, but notice that nobody goes about abusing you because you have a view which differs from them.
Sorry, but for too long I have been quiet and taking shit from you without responding. I have noticed that you are on this website only to put other people down. I have noticed that you do not fail to respond to anything I put up, so maybe it has got kind of personal for you. Maybe you get some vicarious/demented kind of pleasure from it.
I put my stats/comments/opinion. If you don’t like it, you can argue civilly like everyone else does (you know those whose head is NOT down their arse). If not, you can go to hell.
Cheers
Sorry but common sense is in short order around here.
Nip,
When your buddy Fred started the whole abusing scencario you said shit. When he and the rest of the then Mongers abused the likes of Wayne and LDE of the site you said shit.When he constantly abuses our players and our manager you say shit. So it is time for you to speak up now, right. You effing hypocrite. I used to do what you do keep my mouth closed, now i know there is a time for everything.
It has nothing to do with ego Nip, you do not know me, or do you think you know me from your little book of stereotypes. It has to do with my hatred for uncalled for negativism and overt or covert derision in your case against a team and players i respect. Your bias is undeniable and i do not give siddizle if you are offended. You say what shit you like, Fred says what he likes me too. If you don’t like it say something or say nothing it is up to do you but don’t come here and try and play like you are some kind of victim.
Fred and I are not buddies. It is you who has put us in the same bucket because it suits your abuse model. If we agree on something, doesn’t mean we won’t disagree on something else.
If LDE or Wayne or anyone else was being abused, it was up to them to stand up. What am I – YAMA police? YOU abused me and I stand up for that. I can’t go around doing it for everybody else. When you abuse Fred, I don’t say anything, it is between the two of you.
You claim that I don’t know anything about you but go on to say exactly what kind of a person I am. Yeah right! That is hypocrisy, if ever there was one.
Come what may, I will NOT stoop down to the level of abusing people, no matter how much I disagree with them.
You told me to go to hell something I wouldn’t wish or say to my worst enemy and you want to play self righteous and talk about “abuse”, I suppose that is 2 hypocrisies to 1 :-D
Yes I said you have your head up Fred’ arse, sorry if that really offended you i have been accustomed to taking worse so I suppose I have become more than a bit desensitised to what you deem to be “abuse”. I should be more careful as to restrict the “abuse” to those who have practiced it long before arthur3sheds took up the gaunlet. As you are not of the same ilk as your “buddy” Fred you are a more sensitive soul, but i have good reason to put you in the same bucket IMHO.
Sincerely I apologise for offending you. But I do find your negativism and bias against some of our players annoying. Your propensity to back Fred in his apparent lunacy also quite irritating, hence my outburst. I called you out about three times politely for “hating” on Song always bringing out negative satistics and not ever saying anything about the good he has achieved this season in particular, I do not think you responded or justified you negativity, that’s cool and that’s your prerogative, my choice to respond to your propaganda is mine.
My reference to LDE and Wayne was in reference to your dramatic full of shit response that appears to make me look like the instigator to the “abuse” here and ultimately AA, but I am the respondant.
“Everybody has common sense on this site and is agreeing to one theme.” bullshit, the theme that Song is worthy your derision even when he plays well?
“Fine, but notice that nobody goes about abusing you because you have a view which differs from them.” bullshit Fred in particular has been doing it for years even before I took up the gaunlet, yet you want to portray me as the some sort of pioneer in “abuse models” and then refer to “When you abuse Fred, I don’t say anything”, bullshit .
“but for too long I have been quiet and taking shit from you without responding” you drama queen just like your idol Fred, TOO LONG when? Since you have become so overt in your Mongerism and outrageous in your biased criticism of our players who I obviously have more respect for than I have repect for you? Please find the quotes and the thread oh so long ago, I would find it interesting.
“I have noticed that you are on this website only to put other people down” bullshit LOL, drama queen and propagandist.
“I have noticed that you do not fail to respond to anything I put up, so maybe it has got kind of personal for you” More bullshit, no I do not respond to all your comments just the really shitty ones.
“Maybe you get some vicarious/demented kind of pleasure from it” You don’t get it do you? It is displeasure that I take from the open and yet sometimes covert derision that you inerrantly constantly and consistently spue onto our team and particular players that you think are worthy of your “abuse model”. But yes I do get a sense of release when I counter Monger negativism or “abuse” :-D
“If you don’t like it, you can argue civilly like everyone else does” civilly like everyone else does, yeah right! Are you trying to portray youself as the model of civility. I think you have stepped way out from behind that veneer with your last two posts, but hey you can be yourself now.
“You claim that I don’t know anything about you but go on to say exactly what kind of a person I am” Nip I didn’t say who I think you are. Right or wrong I sure do have my opinion of who I think you are but I sure haven’t said it.
LOL: “Come what may, I will NOT stoop down to the level of abusing people, no matter how much I disagree with them” I found that really funny. You mave have noticed I am big on irony and sarcasm ;-) . But I have to throw in the towel, there is no way I can recover from this, 3 hypocrises to 1, you win Nipuna, you win.
Did you feel annoyed and irritated by my comment that you have you head up Fred’s arse ( yes coarse, but IMO true), are you even annoyed at my sentiments in this current thread? You are/were annoyed enough to respond, that’s the annoyance I feel when I read your disrespectful Mongerism on a quite frequent basis that is why I respond. Feel to repond to my response too or not, I honsetly don’t care.
You have the barefaced audacity to talk about ego whilst you write a response to me at the top of the thread when you could have replied to me directly in the nested comments. Was that your ego popping out from behind the veneer or a rally cry to get support from your Monger “buddies”?
Nipuna this is the last time I will “abuse” you unless I am seriously provoked, but your last two comments were full of shit. Oh I and I will not apologise for that one, your comments deserve it which is more than I can say for the Alex Song bashing.
You’re always the ‘respondent’, eh? Aren’t you baiting (your word) Fred elsewhere on this very thread? Don’t you persist in labeling people who call it as they see it, albeit differently from you, ‘mongers’?
You’re sit-stirrer, art. One who persists on seeing himself as more noble than others by virtue of wearing an optimistic halo. Most recently, to the point of being positive about yet another loss to United, just because it was ‘only’ 0-1 and at OT (despite the fact that it should have been 0-2). You clearly revel in getting under people’s skin, then say ‘Who me?!’ when you’re called on it. Fred, at least, doesn’t hide from what he presents here.
In terms of Wayne and LDE, didn’t you just chide me a few weeks ago as a result of my speculating as to why Andez comes and goes from the site this year? “How do you know what’s going on in his life” you asked?
You personal friends with Wayne and LDE? Or just like extending your nobility to defending the poor and downtrodden who, just maybe, ran out of arguments as the reality takes root?
:rotfl:
‘shit stirrer’. (The ‘Edit’ function is coming and going again, DAG.)
Adding it to the list
Vibe hits the nail on the head and drives it through the 2×4.
Although, Art, you big drama queen you ;) the biggest crime you committed throughout the whole escapade is referring to yourself in third person. Very un-hippie like ;)
I referred to myself in the 3rd person like Ibrahimovic, it sounds arrogant but so fucking what?
Mistake! it was effing intentional.
Mazza you should know me well enough to know I do not give two hoots about what you and your followers think, I do not respect any of you that much.
Vibe4Monger so you persist in entering into arguments that do not concern you, okay…
“You’re always the ‘respondent’, eh? Aren’t you baiting (your word) Fred elsewhere on this very thread?” You bet i am the respondent, when Fred chats shit I respond, when I can be bothered that is. Whether he is chatting shit directly at me or about my football team I will respond if I feel to do so. And if I feel to insult him just for the heck of it as he done tome on innumerable occasions I will, ‘cos what goes around comes around. Like Nip I never used to insult anyone until I felt driven to it. Fred deserves every bit of derision I throw his way, he made his bed so he can lie in it, it still have not forgotton him insulting me mother the effing arsehole. So when did you become his attorney?
Me, arthur3sheds ;-) persist to present myself as being more noble than anyone else, I do not know where you get impression from Vibe Monger. My unfailing and consistent “baiting” of you Mongers should show you that I have thrown decorum straight out the window and I could not careless who wants to call me a shit stirrer. A shit stirrer is someone who stirs up trouble/hatred between at least two other parties, i.e like what you did when you were riling up your Monger brethren against Andez behind his back. I think that makes you both a Monger and a hypocrite.
You clearly revel in getting under people’s skin, then say ‘Who me?!’ when you’re called on it. LOL I have written it in black and white on at least 3 occasions I enjoy getting under Monger skins because your effing attitude gets under mine, nothing to do with anyone else this is between Arthur (yes in the 3rd person) and Mongerdom. So your accusation of hiding from what I present here is “nonsensical”, I have made it clear I hate Mongering, Mongerdom and the likes of you and Fred remind me that showing decorum and respect to you is like throwing diamonds to dogs.
As for Wayne and LDE, both of them have said at one time or other it is the attitude of some that stopped them commenting on this site/AA. It is a shame I cannot have the same effect on you guys as you do on others.
You know why I call you Monger and you know it is not because you disagree with me.
You are a poor excuse for an Arsenal supporter, you Mongers are pathetic.
Did I get under your skin? Good, I enjoyed that. If I didn’t then I will try harder next time. :loser:
Ha. Look at all those words you typed in response to Nip and myself. It’s clear who has gotten under whose skin.
:rotfl:
I don’t deny Mongerism gets under my skin i have told you that often enough, but my venting on you clowns is so therapeutic it really does make my day in the end.
You in all your wisdom have inspired me not avoid your Monger parties but rather taught me to gate crash and reck it instead. LOL, you are an effing genius.
You know what i like about getting it on with you Mongers most, when you do not even respond to the points i make anymore instead you make lame wisecracks which you asume actually offend me. When you guys go off topic it tells me you have nothing of any value to add there is nothing of any significance you can say anymore… Arthur3Sheds has won. My inflated EGO gets a real kick out of the apparent victory and my heart tells me i have done great service in defending my team against the anti-Arsenals. So keep on keeping on dude :-D
You know what I love about you, art? You think you’ve recently made a point worth responding to.
I gave you that thumbs up, love you too dude :-D
I hate losing at anything. I am a very competitive person and will try to win honestly by skill and effort. I can understand and come to terms with losing if I know I gave my best or was cheated by devious methods.
What is intolerable, is to lose not giving your best effort. God, fucking dammit, we showed no heart or desire.
Just pisses me off. It’s time for Arsene to have the players show the same dedication he does to Arsenal or weed the fucking overpaid, molly cuddled assholes out and start Arsene version V.
why not weed out the person for bringing in all the players, overpaying them, and “molly coddling” them.
that’s down to one man.
What dedication does Wenger have to Arsenal?
At this point the only dedication is to the failed “Wenger way”.
Placing the blame on his players (the footsoldiers) is short-sighted.
The buck stops on the manager’s table alone.
I agree with CK – the team that Wenger put on that field should have been able to beat United. They should’ve beat Newcastle and West Brom. But too many times they go out on the field and do not exert the effort needed to win the matches.
I am sorry, but I can’t blame Arsene for that. If there is blame to be had for him than it is not cutting the players that don’t perform.
Or at least benching them.
The lacklustre performance is not in my opinion any fault of Wenger’s. Seriously, Van Persie, Fabregas, Arshavin, Nasri, Walcott, Chamakh, to name a few are all top of the line players and should be performing on a regular basis. You may not think they are but I would argue that is your own jaded opinion and not the opinion of most people, fans and pundits alike.
These players are internationals and make their countries starting XI they can play the game and there is no excuse for taking “off” in matches. Let’s start with benching Arshavin and Chamakh and see how that works out.
I dont get the logic in the “its not the manager’s fault” argument.
He has complete control over everything – even more than Ferguson has at Man U. If he was in Spain or the other latin countries where management traditionally interferes, then that argument will carry much more weight.
If the players he has are not producing OR are not adequately carrying out his tactics then it is HIS job to cut the offending staff and get new ones. He cant continue using players/tactics that have failed for 5 years and when they fail the sixth time absolve the manager of blame.
If Arshavin, Walcott, Clichy, or whoever is not performing he has to re-train them, bench them or sell them. He cant refuse to change the squad and yet stay free from the failings of said squad.
In the end the buck has to stop with the person in charge and that is the manager.
I don’t think we disagree Fred. I am saying the performance on the pitch is not in my opinion the fault of the manager. He picked the best squad he thought he needed to win the match – frankly with maybe some doubts about the CBs it was a pretty strong squad.
That being said I agree Fred if the players are not performing then benching, retraining, or in some cases – selling, needs to be done.
I really would like to see Arshavin and Chamakh benched. Frankly I I thought Wenger got it wrong not starting Walcott but when the players are on the pitch the play and effort are all their own fault and I can not blame Wenger for that.
Have to say the site looks great, really classy, but I do prefer the old one. Can’t really express exactly why, but I just like the simple white look. I even prefer scrolling down.
Just thought I would throw that out there during this experimental stage :-)
Yeah, I agree in a way.
White font on black is a harder to read and focus …. especially for old folks like me who are stuck in front of a comp/ppt slides, etc all day.
There is actually more scrolling with the last comments on top layout as one has to first scroll down, then work back up, then stopping to scroll back down on nested responses.
Appreciate the work you are doing though.
Are there solutions to our current predicament? I don’t think so. We are a 4th placed team – that’s our level in the EPL. We seek to pass the ball with short passes and create one-two’s around the box. That’s pretty much AFC 2010. That’s the new Arsenal post-invincibles. That’s what Wenger wants to present as ‘good football’. The intense rat-a-tat-tat drive from the early teams has LONG gone. Where we once were fast and intense and accurate and killed most teams in the first 25 min’s, now we are slow and deliberate and struggle to kill off most games.
Last season and this season the EPL has been poorer and the title more getable than it has been for decades. Last season Chelsea and Manchester United kept letting us back to within touching distance until the clutch when we ran out of steam altogether. Yet despite this rare opportunity we still haven’t adapted – or should I more accurately say Wenger hasn’t adapted.
How can a man who saw the success that could be achieved with a rock solid defence led first by Adams and then Campbell decide to abandon such a fundamental? Mobile CBs – what exactly are they? CBs defend first and then distribute. Occassionally you get a Kaiser but they don’t tend to come around too often and not normally on the cheap from a 2nd rate Spanish outfit.
How did Wenger get to the stage of having Almunia, Flappy and CZ as his goalkeeping stock? I mean really.
There is no answer to these questions – just universal bemusement. And yet, Wenger publicly proclaims this is his best squad. Really Arsene?
And sadly, where once the midfield and attack was a thing of rare footballing beauty – a fusion of power and technical quality – now it’s a misguided vision and hotch-potch of players that have gone nowhere for 5 years (soon to be 6). Where once we relied on the physically robust attacking talents of Henry we now have a pathetic MVP in the repair shop called Van Persie. Where once the midfield boasted the competitive power of Petit, Vieira and Parlour to compete in the EPL – we now have a Song. Where once we dripped and oozed footballing intelligence with Vieira, Pires, Ljungberg, Bergkamp and Henry now we just look incredibly one-dimensional – one gear – one style – predictable – and wholly inadequate against top teams (and too often lesser teams).
So that’s it. 4th place or maybe 3rd. They’re the same – also ran status and CL qualification. So that we can do the same again and listen to more Wenger nonsense.
a-feckin-men.
The Invincibles would be up by 10 points in this league.
The league is so wide open, and yet we aren’t even able to beat Chelsea or United in their down season.
United are somehow undefeated, with one of their most beatable squads…
It might be time to cut the cord.
He’s been an amazing manager… but this experiment has gone wrong for far too long… its time to take another direction.
I have to agree Kiwi this team is nowhere as capable if as the invincibles we are not even playing Wengerball on an infrequent basis.
Nevetheless that was a golden team and a golden era for Arsenal. It could have lasted for longer but it could not have lasted forever. We have to move on, this is Arsene’ youth project and they were never going to compare favourably with the Invincibles in all honesty.
chicago, i didn’t say the pitch was the reason arsenal lost the game. i only said it was probably the reason why both teams played so poorly. not many would argue that both teams are capable of playing better than last night.
as for my perception of manu’s tactical approach, it was just that and no more. however, i do agree that, for manu’s perspective, there is no need to change what works. perhaps arsenal should consider changing their approach as a 0-0 would have been good for them as well as manu. they’d still be top of the table and with manu’s game in hand, one point ahead instead of two points back.
as for player management, everyone’s got some pie-in-the-sky theory as to who should be bought. the difference between us and wenger is that this is his livelihood and he’s got bosses to answer to while we’re all playing with monopoly money. in reality, it’s all a crap shoot. henry was about the same money as wiltord, reyes, and walcott. were they all worth the same? arsenal only paid two million for vieira. was he really worth that much? shevchenko was the best striker in the world when he signed for chelsea. how did a transition to the bpl in his late twenties work out? chamakh’s been better than i thought he would be while squillaci’s been worse. you simply never know.
yes, its all a crap shoot, so don’t buy anyone… do nothing.
Josh. His philosophy, style, and approach haven’t worked in recent memory. Its time for him to go, because Wenger is NOT CAPABLE of adapting or changing.
DAG I don’t think the backwards scrolling works well. Now that i have had some to assess it think he creates the following problems.
Firstly it is seems difficult to follow a line of conversation that is not nested. I.e if HTS makes a comment at the beginning of the thread and Kiwi chooses to answer at the end of the thread rather than as a nested reply as he often does, finding the post he is referring to is not so straight forward. Maybe that is simply because it seems so unatural to scrowl up yet still read each comment from top to bottom.
If you want to read the previous “older” comments but want to post at the end of the thread you have to scroll to the bottom of the screen anyway unless you simply use your initiative and use the ‘End’ key ;-) The ‘older comments’ button is only useful to stop the scrolling but with nested replys it is highly likely that people are going to want to see them anyway so it serves as a bit of an annoyance when you are using a 3g connection to wait for the page to load again.
None of the above is much of an issue on a desktop or laptop but on a mobile phone the issues are exagerated, maybe that’s why scrolling up is not widespread on the the web.
I think the opinion of the ‘lurkers’ would be more properly gauged if there are thumbs down as well as thumbs up, I do not think they are a bad idea. Iwould like to beable to give Fred a thumbs down when I cannot be bothered to reply to his “nonsensical babblings”. We need equilibrium of opinion or choice to keep the lurking community happy ;-)
Got some smiley issues to I see
:-)) I am working on it.
Blooming heck that was quick.
the pitch was bad.
THE PITCH WAS BAD?!!!
really.
REALLY Arsene.
is that what it is this time?
and the last 10 times?
the excuses are just pathetic, and your story is becoming a sad one.
try looking IN THE MIRROR… there’s the problem and where the answers must come from.
@ sachin:
LOL, apparently Song had the LEAST number of successful tackles of ALL outfield players.
Thats what you get when you have no-hopers like Song and a small, naive Wilshere “protecting” your defense. Calamity and Sagna had no help at all with regards to runners.
When I said in the summer we needed TWO additional and experienced central midfielders, everyone was responding like I had two heads … afterall what do we need extra for when we had the great Song, Denilson and Diaby three-way combo.
With a midfield of those three cretins, a teenager being neutered in a ridiculous position and a captain who wants to leave. Thats what is to tide us through an ENTIRE season.
Our defense has NO chance with that lot.
Our attack has NO base to launch either.
And what the frig did our DF frailties have to do with that defeat?
And you are chatting absolute bollocks when you pretend that you had some special revelation about our need for a better CM/DM. Everyone has been calling for that since Flamini left and some since Vieira.
The difference is most of us have come to tems with the policy of our manager, like it or lump it he is going to promote from within, we have learn’t to deal with it instead of bitching all the time.
I asked you a question earlier on it the thread are you afraid to answer it. I want you to give me the names and value of your replacements for the “clowns” on my home team.
Well, I’ve read through the comments and there are many good ones. What more can I add?….
Not much. Even more than the result, I feel bitterly disappointed by the performance and the tactics of the team. I was HOPING for something different, and with a different bounce or two, things might’ve been brighter, but they also could’ve been much, much worse. In fact, as 1-nil results go, it was about as lopsided as it could’ve been….
It’s not a great United team, but they are back to solid health and didn’t have to use their Carling Cuppers, whereas one could argue that we did….in other words, the future is bright (hahaha)….except for the fact that we’re employing a 30 yr old as our AM/Captain and he hasn’t scored a goal since he was 20. Our record buy, that little Russian fellow, maybe now and again, if motivated, against the lesser teams, can, sometimes, use his experience to make up for the 3 steps of pace he has lost and make a contribution….Against better teams it is an absurd indulgence to play him. And up front we have a CF with size, a good attitude and diving abilities (though not to match those of Nani or Rooney). Otherwise, the mobility and hoofwork are sorely lacking in the greasy/horsey fellow.
But those are the codgers, the oldsters, the experienced players we’ve brought in. They don’t have to be great because of our young(er), up and coming players….Sorry, but Song, Clichy and Nasri were well overmatched and outplayed. Wilshere is promising but (as maybe Fred said) he should be in the stands watching and learning. Sneezy looked the part but his (woeful) distribution did not help. Still, he put on a catching display that makes him our #1 with Flappy’s next drop….
And then the subs: Well what can you say? Two crocks and a third playing on only one foot because the other is out the door….It was a hopeful gesture and who knows, they might’ve had their moment of brilliance (of which they’re all capable….)
For me, getting a leg up on ManU (over the course of the season) was a crucial part of the progression of this team, and it needs to happen in head to head matches, which is part of my disappointment that they’re out of the CC. You could argue that we played them at a bad time (as we did Chelsea, earlier). At the moment I’m just not seeing it, however. I don’t fault the spirit of the players, but the team lacks leadership, a core of players who have the quality and spirit (and fitness) to not just overcome a little adversity (sometimes) and beat some mediocre teams, (which has been hard enough) but actually play well enough to compete with the better ones. There is talent, but the way the squad is put together (right now) seems misguided and the tactics (or lack thereof) aren’t working. The much vaunted “belief” is fragile, and needs results AND performance to be justified.
And that’s the thing. How much of the match was played in our half? How much did we rely on our defense and their lack of a cutting edge? How easily did they absorb our pressure AND look dangerous on the counter. We played “our” game and looked like crap….1-nil flatters us…..
From ArseBlog –
“We conceded plenty of free kicks so it’s hard to suggest we lacked bite but more effective tackling might have helped us out more. Jack Wilshere won 2 of his 2 tackles while Alex Song, the supposed defensive midfield lynchpin, made one successful tackle in 90 minutes. He attempted a grand total of three. Compare to our centre-forward, Chamakh, who attempted 13 and won 5. Song the ball winner? Please.”
Maybe that is why Arsene doesn’t play Song as a DM. ;)
Your stats are full of shit Nipuna. What is their definition of an attempted tackle anyway?
Even when stats are infact accurate they do not tell you anything about the value of a player. You can draw what ever stats you like, when you like, to try to justify your hatred, but your hatred can not be hidden.
I notice you never draw favourable stats for Song. He won the ball for us on more than 1 occasions throughout that match, regardles of those bullshit stats, I do not need to review the video to know that. When Song saved a certain 2nd goal at the hands of Rooney, you were so full of hatred you exclaimed how Song nearly scored a own goal. You just can’t can’t wait for this African to fuck up can you Nip. Scouring the net to find articles from your fellow detractors, pathetic!
If your head wasn’t do far up Fred’s arse you would realise like anyone else with common sense that Arsene has chosen not to play with an out and out DM, it is so effing obvious yet you fail to see it.
I’ve championed Song’s rise since its earliest emergence. When he’s allowed to fulfill the role he’s good at he does it adequately and at times he does it rather well. Unfortunately Wenger has messed with his DM role. Song & (usually) Wilshere are now CMs and we seem to have ditched the idea of a midfield anchor which Song was playing pretty well. Sadly, as a consequence Song’s game seems to have got a bit muddled this season and he has regressed a bit.
I don’t get it. Why do we mess with bits that have started to work? It’s almost like a deathwish.
Art, Nip was merely quoting Arseblog who has normally been a rather sanguine blogger – although I sense his level of sanguinity has dropped recently.
I remember watching Song on his debut for Arsenal, if i remember rightly he came on as a sub in an away game in some cold eastern European country. Maybe he didn’t come on as a sub because i remember him almost begging to be substituted. However although i doubted his mental strength his potential as DM was there to be seen. He got in a few good tackles and was where he needed to be as a DM.
He has come long way since then and has shown he has a lot of technical ability and is not afraid to be adventerous, something Denilson is often derided for.
Arsene’ ideal is to have a team full of total footballers and a MF that is able to attack and DF interchangably. When we had the likes of Vieira and Petit we did not need a Makele, they had the lungs and the know how to DF effectively as box to box CMs. The Flamini Cesc partnership was also able to replicate that to some extent. Wenger still feels he has the personnel to fufill and continue with his idealistic vision. i disagree. With our obvious DF frailties the team appears to be crying out for a dedicated DM, but i don’t think we are going to get it. If Wenger does make that decision the best man for the job we have is Song, still as much as i rate the job he can do he is no Vieira, Petit or Flamini.
As for Nipuna he is always coming up with negative comments about Song even when he plays well i can trust him to dig out all the negative press but never comes out with the good. I just wonder why this boy is hating on Song.
I believe if he is big enough to constantly deride the man then he should be big enough to shoulder some derision of his own.
And the tease show that is Arsenal could continue on saturday as well. If Arsenal beat Stoke, they will be top of the league for atleast 25 hours or so. I am sure that time period will be packed with talk about mental strength, belief, everything is fine. But after Stoke, the real test will come at home to a Chelsea team that would be looking to get back to winning ways, regardless of what they do against Man Utd.
Why we are expecting Arsene to change his ways when so many of the fans themselves can’t change is a good question to ask. Isn’t it? :)
DAG I think we could probably do without these thumbs up buttons. Of the 90 posts on here, 3 have 1 thumb up each, and the remaining 87 have a combined total of 0. Unless it’s a bunch of work to ax it- then nevermind cause I guess it doesn’t really matter.
(Heh heh)
My recollection is that one person suggested the post scoring. His belief was that lurkers were reading certain (in his theory, pro-Wenger posts), but were scared of agreeing for fear of being shouted down. He suggested (alluded) that the scoring would reveal a silent majority that were all quietly full of belief that things were only getting better.
The evidence suggests otherwise. I never saw a post get more than 4 thumbs up, and I’m pretty sure it was kiwi telling it like it is.
The experiment has demonstrated most of us have the courage of our convictions, and are willing to speak up in support of sentiments we share. (As below, where stagg and kiwi spoke in support of your pair of excellent posts.)
Adding the ‘thumbs up’ was yet another example of DAG’s responsiveness to the community, and willingness to try things to make YAMA as good an experience as possible. I truly appreciate that he thought enough of the suggestion to give it a try.
But as I’m agreeing with everything else you’re writing tonight, I’ll throw in with this as well. Probably don’t need them. If anything, it just encourages laziness.
i agree with wenger that the pitch played a significant role today. neither team passed the ball well and i believe the pitch was the reason why.
i think united showing up looking exclusively to keep a clean sheet. that’s not a bad result for them as a draw would move them to second with a game in hand. they played like they were the visiting team; defending deep and looking to counter. also, there was a bit of fortune with their goal. their defending was top class.
i didn’t understand the double-substitution, either. i’m not a fan of it. i believe you make subs one at a time so the team can adapt to one player change at a time; especially in a tough game like today when you’re not playing particularly well. also, you’re only bringing in one cold player at a time. fabregas isn’t fit and shouldn’t have even played. as many times as he’s played un-fit players and it’s hurt us, you would think wenger would have learned better by now.
chamakh’s been good. it’s his first season and he was never meant to play as many minutes as he has. same goes for squillaci. for a free transfer, he’s been dynamite. both chamakh and squillaci are better than what we had last year. gotta be mindful that neither were brought in to be first choice. i think that puts their contributions into perspective.
with that, had the rebound chance from nasri’s left-footed shot fallen to either cesc, van persie, nasri, or wilshere, we would have scored from that chance. bendtner, song, arshavin, and maybe even eboue might have finished that. chamakh? he would have jammed it up nine times out of ten. i’d still rather have him than not.
So what if the pitch sucked? I never in my life have understood why managers/players think a bad pitch is a good excuse for losing. Both teams have to play on the same pitch right? Or am I mistaken?
Wenger is like a child- the ref, the pitch, the FA, the weather, the press, the opposition tactics, the opposition fans, the opposition manager…. I’ve heard them all and I’m tired of them all. It’s never his players, it’s never him. It’s always something beyond his control, something that others have conspired to bring against him.
The only question I have is whether those excuses are just defensive tactics, consciously used as a means of deflecting criticism away from himself, relieving pressure on the players, and buying himself more time- or does he actually believe his own bullshit? Which is it, I wonder… I honestly don’t know.
Wenger’s manufactured an environment where there is no accountability to WIN. CL qualification is the closest winning standard he’ll allow anyone to assess Arsenal Football Club against. And let’s be honest, achieving 2nd, 3rd or 4th is hardly a high standard after creating your own club environment, coaching staff and playing staff for 14 years. Setting 4th as your benchmark is a bigger joke than winning the Carling Cup. 4th is nothing – just a ticket to next seasons CL. Big deal. Many supporters, many of the neutrals and the mass media have been duped into accepting this oft repeated rhetoric. Wenger has them under a spell.
It’s so sad. Fred said 3 years ago that he was destroying his own legacy – and it’s true. I can’t believe the length of time it’s been since we’ve beaten Manchester United or Chelsea. Their relationship with us is becoming like our (past) relationship with Spurs. Spurs kept thinking derby matches were a big deal – we treated them with (dignified) disdain. We KNEW we’d beat them. And laughed at their pain. They were wholly irrelevant – now we are. Manchester and Chelsea treat us like that – Evra’s comments are a little tasteless but pretty accurate.
Before the game Wenger talked big about what an opportunity to prove to everyone how ready we were – he always does this and his team makes him look like a chump. He’s living off the fumes of (lovely but fading) past glories and a vision that isn’t crystalising on the pitch. His recurring touchline act is embarrassing. He’s backed himself into a corner, putting his reputation on ‘his approach’ and he is incapable of changing.
Today Ferguson put out a team to beat us – it worked. He didn’t talk crap about ‘playing the Manchester United way’. He put out a team to do the job. And they did, again.
very well said.
Agree whole-heartedly that there is ZERO accountability to winning. If we don’t win, move the goalposts… there’s always next match … and next year… ad nauseum.
its pathetic really.
excuse after excuse … always the same non-sense, after always the same LOSING result.
Shut up and WIN … or on your bike, please.
Sorry, but I’m not done yet. (I may be disagreeing with you here, but these are attacks against AW much more than they are against you.)
“i think united showing up looking exclusively to keep a clean sheet. that’s not a bad result for them as a draw would move them to second with a game in hand. they played like they were the visiting team; defending deep and looking to counter”
-Defending deep and looking to counter is not a strategy for drawing against Arsenal in a big, high-pressure match. It is the PERFECT strategy for picking up all 3 pts, as has been proven by it’s utilization in our last 11 games against the Big 2- the games where we’ve taken 1 of 33 pts.
“as many times as he’s played un-fit players and it’s hurt us, you would think wenger would have learned better by now.”
-I have a few theories on this: (1) As you speculate, he may be too short-sighted and narrow minded, with too short a memory, to learn from his countless mistakes in this department; (2) he has learned but is too stubborn to change; (3) currently my most favored theory, we lack depth in terms of quality, so he knows it’s too soon but brings players back anyways as there are no viable alternatives.
“chamakh’s been good. it’s his first season and he was never meant to play as many minutes as he has. same goes for squillaci.”
-It is 100% Wenger’s fault that they are playing far more minutes than they should be. Lack of squad depth is purely the manager’s fault. And injuries are not an excuse if they are a problem that has been around for 5 consecutive seasons- that is more than ample time to recognize and prepare for any problem.
“for a free transfer, he’s been dynamite.”
-A dynamite free transfer is still that: a free transfer. Top-quality players (which you need to take more than 1 pt of 33 from the other top-quality teams in the league) require cold hard cash. Results are absolute, not relative.
“both chamakh and squillaci are better than what we had last year. gotta be mindful that neither were brought in to be first choice. i think that puts their contributions into perspective.”
-Not brought in to be first choice, and yet they are, as so many Arsenal players have been in recent years. Again, this problem falls squarely on the shoulders of the manager- especially when the problem has been recurring for so many consecutive seasons.
another very well said post.
Andez- Where are you??? You have been conspicuously absent from YAMA after every game this season in which the outcome has not matched your conception of the team. Please come back. Everyone on here is wrong at times, but there’s no need to run for the hills because of it.
I appreciate the inclusive sentiment, but every time Andez has come out to run a victory lap, we’ve lost the next match. :-)
Also, I wouldn’t assume Andex disappears because he thinks he’s wrong. Seen no evidence of that. The ‘Wenger forever and ever crew’ fundamentally can’t be wrong, because their worldview collapses.
I believe he thinks the rest of us are wrong, but it’s sometime harder to make that argument, so he doesn’t bother.
Please, tell me why we should care at this point?
We’re not any closer to the Top than we have been in recent memory…
As much as United are not the same without Tevez and Ronaldo, they are absolutely BETTER than us, and have no problem beating us every single time.
Chelsea are blunted by injury… playing like shit… and ripe for the picking, yet does ANYONE believe we will beat them? Surely not.
Not even remotely going to embrace this team.
What are the chances we do anything to improve in January?
The club should act BOLDLY. Make a MAJOR move of some sort, and try to shake this LOSER mentality… this absolutely WEAK, heartless team, who repeatedly fail to show up for any BIG match, year after year after year.
Yawn.
What are you talking about? We’re going to win the EPL this year (English Profit League)!!! We will destroy Chelsea in profit-making just like we do every single year.
CG.
its really sad that we will, and that will be good enough for the club, the board, and as long as we are 4th, for far too many fans…
“I’m a bit worried about what contribution there is from Cesc and RvP for the reminder of the season. The team does not appear to respond to their presence.
When your star players come off the bench……teams usually respond with a new level of confidence and energy………Arsenal did the opposite. Maybe this was my imagination?”
________________________________
No, I think that was an accurate observation. Van Persie is an intrusion into the side, and has been for several years now. He forces the team to adapt its shape to accommodate his return. This period of adaption intrudes on many games (a month or more) because he is gently reintroduced to try and help his rehabilitation. Inevitably he breaks down again relatively quickly. And so the process repeats itself. The blindingly obvious answer is to build a side without Van Persie, he’s been a horrible investment. But Wenger is too stubbornly arrogant and wed to his ideas to make a hard call. Ferguson (and any manager with a winning mandate) would have either sold Van Persie or bought a serious replacement and forced him to compete for his place. I am fascinated to see the weight of public opinion change in respect of Van Persie – eventually the herd catch on.
With Cesc, we’ve seen it a bit in the last 2 years. He comes back into the side and his passing (his key attribute) is off. Without his passing, there’s not a lot to his game. He is a fine scorer, but he needs his fitness and mojo for that to happen. He isn’t a great tackler or dominator in midfield like a Vieira so I’m really surprised Wenger brought him on. We would have been far better off to replace Wilshere with Denilson – and that’s saying something ;-)
I like a lot about Chamakh, but he has limitations. For me his addition was a bit like Arshavin’s. Neither are world class imo. But they are useful expereinced pro’s, and every winning squad needs players like them. I still maintain that this squad needs a razor sharp attacker. We get enough possession, and can craft enough chances, but there is a lack of the lethal in our attack.
If it’s good enough for Barcelona (who some would have you believe is our playing model) to invest in excellence up front to compliment their academy then why not us? Why do we reluctantly buy a couple of experienced pro’s (Cham and Arsh) and back them up with fodder – Bendtner, Walcott, Vela – and the worlds worst MVP Mr RvP? Flick Bendtner, Vela and Van Persie, keep Walcott (to prove a point) and go out and buy a REAL striker that will give this side a lethal edge. That’s the solution Art.
It won’t happen tho. Wenger’s become a committed loser.
I pretty much agree with this post, but what do you mean when you say “keep Walcott (to prove a point)”? What point are we proving? [I’m not asking this rhetorically, as in disagreeing- I just don’t see what you mean.]
….said tongue in cheek really, keep him as sollace for Wenger’s wounded pride. Personally, I’d have sold Walcott long ago, yet we must be accepting of human frality, selling Van Persie, Bendtner and Vela would be bitter medicine for Wenger to swallow, an admission that the eggs he’s placed AFC’s hopes in for 5 years have failed (horribly). Keeping Walcott would be a token gesture from AFC to Wenger.
Arsenal did not deserve to win but the ref (Howard Webb) is still a complete cunt. How do you not give a yellow card to a player who lays both his hands on you and gives you a good shove? How? How the fuck is that not a card?? Only for Man Utd, and only at OT, could such a no-call occur.
Yep a predictable result really. No matter how much hope you may or may not have had of our team overcoming all the odds and maybe scraping a 1-0 victory, we all knew that we would have to do just that… overcome all the odds. In other words everyone knew it was going to be a long shot us getting a victory at OT, especially judging by our recent form and their apparent resurgence.
1-0 defeat at OT no big deal. However the performance was not good enough, no sparkle. It is unfair to blame Chamakh for our lack of attacking verve, but rather collectively we lacked belief and ingenuity.
I thought Squilla and Kosch played well enough today, I do not think that they are inherently bad players they just need to continue to bed into a new league a faster paced league at that.
I hate to see Van Persie playing so deep. Yes I understand the thinking behind him playing in a deeper role because he has such great vision. Like the dutch master he can pick out some delightful, killer balls. RvP is MvP only when he plays in one of the central attacking roles, he is far more effective there, with that killer left boot and a sometimes sweet chocolate right foot, lets utilise them further up field.
Anyway 1-0 to united, no big deal. I remember seeing members of the Invincibles go down 6-1 to united at OT and more recently us going down 4-0 to the Mancs. I suppose that would have been Monger heaven right ;-)
Yeah i know it is no consulation, but hey it could have been worse… Don’t worry be Hippie :-D
Arsenal did not deserve to win.
I agree with Kiwi – when Cesc and RvP came on for Rosicky and Wilshere, the attacking fluidity evaporated.
Both teams played nervously and tentative……..waiting for the other to make the big error. For two top class teams, I’ve never seen so many poorly played passes.
Kos had a solid performance, as I lost count how many times he physically disrupted the ball off the ManU player.
Good to see 90 minutes of Szczesny.
I’m a bit worried about what contribution there is from Cesc and RvP for the reminder of the season. The team does not appear to respond to their presence.
When your star players come off the bench……teams usually respond with a new level of confidence and energy………Arsenal did the opposite. Maybe this was my imagination?
On the bright side, I thought the defense put in a good shift…..and we’ve seen that this Arsenal squad is resilient.
Chamakh can’t actually shoot – quite a big draw back for a striker, at least with a team with lofty ambitions.
He’s just another stingy Wenger signing, another “half “player, by that I mean if you could combine him with Eduardo you would get a top class striker.
Our team is full of incomplete players. It’s no mystery why we keep falling short. Their lack of overall ability to adapt their game to different scenarios within a game is all too apparent.
I may have to agree with you Mazza, I have always questioned Chamakhs ability to strike a ball… like ummmh Adebayor. But I have to conclude that we haven’t seen the best of Chamakh yet and he is still giving us a good return in goals.
This is his first season I can only remember two strikers ripping it up in their first season in the premiership, RvNistlebitch and Torres.
Have you already forgotten your errors in judgement concerning Nasri and Cesc Fabregas? Give him time before your wield your axe of condemnation oh great Master Monger ;-)
I now understand what Kiwi was talking about earlier on about our seeming impotence in attack.
I am normally a defense or DM watcher but … damn, could we lack any more thrust and dynamism in attack. We had ONE shot on target the whole game … and pretty much no real chance. Van der Sar was on holidays.
When I said it the last time, people jumped all over BUT really … Chamakh is not what THIS team needs in attack. I am not saying he is a bad striker (he is good enough) … he just isnt the right FIT for THIS team at this point in time. He lacks dynamism and thrust. He is pretty much a taller clone of our existing AMs – so he doesnt bring anything different to our game really.
This team NEEDs a Drogba-type or an Adebayor with brains type of striker. Explosive power and pace down the middle is the only thing that can change the dynamic for us with the style we play. Otherwise we are the most predictable team in the entire world really.
————————–
Vidic is the kind of defender we should have been looking for last season … instead we went for the two French clowns. No other CB in the entire league heads a ball straight to an opposition player as often as Squillaci. No other player heads the ball straight up in the air in his own box like Koscielny does. And thats not even talking about the clown at LB.
————————–
Wilshere is NOT supposed to be starting for a team of our stature at this time in his development. We should have an extra TWO EXPERIENCED central midfielders in the mix. Wilshere is a good kid … but he should be learning from experienced pros (from the bench). And even if he was starting he should be an AM NOT a freaking DM.
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Nothing made me laugh more than seeing Kiwi’s homeboy, Walcott being thrown in the mix. Walcott is absolutely garbage against a team that is actually defending. Let alone a very good team defending expertly. The only adjective anybody ever makes about him is that he is fast. No other redeeming value. Yet Arsenal fans get upset when people call him thick in a roundabout way.
Hey Fred, how about trying to be solution focused here instead of simply bitching like you always do. I ain’t saying you don’t make some valid points but hey let’s try something different for a change.
Name the players to replace these clowns and tell us how much these title winners would cost.
Solution-focused? We’re FANS; SUPPORTERS. There’s nothing we can do that contributes to or detracts from “solutions”. That is the manager’s job. The most we can do is give the club our well-earned cash when we like what we see, and keep it to our selves when we don’t like what we see.
Easy Cago! that was simply Monger bait ;-)
I am having my customary dig at Freds customary negativism and using a cliche to as part of the fun. But I do want Fred to call out the replacements and their market value for us to scrutinise the feasibility of Fred’s “realist” dream team :-D
Absolutely NO surprise here.
I get the feeling that even the AKBs arent shocked when we lose anymore.
Man U was the big boy holding up the lunch of the small ball (Arsenal) with one hand while using the other hand to hold the feisty kid back sneeringly. Easy pickings for them really.
Oh yeah, and Evra is 100% right in EVERY single word he uttered. And the match just re-confirmed that.
But ah well, we still got the League Cup bitches!
Surely even Wenger and his babes cant botch the Ipswich, West Brom gimme.
Repressing the memory cancels out the shock. That’s why we won’t see some of them again till we’ve rolled up consecutive wins against bottom feeders.
And, hey. There’s always gloating that United are out of the Carling Cup
Absolutely NO surprise here.
I get the feeling that even the AKBs arent shocked when we lose anymore.
Man U was the big boy holding up the lunch of the small ball (Arsenal) with one hand while using the other hand to hold the feisty kid back sneeringly. Easy pickings for them really.
Oh yeah, and Evra is 100% right in EVERY single word he uttered. And the match just re-confirmed that.
But ah well, we still got the League Cup bitches!
Can anyone point to a big game where we’ve proven we’ve got the goods? I’m serious. How many big games have we won? How long before this much vaunted ‘quality’ in our football translates into winning big matches?
As soon as we rock up against 1st rate opposition we prove that our game is inadequate. Wenger will point to stats yet the only stat that counts is the scoreboard, winning and the points derived.
Chelsea, despite their present state of relative crapiness will be licking their lips in anticipation. If a team has the true quality to win the money plays Arsenal are a give-me.
We’re second tier, we’re a good 4th place side.
I liked CZ. I like tall agile keepers – it helps remove the aerial threat (cause our ‘mobile’ CBs won’t). I liked how he spread himself and showed courage against Anderson. That and the Rooney penalty was the highlight of the match for me. Rooney bitched all match long.
Wenger blames the pitch. I suppose that excuse was due an outing, after last being used in the F.A Cup semi final against Chelsea.
Next time it will lack of sharpness, handbrake on etc.
Totally clueless, and he really, really has to leave.
It takes all the joy out of being a fan when you know exactly what’s gonna happen at every ‘seminal’ moment.
It’s beyond tedious now.
Like we’re all thinking, what’s there to say has been said. We could barely string any passes together. We lost this game in the midfield.
Any chance that our players will go away and study Utd’s play? A defensive and positioning masterclass I thought (in the 2nd half when they had something to defend anyway). They knew exactly when to press, when to back off, which lanes to cut off, which runs to track (all). Generally when watching games, I’m thinking/shouting at the TV to the players, do this, pass to this guy, do that, and even from the easy spectator point of view it was sometimes hard to find an option.
We got played like a fiddle. Our movement disappeared and we lacked… Not sure, creativity?
Other notes:
-Happy with Clichy’s performance, he had a good game
-Vidic is a monster. I wonder how many points his performances net Utd over a season.
-Szczesny grew into the game well. Started off a bit shaky, but that’s to be expected.
-Loved Wilshere getting into Fletcher’s face. That kind of fight rubs off on teammates and as he becomes a bigger part of Arsenal and takes on more responsibility, his influence will grow.
-Ferdinand/Nani/Rooney are c*nts of the highest order
-Park is the epitome of what hard work and smart play can get you: RESULTS
Szczesny was the only positive. One of the few players who actually looked like he relished a big match occasion. It’s becoming quite a rare sight these days.
Any one else remember when we had big game players?
The whole thing that was distressing about this match is that we just didn’t show up and we still didn’t get out played.
United just know how to win these games. We don’t. That team that we faced today could’ve been taken and easily. Rooney was hardly a threat.
I f anything good can be taken from this game is that 19 yr old CZ performed well and we may definitely have an excellent GK in the near future. Needs to improve on his distribution though.
Once again, the enigmatic Clichy plays well but has his 2 minutes of brain farts which could easily have cost us. No, not talking about the penalty, which was accidental hand ball and could not be given. Can’t blame Webb for that one though as it was called by the assistant who is married to the mother of Rooney’s ex mistress’s sister’s husband :)
We looked toothless in attack and seemed to be overawed by the occasion. I have never seen us make so many simple passing errors and outside of Arshavin and Sagna, and to a certain extent Song, the team looked listless.
Once again, bitterly disappointed by a sub-par performance when we play a top team and it simply means my pre-season prediction was right, WE ARE NOT READY FOR PRIME TIME.
I thought Clichy played well today! THe only fartish moment I can think of was when he did brilliant to rob Nani and then got robbed back. Although I give credit to Nani there more than anything.
Another game against Man Utd, yet another loss. When will this end? Not the trophy quest but the constant losing to Man Utd. I feel for those Arsenal fans who bravely make the trip to Old Trafford fixture after fixture. Winning a title there in 2002 was great, the F.A Cup Quarter-final win was sweet, Adebayor’s toe poke was satisfying but those are largely forgotten because of the recent pain. Heck, Oct 2004 was never truly avenged either.
Despite’s Chelsea dismiss recent form, they are probably looking forward to playing Arsenal. Drogba may not have celebrated his goal yesterday but you can be sure he has a new malaria free dance ready.
I want Keown unleashed in this Arsenal dressing room now and Wenger should not be allowed to leave either.
Agree. They’re always so loud as well. Honestly, pre-game and for the first 10+ minutes, all you can hear are Arsenal chants. Then they see that they’ve come to what is almost a walk-over and it becomes quieter.
I want Muhammad Ali unleashed on this dressing room :P
“We play our football guys, we play our football! When we play like that no one can beat us”
LOL.
The most fraudelant hype job of a side I’ve ever seen. Absolute shit. Pass sideways, pass sideways again…
ZZZZZzzzzz……………
We didn’t even get those right today…
“The most fraudelant hype job of a side I’ve ever seen. ”
Shhhh. You’ll wake the Kool-Aid drinkers.
I thought we were highly committed and compact until the double substitution. The thing we lacked was a bit more cutting edge up front.
Once Fabregas and Van Persie replaced Rosicky and Wilshere our whole shape collapsed – from that moment we looked a totally retarded outfit and Manchester United who had been defending and were more-so under pressure started to retain possession and interrupt our game with disturbing ease. Playing a returning Fabregas was insane – he was largely invisible except for the beautiful passing to Manchester players. Van Persie was absent and inconsequential. Walcott came on and predictably did his headless chicken routine. Sometimes Wenger is just simply stupid tactically. Why play Fabregas in such a finely balanced game? Fabregas is like Van Persie – they both return VERY SLOW from injury. They detracted from the team performance.
So there you go. Ultimately Manchester go away laughing. Their goal had an element of luck and perhaps a little bit of instant reactionary skill. But that’s what happens if you get the ball into the box EARLY and get bodies in the box – things happen. Our penchant for getting the ball into the box SLOWLY means we don’t benefit from this type of pressure. Our slow build-up style comes with a cost – it removes an element of pressure from our attack and gives the opposition time to position themselves.
So there you go – once again, cometh the hour we’re not ready.
Despite the home losses against Newcastle and West Brom, we have a perfect 8 wins out of 8 record against bottom half teams. Against the top half, our record sucks – 2W 2D and 5L in 9 games. Whoever said that we have improved over last season needs to check again. :(
We’re all miserable, that’s for sure, but at least we’ve got each other, right guys? Misery loves company…
Same old, same old.
Utd could even miss a penalty and our boys couldn’t get themselves up for this game.
Total number of shots on goal? I think it was ZERO.
Total number of shots (any kind)? I remember only Sicky and Theo (in the 94th min).
All that big talk before the game – NOUGHT.
Sad that we can’t prove Evra wrong.
There is not much to say here that hasn’t been said after all our other big losses. Make that 1 point out of 33 in our last 11 games vs the Big 2.
We actually defended well but to me the players showed no fight whatsoever going forward after we got the shot in the arm we needed w/ the PK miss. Very disappointing. Man U remain unbeaten; 2 pts ahead of the field and that’s still with a game in hand.
I am convinced the only reason Park is still at Man Utd is because of his ability to score against Arsenal. I was hoping he would not start today and sure enough…argh…
Ridiculous defensively. Absent offensively.
That it’s only 0-1 is perversely encouraging.
Wojo in goal. Whoa.
Hey, love the new look on the site.
Woah. Love what you’ve done to the site.
Interesting line-ups to say the least. Sir Alex is going to play the same way they did at the Emirates last season. Let us fanny about with the pretty-pretty stuff in 2/3 of the pitch, and hit us on the lightning counter attack.
I will be amazed if we keep a clean sheet today. But am hopeful our midfield can take it to aging Scholes. I suspect Wilshere the young pretender will want to put his stamp on the Ginger Ninja.
Predictions are tricky. Depends which Chamakh shows up today. And which Arshavin.
My heart says 2-1 to the Gunners.
My head says 1-2 .
For UNITED – NO BERBATOV up front. He is on the bench. Shrek leads the way by himself – confirmed
United Line Up: VDS, Rafael, Rio, Vidic, Evra, Anderson, Carrick, Fletcher, Nani, Rooney Park
Arsenal Subs: Fabianski, Djourou, Denilson, Fabregas, Van Persie, Walcott and Nicky B
Fabianski bench? What does that mean? He’s been demoted to number 2 or it’s one of those, fit enough for bench not for start things
All reports is he failed his fitness test to start but was deemed good enough to be on the bench.
Wait, …. if Fabianski is injured why is he on the bench??
Or is he “injured” rather than injured?
I like the way you think my good man ;) Here’s hoping (and praying we haven’t been led on by performances in crappy competitions)
I really do think Szczesny is the real deal but I think its an awfully big ask for a 19 year old to come in and play in this match. That being said – I have one word for you – Manninger.
Szczesny if he wins this match for us could very well etch his name into Arsenal lore tonight.
The two things I like about him 1.) he commands his box and spends a lot of time talking and yelling at his defenders 2.) his distribution of the ball is so good that you can definitely see good counters developing from it.
My take on the “injury” to Fabianski – United were a team probably salivating to face him. Teams have books on Keepers and know how to get to Fabs. They likely don’t have a book on Szczesny. Just a theory not based on anything other than a gut instinct.
My “sources ” say-
zczesny, Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy, Rosicky, Song, Wilshere, Nasri, Arshavin, Chamakh.
Can anyone confirm?
Cesc on the bench…
Confirmed
Stag, Ozi,- I couldn’t be more glad to see this argument happening!
Usually Arsenal have selection problems because there is a LACK of quality players who are fit. To have to argue about two fit players who have technical quality is a good problem to have when you think about it. Now if we could only have that problem at the back of the formation… we’d be in business.
you want quality options at the back?
REALLY?
you ask for a lot…
We don’t give a shit about defense…
going forward is all that matters!
lol :-)
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! Made my night the fat sam news. Crap night it’s been. Wat an awful time for a game, and I’m a bit fired up watching Muhammad Ali fights and I can’t go to sleep. Ah well, at least I’m off work…
Back onto fat sam (ugh, there’s a horribly disgusting string of words together when you can’t get to sleep), I’m quite sure his style of play will have had a part to play in his sacking. Good for him!
I don’t think Wojiech will play, seems like a media invention based on some ambigious tweets.
Hopefully we can score more than one goal at Old Trafford. It’s always really annoyed me that a supposedly free scoring side such as us are not involved in more 3-3 barn burners. If it’s another predictable 2-1 defeat I’ll go mad.
Umm….Wojiech plays.
HAH! Fat Sam sacked! He is a no-good sack, so a sacking is what he deserves. Sucker.
Whatever we do, I just hope for four things:
1) Djorou starts. The Koz/Squill combo is a disaster and should not perform their tragedy at Old Trafford.
2) RvP starts on the bench OR on the wings – NOT taking up the middle spot that Nasri should be in.
3) We work hard and track our runners as best as we can.
4) Song stays put and stops fucktarding about in attack.
I think if we do all four then we would have given ourselves as good a chance as possible.
PS: I am happy Szczesny might get a chance today. IF he plays and we win AND he plays an absolute blinder, we should install him number 1 ASAP.
Buffon and Cassillas were younger than him when they were starting for the biggest clubs in Europe at the time. So if our young Pole can come into this sort of game, away (at Old Trafford no less) and really impress, then I think he deserves to be given the chance that was afforded Buffon and Casillas.
We’ll see.
I believe some houses are taking bets on a 5-0 ManU win on Monday night in a repeat of El Classico in Spain.
Hmm…
Well, some houses do offer “extreme” bets …
I like Arsenal by 3 goals or more!
:)
Paddy Power must have the number on that one!!!
Don’t know where I got this link (might have been on here), but it’s made me really angry as the memories come back!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUgP96XjEpY
If the team was feeling as determined as any Arsenal fan would be after watching this, then we win. We are qualitatively better. Football being a mental game we need to step up.
They better fkin step up!!
That is infuriating. That game was fucking ridiculous. It just makes me more fired-up for today’s match. God I hope we win.
It took me a long time to overcome that robbery. That great Arsenal squad never overcame that injustice, had a terrible November in the league that allowed the arrogant one to lead Chelsea over them in the table. The rest has been miserable history since then. I have hoped for many Arsenal revenges since then but most times the players have not provided that. Worse, the team has gotten to a stage where Man Utd beats them without kicking or cheating.
Its another case of put up, or SHUT UP.
United have talked the smack, and its up to Arsenal to SHUT THEM UP. We haven’t done anything to disprove any smack talk against the Big 2 in many a year…
So, will we step up?
or will we get stepped on again… made to look like the weak sisters of the poor when it comes to playing against the big boys?
There are zero excuses to be made.
Sagna’s red only affects CL play? or when does he sit?
I’d personally rather RVP than Rosicky any day of the week. RVP can score big goals… and make a goal out of nothing. He commands attention from the defense. Rosicky? What’s he done in recent memory? Hasn’t scored all season, has 1 assist.
But Rosicky tracks back, he tackles, he doesn’t stop running, and compared to RVP, he is made of steel. It’s a tough one no doubt. I prefer Rosicky, but I won’t be disappointed if RVP starts. We all know the magic he’s capable of.
Rosicky is one of the most often-injured Arsenal players EVER. He tackles? WHEN?
I don’t see much of his tackling or constant running…
he’s been a massive dissapointment.
If we released him in January, for nothing, I don’t think we’d miss a beat.
And again, when he came, I was extremely excited that we brought him in.
Really? He’s one of the most energetic attacking mids I’ve ever seen. One who isn’t averse to sliding in if the balls there to be won. With his injury history, that’s all the more commendable. And he is full of running. I don’t think there would be too many attacking mids or forwards even that can come close in terms of energy and distance covered (Tevez and wingers like Bale come to mind but not too many more). Unfortunately, with his lack of 90 min games, stats would be hard to come by. I’ll see if I can find them though.
And yes I know he’s one of our most injury prone players EVER, I was alluding to the fact that Van Persie is even worse. Perhaps you missed that…
Liked Rosicky a lot at the start.
Does nothing for me now.
I don’t see him as energetic, and he doesn’t set up or score goals.
RVP worse than Rosicky in terms of injuries.
Not so sure about that.
Rosicky missed an entire season or more, with a groin pull. ;-)
WOAH WOAH WOAH WOAH – there is possibly big freakin news in in Arsenal land –
1. The Sun is reporting that Szczesny will get a shock call up to start against United as Fabianski is still suffering from a leg injury.
2. To confirm the point Szczesny’s official twitter feed (the one Jack hacked into) has said this (this is a direct quote): “and I am more than prepared for Rooney”
Holy Shit. This is not what we need. Fab was doing so well. And- as Fred can tell us all- the last thing we need is for a completely untested Arsenal player calling out an opposition player and talking himself up before he’s accomplished anything. Jesus. Fab was playing so well, I was confidnet in him, The coaching staff, players, and fans were all confident in him but most importantly he was confident in himself. I hope he can start.
Personally I love it! Like ChiG, I agree that everyone was growing in confidence with Fabianski, but Sczezny is just one of those players that gets the fans excited. The fact he’s a keeper makes it all the more impressive. And I love his attitude! All in all, if he starts in goal, it would make this game that much more interesting for me anyway (seeing as I have very limited hope :()
The man to watch out for is Park. He’s like Drogba of Chelsea, always had a knack scoring against Arsenal. He’s not as dangerous as Drogba. But he’s very good at getting into good scoring position with his tireless running. Because he’s a less high profile player as Rooney, Nani, inevitably defenders would pay more attention on their key men. But if we forgot about Park, we would be in trouble. Not sure Fergie would play him though, but I have a feeling he will. He always plays him in big game. And Park always delivered in big game. Kinda like Freddie for us at the past.
Agree Andez, Sagna and Nasri are going to have to track him, his movement is very good. And he doesn’t stop running…
The problem is runners through the middle. That is what kills Arsenal every time. Be it Roo or Park or someone else, we always fail to track the ones who go right through the middle. That would be my main worry.
You’re spot on nip, which is why Wilshere/Song having good games defensively is probably a more critical factor in us getting a result today than anything else. I live in hope
We all live in hope. :)
Game ends in high drama. Drogba misses a penalty in injury time and Chelsea are winless in 5 games.
Good news for Arsenal – Chelsea are defending poorly.
Bad news – Drogba and Lampard should be back for the game at the Emirates.
Gomes, not to be left behind, make a mess of Drogba’s shot and lets Chelsea equalize.
Chelsea down at Spurs thanks to some Arsenal-esque defending.
Pav allowed to turn in the box and shoot without anyone charging down (a la Clichy/Squillaci) and Cech pulled a Mooney and let his near post totally open for Pav to score easily.
This should be fun.
The line up is a hard call at the moment. We do not know the status of Cesc. if Arsene wants to start him, then its likely to see either Arshavin or RvP on the bench (likely RvP ) – not Chamakh.
If Cesc does not start, then we need Rosicky to orchestrate the attack. There must by someone who can get everyone involved, lubricate the attack. We don’t need to rely on goals from Tomas as much as his ability to find open teammates and exploit the opponents defense. (this is not part of Nasri’s game at the moment)
I agree with jack in midfield, but the risk to the match will be his youthfulness and short fuse. ManU will do their best to exploit.
The match boils down to our DM’s, back four, and keeper performance.
Last season at ManU with Gallas and TV5 at CB – we still lost. Cesc was missing, Almunia unfortunate on coming out against Rooney, and the spotlighted own goal by Diaby.
We must make ManU work for any goal.
We can expect to have many free kicks into their goal area. Tactically, we cannot allow ourselves to push all of our strong defenders forward. We must shut down any attempt for a counter attack.
Its unrealistic to expect to play a perfect match defensively. We must hope for some breaks.
No way RvP starts. We need Rosicky. Very interesting to see who plays in CB but wouldn’t be surprised at all to see the French combo start.
I would prefer if we play really cagey in the first 45-60 min and make sure we don’t concede.
I doubt we can go all out attack and beat them. Yes, we “dominated” them last year, but in Arsenal terms, domination means jack shit.
And someone (for heaven’s sake) please track Rooney’s runs from midfield.
I think the match will start out slow and cagey which is probably a good thing. A draw really suits both teams pretty well and certainly we don’t want to go inviting United into a fast paced shoot out, esp if we’ve got no Cesc to throw the big passes through (or over) their MF.
Regarding line-ups: I think we’ll start with RVP on the bench and a MF of Song, Wilshere and Sicky, unless Cesc does his Eboue/Lazarus thing. There’s no way that United start without Carrick and Scholes will only feature from the bench, if at all, and Rooney will play in the hole behind Berbatov to create a more equal MF battle, numberswise at least. This is a dangerous line-up if we turn the ball over in our half or need the center circle. Nani and Rooney are fast and strong on the ball, while Park and Berbatov can freeze defenders looking for a pass while not being hesitant to take their own shot.
Both defenses have some real question marks and (unbelievably) Van Der Saar has had more “Flappy moments” this season than our own keeper. It’s a HUGE test for Fabianski as well as some of the others who haven’t played at OT (Wilshere, Squill, Kos, Makh). Settling into the match and reacting with confidence if a goal is scored either way is essential.
Still, controlling possession and the MF will be key. Howard Webb loves to call fouls outside the box to control the atmosphere of the match. We need to do our fouling near the center circle to keep the dangerous free kicks to a minimum. Song especially needs to have a good match and be that instant early rather than late.
A great opportunity for this squad, a real test, but still very, very tough. In this fixture last season, many argued that we “outplayed” United, but squandered the match on Almunia’s penalty (on diving Rooney) and Diaby’s brainfart of an own goal. Those two will not feature, but their replacements are much less “experienced.” Perhaps, in this case, it will be a good thing….
DAG, your post echoes what I wrote way back on the Belgrade thread. The players I am watching are the CB’s, to see how the play together; Nasri, due to his recent form; and Arshavin: Allso on a run of good form, and this is the type of game he relishes- its the reason he wanted to move to western Europe back in his Zenit days. He can be streaky, but when he turns it on he is a fearsome attacker, and this is the type of game he loves to turn it on for.
I’d be ok if VP started on the wing I guess. Basically the same as in DAG’s formation above, but w/ Nasri and VP switching spots.
We’ll get run over with that lineup! Personally, I’d rather not see RVP and Chamakh both start. If they do, I prefer VP as a winger and Nasri down the centre… All in all I’m hoping for the same lineup with Sicky in for either VP or Makh.
Not expecting too much to be honest. Rooney been looking sharp, our CB’s are going to have their work cut out for them. Clichy vs Nani. ugh!