Match Preview: Arsenal v Standard de Liege (UCL)
Is this the year?
Now removed from two gut wrenching losses, Arsenal look to bounce back to their winning ways, by taking on Belgian champions, Standard de Liege for their first match in Champion’s League group stages.
Arsenal started off the season brightly with emphatic wins against Everton, Portsmouth and Celtic. But the last two matches haven’t gone to plan. Unfortunate goals against United and a game that fell apart on all ends against Manchester City sees the Gunners back on their heels as they travel to Maurice Dufrasne stadium.
Scoring goals for the Gunners hasn’t been an issue. In the EPL, the club is the top goal scoring side with 13 and in the Champion’s league they’ve already netted 5. What is an issue is what happens if Standard score an early goal. Given the way the two loses went down, can Arsenal refocus and come back if they go down one goal early.
As if Arsenal didn’t need more issues injuries are affecting the side Arsene Wenger can field today. Goal keeper Manuel Almunia is out with a “chest cold”. Robin Van Persie is out with a knee knock. And the usual cast of characters will be out – Nasri, Walcott, Arshavin and Fabianski. Dennilson is also out with a back injury which could mean a CL debut of Welsh starlet Aaron Ramsey.
Debutizing for the injured Almunia will be Vito Mannone. Mannone with one senior team start to his credit will be called on to add some solid work behind the back four of Gallas, Vermaelen, Sagna, and Clichy.
On the bright side, UEFA have rethought their ban of Croat/Brazilian Eduardo and he will likely start in place of van Persie. Look for him to provide a little more speed and creativity to the front and try and cause fits for the Standard defense.
Standard will look to do what Manchester City did this past weekend and play with a ruthless edge in the middle. The Belgian league leaders are currently on a 15 game unbeaten streak in their league and will use that confidence to fulfill their game plan. However, last year’s league champions have drawn 5 of their first six matches only managing their first win of the young season this past weekend.
The Belgians are not without their own woes, heartbeat of the club, Captain Steven Defour is out for up to 3 months with a broken foot. Additionally starters Wilifred Dalmat and Igor De Camargo could be out after picking up knocks in their last league match.
The last time these two sides met in 1993 Arsenal thrashed them for a 7-0 defeat. Arsenal will find that Standard has improved greatly since that meeting and find a win to be difficult. However, given the experience of Arsenal in the Champion’s League and the overall team quality it is expected that the Gunners should win this match. If not – than more questions about the Arsenal resolve will be raised.
Players to watch:
Arsenal: Eduardo. Simply put the man is going to be on a mission to prove his quality to the nay sayers.
Standard de Liege: Milan Jovanovic. The striker already has a hat trick this season. Like CR9 a free kick specialist.
Injuries:
Arsenal: Robin van Persie (kneecap), Denilson (sore back) and Manuel Almunia (chest infection), Andrei Arshavin (groin and knee), Theo Walcott (back), Samir Nasri (broken leg), Johan Djourou (knee surgery), Carlos Vela (ankle, foot), and Lukasz Fabianski (knee) are all on the sidelines
Standard de Liege: Cedric Collet, Steven Defour (broken foot) , Wilfried Dalmat (ankle), and Igor De Camargo (ankle)
Probable Starting XI:
Arsenal: Mannone, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy, Diaby, Fabregas, Rosicky, Song, Bendtner, Eduardo.
Standard de Liege: Bolat, Camozzato, Sarr, Mangala, Rocha, Dufer, Nicaise, De Camargo, Carcela-Gonzalez, Jovanovic, Mbokani.
Final tally:Standard 1
Arsenal 2
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I’m going to miss the Wigan match.
I hope many of you will give some comprehensive analysis of our individual and team play.
3 points and everyone playing stays healthy!
Go Gunners!
When you drop by here after the match, and if you find it quiet here, meaning that we have just got a WIN! :) :)
That’s exactly how I feel. AW is probably the only manager in the league who hasn’t had the chance to play his strongest XI for God knows how many years.
Now imagine that everyone is fit, look at our midfield – Fabregas, Arshavin, Rosicky, Walcott, Nasri, Eboue, Diaby, Song, Denilson, Wilshere, Ramsey.
I wonder how many sides have a squad with such a midfield depth. Especially the wide positions – when everyone is fit, there’s a real chance one of those 4 – Nasri, Arshavin, Rosicky, Walcott would have to sit at the bench.
Bet a lot of clubs would love to have Nasri or Rosicky or Theo as BACK UP.
Instead, because of all the injuries, against City, we were forced to play with Diaby on the left and Bendtner on the right! This injury bug of us is not just a cruse, it’s even worse than a curse!
Yup, but hopefully it wont be long before both Ro(si)cky and Arshavin start together.
The day we have an attack of Arshavin – Eduardo – Rosicky supported by a midfield of Nasri – Song – Fabregas will be my most enjoyable match in a looong while.
PS: For once Denilson falls for the injury bug. Shocked.
If only we could “pile up” all our niggly injuries on just 2-3 players, Denilson, Almunia and Silvestre will be my picks.
It’s incredible really how as soon as Rosicky gets fit, Arshavin gets injured. It’s almost as if we’re frickin cursed at times with injuries because they always occur to our most vital players- the advanced midfielders.
I remember it being an equally rare occasion when Hleb and Rosicky were on the pitch at the same time as well.
Much of our inconsistency, early this season, is due to player availability.
Against Liege, we looked liked we were playing a 4-2-4. Eduardo, Rosicky, Bendtner, and Diaby in attack – very little defensive cover.
That left Cesc and Song to cover & we saw how exposed we were at times.
2 seasons ago, Cesc had Rosicky and Hleb to work the wings in a 4-4-2, and they were disciplined in their defensive cover PLUS they (Rosicky/Hleb) new how to exploit space with out the ball, giving Cesc even more options.
Without Ade, our attack will take a new look, but it should prove to be more consistent.
Agree about player availability being key, but I’d say it’s down (mostly) to one guy: Andrey Arshavin… and this is worrisome.
Personally, I’m convinced that AA is a genius and when he’s on the pitch looking tired and tiny and out of shape and hunched over he’s actually the most dangerous guy out there. He’s got the burst of speed if he wants it, two solid feet to strike a ball into corners of the net, and most critically a mouth and hands to move his teammates into the appropriate spaces so they are not statically bound to one position. I even think he helps our erstwhile left back, Clichy, contribute more as an offensive outlet (rather than making his aimless forward runs) while staying focused on his defensive duties.
In my opinion we have played at a much lower level without AA. Having Rosicky back helps. Theo will help that much more as teams will need to respect our pace and ability to counter. Bendtner & Diaby, if playing confidently add size and Dudu and RVP can do nice quick things with the ball if they receive it in the right place. (And Vela, if he ever plays for us again, has the most upside of any of them.) Even our full backs might be able to put a cross onto someone’s head, someday. Unfortunately without Andrey standing there, demanding defensive attention and pulling the strings, it’s much more a matter of luck than the inevitable feeling that something good will happen that I have when he’s out there.
And I worry about Andrey’s focus. He chose to play the WC qualifier vs Wales and now he’s out for us. Next int’l break is the big game vs Germany, but after that I pray that he’s healthy and that his focus will be Arsenal. And I worry that his prioritizing country over club could have a bad effect throughout the team on the other international players in this World Cup year. At this point I’ll keep my fingers crossed that we arrive in the new year in contention in the league and CL (and the domestic cups), but count me as concerned….
@ HtS
I wonder if any of us realize how dynamic a player Arshavin is? Comparable to Bergkamp?
Last spring we saw glimpses of his ability, and that period was void of Eduardo and Rosicky in the line up.
I believe that Arshavin, Rosicky, and Eduardo are the experienced leaders , the catalysts, for Arsenal. Our youngsters can ride their coat tails in their development.
I watched about half of the Russia-Wales game and AA was clearly not 100% but he just ran the show and seemed to pop up in space as an outlet for his teammates whenever they needed him.
Obviously, he’s communicating in Russian and he’s the clear leader of that squad. Still, I feel he can do likewise at Arsenal, but he needs his fitness and his goal-scoring/passing boots on to contribute to our (hopefully) far superior team. Though Russia isn’t nearly as strong (on paper) as Germany I think they could win their group (the decisive match is in Moscow, I think). It would be great (for us) if Andrey/Russia could avoid the WC playoff ties.
And I agree about the leadership potential of AA, Dudu, and Rosicky re: the younger players. (And though young you’ve got to add Capitan Cesc to the equation.))
I guess I’m fairly obsessed about a couple of things: where our players heads are at relative to their international duties vs playing in the English league AND whether or not these guys can get the protection they need from the referees to stay injury free. Thus far I am extremely underwhelmed by the English refs, but I hope for better, and I like the early talk about Wigan hoping to play football tomorrow.
I thought the ref in the Liege match was exceptional. They really are alot better than domestic ones and it makes a refreshing change watching champions league for that very reason.
I agree…about the refereeing in the CL vs the Premiership. If Clattenburg had at least give Ade a Yellow for his stomp on Cesc’s foot…..
Overall I thought the Liege match was well called but I wonder if the blindness on Song’s handball (not offside, if Dudu missed the header, which I think he did) was payback for the very harsh penalty/dive (perhaps also outside the box) that led to Liege’s 2nd goal.
re: experienced leaders
I deliberately left Cesc off the leadership potential list. For that matter, I don’t believe he should be captain!
For the past 13 months, his play has been inconsistent. His heart (and mind) seem somewhere else.
IMO, based on performance and leadership qualities, Vermaelen, Arshavin, Rosicky, or even Eduardo are more worthy the honor.
Whoa….
All four of the names you’ve listed were unavailable during the “captaincy crisis” of 10 months ago. So, unless you think Gallas should’ve remained as captain or maybe Kolo, (which would have seen Gallas leave, most likely)….I just don’t know….
That being said, I know what you’re saying about Cesc. Like Kiwi said overnight (daytime in NZ) Cesc seems to be a “value-added” player, who shines when he’s surrounded by other great ones. He knows this as well, and the idea of playing at Barca, despite his well worded denials, must be turning his head. In addition, that Spanish Nat’l Team is the first national team I’ve seen in a loooong time to rival the top European clubs in terms of sheer talent. It’s gotta be more fun playing Romania with them then getting stomped by an ex-teammate who doesn’t even get carded.
Which all brings me to another point…It seems to me that we’re at a real crossroads for the direction of which league (English or Spanish) will emerge as the leader in the sport for the future. The international (TV) market is bigger in the English speaking world, but the new English tax structure and the “rougher” style of play will make it harder to keep the world’s best players here. It’s a critical year for Arsenal. If we can do well, retain our best international players, etc., all is good. If not, is it back to the dark ages? or do we let a Fat Uzbeki guy help buy us some trophies, or what?
You bring up ‘all’ the points that I chose to omit in my reply.
Yes, all 4 not available, but my point was QUALIFICATION and Cesc (IMO) didn’t qualify & still doesn’t (at this point in his career). PLS CESC, PROVE ME WRONG.
Take a moment at the roster last year. Of those that were ‘healthy’, no one qualified! Rosicky would have been a better choice had his injury healed by the fall. Eduardo, a newer addition to the team, ditto.
The fact that there was really no clear choice after Gallas points to why the team under-achieved last season! No leadership. The captaincy crisis was Wenger’s fault.
I hope I’m wrong, but I believe Cesc has already packed his bags, and this belief is supported more by his love of country than the money.
Do I think Cesc is indispensable, NO. A blow to Arsene’s ego, ABSOLUTELY!
whoops ‘due’ not ‘die’ ;-)
Mmm, you may have been right either way. ;-)
I do worry a bit about how our game has slowed down. We have lost our dynamic style that saw fast breaks that capitalised on our superior technical skill and lightening pace.
Fabregas looked really good in the early games when the team was pressing and the ball was won quickly. This meant the opposition was back-tracking and hadn’t time to prepare for our attack. The gaps were there and Fabregas could either play a threatening pass or join the attack himself. It just made our game much more dynamic and threatening.
Contrast that to our less effective style where we pass pass pass without speed and allow the opposition to form ranks of defenders. The result is impotence and frustration.
Ironically I fear some of this slowness is actually die to the teams over-reliance on Fabregas. He needs threatening purposeful players in the side to stop our game descending into a slow predictable pattern. Arshavin is that dynamic player, he plays with such purposeand may provide salvation.
I believe that following Adebayor’s departure, life’s gonna be a bit tougher for Cesc.
His 2 main assets are: (1) to control the game, dictate the tempo. That with or without Adebayor, he still able to do that. (2) making killer passes. That’s the area he’s going to struggle a bit.
Not that he’s going to all a sudden lose his ability making killer passes, just that you do need someone to get to the end of it.
That’s kinda like without Henry’s pace, Bergkamp would not have been as effectively making his killer passes. Now you imagine had Berkamp was playing alongside Bendtner up front, how many assists Dennis would have got?
At the moment, we only have Theo who got real pace. But Theo is playing out wide. Eduardo, Vela the likes aren’t slow, but they are not as explosive as Adebayor.
Cesc would still get his share of assists. But without a truly pacy, explosive striker up front, it’s going to be difficult to bring out the best from Cesc.
At the risk of being simplistic I think we too often expect too much from Cesc. In a competent team he will look a jewel, when his team is inconsistent his star will wax more.
We need to surround him with the right blend – both like-minded players and water carriers. There is nothing wrong with a Denilson and a Song if there is an Arshavin and even a Rosicky as well. An efficient attack would also be a huge help. It’s early in the season and we’re just not putting out a cohesive balanced team often enough. When we do, it’s good, when we don’t the result is haphazard.
I’ve noted when trawling the blogs and newspaper articles it is becoming sexy to suggest that Fabregas has one eye on Spain, whatever, as if anyone knows. More likely he is trying his best and easing his way into the season like everyone else.
Agree on Clichy, when he’s ‘off’ there are shades of Senderos. Sadly some players just have that ‘fatal factor’. Interestingly we have not just one by two potential replacements in Gibbs and Traore. Although we know Arsene is very slow to publicly demote a non-performing established player. ;-(
The “fatal factor”, brilliant! describes IT perfectly. Unfortunately we have it in abundance in the goal keeping department also. Clichy seems like a minor problem in comparison. If he gets defensive support from the left-sided attacker ahead of him that “factor” may not be “fatal” all the time. But at the moment the FF flourishes.
As for Cesc; spot on, too much expectation, too much pressure, I am sure he would function better with that heavy load of his shoulders. When or if Arshavin and Rosicky gain greater prominance and or Nasri has a breakout season then we may see a more inhibited, care free and consistent Cesc. But he is a confidence player in my opinion when things are not going well for the team Cesc finds it hard to stand out. Rosicky can stand out even when we aren’t playing well which can help lift the others around him as well as provide that crucial goal or assist.
Nice couple of articles DAG, I especially liked the Aftermath one well written and you did not turn it into yet another opportunity to slag off Adebayor.
Anyway speaking of Ade, NickyB aka anti-Dade52 looked far more comfortable and effective in the centre. If he is going to play at all he should play there. I am confident that he could develop well given the chance in the centre.
With Diaby it’s the “same old, same old,” still not consistent and committed defensively to satisfy me. And still has the issue of holding on to the ball far too long. it should be so obvious to all on the match video that I cannot understand why he and the coaching staff have not indentified it and tried to remove it from his game. If he busted a gut to help Song when Richards (MFC) broke clear, Vermaelen may have not been caught in two minds (cover Song or mark Bellamy) and he would have prevented Bellamy from receiving that pass. Diaby’ issues are likely to concede more goals than his talents win us more games at the moment.
Vermaelen looks like the real deal, however when there is an inevitable dip in form can the defence unit make up for it? At the moment he is our rock. Gallas was outstanding against ManU and good against City but shaky yesterday, hope that is just a blip because when he is at his best I see no better defender, he can be that good.
Rosicky, is not at his best yet but I know what that boy can do. He is one of the few players we have that has the kind of mentality prevalent in the Invincibles. He has tremendous technical ability, vision, a passing range to back it up and can score goals. Because of his experience and mental strength, if he can stay fit he will be more important to us than Cesc, he is more imposing and his head is more unlikely to drop when the chips are down.
Song did not look too imposing yesterday but he was still able to break up play, although too often using foul means. I think he works far better when the team is pressing as a unit as it gives the opposition less space to bypass him. I think he and Denilson have looked quite good together in the new system. Analysing the ManchesterC game made me realise how important he/or the role he plays is to us in this system. Leaving the likes of Diaby to take up a more DF role when Song came off just left us really vulnerable. Then again maybe it was also the change in formation and attacking emphasis that was to blame. However Song did look tired after his international exploits, maybe that’s part of the reason why he committed so many fouls.
Vito as I said earlier is unlikely to ever be good enough to be a world class keeper. I am not judging him from last night but from what I have seen previously. I have seen some GKs make massive improvements over the years but I have little faith in him I must admit.
Clichy like Al has had a really poor start to the season. I first noticed that he has not really run at and past people as he is so adept at doing when he is on form. He has being playing everything really simple when in possession and has displayed the kind of form that made me really concerned about our defensive frailty when Ashley left when not in possession. I have haven’t even seen any of his trade make interceptions so far, all I have seen is a poor attempt at one that led to one of ManC’s goals. However on form he is world class and probably one of the top 3 LBs in the league, but as we can see from the City game an off form Clichy can be catastrophic.
Cesc is still a little inconsistent when he has not got the bit between his teeth. I too believe his development has suffered somewhat because he has not had outstanding experienced players to take the pressure off him. If he can play like he did in ths first couple of games this season throughout, then the sky is the limit for this chap and our club.
Overall I was really disapointed with our performance, too much luck involved in our result in the end.
Like Kiwi suggests a nice little run could be around the corner no point in writing us off yet :-D
The young Polish goalies name is spelled Szcznesy. Phoentically his full name would be Woyjicheck Saysknee (I think).
And Game Day Chat will be avialable for Saturday
Admittedly, I said that if we flumped again this season the criticism would be back with even greater intensity. Yet it seems many fans and bloggers on other sites are drawing conclusions already.
I’ll wait to see if that nice little run starts ;-)
Cute…
http://www.studs-up.com/2009/09/i-know/?page=0
Ade would be in the spoof version; where the killer messes up all the time.
Interesting question as to what happens if Rosicky improves on his fitness and Arshavin returns.
Arsene has the option to revert to 4-4-2…..
………..RvP..Bendtner
Arshavin..Song..Fabregas..Rosicky
………..defence
………….GK
Hmmm, interesting I think. Certainly the sale of Adebayor, and return to fitness (cross every digit) of RvP, Rosicky and Eduardo and the addition of Arshavin gives Arsene a multitude of options, formations and possible line-ups.
I’ve no idea as to what his prefered line-up would be. And let’s be honest, injury will still impact his match-by-match choices.
I’m seeing the same issues and reverting to another option that allows us to better
utilize the passing & movement qualities of: Arshavin, Eduardo, Rosicky, Cesc, & RvP
As this 4-1-4-1.
………………..GK
……………defenders
………………..Song……………….
Rosicky……..Cesc………Arshavin
……………RvP……………..
……………..Bendtner…………..
Eduardo could slot in for RvP, Arshavin, or even Bendtner.
The Telegraph called it “the most uplifting yet unconvincing of victories.”
Which makes a change from our usual speciality – the totally convincing, but otherwise meaningless victory.
Hats off to Bendtner. I rag on him a lot, but he toiled away as the lone front man and took his goal well. Kudos to Diaby for the run and pass.
The second goal was a gift – as indeed was their penalty. And I really don’t mind getting ugly bundled goals if it means we win.
That said, WTF? Our defence has gone from promisingly solid to peanut-butter brittle. We leak from all over, too. Everyone blunders and misjudges in key areas which get punished. And when Song is overworked and therefore poor, we suffer a lot.
Can’t wait for Arshavin to return and for Rosicky to continue gathering momentum.
@Mac
maybe the play of Eboue and Clichy in this 4-3-3 system is more impacted than with other systems.
Frankly, Eduardo in front of Clichy does not give Clichy much defensive support & if Rosicky (or Diaby) was partnering with Cesc in the center, Rosicky is not the same defensive discipline as Denilson. Even Diaby in front of Eboue is another cover problem.
When Bendtner was on the right wing, we saw Bendtner repeatedly track back and help Sagna.
Obviously, the two players at wing forward and Cesc’s partner, the three, have a strong influence for the back line’s exposure.
I’m not sure the available players we have fit the demands of a 4-3-3.
The 4-3-3 exposes our full backs a lot more than 4-4-2. In 4-4-2, the two wide midfielders are expected to help the full backs. That would be Rosicky, Nasri, Diaby, Walcott, etc.
In a 4-3-3, that is Arshavin, Bendtner, Eduardo, etc. They are not only less equipped (Arsh maybe the exception), but also further up field than a classic wide midfielder.
No wonder our full backs have been fully exposes in recent games. And when their offensive game is zero, the defensive side is more and more glaring.
I don’t think our full backs have changed much. They are as good (or as bad) as before. In any case, defense is a team effort. Just have two great CBs doesn’t make our defense rock solid. Just one clean sheet in 7 games says it all.
We have to improve as a team. Having players like Almunia and Clichy doesn’t help at all.
I actually thought Ramsay looked a bit more comfortable tonight when he came on. Seemed to understand what was required of him and his movement was very good. Him and Cesc have potential as well in front of Song if Ramsay can develop.
Hopefully Bendtner gets the nod against Wigan on Saturday. When confident, he’s just much more of a physical threat than RVP and goes in behind more. The issue is whether he goes back to being timid and doubtful in front of the Emirates crowd.
I liked Nick tonight. Hope I get to say that more often ;-)
When Nicky’s confidence is up he does a tremendous job of pushing the defence back and forcing them on their heels. The first two matches he just ran at the defence and frankly he was great.
I didn’t see that at any of the matches in Manchester. He started doing that again.
I am not a Nicky fan. But I could be if he continues to develop.
@ mazza
Agree about your evaluation of Ramsey.
His play this year is far more confident and productive than last season. From 17 to 18, it looks like he’s worked on strength training and fitness.
I’d like to see him paired more with Cesc, giving Denilson some rest.
I just saw the match delayed on FSC. An ugly win? I’ll take it.
Rosicky looked much better than when he played for his national team last week. He made a few errant passes, but his movement and linking was terrific.
Song, Vermaelen, Bendtner – really good effort.
Kudos to Wenger for showing restraint on the bench and allowing the players to figure it out. His subs were timely and effective.
Rosicky is the best off the ball runner among all of our midfielders IMO.
He’s a lovely footballer. At times the ball looks as though it is part of him.
In the 2nd half there was a lob pass to Nicky (I think) that was just an amazingly skillful pass. I don’t think anyone on our team besides him has that ability. I really can’t wait to saee him feed the ball to Arshavin.
Mannone did not have to make any great saves, but in my estimation, he seemed more comfortable in the goal area than Almunia.
A couple of his 1 touch clearances seemed missed timed, but all of his distributions seemed to stay in our possession.
Sorry, Mannone looked shaky and had quite a few bad clearances. That first goal beating him on the near post reminded me too much of Almunia.
He may be decent, but he is not the Arsenal GK of the future unless Arsene is blinded by his pecking order syndrome.
From all acoounts, the young Polish lad whose name I can’t spell is equally ore accomplished at 17 years old.
Nah, you can’t tell by just one game.
It’s virtually his debut.
He did play once last season, but it was an irrelevant match with nothing at stakes.
I recall a former England keeper Tim Flowers. When he made his debut he conceded 4 goals. I remember it well cos he was playing against Arsenal. We beat Southampton 4-0.
I thought back then this keeper was crap, and he’s never going to make it.
In the end, despite not being a top class keeper, he did make it into England national team (an England team when it still had “competition” at keeper departement with the likes of Seaman, Martyn) and won a Premiership title with Blackburn.
Not saying he will definitely make it. But truth is nobody has a clue, yet.
@CK
His performance did not contribute to a loss or draw.
Yes, he failed to cover the near post & a couple of his 1-touch clearances did look shaky. Factoring the pressure of the away venue, match pressure of CL game, and his lack of 1st team experience – I based my remarks on:
– his footwork & mobility
– technique on catching shots
– his ball distribution: punting and throwing (*actually majority of his distributions were throws, where we maintained possession.)
– and overall calmness
Did he have many chances? No
From this limited performance, I can’t see writing him off. I would definitely start him again against Wigan.
Carib Kid is probably right. I have watched Manone make error after error in the reserves/youth team over the past two seasons. When I say errors, really bad errors. Worse than I have ever seen from Fabianski, one or two even worse than Al in his early Arsenal career. Actually he made a couple bad errors in the Emirates cup too.
Schezny as I will call him, the Polish lad CK is refering to looks far better at this stage in his career. He has made a few errors here or there but has been far more consistent and I have seen him pull off some really top draw saves.
Yes DAG, Diaby is our teaser! Or a “box of chocolate” – you never know what you are going to see from him next! :)
….more on Diaby.
With 4-3-3, ideally you want one of the midfielders to be more offensively minded, to be a natural attacker on goal. I think if you consider the midfielders we have that are likely starters; Fabregas, Song, Denilson and Diaby it’s Diaby who seems the most offensive. Like the team he has it all to prove, yet I can see glimpses of what he might be able to do coming through this season.
The other thought I’ve had particularly last season, why doesn’t Arsene just get rid of Diaby? His recurring injuries and apparent awkward fit in the side seemed to make him very dispensable. Yet clearly Arsene rates him highly.
can’t agree more. Pushing Fabregas forward is a waste. He’s best suited to be the midfield schemer.
When our injury players come back, ideally, against weaker sides in particular, I think we should play Fabregas + Song/Denilson/Diaby to go with one true attacking midfielder.
I firmly believe either Rosicky, Arshavin, or Nasri would love it playing there. And it would be more effective attacking wise.
Yeah, I wonder if a fit Nasri will challenge for the left sided midfield role with Song DM and Fabregas more rightish.
Second half just finished.
Song was sweeping in front of the back four, hustling and tackling, until the 93rd minute. Another excellent performance. With Song & Vermaelen in the team we just seem to be a lot more assertive heading the ball away. Gallas played well again.
Clichy continues to polarise. He is often described as world class and the ‘best’ in the world. Yet his game seems to include a disconcerting number of hairy moments. Whether it be being caught out of position, misdirected passes, or some other form of slip-up, he just seems to have a few too many.
Eduardo improved later in the game and looked more comfortable and integrated. Leige looked to tire and Bendtner made his presence felt. I remember one particularly good run where he shrugged off a couple of defenders.
Coming back from 2-0 down after the two disappointments in Manchester was a good result. Leige weren’t an easy beat side, the crowd were awesome, and this is all about the points. Good to see Eduardo and Bendtner score goals, we need their confidence levels higher, strikers rely on goals to make them feel good.
Clichy is incredibly overrated going forward as well.
Notice how he hardly ever goes forward in comparison to a Sagna or an Eboue, yet he’s lauded as some offensive force.
He really has to go. Hardly any redeeming features at all in his game.
Clichy was never world-class nor “best in the world” at leftback. Maybe at sprinting, but am sure Bolt will have something to say about that.
He is extremely weak going forward, he never offers ANYTHING.
He is very bad defensively too. He is not really any better than Gibbs or Traore in the defensive role anyway.
Then as if that was not good enough, he has a big habit of making very, very costly mistakes. One or two is bad luck but several is a pattern.
I have said it several times, the guy should STOP crossing the halfway line. And he should go see a monk about improving his defending and his “bad luck”.
Just saw the first half – delayed.
Eduardo and Rosicky both looked rusty with their passing. Obviously it takes time for any player to get in the groove after such long lay-off’s. Problem for Arsenal is that we rely very much on our team being in tune. Good to see them play though.
Gallas was unlucky with the penalty, real soft, should have been waved play-on with a warning to the Leige player. Despite going two down I continue to like the Gallas/Vermaelen combo.
I liked Diaby in the first half. His pass to Nick was absolute class as was Bendtner’s finish. Kudos to them both. A lovely goal.
That Diaby run was something like we discussed about lately – I think he sucked two markers to him, before dishing out a smart quick pass to his teammate.
Bendtner’s run was clever. But Diaby’s ability to draw attention from the opposition defenders definitely help to create room for his teammate.
Now, all he needs is to keep doing it more often.
Again Diaby loked crafty on that play but throughout the match his play his hit and miss. Sometimes he flashes some brilliance and other times you are like WTF?!?!?
I think you’re right, Diaby takes risks.
For the last couple of years he’s looked a player with no position. 4-4-2 with Fabregas in the middle leaves him nowhere easy to fit.
This 4-3-3, with Song revelling in the defensive role allows Diaby to wander in that laconic way of his. His game is mixed, moments of intensity, offensive threat, and yes that risky aspect too. But when Song is there and Fabregas too being such a good alrounder it is less of an exposure.
I’m happy he is getting a chance to play in a formation where he can actually show his ability more.
Stupid streaming got me missing everything.
Way to go boys! Always love the come from behind wins! At least they have showed some fighting spirit in them.
Told ya Stag, Liege will not be ROLL-over ;)
Not particularly bothered by this I must say. Bit of an F.A Cup tie feel to things and whatever happens in this game, this match will most likely looked back on as a minor event in the scheme of things.
Just hoping Rosicky gets out unscathed.
So we’re officially sub-Standard?
lol :-)
Wow, I just got that :)
Anyone else watching this horror show?
Re Post:
Allright lads – I am pleased to announce the launch of YAMA’s Game Day Chat.
A way for all of us to get together and chat real time as we watch the match.
It’s really a way for us to comment on the play RT so we can leave the comments to the musings of Fred, Arthur, Kiwi, Stag, etc.
You can join the chat any time but the goal is to have it active at least 45 minutes prior to kick off.
You can join the chat here:
https://youaremyarsenal.mystagingwebsite.com/gamedaychat
Simply register and join!
Oh, man. Pat Dolan and co. are killing us.
Arsenal Subs: Silvestre Sagna, Ramsey, Wilshere, Gibbs, Szcsesny, Sanchez-Watt
Arsenal Starting XI: Mannone, Gallas, Clichy, Vermaelen, Eboue, Song Fabregas, Bendtner, Rosicky, Eduardo Diaby
Liege Starting XI: Bolat, Mangala, Sarr, Rocha, Camazata, Gonzalez, Witsel, Camargo, Jovanovic, Dalmat
Continuing the GK talk….Up and coming keepers need to get match time & Big Match time & they need to take their chances.
When I was last in London I saw a match at the Valley (Charlton) and Scott Carson was in Goal for them (on loan from Liverpool). It was 2006 and he played very well, commanding his box and making the saves he was called upon to make for a clean sheet. Of course it was against another crap team….Manchester City.
Oh how fortunes have changed. Carson was thrown to the dogs in the crucial Euro qualifier against Croatia, where Eduardo & Co, put three past him. He’s still keeping for West Brom these days, I guess. Meanwhile, Citeh was picked out of a hat by the Abu Dhabi folks and their “real fans” are lottery winners.
My point is…nobody knows who the next great keeper is, and only a “trial by fire” will let us know. Vito’s first chance is now….
Here’s a shocking stat about my favourite GK.
Manny has managed to only stop 53% of the goals he has faced. Or in other words – he has stopped half the shots he has faced.
Come on Vito – stand tall mate.
Oh, and in regard to today’s match… I’d be SHOCKED if we had any problem with StandLig!
Unless they plan to play for the 0-0 draw, and put everyone behind the ball, we should win easy.
I don’t want to see them necessarily in League matches but maybe in the Carling Cup and maybe in these easy (fingers crossed) CL matches.
Looks like Fabianski is a month away from being healed (physioroom.com) Perhaps Manny might not gift a goal per game if he knows there’s a little competition behind him…..
That chatroom stuff is pretty entertaining….
Oh, and one other thing….
What’s the consensus at GK? Has Manny been dropped? That young polish guy with no vowels in his name did look very good in pre-season compared to Vito, but that was all on terrible computer streams….Mazza (others?), have you seen those guys play in person? When’s Fabianski supposed to be healed? Maybe we could have all four keepers jockey for position over this next stretch of games. First prize–you keep your job, second–a set of steak knives….
Do you really want 3 or 4 keepers playing matches, trying to figure out who is good enough for the Arsenal? This illustrates the problem that hasn’t been addressed. Jens Lehmann, where for art thou!?!
I haven’t seen much of him, but he’s ‘got it’. Think he’ll go far.
Just a hunch.
More Kudos to you DAG for your work on the site….The chat seems to work just fine…
Today we’ll be seeing Diaby up front and Ramsey in for Denilson. We might not like it, but there it is. I expect Eduardo to “lead the line” but I’d like to see all three attackers (Diaby, Dudu, Bendtner) switch positions as play dictates. We need a vocal leader at the front to orchestrate, but with AA23 out, I don’t know who that might be. Still, a MF trio of Cesc, Ramsey and Song should be able to work some good possession. I pray for a calm, well officiated game as an antidote to the last one.
Picking up from the last thread….I’m with Kiwi in being more optimistic this year. The summer moves, I think, were just fine and if you think Arshavin for Ade and TV5 for Kolo, plus the new signings (Dudu, Rosicky) we’re definitely ahead. And all the young players have nearly doubled in age and experience…. :-)
We took 6 points from the difficult first 4 fixtures, and while it’s a disappointment after the Everton blow-out, it’s not really that bad. Now we just have to hold serve at our stadium and take three points against all the lesser teams. It’s surprising thus far how few draws there have been in the league.
What bothered me about the ManCity performance was how jaded we looked coming back from the international break. I felt that some key characters just didn’t look up for the fight in what was always going to be an emotional and physical game. Any manager that watches the video of that game will be telling his players that “Arsenal can be knocked off their game, so get stuck in,” and we all know where that leads. None of the other contenders in the league look very convincing but they are getting the job done. At least Sp**rs got knocked back….IMO, we need to quietly start showing our commitment and get back to grinding out a series of results and climbing up the table.
Fellas, Game Day Chat is COOOL!!! Rocks!!!
Get in there.
Thanks Michael.
Allright lads – I am pleased to announce the launch of YAMA’s Game Day Chat.
A way for all of us to get together and chat real time as we watch the match.
It’s really a way for us to comment on the play RT so we can leave the comments to the musings of Fred, Arthur, Kiwi, Stag, etc.
You can join the chat any time but the goal is to have it active at least 45 minutes prior to kick off.
You can join the chat here:
https://youaremyarsenal.mystagingwebsite.com/gamedaychat
Simply register and join!
Hey I need a guinea pig for a new feature I am trying to get going.
I am working on a gamedaychat feature to allow us all to chat real time during the matches. This would cut down on the all the small – Great Goal, etc posts.
Could someone go to http://www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat register and come into the chat. Tell me if you see DAG – if you get in.
Thanks,
Michael
Steve has logged onto the chat and it works!!!!
Nice to see your previews DAG and I love the pictures you do with the team’s logos (they look very sharp). I was on vacation and am glad that I missed the City game as that would have sent me over the top. I can’t really get too thrilled about today’s CL game although I am glad Eduardo has been cleared. UEFA probably decided that they can’t possibly charge the real cheaters out there (Ronaldo, Rooney) so they better clear the nice guy first.
It’s not even October and already the injuries are piling up. Does that mean come January, everyone will be fit or will more injuries crop up? I shudder to think of the latter.
Thanks Sachin. Trying to add some uniformity at the very least.
I wish I was on vacation for the City match.
I am never all that big a fan of the group stages, though the Real Madrid – Barca tie does look tasty.
MOst of the knocks look to be minor except Djourou who is out for likely the whole season.
Walcott is traning again, Fabianski is due back in 3 weeks, the rest I don’t know exactly.
@ DAG – thanks for the new post and raising good points.
A positive result (3 points) is critical for the team’s mental turnaround. This available group of players must play to their potential for the next two weeks, staying healthy and buying time for others to return from the trainers table.
We can expect Liege to exert tremendous pressure on the ball. Our success will rely on minimum turnovers in midfield AND giving up no fluke goals.
I believe your correct about the starting line up. Although, I prefer the youngsters Ramsey or Wilshere over Diaby.
Go Gunners!
Thanks. I am just trying to keep it interesting.
I agree I would prefere Ramsey or Wilshere over Diaby in this match.
Also I believe that Almunia’s “Chest cold” is more of a case of “I am sitting you to get your head on” from Arsene than a true illness. Maybe Aw thinks that a match against Standard is low key enough that Mannone can go out and build confidence and AW can see what he has. Just my thought.
re: Almunia
He is not the goal keeper for Arsenal.
IMO, the flaws to his game cannot be corrected in training or we would have seen development.
what choice do we have? Mannone? He will play in the Carling Cup and FA Cup if Fabianski doesn’t, but Wenger refuses to acknowledge we don’t have a great keeper.