EPL Match Day 9: Arsenal v Man City; Match Preview
Epic or Epic Failure?
Never have two clubs been polar opposites on how you build a club. On one side is historical prudence – spending what they see fit to bring in appropriate talent. On the other, is financial wrecklessness – spending whatever is necessary to bring in senior level talent ready made. Whether either model is the appropriate model is irrelevant what is relevant is that Arsenal and Man City the representations of that dichotomy take the pitch against each tomorrow with a match that has big implications.
For City a win would mean staying in 2nd place in the table and further cementing in people’s minds that this club has arrived. For Arsenal a win would propel them into 2nd and show that they can beat a highly talented team. It is a match that based on initial looks like it could be an epic. Sort of like last season’s match. When Tempers were flaired and Adebayor did his lord of the dance routine on Robin Van Persie’s face. Arsenal left it to late to really try and turn it on in that match and were hard pressed not to come away with at least a draw. The 2nd match was a snooze fest with Arsenal fielding a reserve squad pretty much (with all the injuries) and holding the wannabe contenders to a 0-0 draw.
Whichever type remains to be seen. Mancini is not known to press the attack. He follows the Italian mantra of holding the match – especially against big competitors. Sure they will go for the win but only if the opportunity presents itself. Their recent win against Chelsea was opportunistic when John Terry appeared as the weak link and was shredded by Tevez. But attacking football is not Mancini’s style. He fields a team with no creativity in the centre, instead running a midfield of 3 holding midfielders – inviting you to come and tangle with them.
Arsenal will look to press the attack. It is how they play and in fairness when it is on, I don’t think there is a club that can compete with them. And that is the problem it isn’t always on. When the lack the get-up and go, Arsenal have their problems. They are built to attack and if they can’t do it with verve it is predictable tiring ball. I think however, they will not come out this way.
Cesc Fabregas comes back after his freak thigh injury against Sunderland. Theo Walcott is back from his rolled ankle while on duty for England and Bacary Sagna comes back after a two week hiatus. Oh and the greatest striker on earth, Nicklas Bendtner is also back (how could I forget Nicky with the pink boots) The club is getting healthier and needs players like this if it wants to continue contending for a title. Cesc has tried to implore people that he is focused only on winning with Arsenal and even through some lobs at Manchester City by telling anyone who would listen, that money doesn’t by the spirit of teamwork. It seems to me from what I’ve been reading that he is up for this match and relishing the opportunity.
Really for me and for Arsenal it is all about coming out with the same verve they came out against Chelsea and converting the opportunities that are given. The match at the Bridge would’ve had a decidedly different tone if Chamkah or Koscielny convert their early chances. Sure Chelsea won but Arsenal were good for the match. They weren’t knocked off the ball and stood toe to toe – we just didn’t convert and that was and is one of our biggest issues.
To convert we need our players to stop tippy toeing around the penalty box, you have to shoot. Now, that being said, Arsenal have taken the most chances on goal of any team in the league. They need to improve the conversion rate. Additionally, I think you need to attack their back 4. They are good and can be resolute but they don’t have a seocnd gear and they are relatively slow. Get the ball behind them or attack them with pace from either Clichy or Sagna crosses to Chamakh and the game will have a different complexion then last year’s similar fixture.
Finally, I think players like Arshavin and Nasri have to have big games for us. Sure Chamakh is a new middle option for us and has adapted well to the EPL. But Arshavin is not as incisive as the player who was the star of Euro 2008. With a new contract reportedly ready to be locked down, Arshavin needs to show he is the player we know he can be. Like the team he plays for when on, their are few better but when off, well, we all know that AA23 is frustrating to watch. As for Nasri he has been quietly building a good resume for the squad sometime. His prime position has been the central role but he has shown deftness when played on the wing. He is making good decisions with the ball and is one of the few players that does try to attack the box rather than toe around it.
Regardless of last year’s fixtures this one has even bigger meaning, as the last match of the weekend, it could be the Epic it is lining up to be or it could severely fail and just be a back and forth without any real incisive work done.
How the Match Should Play Out:
I really expect Arsenal to try and attack from the outset. They will try and test the firmness of City’s back four. City will likely play the Italian Possum game waiting for only prime opportunities to try and take the match to the visitors. I don’t expect as much contension as last season. I’ve picked Adebayor to start but frankly that is a hope because this season him and Tevez have played awfully together. If Ade plays look for Arsenal to play a high trap trying to force the striker into his penchant for going offsides. Either way this isn’t going to be a slugfest, it will have goals but I think it has draw written all over it.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Cesc Fabregas is back and wants to win some silverware. Well Captain Fabtastic this is the place to show us you are serious.
Man City: Carlos Tevez would be the obvious choice as would Ade but I am looking to see how Jerome Boateng handles Gael Clichy’s pace. Boateng is a big strapping back but he has shown in internationals and in the league that he has trouble against pacy wingers, to me he is the exploit area for Arsenal.
Probable Starting XI:
Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal:Wilshere (suspended -3) Koscielny (back) Almunia (elbow) Vermaelen (achilles) Van Persie (ankle) Ramsey (ankle) Frimpong (knee)
Man City: Balotelli (knee – D), Jo (ankle – D), K Toure (hamstring – D) Kolarov (ankle) Nimely (ankle)
Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 0
Man City: 0
Last 5:
Arsenal: WDLLW
Man City: DWWWW
Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Chamakh & Nasri 6 (3 league) Arshavin 5 (2 League)
Man City: Tevez 7 (7 League) Adebayor 3 (0 League)
Match Officials:
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Assistant Referees: Scott Ledger & Phil Sharp
Fourth Official: Kevin Friend
Broadcast Information:
US: FSC 11:00AM EST
UK: Sky Sports 1 1600 BST
Feeds:
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GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!!
www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2
Man City: 2
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ManU’s Mexican kid scores yet another winner. That is now 3 in 3 diff competitions for the ManU new boy.
Is Vela watching?
he is watching Nipuna, but it’s kinda hard to do anything about it when you are watching from the bench.
He is watching from the stands actually.
Vela is probably watching and is probably very happy for his countryman….Maybe he’ll even throw him a hotel party one of these days….
I like Vela (very much) and really hope he comes good at Arsenal. He’s gotten some good chances and, despite some tasty chipped goals in the Carling Cup and some other good moments (assist for the game winner in the FA cup at West Ham last season, for example) his overall contribution seems a disappointment.
Almost all of my quality face to face football discussion is with Mexicans and they generally rate Vela very, very highly, although the consensus is that he’s quite fragile. He was not quite the sensation in international football as his teammate Giovanni Dos Santos (currently with Spurs) when the two of them led Mexico to the U-17 World Cup title in 2005. Dos Santos, of course, was a disappointment at Barcelona, before going to Tottenham (and on loan to Ipswich Town). Dos Santos, IMO, unlike Vela, is a very direct forward/winger and a very selfish player. Like Vela, he’s just 21 and has the potential to develop into a top player.
Javier Hernandez (Chicharito), 22, is taking his opportunity at United very, very well. With Valencia out for the season, Rooney, injured, desperately out of form and threatening to go across to Man City, and Berbatov, more of a “moments of Brilliance” type, rather than a real work-horse, Chicharito has been presented with a real opportunity. And, his recent goals could not have been more timely. He also played nicely in the WC, before coming to United, as a sub in early group matches and then as a starter and more or less as Vela’s replacement after Carlitos suffered (another) injury.
My point is that opportunities come and that it’s very good to take advantage of them. Sometimes, of course, it doesn’t work out. I don’t want to make excuses for Vela, but, I’m going to keep supporting him and hoping for the best.
I think it’s great that Hernandez, Vela and Dos Santos are all at top teams in the Premier league. It’s also great for Mexican football and for me personally in talking with a few of them. (My kid is in a Spanish immersion program in school and the Fathers of his classmates are my source of conversation….) In my opinion, and bolstered by what these guys say, I think Vela is a real talent, a great team player (always looking for a pass) and just needs a good run of health and further opportunities. It would be nice if he could improve his finishing, esp. with his (weaker) right foot. And he might also need a bit more toughness–“Keep your feet lad”–and resistance to injury. Clearly he’s had some issues (the hotel party leading to a 6 month ban by the Mexican Int’l team) and the “passport” incident for the return CL leg at Barca. Still, I think he’s got a good chance to be a top player, and hopefully that will happen for him at Arsenal.
Milos Krasic has been suspended two games by the Italian FA for diving. That’s good to see from Italian football. I think it’s a very good option that other leagues should consider; retroactive suspension for cheats. Perhaps players will finally cut it out.
Great video of the Reserves against Westham with JET getting the treble.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFjaBXa3Sys&feature=player_embedded#!
Vela, Eastmond, Lansbury, Nordveit also in squad. Good look at our future stars.
Does this Carling Cup match count as one of the three games that Wilshere misses? I didn’t know if he missed 3 league games or if this was included. When Wenger got suspended for actions during a league game, he served it in the Carling Cup. Is it the same for players?
Yes. A domestic suspension includes Cup (both Carling and FA Cup) games.
All games run by the English FA counts, so this one does as would the FA Cup.
@Brendan as per your earlier question about FOX.
I am with Comcast and get ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3/360 (which is a high quality stream at http://www.espn360.com), FSC and FSN.
Between all those channels only one game was not broadcast live. http://www.Veetle.com also normally provides good streams.
I normally go the Moreland Brewhouse Cafe for some of the games anyway just to get some of the rabid fan atmosphere. The owner is English and a Gooner and has a special room for us where the enemy is not allowed.
For regular games we get a normal crowd of about 30-50 and we will have up to 150 for the big games. It’s a great place to be if you are ever in Atlanta and they do have great fish & chips and a wide selection of brews.
The fact that Diaby got hurt in the warmup and couldn’t play was a blessing in disguise. Denilson made the decision to sit deeper and play more of the holding role. Song was all over the place and caught out of position on several occasions. If Diaby had been on the field, there would have been no cover because he doesn’t track or tackle. Denilson actually played one of his best games, even though that is not saying much.
With everyone healthy, I think Denilson and Diaby are both 6th and 7th choice in a three man midfield behind Fabregas, Wilshere, Song, Ramsey and Rosicky. They could be further down if Van Persie comes back and Nasri plays more in midfield. Eventually I expect Frimpong to surpass them, if he recovers from his injury and can stay healthy and Lansbury as well. AW should consider selling one of them in the summer after Ramsey and Frimpong’s comebacks are assessed.
Agree.
And I hope that when Ramsey is back, the midfield will be out of Song, Jack, Rambo and Cesc. Diaby and Deni can be relegated to the bench or Vela status. Anyone notice Vela is nowhere to be seen in league and CL games?
RIP Paul the Octopus.
“On October 26, 2010 Paul died in sleep due to natural causes, as reported by Stefan Porwoll, manager of the Oberhausen Sea Life Centre in Germany. Decision on his final resting place and funeral is yet to be finalized.”
Not a single British player in the 23 name short list for the World Player of the Year award.
1. Shows you how good the English players are.
2. If the EPL is still the best, it is only because of the Johnny Foreigners.
And speaking of keepers, who will start against Newcastle?
Will Mooney miraculously (LOL) recover from his injury or will Chesny finally get his wish?
You never know, Arsene may continue Flap in goal to boost his confidence.
Seems like Chesny is set to start.
Bye Bye Mooney?
Regarding Flap, he made two exceptionally good saves, ones that reminded me of Lehmann and ones which I don’t remember Mooney doing.
However, it is too early to say what will happen. I would love for him to succeed. But I also remember Alex Manninger going through the same motions and finally fail to make it. Fingers crossed on this one.
And Cescy does it again!
“It looks like after every win you have to say ‘oh, you are more mature than last year’, but it is just one more game, let’s not get carried away. In football, you know what people will say when you win, and you know what people will say when you lose.
The time to talk about if we have matured or are better than before will be at the end of the season.”
I don’t know where Arseblog got these quotes from but he is spot on.
That was a quote from Cesc during an interview. I think it was with SKY.
Cesc is the only guy who remains level headed after every game. Not jumping into the “we will win something”, “it is time”, we are close to something special”, etc. statements.
Let the football to the talking. If we do win, there will be enough time to talk.
Whenever he quotes a player/manager he usually has a link to the actual article.
The Rooney situation (following on from our own Fabregas saga) demonstrates why I have adopted a rather sceptical and removed position on player-loyalty. It matters little how much a player is loved and nurtured by a manager, the club and its fans – his commitment is compatatively shallow, particularly once he moves into his prime years. These boys are treated better than kings and yet they’ll move on when the situation suits them.
So…..players are resources of the clubs that pay them extravagantly for their ‘services’.
Now, let’s not be silly, we need to acknowledge that many many fans will never be able and/or willing to see players in such an analytical light. They’ll maintain in ther own minds a sense of sentimental attachment, a hope that in some way the players feel a similar sense of devotion to the club (and fans) as the fans themselves do. Yet that is blatantly not the case. The devotion of the players is all too quickly usurped by the words of their advisers and their own private aspirations.
United adopted a teenage Rooney and lavished him with opportunity, money, glamour and trophies. How does he repay them? After acting like a first-class smuck in his private life and playing like a chump onfield he gives everyone associated with United the finger in a very very public way. Classy aye? Then he does a 180% and accepts a massive payrise. All rather tacky and sickly. Meanwhile the gravy train rolls on.
I can well understand why Wenger shied away from drawing any moral conclusions on the money (salaries) involved in football. What exactly can one summise? Perhaps as a fan turning a blind eye is the only sensible approach. Wenger, of course, has muddied the water even further by prepaying his trainees as they train on the pitch in the Arsenal first team. It’s one thing to extravagantly reward proven talent but quite another to prepay youngsters that are learning at our expense and for whom you have to intentionally lower the bar of expectation. Take Bendtner, we’ve nurtured this young player for many years, foregone the opportunity to buy someone better so that we didn’t kill his opportunity to develop in our first team no less. And what does Nic say? Well, he dreams of playing for Real or Barca.
“Most of us tend to overlook Sagna, but he is the best defensive right back in the world.”
Perhaps others are like myself, I rarely comment on Sagna these days because I think he does a solid (if unspectacular) job at RB. Which is exactly what I want. He’s a bit limited going forward yet that is not in itself a flaw in a FB, indeed it may be a strength. What you want in your defenders is a belief that they need to prove themselves defensively.
Sagna and Gibbs look to me to be a good FB combo. Gibbs presents as having a more natural attacking element to his game whilst Sagna is fundamentally a defensive hardman. Together they mirror a Cole/Lauren type FB duo which probably fits with Wenger’s view of the world.
Clichy despite having a lot to admire in his game and in his effort still seems to lack the fundamental sense that he is a defender. His play places the defence under duress in almost every game. Sometimes it is mission critical sometimes not. But it does put the hebe jebe’s up the defence. He is a shakey type of guy. Take the City game, Micah Richards swatted him away like a flea. My sense is that wasn’t simply a matter of size (i.e. Clichy being light and Richards muscular) – it was as much to do with how Clichy plays the role of FB. Clichy relies a lot on his mobility and power of recovery and yet he isn’t that good and we aren’t that good as a defence to cater for such an indulgent approach.
there isn’t a defender in the League that Micah Richards wouldn’t outmuscle… but it was Clichy’s fault!
Clichy has played very well the last few games, and Gibbs is only getting in if he gets injured.
I’m hoping Gibbs isn’t going to join the perma-crock group. Fingers crossed.
If Gibbs proves to be reasonably durable I think he will quickly challenge Clichy. No question.
What the whole team needs (including Clichy/Gibbs) is for a new CB combo to emerge and gel. Once that happens it will provide a basis for a lot of the players to fit around.
Dont mind stag … he is probably the only Arsenal fan who thinks Clichy plays “great”!
Clichy is a zero offensively and gets skinned every single game. Denying that is like claiming Almunia is a solid, error-free goalie.
yes, Fred.
Rooney is gone, no going back, and…
you know it all.
Ibra with another goal, and AC Milan are ahead of Inter.
:snicker:
I notice how you refrain from actually defending Clichy. LOL. You would look too much like a fool if you did. You are getting smart my friend.
————————————–
Rooney said he was gone in HIS own statement and there is NOTHING preventing him being sold in the summer either.
The 150kpw he is now on is still significantly less than the 250kpw Yaya is on … and Rooney knows that.
So hold your horse, short-sighted one, real action occurs in the summer. Nobody moves in October … and no major player moves in January.
——————————-
Eto’o also scored at the weekend, Stag, you absolute plank! :-D
Well played by the Arsenal. I mentioned it before the game that this team seems ready to make it’s own mark on the club’s history. I really believe the kids are all grown up. It’s not just the superstars but everyone is contributing. Everyone’s game is evolving, making them all more dangerous players.
First, there is Alex Song. I know Fred doesn’t like him so far from our defense but he provides a physical presence all over the ptich. His goals have also been interesting as most of them have come even though the ball wasn’t played to him. Song just happened to be in right place at the right time. Arsenal haven’t had a player show that inherent ability since Pires left. Song’s probably done that in training for years.
Denilson hasn’t played much this season but has been effective when coming on. I’ve always been a fan because as a very young man, he showed big maturity. I think Wilshere’s presence has forced him to step it up if he want’s to stay at the club. Regardless, it’s all good.
Nasri is a player who I wasn’t a fan of because I thought he held the ball too long. During pre-season, however, it was clear that he was looking to move the ball quicker, whether dribbling or passing. That change to his game was for the benefit of the team and he looks so much more dangerous as a result.
Bottom line, these guys are still very young and learning. Song had the physicality but not the smarts. Denilson had the maturity but was physically weak. Nasri had the technical skills but lacked the team concept. As we watch, players from Fabregas and van Persie to Wilshere and Fabianski, are all becoming more complete players with every game. The results of their maturation is manifest in the current league position. Cesc and van Persie are perfect examples. Four years ago, they were considered super talent but now both are considered by many to be World Class. Wenger’s babies are finally here.
unfortunately, both have been fragile the last few seasons, and we will be lucky to get 25 games each from Cesc and RVP.
Cesc is back against ManCity, and is fouled hard all over the pitch… he isn’t going to last taking punishment like that, no wonder he thinks Spain is a good place to play!
Your right, Fab took a couple of really hard body checks to the left hip/thigh area – one by the thug de Jong and the other by Barry. Clearly intentional. Barry was rightly booked de Jong wasn’t.
It was (truly) pleasing to see a little bit of the treatment being reciprocated by Arsenal players. On this ocassion Wenger may be telling the truth in saying that the team has grown up and aren’t softies.
@brendan,
http://www.epltalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/
The above site gives you updated TV scheduling for EPL, FA Cup, CC and CL involving English teams. I use it as my football broadcast bible.
Thanks Carib. That site is just what I was looking for.
Do you use foxsoccer.tv at all? I can only get FSC and not FSCP in my area. It seems like it would be worth subscribing to. Just wanted to hear if the stream was consistent.
I’ve just read Goodplaya who has joined the ‘let’s slag the Arsh team’.
Apparently, it’s now rational thought that Arshavin should back-track to cover for the calamity that is Messr Gael Clichy. I don’t get that one. If Arshavin expends his energy on covering for the frightfully negligent Clichy who supports Chamakh in the 4-3-3 setup? Who adds the attacking intent? It just sounds silly to me. Arshavin and Chamahk are the most attack-minded players in this line-up and they need to do what they do best – attack.
I read that Arshavin has started in 12 games for Arsenal in this stanza and come on as a sub in the other 3. So he’s contributed in every game – only Chamakh shares that stat. Another telling detail is that in those games Arshavin has scored 5 goals and assisted with 7 others. Not too bad is it.
The irony is thick, Arshavin plays in every game (and contributes tellingly in goals and assists), and yet he cops a battering. Why does he play so much? Well partly because we persist in carrying the perma-crocks. The likes of Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott and Tomas Rosicky are either out (the first 2) or being carefully ‘managed’ (the latter). So the little Russian for the second season straight gets (over) played.
I’m not blind on Arshavin nor an apologist for his cause. He is what he is. He’s a little attacking magician. If you’re expecting him to emulate Ray Parlour forget it. He’s atypical. He presents at times as moody, lazy and a tad arrogant. If you’ve followed football for a while none of this is a surprise. What is good is that even when he’s clearly not ‘on form’ (i.e. hot or in a purple-patch) he still contributes where it counts. Critically, I think that Arshavin will come in to his own when the stakes are the highest. He can do what the likes of Walcott, Bendtner and Rosicky simply can’t. What we don’t need to do is flog him (again) and what we do need to do is to give him a scent of glory.
These same plonkers forget that Kieran Gibbs shows no such fear or uncertainty when paired up with Arshavin ; in fact it seems he positively revels in it. Storming forward with the belief that imposing the game on the opposition is the mark of champions (the fidgety half-assed approach of Clichy being one of nearly men).
Also, in the 4-3-3 type formation the central midfielders should be covering the full back while Arshavin drops into central midfield and takes the position of the now vacating DM. Expecting a forward, especially one like Arshavin, to retreat the full length of the pitch is unfair. Arshavin is also the more advanced of the two wide players and this is also why someone like Nasri drops back to defend more, or at least he supposedly drops back to defend more (He didn’t do a great job against Chelsea).
You echo my thoughts Maz 100%.
It’s lazy analysis to suggest that your ‘2nd forward’ in the attacking 3 should ‘back-track’ – that’s an argument that comes from a 4-4-2 formation (and even then it’s lazy because it depends on the make-up and merits of the attacking 4 in such a formation i.e. Overmars didn’t back-track yet Parlour did, Pires was peripheral in defence yet Ljungberg wasn’t).
In theory at least, the middle 3 in a 4-3-3 line-up gives you greater cover and flexibility to absorb any falibility in defence. This is where you really do rely on the smarts of the individuals. Like Keown said after the City game, Wenger lets players play and (so) we need the guys on the pitch to have the right (defensive) balance in their own heads. Clichy just isn’t that clever – what we’ve seen of Gibbs suggests he is.
I also agree with your take on the relative games and merits of Arshavin/Nasri. Despite being capable of playing a similar role Arshavin is more the natural attacker and Nasri more the natural midfielder.
Bottom line though is that some folk are on a roll with Arshavin and are incapable of making the mental leap back to reasoned and independent thought.
I thought Arshavin played a solid match v. City. Kept his passes simple and gave an effort at both ends of the pitch.
Why would you give Goodplaya so much credibility?
goodplaya is one of a number who have taken a dislike to Arshavin
Outside of Cesc and to a certain extent Nasri, AA is the one of the holy trio who can deliver that defining pass which splits a defense open.
That alone makes him an invaluable part of our offensive scheme and stats do prove that without a shadow of a doubt.
BTW, in the Arsenal defensive rotation the defensive MF’s do not normally cover for the wing back going forward. The defensive line shifts to that side of the field so that the CB becomes a wing back and the opposite wing back becomes a CB.
In turn, the alternate side winger/outside MF slots into the vacated wing back slot, with The AM also having the choice to fill that spot if he so chooses.
Clichy, like DJ tend to go to ground too easily rather than shadow the opponent and taking them away from goal. When they get the ball it’s all good, but as happens in every game, when they miss we are in deep shit. Gibbs, Koz and TV are all miles ahead of them in football IQ.
Most of us tend to overlook Sagna, but he is the best defensive right back in the world. While he may lack clinical crossing, he is complete in all aspects of defense and is often the unsung defensive hero.
I remember Koscielny getting smoked by El Hadji Diouf because he didn’t go to ground and it led to a goal. No worries. Kos is still young and developing.
“Outside of Cesc and to a certain extent Nasri, AA is the one of the holy trio who can deliver that defining pass which splits a defense open”
Rosicky, Song, Diaby, Denilson, Wilshere, Ramsey, and RvP ALL CAPABLE OF DELIVERING and have delivered the killer pass.
I could be bothered getting up at 3:45am to watch this game.
The red card was a funny thing. Part of me was thrilled that we ‘only’ had to play 10 men, but another part groaned a little. I hate the spectacle being diminished in this manner. I’d rather the player gets sent off but is able to be replaced by one of your subs. Sport at this level is enormously expensive and it seems counter-productive to reduce the appeal and competitiveness of a game. Just my thoughts.
I thought we did fairly well. City have a team still capable of competing hard despite being a player down. De Jong is a pig of a player.
What else can we glean? We still have an issue with being clinical, if City had pulled a goal back we (w)could have struggled – the penchant for tippy tappy needs to be shaved down further. Chamakh is a step in the right direction. You need a bit of single-mindedness in going for goal.
The other point of interest was Flappy. Is it possible for a keeper to recover from the yips at a major club? Has it ever happened before? Is he going to implode again? The game of an outfield player doesn’t get put under the same intensity ‘event’ scrutiny as a keeper. A keeper derives confidence from NOT being involved in bad moments. Bad moments cause trauma, and trauma can result in permanent irrepairable damage to the keepers confidence and reputation. It’s really harsh but it’s the reality they have to cope with. They stand out there for 95 mins and get judged on 2 or 3 events. Concentration and an ability to shine in those events is what makes a great keeper great. If Flappy becomes a David Seaman it might just be Wenger’s greatest triumph. Although you gotta ask yourself why we’re even going down this track.
I believe last season, Inter was down a man (most of the match) and still pulled out a victory…….but it is a rarity.
In the past, our jittery keepers always gave our opponents hope.
If Arsenal can find a keeper who can deliver consistent keeping like Fabianski executed yesterday OR Mannone v. Fulham last season, then we have a great chance to win some silverware.
Does anyone know if the Newcastle game is on TV in the U.S.?
FSCP/621, DirecTV.
Thanks Vibe. I am still waiting for Comcast to pick up FSCP in my area.
You want to talk about taking league cup games seriously? Jose Morinho takes them VERY seriously. Told his players that if they lose to Real Murcia then the players who play in that game are dead to him.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=836019&sec=europe&cc=5901
I cannot believe it, but Flappy was the MOTM yesterday. That reflex save in the first moment aved the game – I don’t see much hope if Arsenal had gone down 1-0 that early. He made good saves, communicated and distributed pretty well, and generally saved Arsenal from the sometimes suicidal defending at the back. Silva could have put in a few if he could have gotten better control on some of those long balls over the top.
And I like the fact that the team took a few yellows in the first half. They showed that they weren’t going to be bullied. After they took all those cards they played very smartly and had none in the second half.
A much needed result, with, as many have pointed out, some important positives to take forward along with some obvious negatives or causes for concern.
The match started out in completely different fashion from what would be expected thanks to our massive troubles on the left side of defense, but Flappy’s “training ground” reaction saved us, and moments later, the class of our best player AND our intelligent, hard-working, tall and lanky (and on-side!) center forward combined to turn the game in our favor. Chamakh may not be (nearly) as talented as Adebayor, but he seems to be a far, far more effective player and, thus far, one of the big reasons we’re actually still afloat this season.
Up a man, we still looked (extremely) vulnerable and our immaturity showed as we invited trouble with wreckless challenges rather than using the superior numbers to slowly squash the life out of our opponents. And while I wish our Captain (hacked relentlessly) could have settled the team by calmly using his feet and his pointing fingers to organize and settle our possession game, instead he gave as he was getting, culminating his work by “winning” the penalty. Of course he should have buried it, but he didn’t. Luckily, the team accepted the disappointment and saw out the half without presenting opportunities that might have re-inspired City.
For some reason this match reminded me of the away match at Liverpool last Fall (another must win, after troubles earlier in the season) and, again, I think, the half time talk was key. Somehow we came out, settled possession and the match and (after more good “training ground” work from our keeper) got the decisive goal through Johnny on the Spot, 2nd striker (WTF?), Alex Song. More good work at the back from Slappy (take that Ade, as you head the ball over….) and, eventually, City, which showed pretty good spirit throughout, withered.
And nobody got hurt! (Save Diaby’s rolled ankle in warm-ups!?!) Now we’ve got some very winnable matches which should feature the improving depth of the squad. More guys are coming back from injury, while others are getting a chance to challenge for first team spots. If we can shore up/get stronger/keep it together at the back, the opportunity to consolidate yesterday’s effort and create (what should be) an attacking juggernaut seems tantalizingly close.
We are so much better with Cesc on the pitch, and he’s finding small ways to help us, even when his feet don’t quite do the job. Arshavin (finally) made a contribution, actually passing for a goal and tracking back (at least once) to help out our super-shaky left side of defense. (And though Clichy looked good juxtaposed to horrific Djourou, Gibbs should be salivating over his chances in the coming matches). There are plenty more players to single out and discuss, but, with the good result, at least a platform has been created for moving forward and building something decent.
Onto Newcastle and the CC (which I hear we’re taking seriously), another fine opportunity to prove our quality in depth….
Dark. Very dark.
For a hippie optimist ;)
If someone had told me the scoreline before the game I would have been certain that I would’ve had to address my pre-match comment that I knew “which Arsenal would show up”. However, I didn’t, because one could argue the same old Arsenal did show up ; getting sliced and diced early on and looking ropy throughout the first half. As you mentioned, it was Anfield-esque the way we performed in the second half, and only goes to confirm that we’re not being over-critical when wondering how we could look so fragile in the first half/halves, despite the fact that winnning versus ten is no gimme.
The Nasri goal WAS something we haven’t seen before however. For me, that was the first important goal he’s scored all season in open play; the others have been penalties or mere cosmetics. Hopefully it proves to be a seminal moment in his career, as it is the first time he’s scored a genuine top class ‘pass the ball into the net’ type of goal. It’s something he’s been threatening for a while. Now he’s scored one, this might open the floodgates……
Song – was a real problem for City offensively and defensively
Denilson – not started a match since last spring; playing aggressive and not looking like the Denilson of younger days.
Fabianski – doing an Eboue; now our #1
Djourou – missed all of last season; before that, I can only remember him playing CB a couple of times (that’s it); now he steps in over past few weeks, and HAS NOT had any howlers. So he was burned by Tevez; what defenders in the Premier league haven’t?
MOTM – Arsene; definitely not our strongest line up; yet he kept the players focused and everyone put in a good shift.
Hmmmm….
Again, you and I are posting at the same time (early morning for me….)
While I appreciate your relentless optimism and the desire to bolster our weakest players, I think you’re, maybe, taking it too far.
Things went our way yesterday and if you’re gonna give MOTM to AW, I’ll give it to “Plugs” Clattenburg (whose bald spot now actually seems to be growing hair faster than the rest of his head). He got the big calls spot on and kept the match from getting out of control when it seemed that it might. Of course our boys, esp. our keeper (see below) came up big when City might’ve conjured the necessary spirit to get back into the match.
Relentless optimism is your good-natured choice of words……tks. However, from a managing perspective – this win was all about the manager’s conviction and belief.
Our manager is years ahead of the fans in understanding human beings, players, club, and sport.
Clattenburg – Isn’t he paid to get the calls right, keep the game under control, so why exalt his performance?
From my armchair, Song, Denilson, Cesc, Djourou were all issued yellow cards for tackles that de Jong and Kompany were not.
“Things went our way” Good teams make their breaks. Cesc’s pass to Chamakh forced the play of their defender. He made the wrong decision.
Games can be won and lost on one play! It is the Arsenal style of play to force this type of situation.
I’m sitting in the stands during pre-match yesterday……my group has invested $200 million pounds over the past 2 seasons and there is mild optimism for taking Arsenal to the wood shed. I hear, even the renowned FCS pundits (Barton and the other) favor us for this match up.
Tevez, Silva, Millner, Barry, de Jong, YY Toure, Balotelli, Hart, & Ade vs Denilson, Djourou, Squillaci, Fabianski, Chamakh, Sagna, Clichy, and who are the other Arsenal players?
Post match, I am wondering if I have bought a new form of derivative.
Cast-off, Default Swaps….(maybe?)
As some might argue, at least the City fans get to see some big money players (not to mention a big club–like Arsenal) without paying the highest ticket prices in Europe….
The sad thing is that whatever success City has this season (qualifying for the CL at least, it would seem) only makes them a more attractive landing place for other “big” club failures. It’s likely to be a revolving door up there until the Sheik gets tired of his vanity project. For the players, however, it’s not the worst way to fall into a fortune….
For the clubs that sold players to City, yes a means to cash in at the inflated market value.
For me, Tevez, Silva, Barry, Milner, YY Toure, K Toure are not cast offs in the sense of not important any more at their previous club. Ade and Balotelli, agree.
Did you watch Barry and Milner closely yesterday? Both looked apathetic and performed below expectation – longing for their days with O’Neil.
I don’t see Mancini lasting. ( nor Hodgson @ Pool)
That was the most satisfying game i have seen all season!!!! WOOOO!!
oh arsenal we love you!!!!!!
Did anyone watch AW’s interview post-game? The smile on his face when he was asked about fabianski was priceless hahaha
Here’s the interview (with an ad ahead of it….) http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/9122597.stm
Sorry, I didn’t post earlier – my mouth was full of humble pie. Holy shit, we won- and we mixed it up.
In signature US gooner blog fashion, I will start with the negatives and leave at that. Arf, arf.
If they had scored first minute, we’d probably have lost. If they scored just after the penalty miss, ditto, I suspect.
We were still pretty wobbly at the back, even against 10 men, so thank God for Fabianski’s growing confidence. (He only flapped at one cross.) They had about the same shots on target as us despite having nearly 20% less possession. Djourou got roasted alive three times in the first 20 mins.
I was very grateful when busybee Tevez got injured. And mercifully Ade reverted to type – wildly offside and missing a sitter from six yards. It’s called karma you cunt.
Upfront – and in the middle, it was a different story. I secretly love the fact that we got stuck in and earned four yellow cards. Cesc got dumped twice, and responded in kind, earning a booking. But that is what we have been lacking since the old Viera days.
We had real bite when we needed it – Song charging forward, Cesc going on driving runs, Nasri winning back the ball with real tenacity. Even Bendtner went for goal and slotted home with – er, what’s the Swedish for clinical aplomb?
We’d only taken three points out of a possible 27 agains top four teams of late. Technically, City aren’t a top four team yet, but this was a pleasant surprise.
I agree with most of this post, but I think you mean to ask, “what’s the DANISH for clinical aplomb?”
Sorry I had a Ljungberg flashback!
Nothing wrong with that.
@macmac,
Were you mixing up the pink shoe with pink hair? :)
Can’t seem to understand MOTM honors handed out by Sky. They interviewed Fab and presented him with the MOTM bubbly only to have a honest response, ” why am I MOTM when I missed a penalty”.
Does Sky watch a different game from the fans, or do they just want to interview the biggest names only and therefore feel entitled to pass out false honors.I wonder who decides MOTM honors for Sky, the announcers or Fab’s mother.
Heh. Your comment reminds me of Palacios’ mum and Redknapp…
To be fair, other than the penalty miss I think he was fantastic. Although Nasri gets MOTM with Fabianski close behind along with Cesc.
Delighted with the win but in typical Arsenal fashion, the Gunners made sure they made it difficult for themselves. From 2001 until now, the mantra has been the same — pass, be unselfish and try to play a teammate in, pass more and let the opponent clear harmlessly. Ofcourse, Nasri’s goal means this mantra can succeed but some variety is required. The game could have been put away in the first half and even in the second half there were chances to double the lead, especially in the 55th minute with yet another classic missed opportunity. When Bendtner was clear through, I was sure he wouldn’t try to pass (glad he didn’t) but was hoping he wouldn’t let the old Bendtner form get in the way of a successful return.
Denilson wasted a chance to be a cult hero when he took the ball past Ade and took a shot on net, only to let his magical ankles let him down.
Besides the goals, most enjoyable moment of the game: Fabianski makes a great reflex save from Ade only for it to be meaningless as Ade was shockingly offside for only the 2nd time in his career :)
there are a few Arsenal players that still SHOOT FIRST… Bendtner is one, and Arshavin will have a go most times as well.
You NEED to have that, as we all know, there are days you can’t pass the ball into the net… god knows we try.
Pompei out of administration. 2-2 this week, stagg.
Good. Didn’t want to see them go away for good.
:yes:
happy for their fans…
Sagna, Nasri, Song, Chamakh and Flappy were all impressive, Squillaci was very sound as usual, and the rest were decent. No one really had a bad game and Clichy could have been outstanding without his 3 brain farts.
Chamakh quietly over performs as he brings so many intangibles to our game which we have severely lacked up front, quickness, good first touch, toughness, heart, work rate, intelligence and knock on wood, durability. It’s no coincidence he is getting so many penalties and red cards in his favor. He has an extremely high football IQ. His one weakness is that he is not clinical. As an Arsenal fan, how can you not love that mullet.
Also, let us put this to bed right now. Arsenal, under Arsene, does not play with a holding or defensive MF. We play a 4-5-1 with 2 box to box MF’s, one floating AM and 2 floating wingers/outer MF’s with our wing backs providing width. Love it or not, it is what it is, and please stop blaming Song for going forward. He is only following his coaching instructions.
Agreed on Arsenes implemention of the 4-5-1 Carib. It seems to be working for us most of the time. However some insist on having a Makalele in our team, not sure Song would be content doing that now.
As one blog said; Song thinks he is the replacement for Eduardo not Giberto :-D . God bless his cotton socks, may the goal scoring continue.
It’s more like Arsene thinking song is a replacement for Eduardo, rather than Song’s own thoughts. Is this the same Song whom Arsene said 3 years ago could not be a DM because he lacked stamina :)
Arsene doesn’t always know best it seems, his assessment of Song was somewhat of a miscalculation.
He had the opportunity to buy Drogba for 100,000 pounds before he went to Guinamp (mispelling) in France another error.
Great result. We did what needed to be done in the cirumstances and although never convincing, who cares at this stage really.
Well done to Nasri who actually made one of those one-twos count(almost in shock when the net bulged) and in everyone did their part.
Bendy —> Ade :)
Bendy —> Ade LOL Hilarious.
Imagine the plank, Ade staying ONSIDE for Bendtner’s goal.
hater :-D
Excellent result … I loved the way, my boy Nicklas secured the “Over 2.5” that I so desperately needed! ;-)
Surprising result but definitely deserved.
Flap surely has sown up the number 1 spot … for now.
For once, I was actually impressed with Denilson. He worked hard and followed the runners like he should. Wasnt his usual plank-y self. Personally I think if we had used a lazy Diaby today things might have been worse because we really needed to play with 11 players today and we did.
Mancini is ridiculously defensive coach. Not a major league manager at all.
All in all excellent result. Now to make sure we beat West Ham next week.
You are a body snatcher, EXPOSED
“I was actually impressed with Denilson”
Our Fred would never say that ;-)
LOL Arthur….
By the way, what did you think of Blue Dade’s contribution today?….
As ever, Ade made Arthur all hot and sweaty ;)
Thanks, Steve. That shut him up for a moment.
only a moment :-)
We’ll always have that moment. :rainbow:
Ade looked skillful today, some nice moves.
Looks like he has far more technical ability than Chamankh dear I say it.
I think Chamankh hard work is what makes him more useful to us, I hope he can maintain that.
Fred, how can you comment on Mancini playing defensive when they were a man down the entire match?!
what did you want him to do?
ManCity actually went forward regularly and posed a threat with 10 men.
ZERO reflection on Mancini in regard to today’s match.
BIG reflection on Mancini.
He played an uncreative midfield and a slow back four. Both of which played a part in today’s result.
Why he didn’t play Adam Johnson with speed and pace to challenge Arsenal’s defence is beyond me.
THEY WERE A MAN DOWN FOR 86 MINUTES!
how they lined up and played COMPLETELY CHANGED.
oh, and defensive coaches WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS.
Having said that, NO RELEVANCE TO TODAY, as soon as they went down to 10 men.
Never thought I would say it, but Fred is right :) Mancini is a defensive coach.
At home he starts in a 4-5-1 with 3 DM’s, Tevez as the central striker and Silva playing behind. If that is not defensive, please tell me what is.
He had Ade coming off a hat trick and a well trested Johnson who would have given Clichy and Arshavin fits all day on the right wing, at his disposal. A classic Italian defensive line up.
Right now, the only thing stopping City is Mancini because they are the only team that has class backups and competition at every position.
He is a typical Italian coach. Even if he wasn’t it may have been a good strategy to play 3 relatively aggressive CDM to try and outmuscle us in the middle of the park. However things didn’t go according to plan.
As DAG and Carib have said it … 3 DMs at home is not defensive?
Speaking in general, City arent joining the big leagues till they ditch Ranieri’s ultra defensive twin and get a real manager.
Thought Denilson was as average as ever. Seemed to be doing his best to get sent off.
I have very low standards for him.
As long as his selection is not equivalent to us playing with 10 men then he is doing a job.
Think of that absolute plank, Gareth Barry … that is how Denilson usually plays but a bit slower.
Denilson played well today in a defensive sense that is. You shouldn’t expect the height of creativity from him.
He gives Wenger what he wants simplicity, ball retention.
For me, the MOTM is Flap. If he doesn’t save Silva’s shot in the first min, we are screwed. He made another crucial save at 1-0 in the second half, again from Silva.
Djo was TERRIBLE. Horrible. Overall, our defending was suicidal, maniacal, and comical at times. But we somehow held on.
Makh continues to rock. He is easily our player of the year.
Great result. We need to build on this.
Yeah, Fabianski saved us with that one.
The way Silva was able to worm his way into that situation to even get that shot in was another *shake head* moment.
We played against 10 men the entire match.
We missed yet another PK.
We had numerous defensive lapses.
BUT…
We got a road win.
We had a clean sheet.
We are in 2nd place.
I will take that any day of the week.
Never thought I’d say it, but we should go with Fabianski until he proves otherwise. Sagna did the job again, he is Arsenal’s most consistent player by a mile. Song did well, Nasri was immense. Denilson played well too.
I agree on Fabianski Chic.
However does that mean we shouldn’t buy someone in the transfer window?
I guess we’ll have to see how he does in Nov/Dec. Come January we’ll know.
Tricky decision that, should we risk him reverting to type when the transfer window closes?
Maybe the best bet would be to sign a replacement for Al’ to challenge Fab and let big Al go.
Grant-ed… we played with a man up for virtually the ENTIRE match…
but that was an EXCELLENT WIN, against a quality opponent… on the road…
We had chances to bury this game in the first half, but failed to in classic Arsenal fashion.
But we did what we had to do in the 2nd half…
3-0 is a nice score…
and there were a LOT of good performances by the Arsenal…
Nasri was excellent… Cesc was very good…
and …
our NUMBER ONE KEEPER is now FABIANSKI.
He’s taken the spot… he played well and with confidence, and
no shaky moments.
See ya Manny. It’s over.
I think Fab will go on to keep the spot for the for-see-able future.
Would have been a better and more interesting match, much more of a
challenge to see where we stand… if they didn’t lose a man 4 minutes in… but there was nothing the ref could have done except send him off.
We put them in a position to make the foul, and they did.
WELL DONE ARSENAL.
Doing what needs to be done, FINALLY.
Fantastic! Great result and a a really mature performance 2nd half in particular.
Nice for Song to be rewarded for his forays forward and nice to have NickyBarnDoor but one in in.
Nasri and Fabianski were particularly impressive today as was Song. Also nice to see we didn’t concede a goal too, I heard the commentator say that was the first time we haven’t done so away from home since January.
Most of the “realists” expected us to lose today, but a 3-0 victory at Eastlands was a result beyond the most expectant “optimist”.
Fantastic! :-D
Ha. Actually did pass it to the back of the net that time. Nicely done.
Mark Clattenberg…another one who didn’t get the memo about the officiating conspiracy against Arsenal.
What you on about mate? I think he had an excellent game. Can’t think of a wrong decision, and the players didn’t make it easy for him. I know you’re being sarcastic, but from a neutral point, the officiating didn’t go for us or against us. It was just good.
Ozi he is just disappointed we didn’t lose.
Cannot criticise our player so wants to give the referee the accolades for our victory instead.
Arthur, the only thing I ever find disappointing in an Arsenal win is that your return to the site is guaranteed. Just as the only thing I appreciate about a loss is your absence.
Since neither one of you grasps irony, I’ll make it simple: Bitching that refs are conspiring against Arsenal is a frequent theme on here. That Clattenberg made such a significant call in our favor, on the road, early in an important (for October) match says that’s not…(see if you can crawl the rest of the way yourselves).
We grasp irony, just don’t have to appreciate it.
I was just making the observation that rather than praise our performance you chose to focus on the perceived anti-Arsenal agenda.
That’s why I call you Monger :talktothehand:
oh yeah, i must add, like after the defeat at Chelsea you will see alot more of me this season.
I have declared a war on Mongerdom.
I promise to fight Mongerality whenever it raises it’s ugly head, so help me God. :-D
We do grasp it, you’ve just misused it here. A call in our favour? You seem to be treating his clear-cut decision like he gave us a dubious penalty. There really must be an anti-Arsenal bias if one of our own fans sees that sending off as the referee doing US “a favour.”
City Starting XI:
Hart, Richards, Boyata, Kompany, Boateng, De Jong, Barry, Yaya Toure, Milner, Silva, Tevez.
Starting XI:
Fabianski, Sagna, Djourou, Squillaci, Clichy, Song, Nasri, Denilson, Fabregas, Arshavin, Chamakh
Diaby (as only an Arsenal player could) rolled his ankle in pre-game warmups
Rumour that Denilson starting…
‘which Arsenal team will show up’
Pragmatically, over the past 2 seasons, especially playing ManU & Chelsea, I’ve adjusted my expectations because we are ‘never’ fielding our best IX.
Lack of depth off the bench is and has been our achilles heel.
During this 2 year period, the delay in development of our young players is directly related to their recurring injuries. Diaby, Theo, Bendtner, Nasri, Clichy, Gibbs, Djourou, and Ramsey: all have had lengthy injuries to overcome.
Can Fabianski and Arshavin put in a good shift? Imo, I see these two as keys to the match.
I also watched City play recently and agree with Ozi……de Jong was lethargic – definitely playing with the brakes on.
We are fielding a line up today that can take the three points against anyone! (no excuses)
Fred’s not going to be happy with this:
http://www.thegunninghawk.com/2010/10/24/gael-clichy-ending-our-trophyless-run-has-become-an-obsession/
Heh. I think it’s gonna be a narrow game if we play well, if they get the first goal then it could be trouble for us. They are very defensively oriented, breaking them down is tough and their counter is dangerous. Tevez vs our CBs scares me a little. So does the thought of Silva/Milner/Johnson cutting inside our fullbacks into space vacated by our “Defensive mids”. If we leave space there, it could be suicide. If there’s no mid cover, it will draw our CB to cover leaving Tevez with more room to use his pace.
CM is going to be a battle as well. Toure, De Jong and Barry vs Diaby, Song and Cesc. A lot of power vs a lot of skill and guile. That matchup hasn’t always gone our way. 10th time lucky maybe? De Jong vs Blackpool was half-hearted. Maybe something to do with Ben Arfa’s broken leg. Let’s hope he keeps it up. Barry I cannot fathom how he gets into that side. I hope that doesn’t come back to bite me, but he is possibly as slow as Silvestre, has only one foot, not the greatest defensively or offensively. Hopefully Cesc can exploit that.
All in all, looking forward to it. A lot of people feel it’s going to be like Chelsea but I’m much more confident about this match up. Drogba > Tevez. And City don’t have A. Cole who always makes such a big difference.
If we win it it’ll probably be by a goal, but my head says this is going to end a draw:
City 1-1 Arsenal.
I believe the reason City appear to play so defensively is because they don’t have any playmaker in the center of their midfield. Without that type of player, it might be very difficult for them to break down Arsenal or many strong teams in a conventional manner. On paper, they seem to rely on the counter-attack to get their goals. But I haven’t seen them play in a long time so I don’t really know.
Arsenal really needs to score. If Arsenal don’t score, I don’t think City will be coming out. A draw for City against Arsenal is far from a bad result for them. It keeps them second in the table and they deny a rival two points. They can try and catch Chelsea in games that are easier to win but they can’t afford to fall behind a goal against a team that keeps the ball as well as Arsenal. Also, scoring the first goal will mean there won’t be as big a need for Arsenal to throw so many forward. The counter-attack won’t be as readily available for them. If Arsenal does manage to score first, I think they’ll beat City pretty good today.
So, it could be a snooze fest. If Arsenal get an early goal, it should be a good game. We’ll see.
Based on current form, I see us losing 2-1 as well – but hoping for the reverse obviously. I expect City will be well up for this and us – not so much.
City have the pace and muscle to rattle us if not necessarily destroy us like last year.
I hope Arshavin the clinical finisher re-appears; Theo on for the last 20 mins won’t hurt either.
And BTW when was the last time we scored with a free kick like Chelsea against us?
We’ve gained meat and potato goals (headed goals! what a concept) with Chamakh showing Bendtner how it’s done. But I do pine for the old Henry/Pires days of a direct freekick curler into the top corner against the run of play – with imperious “oh yeah” head-nodding celebration.
“imperious “oh yeah” head-nodding celebration.”
Ahhh… Good times, good times. Maybe Le Bob has taught them how to do it these past few weeks.
My biggest fear is Adam Johnson being given a start and ravaging Clichey. The other fear for me is Tevez versus DJ. If both Clichey and DJ sparkle and Fabianski doe not bequeath them a goal, we should win.
Now, if i were to take out my partisan emotions and bet on the game I see the reult as City 2-1 Arsenal.
I’m very hopeful of our chances of winning today. We have a good team and if anyone were capable of winning at City, Arsenal certainly have the talent to qualify.
However, being in Afghanistan, I haven’t seen a Man City game all year. I’ve seen highlights of some of their games and they don’t look unbeatable. Their goal keeper has saved the blushes of the defense too many times for a top team. The question is, like session has mentioned, which Arsenal will show up. I believe the boys are ready to take it to the next level and a loss might just dent the confidence a bit.
If Arsenal can score the first goal, it might spark our play and a second may follow. City will have to attack and that will give Chamakh space behind their line. If City score first, their defense will be on lock down. Part of me wants to see Rosicky start because I think he deserves it. But I think Arshavin and Nasri might have the key to the Man City defense today. No predictions however.
“When was the last time we beat a decent side away from home?”
That would be AC Milan in 2008.
Regardless of City’s line up……its all about which Arsenal team shows up!
I think most know which Arsenal team is going to show up. When was the last time we beat a decent side away from home?
This Jekyl and Hyde thing is a bit of a myth. We turn up, pass the ball around a bit, and lose. Over and over again.
Let’s hope we see an Arsenal we’ve never seen before (or at least for the past five years).
Dark, very dark….
In the last thread you noted that City are simply better than us, full stop.
I think that is a step too far. Given the line-ups I expect for tomorrow I would certainly trade a couple of our boys for theirs, and the likes of Hart and Tevez would walk into our squad. You (not me) might extend that list to include Barry, Yaya and/or De Jong over Song and Diaby, and maybe even Milner and Johnson over Nasri and Arshavin, but I think there’s a lot more equity among those players. And like I said above, their back line doesn’t impress me, even if ours makes it hard to imagine that the planets are aligned and Flappy will get his first meaningful clean sheet.
And Cesc, we’ve got Cesc Fabregas, our best prisoner, er player, Captain (and thus spiritual leader), and someone who ostensibly makes others around him better….
So at that point, maybe, it becomes about the managers and tactics and the (relatively) fascinating question of whether or not AW’s stubborn commitment to attacking football plays straight into the hands of Mancini’s negativity and counterattacking.
To me, it seems a finely balanced match-up and I think a combination of luck, concentration and response to perceived pressure (bottle) will make the difference. A less than thrilling draw seems a solid punt….,but the bookies don’t give odds on entertainment value, I don’t think….
And even if we can’t get a result, at least we’re taking a financially responsible approach and we’ll get ’em when the Sheik gets tired of pouring his petrol money down a bottomless hole….
Or something….
(Winky Face)….
I guess the site was down earlier (during the Spurs match….) Our own internet was down for 48 hours this week…It was like living in the freaking middle ages!
Regarding the match, I’m pretty sure that Ade will not start as Mancini doesn’t need every ball forward to be greeted with an offside flag, and unlike Hughes, he doesn’t need his team down to 10 men, if Clattenburg is at all chastised by his woeful performance and Ade’s retroactive ban from last season’s similar fixture. (How does “Plugs” get himself a big match like this after his performance last season? England’s finest, I guess….)
It’s a tall task for our makeshift defense to handle Tevez, who will be running across the top of the box trying to drag defenders with him. Given that Djourou and Squillaci can’t match him for pace, it’ll be about communication and not being stupid. In that regard I have greater faith in our right side (Sagna/Squill) than the left (Clichy/Djourou). Still, on paper at least, their defense is just as makeshift and both keepers are young….And maybe Fabianski has gotten his youthful errors out of his system, while Hart has just been very, very good (thus far)…
If Tevez plays up top alone and they field the three defensive midfielders, we should expect Milner and Johnson to cut in with the ball rather than pushing to the touchline to fire in crosses. As such I think our rotational MF and attack of Cesc, Song(aldinho) and Diaby, with Nasri and Arshavin tucked in behind Makh (the horse) could have the upper hand. It sure would be nice if all of them showed up for the match….And why not? Do well at City and they might come in for you in the next transfer window….(Whatever it takes to get Andrey motivated, I say….)
It’s really all about the first goal, and if they score it, it’ll be that much harder to get back into the match. If we can get it, then it COULD open up and the likes of Silva and Ade might be called upon to try and push them on. As always, set pieces could also play a huge factor. It could also be a real snoozefest as Mancini seems happy to play for a draw even at home, and the point would suit us fine, after all.
But, blah, blah, blah, and my wife says it’s not really raining (anymore) and I should get out and work on my “projects”….