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
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YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2
Blackpool: 0
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