EPL Match Day 2: Arsenal v Blackpool Preview
Will the Real Arsenal Please Show Up?
Every season the media goes gaga over the newbie Premier League team that manages to do something at the beginning of the season. Last year it was Wolves and the season before that it was Hull. In each case the debutante club suffered a slow decline to fight for their Premier League lives. This season is no different as the media after one week have decided to latch onto Blackpool. And given the problems at Arsenal it is no wonder the press seem to have some thoughts to crowning Blackpool the first team to take all three points from the London Club this season.
And frankly, why wouldn’t they. They looked pretty impressive against Wigan last week. Their 4-0 drubbing is their biggest win since their 1987 6-1 mauling of Port Vale. It was also the best result for a newly promoted team since Bolton beat Leicester 5-0 in 2001.
Blackpool have been busy this off season, preparing for their PRemier League stay. Recent signings mean that manager Ian Holloway has some depth on the bench. It should be interesting to seeif he goes with a squad made up the new signings or one that basically maintains the status quo from last week.
For Arsenal, the season couldn’t have started on a more lacklustre note, even if they had win. Like previous seasons Arsenal had the better of the first half, dictating the match against Liverpool. Except for some great saves and errant shots, Arsenal would’ve won the match early. As it was, they had to rely on a colossal gaffe from Pepe Reina to secure the draw.
Arsenal and injuries are no strangers to each other and this week saw to more players head off to the training room. Samir Nasri who looked very good in the pre-season and just as good last season, picked up a torn meniscus and should be out from 3-4 weeks. The news for Emmanuel Frimpong is not so good. The young defencive midfielder picked up a torn ACL during training and could miss from 6-9 months – effectively ruling him out of the season before he even got in it. While the injury bug has reared its head again some hope should be gotten from the face that the club have suitable coverage in the midfield.
While the injury news is surely depressing, the return of possibly four players to full time activity lessens the blow. Cesc Fabregas, Johann Djourou, Denilson, and Alex Song all should either be on the bench or on the pitch to start the match. Fabregas comes back to the Emirates for the first time since the summer of Barcelona ended. His presence on the field and the fan’s reaction to his play will say alot.
The young spaniard has shown himself to professional beyond his years. But the fact he wanted to go back Barcelona isn’t lost on anyone. How Fabregas’ mindset is now that his “desire” to move has been ended, remains to be seen. Surely based on his comments and his past performance, we should expect to see a player with something to prove.
If injuries were the only story with this club heading into match day 2 of the young season, then we would likely be relieved. But there still remains an issue of our number 1 goal keeper and our lack of depth at CB. With regard to the keeper, it does look like Arsenal are trying to secure the services of Mark Schwarzer of Fulham. With MAnuel Almunia’s near post gaffe, the need for a stronger keeper was exacerbated and the cry from fans only grew louder. Another bid was offered and unlike Mark Hughes commented it was an improved offer of £3 million (this has been confirmed). It looks like Hughes and Fulham won’t let Schwarzer go until they have locked down a replacement.
As for CB, Laurent Koscielny showed us a few things. First, and oddly for an Arsenal player he seemed impervious to injury as he was scissor tackled at the end of the first half last week by Joe Cole. The tackle, the wrenching in pain and the susequent take off on a stretcher had Arsenal fans fearing the worst. But at the start of the second half Koosh was out there with a smile on his face. Seriously when was the last time an Arsenal player went down like that and actually came right back? I can’t remember. However, as joyous as his return was, it was marred by a sending off following a questionable call on a hand-ball. With Koosh sitting this match Johann Djourou comes back to the squad to fill in. However, the real problem is, that should Djourou go down the club do not have a true CB on the roster to fill in.
Getting an additional CB is key for this season. Almost as key as a new keeper. It may not be truly important for this match but later in the season when we move along, it will be evident that a new CB was needed. What Arsene plans to do here is still up in the air. He has been his normally cryptic self on the signings He acknowledges the need but is quiet about where he is or if he is actually doing business.
Again, at this point, it is not important for this match. Arsene must contend with pulling his team together after a disappointing draw. They will be playing a team that seems to have harnessed the energy that comes with playing in the Premier League. Arsenal and their fans though should take heart in the fact that Blackpool hasn’t won away to Arsenal since 1958. This squad regardless of it’s make up looks to continue that run.
How I Think This Match Will Play Out:
A loss at home you say? Not likely for Arsenal. Arsenal have six clean sheets and have only allowed 1 goal to be scored in their last 7 games at the Emirates. They love playing for their fans and I expect them to be flying, especially if Cesc Fabregas is playing. He really is the engine that will make them hum. With him and Rosicky in the lineup there should be plenty of creativity for Arsenal. They will control the ball and get their chances. Look for the dual attack of Chamakh and Van Persie to cause the Blackpool defence some troubles. What we should really look for is to see if Andrei Arshavin can muster enough desire this week to taken on Alex Baptiste. Baptiste according to ESPN Soccernet has ahad a history beset of difficulties and the clever Russian could surely put him to the test. But it comes down to opportunities and I think Arsenal will have many and convert some of them as well.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Cesc Fabregas. Well, he’s back. He’s not in Barcelona and it will be his first game since the entire transfer saga went down. It will be interesting to see the initial response to his taking the field and the response should he score or have a hand in scoring.
Blackpool: Marlon Harwood. 2 goals last week versus Wigan. He offers a lot up front. Let’s see if he can match last week’s feat against a better side.
Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Ramsey (ankle) Bendtner (groin) Frimpong (knee) Nasri (knee) Ksocielny (suspended -1)
Blackpool: Almond (shoulder) Clarke (knee) Rachubka (knee) Southern (knee)
Last Meeting (1999 FA Cup):
Arsenal: 3
Blackpool: 1
Current Form:
Arsenal: D
Blackpool: W
Match Officials:
Referee: Mike Jones
Assistant Referees: John Flynn & Andy Madley
Fourth Official: Peter Walton
Broadcast Information:
US: ESPN2 and ESPN3 10AM EST
UK: Uknown
Feeds:
www.atdhe.net
GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!! www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2
Blackpool: 0
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MASCHERANO “on strike” tonite.
Won’t play… trying to force the sale to Barcelona!
if this works, and Liverpool sell for a cut price…
what’s to stop Cesc or any other player from doing something
similar?
should be interesting to see how it plays out.
City already lead the Mascherano-less Liverpool.
13 minutes in.
Vibe4arsenal, are you my Stan? I almost forgot about Stan because he went away for a while but “now that I think about it, it, it was you. Damn.”
I have always rated Squilacci a good footballer but for the past ten years, I’ve CONSISTENTLY rated Gallas higher than Squilacci. Now that he looks like signing for Arsenal, I hope he or Gallas changes my mind. We’ll let time tell.
As for paying 4 million for a 38 year old keeper in the final year of his contract, I’ll CONSISTENTLY oppose that idea. Of the reasonably priced keepers I rate higher than Schwarzer, only Jose Reina cost more. At only 23 years old, he was an investment. While I agree we’re desperate for a new keeper, I’ve never seen a 38 year-old footballer worth four million pounds. If Fulham’s other keeper continues in the form he showed Sunday, Fulham might just decide to collect the money. Will they really pass on 2 million out of spite? We’ll see.
Reverting to the 4-4-2 is intriguing. A potential problem is who will partner Fabregas in midfield? The obvious choice would be Song but the dilema is neither are “rangey” players like Petit, Vieira, or Flamini were. Surely, the wide players would have to pinch in and provide that bit of help. If not, I see a big gap either between midfield and defense or between Song and Fabregas. We’ll see if Wenger actually goes back to the 4-4-2 and if so, for how long.
2 million is SHIT.
It’s especially SHIT for a No.1 keeper.
There is ZERO reason for Fulham to sell Schwarzer for that price.
He’s been excellent for them, and they don’t need to go backwards and rely on unproven keeper(s)… they have a NO.1 and we don’t.
your judgement is your opinion… I PRAY Wenger and the Arsenal Football Club have a different opinion and realize the value of having a real solid keeper.
if it isn’t Schwarzer, let it be Given or Steklenburg…
I really don’t give a damn what they cost… 4 mill, 10 million… why would I care about cost over BEING A BETTER TEAM?
we KNOW the club aren’t going to “overspend” or spend crazy money.
No contest.
They’ve made enough money from the supporters and sales the last few years.
TIME TO PAY UP and SMARTEN UP.
Onto a change of discussion:
Wenger says that if Van Persie and Chamakh both start, then it will be in a 4-4-2. Hmmm… I’m not sure whether to read that as “Chamakh will get benched” or “Denilson will no longer be in the starting 11.” All in all, I hope that they both do start and we do play a “4-4-2” It’s all variable anyway and VP I think in such a system would gladly come into a deeper position to help the midfield when necessary. It may, like some people suggest, put more responsibility on the 11 on the field and shine light on those not worthy of their spot.
Orrr, probably more likely than anything else, we’ll play about 30 minutes of blistering 4-4-2 football till VP gets injured…
If 4-4-2 is the case then I see two very big positives. The two best strikers are on the pitch and Denilson is not.
That annual ref’s bias towards ManU has already begun in the very second game.
A stonewall penalty for Fulham is denied, but the most unintentional of handballs is immediately given for ManU.
Yes, Stag, I know there is no conspiracy, but there is definitely a bias.
Agree… He had a good angle on the non-penalty decision as well.
My hope is that Arsenal’s upcoming english contingent start swinging bias our way.
then why didn’t they just keep playing until ManU won, like folks say they usually do?
I saw ZERO stonewall penalties in the entire match, and I was watching it.
Missed the “stonewall penalty” but the handball called against Fulham was shit. It was not intentional in the least.
100% agree.
even the announcer said… “how can that be intentional handball”?
he kicked it first.
The big question is – is Squillaci first choice or a backup option who won’t kill Djo and Kos?
If he kills DJ and/or Kos, they don’t deserve to start.
Competition is healthy. Also, because of his age I don’t see him crying to play every game like the young uns in their prime.
Don’t know much about him, but hopefully he brings some leadership abilities not just on the pitch but in the locker room.
I think he’ll have a chance to start, and we’ll see who meshes best with Vermaelen…
with Carling Cup, League matches, CL and FA Cup… and the crazy Christmas schedule… and injuries and fatigue, they will ALL have the chance to play meaningful minutes.
Yes.
I’ll bitch HALF as much now Josh.
ONE HALF the job is done… in getting a KEEPER and CB.
I like the Squillaci signing… he has some experience, and he isn’t
a KID… we know have 4 CB’s (and Song as a 5th if needed).
That’s nice, now we are on the same page as every other decent club
in Europe.
We still don’t have a Number One keeper.
And we are in the same exact scenario as we were last year.
(when we had Gallas and Vermaelen and SHIT KEEPERS)
so, if we want to say we have IMPROVED over last year…
then, we need a real keeper before the window closes.
GOOD CALL DAG.
Your “contacts” were on the money… now please tell me
a keeper is coming in… Steklenburg? Scwarzer? Given?
Most still think its Schwarzer unless City decide that what the hell they want to sell Given to a top 4 contender.
But I am a fan of Stecklenberg and more than one outlet had him as plan B if something doesn’t materialize soon with Fulham. Ajax are going to have to sell players and they have admitted as much. It was one of the reasons Jol wanted to leave. I say go for Steckie.
Though in reality we will get Schwarzer and likely won’t happen until the last possible minute. I think like you Stag and think he isn’t injured – he may have a minor niggly thing but not anything that would forbid him to play. I think its all about leverage. In the end I think he goes for 2.5 million because Arsenal do get it – we can contend but we cant win it with Manny and Flapjacks
Don’t back down, stagg. On just the last thread someone was saying….
“i used to like squallaci but why pay 8 million for a player who isn’t as good as gallas when you could just keep gallas and not pay a transfer fee?”
Now they say they haven’t tracked him that closely for awhile.
At least you’re consistent. ;-)
I think the 6 or 8 Million GBP is a bargain for a good CB.
We’ll see if The Squill is a good one.
But, we have no idea if “he is as good as Gallas”.
Gallas, made Vermaelen after all… Vermaelen is shit, right? if not for Gallas, he’d be playing hopscotch.
The players didn’t like Gallas, he seems an arrogant bitch, and Wenger even had enough of his shit, so he said, bye-bye… his attitude renders some of his talent meaningless… he shot his way out of Chelsea and Arsenal.
Arsenal didn’t WANT Gallas… not at HIS price or Arsenals.
Moving on.
Go Squill Go.
If we can get a keeper, I’ll be quite happy and excited…
but I believe DAG said above, we’ll do the usual, and it will come down to the last minute of the window!
Personally, I don’t care if it comes down to the last secon in the tranfer window as long as it gets done. Hell, the fact that Squillacci (sp?) is coming in this early is amazing to me.
Very glad Gallas is gone. Remarkable how some were concerned that a torn Cesc would be locker room poison, with Willy so close an actual example.
Know nothing about Squill that that I haven’t read. But I like the idea of him, and am hoping for the best.
I believe DAG about the GK, as well. Though my order of preference would have been Stecklenberg, Given, Guy-we’re-really-going-to-get. But in another week we should be at least steadier. Better? It may be more fun to watch and see, at least.
On to other news –
Poisoned Le Sagna leads the YAMA Fantasy league. Me – not so much.
just remember its a marathon not a sprint.
yes, well done to Poisoned Le Sagna… nice name, and good numbers …
but Jroy is right, its about who leads at the end of the season.
:)
Oh puhlease guys. I’m at the top and you might as well all just give up :P
Would you want your AFC team to give up? Is that the type of mentality you are trying to breed here?
:) :)
If there was a squad of my clones playing in the premiership then there would be no shame in admitting defeat from the get go. Jose “the special one” Mourinho bows at my fantasy football prowess!
Hahahaaaa… Fantasy football trashtalk. Nothing else quite like it… You guys are gonna enjoy knocking me off my perch… NOTTT (never gonna happen)
I know Squilacci used to be a very good defender but I haven’t tracked him too close since he moved to Spain. Based on the pre-season, Djourou’s far from ready but I believe he’ll be back. The central defender situation is too difficult to ignore. This single signing gives me a lot of confidence. Hopefully stag 133 will quit his sniveling.
I’ve thought about it and decided that Arsenal are not stingy in the sense of spending money. Certain player wages prove that. There is, however, a sort of philosophical aversion to paying other teams for their players.
Think of the Schwarzer deal pragmatically. Who in their right mind thinks that a 38-year old keeper, who happens to be in the final year of his contract is worth 4 million pounds? Pick your poison. He’s nearly 38. He’s in the final year of his contract. Ever hear of the law of diminishing marginal utility? If we’re lucky, we MIGHT get one good year out of him. 4 million plus wages for one year? Go fuck yourself.
Like I’ve said, Arsenal just doesn’t like to pay other teams.
Jose Reina cost 6 million quid.
Edwin van der Saar cost 2 million quid.
Brad Friedel cost 2.5 million quid.
Jens Lehmann cost 1.25 million quid.
Joe Hart only cost 600,000 quid.
Why on earth would anyone pay 4 million for 38 year-old Mark Schwarzer? I didn’t think so before but now, I think Fulham will see they can’t get any more money or motivation out of him and sell him. Worst case scenario, I think we’ll sign Schwarzer for 2 million. Fulham will come out and say he was too unsettled and no longer focused on being a Fulham player to justify their loss. 2 million is a great deal for any 38 year old player, especially one in the final year of his contract.
the reality is, if we want to compete for a TROPHY, not 4th place…
we NEED a number one keeper.
If we were asking 3.5 Million for our 3rd String LB in Traore… then how would a keeper that would START for us be worth only 2 Million.
Fulham do NOT need our 2 Million GBP.
Its CHUMP CHANGE.
why the feck would they sell their No.1 Keeper for chump change, when they can legtimately compete for a spot in Europe.
I’d tell Arsene and Arsenal to pony up the cash or fcuk off.
And rightly so.
Squillaci is a very good player from what I’ve seen. I actually remember watching him in the Amsterdam Tournament two years ago – before we played our game in the evening – and thinking how much I would love it if we signed him. Two years later his star doesn’t shine quite as bright, due to injuries mostly, but he should still be in his prime.
Very good signing Arsene. Well done.
A lovely day in the sun at The Emirates. Shame the English summer only lasts a few weeks.
One interesting aspect of the game was the performance by Theodore Walcott, darling of England and the English press. Was this a once-in-eighteen-months performance or is Wenger right he’s finally maturing in his 5th year at Arsenal? Only Theo can give substance to Wenger’s claims.
He looked good as he weaved at pace through the gapping Blackpool middle and fired mutliple shots which resulted in his first Arsenal hat trick. The test is how long until he backs this up again with another solid performance. What he needs is to have a run of performances not the infrequent isolated cameo’s we’ve seen to date. As others have said despite the hat trick, he often took the wrong option or demonstrated his fumbling technique….but whilst this is true it’s a little bit mean-spirited to dwell on that when he does something good in an Arsenal shirt.
Chamakh looked a little nervous on his home debut, he missed a lot, but his header was excellent with power and directed into the ground making it very difficult for the keeper to deal with. We need to give this guy a little bit of time to settle. It won’t be long before the English defending fraternity (the Blackburns, Birminghams, Wigans, Stokes, ManU’s) put him through their welcome initiation test. They’ll take it in turns to buffet him roughing him up a bit to see his reaction. If he comes through that period with his game and confidence in tact – all good. If he does a Reyes, not so good.
I laughed when Robin went down in a heap. I’m over this story.
Diaby takes a little long on the ball for a DM role. You want someone to distribute the ball quickly not to take several touches.
We’ll get a clearer sense of whether there are any green shoots of optimism over the next 8 games. The truth is though, we’ll only know whether this squad has addressed its past chronic lack in May 2011 if they last out a season.
Chamakh will surely see the end of Bendtner. Very much an Eduardo/Vela feel about them two ; in terms of their overall similarity and the feeling one of their squad places would be better served with another option.
We have another CB:
A statement on the Sevilla website reads: “Defender Sebastien Squillaci is tonight travelling to London to have a medical at Arsenal, the club he will be transferred to after an agreement was reached by the two clubs pending the results of the medical.”
As best I can find out it is a 6 million pound deal.
Fulham played a good match against United.
they came to play football, and it was up and down, back and forth, entertaining match…
they have a good team.
they don’t need to sell Schwarzer! If I were them, I’d be holding
onto my better players… they could make the Europa league again.
if they don’t get a fair price, AND a solid replacement, like Given on loan, they would be crazy to sell their keeper.
Highly entertaining game at Craven Cottage. Fulham, as always at home, a strong unified team. Own goal almost rescuing Utd again! Johnny Evans got massacred time and again. Seeing Stockdale’s performance for Fulham, I think they will be that much more willing to let Schwarzer go. Utd got lucky in not conceding a penalty as well when Vidic hauled down Dembele. Meh.. Happy with that all in all.
Newcastle running riot on Villa was an entertaining watch as well.
Good to have the league back!!
Brutal day for me in the fantasy league, with a couple of my guys amassing NEGATIVE points (and the others trying hard to join them…)
United was quite unimpressive without Rooney but still looked like they’d get all three points until Hangeland made amends for his own goal. Schwarzer still recovering from his bad back (a common ailment at his age) while reports that he has taken a physical at Arsenal can be “neither confirmed nor denied”…..
Schwarzer has no injury.
its posturing.
waiting to see if Wenger is serious about buying a No.1 keeper.
not some bullshit 2 million offer, twice!
I do The Sun Dream Team. Got Bale and Carroll so good weekend.
Then again, there are probably about another 200,000 who have them as well.
I don’t at all get the criticism of Diaby so far this season. A goal and assist is not a bad day’s work. Having watched the replay again, I haven’t seen too many misplaced passes. Quick feet, often beats a player, and has the necessary power to defend and attack.
I like him, and think he is turning into a reliable player.
Not really criticism of him so far (although he still displays gormless ball-dwelling), more about what’s to come.
I dare say you’ll see strong evidence of Diaby’s inteptitude if he starts against Blackburn next week. After all, it’s only been what, a few months since he fell around the pitch like bambi against Wigan and Blackburn at the end of last season?
Put him up against a high tempo aggressive side and he falls apart at the seams.
I will watch closely with these comments in mind
Watch the game again and count how many times he dribbles the ball in, draws a crowd of defenders and doesn’t do anything with the ball. EIther loses it or turns around and dribbles the other way. Sure, he often keeps the ball, but he kills an attack at the same time. If he lets the ball go a little earlier the team can still go forward and there are players wide open because of the crowd he draws. He has tons of skill but little to no vision.
Up a bit early today and watching Newcastle already 3 (now 4) goals up on Aston Villa. :-O
With a couple of teams (Wigan, West Ham) appearing unable to muster much of anything so far and the newly promoted teams wanting to play football, the battle at the bottom will be fun to watch,. And I agree with Ozi, that it’s the teams that play the traditional nasty game (Blackburn, Stoke) that I would really like to see sent down towards the relegation levels. We get a chance against one of them next weekend before the international break and the setting of the teams (close of the transfer window and naming of the 25 man squads thru December).
At the other end, Chelsea look very, very good, with no World Cup hangover AT ALL despite the many disappointments among all those players (England, Ivory Coast, France). And I thought Cech was supposed to be injured…I guess not. They might be a bit thin, (depth-wise at the back?) but at least (compared to us) their squad looks well set. They cannot improve on their start so it will be interesting to see if they can avoid injury and loss of focus. I’m also curious to see if Rooney-less (ill?) United can do the job today at Fulham later today to keep pace. A good early test for both of those teams.
As for Arsenal…6 nil is nice, Theo being called “unplayable” (by the opposing manager) is good, and Chamakh getting his bad misses out of the way (and still scoring) might be a needed omen. Early on, with the match still close, we saw our usual confusion at the rear with the lame duck in goal. (Song at CB looked very questionable early, much better after they were down to 10, while Glitchy, er, Clichy looks like defending just isn’t his bag.) I’m sorry, but no matter what the dealings of these next 10 days bring, it will be a transitional season for us (esp. at the back) and I really can’t see us challenging for the two big trophies without tremendous doses of luck.
That being said, I can’t quite turn to the darkside just yet. There’s great depth in our squad and the opportunities for players to step up and make a big difference abound, and this element will only improve as we start competing on multiple fronts. Hopefully the draws (and the revolving door of our physio-room) allow for us to make reasonable efforts pursuing the various Cups.
Still, with the big changes at the back and our Captain/key player unsettled, this season is all about the “half-full/half empty” (Kiwi, 2010) players filling the glass. Yesterday in a training ground exercise (after the sending-off), a player like Diaby looked very comfortable doing his thing, while others like Wilshere and (late on) Vela, while oozing quality (for their age) still appear to not quite know how to contribute most effectively. It was key that some of the veterans (Arshavin and Rosicky) did very solid journeyman work, while helping the youngsters and new arrivals blossom.
I still believe that there is going to be continued turnover at our club (vs the stability of Chelsea’s starting group, for example) and we’re just going to have to live with it. We pray that it starts in earnest between now and Sept. 1, but it will likely continue over the next few windows as well. (Bye-Bye Cescy…eventually.) Hopefully, players step-up and become undroppable rather than going the other direction, so that maybe by this time next season we feel convinced that our starting 11 have no great weaknesses and are ably backed up with enough quality to weather the long season.
One might say that I’ve been “sold the future,” but what else is there to look forward to?….
Just a couple of things:
1. Like everyone says we should maintain a hold on our enthusiasm after defeating Blackpool 6-0; I am not going to get worked up by Chelsea beating West Brom and Wigan 6-0, 6-0. Wigan has let in 10 goals in 2 games. I still think you beat Chelsea through John Terry and better teams will do that this season. You can all say what you want but they are not invincible.
2. My comments on the lack of supportive – weren’t in a way to say we should immediately support when they win. What I am saying it is much easier for us to gripe about the negative than identify positive.
3. Though my negative comment is this – I agree Clichey got skinned repeatedly and on one occassion Sagna ran like a freakin gazelle to cover his side of the pitch.
@2. It seems perfectly natural and to be expected because most of us are focused on the bigger picture. As stagg has essentially said, a significant win over Blackpool merely says we are much better than Blackpool at football just now, which is a rather minimum requirement.
So the reaction, We clobbered Blackpool, big deal, seems perfectly consistent with both the way most of us have felt the last 5 months/5 years.
Dag, where did you get this confirmation from?
“Another bid was offered and unlike Mark Hughes commented it was an improved offer of £3 million (this has been confirmed).”
In the last few weeks I have spent some time working some contacts I have built around the club – two are press sources that are involved reporting on the club and one is the chappy from the club you actually gave me a freelance marketing assignment on behalf of the club.
I was able to learn that the improved offer was in deed lodged but it looks like it will take around 4 million to get Schwarzer.
Reading up on Wenger last night, I think he gave the clearest signs yet that Spillaci is close to coming. One of them was on the field – the fact he didn’t trust Djourou to start.
Completely and utterly meaningless result. This result will unfortunately reinforce Wenger’s stubbornness. I would rather we had results like this in September not now.
I watched just the second half, and I think I will continue that.
I bet it would have been only 3-0 or 2-0 if Samir “five touches instead of one” Nasri was playing.
PS: Hilarious watching Clichy getting repeatedly skinned like an amateur time after time. If he is struggling at home against Blackpool good luck away to Birmingham or Blackburn.
The sheer number of times he unnecessarily charged a Blackpool player, conceding very unnecessary free-kicks would be considered criminal at most serious clubs.
with Chelsea starting the season with consecutive
6-0 wins… that’s a PLUS 12 GOAL DIFFERENCE.
They have 3 more cupcakes to start the season, and could/should
start the season 5 wins = 15 points, and at this pace, could
possibly have a PLUS 20 goal difference after 5 matches.
That would be the equivalent of an EXTRA POINT. (on goal difference).
They certainly look STRONG… with Essien back, Malouda healthy, and even Benayoun even playing well… they are surely the team to beat again.
I’ll BEAT THE DEAD HORSE.
ZERO HOPE for Arsenal, if we DO NOT BRING IN PLAYERS before the window closes… not going to beat Chelsea head to head, and not over the long haul of the season either.
Hard to be excited when you are playing for 3rd or 4th to start the season, but its “PERSPECTIVE”… as the lower teams are playing to stay up!
Poor Wigan, are a MINUS 10 after two matches!
Eh? I think it would be hard to compete with the Chelsea squad even IF we bring in said GK and CB. Mikel has matured a whole lot, Essien I think is the best all round CM in the game, they got Lampard in there. THere’s many who believe (probably rightly) that central midfield is where the game is won/lost and with those 3 they’re hard to match. Not short of quality elsewhere either.
But I’ll continue to enjoy watching Arsenal for the most part. I don’t think there’s too many teams that are quite as big a bag of surprises as we are.
I agree Ozi, but there are people on here who think Chelsea are WEAKER this year!
lost Ballack, etc… they cut dead wood in reality…
Chelsea can score and defend. 12 goals in 2 matches! crazy.
its up to United to match it…
we will be fun to watch at times, true… we play a nice style sometimes, when the opponent lets us!
when they don’t, Wenger complains, and folks here cry “anti-football”…
utter non-sense imho.
even without signings, I’ll hope we win, but won’t invest my time the same way.
Mate I’ve surprisingly been agreeing with you a fair bit lately, but you do need to realize that there is a difference between an opponent who shuts us down playing stiffling football (e.g. Chelsea/Utd sitting back and not giving us an inch or fulham at craven cottage last year when they tracked the movement of all our players and didn’t give us any space) and an opponent who plays, as ‘folks’ such as myself refer to as, anti-football (a la Stoke and Blackburn who get on the pitch with the sole intention to swing their feet and dive in studs up irregardless of whether they get the ball or a players fibula.
I think chelsea are only a couple of injuries away from being vulnerable, especially to Drogba. They lack cover too at CH since with Carvalho was sold.
Like with Arsenal, I am not getting too carried away with Chelsea just yet.
IF, if, if we get a new CH and GK, I think we will have a little more depth than Chelsea, although their first XI is still stronger. Other ifs to ponder are whether age might catch up with Chelsea and whether Arsenal can have a relatively injury-free season.
They may be one short at CB. But other than that I think their depth matches any in the league. Anelka/Malouda/Kalou/Lampard/Sturridge are all more than capable of carrying the goalscoring baton.
Age catching up with them is probably our best bet in terms of seeing them going down. But looking at Drogba et als resilience to injuries, I don’t see that happening this season.
But more than that it’s that winning mentality I wrote of earlier. I just finished watching MOTD and coincidentally Kalou was talking of the fear that he and his teammates set out to instil on their opponents. They know the importance of having that mental edge. I remember during our unbeaten run, teams that stepped onto the pitch with us had in so many cases lost the game before the whistle.
This brings back the Mike Tyson docufilm I saw (came out just recently). He talks about the mind games he plays with his opponent. I can’t describe in words as well as the film did so I highly recommend seeing it but the gist of it being: he KNEW he’s won the fight before it even began. I’ll see if i can find a youtube clip…
Chelsea have a very set personnel and style, with battering ram Drogba upfront and Lampard weighing in with goals from midfield. Neither get injured, so there hasnt been much of a test as to whether their depth can assume these roles.
Arsenal’s injuries have forced our depth to get more experience, and our overall playing style is a lot more flui, meaning if certain players are missing, others can step into the breach without much disruption to team dynamics.
Is Arsenal worse off without Fabregas and Van persie, than Chelsea without Drogba and Lampard? Last year, yes, this year, I am not so sure.
Chelsea were without Drogba for a while last year and coped just fine. Anelka stepped up in his absence.
wasn’t his absence during January (ACN) when Chelsea’s schedule was fed a regular diet of light weights opponents?
You could argue the bulk of league fall into the ‘lightweight’ category. Anyway, there was no discernable drop off from their play without Drogba ; nothing to suggest that they would suddenly fall apart when faced with ‘top side’.
They probably improved as a side when he was missing in some ways. I remember alot of Chelsea fans commenting that they were playing better football without him.
Drogba can be a frustrating figure when he’s not in the mood so it’s not surprising to hear that. Gives the ball away alot and sulks early on in games and then revs the engine in the second half, which is when he starts terrorising defences.
we would have more depth than Chelsea?
what?
you’ve lost your mind.
as Mazza noted, they played without Drogba for a good period, and won the league, won most of the matches he missed.
we, have what if Cesc is out or goes?
we have what if Vermaelen gets hurt?
we have what if RVP goes out?
we have no reliable depth with any experience.
What would Chelsea do without Drogba, Anelka, Lampard, and Terry – all out at the same time?
Our stretch run in the last month- Arshavin, Gallas, Vermaelen, Cesc, Song, RvP, all out at same time.
Drogba was only out during the ACN…….and as I noted to Mazza above,
they had light weight opponents during this time……
I don’t often post and haven’t posted in a while – being an eternal optimist, I find it hard to post when things go bad, and to be honest I don’t really think I would be adding anything new to the discussion.
I am becoming increasingly drawn to the dark side, and a 6-0 drubbing against a newly promoted side down to 10 men won’t change that. My journey will be complete if we don’t sign both a CB and GK before the end of August.
However, yesterday was a pleasure to watch, as always when Arsenal are in full flow.
My question is, has there been a change in formation from last year? Last year, we played with Song as the one holding midfielder, in a kind of a 4-4-3, or 4-1-2-2-1. This year it looks like to a 4-2-3-1, with Diaby and Wilshere holding.
Valid points Rocka. I think it’s a variation of that. our ‘holding mids’ frequently end up in and around the box unlike most other teams. Diaby, like someone commented last season (can’t remember who) can be particularly effective with late charges into the box as he can smack them in from about 18 yards out whilst the defence is backtracking (like what he did yesterday). He’s got the power to shake of most opponents who try and track him.
On a related note, as much of a rush as it is to see our CB’s in the 6 yard area during open play (does ANY other team do that?), I really, really hope they don’t do that against Utd/Chelsea. We’ll get r*ped again!
I enjoyed watching the game in HD and was very happy for Theo. The only AFC casualty of the day was Clichey, as he continues his penchant to being skinned and out of position. He also allowed that free header at the back post which could easily have resulted in the equalizer.
Rosicky impressed, Vela’s juggling act was quite enjoyable and Wilshere, at some points playing DM, showed maturity way beyond his years although making a few bad passes.
It is what it is. We handily beat a team which we should. I’m still not subscribing to ATV or buying new gear until we spend some money to fill our needs competently.
6-0. Happy with the performance. I’ll take it. Rosicky was an absolute beast. We put the brakes on once Theo went off. Not sure why. Like RVP was saying, we should strive to have more of the Chelsea attitude of going for the throat and just keep going at the opposition no matter what the score.
Talking of Chelsea, their squad on paper with their 2 performances so far pretty much gives the fans of every other team the feeling that they’re playing for 2nd place at best. Respect them for that, they’ve built that reputation and teams used have that kind of fear when playing us. One day… we’ll get it back… maybe…
Sometimes fans and even the players need games like this. Good to see, enjoyed all the goals while watching the game down the road from the Emirates. Theo scored the first 2 goals on instinct which he should do more often as opposed to getting lost in the maze that is Theo’s mind. Chamakh seems to fit right in as he missed 2 chances just like experienced arsenal pros, including one that was easier to score than miss. So very early on he has realized that to be a true gooner, you have to miss chances. Then, he goes out and shows he is a bit different as well by scoring from a corner.
Maybe it was the first home game but the arsenal shop at the stadium was jam packed. The lines were huge. Clearly, the shop is much bigger than the one at the Emirates and from this shop it is clear, Arsenal is a big brand. Yet this is something that Wenger and Ivan may want to deny. It is incredible how they try to pretend they are a small club struggling to shelf out a few million for a decent player. Seeing so many people spend so much money on merchandise was incredible. No un-happy people there, just excited Arsenal fans. The fact that stag has repeated many times was apparent today, Wenger and company don’t care. The club seems to be making money. It is a shame that Wenger and Ivan are doing their best to screw any chances this team has to win a trophy. Such a stadium deserves better.
DAG.
as I said previously, we could have won 10-0 today.
(had the chances to do so)
and it would not matter a damn.
if we are trying to win trophies, then we are in a worse position
than last season. we are not going to beat Chelsea or United… and City and Tottenham are closer to us than they were last year.
Bravo.
6-0.
we played well, looked good, moved the ball around well.
it was against Blackpool with 10 men for most of the match.
what is going to happen against Chelsea or United (or City or Tott’ham)?
if we don’t get the needed proper players in before the window
shuts… why should we care? why believe anything will be different?
it will be 100% SHOW ME, and until they do, I can be arsed to get
into the team…
spend the money, bring in a keeper AND a CB… or feck off Arsenal.
there are other sporting ventures to watch…
I’ll watch some, but not get too interested and/or involved without
signings.
and… I have actually found many supporters feel the same exact way.
sort of were hoping we won 4-3, with a gaffe by Almunia, and some shoddy defending, so that Wenger could more clearly see the light.
but he’ll run with this win over a team that probably shouldn’t be in
the Premiership… and hang his hat on the young players who are all
so good, that they are like new signings, and Almunia’s wonderful clean sheet.
its just not that interesting to hear his same shit, and watch the same story play out every season.
Missed the match, as we were driving up to DC this morning. But as my girlfriend read the scoreline, including the last three minutes of the gamecast (bless her) I thought of your 10-0 post. I’m surprised @ the surprise that we’re not more excited.
Missed the game, kinda busy. Nice result. Seems Theo was pretty important in that he scored half our goals and got in an assist or two as well. Good for him. Let’s hope he builds on it.
So, Wenger finally decided to give Tomas the keys to the car. In the whole time Rosicky’s been at Arsenal, Wenger never allowed Rosicky to be the man in midfield. Never! It’s his natural position. This summer, I said he was our second best midfield player and after a descent pre-season, he’d likely be back to his best. Apparently, he’s produced two descent performances. We’ll continue to monitor.
It’s no surprise Wenger opted for Song at CB. Djourou has looked horrible all pre-season and he’d get exposed. Can’t be good for his confidence that Wenger prefers a midfielder at CB when he’s fit. Keep your head down, Johann. Until then, we need a new central defender.
If I had the option, I’d certainly watch Arsenal over anything other team. I’m as frustrated as anyone else with how our transfers have gone but I still love the way Arsnal play. Let’s see if Theo, Jack, Almunia, and a few others can turn a corner this season.
It felt more like a Carling Cup match, and we have burned our hands often, trying to go over the top after lauding them after a high scoring match.
We were good, but far from where we desire to be, in terms of movement and passing accuracy.
Walcott was great creatively, but his final balls were still wayward.
Arshavin was OK only. Van Persie was poor and brittle, and he gave us his usual once-a-match anxious moment.
Fabregas was slowly geting into his groove, Rosicky and Chamakh played well.
Sagna was notieable, Clichy wasn’t.
Diaby and Wilshere complemented each other very well.
But, the fact that we had to see Almunia in goal and Song at CB, takes a lot of air out of our enthusiasm.
Also because Chelsea are 4-0 away from home. And our team showed little progress from last season.
Chelsea are throwing Wigan a beating. They, and West Ham, are already in trouble. Should have held on to my man, Titus.
I’ll jump in with some positive thoughts. Life without Sendy & Silvestre is great!
Overall, a bit of a too-easy romp to really tell anything. We’ve all been here before — we breeze aside lowly opposition, but it doesn’t mean anything when we hit a quality side.
Nice to see Theo showing decisiveness and directness. Rosicky fills the pocket nicely and Chamakh didn’t spent the whole game doing a Bendtner and missing every sitter.
I find it amusing sitting here and seeing no comments post match. Not 5 minutes after last week all of us were on Herr bitching. Now having done alot of the things they were supposed to do – noone seems able to say well done.
They beat a team they were supposed to – convincingly
They scored – repeatedly – against 10 men
Players who’ve been asked to step up have
still there is a long road to go and anything can happen – but even I can say well done.
Now about that goalkeeper?
Few thoughts on the game: Blackpool was NEVER going to win. They just don’t have the horses. But they played their game, didn’t park the bus and gave it a go for a while. The penalty ruined what was a fairly entertaining game. It was a red card, but was outside the box.
That was the Walcott we have all been hoping for since he was bought.
Rosicky really is a joy to watch. When he isn’t crocked.
The defense is still shaky. It could have very easily been 1-1 early on. If the fact that the starting DM was starting at CB instead of Djorou doesn’t worry Arsene, then he is truly mad.
Diaby is where offense goes to die. He needs to be taken out and left on the curb.
Blackpool is a team that Arsenal SHOULD stomp on. Glad to see that they did. I’m curious to see how ‘Pool does the rest of the season.
As I said in my preview, a smashing result, goals for Arsene’s babies and …
ALL IZZ WELL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A_G9dukSPE
Interesting lineup. Looking forward to see Sicky playing from the start. Not looking forward to him getting subbed 5 mins in due to injury.
As for watching something else, we could be fighting for relegation I don’t think it would be a hard choice for me to watch us play over anything else. That said though, the winning expectation that I used to have as a fan that we would win (the belief you see in Chelsea players before they step onto the pitch) is no longer there.
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Song, Vermaelen, Clichy, Diaby, Wilshere, Walcott, Rosicky, Arshavin, Chamakh.
Subs: Fabianski, Fabregas, van Persie, Vela, Djourou, Eboue, Gibbs.
Blackpool: Gilks, Baptiste, Evatt, Cathcart, Crainey, Sylvestre, Vaughan, Adam, Grandin, Harewood, Taylor-Fletcher.
Subs: Halstead, Eardley, Ormerod, Basham, Edwards, Demontagnac, Keinan.
Last week, the French soldiers that I’m here with opted to watch swimming when football was on. They must be gay. I’ll probably have to link to jason.tv again.
Wigan lost Titus Bramble in the off-season and it showed last week. Who ever thought Bramble could be a big loss. We should mop the floor with the new guys, especially at home. You simply never know, that’s why we play the game. Go Gunners.
“Last week, the French soldiers that I’m here with opted to watch swimming when football was on. They must be gay.” LOL
You’ve got a few army related comments Josh. If you don’t mind my asking, what exactly is it that you do?
I’m a pilot.
Ahh.. cool
Enjoy the match today guys. I won’t get to watch it until Monday evening. Taking the family to the beach for a long weekend to make up for my time away this week.
I’ll be watching your comments pleasure.
That lineups just one off the one I posted last thread. Hope it happens!
Whoever plays mid will have to keep Adam at bay. That happens and their main creative force is subdued and it should be easy from then.
HAHAHA. I just suggested Arsenal might do something the easy way…
As for Gallas, I don’t care if he signed for Spurs, Notts County or some Qatar club. We need to concentrate on our team.
We are the Arsenal. Our aim is not to beat Spurs or finish above them. Our aim is to challenge for and win the title. Not sure if that is the official version though.
As long as Arsene is not serious about building a team capable of doing that, it is difficult to the take the games too seriously.
If you want a good laugh, then read this
http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3285918/first-team/arsenal-v-blackpool?tab=preview
There are some absolute gems
“Just before 3pm on Saturday, there will be a meeting of great minds at Emirates Stadium.”
They are talking about Arsene and Holloway.
“And anyway, believe me, I am completely conscious that I am not a genius.”
Really ???
“Listen, Blackpool have just won 4-0 at Wigan, a place where not many teams win,”
Err.., most teams win there, except of course, yours!
“It doesn’t take a genius to work out that Saturday is a real, live examination for Wenger’s men.”
Blackpool at home – a real live examination ???
Hilarious stuff.
No doubt a comfortable 3-0 win with some Arsene baby (Nasri or Walcott or Diaby) scoring and cue talk of “all is well”, spirit, character, we don’t need any more players, we will fight for the championship, blah, blah, blah.