In the Aftermath: Arsenal v Spurs – Match Review
Sometimes the best way to shut someone up is to stick your foot right where it don’t belong. And in this case that place is the back of the net. This was a week of rather boisterous bravado from Robbie Keane who proclaimed to anyone who would listen, that Spurs were on a level playing field with their North London Rivals. There was one problem with Robbie’s proclamation, they had to play anyting on the pitch. And when they did – well let’s just say the gulf is as wide as it ever was.
For the first 42 minutes of the match it looked like the Gunners and Sprus would head into the dressing room drawn equal. There were chances to be sure but overall, it seemed as if Arsenal were content to feel out their opposition and find an opportune time to strike rather than open up the attack. But within a minute that all came to a crashing halt.
Hey Robbie - My bench is better than yours. Neener!!
Coming off a throw in within the attacking end, Tottenham’s defense allowed Bacary Sagna to have his time setting a low hard cross into the box. Charging in, Robin Van Persie beat his marker to the ball and stuffed it under the diving arm of Spurs leaky keeper Gomes. BUt that was just the start and the laziness that SPurs were showing in the back would become more evident in the next 15 seconds.
Set up to tip off theball after RvP’s goal, Spurs gave a way the ball to Arsenal Captain, Cesc Fabregas. Fabregas, who obviously had been playing too much Fifa 10 decided to emulate his game and elude two defenders, one on a poorly timed challenge and the other on a self-pass through the legs of a defender. From there it was a foot race and the dashing Spainaird won the race and slotted an absolute corker past Gomes again. For many of us Arsenal fans watching on ESPN2 we had to be content with the replay as the goal happened while they were showing the highlights of RvP’s goal. Nonetheless Fabregas now has two goals this season that are absolute class. And he is laying stake to being the best all around player in the EPL this season.
So within a scant minute, Spurs hopes of overtaking Arsenal in the standings for the first time were dashed. Happy St. Toteringham day! For those of you who don’t know what that is – it is the day on the table when Arsenal are guaranteed a spot of Tottenham. For the remainder of the day, Harry Redknapp’s Spurs lacked the fight with only a sustained effort of about 2 minutes pressing the Gunners. But defensively the crew seemed to take whatever lesson they learned from last week’s draw and apply it to a more important match.
Manuel Almunia was back in goal and even with a couple wobbly catches, overall he played a good game, even showing some aggressiveness coming out for the ball. In fairness to the spanish keeper, he did look more in control, did not seem to be erratic and frankly didn’t look like he was going to get caught out of position. That was also with his defense playing solidly in front of him. Arsenal seemed to be on most of the headers in the match and Thomas Vermaelen always seemed to be connected at Peter Crouch’s hip. It was evident that Spurs were going to try and release him and the Verminator was having none of that.
Combine that effort with some good tackles and saves within and around the box, the defense were solid doing well to preserve a well needed clean sheet. A clean sheet goes a long way to supporting the defensive confidence needed to carry over in each game. With AZ Alkmaar coming to the Emirates in the mid week having that confidence will be necessary to do what is needed to close out the group stages.
But the Derby is our focus and we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the effort of RvP, Fabregas and Arshavin. Fromt he get go these three certainly seemed ready to play. And while Arshavin did not score, it was evident that the importance of the Derby was not lost on him. He was tracking back on the ball, playing defensively and when given the space, he pressed the Sprus back four constantly. It was this work effort and the exhaustion with it that likely got him subbed out.
Offensively however, it was RvP and Fabregas with the glory. Having both netted the first half goals to seal the deal, Arsenal fans would not be happy unless one of them scored another to officially close it out. And that task was left to Van Persie. Eduardo who had two to three real solid chances at goal, was caught running down the side, and in play that reminds us all of “playing to the whistle” – the ball was gathered up by Sagna who like everyone else slowed up thinking the play would be called dead but when it wasn’t – kept the ball moving forward and sent another quaility cross in that beat Ledley King (only barely) and was tipped in by RvP for his 2nd of the day and 9th overall. While some could argue that the play should have stopped, the tip in by RvP was without any power and Gomes should’ve stopped it cleanly. As it was the Gunners were now 3 up and the life was completely out of that other team from London.
Excuse me as I pass you by.
This match could’ve been uglier for the visitors and Eduardo should’ve had two goals of his own. It is clear that time off has made the Crozillian a little rusty but nonetheless it was nice to see him get a longer spell ieven if it was at the expense of re-injured Nicholas Bendtner. Nicky B seems to be out now for another 4 weeks with a groin injury.
The only real blemish in this otherwise strong performance was the continued uninspired performance of Diaby. The blind faith Wenger has in the boy is disconcerting and one hopes that he is only buying time until he has a fully fit Samir Nasri. Diaby’s performance on the field is often lackluster and incomplete. He plays with moments of solid football acumen but more often his play is fraught with mistakes, errant passes, losing the ball and a lack of confidence in his ability. The spurts of solid play show the lad likely does have the skills to play but would likely benefit from more time learning behind a true first team player. It remains to be seen though if Arsene sees him in this light.
Overall the play of the team was solid. They now firmly sit in 3rd place and by all rights they are right in the mix for the EPL title. It remains to be seen if they can correc the defensive frailty enough to make a sustained push for the title. In fairness though to Arsene and the gang in red and white, neither United or Chelsea have been that strong in defense either. Liverpool are doing the best impression of a relegation club and Tottenham, Villa and City are still trying to sort out their own identity. And as much I hate to say this – I think City have the best chance now to supplant someone in the big 4. That is unless Pool suddenly realize their pedigree.
Well done to the lads, we can sit back and enjoy this one, especially after the draw to West Ham. Next up on the docket is the home match against AZ Alkmaar, which will allow the Gunners to put the Group to bed. Next weekend the Gunners face off against EPL Debutantes Wolverhampton.
Player ratings:
Starting XI:
Almunia: 7
Sagna: 9 (MOTM)
Gallas: 7.5
Vermaelen: 8
Clichy: 7
Fabregas: 9
Song: 8
Diaby: 5
Arshavin: 7.5
Van Persie: 9
Bendtner: 7
Subs:
Eduardo: 7.5
Ramsey: 6
Eboue: 6
108 comments
Leave a reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
I just realized Man U and Chelsea are playing this sunday. If we can take care of Wolves, that game will help us no matter the result.
I believe even if Stan really takes over Arsenal, things will remain unchanged.
American owners so far have proven that they are anything but sugar daddy. They are here to make $$. Not to treat the club like a play thing.
In the case of Liverpool, they have shown that BEFORE and AFTER their takeover, nothing changed. They still haven’t won the league the been waiting for nearly 2 decade. Only difference is – they are now carrying a DEBT.. thanks to their new owners.
Even if you think Gibbs is better than Clichy (I’ll wait and see before I decide), you still have to acknowledge that Clichy going down is bad news for our already-shallow defense.
Losing a left back is probably the least worrisome of all our defensive positions. Gibbs is probably an upgrade.
Although I wouldn’t be worried if we lost a goalkeeper because all of them are distinctly average. Just keep Gallas and Vermaelen healthy. That is imperative if we are going to win anything.
I predict that Almunia, having now been non-verbally scolded by Wenger, will hold his place and go on to have a solid year. AW has executed this same ploy with several keepers now and it’s worked well.
Hope your right with your prediction.
GK is critical to any success Arsenal have this season.
But we have two capable LBs.
The leftback position is the ONLY position in which we are very well covered.
FYI: Clichy hasnt really been any good for almost 2 years now.
Everyone keeps forgetting that we have Silvestre! He’s experienced and can play anywhere along the back line so we’re ok. Actually, maybe it would be better for all concerned if Wenger did forget that he’s on the team.
Clichy has been below average all year. He has been steadily playing worse and worse for two seasons now. Gibbs and/or Traore will do fine back there. And Clichy will be sold off next summer for good money.
Clichy will not be sold. He’s is a prototypical Arsene player: young, groomed in the system, and never causes waves in the clubhouse or tabloids.
Everyone has been asking for Gibbs to get a run. Well, here we go. I happen to remember the same request for Fabianski to play for Almunia back in the spring. Those requests were forcibly answered and we all know what the result of that was. Really, be careful what you wish for.
I seem to have inherited Wenger’s philosophy of buying during the January window. Unless it is a truly exceptional player, it’s simply foolish to expect them to just come in, adapt to the league, learn Wengerball, and help get results. Sure, Arshavin did but he, being our record signing, was truly an exception. The Reyes impact during the unbeaten season, would also be considered exceptional for me but Wenger won’t bring someone in and expect them to just gel instantly. I believe the bulk of that is done during preseason; no pressure to get results, just focus on football.
But if Arsene buys the player we all think he needs – a defensive midfielder – I don’t think it is as crucial that they gel right away due to the nature of the position. Lets face it, Vermaelen really only trained with the team for a month or so before the start of the season and he’s doing just fine so far. I think the process of adapting to the league and team is more critical for creative players.
Diaby is being groomed to be the defensive midfielder when Song departs.
I wouldn’t be too excited by Stan taking over the club (if he does indeed do so). He already owns the Avalanche and Nuggets which have done nothing in terms of success under his tenure.
Liverpool are likely to be out of the race way before mid-december. Additionally, with their debt levels they can’t spend exorbitant amounts anyway.
I personally don’t think Chelsea’s ban will get overturned.
City – they’ll spend but as they’ve shown so far, their spending isn’t a guarantee on winning or a team mentality. Again, not convinced that anyone really wants to go to City without Champion’s League football – GUARANTEED.
United are likely to be the biggest players in January – even though that is so anti-Fergie.
ditto DAG.
When the big clubs chase players, market value is inflated for all & this turns off Arsene from buying.
Stag, your right about our injury situation; seems our players are held together with paste.
Stan the Man, edging even closer today, buying more shares.
Hope he gets enough to takeover before January!
Clichy being out for an extended period… is not a good thing.
He will be greatly missed, but we will get a chance to see what
Gibbs can REALLY do, over that period…
A few more injuries, and we’ll be in the same spot as usual, fecked.
With the race WIDE open, I see all the other big teams trying to load up in January to get that “little extra” to get them to the finish line… United, Chelsea (if allowed), City, and Liverpool will do whatever necessary to try and stay top 4.
NOT making the top 4 is far far far more expensive, than spending to bring in a few players.
Should be a VERY fun January to watch.
Hopefully Santa brings us someone.
don’t see Stan as the savior…….and what’s that quote, “be careful what you wish for”.
Yeah, but you know the other quote. “Watch out for that fat Russian gangster.”
;-)
Arshavin got a shady background? ;)
At his size? ;)
In the movies, it’s always the big, heavy-set Russians.
And the ones that look like Viggo Mortensen, or that ARE Viggo Mortensen…just stay away.
In earlier times, the bad guys (criminals) were seedy looking; poorly educated, and ruthless.
In our world today, the bad guys are corporate executives, highly educated, suit and tie dress code, and still ruthless. American gangster or Russian gangster – there is no difference!
Of course not, man. I know what Bernie Madoff and Dick Cheney, for instance, look like.
We weren’t having a serious conversation. Not enough of ;-) for you?
:-)
Gibbs will perform. Good talent and he has better support this
season than last.
The training table is getting very crowded.
Stress fracture in the back is a dangerous thing. Wasn’t it the same injury that kept Gilberto (and now Denilson) out for a long time?
Gibbs is a more than decent backup. His main problem is his youth. Lack of experience means that he will make mistakes. But he seems to learn better and does not have the kind of calamity aura surrounding Clichy lately. I guess he is going to get a good run now and that should do help him.
If Clichy was injured during the derby match, how are we just hearing about it now?
Andez, don’t know if you’re talking about my comment as far as Man City not having a playmaker. Spur have a very descent one in Modric but Man City don’t.
There is a laundry list of reasons I believe Diaby has poor vision. He never releases the ball early. Unless the play is right in front of him, he always needs a few touches to decide what to do with the ball. He dribbles when the pass is the better option because he doesn’t see that pass option until it’s too late. Because he dwells on the ball so long, he’s always getting caught in possession. When he misplaces a pass, it’s because he doesn’t see the defenders. He’s always slow to react defensively to a play developing around Lastly, he always looks slow, as if the game were passing him bye. From my time coaching, all of these deficiencies scream poor vision.
When I believe I have a player with poor vision, I’ll conduct a training session where I would force them to stay in the center of the pitch, take away their touches, and challenge them to prove they can still be effective. You can’t play effective, one touch soccer if your vision/field awareness is poor. No player can hide under those circumstances. If his vision proves poor, he needs to make a deliberate effort in training to make that right. He’s got to want to make it right (attitude). To me, that has always been Diaby’s major problem and it’s caused his entire game to be slightly behind the Arsenal pace. However, if he gets it right, Diaby becomes an absolute monster.
no josh, the previous point i made was refering to Spurs only. I dont know much about Man City to be honest, apart from the fact they got lot of expensive strikers… who can’t score! ; )
I don’t even know who their midfielders are.
Man City to me only got ONE MVP – the God Given Given.
Imagine what a difference would be made to us had we got a keeper like him.
As for Diaby, I agree he got a biggest upside among all our midfielder bar Cesc.
He’s gifted physcally, and tecnically (in terms of his dribbling skills).
For his WORKRATE, for some reasons, when he’s coasting around on the pitch, he looked a bit like Adebayor in my eyes (the laziness).
unlike many others, I started supporting Arsenal back in the HARDWORK is EVERYTHING George Graham “my way or out of my way” days.
So I hold WORKRATE to the highest regard.
I didn’t care Romford Pele couldn’t dribble, I loved him dearly for he always gave 100%.
It’s the same the other way around. Doesn’t matter his name is Diaby, Adebayor, or Thierry Henry. If he doesn’t work hard, he deserves the sticks.
Of all the injuries lately, I think Clichy’s injury will hurt us most.
Gibbs did well last season. But i am not convinced yet he’s the answer. As he simply isn’t a left back. He’s a left midfielder, a skillful attacking minded player.
What clichy got is a tremendous athleticism. So even when he’s caught out of position, he got a remarkable recover pace to amend the mistake.
Gibbs will do well against a weaker side. But when a truly good winger taking on him, I am not sure if he will cope.
Luckily we still have Traore. So if Gibbs fails, we still have an alternative. But despite all the criticism he’s getting this season, I got a feeling we are going to miss Clichy.
Agree about the impact of Clichy’s injury. A stable back five seems very important to a teams success. Gibbs can do the job but our other defenders will have to adjust to his “patterns,” particularly Vermaelen. I think Gibbs did get a game or two earlier in the season so it should be a fairly smooth transition.
The most fortunate element is that Almunia is back in the side and he kept the clean sheet and our back line looked very well organized under his leadership in the Spurs match. I’m hoping he can solidify that performance with a couple more here before the int’l break. He may not be a world beater but, at the moment, he’s got to be our best option as we get deeper into the season.
I get your point to an extent Andez but I have to disagree about the quality of Gibbs.
Against, Liverpool’s senior reserves in the CC match, he was well grounded – and in the spot where he made a mistake (twice) each time he successfully defended to win back the ball.
I think he sees the play before him devleop a lot better than Gael does.
Gael is a good quality player and his speed is second maybe to only Cashley Gold. I think where Gibbs has CLichy is in overall strength. I just don’t see Gibbs being fragile.
Interesting point. Gibbs is reasonably strong for someone so young, and maybe that’s why AW has tried to convert him to full-back.
It’s a big opportunity for Gibbs to impress Fabio Capello and maybe travel for the upcoming friendlies. Wayne Bridge is the obvious back-up left back for England (and looked OK on the week-end for Man City, I thought) but Gibbs seems to have more long-term potential.
Plus he is a lot taller and that helps in this Arsenal side.
NEWS FLASH:
Gael Clichy set for long term layoff with stress fracture in the back.
Gentleman – Kieran Gibbs is set to start in his place.
I don’t think Spurs lack of a playmaker, in Modric they have a gifted playmaker.
What Spurs lack most is a bit of perspective. In short – GET REAL! ;)
I don’t believe Spurs are top 4 quality, but I do think Harry, with financial backing,
can raise Spurs to more competitive level. Harry knows how to identify and assemble good talent; he did at Portsmouth.
I agree with Harry. In fact, I always rate him, back in his West Ham days.
On his early days at West Ham, he was conned to make some big money, big name signing after a player shone in a major tournament Euro 96.
And it failed on him big time. Yet he learned his lesson quickly. And soon started to work on the transfer market for bargain buys. And unlike many other English managers, he doesn’t care about the passport much neither.
But his biggest contribution to English football gotta be the group of youngsters he developed back in his West Ham days – Lampard, Rio, Joe Cole, Defoe, Carrick. All Harry’s kids.
No one got a better record now than Redknapp in terms of getting the players he developed into the England national team.
But I do not believe he’s a top 4 manager. In terms of English managers, he’s one of the best.
Yet the Premiership got 4 of the best managers in the world right now managing the big 4. I do not believe Harry is in the same class as them.
Personally, I believe the top 4 will be the same old top 4 comes the end of the season.
Difficult to say who’s gonna finish 5th. City got the cash, Villa got the resilience. Probably 7th place finish for me, that Spurs side.
I have the same take about Harry’s managing skills.
Yet, for all the talk about formations/systems and tactics, when the whistle blows
players have to deal with on field situations and managers must wait for half-time, or insert players with a specific strength to deal with on field weaknesses. Still, matches are won from the influence of individual efforts (or combination of).
If the players have belief in their manager, the traditional pedigree of success can be discounted.
I do not believe Pool will stay in the top 4. They have major problems that won’t be resolved this season.
Villa is also lacking depth, so by February injuries will cause them to lose points to lower tier clubs. Ditto for Everton.
I do think City will buy their way into the top 4. I don’t think too much of Hughes managing skills, but deep pockets can cover up his poor decisions.
Yup and their 2 star players are suffering from injuries. Torres I believe is playing through pain from a Hernia that is going to require surgery sooner or later which will keep him out for over a month. And their backup for him is Voronin and N’gog
The biggest Spurs joke of all time was back in 1987 League Cup Semi, when they were leading 2-0 in agg. in the 2nd leg, and their public announcer actually advised their fans how to get tickets for Wembley (to play in the final) during the HALF TIME BREAK.
The Gunners went on to equalize the match in second half. Then beat them in the replay and went on to meet Liverpool in the final.
It’s by far the most arrogant piece of act I ever seen in football. If you log on to YouTube and click on the 87 League Cup semi, you could see how Tony Adams and co. celebrated like mad after the final whistle. David Rocastle became an instant Arsenal legend at the age of 19 after scoring the last minute winner to send Spurs packing.
A case of Lasagna, Jol acting tough, Keane saying they are better, etc, etc. So easy to laugh at Spurs. They invite too many jokes. When it comes to on-field responses, what have Arsenal done in return over the years? They have scored some beautiful goals, a list that now includes Cesc’s wonder solo goal and not to forget that Henry goal and celebration. Also, Arsenal won the title on their ground but Spurs still celebrated because their God Keane scored a gift of a last minute penalty. Yes, Arsenal have given some gifts to Spurs but over the last decade, Arsenal have had the last laugh. Spurs even tried to get a French manager in Santini and that didn’t work. Plus, there was the strange case of Damien Comolli, someone Spurs thought would help unearth great talent.
Yes it is a derby dating from events all the way back in 1919. Yes it a charged fixture in the calendar every year, something that even Henry remarked on after he left Arsenal. Atleast, Arsenal think seriously about the other 36 league fixtures as well. Have Spurs ever talked tough in the press before they played Chelsea or Man Utd? Not that I remember. If they harbor ambitions, then why not try for a win against those teams?
Great to see Van Persie make those comments about Spurs. The more Spurs try to fan the flames, the faster this Arsenal team should put things out. Beating Spurs is important but this Arsenal team have more important things to focus on, such as winning the title or an European trophy while Spurs can continue dreaming about that precious 4th spot.
As far as Man City go, Mark Hughes was in Spain looking for a playmaker. Someone, I think it was Fred, mentioned it a while ago and it’s their major problem. They dont’ have anyone with that bit of class that can find a way to get a goal. They’ve got plenty of guys who can score but no one to create. Ireland can’t do it. If City find that guy, they’ll be good to go. Both Osasuna and Barcelona have a few that can do a job for City.
I’ve said for years that Diaby’s problem seems to be his attitude. He doesn’t care about improving his vision or his dynamism on the pitch. He only cares about the attack. He’s got all the skills, technique, and talent to be a fantastic player. The question is does he have the desire to improve his tactical weaknesses. It’s got to be something that he wants to improve. If he ever does, the sky’s the limit. We’ll see.
I think Fabregas’ goal will go down in infamy. It will be like Henry’s super goal against Spurs when he ran by their entire team to score. Even though he’s young, it’s already one of his best goals. We’ll see in about five years.
Josh, I remeber you were very vocal about Diaby’s defiencies particularly his lack of vision. I remember arguing the point that he is in fact a very good player and will come good.
Although I don’t think he has problems with vision, as he can play some intelligent and pentrative balls sometimes I have certainly come around to your way of thinking as concerning his attitude. You spotted the issue a long time ago.
I am not sure that the guy does not want to improve in those areas. No doubt Wenger would have spoken to him about where he needs to improve. I am beginnning to believe he just does not have the get up and go, desire and aggression in his personality to be successful in that position.
I remember 2 seasons ago Diaby aggressively going after a 50/50 ball &
for his raised boot, received a straight red card. It wasn’t malicious, but more an action spawned from lack of thought. (also the ref was a bit too harsh, imo).
Actually, the past 2 seasons, I felt Diaby, regardless of his field position, looked out of sync with his teammates. Maybe something related to the fact he never had a long spell of good health…..
But I also passed it off as a player whose foundation of early training was deficient. (compared to the foundation of training that RvP, Bendtner, Cesc, etc received)
Anyway, for me, I see naturally gifted skills from this player. Yes, sometimes his judgment is wrong, but I see a different attitude this season, and get the sense that this season will instrumental for Diaby, as the last 12 months was for Song.
Another great one from Van Perise. In an article I read today he says its always great when Tottenham lose – it’s even better when they lose to us.
There is some spirit coming from the club lately. In the past they’ve always been quiet and now they seem to have some spunk vocally as well as on the pitch.
Nice to see players like RvP and AA23 and even ‘gas come out and be as assured in the club as the likes of players like Lampard and Terry are about Chelsea.
yeah it was good to read that comment. I am sure Henry would approve :)
Sent in the previous thread, but some how it didn’t show up. I’ll try again.
To get the fullest effect, click on the image (don’t worry, no virus):
Oh man, that’s so cool!
Nice :-D
Nice stuff man :)
It was great to see us take down Totthenham.
The first 42 minutes or so were pretty even, but the Van Persie goal, where he outhustled and outmuscled the defender and deposited the goal… POPPED Tottenham like a balloon.
They were asleep or in shock for the Cesc goal… it was just odd, to watch them… watch him… but well taken on Cesc’s part.
They were dead in the 2nd half, chasing the game, and if not for Eduardo … we’d have embarrassed them more.
Our 3rd goal, was… as strange as the 2nd.
Tottenham STOPPED playing, (as did we for slightly less time)… the whistle never blew, and we continued on!
Great win. Great for our table position. Good for confidence.
I thought Vermaelen just took Crouch, even with the height difference, right out of the match. Tottenham missed Defoe badly, as they have nobody to replace him in their squad.
I hope they keep chirping about being as good as we are… that just makes it more difficult for them, and sweeter for us.
Would love to see a few new faces in the line-up midweek and next weekend…
Off-topic but regarding Man City. When I saw Mark Hughes in the stands yesterday watching Osasuna vs Barcelona, I had a feeling they would lose today — they didn’t though but came close. Maybe I have not paid attention before but I can’t recall seeing a manager for an EPL team going to another country a day before his team has a game. Strange thing. Ofcourse, there was speculation that he was there to watch Henry but Henry was injured and not like he needs to see Henry. I suppose January is not too far so maybe more money needs to be thrown around, so he was window shopping.
how would it effect his team, if he were watching a match in Spain?
the plane ride isn’t long, and he’s not a player, so even if he’s tired, why would it matter?
How would it affect his team? Are you serious?
These managers get paid millions to make sure their teams win, and the best ones are fanatical, meticulous,obsessed with winning.
Could you imagine Wenger, Ferguson, or Mourinho doing this? I can’t. They are all probably thinking about the next match as soon as the last one ends: formations, line-ups, pep talks, watching film, checking the other team’s weaknesses.
Not to mention the other business of scouting, managing a youth system, tracking the transfer marked, managing the media spotlight, keeping fans happy, the board happy, the owner happy, etc.
It’s a massive job and if you honestly can’t think of one good reason (out of SEVERAL to chose from) why it’s a bad sign that a manager is taking a trip to another country the day before a match, instead of focusing on his own squad, then you know fuck all about football, and sports in general, not to mention “real world” things like planning ahead and staying focused on an important goal.
LOL! Dude, stag aint interested in all that jazz. To him, a winning team is all about buying “star” or “very well known” players … nothing else. LOL.
This indiscretion apart, Mark Hughes is a nothing coach anyway. He aint anywhere close to the major leagues.
A manager flying to watch a match should have ZERO effect on a team.
What if he had a family emergency and couldn’t be at practice.
What if he had the flu and could not be there…
ZERO bearing on the team by going to watch a match elsewhere.
For Fred, its about spouting his opinion, which is like an a-hole, everyone has one.
Fortunately, he isn’t managing shit for our club or any other.
Awwwh poor staggy boy. Sorry I upset you ;-)
So if you think a manager being completely focused on something other than the match the day before it occurs won’t affect his team… then where do you draw the line? If you don’t need him to focus on the game the day before, why do you need him 2, 3 days, a week before? Why do you need him at all? Might as well just let a technical director decide who’s in the squad, and leave tactics, lineups, formations, motivations, subs, youth call-ups etc. to the players themselves. Man, you’re fucking brilliant! All this time these elite teams have been utilizing managers for no reason… and you, yes YOU, have revolutionized the game by being the first one in the history of football to realize that managers don’t do anything and are only there to collect a paycheck. We should get rid of them! Hold on… I’ll go get the press and tell them about your amazing discovery, so that all the Clubs and NT’s in the world can be in on the secret and won’t have to suffer one more day under the tyranny of organized and intelligent management.
stag, I have no idea how it would effect a team but I just had a feeling. My thinking was that Hughes was concerned about the future and scouting players and not concerned about the task at hand.
I have no idea what every manager does a day before a game, but from what I remember about Arsenal at Highbury was that if there was an Arsenal home game on sunday, the team trained together and then stayed at a hotel on sat night. The team was together along with the manager. Does every team act the same? No idea.
Actually Spurs might too. Didn’t they all eat lasagna at the same hotel the night before their sunday game vs West Ham? ;)
Robin Van Persie will ask Arsene Wenger to play in Carling Cup match against City.
I love this guy!!!
http://bit.ly/12O5qM
Clicked on your link there….Good stuff, and it turns out that Ade is a family man if not a “Dade….”
He explains taunting the Arsenal traveling support with his goal celebration by saying that they were impugning his family. “[D]on’t touch my family, don’t touch my parents, I love them more than everything on this earth.”
Sweet, really. City missed him today. We, however, seem to be doing OK without him….
I don’t think Wenger will go for it but I am looking forward to this CC tie though. Arsenal’s CC games are packed with delightful football and at times, I feel they are like a fun exhibition match. However, this game will be different as it should have an edge to it and curious to see the young ones respond. Would be amazing to see the kids rip the millions apart.
Also, I think it is about time Arsenal won the Carling Cup, not only for the trophy factor but to give the youngsters extra incentive. In a way, this trophy will be decided early on and winning it would remove the monkey off the back and the senior team can focus on landing the big prizes at the season’s tail end.
“The only real blemish in this otherwise strong performance was the continued uninspired performance of Diaby”
DAG – I disagree, at least for the Sp_rs match.
1st half Diaby is quiet. Watch the match, most of our attacks came on the right flank, while Diaby was
supporting opposite flank.
I studied the Telegraph’s player statistics for the match:
Cesc: accurate passes: 79%; total passes 77; balls won: 2
Song: accurate passes: 94%; total passes 47; balls won: 3
Arshavin: accur. passes: 80%; total passes: 40; balls won 1
Diaby: accurate passes: 81%; total passes: 54; balls won: 6
By my calculations (for Diaby):
Passes received and maintained possession – 46; received and then lost: 1
Passes successfully completed – 48; errant passes / lost possession: 6
Statistics don’t always tell the whole story, but I watched the match again, and ‘uninspired’ does not
fairly describe his play.
Up until this year, I saw this player’s performance as an under-achieving. However, since the own goal vs. ManU this player is improving and each match he is adapting to the needs of the team.
One of my favorite players is Eduardo, but yesterday he was CRAP (with style). If Eboue or Bendtner had missed, the free header, and two break-aways, I can tell you what post match remarks would center around.
I also disagree with Fred’s remark about Diaby not moving intelligently. Without the ball, he certainly understands how to make runs to support teammates and exploit space and the defense. He is a risk taker in the attacking third. However, he still is learning defensive responsibilities.
Would I rather see Nasri starting in the midfield with Cesc and Song, yes. However, Arsene believes Diaby can be a special player for Arsenal and I believe we just need to have patience.
I have yet to watch a re-run of the game but as you said stats don’t tel the whole story I will be counting Diaby’s balls won in particular as I can only remember about 3/4, one of those he took of Songs foot to claim as his own.
Those stats will not tell you how little of the ball he saw in the first half or show you how very simple or unadventerous his passes in the 2nd half were. I was surprised at Songs accuracy rate but I notice he does not always go for the simple ball he is quite adventerous and risky with his passing in general.
The stats will also not show you how little pressure he put on the opposition allowing his team mates better opportunity to win the ball back or force the opposition into errors.
They also cannot quantify the impotance or difficulty/ease of balls won. I can not remmeber an outstanding “ball won” from Diaby, however I remember Song tracking his man back into the pebalty box and winning the ball with a slide tackle after Vermaelen had been beaten and he had only the GK to beat.
I have to agree with DAG, “uninspired” was a very diplomatic way to put it.
Arshavin worked his socks off at he beginning of the game. Until he ran out of steam he may not have “won the ball” but he sure did put a lot of pressure on the oppostion there by not allowing them to settle and get into their game. Stats cannot quantify that type of effort, the effect it has on his team mates as they are inspired by that effort and the effect it has on the oppostion.
According to those stats we might think Diaby had a better game than Arshavin. Even when Arshavin was tired he looked better than Diaby.
Despite any improvements that Diaby might have made since the ManU game (I don’t see them) he has a lot more work to do before he should be considered as even back up to Denilson in that CDM type position.
What is prevalent in the comments here and at other sights is most fans form an early opinion on a player – and it sticks. When these same fans are watching future matches their attention is on players they favor. Even when the out of favor player has a decent match, they discount the performance.
All of us have this tendency!
Denilson, Bendtner, and Song are examples of the past strong criticism and yet our manager stuck with the players.
Song’s tackling skills and ball holding ability are better than anyone else’s on Arsenal, so you may make a comparison to Diaby just don’t isolate others from your point.
Over the past two years, Diaby has been pushed into the starting line up. Many of us question Arsene’s judgement about Diaby, myself included. Yet, Diaby has to be doing something in practice that impresses.
You saw the emotion from Arsene on the sidelines as he kept on his players to keep up the pressure. The 3 points were critical.
My point is that the manager is a better judge of uninspired play than we are.
If Diaby had been playing uninspired, he would have been yanked off. As I remember, he played the full 90 minutes.
Ramsey came on, but to replace RvP. By the way, I like Ramsey and relish his
getting a chance to partner with Song and Cesc.
“most fans form an early opinion on a player – and it sticks”
We are all human and so is Arsene. It is not beyond the realms of possibility that Arsene has formed an opinion of Diaby/Song/Denilson/ and therefore plays them all the time.
Just a thought.
that was my point……changing opinion is difficult.
I certainly don’t believe Diaby has set the midfield afire. Yet, he has moments
of skill that make him dynamic. He has just turned 23……so I’m glad he’s
had this run of play. It can only help the club long-term.
Nip Wenger plays Song and Denilson all the time because they are better than anyone else that we have in the squad for those positions.
Don’t believe the hype neither Ramsey Merida are ready to fill their boots yet. Ramsey in particular has a lot more growing up to do before he can displace Denilson and he simply has not got the kind of game to displace Song, neither has Merida they are way too offensive to do Songs job.
Only Nasri has the potential to displace either of them although i do not think he can do Song’ job as well as Song does. He is best suited to a wide position in my opinion.
No, I had merely typed the names of players in discussion and added a “insert name” after Denilson/ with the quotes replaced by angled brackets. But that seems to have been removed. I think it treats anything in angled brackets as an html tag.
Ars’ changing opinion is not that difficult if you have an open mind.
On the contrary my “early opinion” of Diaby was highly favourable. I even once got rebuked for saying he had more technic than PV4 and has the potential to be a better player. However Diaby has consistently shown that he is not up for the fight. And fight is what we need him to do. All he wants to do is attack and score goals. He is good at joining in with the attack, as I said he is best suited to an AM position. So far he has consistently shown he is not good enough or does not have the mentality to cope in a MF position that requires any DF duties.
Ars’ I’ve watched the game again and I stand by my original assessment for the most part. However Diaby’s improvement in the 2nd half deserves more credit.
Diaby was woeful in the 1st half but improved considerably in the 2nd. Acording to my calculations he made 14 passes in the whole 1st half and majority of those were later on in it. 3 of those passes went astray and he lost the ball 3 times whilst in possession one of those he won back. He won the ball twice, 1 of those he lost in the 1st place. Song won the ball 6 times in the 1st half alone so I cannot understand how the Telegraph came up with the figure of 3 for Song.
In the 2nd half Diaby made 35 passes (all quite straightforward passes with little penetration though), 4 of those went astray. He lost possession 5 times, 2 of those I would not really hold against him as he was trying to be adventurous and there were no other options available. Surprisingly he won 9 balls 1 a header 2 lose balls among them. Song won 7 in the 2nd half, one of those a header, 1 lose ball and two he had to kick into touch.
Also to be fair Diaby did attempt to close down more than I could recall in the 1st half unfortunately he was never anywhere near to getting the ball for it to be noted to his credit.
I’m not saying he had a great match……but he seems to be understanding and adapting to a role that Arsene wants him to assume.
I hope so Ars, I really do.
As for the Diaby conundrum…
I think Wenger is hoping he will become more of a “Lampard” style player … or more accurately sort of what Seydou Keita is turning into for Barca.
A strong, robust player helping out with defense, intercepting passes and generally sitting a bit deep BUT arriving at the top of the box late and letting off a shot. Diaby has a strong and accurate enough shot on him to make it really work.
What Diaby is currently doing is the worst of both worlds. He doesnt help out defensively, he doesnt run around and intercept. He just roams lazily upfront but does not move intelligently enough to evade a serious marker. So in other words he does nothing for the team.
If only he can realize the opportunity he has, and maybe study some Keita tapes, he could really become a strong, unique player for us who gives the team something the likes of Rocky, Arshavin and Fabregas cant give.
Someone of Diaby’s size and strength arriving late to the top of the box is pretty un-markable. And he could give the team an extra 10-12 goals if really serious. I really hope he realizes that because of his physical gifts he CAN actually become a quite decent player if he uses his brain a little.
He helps out defensively and we concede less, and he scores a handful of goals, relieving the pressure on the smarter players, and he dwells less on the ball. With these, he becomes very unique for us and also an immediate starter for France.
All he has to do, watch some Lampard and Keita tapes. And copy them.
I wish there was a way to send a letter/email to him.
Fred, that is a very fine way of putting it. Diaby does seem like a serious and reasonably focused guy, one of the reasons maybe that Arsene seems to be sticking with him. If he would just vary his pace a bit (esp. getting back defensively once in a while) fans would like him a little more. He’s got a long way to go to win back the supporters, his confidence and the 3 lost points his brain-fart own goal cost us vs ManU. He needs to come up big in a situation just as important. He’ll probably get a chance in late November vs Chelsea or Liverpool if not before with France vs Ireland.
Send him an e-mail….He might want a break from the “religion and philosophy” that he normally prefers (as the game commentator said during yesterday’s match)….
Diaby is no oaf he has much more to his game than the alleged strength that people say he has and he is certainly not the sterotypical brainless oaf type player that some imply. the guy reads religion ,philosophy and science in his spare time and is studying to be an accountant, he does not lack intelligence.
His problem is that he lacks strength for his size. He does not have a low centre of gravity to compensate so he is quite easily muscled off the ball. Compared to a man of comparable size like PV4 he is quite week especially in his legs it appears.
But his biggest problem IMO is a mental one. He appears to lack the neccessary desire and aggression to succeed at this club. His dallying on the ball and errant passes makes me think he has a slow thought process but I think it maybe because he thinks too much or panics in some instances.
I think Wenger wants to give everyone a fair crack of the whip, and hopes he will come good. Lampard is a good example of the kind of impact that Diaby could have but I think Lampard may have been born with greater mental strength than this guy. However saying that Lampard did look pretty average at West Ham when he first came onto the seen. IF Diaby is eventually shipped out he can not say that he wasn’t given the chance. But no doubt his poor performances will be noted by Arsene especially as he knows he cannot keep the likes of youngsters like Fran waiting forever.
I said it a couple of weeks ago, Man City are an incredibly OVERRATED team with mediocre and OVERRATED players.
Whenever someone tells me a team with Petrov/SWP as wingers and Tevez/ Adebayor as strikers is going to break into top 4, I know they are some serious cocaine.
Petrov and SWP are shit players I have never rated. I wont even argue about them.
Tevez: Headless chicken type of player who always looks like he has got a stick up his ass trying to prove a point. He is an incredibly selfish player and his goalscoring record is similar to that of Heskey. If I had to choose between the two, I would choose Heskey 100 times out of 100. At least with Heskey, he will actually LISTEN to what the manager is telling him and will be selflessly help his teammates.
There is a reason Ferguson drop-kicked the guy even after selling Ronaldo.
AdeBarndoor: Bentley part 2. A Gomis incarnate. Without playing in front of “real” creative midfielders there is NO way he can score consistently. His present team is composed solely of RUNNERS and crossers. You can only score so many headed goals.
Very soon the guy would find out he is not getting his nice, on-a-plate openings made for him like he is used to and he would stop “feeling” it, meaning he will stop running. Meaning he would get even worse. Apart from when he faces Arsenal ofcourse.
In the end, they just dont have any real class players other than Robinho and Given.
And no, they aint taking Liverpools place. Pool still have some institutionalized class left that will see them prevail.
Infact, I would go on to say Spurs and Everton will finish above City.
And Villa as well who look the best team of the ‘non-top 4’ this season so far.
About the lack of variation in City’s offence, I have always wondered how Ireland has been dropped to the bench. From the few games I’ve seen him play he is quite decent.
Here’s the thing about city I don’t understand – why the hell is Ireland riding the boards?
You’ve got DeJong and Barry who are essentially the same player. They are both holding MFs. Ireland has great movement and can push up with the strikers.
Again, I agree with a lot of what Fred has said about City but I think the overriding factor that City won’t do anything is Sparky. I just don’t think he has the managerial skills needed to take all that talent and turn them into a team.
I disagree, City are exceeding expectations at the moment. Nobody thought they would gel very quickly but from watching them play it looks like they have. They are not world beaters, but from their performances against Arsenal and ManU it appears they are ready to mix it with the big boys.
If Ireland is on the bench and Michael Johnson cannot even get a look in then you know they have a strong squad.
As for Wright Phillips, he is somebody I have watched closely over the years him being Ian Wrights son. The boy has fantastic ability which he displayed in abundance prior to his (bad) move to Chelsea. He was rocketing balls into the back of the net sending in great crosses and dribbling past players on a regular basis another surprising addition to his amoury is his defence ability. He does work hard in that area and win a surprising amount of balls for a little guy.
Petrov I have not watched as closely but I watched him enough to know he is explosive. When on form which he showed at City prior to the moneybags coming in and injury. He is scary his pace and vision and crossing ability is top quality, no doubt about it. I have not watched that much of City this season but from what I have seen neither Wright-Phillips have shown their true potential yet.
I would hope you are joking when you say you would prefer Hesky to Tevez, ‘cos that sounds real ignorant.
Anyway, neither Villa or Everton will finsh above City this season, Villa squad is not strong enough they will probably burnout like last season. Everton? well they fail to inspire me. I think squad depth may well be a problem for them too. The only teams that can stop City getting 4th spot is Liverpool and spuds. I would eb surprised if City do not finish in the top 5 or 6 this season.
I don’t see it that way Art.
They are not gelling as quickly as you would like to think.
Yes, they were able to have good matches against us and United, but it should be easy to get up and perform agains the teams you want to be measured against, but when they play lesser opposition they can’t muster the goals.
Remember before playing Arsenal all but one of their matches were 1-0 wins – the other was a 2-0 win. Since winning against Arsenal – they have 1 loss and 4 draws. Frankly if it were not for some inspired play by Shay Given, Birmingham easily win that match yesterday.
Yes, City pushed to the penalty box but frankly they never looked really that threatening, as where Birmingham tested Given on a few occasions.
Arsenal is right, you don’t win the league against the big four, its what you do against the lesser opposition that will matter. It is why Arsenal sit in 3rd.
You make very good points DAG.
Considering they have shipped in a bucket load of new players I still think they have gelled relatively well. True thay are not scoring bucket loads like the Arsenal, Chelsea or ManU but no one expects that from them the big four have squads that played together for quite a few seasons now.
They have lot of draws but only one defeat and sit in fourth you cannot expect much more from them.
As for the Birmingham game, I didn’t see it but the Toure and Dade Blue were unavailable so they were severly weakened ;-)
ManCity is in a very good position at the moment.
They have a lot of talent, and even though they have dropped points against teams they should beat perhaps, they have drawn, and not lost.
They will be in the hunt for the Top 4 until the end. No doubt about it.
Tevez is an excellent player. Not even debatable.
There are 6 or 7 teams, at least… who have to feel they have a legitimate shot at the Top 4 this season. Manchester City are in the mix… and will continue to BUY in January.
I don’t think Everton is going to finish as high as last season the way they have started. But I really respect the job that David Moyes has done. He brings in quality for very reasonable amounts and truth be told they have been very unlucky with injuries. I remember last season when they had pretty much no strikers and Tim Cahill stepped up to see them through that period.
This season they are without Pienaar, Jagielka, Arteta,Osman, Neville (twat I know but still one of their more accomplished players),Anichebe etc. And Yakubu and I think Yobo have only just returned. That’s a big chunk of your first 11 to go missing and lack of consistency in the starting 11 I’m sure affects the play. From what I’ve seen they’ve used their summer signing Heitinga at RB, CB, RM, CM.. just filling the gaps left by all the injured players.
And there was the whole Lescott fiasco and as average as he looks for Citeh he was very good partnered with Jagielka.
I hope they come good.
I am not great fan of Everton i must say but I do respect D.Moyes as a manager.
But they do look kind of flat so far this season it will be interesting to see how they fare.
One win in six since beaten us, and Adebayor thought we were “jealous”… of what?
Jealous? is that what he said? I echo you Andez, of what?
Man his team win one game aginst Arsenal and he thinks thay have arrived. No doubt they will be up there somewhere but I cannot see City make using jealous for this season at least.
He probably thought we were jealous of all the songs you were singing for him and his two mighty assists.
LOL! Hilarious :-D
Man City Draw nil-nil with Birmingham and Given saved them a point. The league is looking like a big three and a scramble for the last CL spot. ‘Pool’s got a BIG game against Lyon in the CL this Wednesday to keep their fate in their own hands in that competition.
Watching the City game it appears that it is just so much faster than our match yesterday. There’s nothing wrong with that and again it points to how we miss Rosicky who pushes Cesc along (not to mention Theo). This is the big problem with Diaby is that he’s not that slow as a runner but he’s ponderous on the ball. I want to see Vela on the pitch as (to me) he’s a more forward lying, stronger and quicker version of Cesc who plays a similar sort of “head-up” style (rare in a striker). I’m convinced that he could make a real impact if he got a good run in the team as AWs next “project”.
Our CC draw at ManCity will be interesting. I’m sure Ade and Kolo will play even if they have to be wheeled onto the pitch. I definitely think our kids can give them a match and who knows which of our “first teamers” will need game time (for match fitness) when that match rolls around.
I do wonder if Fabregas may have reached a level level with that goal against Spurs yesterday – and whether we might see similar in the future, and with more frequency.
We all know Cesc is a class player, but there has been element of powder-puff to his game whenever we’ve played the top teams. He has scored some goals here and there, but he hasn’t demonstrated an ability to make penetrating runs through the lines in general play, which sometimes you need to do when the other team are trying to strangle the passing game. Gerrard, Keane and few others have always had that ability to take a game by the scruff of the neck.
I think yesterday could prove to be a watershed in that sense. Fabregas has proved to himself he can be individual when he wants/needs to be, and this may elevate his game onto another level. I think we will need him to as well, because our passing/possession game this season isn’t as good previous years imo.
p.s- or yesterday he may just realised that dire measures were needed with Diaby in the side.
Agree about the class of the ‘gas and that he can win us a game of two (or more we hope) on his own. Clearly his preference is to play others in and if we can keep him and Rosicky and Arshavin fit and on the pitch we’ll see goals from everybody. With a single one of those three missing we’re a lesser team more reliant on individual players and their best moments.
Cesc is physically limited, but so are the cloggers he danced around for the goal yesterday.
Mazza, you are showing signs of getting the Kiwi virus ;-) and defecting!
Wasn’t you the same dude that said that Cesc was not that good and was nothing without his Hleb?
I am just waiting with open arms to welcome you into the family :-D
Yes, it was strangely bereft of bitterness and bile.
Maybe I’m losing my touch.
LOL
Cracking match going this morning between the “Citys” (Manchester and Birmingham) with 40 mil pounds of Arsenal signings nowhere to be seen. Given is the only reason it’s still nil-nil (in the 53rd minute). Hughes is foolish to play leave Petrov out in favor of Barry (or De Jong) and Santa Cruz looks like a Blackburn forward with injury problems. Tevez is all hustle but Sebastian Larson wins a penalty and might be more valuable. (Given blocks the Pen to keep it level–Damn!)
DAG–.Thanks for the write up of the match and the game-day chat yesterday–but no mention of the fact that made-it-big Bentley should’ve been gone after 8 mins seems a big ommission. We dealt with that professionally and slugged it out until the double breakthrough before the half.
So now what? I fully expect AW to keep Diaby playing in the mid-week game but maybe rest Song in favor of Nasri. I’m praying that Vela and/or Rosicky are healthy and can come in (with Eduardo) on the right. (Or switch AA23 over there and play Merida left–hahaha) Only the Professor Knows who’s really hurt and how badly and which players (projects?) will get the game time.
Yeah, I didn’t mention Bentley’s attempt to get red carded.
The ref was woeful.
yes, Larsson is surely better than Tevez. Brilliant.
I don’t imagine that you (or anybody else) will actually read this but….
I take your comment to be a sarcastic one, suggesting that I’m an idiot, fucktard, what have you. That’s fine with me….What I was saying is that in the match I saw on Sunday, Arsenal trained Seb Larsson seemed to be helping his team more that Tevez was helping his. His work in the box earned a penalty on a play very similar to the one that got them a goal against us. To me Larsson seems a well rounded, team-oriented player and I’d have to agree with Fred that Tevez seems like a selfish, headless chicken–tons of industry and pointless runs with one of the poorest final balls imaginable for someone with so much skill…sort of like a less disciplined Eboue, if such a thing were possible. Certainly Tevez is faster and more skilled on the ball, but does he actually help his team? I guess he helped save West Ham from relegation a few years back….
Watching Birmingham vs man City. McFadden misses a penalty. :(
Game ends in a draw, but it could have been worse for Man City.
I will say it again, City will not finish in the top 4 this season.
That makes 4 matches in a row since their loss to United that they have drawn. All to supposedly lesser opposition.
They still may get top 4. Liverpool have been atrocious. I know it’s still early, but they’ve lost 4 of their last 5 in all competitions.
Liverpool’s lost 6 of their last 7 in all competitions. It is pretty bad in their camp right now
btw, I disagree with the notion Spurs GIFTED away the game to us.
First goal, a piece of sharp thinking from van Persie. Perhaps Spurs’ defence had fallen asleep. Yet Sagna wouldn’t be able to make the cross had van Persie not making that early run. At the past, Arsenal were always guilty of having nobody getting into the box. So it’s good to see van Persie scored two poacher’s goals yesterday.
Second goal, yes Spurs had given away the ball right after kick off. Yet Cesc got the ball around the halfway line. He still needed to run 20 yards before getting himself into the shooting distance to have a go on goal. Spurs defence had plenty time and plenty players to stop him. As afterall Cesc was all alone charging forward with every teammate behind him. Yet none of them could stop him. That to me was more like a moment’s magic from Cesc rather than a gift Spurs gave away. Put it simply, try give the ball to a Spurs player on half way line, let’s see if anyone of them could dribble all the way all by himself and have a shot on goal against us, never mind scoring.
Diaby has started every league and CL game since the Pompey home game – 13 in total. He has been substituted only 4 times. He is certainly getting a lot of game time. Once Nasri is fit, we all expect him to start along side Cesc, but only Le Boss knows what will happen.
PS: Not sure why this came as a reply to your post.
I like how you point out that Cesc is making a claim to be the best player in the league… I never thought about it before but that would be awesome if he won Footballer of the Year (the Football Writers’ Association one that is, the other ones are all BS). If RVP keeps this up he could make a claim as well, and perhaps Vermaelen too.
wanna thank Redknapp and Keane. Cos it wouldn’t have felt as good (the victory) had they never attempted those “mind game” building up to the game!
I was actually a bit surprised by their bullish statements prior to the match. Let’s face it, despite their good start, they had not achieved anything worth mentioning for God knows how long. And a good start to the season means little as the season is made up by 38 matches. Had it been Alex Ferguson I wouldn’t have been as surprised. As if you wanna talk big, you gotta make sure you earn the right to before opening your mouth.
No wonder Spurs have earned the reputation as one of the most deluded clubs in the game. They are worse than Man Utd. Cos United’s arrogance at least had their history to back them up. Spurs are simply being arrogance as if they are born with it. With nothing to back them up.
I wouldn’t be surprised this defeat may see them start sliding down the league table. Back to where they belonged.
Andez, the comments did add a bit of extra sweetness to the victory. It may have also added a bit more pressure onto the Spuds if they heard the press reaction to the statements. I doubt it was intended to be mind games though, I think it was just something the Spuds actually believe. Keane said as an answer to a question and Harry backed it up and the great British press have made a meal of.
I don’t think there is that much of a gap between the two sides too. I think our squad has the edge particularly in MF and we have a far deeper reserve of quality attackers than they do. With the undoubted quality of our youngsters/reserves I see our squad as deeper and stronger than spuds except for the DF maybe (GKs included).
The major difference between the sides that both Robbie and Harry fail to mention is our team dynamic, how we play as a team. As the saying goes the team is greater than the sum of the individual parts.
What was sad to see from a Spud viewpoint is that they did not play the football that Tinytotts are supposedly renowned for. Instead they tried to hit the ball to Crouch and hope we were as poor aerially as Harry hoped.
I think when we go to WHL and the Totts are nearer to full strength we will be able to see the true gap between the teams.