EPL Match Day 24: Arsenal v Wigan; Match Preview
It’s amazing what a win can do for your soul. After dismal showings against Leeds and Ipswich in cup ties, the Gunners came back and dispatched West Ham in the league and took care of business against Leeds in the FA Cup replay. And now the Gunners head home for their next 7 out og 8 matches brimming with confidence. This next run has become a crucial part of their seaso and their intetions. First up on the docket – Wigan.
Is anyone else worried by this?
Look by all statistical probabilities we should absolutely run riot over these guys. The Gunners are 8-1-2 against the Latics over the years. Arsenal are sporting the best offence in the league and they are yet to concede a goal in the league for 2011 – the only club not to do so. So what’s to worry right? Everything seems in working order.
Except that this season of bi-polar proportions we haven’t done anything exactly the easy way have we? Had we dispatched Wigan 4 weeks ago we’d be top of the league and looking down on our kingdom. Had we not fallen prey to a guffed up West Brom we’d be comfortably up top. All the time with those matches we felt assured and confident. And now we seem even more so.
Wenger has declared we are going to give our all for all four competitions we are in. That’s right you doubters, the Gunners are the only EPL squad currently in four competitions. Someone needs to tell me how they did that considering some of you say we have no depth. But I digress. I am reading on twitter and in the press people feeling a comfortable thrashing is at hand. And you know what – they are probably right.
Though when it has all mattered before we have been set up for a colossal let down. Wigan have done us in twice in the last two years, albeit in their own play ground. The most recent was coming back with 10 men to draw even with the Gunners only four weeks ago. They are well managed and they play attacking football. They will be up for the game and I think Rodaellega andN”Zogbia are decent attacking players and would relish the chance to score on Arsenal at the Emirates. If we take this half-assed like some of our other assured moments – we are to put it bluntly,screwed.
For our part, the full “A” squad should feature tomorrow. The only change would be with Szczesny in goal, conintuing on for the injured Lukasz Fabianksi. The problem for our more senior pole is that the junior pole keeper is showing – so far at least – that he is every bit the keeper everyone – including himself – says he is. Bendtner could learn something from Szczesny – like when you say you are something you actually live up to it and perform. Ah, again I digress. It has to be said Szczesny said he wanted more time and would show he deserves to be the number one and he is doing a damn fine job so far showing us all.
Unlike some of the other squads that have caugtht us, Wigan aren’t going to park ten men behind the bus. They aren’t coached that way and Roberto Martinez doesn’t want to play that way. This could favor our squad as a healthy team that is gaining in form, will certainly be able to open up a squad such as this. If the Gunners are to keep up with United and City and keep pressure on them then this is a match they must have. There can be no relaxing. We are beginning the downward slide to the end of the season.
We were in the the hunt last season. But realistically it never seemed like we had a chance to really close it down. This season with all its twists and turns, a successful run by the Gunners now could propel them to the top of the league. With a favorable fixture list – only matches against United, Tottenham and Liverpool seem to be the hardest – the Gunners are going to be in for a title run this season. Staying healthy and focused on the end result could be all that come between being runner’s up or champions.
And byt the way if you needed any more reason to believe the Gunners are for real – Fergie and Wenger are once again at each other. That’s a sure sign we are back to being a threat.
How the Match Should Play Out:
We’ve discussed that Wigan are not a defencive side. Martinez has them playing attacking football. As they sit towards the bottom of the table, they will be hungry for some points and bouyed by their recent results. In other words, the will come to play. Arsenal for their part will be more than willing to play with them. Expect the opening to be quick paced as each side feel each other out probing for weaknesses. The problem for Wigan is that there is just too much skill, especially in the Arsenal midfield for Wigan to be too much of a prolonged threat. The likes of Fabregas, Nasri, Theo, Van Persie and Wilshere are going to have their way with the midfield Wigan puts out there. The absence of Cleverly is going to weigh big for Martinez’s group. As much as I am worried about a misstep, I just don’t see one happening. Gunners go for it and come out victorious.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal. Wojiech Szczesny. Simply put he has been playing big and playing like he is the number 1. If he continues this run, Wenger has a very hard decision should Fabianski heal.
Wigan: Hugo Rodaellga. On a team that is having trouble scoring he is it’s leading scorer with 5 tallies on the season.
Probable Starting XI:
Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Diaby (calf) Squillaci (thigh) Almunia (ankle) Frimpong (knee), Vermaelen (Achilles)
Wigan: Moses (shoulder) McCarthy (leg) Cleverly (hamstring)
Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Nasri14 (9 league) Chamakh 10 (7 league) Walcott 10 (7 league)
Wigan: Rodallega 6 (6 league) N’Zogbia 4 (3 league)
Last Meeting: (EPL)
Arsenal: 2
Wigan: 2
Last 5:
Arsenal: WDWDW
Wigan: WDLDD
Goals For:
Arsenal: 2.2 (home)
Wigan: 0.8 (away)
Goals Against:
Arsenal: 1.1 (home)
Wigan: 1.3 (away)
Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 23
Wigan: -15
Match Officials:
Referee: Kevin Friend
Assistant referees: Stuart Burt & Paul Thompson
Fourth official: Lee Probert
Broadcast Information:
US: Foxsoccer.tv 10:00 AM EST
UK: ?????? 1500 GMT
Feeds:
www.atdhe.net
www.iraqgoals.net
www.jason.tv
www.myp2p.com
GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!!
www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 3
Wigan: 0
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hi, I’m new on here and excited to be a part of the conversation !
Gee just saw the replay. F*ck me that was impressive.
I’ll be an AKB for another year on the back of that performance
@rocka,
How is dominating the WEAKEST team in the EPL AT HOME “impressive”?
If we win the CC things change … till then this is all smoke.
@Fred,
Ah Fred you never fail to disappoint – had we lost you would’ve immediately come out and said “How could we not dominate one of the weakest teams in the league.”
Anyway, what was impressive about the win was this (and I say this because it is shared by many outside this blog and many in the field of professional football punditry) is that with the exception of 5 minutes in the second half it was one of the most lop-sided performances in this entire season.
If not for the stellar performance of Al Habsi this game would’ve been over within the first twenty minutes. As it was, the keeper (and some timely defencive blocks) kept his team in it, when the rest of the Wigan team were sorely lacking any sort of presence.
Yes, these are teams we are supposed to beat. Good for us. It is impressive because it was from top to bottom complete domination without this team getting off the pedal. Which is something we’ve complained about this team not doing at all
Sorry about your pal Steve but Nipuna has chosen to shout loudly by his absence against the evil that is arthur3sheds.
Sorry Nipuna i take it all back. I miss you :’(
Up early this morning and watching some Italian football, Udinese looks like they will hold off Inter after falling a goal down early. It’s on a lightning fast pitch and the home team has some strong, young international players on show (Sanchez, Asamoah, Inler, Handanovic) in addition to Di Natale. The one that interests me the most is a big center half named Zapata who looks comfortable with the ball at his feet….
But I trust management is working hard on potential reinforcements in that position….(lol….)
It makes me miss my old pal, Nipuna, who, though he turned awfully dark about the Arsenal, was still fun to watch matches with in the GDC….(What’s the story? Did Arthur chase him off during the holidays? If so, where’s Mr. 3Sheds himself?….Off to Madrid, like his man, the Blue Dade? Or maybe not? Are Man City players cup tied in Europe?…..)
Regarding yesterday’s match….Yeah, I know, Wigan at home, easy win (that we made harder, blah, blah, blah) nothing to take from it, better to lay in wait for the inevitable blunders ahead….
A couple of things however….What will be the “rotation” for the 2nd leg of the CC semi? Can’t rotate in central defense (Thank god?), but maybe at the wing backs? We need those meddling kids and Scooby Do to unmask that Eboue character before he does something that might haunt us forever….Given that we need a 2 goal win, I’d be tempted to stay strong at the back and certainly keep the 11 from yesterday on call at least.
And speaking of strong at the back….Is Flappy really injured or did he catch Mooney’s Elbow? There’s something about that Sneezy guy that just seems to make me feel (MUCH) better about conceding corners and FKs. Flappy was doing fine, of course, but there’s a nervous quality in the manner he carries himself which I fear transmits throughout the team (and the supporters). (If Wigan stay up, thank that Al Habsi fellow, if they go down, expect a bigger team to grab him….)
Well, I don’t want to go on too much, given the meaninglessness of yesterday’s match, but I thought Jack and Song looked as Cescy as I’ve seen them as did the Captain himself. RVP looked OK too….
Big match for Chelsea tomorrow at Bolton, to keep contact with the league leaders, knowing that they still play two against United. I’ll probably re-arrange my schedule (lol) to watch it, if anybody cares to join me in the GDC….
@highburyterracesteve, Funny quotes today from twitchy ‘Arry Redknapp….
“The next thing there’s two guys on their knees in front of me and I felt someone pull my overcoat. I didn’t take any notice but then they’ve got my trousers and they kept pulling them.”
“I didn’t know whether to knee them in the gob because I was thinking: ‘ What are they doing, these two blokes?'”
Damn, Spurs have so much talent that players are going to extraordinary lengths trying to get some pitch time….
Full article here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/21/harry-redknapp-robbed-madrid
Arsene said Almunia is recovered and will be on the bench against Ipswich.
Chelsea will probably decide our EPL fate. If they can draw and beat Manu that’s the 5 points we have to make up and the rest of the season results could easily be a tossup except that Manu is now sailing away with goal differential.
Never thought i’d be rooting for Chel$ki, but all is fair in love and war.
@Caribkid,
Sailing away? They’re only 3 better than us, +29 versus +26.
@highburyterracesteve, Game’s at 4 AM here but going to be going to the airport at around that time so I’m hoping I can watch it.
The nervousness you’re talking about spreading also transmits to the opponents I think. That makes them more aggressive, determined and hungrier during set pieces, which increases our edginess and this all leads to a bad cycle from our point of view. I’m happy with Szczesny..
The good thing about the timing of the Ipswich game is that the next game is up against Huddersfield. So the next ‘first-team’ game, if you will, is about a week after. Hence I think we may see more first team names on the sheet than we saw in the first leg (we also need to win of course).
My team:
Szczesny
Sagna Djourou Kos Gibbs
Cesc/Wilshere, Denilson (bleurgh), Nasri
Bendy, Chamakh, Arshavin
Despite a lack of clinical finishing, and a 10min second half slump, this was our most vibrant performance of the season. Full of energy and ideas, all the pieces clicking together.
Based on current form, this is our best line-up. Don’t think we will come close to beating Barcelona, but second place is an option.
The usual hiccups — Theo overthinking when put through, a final lack of composure in the box by some. But their keeper did do great.
This was so one-sided for so long, I can’t if Arsenal were that good or Wigan that average?
Either way, we have a great first 11. And a not very impressive bench. Arshavin needs to go to a spa or something. Like a lost soul right now.
I hope Van P. gets another run-on against Ipswich.
Wigan
As comfortable a win as we have had this season. Wigan looked like the Arsenal team which showed up against Leeds in the first game.
Were we that good or was Wigan that bad? The score could easily have 5 or 6.
What Cesc has which differentiates him from any other player on the squad is his passing vision. When he leaves that will be difficult to replicate.
In case you were wondering what £500 million buys you – just 24 shots on goal.
£24 million gets you a goal within 18 minutes.
Bent does it again against the big clubs and scores the only goal as Villa hold on against AC Inter Man City.
Arsenal now in 2nd with a game in hand over City.
United have there one game in hand to play this Wednesday against Blackpool
For you doubters – the title race is on.
@DaAdminGooner,
Oh and if I can add to my gloating –
Arsenal have not conceded a goal in the EPL for 2011 – the only team to do so.
Arsenal have conceded 22 goals this season. City have conceded 20. Chelsea and United have conceded 19.
For a team with a weak defence and goal keeping questions we are certainly doing allright.
Now let me temper my optimism – still plenty to play and anything can happen as this season has shown. If we manage to stay healthy – then we are well and in it. Which would marking April 26 on your calendar – that is when United come to the Emirates
@DaAdminGooner,
United come to the Emireates on April 30, saturday. Only reason I know this is b/c I already have a prior engagement that day, and when I set the date, I checked to see if I would be missing an Arsenal game and was obviously disappointed to see that that was the one I’d miss. If we happen to somehow make the CL semis, that would be on the 26th (or 27th)
@DaAdminGooner, United have 2 games in hand….the Blackpool match and also Chelsea away….We have one: Stoke at home. Hopefully United can drop some points while we do the business in our matches. Today seemed a step in the right direction….
Well needed result.
If, and it’s a massive IF, RVP stays fit, I am officially excited and optimistic about the run in. When we have him, Cesc, and Walcott up front, with Song and Wilshere behind, our team is truly a formidable proposition.
Trying to focus on that instead of listening to Wenger’s comments about not needing to buy for central defence, which like a alot of what he says transfer wise, riles and grates an awful lot.
“I will not use it as an excuse if we don’t win trophies”
yeah right Arsene. That comment itself shows that Wenger thinks it might have an impact in that sense, yet he’s still willing to sit idly and not do anything about it. I’ll stop there because, as I said, not worth it.
@Mazza, Don’t forget Nasri! And ye, I am hoping that the Djourou scare today will prompt some action. Fingers crossed (but expectations properly curbed).
@ CK
Enjoyed your news flashes on the last post. (even if you’re not on meds)
Thanks Arsession, just something to stimulate the mind :shock:
Lineup – Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Djourou, Clichy, Song, Wilshere, Fabregas, Nasri, Walcott, Van Persie
Starting XI: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Djourou, Clichy, Song, Wilshere, Fabregas, Nasri, Walcott, Van Persie
@DaAdminGooner,
Subs: Shea, Denilson, Arshavin, Eboue, Gibbs, Chamakh, Bendtner.
Another note (sorry about the spammy behaviour)… some stats on RVP, and the reason why we persist with his injuries. WEll worth a read:
http://www.thegoonerblog.com/2011/01/some-unbelievable-rvp-stats.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+TheGoonerBlog+(The+Gooner+Blog)
Now while his importance is clearly oulined, it does get you thinking that IF you can get a fit superstriker to spearhead us all season, we’d be much better placed and something that our manager and his staff should think about. I.e.- A Drogbaesque (last season Drog) striker. Someone the team can expect to change games all season long.. put away those games that only present our side with one or 2 chances in the whole game.
We can dream…
@OziKenyan,
Since August 2007, Robin van Persie has hit the bar or post more regularly than any other player – once every 452 minutes on average
@DaAdminGooner, No surprises there. I mean, anyone who watches Arsenal, if they had to guess, would guess RVP… Just wish he’d adjust that fraction more ey?
Oh by the way, I’m loving our defensive solidity of late (or whatever you want to call it). Attacking football is fun and all, but there’s just something about getting a streak of clean sheets that lets you go into matches so much more confident (even though in our case we need a longer one than 3 games, especially when our “streak” is interspersed with goals conceded in the cup games).
I imagine that it goes for the players as well and that the longer this goes on, the harder they will fight to keep it going on and the greater belief they will have that they can make it go on. Excellent things provided it doesn’t cross over to carelessness.
p.s.- On a streak-related note, I’m totally with ChiGooner about Utd’s unbeaten run. It concerns me and I want it stopped! Preferably soon although from an excitement point of view, nothing would top an Arsenal side beating an unbeaten Utd side all the way in April…
Hey all.
Been a decent holiday season all said and done. Things have looked up since I last commented. Today’s game.. looking forward to it as always.
Regarding szczesny, i reckon fabianski will heal a lot quicker if there’s and blunders. Hope it doesn’t happen as like you said, he’s living up to expectations.
Generally games like this, I get the feeling that it’s going to be a tight game or a thrashing. For some reason, I think it’ll be a more comfortable game today. I wouldn’t mind that… Something along the lines of a solid 2-0 will do me fine!