Historical, No. Needed, Yes. Arsenal vs Porto Match Preview (CL 2nd Leg)
Champion's League Knockout Stages RETURN!!!
Well there is nothing like going into a fight with one hand (or foot) tied behind your back, right? Based on the current injury list that could be a description befitting this current Arsenal squad. Coming into the second leg of this knock-out stage clash against Porto – Arsenal will take the field without their talismanic Captain Cesc Fabregas.
Fabregas is out with the recurring injury to hamstring that kept him out for a couple of weeks at the end of 2009. Arsenal were taking a wait and see approach with their captain in hopes that a couple of days might heel the injury enough that he could. It didn’t and he won’t. For a team down 2-1, having the best mid-fielder in the EPL and quite possibly Europe out is a big thing.
But take hear Gooners, this is an Arsenal squad that going into the match at the Emirates is stronger (even with Fabs not being in the lineup) than it was two weeks ago when they went into Porto. The lineup for that match was:
Fabianski, Vermaelen, Campbell, Clichy, Sagna, Denilson, Fabregas, Diaby, Nasri, Bendtner, Rosicky
You can see who my probables are further down the page. But we have Almunia in goal and Song in the midfield. Also in the last match Porto were slow down the sides and I think Walcott should start here. Finally, Arshavin was out completely for that match and given the opportunities that were presented at Porto a finisher like him could have a field day.
The big thing for Arsenal to do is to close down the midfield action. In the first leg the space was wide open and there was too much room for Porto to maneuver. Frankly I was surprised at the score as neither team seemed intent on playing any defence. They were both given the space necessary to move around the pitch with free will and create numerous chances. The team that can clog up the middle and maintain it’s attack will win this leg and the move to the next round.
Looking back at the previous match, even with all the space int he field, Porto did not have many quality chances. Their two goals were a direct result of the insanity that is Arsenal’s goal keeping situation. Fabianski, rated by some as superior to Almunia, badly misplayed the first goal and completely forget how to stall for the second one that he was caught unawares. In fairness, while the 2nd goal is in the spirit of the rules, typically the ref will allow everyone to get into position before let the free kick go on. That would be typical but with the ref in question – anything is far from typical. Needless to say Fabianski does the bone headed thing and doesn’t delay for his teammates to get in to place and Porto knocked the ball in 2-1 and chaos ensued.
Anyway that is old news and now the match has switched to the friendly confines of the Emirates stadium. Arsenal need to win 1-0 or 3-1 to move to the next round. The task is made harder with Fabregas’ abscense but not impossible. Porto were hardly a threat to score repeatedly in Portugal. And if not for the two Fabianski gaffs the Gunners could’ve come out victorious. But they didn’t so the pressure is squarely on them.
As I said I think even with the exclusion of Fabregas our side is stronger than Porto and stronger than what was fielded in the first leg. There were missed chances in the box in the early match and someone like Arshavin could’ve put at least one of them away. All of that and the speed that Theo has can come into play against a slower opponent.
Both teams have had good runs of late as Arsenal have won 4 of their last domestic matches putting them right back into the hunt of the domestic campaign. Porto had a run of 14 unbeaten in Liga end with a recent 3-0 loss and currently sit just outside the top two spots. Porto in England have not done so well losing all 6 of their visits to the footballing motherland. Their last two attepmts were a 1-0 loss to Chelsea and a 4-0 loss to Arsenal in this year and last year’s group stages. For Arsenal the challenge is just as hard as they have only once overturned a deficit like this in the Champion’s league out of nine times.
How the Match Should Play Out:
There is nothing difficult about this match. It looks to be an edgy affair. Arsenal are going to need to attack with Porto afforded the luxury of parking the bus and trying to absorb the attack. While they’ve vowed not to that, it remains to be seen. Overall, I think they will only try to counter-attack if they can assuming the midfeild to be open like it was int he first match. Personally, I think either tack plays into Arsenal. Arsenal picked apart their defense in the first leg – they simply failed to convert the chances they were presented. That would do well for both a defencive posture and a counter-attacking posture. THe key would be as I mentioned earlier Arsenal doing it’s part to lock up the midfield. If they do that and continue the pressure they showed in Portugal a win is not unlikely.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Samir Nasri. With Captain Fabregas sidelined for the match, Nasri will slot into the creative role. Nasri has come on of late and in the last match against Brunley he was a suitable deputy to the departed spainaird. Nasri has vision and flexibility on the field and I think on a perfect day a midfield of Nasri and Fabregas would be one of the strongest if not the strongest in the EPL. Plus he does have a physical edge to his play that I like.
Porto: Hulk. Hulk only gets to play on international duty as he is supended for 4 months in his domestic league. He was relatively quiet in the first leg having been swallowed up effectively by Campbell and Vermaelen. If Porto want to put the match away – they need him desperately.
Injuries:
Arsenal: Fabregas, Gallas, Djourou, Gibbs, van Persie, Ramsey
Porto: Farias, Fernando
Probable Starting XI:
Arsenal: Almunia, Campbell, Vermaelen, Sagna, Clichy, Diaby, Nasri, Song, Arshavin, Walcott, Bendtner
Porto:Helton, Lopes, Rolando, Alves, Fucile, Sa, Belluschi , Costa, Mariano, Falcao, Hulk
TV Broadcasts:
US: FSC 2:45PM EST
UK: Sky Sports 2 1945 GMT
Online Feeds:
www.iraqgoals.net
Gameday Chat will be open: www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal – 3
Porto – 1
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The EPL 4th place CL race is interesting as well.
If Man City qualify for CL and Liverpool don’t, it would have the potential to change the landscape of English football.
At the moment, Man Shitty failed to attract too many world class players is because they aren’t playing in CL. When they do, you bet many money grabbers, gold diggers would love to join them.
CL money has a snowball effect – once you are there, it’s much more likely you will be there again, and continue to be there (CL qualification). But once you drop out, it would be far more difficult to regain the CL place. For a start, you immediately lose the power to attract the top stars joining your side.
Should Villa or Spurs qualify instead of Shitty, it may not have caused such a dramatic impact. Cos they are not as rich as Shitty. But if Liverpool let Shitty get into top 4, Shitty could become a real force next season.
March 13th…
and EVERY major league in Europe is UP FOR GRABS!
No league has a runaway leader…
3 team race in the EPL.
Inter has opened the door in Serie A… for AC Milan and Roma to chase.
Madrid and Barca are tied on points in Spain.
3 team race in Germany.
6 teams within 4 points of the league lead in France!
No matter where you are or what league you watch, it should be a
great finish… all leading up to the World Cup in South Africa.
Great season for Football world wide.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/chat/r/t-10111631/index.html?threadIndex=0
Here’s an amusing debate on Bendtner’s ultimate potential. My fave entry —
Ive always rated Bentdner, I think he is a good player, just doesnt get the service/chance to prove himself.
– – –
!!!!
Alright, onto Hull. I want to stuff a victory right down Phil Mantan’s throat. A nice fat solid 3-0 pasting. Because finally I get to see a game live on TV here in La La Land.
That’s what I want…
Bendtner doesn’t get a chance / service?
really?
ummm…
seems like he had a hatful of chances against Burnley, and missed them ALL.
Some of them were easier to score than miss.
Bendtner, is a big question mark.
You don’t know what you are going to get game to game.
Bendtner doesn’t get service. Nice.
That’s why I like this place. Rarely does someone say something that’s just completely stupid. On other sites, stupidity runs rampant.
Hmm. Maybe that person is not talking about Bendtner in a footballing context ;)
If you could line up the Invincibles vs. The current team…
and play over and over…
The Currents, might NEVER win a match.
—————————————-
You joking right? Is football match decided by only ONE factor – the team sheet?
How did Man U lose to Burnley then?
The way I see it, if you pair the current side against 2004 at Highbury. Perhaps class of 2004 would have a better chance to win.
Pair them at Emirates, I would fancy the current side’s chance (provided we be able to play the strongest XI).
you can fancy all you want, but they’d get humiliated.
since you can’t play teams from different eras, all you can use is a team sheet.
they could play in a parking lot, it wouldn’t matter.
This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever head. The invincibles lost you know… to Chelsea in the CL, to Man U in the FA Cup. You can never say definitely that a team will win a game FOR SURE in sports. That’s why you play the fucking game.
Yes, and Buster Douglas could beat Muhammadi Ali…
Anything is possible, but its not very likely.
The Invincibles were undefeated in the league, and better player by player at virtually every position.
This current team is full of question marks, and never won anything.
Those things aren’t debatable.
Have to (mostly) agree with Stag on this one…
Invincibles would get a result against current team 8 times out of 10.
All records eventually fall.
yes, someone will go undefeated again in the EPL…
in maybe another 100 YEARS…
Why is Clichy telling the media that if Arsenal win the title this year it would be a greater feat than the Invincibles season? Sorry pal, but to be as good as the Invincibles, you have to lose as few games as they did, i.e. ZERO. Also, should he be talking like this when there’s still nine games left? Don’t get me wrong, I’ll go fucking CRAZY if Arsenal win the League, It’ll be awesome… but as good as the Invincibles? Come on.
CG.
“a greater feat”…
I 1000% agree with him on this one.
It would be a bigger accomplishment for THIS CURRENT team to win the league, with Almunia, Denilson, the injuries, …
than the Invincibles team… who were utterly amazing, and playing teams off the pitch… to win like they did.
If you could line up the Invincibles vs. The current team…
and play over and over…
The Currents, might NEVER win a match.
The Invincibles might have been better at every position on the pitch.
You think it was easy for the invincibles to go an entire season unbeaten? They may have been better than this current side, but there’s no way you can say that going an entire season is unbeaten is a lesser accomplishment than winning the league with at least 6 losses… I don’t care who’s in the team.
Besides, if you start measuring success relatively (as you and Clichy apparently are apt to do), instead of as an absolute, you can start saying stuff like “Hull being promoted to the EPL for the first time in their history is a greater accomplishment than Real Madrid winning the European Cup 9 times… just look what they started with.” That’s ludicrous.
A snapshot of our league results in the last ten matches of the 2001-02 season:
11 May 3:00 PM P Everton (H) 4 3 Win
08 May 3:00 PM P Manchester United (A) 1 0 Win
29 Apr 3:00 PM P Bolton Wanderers (A) 2 0 Win
24 Apr 3:00 PM P West Ham United (H) 2 0 Win
21 Apr 12:00 AM P Ipswich Town (H) 2 0 Win
06 Apr 3:00 PM P Tottenham Hotspur (H) 2 1 Win
01 Apr 3:00 PM P Charlton Athletic (A) 3 0 Win
30 Mar 3:00 PM P Sunderland (H) 3 0 Win
17 Mar 3:00 PM P Aston Villa (A) 2 1 Win
05 Mar 3:00 PM P Derby County (H) 1 0 Win
I remember Freddie “Red-Headed” Ljunberg leading the charge and helping us cross the line that time around.
Wonder, who it will be this time.
Bendtner/Walcott/Nasri/Arshavin/Diaby/Eboue…
Call me crazy, I believe it will be Bendtner who edges us over the finishing line, if we are going to win the league.
He seems have finally got the clue where to run (into the box). And if he keeps doing that like what he did at Burnley, Porto match, I would bet on him to score some crucial goals for us over the rest of our fixtures.
yes, Bendtner.
he is so consistent.
;)
Several angles of Samir Nasri’s goal in 720p:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tx-R5jxpr4
Better hurry, tho, it could get taken down.
nice :-)
Anybody see if that goal made the top ten play of the day on ESPN?
Yes, it did.
On Walcott the last couple of games: He has shown a greater tendency to cut inside an take it on his left. I am VERY happy about that. Not only does it give his game a whole new side (literally) but it also adds so much more value to when he goes onto his favoured right foot. Because the defender has to compensate for the possible cut inside, he can’t be 100% prepared to get Theo’s right. Gives Theo that extra step difference to add to his already blistering pace and if he mixes it up properly and uses it right he is going to look much more dangerous.
An Eboue article: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=753930&sec=england&cc=3436
He says: “Every day the players are laughing about me saying ‘Emmanuel you do everything but when you come to the goalkeeper you are scared to score.” Lol. Seems like our team finds great amusement in seeing their own miss. I hope there’s no positive reenforcement going on. And I also hope Eboue isn’t finished now that he’s ‘proved himself.’
Oh, he’s really proven himself, that’s like 3 or 4 good games in 3 or 4 years!
Roma is apparently interested in Eboue and Gallas.
I’d love to see Eboue continue with his good run of form, and we can sell him for a tidy profit in the Summer.
With Djourou back next season, he can replace Gallas, and we can save on his big contract if he moves on.
(especially with Campbell playing well)
but if Arsene wants to keep Gallas, then that’s the right thing to do.
It would be nice though to make some money on Eboue.
Stag, I’m not quite sure if you’ve gone “full sarcastic” with your posting about Arsenal and profits….
A word of warning….this could be a situation like in “Tropic Thunder” where the Robert Downey Jr. character tells the Ben Stiller character that his mistake was Going Full Retard. Here’s the clip: http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/bce7b31cef/tropic-thunder-film-clip-nobody-goes-full-retard-from-ilike2party
A little bit of sarcasm can work wonders and enhance your points…But full sarcastic? I dunno….
See below.
Not sarcastic, serious.
Whatever will be, will be.
I hope the club make billions…
It is definitely one of the big goals for AFC, so why not support it.
Wenger is in charge, not going to change his ways, so accept it.
He makes the decisions, he is not going anywhere.
Enjoy the ride my friend, we play nice, we have a shout in the league & CL, what more can we really ask for?
HtS,
All of us are entitled to hold onto OUR opinions. As much as we talk about the league cup and CL – ALL OF US realize it will be difficult 60 days.
We are close to the finish line, but do we have enough determination and healthy bodies?
If you looked back at the end of 07/08 season (where we dropped off the cliff over the last 3-1/2 months), its easy to be skeptical and frustrated for player decisions that were NOT made over that summer and the next.
This season has given us (fans) MORE INSIGHT for player’s potential. Now we worry when Song and Diaby are not available. If Cesc is out, now we KNOW that Nasri has all the skills to handle the job. Then, there is this kid Ramsey, what a raw talent.
As much as its been an transformation year for many of our players, so too will it be for many Arsenal fans.
Stag- I know you like harping on the notion that our off-the-field performance (profit) is the reasons for our poor on-the-field performance lately.
I’m of the opinion that the two are not mutually exculsive. Way back when, when we were in Highbury, was the club regularly turning a profit? Was it following a “sustainable” business model by acting prudently and within its resources? Did it win any trophies during this period? If you were to examine the data (annual profits, revenues, # of trophies, etc) over the last 10-20 years for clubs in England and Europe, I think you’ll find there is very little correlation between them.
I’d be happy to do this analysis (instead of pontificating) if someone can point me to an easy source of said data…
No need to do anything.
I am simply changing what I support and root for.
What Arsenal are most interested in, is making profit.
We are excellent at it.
So why not get behind that aspect of the club.
I want us to make lots of money, and reduce the stadium debt ASAP.
That way, in 10 years or so, we’ll be in a position to compete with the big teams in the world.
Not sarcastic, serious.
I want us to be a money making machine.
If we can sell off players for a profits, then that is good.
I like certain players, but I am under no illusion that there will be players here “long term”… once they reach star status, its likely they’ll be sold for a tidy sum.
(Vieira, Henry, etc)
We play a lovely style of football, and that is what matters most to our manager.
Wenger has been a great manager for the club.
Not sarcasm, serious.
Whatever he wants to do, I’ll back it.
He knows more than all of us combined in regard to football, so I am not going to bang my head against a wall wishing for things that aren’t going to happen.
Just sit back, enjoy the matches, and enjoy the ride.
We can’t control it, no use stressing about it.
If we win, fantastic.
If we don’t, no worries, there is always next season.
If we sell Cesc, we will make a lot of money on the sale.
If he stays, he is a very good player that helps the team play nice football.
Either way, its a positive.
So, I have decided to root for whatever Arsenal does, like some others.
Wenger has been a great manager, he knows what he is doing, knows more about the players than we do, no single player is bigger or more important than the club or its financial well being, so accept that star players will be sold. It is OK.
We are in 3rd place, with a chance at winning the league… and into the next round of the Champions League… what is there really to complain about.
Uh…sounds like “full sarcastic” to me, but what do I know….
I will say this: There might be a bit more to being an Arsenal (or any other kind of) supporter than being 100% behind everything that happens. Sometimes the best supporters can be quite critical. While entertaining when done in a tongue-in-cheek manner, it can also be very demeaning to lump people into extreme categories and actually take it seriously.
Speaking for myself, I come on this site to read comments from a variety of viewpoints and pick up subtleties about the team I support. It’s clearly not all rah,rah,rah and that’s fine with me; preferable, in fact. I also hope to post some of my own impressions and see what other people think of them.
If you really want to just start posting “Arsene Knows” over and over….well I guess that’s fine. We might, however, get more from your comments if you actually share your thoughts and feelings about the team.
Steve, I don’t care much about what other posters think of my opinions… I hold my own opinions to be self-evident!
I am 100% serious.
Simply no sense in going on investing all that angst and passion into the Arsenal, when nothing is going to change.
I will be supportive of the team, its ambitions (which are to make money)… Wenger, and his ambitions (which is to help the club make money, and play a certain style of football)…
The club play nice football, are moderately successful, and make a lots of money in profits.
We are in 3rd place, with a chance to win the league.
We are in the last 8 of the CL.
I ask again, what is there to complain about.
I will get behind Arsene, and pretty much anything he and the board do…
GO ARSENAL GO.
Can’t change certain things, not worth losing your mind over those things you can’t change.
Better to support the regime.
off-topic. How good is Lyon’s Hugo Lloris? I have not seen too many French league games and only saw highlights of today’s game where he gave up the early goal, but can he be a better option than Almunia? Lloris can’t be that expensive and he is only 23. I shouldn’t be looking ahead past this season but surely Wenger has to get a new keeper in the summer. As it stands, Arsenal need the defense to stay strong for the rest of the season because who knows when Almunia might have a rash or a frozen moment. Although there was one moment in the Porto game where had TV played the ball, it might have gone for a corner or worse but TV put his faith in Almunia. And on that occasion Almunia gathered.
To me, there are two unsolved mysteries at Arsenal.
First, why Arsenal opted for a dinosaur as our mascot? What had Arsenal ever to do with a dinosaur?
Second, what do Wenger see in Almunia?
I think our mascot is actually “Geriatric” Silvestre, I see him more often than the dinosaur. Also, he could be considered a dinosaur.
HMMMMMMMM! Food for thought.
Oh, I think Wenger knows who he wants at keeper.
He has seen Almunia for a few years, and hasn’t addressed the position, so he must see what he likes.
He knows keepers better than any of us… sees him in practice every day, and if he’s good enough for Wenger, he’s good enough for Arsenal.
If he gets someone in the Summer, he needs to offload Almunia, because we don’t want to stunt the growth of the younger Fabianski.
I don’t see that happening, Arsene believes in Manny.
The Gunnersauras has been there for many years… I don’t think a CANNON can be a mascot, so why not a big green dinosaur?
He’s one of the only things remaining from Highbury! Long may he last!
:)
I have not thought too much about Dinosaur but I figure Wenger needs someone like Cygan, Almunia to keep the fans guessing :)
A point I wanted to make. A weird point. Cesc out meant we had a greater chance of winning. All of Porto’s energies were targetted towards ensuring Cesc didn’t boss it. So a day before when Cesc is ruled out, they realise they can sort of try and play their natural attacking game more. So they kick less than in the first leg..and when that happens there’s a big chance of Arsenal running riot.
would the same apply against Hull? There are some kickers at Hull who are probably getting ready to play some Big Sam footie.
No probably not. Coz people in the EPL kind of believe the entire team is soft.. so they kick everyone. Reason I thought the above. was coz Porto had been going on and on about how they had to ‘stop’ Cesc and planned everything on that. So when the object vanishes, the attention given to the object becomes a waste of time. While ofcourse, they prepared for life without Cesc, the human brain is a funny thing which plays tricks on you. So despite them being 100% clear that Cesc wasn’t there, a part of them says..”Hey we can ‘play’ now”. Just my thoughts..psychology is big IMO. Its ignored a lot.
And again..in a knockout its that much easier to target 1 player and neutralize him..over the season its that much harder because teams will plan for it.
Why not.
I think Nasri can fill Cesc’s shoes, especially in the short term.
We don’t want Cesc back until he’s 100%… need him for the end of the year, and its a WC year too, I am sure he doesn’t want to be crocked for the WC…
The less we rely on Cesc, the better… but the better he plays for us… the better (and richer).
It is all good… either way.
This Belgium official did not allow the rotational fouling that was apart of the first tie.
Christiano tries for two seasons to go to Real Madrid, leaving behind the coach who gave him his first chance at a big club, a club where he won 3 straight league titles, a Champions League, an FA cup, 2 league cups, AND won both FIFA Player of the Year and the Balloon d’Or.
Now what happens? Real Madrid are dumped out in the Round of 16, and Man U wallop AC Milan 7-2 agg to go thru.
Serves him right. Couldn’t have happened to anyone better.
Isn’t it weird how some of these CL ties keep coming up despite the random drawing? Lyon-Real is one of them. They’ve played each other so many times now in the last 5 or so CL seasons. For a little while Chelsea and Barca also seemed to get drawn against each other constantly… not sure what others, but there are definitely others.
Real didn’t spend enough during the summer………
oh, don’t worry… they will be coming for Cesc in the Summer… and if they win La Liga, so will Barca!
Doesn’t matter, we have Nasri!
:)
You missed my point.
Spending huge sum’s of money for players doesn’t insure success.
I’m sure some clubs will be after Nasri!
Oh, I got the point, and I HOPE they continue to spend crazy sums, and we can sell them a few of our players for those crazy amounts.
We can get the debt down even more, and make money even in the Summer…
Nasri can fill Cesc’s spot.
and we make tons of cash.
spot on there CG.
SERVES HIM RIGHT.
The same can apply on Real Madrid as well.
Going around unsettle stars from other clubs, so that they could BUY themselves a fantasy side. Is this the PROUD tradition and value Real Madrid held?
Real Madrid are lucky to have the back up from the government. Or else they would have been the club that carried the biggest debt in football.
I guess we won’t get my dream match with Real Madrid. Lyon was very good tonight. Real had moments but Lyon was the better team. Good game to watch.
Eh, beating Real Madrid in the CL knockout stages? Been there, done that.
The Bagguettes 2 versus £250 mil -1 ouch
Lyon and Real tied 1-1 in 88th minute. Even if Madrid go up 2-1, Lyon still go thru on away goals
Don’t mean to be harsh on Robin, let me reiterate what I did say….
“Would we be better allowing Bendtner to occupy the CF role and allowing that to develop for the team? That would allow RvP to play a support slightly wider role. One advantage to this is when RvP is out (injury) the team doesn’t implode. Yet when he’s available, he can be in either as a returning sub or a starter in the wide role competing with the likes of Arshavin and Rosicky.”
So there we go, I was musing on how we can best utilise our resources given that Robin is injured often and for lengthy periods. As to whether that is due to luck or propensity matters not, he’s got a woefully bad record of geting injured. The question then becomes how do you utilise Robin without derailing every season.
In an ideal world I believe Arsene would like Robin to be at the apex and for the team to mold around him. That started in the opening part of this season and then the inevitable long-term injury happened. Yes he did score (after a slow start) and has assists to his name during that period, yet frankly he was still finding his feet in the apex role. It is yet to be proved whether even a fit Robin is the best option at the apex. Personally, I prefer a genuine box player like Bendtner at the apex and for Robin to be a creative attacker with freedom to roam. We never got to find out whether the team worked well over an extended period with Robin up top so this is still an argument awaiting evidence. For me Robin is a very individualistic player whose game is more about defining moments of brilliance – why not let him play that role as he does for Holland? Why not let him play his role and let the team have a more defined shape and a consistently available front man?
My hunch is that Wenger is coming to this point too whether it’s his first preference or not. Evidence and rational thought points to Bendtner being a CF and RvP being a striker with a free role (when fit). If Robin had Henry’s robustness this discussion would be different – but he hasn’t he’s more like Rosicky. So we need to put sentiment and simplistic labels like ‘world class’ aside and look at what the player is able to contribute to Arsenal’s cause.
Players are special for different reasons.
With Vieira, one of the reasons he was special was his alround ability on the football pitch. I reckon, no exaggeration, that guy in his pomp could play anywhere in the outfield and maybe give keeping goal a decent good go. He was so good you wanted to replicate him and have 3 or 4 in the team.
Maybe there’s a hint of that with Vermaelen. He’s very different to Vieira, yet he’s such a good alround footballer that I could happily have 3 or 4 of him in the team.
Such a dynamic performance from all our players. What dominance and chemistry by our
midfield trio of Nasri, Diaby, and Song.
Maybe it just my take, but Nasri and Diaby make greater contribution to our overall play
when Cesc is not in the line up.
Besides our illustrious victory, we should not look past the real story here.
Someone may have presented this b4, but I thought NOW is a good time
to stop and think about the makeup of our first team.
Player’s ages this calendar year.
18: Wilshere
20: Ramsey, Merida, Szczesny
21: Traore, Gibbs, Theo, Vela
22: Bendtner, Denilson, Mannone
23: Nasri, Cesc, Djourou, Song
24: Diaby
25: Clichy, Fabianski, Vermaelen
27: RvP, Eboue, Sagna, Eduardo,
29: Arsahvin
30: Rosicky
33: Almunia, Gallas, Sylvestre
36: Sol
Yesterday made a statement about our manager. Many in the 22 – 24 age groupings have been under fire over the past 2 years. Look at the different paths to the spotlight taken by the 23 year old group.
Eboue is a story in himself.
Arsene has shown great patience, conviction, support, and vision in these young men. Every person has
potential. A great manager is able to tap that resource.
I don’t want to belittle any trophy, but the attention Arsenal received from its thrashing of Porto – has caught the football community WORLD WIDE. The high profile competition (big clubs), media spotlight has forced viewership by fans of other clubs (globally) and witness Arsenal and their own brand of entertaining football.
This is how you grow your fan base. These type of big results have players wanting to where your colors.
On to Hull.
So a couple things I should note –
1. I am reading the press today and there is a decidely different tone to their reporting. Of course there is still some anti-Arsenal writing but I am reading more “arsenal have to be considered serious now” type articles. – I don’t like it – I want our lads to continue their seige mentality. I really believe that this more than anything is carrying us forward.
2. While I am over the moon about the win, I am taking on a more realistic tone (its the Philly guy in me) – if we draw an English side in the QFs the only thing in our favor has to be the refs likely won’t be English and won’t give squat about Rooney or John Terry, et al. Then again if the the “Henry Hand Ball” ref is running the match anything can happen. I will say this – if we make it into the last 4 again I may be a little more optimisitc of our chances.
3. Nasri has done well in filling in for his Cesc. But according to him his natural position is more defensive. I find that interesting because at OM and recently he has really showed a great attacking flair. That being said, I look forward to a midfield of Nasri, Fabregas and Song for the remainder of the season. That is as good as it can get in the middle of the pitch.
4. I can’t tell you how happy I am for Sol Campbell. He has always been a favourite of mine. Maybe it was the name – but it was eventually the way he played – so smart. He was never the qickest but he seldom seemeded out of position. He reads the game better and he is an absolute beast. Had some issues in the beginning but in the 2nd half rarely had problems with Porto. Hell, if he stays this good for the remainder of the season – I see no reason why he shouldn’t go to South Africa – given that the England defence are shite anyway.
5. The difference to the Great Dane from Burnley to now? Andrei Arshavin. He was tearing up the Porto right side that is was pulling men away from the middle. He absolutely owned them and his feeds were classic. The Great Dane wants to get better? He needs to insist on getting the ball from AA23 more often.
6. I can’t decide whether to get TV5 or AHHHHHBOOOOEHHHHH as my next kit.
7. I am only slightly off the slag Almunia bus. I am defintely off the slag Nicky B bus (for now).
3. Nasri should watch film of his goal yesterday- maybe he’ll see that his natural position is box-to-box. That MF trio is definitely as good as it gets.
5. Good points, agreed.
6. Vermaelen!
7. Same here… for now.
Oh I should add – 9. I am DEFNITELY NOT OFF the slag Denilson bus. Thank goodness he was quiet last night.
he was excellent when he came on…
;)
Eboue?
are you going to be signing up for some diving competitions?
If you sent me an Eboue shirt, I’d literally throw it away!
Offtopic..as I tend to do a lot these days. Here’s food for thought while we wait for Hull.
Evry1 tends to have time for certain players. Here is a classification. Obv IMO:
Players “Realists” have time for: Gallas, Rosicky, Arshavin
Players “Apologists” have time for: Denilson, Clichy, Eboue, Theo
Players who split the board: Bendtner, Dudu, Vela, Djourou, Arsene ( ;) )
Players who evry1(almost..) like: TV5, Sagna, Cesc, Nasri, Song, Campbell
Players who evry1(almost..) wud not mind leaving: BigAl, Silvestre
Obv its not the whole squad. Just a random mishmash of names I could remember. When I say ‘have time for’ it means they are willing to forgive poor performances and average performances because of their other qualities. Just some fun really based on blog reading for over 5 years.
I like that, and I don’t think it’s too far off from what this board is actually like at times… those times being when Arsenal are not doing too hot. But after a game like yesterday, that stuff sort of seems to go away a little.
One of the most important days this year for Arsenal was Thursday January 28. It was the day when, despite the fears of the previous evening, scans revealed that Thomas Vermaelen’s leg hadn’t been broken in the draw at Aston Villa. Edging slightly ahead of Richard Dunne as the signing of the season, Vermaelen is the player Arsenal can’t do without right now. They have cover for Fabregas, they have cover for Van Persie. But with Johan Djourou out for the season, Sol Campbell out for every second game, and Gallas out for another month as the latest victim of Arsenal’s quite-a-few-a-season habit of rushing back their injured players, all that stands in reserve to Vermaelen is Mikael Silvestre. And that’s no cover at all.
So true!
Agree so heartily…TV5 in many respects in his first season, has become the heart and soul of the team. His reaction to the Ramsey injury, for me, matched my own and made me extremely proud. We absolutely need him for the rest of the season.
Regarding the Bendtner and RVP discussion above. Before the injury RVP was moving so well, I thought, coming back for the ball, moving it with a quick touch and getting into scoring positions. Bendtner, IMO learned a huge lesson about work-rate from RVP at the time, and it’s carried over into his recent play. His movement is several notches below RVP’s, but he’s bringing the same element to our attack AND he’s got the size to worry and occupy CBs that cannot be taught. What to do if they’re both available? Not a problem at the moment, of course, but I would still give the nod to RVP.
And how many times have either been flagged for offsides? Less than the same # a certain former striker would get in a single half….
Bendy has a good footballing brain as Waddle would put it. :)
It is simply stuck in a big head. LOL
NB is not a suitable replacement for RVP and never will be.
RVP is not a true central striker. NB is a potential replacement for Ade.
It’s no knee-jerk reaction from Tuesday night to conclude that Samir Nasri’s best position is at the apex of a three-man central midfield. He was equally excellent in that role against Burnley on Saturday, creating Cesc Fabregas’ goal with an exquisite chipped pass and taking control in the second-half after the Spaniard’s withdrawal. Can he play in midfield alongside Fabregas? One would have thought so given that he started alongside Fabregas on Saturday and he isn’t so different from Aaron Ramsey in style and build. But Arsene Wenger seems to think otherwise: “He can play there [in the centre], but when Fabregas comes back, Nasri will play wide.” Surprising.
Oh well, I had hoped Arsene had learnt something. ;)
Nasri is a victim of his own ability. Everyone knows Arsene recruits players that can play CM and uses them out wide. Nasri just happens to be better out wide than the other CM’s.
Pires, Hleb, Rosicky, Diaby, and Arshavin are all other examples of players who came to the club playing CM but Wenger’s played them out wide. That’s not to include players like Fabregas, Denilson, Song, Diarra, and Ramsey that simply lack the ability to make an impact out wide. But, like van Persie, he’s too good to not play. This is his predicament.
It’s weird cause in a 4-3-3, the 3 MF’s are really all supposed to be CM’s b/c without that 4th guy you lack the width to go wide. The width comes from the 2 wingers on the front line. So it wouldn’t be that hard to have Nasri and Cesc both in there w/ Song just behind them. Instead of having 1 attacking MF at the point of the trio, you can flip the triangle and have one DM at the back point.
He has learned something!
That when Barca and Real come calling, Nasri can replace Cesc, and we’ll take the 40 Million!
;)
“Arsenal should hope – and pray – that Tottenham beat Fulham in their FA Cup quarter-final replay next week. Because if Spurs progress to the semi-finals then the North London derby currently scheduled for April 10 will have to be postponed – and that will be very much to Arsenal’s advantage. Otherwise, the Gunners will have to travel to White Hart Lane for a 12.45pm Saturday kick-off just two or three days after the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final. And the later their date with Harry Redknapp’s troops, the more likely it is that Gallas, Van Persie and Fabregas will be fit to participate.”
Go Spurs (???)
Not for me. If this game were very close BEFORE the CL quarters, I might be with you. But who cares if it’s close after, I think we can take the Spudz. Besides, we showed yesterday that we can win handily without those three players… so long as Nasri plays in his natural position.
so we are worried about Spurs?
No way.
I hope Fulham beat them. I don’t want them to win a damned thing, or even get to Wembley.
we shouldn’t be at a point where we are worrying about other teams schedules…
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=753489&sec=england&cc=4716&campaign=rss&source=soccernet
As I said, Bendy needs to keep his head down and work hard. Only his big head gets in the way of his becoming a very good player.
Looking back at the highlights, you can see so many things you missed in all the excitement.
Verma made three delicious blocks in the game. That guy is a gem !!
I had completely missed Arsene jumping for joy after Eboue’s goal.
13:09 in this video – http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/5003507/
What a nice change from all the whining and arguing with the fourth referee.
During Nasri’s goal line clearance on Porto’s corner, did anyone notice Clichy’s position?
He has left his post and moved two yards in. The same thing happened twice in the Burnley game (on their first corner and once later).
Do we still attribute this to his injury?
How come Nasri is able to stick to his position?
I don’t think anyone ever attributed this quality of his to injury. I was very critical when he did that in the Chelsea game as it led to their opening goal.
You work on set plays for a reason, so everyone knows what they’re supposed to do. However, when you have someone who goes out in the game and, consistently deviates from what you’ve worked on in training, it undermines the whole concept of the training.
I think he should be held accountable for that. How many goal line clearances did we see Cole make by staying on his post? He’s on that post for a reason.
And what about that brain dead moment when Clichy handled a simple air ball and let Hulk into the penalty area?
There is a reason why he is called Calamity Clichy.
PS: I don’t hate/dislike him at all, it is just that defensively, he is prone to a catastrophic moment once too often.
sounds like you hate him to me…
seeing we have nobody close to being as good as him available… what choice do we have?
Silvestre?
Clichy is not a problem… not buying it.
“I do wonder what’s ahead. Perhaps RvP and Bendtner will swap roles”
Throw in Chamakh into the mix and it should one happy big family. :)
forgot about him!! ;-)
I think you’re getting carried away with that. van Persie is a world class striker (one of the best in the world), full stop. Bendtner scored two tap-ins and a PK.
Understand, I do rate Bendtner and am happy that, despite our desperation, Wenger didn’t force him back too soon. I knew we’d need him for the rest of the season. But until he can get 7 goals and 7 assists in 11 games, he’s got to wait his turn. Time is on his side.
Don’t want to be inflamatory JD, but best to save the triumphant eulogies for when Robin can last a season on the field (or even 75%). He NEVER has, full stop. ;-)
He’s an example of a guy that’s acquired a world class reputation on the back of nothing substantive.
On Bendtner, we most likely agree, at best he’s a WIP, yet he’s all we’ve got.
that’s harsh kiwi.
Nobody be able to acquired a world class status on the back of nothing.
First thing first, when a player is injured, it’s hardly his false.
Did you actually see the challenge that sent van Persie to treatment table again? Do you think van Persie wanted that to happen?
And even when he’s fit and playing, he’s always the target for defenders to aim their kick at.
Cos he’s a ball-player, always playing with ball at his feet.
An old fashion center forward of course wouldn’t have this injury problem, at least not with their legs or feet. Cos they rarely have the ball at their feet. When they do, their first touch probably bounced the ball 3 yards away and no defender would bother to tackle him. What for?
So why blame van Persie for being injured often? That would be like blaming him for being skillful.
As for van Persie’s class. Keeping it short here – think that flying volley Vs Charlton, how many players do you think be able to score a goal like that?
RVP is grossly unlucky. His injuries seem to be always away with Holland and bad ones at that. Apart from the ManU break when Titi headed in on 93″ his last 2 have been badly unlucky..really.
My observations –
Does anyone still feel that we should have given up on the CL to concentrate on the EPL? In retrospect, does anyone else feel that we should have given it a go in the FA Cup as well?
Is Arsene finally convinced that Nasri should be playing centrally. With Ramsey lost, I am sure we will see more of him in CM. Between Song, Diaby, Nasri and Cesc, we should have enough to see Deni relegated to the bench (or worse). Sorry, couldn’t resist that. ;)
Bendy in the same positions as the Burnley game, but different result. What is the difference? As I said, it is all in his big head. In the Burnley game, he was riding high after the Stoke goal and mid-week goal for Denmark. So Big Head Ben relaxes and misses aplenty. Now with criticism on his back, he works harder, concentrates better and puts away the chances. What are the odds of a bad performance against Hull? The boy needs to keep his head down and continue to work hard.
Good to see Arsh put in a stellar performance. It has been a LONG time coming. Great to see Arsenal score a counter attacking goal after a LONG time. We need more of those.
Does the first goal make Arsenal a long ball team? Mooney’s long kick is headed by Arsh! (that would never happen in the league) and soon enough Nasri has put the ball through for Bendy to score. Yey!! Mix it up.
Finally, Arsene’s wants ManU or Chelsea in the next round? Doesn’t he know that one or both of those teams might actually not make it. ;) On a more serious note, pleeeeeeaaaaaase, I will take Lyon, Bordeaux, Seville or even Real Madrid.
Also, the goal on as early as 9th minute helped.
Strikers are made up of confidence. if you miss a sitter in a match, chance is that you are going to miss even more for the rest of the match.
But I rarely seen a striker who scored early then went on to miss a few more easy chances.
The thing with Bentner is – the first few matches when he’s back from injury, I felt like we were playing a 4-6-0 formation. With our out and out striker Bendtner drifting all over the pitch but the central attacking area where he’s supposed to be.
The past 2 matches, against Burnley and Porton, he started to get into the box more often.
That’s a good sign. Cos you gotta get into scoring position to miss a sitter.
And as long as you keep getting into the scoring position, there’s no way in hell you are going to keep missing sitter for the rest of your life!
To Bendy – keeps getting into the box, he could turn out to be our key to push us over the finishing line.
cos let’s face it, a 6 foot 4 forward is very difficult for defender to mark when he gets into the box. What with the space he eats up.
Yeah, early goal matters a lot. Reminded me of the invincible days when we used to go 2-0 up before it was 15 min. A commentator once said – even the clock cannot keep up.
These days, we really struggle to make an early breakthrough. All season, we have scored only once in the first 15 min of a league game – Burnley away.
If there’s one man who knows how to beat Chelsea, it is Mourinho. He built that side. Each manager they’ve had since he left has been playing with another man’s toys. The core of the team is not too different, and seeing as how Mourinho is already a master tactician, he’ll probably know Chelsea’s weak spots (and strong points) better than any opposition he’s faced. Either way, it should be a fun match to watch (not as fun as today’s however).
Man U should go thru tomorrow. ACM need a minimum of 2 goals, and that’s if they keep a clean sheet. I don’t see it happening.
If I had to wager, I’d say Barca, Madrid, and Bordeux are all going thru as well, tho I’m not as certain about them.
Bayern are thru, so that leaves Sevilla-CSKA. I know nothing about those teams, and they drew 1-1, so that one’s up for grabs.
It’d be nice if we got the winner of that one, or the Bordeux-Olympiacos one in the next round, but so what if we don’t.
I’d love to see Mourinho oust Chelsea – as a certain KK once said “I’d just love it”!!
Surely, surely we’ll be up for the Hull game.
We’re in the countdown, and this team has bounced back several times this season so the belief must be building.
I’d so love a trophy. :-)
On Bendtner, I’ll say it again, for me the reason we played better today and at Burnley is because we had a guy in the box to aim at and to attract and occupy the CB’s. Our whole play became a lot faster and less easy to predict and defend against. There were chances a-plenty because we had a target in the box who couldn’t be swatted aside – when the crosses came in there was some in the box to miss them!! ;-) Or not.
Often we have too many players who want to play around the box. Today we almost had a classical big man small man combo – Bendtner playing an unselfish CF role and Arshavin scooting in from the left in support giving the FB a mare of a time. Then of course you had support from midfield in the form of Nasri, Diaby and later Eboue. Rosicky didn’t attack goal much today and seemed a bit quiet yet he’s such an intelligent footballer and fits the Arsenal DNA.
I do wonder what’s ahead. Perhaps RvP and Bendtner will swap roles. Bendtner looks to be on the way to being a classical (thinking) CF for Arsenal. Would we be better allowing Bentner to occupy the CF role and allowing that to develop for the team? That would allow RvP to play a support slightly wider role. One advantage to this is when RvP is out (injury) the team doesn’t implode. Yet when he’s available, he can be in either as a returning sub or a starter in the wide role competing with the likes of Arshavin and Rosicky.
Let’s see how we fare at Hull, as Steve said we’re unlikely to get an easy ride.
Yep….u hit it right on the head. When the ball is played to him, especially aerially, BOTH CBs come close to him. THe oppo’s DM also falls back a bit, giving more space to our CMs. And thats even before the ball gets to him.
Yet most people NEVER actually see what Bendtner brings – and keep harping endlessly about his sitters.
Personally I think even when RvP comes back Bendtner should stay in the center, because of the “presence” factor and to occupy the CBs. RvP should stay right of him – ala Messi, while Arshavin stays to his left.
Rosicky, Chamakh and Walcott can then be the subs for the three.
To be honest I dont see where Eduardo and Vela fit in the whole equation.
Personally I think even when RvP comes back Bendtner should stay in the center, because of the “presence” factor and to occupy the CBs. RvP should stay right of him – ala Messi, while Arshavin stays to his left.
_________________
That’s what I was getting at too Fred. I’m not saying we ditch RvP, just musing that Bendtner provides shape and allows the creative attacking types to play their wizardary around him.
Almost sounds like we have depth up front!
But realistically, with our injury tendency, its going to be more of a rotating cast. We aren’t just fluid and interchangeable just in-game you know :P
Steve, personally I believe Inter Milan will see off Chelsea.
Frankly, Chelsea’s league standing has not told the real picture – that Ancelotti probably has a worse winning ratio than A. Grant (when he’s in charge of Chelsea). In fact, I can’t recall which Chelsea manager had lost 5 games in the league since their Roman Empire started, probably Raneri. Not even Big Phill had lost that many league games, and the season hasn’t even over.
Mourinho is a master of defensive football. With an one goal lead heading into the 2nd leg, it will suit Inter perfectly to sit deep and hit Chelsea on the break.
I like Inter’s chances as well Andez.
It certainly suits Mourinho’s style…
Chelsea find a way to win usually… but this should be a very interesting match.
Mourinho came out and say he hoped the Chelsea players won’t take it “personal” and seek extra motivation to beat his team Inter.
But I can bet my house that it’s Mourinho who’s taking it “personal”. I bet he would trade the Series A title to beat Chelsea.
Mourinho is the Mr. Ego. He won’t forget his row with Roman for a long time to come, and would want more than anything to beat Roman’s side.
Wow.
That was a comprehensive win… a beat down at times.
How can Sol Campbell go from Notts County, to nowhere… to playing
some pretty damned good football at Arsenal?
Nobody needed a solid defender? Didn’t United almost take him on?
We do NOT miss Gallas very much, with Sol playing CB… he is not
a long-term, every game solution, but he has been pretty good.
He is solid, literally and figuratively… and his height… with
Diaby and Bendtner on the pitch, and we aren’t really SMURFS!
Arshavin and Nasri were just outstanding… especially Nasri.
Nasri as MOTM, even with Bendtner getting 3 goals.
I mean, he was set up on 2, and scored a penalty.
Happy to see him score, as it will help his confidence, but he
didn’t have much to do on the goals. NASRI’s goal was FANTASTIC.
That is quite a response to recent criticism… a response to
missing our best player, and a response to the pressure of LOSE and
your out…
We make more money for going into the next round of the CL, right?
so that’s great for Arsenal FC, and the board…
everybody is happy…
and winning big without Cesc, will make a few folks think about
the Summer …
;)
I would rest Cesc until he is extra healthy… long-term is what
is important… he should just sit back and get healthy. Don’t want
damaged goods, they don’t sell as well.
Can’t help but enjoy a 5-0 victory.
Nice to be able to relax the last 20+ minutes.
And…
I don’t care who we play in the next round… just enjoy the fun.
If its United or Chelsea or Barcelona… so be it.
How about Barcelona actually?
HENRY back at the Arsenal, one more time.
very often I heard the lazy TV commentators saying – “the problem of Arsenal is they don’t kill off the weaker opponents”.
See, how lazy those so-called football “experts” are? They have probably making all their statements without even watching our games.
Fact – we lost to Chelsea and Man U home and away. Meaning that we had dropped 12 points against the top sides. Yet we are now only a few points behind them at 3rd place. So where the hell do they think our “points” coming from if we were struggling to kill off the weaker oppositions like they were suggesting?
Nice, comfortable win after the difficult situation created by the mistakes of the first leg…An important step forward. Being eliminated by this Porto team would have been a big step the other direction.
I was struck by just how much space both Porto and Burnley allowed our players…especially as both teams were far more combative on their home pitches. Players like Song and Diaby with their nicely timed, standing, takeaway tackles and Eboue, who drew both a yellow card and a penalty, (not to mention scoring a goal) presented a superiority of athleticism that Porto could not match.
Switching back to the English league away at Hull will be the next, and maybe more difficult, test, as I see no reason why that team would lay off our boys in the same manner. With Song out, Denilson needs to step up and do a job.
Importantly, we got through with no further injuries (I think) and there should be an uptick in confidence. We’re still stretched awfully thin, esp. at the back and both Clichy and Sagna look a ways off their best fitness to me.
Nice to get through early (the new CL format is good if you’re on the front end), get back to our league efforts and scout some of our potential draws. (A bit surprised that everyone is assuming Chelsea and ManU will get through and that Fred feels Lyon will get through Madrid.)
Nice. Very Nice. Makes sitting up till 3:30 worth it. Interesting thing though was that the pundits on the halftime and fulltime shows did nothing but blast NB52 and say he was too cocky and didnt deserve a place at Arsenal. Around 30 reluctant seconds of Yeah Yeah Arsenal deserved it and were great. The rest was all NB has no respect..goals on a plate blah. Glad he shut them up. All else has been said. Did it without our so called big players this time. Brings me back to a point I stressed on once…this current Arsenal team…its the playmaking midfielder that is most important..it overshadows defense ..everything..even keeping.
The 5-0 sounds glossy. Truth though – we were careless yesterday and till the Eboue goal Porto’s poor finishing and inability to take care of business when they got chances saved us. We might have won anyway probably -just that we were defensively a little flaky. If we draw another European team…i.e Barcelona.. I hope Gallas returns. If we draw Chelsea or ManU..ManU less… Campbell should be fine. Overall very happy.
@Fred: lets just drop Denilson. No way you are gonna agree to anything I say. So lets drop it.
Aha! You still cant mention ONE thing he brings to the team. Yet you compare him to Bendtner … and I can mention FIVE credible thing the Bendt-meister brings.
Couldn’t be bothered frankly. If you really are that interested you can do a site:arsenalamerica.com live_dont_exist Denilson (270 results) and then site:youaremyarsenal.com live_dont_exist Denilson and read all my pro Denilson arguments and all of your anti Denilson points…then state them here .. then we can see what new I can or u can say. If there’s anything left we can discuss it here.
About Bendtner I’ve always supported him. Again you can use Google if you want proof.
First Theo, now Bendtner.
Write off a 30-year-old, you can hardly be wrong. Cos he doesn’t have enough years of career left to come back to haunt you.
Write off a 20-year-old though, it’s not a smart move.
I’m glad Theo and Bendtner responsed to the critics like the way a professional footballer should – doing the talking on the pitch.
Give me more Chris Waddle, Stan the Kid!! Tell us we are crap, we want you to!
Yeah was thinking the same thing. these guys responded well to criticism but hopefully they get to a point where they are consistent and don’t need indirect motivation to prove their worth.
I don’t know about that… A lot of people had probably written off Sol Campbell at the beginning of this season. He was at Notts County for Chrissake! In terms of Arsenal’s squad, I know I wasn’t thinking of him one bit back in August/September. Well, he may be 35, but he’s proven the lot of us wrong. Maybe not at his best today, but he’s definitely capable.
A lot more capable than geriatric Silvestre.
For the love of me I can’t understand Arsene’s signing of Silvestre. It ranks right up there with Bischoff.
Notice the physical make-up of todays side.
Over 6ft – Bendtner, Diaby & Campbell
6ft – Song and Verme
…. so half the outfield are a decent height. Throw in the robust Sagna, the nuggety Arshavin and the hardworking Clichy and we look ok. We weren’t pushed around physically at any stage. Only Rosicky and Nasri in todays line-up are in the lightweight category – which is fine in terms of balance.
Well, Arshavin is also a lightweight in terms of size/build, but to quote Cosmo Kramer- “It’s not the size of the warrior, Jerry! It’s his ferocity!” And he’s ferocious.
Arshavin, in height undoubtedly but not build. He’s quite thickset in the hips and thighs and very hard to knock over with his low centre of gravity. When combined with his attitude – that’s why I called him nuggety.
Loved Nasri’s goal. When he was signed, I had expected to goals like this given some of the stuff I had seen him do at OM. And today, he scored beautifully to ease things.
Regarding the 4th goal. Felt it was almost like the goal Man Utd scored against Arsenal on the counter, so delighted to see Arsenal do that but I wouldn’t have expected Eboue to be on the end of that pass. Now Eboue just needs to stand in one day for Almunia and he will be the complete Arsenal player :)
Not seen the entire Fiorentina-Bayern game yet but I guess the sense of injustice Fiorentina felt at the end of the first leg over Bayern’s offside goal will continue to persist after their elimination today. Which is why I am glad that Arsenal brushed Porto aside so as to bury that Falcao winner from the 1st leg.
In the absence of RVP, NB makes a case as the only other Arsenal player who can play the point. Although not a fan, his football IQ is extremely high and his work rate is decent. If he learns to finish he could be a world class player.
But he already thinks he is world class :)
He reminds me of Peter Crouch in his physical build. And while I’ve never been much of an NB fan, I’d say he’s got Crouch beat in every department but finishing, but that may yet come.
Bendtner was due to score today and I am glad he did. Now, hopefully he does not think he has nothing to prove anymore and goes back to missing in the league.
Contrary to Wenger’s words in the link ChicagoGooner put up, I am hoping Arsenal don’t get either Man Utd or Chelsea, not until the final atleast, but even then I could do without them. If Arsenal get to the final, then I rather they face Barca because 2006 needs to be corrected. Against Man Utd or Chelsea, there are too many revenges to make up for so I rather the revenges come in the league starting next season.
yeah, i dont want any of the english teams….we should hope for Lyon, or one of Bordeaux/Olympiakos.
I’d rather not face them either, but I like the mindset. I think half of that is just Wenger trying to keep the team’s attitude in the right direction. In a title fight like this, you’ve got to keep the fire, the intensity up 100%- you can’t let down even for a second. I think he’s just trying to create that ‘us against them’ mindset.
yeah regarding keeping the intensity & attitude, Arsenal need to win every single game from now until the end of the season but I am afraid I am thinking more of my heart, stomach and nerves when I talk about avoiding those 2 teams :)
Joshuad, I agree on Eboue. Arthur will be so pleased. ;-)
And you’re right he’s intuitive – a bit like what I was saying about Walcott. Eboue came on and gave us the zest and vigour we needed after our play had fallen away. His driving runs gave us that excellent goal and then won us the penalty. I’m liking his recent outings at FB and perhaps it’s no consequence that even his substitute appearances as a utility are more convincing. He seems to have reduced the ‘nonsense acting’ from his game too. Maybe a few things are coming good for this squad…. we all hope so.
Eboue’s recent run of form has yet to see him have a bad game and seemingly makes a strong case to be a starter at RB or RW.
I have always liked his physical abilities and he seems to have come of age.
I actually think Eboue has all the qualities that make a good utility player, and that’s something any team could always use. He has size, work-rate, and decent technique (maybe a little lacking in the striking department), and good enough football IQ.
He can play anywhere on the right, and I could see him playing at CB and DM in a pinch. Hell, I’d prefer him at those spots to Silvestre or Denilson.
Eboue’s issues appear to be linked to his head and his acting. Remove that (the acting not his head ;-) ) and he has a lot to like in his game.
On the utility aspect. When he plays in a functioning side he is ok, if the side is dysfunctional and imbalanced he just adds to the problem. imo
I find his re-emergence really interesting. Some fans will say, “see people were wrong to bag him”. I tend to see it more as Eboue working out his problems and re-earning the fans applause. Good on him. You never know, if the crowd didn’t tell him it didn’t like his antics he may never have sorted himself out.
Having seen the game, I don’t think Bendtner played any better than he did on Sat.
I know it will sound like I’ve swallowed a Stag pill, but he scored from two tap-ins on a plate and a penalty!
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Macmac, You’re 100% right. And yet that’s the beauty of it, no one else in this squad would have been in the right place to score those goals (not even RvP). Everyone else is a fancy dan tippy toeing around the box wanting someone else to take the physical buffeting and trying to score the 38 pass wonder-goal. No thanks, we’ve tried that and it doesn’t produce the goods nor the excitment.
It’s true, Bendtner is still a WIP, let’s see how he goes in the run-in.
Just read this on soccernet. This carries on the conversation we had about player injuries. Let’s hope it doesn’t hurt us.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=752894&sec=uefachampionsleague&cc=null
Good performance by the boys tonight. 5-0 without our captain made a fantastic statement that this team is for real.
Glad that Bendtner got his hattrick. That will do his confidence a world of good. I don’t mind his arrogance. Strikers need that. As long as he continues to work hard, I’ll take the ego.
About Samir’s goal, what can you say? That’s a canidate for goal of the year. I’m glad he’s finding a way to use his obvious talent to make a telling contribution. Both he and Diaby seem to thrive when Fab’s out of the side. Love the way they both take on responsibility.
EEEEBBOOOOUUUEEEEE!!! Ha-ha-ha. Fucking dynamite goal. First, how does Arshavin always manage to win those 50-50’s at 5’6″? Second, you can’t give Eboue a chance to think. It’s got to be intuitive or he’ll jam it up. He’s deserved that goal. Love the way he rounded the keeper. Let’s not forget who won the penalty for the fifth goal. Let’s not forget his very descent corner kicks.
We’ll see if this is our year. Fabregas is rated 50-50 for Saturday but we should do fine without him. I really believe Diaby will have a significant say in how well France do this summer. Sip a little kool-aid tonight, boys.
The Hull game will be really trick, especially away, but I think Fabregas should be rested again. This will give him an extra week to get ready and that will make a very big difference.
Having seen the game, I don’t think Bendtner played any better than he did on Sat.
I know it will sound like I’ve swallowed a Stag pill, but he scored from two tap-ins on a plate and a penalty!
Nasri and Arshavin were the geniuses tonight. And how made the fastest run for the breakaway goal – freakin’ Eboue.
I’m still not totally sold on Bendtner becoming the the A-plus finished article like Torres. Even Wenger slipped in a sly mention post-game about how he needed to work harder. But he’s a Gooner, so I’m willing him on.
Did anyone else get a little uneasy when we 2-0 up and Porto were putting all the moves together?
Campbell is a trojan, but he looked a tad rusty. I know Wenger’s talking up a revenge game against a British side, but without our spine, we still seem like we could get brutally exposed against a major side.
Still, those first 30mins were fucking great to watch. Everything clicking into place – full of vim and vigour.
The big difference was more penetrating cro
That penetration you speak of is because of Bendtner. All the vim and vigor.
Notice that with him in the side, we are hitting the forward line hard, fast and frequently and WINNING second balls.
That creates an expansive game that benefits the whole team.
NOW, swap in Eduardo … and everything collapses.
Conclusion: Give the boy his dues.
Forget about the goalscoring part for now (yeah I know).
I prefer a forward who IMPROVES our whole game play than a forward who doesnt but is a specialist goalscorer (hint Torres and Liverpool).
WENGER FANCIES ALL-ENGLISH TIE
Arsenal manger Arsene Wenger has his sights set on a revenge meeting with either Manchester United or Chelsea after clinically reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
The Gunners booked their place in the last eight of the competition with a 5-0 demolition of Porto in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium, a result which wraps-up a 6-2 aggregate victory over the two-time winners.
And now Wenger, who has seen his side lose twice to Premier League title rivals Chelsea and Manchester United this term, insists he is now relishing the chance to gain revenge over either English club should they progress into the next phase on Wednesday night…
The rest (including the actual Wenger quotes):
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_6012876,00.html
Well, I may be a little more cautious, but I like the mindset: “relishing the change for revenge.”
1. I said before the last game I was interested in the linking between Bendtner and Arshavin. Today we saw why. I just had this gut feel that Arshavin would love having a big guy to play around and that Bendtner would benefit from Arshavin’s clever play. It worked beautifully today.
________________________________________________________________________
I love when Bendy hugged him after the 2nd goal and he was more than an entire head taller than him.
My thoughts….
1. I said before the last game I was interested in the linking between Bendtner and Arshavin. Today we saw why. I just had this gut feel that Arshavin would love having a big guy to play around and that Bendtner would benefit from Arshavin’s clever play. It worked beautifully today.
2. The first 30 min’s was probably the most enjoyable football I’ve seen from this team in a long time. Now, let it be said, that is a wholly personal and subjective perspective. It’s just that I like a bit of shape in our team, a sense of structure, and Bendtner provides that better than anyone else we currently have. I also like having players attacking the box and having crosses (both aerial & ground level) zipping in that cause massive anxiety to the opposition. A great exhibition of what we can do for 30 min’s.
3. The first 12 min’s of the second half saw our game deteriorate. No need to lambast the side for that, games usually ebb and flow. One thing stuck out though during this period. We were struggling to control possession and so the whole game became a bit ad hoc. Why so? One reason (but not the only one) was Almunia’s distribution. It’s one thing to kick the ball forward when the situation demands it, or even as a way of mixing up play, but it’s not clever for us to continually belt the ball forward again and again. That’s a 40/60 approach and we’re not constructed that way. Our game relies on controlling the ball and the lion’s share of possession so we need the keeper to distribute the ball to feet as a general rule and use the aerial clearance method as an emergency or as a mixing up approach.
4. Diaby/Song/Nasri worked a treat. A midfield trio that offered a neat blend.
5. Verme’s a gem. The defence as a unit worked pretty well. Sol is still physically imposing and that’s welcome. I loved the way he hugged Bendtner after his hat trick – it was like getting support from big-brother. Clichy is regaining his zip, albeit there was one heart-in-mouth moment. ;-)
6. Doing this without Fabregas was very satisfying. Nasri was also quite noticeable again, he played the midfield maestro role beautifully. Now, no-one is saying we don’t need our world-class Fabregas – yet it’s jolly nice not to think we are wholly reliant on his presence.
7. I thought Walcott reverted a bit to type, he seems to be a very intuitive player and if it doesn’t naturally ‘click’ movements break down. The best way to describe it is to compare him to guys like Rosicky and Nasri. They are ‘thinking’ crafty players – Walcott isn’t.
Well done guys, you fully deserved 5-0, and I hope this is another little building block in the development of this teams mental toughness.
Thanks for the rational summation Kiwi. Every time I see Almunia belting the ball down field I feel like strangling him. We lose possession 80% of the time and then have to chase and harry our opposition to regain the ball.
Is he that thick or is our coaching staff not providing proper instructions?
I don’t know the ‘why’ CK, it just stuck out today like a sore thumb.
I told you guys Bendtner aint half bad.
Forget about scoring, he has “vision”, good passing, great heading, strength, covers ground and he brings the rest of the team into the game.
And I said it on Saturday that he would most likely score a couple against Porto. He just got the sitters out of the way.
MOM: Nasri. We didnt miss Fabregas one bit. Thats how good he was.
PS: What happened to Vibe and Mazza, did you guys hound them away while I was gone? lol
Almunia is next on the criticism list.
He is the exception that proves the rule ;-)
Da Admin Gooner has spoken.
Almunia still reminds me of a frog without hind legs. Can’t out jump my disabled buddy, punches when he should catch, tries to catch when he should punch, footwork of a turtle and ball distribution of a fish out of water.
That’s good. That’s just what he needs. Now we just need a pundit to say it too.
Alright, alright – I’m eating my Danish slice of humble pie.
I have to wait to watch the game on delay here in LA, but hats off to Bendtner by the sound of it.
Hmmm. Who can we criticize next to make them raise their game?
Theo criticized? Responds with excellent runs, spot-on final balls, and a goal Henry would be proud of.
Bendy criticized? Responds with Arsenal’s first hat trick since Henry.
To the media: please criticize our entire team from here on out after every match (tho I admit I too was critical of Nick after the Burnley game).
We’re up 4-0 in the 77th, so… the draw for the remaining rounds is March 19 (Fri).
Excellent first half.
Arsenal Starting XI: Almunia – Sagna – Campbell – Vermaelen – Clichy – Song – Diaby – Rosicky – Nasri – Bendtner – Arshavin
Subs: Walcott, Eboue, Eduardo, Traore, Fabianski, Denilson and Silvestre
Bout 10 mins to go. 3.35 AM.. I’ve had about 4 hours of interrupted sleep. We had better win or work’s gonna be an epic struggle tomo!! Or today I should say.
I like the lineup. Looking forward to this. We can always count on us to make things more interesting than they need be.
Almunia captain… Keep it together now
I read that Arsenal haven’t overcome a first leg defeat in 30 years!
Let’s suppose Theo and Nick have good games. The English tabloid media (especially the anti-Arsenal elements in it) will then have to find something or someone else to criticize, since if they didn’t they’d have no reason to exist and would be out of a job.
So- what quality or characteristic about the club or one of its players would they move on to next? You can make an “issue” out of almost anything, and they’re quite adept at doing so. I wonder…
If everything fails, just get back to Arsenal haven’t won anything in 5 years.
That is another reason why we need we win something soon.
Just shut some people up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–CdA8IhE6Q&feature=player_embedded#at=93 – I am lost for words.
Seriously, do you laugh? Do you applaud? Do you hide your head and hope other fans don’t see it? Maybe just settle for chipping in and buying the kid a nike made replica. He definitely deserves it.
Kudos to this fan!
I prefer to hide (my support) behind my keyboard!
Hey, this looks like India’s most fanatical and dedicated Premier League Fan.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/fan-of-india
“I saw about the Barclays Fan Of India contest on a website and then I submitted my entry which had text and photos and a video entry. I was singing Arsenal songs in the video.”
I live in the same city. :)
Laugh or applaud? I did both! I wish the fake replica kits like he has would be obtainable here- so much cheaper, and who cares if they’re not “authentic”.
On another note, Gallas could be out for a month. I remember Gallas missing the crucial part of the 07-08 run-in as well.
Hmm… Let us hope Campbell can stay fit.
without Gallas (options):
Song can play CB and Diaby can fill in at DM !
re: Djourou
earlier, he was expected to return by mid-March; now the date is end of April.
has anyone learned of the delay?
“Has anyone learned of the delay?”
Is that a trick question? ;)
Bendtner is an excellent player. His overall contribution like Denilson’s is grossly underrated. Horseface used to have mares where he missed everything at his peak. NB52 is still young. He’ll be fine. I like him a lot. Like Denilson ;). Song will start though ; as will Denilson ..and Diaby will come on for him later if we’re trailing. If we’re winning he will play 90″ and Diaby will come on for Nasri or Mozart. Could be wrong though, and Diaby to start works nicely too..no problem.
There you go lumping in Bendtner with ass-clown Denilson.
I can name 5 things Bendtner does that make him useful.
Can you name one useful thing Denilson does? ;-)
Piss you off ;-)
If Bendy works a little bit harder and has a little less arrogance, he can be a pretty good player. Currently, his big head is both his biggest asset as well as his biggest weakness. It allows him to score crucial and mightily difficult goals like the one against Stoke. At the same time, he will miss the easiest of chances like in the Burnley. If he puts his head down and works harder, he will start converting those and then he will be a fine and useful player.
Off the subject of the Porto match –
I don’t mind taking a positive stand in Bendtner’s behalf.
Bendtner was not selected to play for Arsenal for his pace.
First, he was selected because of his mental speed with and with out the ball. This you cannot teach.
Secondly, for our free flowing style of linking play, his skill set is perfectly suited. He’s always seems to be in the right position of support. I have never seen someone 6′ 4″ that could think & pass like a creative midfielder.
Thirdly, Bendtner has an unselfish quality as he finds great satisfaction setting up his teammates. For our manager, this is a terrific attribute.
Bendtner’s dribbling style is a bit awkward, but he is more often effective in taking on players or seeing and delivering the ball to open teammates. In a league filled with powerful-athletic CB’s, he has good strength to maintain possession. His heading skills have always impressed.
I don’t believe you can teach scoring, its a gift. You can teach shooting technique, but actually scoring is a separate mental skill apart from proper kicking technique. Ask Torres how many chances he missed yesterday in the Wigan match. You don’t see Pool fans and the media brow beating him over the squandered chances!
Would I like to see Bendtner convert more? Absolutely.
The reality is that Nicky just turned 22 and for his age, I’m seeing progress in his development as an important and contributing team member.
DAG – excellent write up.
I’m anxious to see who Arsene chooses to start.
Yes DAG, we will be fielding a stronger line-up, but the key for Arsenal in this match is to keep a clean sheet, and score 1st.
If I’m trying to keep a clean sheet – I wouldn’t be starting Theo and Arshavin. Neither shows much interest for defensive responsibilities (tracking back for support).
For your line-up, I would slot in Rosicky and keep Theo as a 2nd half option.
Arsenal have played over 40 matches this season and have yet to perform on all cylinders.
To get the result, without Cesc, would be instrumental in the teams mental growth.
Go Gooooooooooooooooooooners!
I think your lineup is near spot on. I think Wenger will definitely play Song, hopefully over Denilson. The option I am scared he’ll use is Denilson, Song Diaby, see a slight lack in creativity there especially as I expect Porto to play a sit-back defend and counter attack game.
A clean sheet, as always with this Arsenal side seems unlikely. In which case we must of course score 3 goals. Sure it’s quite easy to say we’ll beat Porto at home, but it isn’t going to be an easy task scoring 3. And I really really hope we keep a cleanie. If it’s 3-1/1-0 going into the final 20 mins, it’s going to be nai-biting time. 2-1 would be even worse with a goal for them meaning a need to score 2 goals for us. I HATE playing the home game second. I fail to see how it is an advantage.
Anyway, up the Arse as they say (except Carib :P)…