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Home›Match Previews›FA Cup 5th Round (Replay) Arsenal v Leyton Orient: Match Preview

FA Cup 5th Round (Replay) Arsenal v Leyton Orient: Match Preview

By Michael Price
March 2, 2011
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Over a week ago I billed this tie as an anti-climatic conclusion to a week that saw the Arsenal beat Barcelona. I kind of figured this match had all the classic tellings of an Arsenal let down as ever. Now, coming only 72 hours after our biggest letdown of the season (so far) – it all again seems a little anti-climatic to me.

We spent the time from Arsenal beating Stoke to the run up into the cup final talking about our proposects only to have our hearts ripped out by an error that maybe comes around once in a blue moon. Replay that match ten times and its likely you never see that blunder again. Och well.

The Gunners come home to the Emirates stadium on Wednesday to a reception that is largely unknown. For the most part, I see a mixed bag in terms of how the team will be received. I still think a large population of the supporters going to the matches will cheer the squad. Why not? It’s what you do as a supporter – hence the term “support” that makes up the bulk of the word. They will largely be received well, and likely cheered on in an effort to act as a tonic for Sunday.

As for the team that takes the pitch, I suspect to see our “B” team take the pitch again with a couple notable exceptions. Whoever winds up leading the attack, whether its Nicklas Bendtner or Chamakh, will not wind up leading the attack in the EPL and CL ties that are coming up. Whichever striker sits this one out, you should reckon that they will be the ones leading the line later.

The person I’d like to see on the pitch but is ineligble because he did not play in the first match is Aaron Ramsey. Ramsey played his last match for Cardiff and Saturday and is back with the club. His form has been good with the Championship side and according to all reports has been stellar with the team. This would be the perfect opportunity to bring him back. If he is even half as good as he was before the injury he is half better than some of our available B team options.

I must admit, I do not want to see Tomas Rosicky on the pitch. I am utterly disappointed in TR7s performances in every match he has played in. He seems to have his speed back, but his passing and shooting ability have not returned. Outside of our general injury woes, we also seem to get a couple of players who that once they are injured can’t seem to find their form. First Eduardo (though I can absolutely understand the mental aspect of what he was going through) and then Rosicky. With Rosicky its even more frustrating. He was a great maestro in the midfield before a string of injures kept him out for long perdiods of time. Whatever he did, it has effected his game in such a way that right now the best thing for him is to go. I hate to say that as I truly like Tommy but he is a detriment right now to this team when he is on the pitch. And frankly, I don’t think he snaps out of it.

The one person I do want to see on the pitch for this match is Jack Wilshere. All season long we’ve talked about the poise of this lad. Well, I do believe that when all is said and done he will be compared to Ryan Giggs in terms of what he means to the team. 20 years on Giggs is still a bedrock for United, Wilshere is just starting his journey but posesses qualities akin to Giggs (except I think Jack is better all around). The best quality of Wilshere’s (again akin to Giggs) is desire to win. If we had a team of Jack Wilshere’s this team would no doubt make us all proud. Let Jack be the catlyst for this match. If Ramsey is in the squad, the team might form the magic pairing in the midfield that will give us some glimpse of things to come.  After – the young shall lead the way.

Aside from the team make up, it is really time to find out what this squad is made of. More than a few people are speculating that the loss on Sunday combined with the mounting injuries (again) will signal the start of our annual fade. It could very well be. But true intent will be known by how well Arsenal handles this adversity. Have they really matured. Have the outstanding performances of this season been an aberration. Who knows?

It falls to the “B” team to set the tone. Frankly, having a team like Leyont Orient on the docket to play isn’t such a bad thing. This is the team that if the “B” actually decides to play, will be canon fodder (all puns intended). The Gunners need to take the wounded animal mentality into this and every remaining match they have this season and use it to their advantage.

But the “B” team doesn’t inspire much in the way of confidence. Not when the likes of Almunia and Denilson wind up being on the pitch. However, we have to do it with them – at least for this match. The winner takes on United at Old Trafford. If Arsenal go through it will surely be a match of who’s crappy reserves are better (if you didn’t see the United v Crawley Town match up you don’t know what I am talking about). If Arsenal go out then it is the two hardest trophies left to go after.

As a blogger its often difficult to write this stuff. Especially after a weekend like this one. We have to get up and write our views and tell it like we see it. Most bloggers aren’t either too far to one side most tend to cut it down the middle with fair amounts of criticism and praise. But I know a few of us who are having a hard time doing an entry for this match with the pain of Sunday still playing out in our minds. Let’s just hope the team does better at moving on than the bloggers who cover them.

How the Match Plays Out:
Oh I don’t know. But we are at home and frankly I like the odds of being at home. I do think the squad is more mettle this season than in past ones. Look for them to take out their frustration on the lower league side. It could even get ugly – especially if as I predict the Gunners score early.

Arsenal’s Projected Starting XI:
Almunia, Eboue, Gibbs, Djourou, Miquel, Rosicky, Wilshere, Diaby, Nasri, Bendtner, Arshavin.

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 4
Leyton Orient: 1

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57 comments

  1. Sean Macaulay 5 March, 2011 at 02:01 Log in to Reply

    In recent psychometric tests at the club designed to measure self-perceived competence, players were rated on a scale of up to nine. Bendtner scored a 10.

    Vintage stuff from the Danish Prince!
    http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/mar/03/arsenal-trophies-nicklas-bendtner

    This is his moment to step up and keep the season alive.

    • sachin 5 March, 2011 at 02:12 Log in to Reply

      @Sean Macaulay, It is indeed vintage stuff and I am not surprized to learn he rates himself 10. Although I think 2-3 years ago, he might have rated himself 11 :)

      “When Bendtner misses a chance, he is always genuinely convinced that it wasn’t his fault. You might say that’s a problem and, to a certain degree, it can be. But you can also view it as this guy has a remarkable ability to come back after setbacks.”

      The first two line of this paragraph indicates that Bendtner is the purest of Wenger’s disciples because very rarely does Arsene admit that an Arsenal defeat is Arsenal’s fault. If Arsenal slip-up, it is always someone else’s fault. In this regard, it explains why Bendtner is one of Wenger’s favourites. Now this also means the key to explain some other Wenger favourites might lie with Jacques Crevoisier. Someone should query him for Denilson, Eboue, Cygan, Silvestre, Almunia and Bischoff.

      • sachin 5 March, 2011 at 02:13 Log in to Reply

        @sachin, meant to say, someone should query Jacques Crevoisier for those other player’s test results

  2. joshuad 4 March, 2011 at 16:31 Log in to Reply

    happy with the win. glad to see bendtner grab a hattrick. i don’t think anyone ever doubted his ability; more annoyed with his mouth. but he is an arsenal player so i will support him. perspectively, a hattrick at home against leyton orient is hardly a proper litmus test for what he can do consistently at the top level for arsenal.

    before the game, i was thinking back to how the 07-08 season started with rvp suffering a long-term injury early on and how adebayor’s 24 goals ensured we didn’t miss him too much; until ade ran out of gas. i guess what i’m really trying to say is this is bendtner’s opportunity to show us how good he really is. he doesn’t have to do it over an entire season like adebayor did and he’s plenty rested. it’s time to back up the talk. we’ll let time tell his tale.

    also, happy to see wenger show more discretion with injured players. young guys want to play even when they’re injured. after last season’s debacle with fabregas and gallas’ injuries and vermaelen’s consistent injury this season, maybe we’re seeing wenger take a new hardline approach to insulating injured players.

  3. DaAdminGooner 4 March, 2011 at 14:25 Log in to Reply

    Let the AKBers rejoice and the Doom and Gloomers groan – (the rest of us just clap or something)

    Arsene Wenger has won February manager of the month.

  4. vibe4arsenal 4 March, 2011 at 13:53 Log in to Reply

    So Wenger says Toure was taking one his wife’s diet pills? Interesting that *he* would be spokesman on this issue. Also that he would say ‘Never trust your wife!’ Pot/kettle/black?

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/mar/04/kolo-toure-diet-pill-wenger

    • vibe4arsenal 4 March, 2011 at 13:57 Log in to Reply

      @vibe4arsenal,

      DAG,

      For the last week or so, when I click on the Edit button (as I did above, hoping to add the word ‘of’) the site grays out as if the Edit window is going to open, but it stops there. That’s what happens in Firefox. In Safari, nothing happens. Just FYI.

      On my Android, the comments come up old style, newest last. Not sure if that’s by intention or not. Also, just FYI.)

      • DaAdminGooner 4 March, 2011 at 14:24 Log in to Reply

        @vibe4arsenal,

        I will try and find out what is going on with that wacky Edit button.

        As for the order of the comments – the comment order is the style of the template. I am actually working with the template designer of this one to figure out how I can change to old school.

    • highburyterracesteve 4 March, 2011 at 14:53 Log in to Reply

      @vibe4arsenal, I groaned when I saw that headline (and I haven’t yet read the actual statement) knowing that for many of his less supportive supporters, AW would be seen as talking out of school….

      But maybe AW knows a thing or two about staying thin….I always thought it was his “hunger for winning”……

      (You know, and how there’s been a lot less of it lately, etc., etc……)

      Still a blow for City….Even with his J-Lo booty, Kolo was doing alright for them….And with Drogba coming off the bench in favor of Blue-Nando and Eboue only good at fighting over MOTM champagne with Bendy, it’s a fairly tough time in Cote d’Ivoire….not to mention the political troubles/war down that way….

      Off to transfer him straight out of my fantasy squad….

      • vibe4arsenal 4 March, 2011 at 16:13 Log in to Reply

        @highburyterracesteve,

        Funny stuff there, Steve.

        :-))

  5. DaAdminGooner 3 March, 2011 at 20:08 Log in to Reply

    Here’s a new treat for you-

    http://www.futbolloco.net

    My newest venture. No, I am not letting this fall by the waist side. I started this and am getting a slew of non-Arsenal focused writers to cover all the leagues.

    What you see on the site stil has a lot of tweaks to make but it is in it’s infancy..

    • vibe4arsenal 3 March, 2011 at 20:22 Log in to Reply

      @DaAdminGooner,

      (Psssst. It’s ‘wayside’.)

  6. DaAdminGooner 3 March, 2011 at 16:17 Log in to Reply

    Kolo Toure has been suspended by Manchester City for testing positive for Drugs.

  7. DaAdminGooner 3 March, 2011 at 14:14 Log in to Reply

    Just an FYI guys. If you would like to access YAMA from your Mobile Phone. You can now do so and not have it come up as the full site.

    Try it and tell me what you think.

    • Fred 3 March, 2011 at 19:33 Log in to Reply

      @DaAdminGooner,

      Looks great on my Blackberry. Awesome job as usual, DAG!

      Now, I can cuss y’all out to my heart’s content while on the fly. :-D

  8. stag133 3 March, 2011 at 00:39 Log in to Reply

    Beating Leyton Orient at home… doesn’t mean much.
    If we had lost the match, it would be a MASSIVE upset, that hasn’t been seen for a few years.

    Frankly, if we lost to United in the FA Cup and Barcelona in the CL, I would not really be too suprised… and it could possibly be a POSITIVE for us to have ONLY the League to play for.

    With the way the League has gone this season… United in 3 competitions, and Arsenal in 1… would be a BIG advantage for us in the run in. The essential players would be more rested… and we would have a great chance to actually win the League.

    Not sure if Wenger will throw the FA Cup match with his usual team selection that is sprinkled with B teamers… but whatever happens … happens. I won’t even blink if we lose to United and Barca. It’s likely it happens, and will be a blessing in disguise.

  9. Macmac007 2 March, 2011 at 22:12 Log in to Reply

    Nice to be back on track so quickly.

    Of course we should be pulverizing a team like Leyton — but it was great that Chamakh dinked a goal finally and Bendtner is finally stepping for games in succession. After his assists in the league, he shows off some very cool finishing.

    Question: Why don’t we go for more headed goals?

    • sachin 3 March, 2011 at 00:38 Log in to Reply

      @Macmac007, I have often thought of that as well, meaning why Arsenal do not go for more headers, especially post Henry when Arsenal finally had players who provided that option. I think this season more than ever Arsenal should be scoring more headers as Bendtner & Chamakh are there. Plus I believe this season 3 of the CBs have headed goals? But using width to supply crosses does not seem to be a way to do things. The fullbacks are hardly attacking threats — Clichy can hardly get to the byline to cross and even though Sagna can provide good service, he is not utilized.

  10. ArfaSheds 2 March, 2011 at 21:21 Log in to Reply

    I missed the first 50 minutes of the game but the Semi-Spuds got the pulverising that was foretold. Take that to Vegas with you 0s.

    Nice hatrick form Bendtner and I was particularly pleased with Clichys goal and celebration holding up his two fingers in recognition of his grand total, 2 goals in 250. Wow what a sweet finish though. Haven’t seen Chamakh goal but I am sure it is not a RF scorcher in the top corner. Poor lad is finding the PL harder than he thought, but the solid foundation he layed will see him keep the faith through his present drought.

    Bring on ManU we have little to fair from them 1st or 2nd string, they only beat us with a portion of luck at OT this season, so do not expect any 0-4 scenarios, this game will be close.

    • sachin 2 March, 2011 at 22:15 Log in to Reply

      @ArfaSheds, Not sure what the home fans reaction was to Chamakh’s display but given his current state he might replace Bendtner as the groan inducer element from the home fans :)

      • arthur3sheds 3 March, 2011 at 05:15 Log in to Reply

        @sachin, I believe the Makh’ hard work will spare him the indignity long enough for him to start scoring again…. I hope.

        I don’t expect to see the best of Chamakh until some time next season. He could be a late developer like Nasri and take another season to flourish, but he won’t be given that amount of time by the fans.

  11. Sachin 2 March, 2011 at 20:31 Log in to Reply

    Thinking about it, Man Utd can play a weaker team because they only need Rooney and Ji-Sung Park to cause Arsenal grief. Park has been injured for a while and was supposed to be back in March, so I would not be surprized to see him make his return against his and Rooney’s fav team. Shudder….

    Wenger treated the 2008 FA Cup lightly but Fergie said he hoped their win would have an impact on the title. The two injuries to Dudu and TR had a big impact on Arsenal’s decline in 08 but I cannot imagine two awful cup defeats against rivals could easily been brushed off.

  12. Fred 2 March, 2011 at 19:57 Log in to Reply

    Nothing shocking about my boy, Bendy, doing his job.

    No point analysing the game at all.

    ———————————————————-

    Re: What team Man U might put out. They have their second leg of the CL just after the game against us, so that might force them to put out a slightly weaker squad.

    • Sachin 2 March, 2011 at 20:12 Log in to Reply

      @Fred, he indeed did his job well. I have to admit I was surprised when you only listed his selling price for 3 million? :) not that he is going anywhere….

      • Fred 2 March, 2011 at 22:20 Log in to Reply

        @Sachin,

        Aha, I was probably pissed off at him on that day for some reason. He does annoy from time to time.

        But all in all, my opinion still holds about him. He is the type of striker who if he starts in the center for a whole season will break 25 goals in all competitions EASILY.

        Right now, he hardly ever plays centrally, he plays only a few minutes in most games and he has no continuity with regards to gametime or personnel YET he is still doing very well.

        In the right setting he is like Shearer but with actual technical skills. Technically he is head and shoulders over guys like Dzeko and Andy Caroll.

        In my view he can really make it big in a team that hits the forwards fast. That said, I understand why some folks might think he is not that good. He just looks too clunky when running with the ball. People forget he is not supposed to be running the ball in the first place. Players like him should ideally only get to the ball in or around the box. He isnt a creative AM like Nasri/Wilshere and he isnt a dynamic, roaming forward like RvP. Yet he is judged as if every offensive player must fit that mold.

        • sachin 3 March, 2011 at 00:28

          @Fred, Yes I do think as well in the right setting and correct support, he would be banging in more goals. I think a year or so ago he clicked really well with Vela in the Carling Cup and those games showed his technical skills and ability to be a great link player. Also, if Arsenal actually used width as part of their game and crossed more, Bendtner could be a target man as well. He has scored in the past with some nice headers. But using crosses is beneath the Arsenal way of doing things.

          He isn’t the first Arsenal player to be played in the wrong position and as a result, his weakness end up being magnified. Just like I didn’t think Eduardo or Vela were correct choices when they were first thrown on the flanks but eventually that changed with Eduardo and he did good in a 442 system.

  13. ChicagoGooner 2 March, 2011 at 19:48 Log in to Reply

    I didn’t see the match but the scoreline was about what I expected… I think. In truth I never know what to expect these days, but this one seems about right.

    So we have Sunderland this weekend, followed by back-to-back trips to Nou Camp and Old Trafford- Wow. I hope I’m as excited about that fact afterward as I am now, but it’s doubtful with the injuries we have.

    (How about the Old Firm Derby today in the Scottish Cup- 3 red cards to one team?! (The team being Rangers.) That’s embarrassing- especially if the other team has 0. It really makes you look bad.)

    • sachin 3 March, 2011 at 14:53 Log in to Reply

      @ChicagoGooner, Finally saw the highlights of the old firm derby and it was nasty. Incredible. I don’t think I have seen such scenes in their derby previously. Quite a few Rangers players touched the ref on a few occasions and one guy tried to pull his hand down when he was showing a 2nd yellow card to a player. Ugly stuff. One of the red cards was apparently after the final whistle but then again, it won’t be an appropriate game unless Diouf gets a red card, even after the game is over :)

  14. Sachin 2 March, 2011 at 18:43 Log in to Reply

    After this weekend, Arsenal’s 3 game road trip will start with the first two away to Nou Camp & Old Trafford, two of the toughest venues for Arsenal. So what shape will Arsenal be in 10 days? Who will be fit? I can’t see Man Utd playing a weak team in the FA Cup so whatever happens in Barcelona, Arsenal need to go full out vs Man Utd. None of that giving up, half interested effort like last time in that awful 4-0 defeat. Even if the pitch is bad again, Arsenal need to push Man Utd.

    • DaAdminGooner 2 March, 2011 at 19:13 Log in to Reply

      @Sachin,

      Did you see the squad Fergie has put out for the FA Cup – our tie at OT will be a battle of who’s reserves are crappier

      • vibe4arsenal 2 March, 2011 at 19:31 Log in to Reply

        @DaAdminGooner,

        ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
        (like)

      • ChicagoGooner 2 March, 2011 at 19:41 Log in to Reply

        @DaAdminGooner,
        I don’t understand why we would play our reserves, and I hope we don’t- regardless of what Red Nose does.

        If they play their First XI, then it’s self-explanatory why we should as well. If they play reserves, then we should still play our First XI, as a win over Man U at OT would be the perfect medicine for getting the team back on track. By back on track I am referring first to the CC loss, and secondly to what might be a nasty defeat to Barca.

      • Sachin 2 March, 2011 at 19:44 Log in to Reply

        @DaAdminGooner, I have seen their previous round teams but this being Arsenal, it will be different. Even if Fergue does put out a B team, Arsenal need a win at Old Trafford so why not go for it? What may happen is that Wenger puts out a mix of reserve and few first teamers while United will be full strength. United have a home tie with OM a few days later so that may have some bearing but I cannot see Fergie taking any chances against Arsenal. He rather lose at home to Crawley than Wenger.

        • ChicagoGooner 2 March, 2011 at 19:51

          @Sachin,
          I agree, as I said above. We MUST go for it, for all the reasons you mention. In addition is the fact that if we manage to beat Man U at OT, then the best teaming remaining would be Man City (provided they don’t bottle it against Reading). It would be a similar situation to what we had in the latter rounds of the CC, and thus a chance at redemption. Right now everyone agrees the League is our best bet, and it is shaky at best considering the injuries we have. But if we beat Man U, the FAC immediately becomes very winnable (absent another complete fuck up).

        • Sachin 2 March, 2011 at 20:09

          @ChicagoGooner, Speaking of a fuck-up, Bham might make it to the semis and a possible cup game against them is not a guarantee either. But plenty of ghosts need to be exercised against Man Utd first. The question is will Wenger care?

  15. Kiwi 2 March, 2011 at 18:14 Log in to Reply

    Bendtner – a superb centre forwards hat-trick. Well done.

    • Sachin 2 March, 2011 at 18:31 Log in to Reply

      @Kiwi, I was hoping he would bag a few today so good to see that. He needed this as he will be carrying the attack torch until the choosen one returns to take his rightful place. Chamakh did his bit in the first half of the season, choosen one provided the usual teasing trailers and now Bendtner has to do his part.

      • Sachin 2 March, 2011 at 18:34 Log in to Reply

        @Sachin, typo…chosen

  16. Sachin 2 March, 2011 at 17:43 Log in to Reply

    Keep the goals coming. No let-up in the second half. Bendtner and Chamakh need to score more…

  17. highburyterracesteve 2 March, 2011 at 15:53 Log in to Reply

    Fred: LOL on this:

    “turning a very simple and straight forward procession into an epic brain surgery”

    Your starting line-up is good, but Ramsey is ineligible for the match….So you will need to brace yourself, for Denilson, ankles, snood and all….

    Sesh: I was very critical of Rosicky because of the numerous givaways and how it allowed for an open game that unnecessarily kept Brum in the match (along with fine work from Foster). Maybe it’ll work out better for him today. My hope is that we don’t have to play him in the (much bigger) match vs Sunderland….

    As others have pointed out, if we have any style at all it is an attempt to play (one touch) pass and move. If everybody subscribed to this idea and played within their abilities we should dominate a team like City and offer them very little (on the break).

    Longer term, the only player this style really suits is RVP who can pull defenders out of position, touch a ball near midfield and streak back to the top of the box for more interplay. Makh can maybe attempt likewise, but at far lesser levels of pace and skill. Theo’s pace is spectacular, his skill, not so much. Nasri, Arsh, and Bendy all would much rather hold the ball and try to take players off the dribble, as they say in basketball.

    And in MF, the one-touch play NEEDS to be combined with VISION. Sicky was lacking that in spades in the CC final. Running onto the ball with your head up as Cesc and Jack (and Song, sometimes) do is one solution as is knowing what’s happening beforehand (Cesc’s real genius). Sicky is just rushing his touches with the faintest hopes. Denilson go the opposite route and play with a conservatism that is at odds with the others, as does Diaby, although he at least tries to turn and dribble with the ball now and again….

    My point: we’re gonna struggle, big time, for chances and goals w/o Cesc and RVP unless we get some individual brilliance from the likes of Arsh and Nasri….

    Who knows, we could get lucky and get some good results, but the frailty and lack of true quality in depth AND players either trying to fit the system (better) or trying to play above their skill level (worse) are things that we simply need to accept….

    (Sorry….)

  18. Sachin 2 March, 2011 at 15:11 Log in to Reply

    I was not entirely surprised by the draw but more taken aback by the manner of Orient’s goal and timing. That being said, I can’t see anything other than a win in 90 min for this one. Also will be curious to see if Nasri starts as I figure Wenger will try to ensure he does not get injured for the league or Barca game.

    Bendtner and Chamakh need to score goals just to show his royal highness RVP that Arsenal will not fold just because he is on his tri-annual injury-recovery program.

  19. Arsession 2 March, 2011 at 15:05 Log in to Reply

    Last night I watched the CC final for the 1st time.

    When you fail to close out your opponent, anything can happen.

    City’s 2nd goal……very unusual, but it does happen. I remember Ade taking the ball out of Tim Howard’s hands 3 seasons ago……saw a replay recently, RM v AC Milan……both goal keepers had nightmare performances. Cassillas gave away 2 goals.

    What if Fabianski or Almunia had been in goal? Definitely a down to earth moment for Szczesny.

    I’ve read much criticism directed at Rosicky, but in watching the match, the blame should be passed out to everyone – no more, no less.

    So DAG, how many delicious through balls does Rosicky have to serve up to his teammates when “none” convert the opportunities?

    The reason Nasri does not play the Cesc role in the 4-3-3 is because Nasri’s first instinct is to beat opponents with the dribble and his teammates are inclined to stop making runs. When Tomas has the ball at his feet, everyone is looking to exploit space and receive the pass.

    Even Jack is accountable for their 1st goal……same “frozen moment” (the pass from Sagna) as he had against Pool (the pass from Arshavin) that Ngog picked up and scored, this time the City player picked up the stray pass, played it to Zigic, where it was deflected out by Kos.

    No one can prove that if Cesc had played the result would be different.

    Every Arsenal fan (and maybe the players) assumed the win and trophy, at least on paper we should have. It didn’t happen.

    Birmingham took the opportunity. Arsenal must find it within themselves to put this game behind them, starting today with LO.

    Bendtner, Chamakh, Eboue, and Diaby need playing time – the club needs their contribution.

    • ArfaSheds 2 March, 2011 at 21:05 Log in to Reply

      @Arsession,

      Rosicky has been in poor form and deserves criticism but I don’t think he was stand out poor in the final, like you suggest everyone was poor. But I do blame Arsene for playing him. To me it has been obvious that Rosicky is not playing well, so why Arsene believes he can effectively replace Cesc? I don’t know.

      No one can prove anything Ars but we can all conclude especially from watchin gthe Stoke match that with Cesc playing we are far more potent and I believe that extra potency would have been enough to overpower the Brums.

      Yep we all know Jack isn’t perfect and will make errors but as a fledgling inexperienced rookie we can be a little more lenient in our criticisms, however for Rosicky we expect more from him. But I excuse his poor form because… shit happens.. I blame Arsene for not benching him, but then again I suppose we have little option but to play him with the fixture congestion.

      We could really do with Diaby playing at his best too, he has so much to offer when he is in the mood. Eboue is not playing with much confidence but still an adequate 2nd RB. Makh and Bendtners form are going to be crucial for us in this period. Wish RvP a speedy recovery.

  20. Fred 2 March, 2011 at 14:31 Log in to Reply

    If Wenger had any tactical acumen whatsoever he would move to a straight up 4-4-2 for this game against the mighty, Orient AT HOME.

    It is clear from the beginning that those folks will come in to pack the bus and are really just happy to be there …. so there is NO POINT playing a 4-3-3 with Denilshit in midfield BUT with Bendtner on the wings.

    That is complete lunacy.

    I hope to see:

    Bendy – Chamakh
    Rosicky – Diaby – Ramsey – Arshavin
    Gibbs – Miquel – Squillaci – Eboue

    But I am certain, we would instead play a 4-3-3 and ponce around till the second half unnecessarily turning a very simple and straight forward procession into an epic brain surgery.

  21. ChicagoGooner 2 March, 2011 at 12:54 Log in to Reply

    We should win this, but that’s what I said before about 10 matches this year that we didn’t win… but this one we actually should win…. I think. Who the hell knows anymore?

    Well at least we’re not the only ones to fuck up against small teams… yesterday Everton lost their FA Cup match 1-0 to Reading… AT HOME too.

    Chelsea make a second-half comeback to beat Man U yesterday, which gives us the opportunity to move within 1 pt of first place. Man U also have to play at Anfield (never an easy fixture no matter where the 2 sides are in the League) without either of their CB’s. Rio is (still) injured, and Vidic has a 2-match ban for the sending off against Chelsea. Maybe Liverpool can snatch a draw or a win, which would open the door a little wider for the Gunners.

    The only question is…. is this real hope, or yet another false dawn, akin to last year when the relative weakness of Chelsea and Man U made it look like we could win the title when in fact it was just a mirage? In true Arsenal style, Man U have lost points and hit a rough patch right at a time when we are confronting (yet another) injury crisis.

    • highburyterracesteve 2 March, 2011 at 14:08 Log in to Reply

      @ChicagoGooner, Exactly….Just when all hopes are dashed, a litte light glimmers at the end of the tunnel.

      Given the injury scenario it ALMOST appears that we’ll be sacrificing the CL AND FA cups with the hope of protecting our players for the league run-in….With United losing yesterday, it’s in our hands….If we could win out, the title would be ours. Of course, if I could fly, I’d jet over to England to watch us lift the trophy in person….

      Which brings up the whole discussion of what’s really important to the fans….For me, it would be very, very cool to see this year’s team do something special, like beating Barca (over two legs) or lifting the PL trophy….And if they could do so showing some real grit, it might also indicate that we’ve turned the corner, maybe….

      This is why winning the CC wouldn’t have really been such a big deal (Losing it, however, is not so great, and picks at all the old scabs….) It would have been good to have been flat track bullies in that competition, but alas, ’twas not to be…. (Time to let it go, probably….)

      That’s why we need to win today and then give United a real match (and maybe advance) at OT, after doing likewise at Barca, and of course, getting all three points vs Sunderland and at WBA before the Int’l break. It’s too much to ask, of course, but at least the matches are on the fixture list….

      • ArfaSheds 2 March, 2011 at 20:42 Log in to Reply

        @highburyterracesteve,

        Agreed

  22. News Arsenal Soccer - FA Cup 5th Round (Replay) Arsenal v Leyton Orient: Match Preview 2 March, 2011 at 12:03 Log in to Reply

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  23. highburyterracesteve 2 March, 2011 at 11:43 Log in to Reply

    Indeed, not an easy match preview to write, but you did it…..As I said at the time, I think it’s a good thing that we have this replay. Some minor figures need another opportunity to step up.

    Your line-up is funny….I would bet my house that Denilson will start and that Wilshere won’t. I also think it’s impossible for both Nasri and Arshavin to start while Bendy and Makh must both take the pitch from the get-go. In other words I see the defensive line you suggest with Denilson, Diaby and Rosicky in MF and Arsh, Makh and Bendy (from left to right) comprising the attack.

    Personally I’m looking forward to seeing Ignasi Miquel again and I think we need some real performances from the likes of Diaby, Gibbs, Eboue and Chamakh. Naturally, Rosicky and Denilson need to do better and hopefully Bendtner won’t look SO awkward trying to do his slow trot from MF to box.

    Reading over some of the meta-narrative from the last thread, I have to say that there isn’t a lot of positive to latch onto, and the more gloomy overviews seem persuasive. Our best players (and potential) leaders and several up and comers are HUGE injury liabilities, which might be why they haven’t jetted off to bigger teams. And beneath them there’s a sizable drop off in quality and confidence with perhaps the exception of the “next generation” of names (Wilshere/Sneezy/anybody else?) who we can’t truly count on and represent the perpetual promise of the future. Winning the CC, for me at least, wouldn’t have been the boost many hoped for, but living through the opposite is REALLY unsavory. Nothing to do but carry on, however, of course….

    I also agree with those who complain about a lack of a playing “system” or style. Players really seem to be doing their own thing out there rather than playing in a controlled, expected manner (see for example, Barcelona….) As such, with the injuries and the attempts at (needed) rotation, it’s very difficult to see us scoring goals in large numbers without large doses of luck or moments of individual brilliance. We’ll probably get the couple we need today, but the task will be far more difficult vs Sunderland at the weekend and Barca in 6 days….Another game, another opportunity, let’s take it….

    • ArfaSheds 2 March, 2011 at 20:38 Log in to Reply

      @highburyterracesteve,

      Wow your line up was close to spot on Steve, but who could have predicted Conner to start?

      I really good narrative and spot on.

      “Players really seem to be doing their own thing out there rather than playing in a controlled, expected manner”

      I agree, funnily enough Wilshere is the only player that insists on playing the Arsenal Way consistently when he is playing with confidence.

      I think Wenger needs to rein his guys in a little bit more sometimes. For far too long the likes of Diaby have been allowed to hold on to the ball for too long and often disrupt our style of play. Nasri was also a regular culprit, but it seems Arsene’s desire to allow players to express themselves was detrimental to the effectiveness and beauty of the Arsenal Pattern, for the want of a better phrase. Wenger needs to insist that our boys press high up the pitch, close down the MF in particular not allowing time to pick their passes, force teams into errors.

      We are going to have to do a Birmingham on Barcelona to get through, if we try and coast through we will need a lot of luck and with either approach we may well need Messi to have a bad day.

      “Another game, another opportunity, let’s take it….” Nice
      :-)

  24. 3ArthurSheds 2 March, 2011 at 11:13 Log in to Reply

    Arsenal have given away all the belated Christmas presents to the little guys this season, I trust we have no more benevolence left in the coffers.

    The Os got their trip to Vegas and no doubt they will enjoy it. However I cannot see them enjoying the pulverising they deserve to get at the Emirates tonight. I expected a wounded animal to show it’s face… but who knows with Arsenal.

    The present B team is not as bad as some make out. It is more often the wrong attitude as opposed to lack of quality that plagues them. Playing against the likes of Orient we expect to win without trying and as such we fall short all too often.

    I used to like the Os as they were not too far from North London where I grew up and were never a threat or shared any rivalry with us. However I went off them when I realised Tottenham has a special relationship with them. They send a lot of youngsters there on loan and I think they may have even used Brisbane Road for reserve games at some stage.

    The Os are also old Arsenal haters too. When we came from South to North London the Os than based in Clapton and called Clapton Orient campaigned with Tottenham to block our move north of the river. But to be honest I cannot blame them though as Clapton is even closer to Highbury than Tottenham is think. Three clubs in that corner of “North East” London would have been too much hence their move to Leyton. I wonder what they would have thought of Tottenham moving to Stratford though as that is pretty much on their doorstep and with West Ham not to much furthert away it would have been an Arsenal like scenario all over again.

    So COYG and send these semi-spuds back to Brisbane Road with nothing more than the Vegas trip to look forward to.

    • highburyterracesteve 2 March, 2011 at 11:50 Log in to Reply

      @3ArthurSheds, Arthur, like Josh on Monday, I guess we were posting simultaneously. Sorry….(but thanks for the history/geography lesson….)

      Who are these B team players who aren’t so bad? Personally for today, I’m missing the likes of Vela and Lansbury (and Ramsey) who might slot in for the depleted numbers (or overplayed/past it veterans: Arsh and Sicky). Their loans are probably best for their development, but I think we could’ve used them knowing our penchant for injury and the difficulties of getting through these next few matches before the Int’l break.

      • ArfaSheds 2 March, 2011 at 20:14 Log in to Reply

        @highburyterracesteve,

        Steve I agree we should have more of our squad at our disposal I would have liked to have seen JET, Landsbury and Coquelin at our disposal because in good form I think they could make a real difference when needed. But they need to develop with first team football so I think short loans maybe month by month would be the best option, who knows maybe he has “short loaned a few of them”.

        Rambo is back amongst the fold and I bet he is rearing to go, so we have further depth in the MF. The problem is our two most talented and reliable players are injured and that could cost the title, but I have a sneaking feeling we will end up snatching this one. Hippie Hope… :-)

  25. holy14ever 2 March, 2011 at 11:09 Log in to Reply

    arsene wenger arsene wenger. we love you for the glory you brought us, for the financial stability and for a fine stadium. we love you for grooming young players for 6 years and made them ready now. we love you for the invincibles and i personally love you for Titi.

    But.

    But Arsene Wenger, you know that we will be chasing for all trophies every season. you know that players like RvP and Fab are injury prone. Heck, you know that everyone has the chance of an injury. You know that some of the youngsters you will send on loan or is simply not ready. You believe your goalkeepers after losing crucial games and making blunders over and over again. You continued to believe them and stubbornly not buy a proven one which could have won us trophies. Of cos, a proven goalkeeper may not have won us a trophy, but i am sure we would have won more games. You admitted that Vermalaen will be missed and the youngest boy in the academy knows that you need a gd backup for your infamous defence and a missing commander to boss the backline. And you said you found no one good enough than those you have. OMG. Why can’t you just buy an experienced player like Cahill? No one ask you to break the bank. Just buy the 2 for these positions and have stable replacements when we are charging for all the trophies.

    Ok….Arsenal fans, pls tell me where did I go wrong with these opinions?

  26. holy14ever 2 March, 2011 at 11:09 Log in to Reply

    arsene wenger arsene wenger. we love you for the glory you brought us, for the financial stability and for a fine stadium. we love you for grooming young players for 6 years and made them ready now. we love you for the invincibles and i personally love you for Titi.

    But.

    But Arsene Wenger, you know that we will be chasing for all trophies every season. you know that players like RvP and Fab are injury prone. Heck, you know that everyone has the chance of an injury. You know that some of the youngsters you will send on loan or is simply not ready. You believe your goalkeepers after losing crucial games and making blunders over and over again. You continued to believe them and stubbornly not buy a proven one which could have won us trophies. Of cos, a proven goalkeeper may not have won us a trophy, but i am sure we would have won more games. You admitted that Vermalaen will be missed and the youngest boy in the academy knows that you need a gd backup for your infamous defence and a missing commander to boss the backline. And you said you found no one good enough than those you have. OMG. Why can’t you just buy an experienced player like Cahill? No one ask you to break the bank. Just buy the 2 for these positions and have stable replacements when we are charging for all the trophies.

    Ok….Arsenal fans, pls tell me where did I go wrong with these opinions?

    • 3ArthurSheds 2 March, 2011 at 11:29 Log in to Reply

      @holy14ever,

      Nothing wrong with your opinion H14, I particularly agree with you GK assessment. That may have been the difference between 3rd and 1st in the last few of seasons but I am not sure if Cahill would get us the title.

      I think it is more the way we play as a team than down to our personnel at CB. I think with Vermaelen we have a DF leader a Keown type hardman who can lead the line regardless of the perceived lack of height. Kosch has the prerequisites to be a very good CB once he settles into the PL, remember this is his first season, and he is playing in a side that had a poor DF record and offered him little protection. We also have the beast that Djourou has now become. I think that is a good basis for a successful CB partnership. I do not hink Cahill will add much to the mix he makes DF errors too, he is no Tony Adams. Also Wenger will never pay the price that Bolton want for Cahill and in all honesty as much as I rate the player he is not worth that much.

  27. michael musyoka 2 March, 2011 at 10:52 Log in to Reply

    wish arsenal wins :laugh:

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