Match Preview: Arsenal v Wolves
Arsenal look to extend unbeaten streak against Wolves
Two weeks ago against West Ham United, Arsenal had a chance to make significant ground against the league leaders when they all dropped points. The Gunners unfortunately were able to do anythiong more than muster 1 point. This week with Chelsea and United pitted against each other, Arsenal can once again make up ground on the leaders, all they need to do is win.
As easy as it sounds, the wins on the road haven’t been as easy to gain as they have been at home. Losses at both Manchester sites and draws at West Ham and away on the Champions league against AZ Alkmaarhave caused some Gunner’s faithful to have some slight amount of concern. Even a win at Craven Cottage saw the lowest output of the season with the rather potent offense only managing a goal in a rather hard fought match.
This week’s opponent is premier league returnees Wolverhampton. The Wolves are coming into the match after a well fought draw against Stoke. The draw came courtesy of a Jody Craddock brace in the 2nd half. He will be one that the Arsenal defence will have to be a look out for especially if the lads are up 2-0 in the second half.
Unfortunately for the team from the Molineux they have not won in their last 6 league matches and and drawn their last 3. Their only win at home this season was a 2-1 win against Fulham. More troubling for Wolves is that the last time they beat Arsenal most of the Gunners current team weren’t even born. That result 3-2 win was at Highbury in 1979 with their last home win being a 1-0 win in 1978.
For Arsenal this is their first trip back to Molineux since two lads named Viera and Ljunberg took them to a 2-0 victory in January 2005. The Gunners are clicking on all cylinders and next to Chelsea have been the one squad who always look a threat to score when they have the ball. In impressive form, the Gunners secured their 1000 point under Arsene Wenger by vanquising North London rivals Tottenham. A match that looked like it was going to be more equal than it eventually wound up being.
Captain Cesc Fabregas’ form continues to increase after every game. His stunner against Spurs was equaled, nay it was bettered when he netted a brace against AZ Alkmaar in the Champion’s League Group H match this past Wednesday. The young spainard is slowly making a case to be considered the best central midfielder in Europe. He is controlling each game and maturing into a role that most players his age can’t fathom. His talent is unnatural and his ability otherworldy (at times). If Arsenal are going to come home with anything for their trophy cabinet it will be in no small part to the effort of the Catalan.
Running close second to Fabregas in form is dutch wunder kind Robin Van Persie. In his last EPL matches he has netted 7 goals, each equally as impressive as the last. His opener against Spurs, showed that when all things are clicking for a player its amazing how things go in the net. Arsene Wenger, sang his praise this week by stating there isn’t another striker in the league that he would switch out and replace Van Persie with. The Gunner Gaffer thinks his striker is by far the best in the league and possibly Europe.
The Gunners are not without their issues, like midweek, their is a host of the red army visiting the trainers table. The list is known and filled with the likes of Denilson, Vela, Wilshere, Walcott, Bendtner, Fabianski, Djourou, and Clichy. But Tomas Rosicky and Samir Nasri are back and if his midweek form is any indication, Nasri, like Rosicky looks to make a statement early in his return.
There should be minor changes this weekend to the side that went out against AZ. Figure that Sagna will rotate back into to his slot and EBoue back to the bench. Since Nasri is still gaining in match fitness, look for Rosicky to replace him up front. Either way that is a solid attacking form. Throw in Diaby playing as consistently as he has these last two matches and even with the walking wounded, the Gunners look to field another strong side.
With regard to Goal Keeper, figure Manuel Almunia to be back between the sticks. Arsene seems to have regained his faith in the keeper after two solid starts. And it looks like, at least for now, the GK crisis is over as Arsene has said, ” To me he looks back to his best. I’m not worried about him.”
Arsenal have scored 14 goals in their last four league games and Arsene Wenger will be looking for them to keep that form up as well as maintain the focus he is so diligently pressing them for. With the teams above them playing away at Stamford bridge the Gunners simply cannot afford to let off the gas pedal now. Look for a strong effort and Gunner win.
How it should play out:
Robin van Persie has opened the goal scoring in five league matches this season. Given how well the Gunner attack is going, look for a continued effort to prove all the nay sayers wrong. Wolves will likely be playing with 10 behind the line. And hope to take advantage when possible especially on set pieces. However, the Gunners have shown some extreme patience in unlocking teams. The should do it and within the midway point of the first half. The Gunners are best when scoring early and often – which they will do at the Molineux
Injuries:
Arsenal: Bendtner (groin), Clichy & Denilson (both back), Fabianski (thigh), Djourou & Walcott (both knee), Traore & Vela (groin), Wilshere (ankle)
Wolves: Iwelumo (foot), Foley, Jones & Ward (all knee)
Player to Watch:
Arsenal: The easy pick would be either RvP or Fabrega, but I am going with Andrei Arshavin. While he has not been scoring enamasse every time he touches the ball he is a threat. And when he is in form – he is simply the best. While he didn’t score against AZ his playmaking skill was evident for everyone to see. I see him playing a big role in unlocking the Wolves.
Wolves: Jody Craddock. Absolutely saved the Wolves last week with a brace in the second half. He is a viable threat especially on set pieces.
Possibly Starting XI:
Arsenal: Almunia, Gallas, Vermaelen, Sagna, Gibbs, Song, Diaby, Fabregas, Arshavin, van Persie, Rosicky
Wolves: Zubar, Berra, Craddock, Elokobi , Edwards, Castillo ,Henry, Kightly, Maierhofer, Doyle
Final Score:
Arsenal: 2
Wolves: 0
Match is on at 12:30 EST on FSC. Gameday Chat (www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat) will be open.
