The Best Medicine: Arsenal v Burnley; Match Preview
The run begins!
When these teams last met – Burnley equalized the game with an hour remaining and managed to hold off a charging Arsenal for the remainder of the match. As the 2nd round switches to the friendly confines of the Emirates stadium, it seems unlikely that this could happen again.
The task for Burnley is huge, while they have been impressive at Turf Moor their away form has been dreadful – 1 point from 14 matches. It gets even worse when you consider they have only won once in their last 16 matches, a 2-1 victory over West Ham at the beginning of February. But Gunners should not fooled by their inpetitude, they are a squad fighting for their very survival and that means they could be very cagey.
Burnley have made it absolutely clear they do not intend to sit back on Arsenal and like everyone has said int he last coming weeks – “We intend to play Arsenal hard.” On it’s surface that seems a sound philosophy but after last week’s injury to Aaron Ramsey, the Gunners showed mettle they haven’t in some time and took apart Stoke in the remaining 20 minutes of the match. An over aggressive Burnley will only set themselves up for penalties and points against.
For Arsenal, it has been a week of emotion. A lot has been debated about the tackle on Aaron Ramsey. Was it intentional, what does it mean, etc. We’ve heard it all. The good thing about this Saturday is we can put that print to rest and concentrate on some football. You can expect the Emirates to be a rocking venue this week as th home crowd are set to urge their team on in honour of the injured midfielder. Large tribue banners from Arseblog and REDaction are set to be unveiled. As the team has vowed to win the league to honour the young welshman, the atmosphere should be almost cup like.
But even the gunners won’t be without just Ramsey. Sol Campbell who played an amzing game against Stoke is out with aslight groin injury. The original centre back William Gallas remains out with his injury which means that Mikhail Silvestre will likley get the start. In addition to Sol Campbell being out, Alex Song, sits out for two games serving a suspension for his 10th yellow card of the season.
However the Gunners will be bouyed by the return of both Andrei Arshavin and Abou Diaby to the lineup. Also returning but less inpiring is Denilson. The arrival of Burnley could be what the doctor ordered to keep the Gunner’s hjead on. Two years ago after the inury to Eduardo, the Gunners lost their next 4 league matches and fell from 1st to 3rd in the league. In order to keep pressure on Chelsea and United and to move briefly to the top of the table again – Arsenal need to win by 4 points or more. A win keeps them firmly in it. A big win gets them in a really good position.
Cesc Fabregas has told anyone who will listen that this time will be different. This is a different Arsenal squad under different leadership. That was clearly evident by the team display at the end of the match last week. Again, going back two yers ago at the end of the Eduardo injury match against Birmingham the team was a set of indivudlas, rudderless with Captain William Gallas sitting alone from the team on the pitch. Last week Captain Fabregas and veteran Campbell called the boys together for a group huddle – ala the invincibles.
While the Gunners have done very well to stay in the hunt alot of people still managed to question their title credentials. Now with a cause at their back the perception of some people has changed. Even Sir Alex Furgeson who seemed reluctant to admit that Arsenal were in it, this week told the press and his team that they would have to contend with an Arsenal squad who seem motivated, directed and focused on making a run for the title. There are still significant matches to be had and as we’ve discovered (and Chelsea and United too) anything can happen.
Out of the three title contenders however, Arsenal admittedly have the “easiest” run. Chelsea and United still have to square off against each other, and Liverpool. Arsenal – well they don’t have to face the big four again until next season. Their hardest matches likely are Spurs away and City at home. But right now they have Burnley.
How the Match Should Play Out:
Burnley have the worst defencive record in the EPL – letting in 55 goals. Arsenal are co-scoring leaders with United having put 66 goals past all the keepers in the EPL. A gathering of forces like that can only lead to one thing (hopefully) a plethora of goals. Look for Arsenal to be really geared up for this match. I also suspect that Arsenal could very well break their drought of not scoring in the opening 15 minutes of a match at the Emirates. This could be one of – those vintage Arsenal routes (I hope).
Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Cesc Fabregas. One more goal this season and the Arsenal Captain will equal Robert Pires for most goals by an Arsenal midfielder in a season (14). With many games left to play, that number will easily get shattered. Stoke gave him the space to operate last week and he surgically cut them open. Even before the Ramsey injury you had thought Arsenal were a threat to score and that was primarily of Cesc’s ability to control the game.
Burnley: Steven Fletcher. The Scottish forward returns to the squad this week playing with a cast on his hand. If Burnley are to do anything they will need him to find form and place pressure on the Arsenal middle.
Probable Starting XI:
Injuries:
Arsenal: Ramsey (leg), Van Persie (ankle) Djourou (knee) Gibbs (foot) Gallas (calf) Campbell (groin)
Burnley: Caldwell (groin) McCann (knee)
Recent League Form:
Arsenal: WWWLL
Burnley: LLLLL
Match Officials:
Referee: Alan Wiley
Assistant Referees: Shaun Procter-Green & Mark Scholes
Fourth Official: Mike Dean
TV Broadcast Schedule:
US:???
UK: ???
Live Feeds:
www.atdhe.net
GAME DAY CHAT IS OPEN:
www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 3
Burnley: 0
107 comments
Leave a reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Porto will likely be a very edgy game. We need a 1-0 or if they score 1 we need a 3-1 to progress. So the nerves will be on edge.
That said, we’re a better team against Euro teams than against EPL sides. Frankly I’m relatively sanguine about this, if we can’t turn around this game, we don’t really deserve to proceed.
Macmac, no one can deny it, Bendtner has set himself up nicely for criticism with his arrogance. Yet for me, there was a massive difference in the shape of the side against Burnley when Bendtner was on the pitch. Fact is, he’s all we’ve got for the run-in this season. RvP is where he normally is, Eduardo is in/out and frankly too lightweight for the focal role – he gives us no shape, and there’s no one else of note on the roster to play CF. So I hope Nic bangs in a couple of goals – we need em.
Agreed Kiwi, without NB we lose shape and find it difficult to be threatening offensively.
I am not a big NB fan but we do need him in RVP’s absence if we are to make a run at the title.
… to be sure, I’m not a big fan either. Although, as always happy to become one!!
Where’s Nic’s Uncle Mazza? Not to mention Uncle Vibe? ;-)
Lurking my flightless, brother. ;-)
These are real dilemmas managers have to contemplate. We all know it’s a big game tomorrow but what good is it going to do us to advance if our star player goes from having a hamstring strain to a hamstring tear?
——————————————-
Yes I agree with Josh. We are talking about hamstring here. Anyone who ever played sports, doesn’t have to be professional sports, would have known that hamstring problem is always tricky. If you don’t wait for it to heal completely, it’s very likely to pull your hamstring again. Once you pull a hamstring, it’s automatically a few weeks on the sideline. I am not even talking about a hamstring tear.
Yes, the hammy is terribly tender even when not already injured.
I agree that it might be for the best if he sits out. Sure, it does us no good for tomorrow’s game if AW takes him out before the first whistle is even blown- but it does no good to our entire SEASON if he does play and only goes 20 mins before limping off with an injury far worse than he started with.
yes and added to the fact now rosicky, theo and nasri are all fit. We could shift Nasri into the central role. He may not be as good as Cesc,but he’s not that far away. personally I believe CM is Nasri’s natural position.
IMO the key against Porto is not our attack. I have full confidence we can score at least one goal we needed.
The key will be our defense. With one away goal, all we need is to score one goal. I don’t think we need Cesc that badly to grab that goal we needed.
At the back though, it’s another story. You never know what kind of defensive performance is going to show up. A clean sheet is mighty important.
That’s true. Our offense is usually VERY potent at home… and it wasn’t our offense that underperformed in the first game either. In European away games, I feel like the attack does its job if they get that one away goal, which they did. At home is another story, but away- you do your job if you get just one.
And I don’t know if you can blame under performance in that game to the defense as a whole either- more accurately it was just the GK.
Cascarino isn’t exactly being a bigot when he sticks the book into Bendtner. The Legend in his own Mine has been spouting in countless interviews that’s he’s the best and warrants a starting place etc. Well, on Sat. he had an absolute ‘mare of a game, just like the one in the champions league last year – sitter after sitter went begging.
So far he’s never been quick enough, or nimble enough for me. He’s planted some stellar headers, but not as many as Vermaelen, I don’t think. The best thing Bendtner can do is shut up and work harder, and come back stronger like Theo.
Tuesday is going be… interesting. I don’t think Porto are planning to sit deep for 90mins, though they will if needed for the last 20mins. I hope Theo is up for more scorching runs and refreshingly accurate crosses.
Denilson is an interesting case. Last year Arsene gave him an enormous opportunity – a massive amount of game time – he was first choice. To me he never looked convincing, I can’t really say what he offers the side – his passing can be quite awful and he’s not a noted tackler so for a midfielder he comes without a strong suit. This year his form has regressed. I have no idea why you would intentionally pick him above Song, Diaby or Nasri. Each of these guys has a strength to his game and a level of form. So why pick Denilson (unless you have to) in a game everyone admits is finely balanced?
That said, I’m ok with him being a squad member & sub. His game may mature and he may be an ok player. An Edu type. Or maybe he’ll bloom and have a more compelling case for starting – ala Song & Diaby. Yet we can only say what we see, and currently there’s not a lot to his game.
Wigan beat Liverpool. I told you guys that they were in a world of hurt.
Yes, indeed, Benny’s days may be numbered.
My whole point is we don’t know how fit Fabregas is. If he only needs a few days to recover, why risk losing him (potentially for the rest of the season) for a game we can probably win without him?
stag, I understand your attitude as far as you’d want to play in the biggest game of the season (how many of those are we going to have anyway). I’m sure Fabregas wants to play too. It’s the big bravado that all ambitious athletes have. However, understanding the psyche of an athelete, the boss isn’t going to go to the player and ask him if he’s okay to play. That’s why you have fitness tests and physios on the payroll.
Lastly, it’s not about some sentiment or how much he get’s paid to put his body on the line. It’s about the practicality of having him fit for as many games as possible through to the end of the season. These are real dilemmas managers have to contemplate. We all know it’s a big game tomorrow but what good is it going to do us to advance if our star player goes from having a hamstring strain to a hamstring tear?
Manager’s call. I’m guessing with a hammy Wenger will be cautious. Importantly we have enough options – we should be able to put out a pretty competitive unit and still have an ok bench.
Arshavin, Bendtner, Rosicky
Diaby, Song, Nasri
Clichy, Verme, Campbell, Eboue
Almunia
Subs: Walcott, Fabregas(?), Denilson, Merida, Sagna, Silvestre
I’d like to see Walcott, Denilson, Sagna and Fabianski all start.
But at least 2 of the 4 would be cool.
Either way, Wenger knows his team better than us fans, and whatever he does is the best thing.
I’d want to play.
Any player who is worth his salt, wants to play in big matches.
Doesn’t get bigger than this match.
But going forward, the league run in, and next year are equally as important really.
If he gets really injured, he might not be available for the run-in, and it could jeapordize his World Cup, and the ability of Arsenal to get top dollar for him, if we want to sell him in the Summer.
So, yeah… rest him. I wouldn’t want to play Song or Diaby if they aren’t 100% either.
If Denilson is fit, I want him in there… (if Arsene does of course)
and what are the chances Fabianski gifts 2 goals to the opposition again?
Not likely.
So if Wenger selects him, I think we’ll be fine.
What the hell are you talking about?
I don’t understand the “Wenger knows” brigade…
who often say, we don’t manage so what do we know… Arsene’s
a genius… etc…
so, if he starts Denilson and Fabianski tomorrow, there should
be NO CRITICIZING ARSENE.
If he knows… HE KNOWS… it isn’t just when you like his decisions.
I wouldn’t mind both starting… I don’t want to see their
confidence ruined by not playing. We have to keep in mind that
they are both signed long-term. That’s what is important, keeping
them on the same page, and contributing… they’ll be with Arsenal
next year, so let’s not upset the applecart.
I think they can both play a role in beating Porto, and
even if we lose, we still have the League run-in, which will
be very exciting stuff.
——
Wenger says… “We can win without Cesc”…
Is he talking about tomorrow, or … next year?!
;)
I mean, when Barcelona lose to Madrid in La Liga this year,
and Cesc has a great World Cup… we can get mega-millions
for him.
WOOOO HOOOOOOO!
Win Win situation.
If he stays, we win… if he’s sold, we win.
Cascarino, another one of those knobbs that appear to enjoy sticking the boot into Arsenal at every turn criticised Bendtner today. Now, you’ll know from my post above that I defended Nic siting the upside of his presence and work up front against the downside of his poor finishing. I still think that.
So is Cascarino’s criticism all bad and to be poo pooed? I don’t think so. I see it like Walcott/Waddle. These young guys have been given massive opportunity at Arsenal far earlier than they could reasonably expect and certainly much earlier than their performances demand. So…. part of the ‘natural footballing balance’ is the criticism that comes your way when your peformance(s) don’t meet the standard. Walcott showed the ONLY way to respond is to step up and show that you deserve to be there. This is not pre-school this is the real event. So what we need to see is these young guys sucking up the criticism and developing both the mental resilience to handle it and the improvement in their game to quash it. Until they improve, they need to hear the criticism and be reminded of the standard they need to attain.
On Fabregas and whether he should play. My initial inclination is that he shouldn’t start if he risks making what looks like a manageable injury into something more severe. We can have him on the bench and only use him if the situation is dire. He is a key resource in the run-in of the EPL.
It’s not a sentimental issue to me, it’s a pragmatic one. I often hear supporters expressing feel-good sentimental statements that equate to pampering football players. This is their job, they are massively remunerated, their bodies WILL absord an unusual amount of physical punishment over their careers – that’s what they’re paid for. It’s like those folk sitting at computer screens all day, it will take a toll on their eyes their hands their backs, that’s life. Sure you can try and reduce the creeping injury. So as supporters we need to find the right perspective, professional football is a job, players sign up and are remunerated beyond 99.9999% of the worlds populations dreams. If they don’t like playing with an injury they can go work at McDonalds.
BIG NEWS!! (for those who don’t get the pay-extra footie channels)
The Porto game tomorrow is on Fox Sports Net! (Or, if like me, you live in a market where Comcast Sports Net put FSN out of business, then it’s on that). Ah, no messing around with streaming, crappy feeds, etc… can’t wait!
Stag, it’s a big gamble to play a player when he’s injured. I’ll say the same thing I said for Bendtner; if he’s not fit enough to run the whole game, he should not start. Am I opposed to him being on the bench? It depends on the severity of his injury. With that, I don’t think a Fabregas at 50% and in danger of a relapse is a good idea when you’ve got Diaby who’s at 100%. Why would you throw away the whole season for one game? There is no guarantee that we will win if he plays or we’ll lose if he doesn’t.
This isn’t poker where you consider your odds. You have to be responsible when you’re talking about someone’s health. If it were your health, would you want your boss to risk you suffering further injury by making you do something you weren’t fit enough to do? Sure, Fab’s a superb athlete but he’s a man, not a robot.
Carib, the only reason Fabianski played in the first Porto game was because Almunia had an injury. I wouldn’t expect to see Fabianski unless Almunia picks up an injury or a red card.
yes. I’d want my boss to risk me in the biggest match of the season.
if we don’t win, we are out of the CL, which is the trophy Wenger wants most.
If he is too injured to play, (even on the bench), I’d expect him to be out for the next match at the very least.
That’s just me.
It will be interesting to see whether he continues to start Fabianski in the CL games or brings in “2 ton balls” Almunia. If Almunia starts it will be a severe confidence blow to Fabianski and we would probably see him go the way of Senderos. I know I am one of the few, if not the only one, who hopes that Fabianski starts because I still think he has way more upside than Almunia.
Hopefully NB will forget about the nightmare game he had against Burnley because he and Arshavin will have to pick up goal scoring with Fab not dressing for the game.
My nervousness about the game is centered on whether we have enough firepower and creativity to score goals if they park the bus on us and defend their 1 goal advantage.
This will be a true test for Walcott. He tends to excel against the lower end teams and disappear against good ones, albeit, Porto lies somewhere between the two extremes. Theo’s biggest problem in the past is that when he is man marked he does not make runs to shed his defender or draw them out of position so the FB or MF can utilize the vacant spot. Hopefully, the coaches can instill this in him or if the Gods are kind, he can figure that out for himself.
1-0 or 3-1 puts us into the next round and our recent lack of clean sheets would suggest we need to score 3.
I would end my contribution with “up the Arse” as some others do, but somehow that just doesn’t sound right (lol).
I will have a preview out tonight –
and I don’t know why – but I think a midfield of Song, Diaby and Nasri with an attack of Arshavin, Walcott and Nicky B should be enough for the game.
Clearly we need to win out right and Cesc does offer us the best option for that – but Nasri has been getting better each game as has Walcott (I really want him to have a breakout match). Look we lost because of our own gaffs but we lost and the pressure is clearly on us to go for it.
I won’t be surprised if Sol is Captain tomorrow. Yes, Sol is back in the squad for the match.
Merida was also practicing with the first team as was Vela.
Yeah, with that midfield and even Rosicky instead of Walcott, we should have enough to win.
But you never know if Arsene will play his fav midfielder. ;)
On another note, Mooney was the captain after Cesc left and I am pretty sure he will the captain tomorrow as well.
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. Just call it the pecking order.
I think Denilson only started because of necessity. Song was out as were Ramsey.
I think with Song available Denilshit goes back to being a bench warmer (I hope)
My prayer for tonight will be:
“Dear lord, please give Arsene the wisdom not to start Denilson in tomorrow’s game against Porto, but instead, start Diaby, Rosicky or Eastmond. preferably Diaby. Thank you Lord for granting my wishes and I will be a good boy for the next week.”
It is official. Cesc is out for the Porto game. So is Gallas.
I think it is for the best. With Song, Diaby and Nasri in midfield, we should have enough firepower to beat them at home.
Go Gunners!
Porto & Cesc
Take away the Fabianski miscue for their 1st goal & the touch back pass by Sol to Fabianski and (for me) Porto showed minimal offensive threat at their home.
We also need to remember that Song and Arshavin did not play. Bendtner had only returned from his long layoff & he was still struggling for his movement, touch, and fitness.
We should not need Cesc for this tie. To advance without his participation would be a another milestone for the team’s confidence!
OFF TOPIC: to quote the Big Lebowski, “Those fucks at the league office! Who the fuck’s in charge of scheduling over there?” Aston Villa have 5 games in 15 days, March 13-27. And they’re all league games, not FA Cup, not Europa. Talk about getting screwed over.
Arsenal is in this week’s Winners section of Football365’s “Winners and Losers” feature, and here’s the quote:
“Arsenal’s league record since March 2009 excluding games against the top two:
Played 34, Won 27, Lost 2, Drawn 5, Scored 95, Conceded 30.”
Well not bad at all is that? We have a chance if we keep that up – although that really is stating the absolute obvious and a pointless comment so dunno why I type this.
Still proves we did start getting results against the weaker teams. Thnx CG.
OK, so… I am already reading into folks
preparing for us going out of the CL with…
it might be a positive for the run in?!
LOSER MENTALITY.
@ Josh, do you want us to rest Cesc for the CL match?
I mean, we would need him for the rest of the season…
Without Cesc, our chances against Porto take a big hit.
Again, I’d risk Cesc … need to win against Porto.
Going out of the CL would be a piss poor result, especially
against a team we should have no problem with.
Bendtner helps in some respect… in terms of our set-up,
but if we are playing a decent team… his misses would have
likely cost us the match. It wouldn’t have been anything to
shrug and laugh at on the bench either.
Amazed and happy that we are in with a shout in the league, but it also
pisses me off, because if a few areas had been addressed in January,
we might be a favorite… to fall a few points short would make the
non-activity 1000% worse.
But I’ll continue to look long-term… as that’s what is important.
The financial health of the team, continuing to make a profit, reducing
the stadium debt… a league title is nice, but its not the most important thing to Wenger and the AFC, so why should it be mine.
It depends what type of risk. None of us really knows the true extent of his injury. The worse it is, the less likely Arsene is to play him. I’d like to see him play as well, but without knowing how bad the injury is I really can’t say whether or not it’s worth the risk.
Wenger says if theres a greater than 50% chance of reinjury then he won’t play. Otherwise he will. Seems to me like he’s willing to gamble.
Personally I’d like to see him on the bench coming on as a super-sup if needed. I think Song, Diaby and Nasri at home to Porto may well have enough. Theo/Bendtner/Arshavin up front is pretty good as well. Rosicky can also come off the bench as cover for mid/forward positions. I guess at the end of the day, Wenger and the medical team are in a far better postn to make the decision. My one fear is that Song and Diaby will start alongside Denilson. I think the likelihood of being short of creativity is much higher if those three are at the centre of things for us and that means a higher likelihood of needing Cesc to come off the bench.
Me I’m just going to enjoy the roller-coaster,
Every fan has his favorite player(s), and a smaller list of player(s) we’d like to see somewhere else.
It was wonderful to see Theo remind us of his ability; not because he’s a favorite of mine, but because he’s an Arsenal player.
We aren’t likely to win anything unless everyone makes a contribution. That includes Denilson and Almunia and others not noted for the limelight.
Injuries are likely to influence both the EPL title and CL trophy. I like our chances as we have been playing the entire season with waves of players unavailable.
If Cesc is not playing against Porto, I’m not too concerned.
Rosicky or Nasri are more than capable.
think exiting the CL would actually be detrimental to any chance of winning the league. This team is a “European” constructed side, and playing against a non-English side in the CL should be easier than battling it out for the EPL for this bunch.
————————————————
Fred, it seems like having a cup of Kool Aid have improved your ability to think logically!
I completely agree.
Winning breeds confidence. And confidence is the mother of winning.
Take our FA Cup setback against Stoke. Prior to the tie, we were having a good run. People said there’s a need to rest players cos FA Cup was less important. In a way it’s true. With our injury problem, our first team players been playing too many games at that point.
Yet on the other hand, losing a match in the middle of a good run, even if it’s a meaningless match, it would hurt the MOMENTUM nonetheless.
We drew our next game against Villa, and lost to Man U, Chelsea back to back.
Now some may say Man U, Chelsea were too strong for us. Still, it’s a coincidence happened too often – that when we rest players in the middle of a winning run, lost a so-called “meaningless” match, and went on to struggle in the follwing fixutres at the past.
And it’s also very true that this Arsenal side are constructed to be a “European” side.
In fact, I always feel that Arsenal today are like a La Liga side which find themselves playing in the Premiership.
Forget about what AW told the press, deep down, I believe Champions League is the trophy he wants it MOST. In the English game, Wenger basically has nothing to prove. He had done the “double” twice, and did something nobody be able to achieve the past century – went a season unbeaten… while achieving all that without the same spending power as Chelsea, Man U.
Yet still, without the Champions League trophy, he will not be able to judged by others as a “great” manager.
Fair or not I don’t know. But it’s the same with footballers. I always belive Michel Platini was a better player than Zidane. But Zidane has a World Cup medal. Therefore most ppl in the world would say Zidane is a better player than Platini.
When Wenger transformed his team from the powerful side of 2004 to a more technical oriented side of today, the only reason I can imagine is – he wants to win the Champions League.
The French teams of the 80’s were great. It was said of the ’86 team, they had the best midfield in all football.
The German’s were their achilles heel in ’82 and ’86.
The ’98 French team struggled to qualify, struggled to get out of their group and were really unimpressive, until they beat Croatia in the semi’s.
Two great players from different generations.
Agree about Wenger’s goal being the CL trophy.
LOL…logic has nothing to do with agreeing with you, Andez ;-)
I was always of the “win all games” category.
I agree there is an interesting tussle for the 3rd midfield role between Nasri and Diaby. Yet the reality is that both have had injury plagued seasons and indeed both have had injury concerns for several seasons. So, having both returning to some kind of fitness and showing some form is good, the best we can hope for is that the 2 of them make up a good 1 if you know what I mean. Add to that Fabregas hamstring injury which could well be a tricky one we have to manage. So we need both Nasri and Diaby.
At this stage of the season it’s all about eeking out results. The players who have played full seasons will be tired, whilst the large group of injury returnees are uncertain propositions. Returning at the business end is very hard. Further breakdowns often happen. The team is under the pump to get results and there’s no room for the luxury of returnee’s ‘finding their form and fitness’.
I’m highly skeptical about any reliance on RvP at all. Last season was exactly the same. He came back late-season from another long period out to much fanfare, the great white hope, and was an irrelevant passenger for most part. I’m also still to be convinced of his appropriateness at the apex – I liked the shape Bendtner gave us yesterday better. I’d rather have RvP in a slightly-wide role or as an impact player. Our team has lacked shape for too long, we need a leader at the apex who we can build our play around.
Let’s hope that Wenger has enough serious options and firepower to overcome the various obstacles that each opponent presents. I do get the feeling that some of the lads are better equipped to show responsibility.
I think exiting the CL would actually be detrimental to any chance of winning the league. This team is a “European” constructed side, and playing against a non-English side in the CL should be easier than battling it out for the EPL for this bunch.
Besides winning breeds confidence and more winning.
The good thing though is that we have some of our players coming back from injury and might be able to help with depth. Even with CL games, our match schedule isnt that bad. There are no more internationals till the end of season.
In my view, if Song, Diaby, Fabregas and Bendtner start 7 of our last 9 games AND the each of the rest of the team plays a little above their personal average, we will win the league.
These four in essence are our “structural” players. Song keeps the bottom from falling out defensively. Diaby gives physique and draws players from Fabregas and the wingers. Fabregas provides the brainpower. Bendtner’s presence alone changes the opposition’s defensive tactics and brings our ENTIRE team into the game.
For the CL, Nasri might be a better partner to Fabregas than Diaby. And Eduardo can rotate with Bendtner.
All in all we just have to cross our fingers and hope there is a minimal number of injuries in the next 2 months, and we will be just fine.
Surprised that there’s no mention of Arshavin, but I like the idea of our team having a “structure.” (TV5 & Sol in central defense, with Song just ahead, feels pretty good for me…)
Andrey, because he can make something out of nothing is, like Bendtner and Walcott, somebody to occupy or worry defenders. These are the guys who, even if they don’t score or assist, create the spaces for the likes of Nasri, Eduardo, Vela or even Denilson (if he can be bothered).
Injuries WILL be key, and the latest news suggests Cesc will be rested vs Porto http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/mar/07/arsene-wenger-cesc-fabregas-porto. I still feel we’ll have enough to get the result, but it’s a big, big night coming up….
Some great photos from yesterday’s match:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/gallery/2010/mar/06/arsenal-burnley
Very nice to see Fred back and pleased with our squad. Now if we can just get a few more of the AA guys who I learned so much from….
Talk is beginning about how it might make things “easier” if we were to fall out of the CL….
I don’t like it.
Yes, we are continuing to struggle with injuries, but, IMO, we still have reasonably good overall team depth. What we need is confidence. Every player needs to feel that they can come in and do what they do….They don’t have to “carry” the team given that we line up well against the teams that remain in the league, but they need to play freely and to their potential.
Yesterday’s match, at home, against a team that is almost certainly going down, in the immediate wake of the galvanizing Ramsey injury, etc., shows that we remain collectively fragile. If we go out to Porto on Tuesday….
We will be rotating players (Song, Campbell, Sagna at the very least) for that match, and ideally getting more back over time. Hopefully we get through with some aplomb and continue to build the confidence of the team and the players who need it (Bendtner, Walcott, Almunia, maybe even Denilson, etc.) AND then draw a favorable opponent for the next round.
As Fred points out, the next four (league) games are big, but I would argue that they’re all big and we need to build the “belief” with each one, ideally until it is our 12th man out there. It can happen, I think, but it can all fall apart very quickly as well. The margins right now are very tight and ALL the biggest clubs (in England and Europe) are on a similar knife’s edge. We need to use the remaining schedule (and fortunate CL draw–Porto is an ideal opponent for Tuesday) to our advantage.
While I am loathe to give Almunia any credit whatsoever – he has looked “better” the last few weeks.
But then when you compare him to the outting Fabianski had – well I look “better” in goal.
Denilson, well I am not ever going to change my opinion that this is just one useless player filling up a roster spot by some younger player who actually can be productive.
I am encouraged by what I saw from Theo today – but I will hold off on appointing him something he hasn’t shown at all until I see a successive run of similar games. No he doesn’t always need to score but he needs to show he can think. And let’s be honest – I don’t think anything Waddle said was exactly wrong – but Waddle shouldn’t exactly be criticizing players.
Oh and as for Nicky B – disappointed at the lack of finishing – but delighted that someone on the team continually is TRYING to take a shot.
ummm, you look better in goal than Fabianski,
but…
its OK that Bendtner missed about 5 clear chances, and… its OK because he is trying to take shots?!
Denilson tries to take shots too.
He might even be more accurate than Bendtner!
Off topic, anyone see the Koln/FC Bayern game? Koln is a team that always strugles with relegation but the way they took it to Bayern was incredible. All without “committed” challenges. Be sure to catch a replay if you can. Dynamite football match. I noticed in the fall how Koln had signed a few big players.
I, too noticed how much more difficult it was for us to attack after Bendtner went off. It was the reason I argued with stag how it was more important to have Bendtner for the rest of the season instead of risking him for the Chelsea game if he wasn’t fully fit. Sure, we fell nine points back but we could have still lost if Bendtner played. Adding injury to insult, we could have lost Bendtner again. There were simply too many points to play for to risk him in the Chelsea game. Anyway, look at us now.
Welcome back, Fred. I’ve needed somebody to keep me on my toes. Don’t drink too much kool-aid though. Residual effects can be pretty devistating. I guess a little Bacardi can give it a proper balance.
Boys, could you imagine if we win a title with Almunia as the goal keeper and the season he’s had? I mentioned a few weeks back how I thought he might have turned a corner. I certainly hope so. We’ll see.
BTW, what has happened to Merida. When he got injured it sounded like it’s a short term thing but we haven’t seen him in a while. No injury news about him anywhere. Did he sign a new contract? Or are we shutting him out for some related reason? With Cesc and Ramsey out, Denilson suspended, Diaby just coming back he could be getting some game-time at the moment.
Happy with the win. We really should be wiping the floor these games though. Putting the game to bed early would be really good. It reduces the chances of silly equalizers, takes the pressure off allowing us to ‘cruise’ the rest of the game and more important than all, it seems like goal difference may be important this season. It is in essence an extra point and with it looking this tight we need every one we can get. Goals wouldn’t be too bad for some extra confidence either.
Agree with Fred that we need to set up the second half of the run-in with winning the next few ‘easy’ games.
That’s the only silver lining to losing to Porto – being able to focus on the Prem. But usually a CL loss dents the confidence. Rather than spurring us on, it drains us. Even more so if Cesc is not on the pitch to rally the troops.
Offtopic: The legend speaks.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/international/article7052446.ece
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article7051739.ece
Plus sense on the Aaron Ramsey incident(Yesterday’s Arseblog):
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/35100/Ramsey_reaction_Written_press_deafened_by_shrill_chorus_of_ex-players.aspx
And more:
http://www.epltalk.com/the-hypocrisy-of-the-british-press-about-shawcross-is-mind-boggling/16505
And more:
http://www.skysports.com/tv_show/story/0,20144,12382_5991425,00.html
All shit ofcourse…physical play…bloodd… drooolll..figure skating…
I will say this about the upcoming Porto match: if we go out, it could be to our advantage in the League. We’re 2 pts off United, and tied w/ Chelsea (tho they have a game in hand). If we were to lose (which I must stress I do NOT want us to do), we would have 9 league games left… that’s it. They would have 9 league games left, plus anywhere from 2-5 more CL games if they go thru, and probably a minimum of 2 more FA Cup games for Chelsea. Again, I want us to be competitive on all fronts, but if we don’t make it and they do, we’re looking at 9 more games to Utd’s 11 to 15 and Chelsea’s 11 to 17. The worst would be if we fuck up in the CL and so do they, then we lose and still get no advantage in the league.
that’s beautiful… a built in excuse for Arsene!
If we lose on Tuesday, its an advantage!
LOL
The next four games will be especially important if we are to win the league. If we win all four games, we will most likely take the lead on the table as Man U and Chelsea have a very tough next four games.
We have: Hull (A), West Ham (H), Birmingham (A), Wolves (H).
The Birmingham game – especially away might make us shit our pants, but there is no reason we shouldnt take 12 points from these four games.
Chelsea on the other hand have: West Ham (H), Blackburn (A), Pompey (A), Villa (H), Man U (A).
Man U have: Fulham (H), Liverpool (H), Bolton (A), Chelsea (H).
Given how the season has gone so far, Chelsea could lose points at Blackburn or Villa and ofcourse Man U. While Man U could lose points at Liverpool and Chelsea.
So after those four games, if we win all ours, we could be leading the table by a point or two at worst. But then comes the hard part… a series of matches that starts with Spurs away and continues with games against Blackburn and Man City.
But before worrying about those, we NEED to win these next four games.
Back in the States after a few weeks in S. America and watching one of my first game in almost a month now … and ofcourse Arsenal greet me with a really typical performance – missing boatloads of chances! :-D
I caught the highlights of the Stoke game on some crappy channel and I am very impressed with the strength they showed to win that game. That to me is a turning point for this bunch of players. I restricted myself severely from browsing the web, but I could tell what the British press reaction would be after that injury – typical bone-headed, retarded culture. Reward over-aggressiveness over talent.
That incident is certainly a unifying force for all fans the world over … and I think that played a part in why Bendtner was applauded out of the match rather than booed. Its pretty much a “us versus those fuckers” thing from here on out.
I agree with the sentiment that Nasri was the man of the match. A lot of times when he was with the ball I assumed it was Fabregas! I still dont understand why Wenger doesnt pair Nasri and Fab in midfield!
As for Bendtner, I think he did his job (other than scoring) perfectly. Without him in the team we go from creating 10 chances per 10 minutes to creating 1 per ten minutes. His presence, size, running, passing alone ALLOWS for us to actually play our system. He is doing ALL the things RvP was doing (other than scoring) and thats why there were chances galore throughout. We just wont get that with Eduardo, Vela or Arshavin in the middle. He cant continue to miss these sitters, so I am sure he’ll come good – scoring wise. Maybe he is just getting the sitters out of the way now in an unimportant match, so he can be on full cylinders for the rest of the season ;-) I bet he will score on Tuesday now.
PS: I am now officially a Kool-Aider … for the rest of the season anyway.
PSS: The best way to become a Kool-Aider is to leave town for several weeks for a vacation or work/vacation, shut out the internet and TV for the most part, relax on a beach, read enjoyable books and drink Kool-Aid with rum. It works a treat! The whole Ramsey incident also helps to crystallize things clearly – while Wenger might be a c§nt from time to time, the rest of the football world is filled with FAR worse people! So am off to sip some more of the good juice…
PSSS: I still hate Denilson and Almunia
Welcome back Fred. Missed your ranting and raving but Stag took up your mantle (lol)
We do agree on at least one thing however.
ALMUNIA AND DENILSON ARE A WASTE OF TIME.
I agree with Fred on Bendtner.
His finishing has been poor, no doubt about it. But he brings more to the team than just finishing.
Interesting thing is our midfielders have been pretty much taken over and carrying our scoring loads. A far cry from season 2008.
For some reasons, Bendtner seems to have no problem scoring in international level, playing for Denmark.
of course, eventually, as a striker, you do need to score more goals and sieze the chances better than he been showing so far.
Well, other than Stag you’re the last person I’d have expected to become a Kool-aider… but hey, we’re right up there with ’em with only 9 games left.
Yeah happy return “Kool Aid” Fred.
Good to have you back even if it is just to shut Stag up for a bit.
Not a chance in hell of that happening.
But keep wishing.
Mixed feelings about today’s match. We completely outclassed Burnley at every position but couldn’t put the match away until injury time! So much talent on display, but better teams will punish such profligacy.
I agree that almost everybody performed pretty well, with the exception of Bendtner’s finishing, Dudu’s glaring lack of pace and scary Sylvestre. Clichy also seemed to go walkabout for a while in the 2nd half.
Cesc was spectacular and we must hope the injury is minor. Nasri also looked a step quicker than normal, but both seemed to benefit from defenders backing off them when they had possession. Diaby and Arshavin also looked to shake off whatever rustiness might have been a problem. Even Denilson seemed relatively solid. And Eboue looked dangerous (in a good way) for his entire, antic-free outing.
I’m not quite ready to say that either Walcott nor Almunia have really turned the corner on their heretofore disastrous seasons. This was very weak competition and though both had better outings, the regular failings were also seen.
Porto presents a different propostion, with far quicker and more aggresive players. We need a clean sheet, but we should be substantially more solid with Sagna and Sol in and Vermaelen back to his favored left side. (Eboue has been playing well enough that he would make a worthy sub if we end up needing goals.) And Song in for Denilson in front of the back line should also be a boost. I think things up front could be dicey if Cesc cannot play and we’ll need solid work and conversion of the (fewer) chances we’ll create from everyone if the captain doesn’t play. However, with a competent referee this time, I still like our chances.
So, mostly positives to be taken from today’s match, and we need to continue to build confidence throughout the whole squad match to match. I won’t hold my breath, but neither will I throw in the towel, just yet….
As I was saying in Game day chat Nasri was MOTM just ahead of the once again impressive Eboue. He was great todat especially when he took up greater responsibility in the Cesc position.
Kiwi you may have made a good point about Bendtner, I noticed there was something wrong with our team when Burnley started to get into the game late on but I could work out what it was, thought it was a MF issue. I think you called it right. When Nickybarndoor ;-) got taken off we were missing something apart from clear cut chances! I would not go as far as saying well done Bendtner though because it was a woefully laughable performance. We would have been better off playing Diaby up there if it is strength that we need in that position.
I cannot wait for the return to fitness of the jewel in the crown RvP since the great man Ade is not going to do a Sol Campbell anytime soon ;-)
But Nicky will not play that bad for another season at least so I expect him to score a few in the near future.
A few thoughts on the Burnley game….
1. Fabregas, fabulous again. World class.
2. Nasri, I felt the same as Joshuad above. His game today caught my eye even while Fabregas was on the field. I kept thinking throughout the match that Nasri reminded me so much of Fabregas. Can I pay him a higher compliment? Well done son.
3. Walcott, perhaps the most complete performance of contribution I have seen from him in an Arsenal shirt. Was he stung by the criticism. If yes, perhaps it was needed. Perhaps too much easy praise has come his way. He crossed well, attacked his man, scored a fine goal by cutting in, faced up to an ugly challenge. Well done Theo, don’t let it be a one off.
4. Bendtner, ok he missed a sack full and that was a tad embarrassing and thankfully it wasn’t critical. What I want to stress though is how much I enjoyed his contribution. How so? Well isn’t it rather nice to have a shape??? Isn’t it nice to have a big strong guy in the box causing havoc??? Doesn’t it make the whole team look so much more structured in our own fluid way? I think so. I noticed what we lost when Eduardo replaced him. Well done Bendtner – we hope the goals start coming a bit easier for you.
5. Overall, I know it’s only Burnley and we were at home, yet I liked the verve and shape we had today. We hummed, we need to hum. Everyone seemed to be playing better. Our game was in tune. I liked Eboue, I like him at FB. He is a better midfielder at FB if you know what I mean. He is a FB not an auxillary midfielder IMO. Clichy too, was all action today. Diaby, he has matured, he puts himself about and is this really bizzare mix of technical ability in a big imposing body. Arshavin is mercurial, you need a guy lke that. He’s cocky but tough and scares the opposition, whack goal 3, he can do that against anyone.
Are you watching Chris Waddle!
Chicago, I think if we win the BPL and Spain wins the World Cup, Cesc will be short-listed for POTY. With shortlisted, I mean final three. He’s been that relevant this year.
Barcelona might not be able to afford him. Now, if Arsenal were to go on and win the Champions League as well, he’d be the front-runner.
Yeah, he’s having an incredible season. Except I don’t know how much playing time he’ll get at the Cup. I recently read this article: http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,9405_5997233,00.html and it talks about how deep the Spanish team will be this summer. To get a sense of how much depth they have, Cesc is not even guaranteed a starting spot, and if they go 4-5-1, even Torres will be on the bench, behind David Villa.
Josh, I think the 433 formation basically is something Wenger tailor made for Cesc, to bring the best out of him. And it did.
As for Cesc to Barca rumor. I read a well-written article a while ago suggesting a new theory –
That Barcelona may not be as keen in Cesc as the media protrayed.
(1) They don’t need him, at least for now. They got a similar player in Xavi. Sometimes it’s better to have a well-balanced team than having too much quality in one position that destructs the team’s chemistry.
Adding Cesc, it would either mean Xavi would be dropped, or Inesta playing out of position. Or to rotate Cesc and Xavi, upsetting them both in the process.
(2) Barca fans may not be willing to see their club to buy a player developed by them, nicked away by Arsenal, then sell him back to them for a hugh fees.
it’s not difficult to understand how they feel – now imagine Man U robbed Wilshere away from us, a few years back after he establishes himself into a star, and sell him back to us for 30 mil.
Would Arsenal fans happy to see him return?
The author of that post pointed out – one key reason to decide whether Barca would move for Cesc or not is depends on Real Madrid’s intention.
Cos apparently Real have also shown interest in Cesc. And you know Perez’s mentality – he doesn’t give a damn about team chemistry, all he cares is to PLEASE THE FANS.
The last thing Barcelona want is for Cesc to join Real Madrid.
So if Real make the move, so will Barca.
but either way, Personally I don’t think Cesc will leave. At least not for next season.
Look at Rooney, Ronaldo had come out and saying he wanted Rooney to join him at Real Madrid.
But why should him? Rooney, without Ronaldo, now finally can be the MAN. Playing alongside Ronaldo, or Kaka the likes, he will again be the supporting cast.
The way I see it, whether Man U win anything or not, Rooney will stay.
It’s the same with Cesc. He’s now the MAN with Arsenal, not exactly a small club in Europe.
Make no mistake, the main man of Barca for the foreseeing future will always be Messi.
I’d say Barca have two main men.
To me, Iniesta is the single most underrated player in world football. He’s incredible, and you hear relatively little about him b/c he’s not trendy/stylish/fashionable/etc… but he is awesome at football and that’s what counts.
Recently Barcalona hospital maternity wards were over-run for a brief period, approximately nine months after Barca’s 6-2 win over Madrid and the team advancing to the CL final with his late goal vs Chelsea…The babies born during this period are now known as the “Iniesta Generation”… http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE60S5RR20100129
That was something I had heard about him. And I agree about him being highly under-rated.
I think Samir Nasri should get an honorable mention based on the strength of his performance. I’m not a fan of his but when Cesc went off, he looked to take on more responsibility in midfield. If you weren’t paying attention, you would have missed it but you’ll certainly see it if you watch the game again. We’ve always known he has the talent to make a more telling contribution but it was good to see him make things happen today.
Also nice to see Theo do his thing. I wonder what ol’ punk-ass Waddle has to say now. What I’m more excited about is after Theo got his goal, you saw him absolutely buzzing with confidence. He started linking play better, he created a few more chances for Bendtner, and he was making a nuisance of himself to the Burnley side. Good on him.
Fabregas is a doubt for the Porto match. At least Song will be available. We really need Bendtner to bring his shooting boots on Tuesday. I’m sure the crowd will be behind the team and we can create chances but we’ve also got to finish them. We’re under pressure so let’s see how the boys perform. If we get pass Porto, I have a funny feeling our next opponent will be either Bordeaux or Real Madrid; probably Madrid.
Nasri also had the killer ball to go with Cesc’s killer run on his goal.
I only saw highlights, not the whole match, but nonetheless I have a few conclusions:
1. Cesc Fabregas is TFM (The Fucking Man)… this better be a minor injury.
2. Nicklas Bendtner sucks at finishing. (This is ironic considering that’s pretty much a CF’s main job. If you suck at all other aspects of the game you can still be a decent CF if you’re good at finishing- see Inzaghi.) I haven’t watched nearly as much football in my lifetime as some other people here, but that guy has seriously missed more sitters in his career than any other player I’ve ever seen… and he’s only 22. And not just a few more sitters than anyone else, I’m talking an order of magnitude here.
STAT: Fabregas now has 14 goals, which ties Pires’s EPL record for most goals by a midfielder in one season. It annoys me that they always give stats only for the EPL- English football existed before 1992, and I feel like it demeans the accomplishments of the generations of players who played before then. I’d also be curious to know what the midfield goals record is overall, b/c I bet Fab could get that too, if he’s already tied the EPL record w/ 9 matches left. And he’s got an ASSLOAD of assists as well. That’s why he’s TFM.
Got to be one of the funniest own goals ever!
http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/4930276/
well, today was sort of a microcosm of the season.
we had most of the possession, created many chances, some
sitters for Bendtner, who SUCKED today, he was abysmal in his
misses, that would be easier to have scored than missed.
Cesc scores a nice goal, goes off injured…
(PRAYING he is OK for Tuesday, because we could be out of the CL)
Theo plays very well, after most people shit all over the kid.
He scores an excellent goal… has a solid game.
Almunia flapping like the jackass that he is, and somehow
Burnley miss the chance.
Arshavin puts the match away at the end.
3-1…
could have been 2-2 because of Bendtner & Almunia
and could have been 6-1 if Bendtner didn’t suck so badly today.
Happy Theo stepped up and SHUT UP the doubters for a day or two.
Somehow, we are level on points with Chelsea, even though
we have injuries, played like shit on more than a few occasions this
season, and have had United and Chelsea mop the floor with us.
Watching United struggle with Wolves right now.
0-0, and Wolves have had better chances to score.
That’s why the EPL is the BEST LEAGUE IN THE WORLD.
and United played like RUBBISH most of the match, Wolves had a handful of chances, spurned them, and Scholes gets one chance and scores.
That’s the difference between United and Wolves.
Well, somehow… (and I really have no fucking clue how, this is the craziest season ever) we are tied with Chelsea at the top of the table for the time being. I missed the match this morning (thanks to Unofficial St. Patrick’s Day yesterday) but will definitely watch the highlights. Sounds like the team has coped well w/ the drama surrounding Ramsey’s injury last week.
Seriously, how did this happen? Assuming Man U win today and Chelsea win their game in hand, it’ll look like this:
CHELSEA…64
MAN U…..63
ARSENAL…61
The top 3 would be separated by only 3 points with ONLY 9 MATCHES LEFT! (And if either of them drop points it will be even closer.) It’s gonna be one hell of a finish to the league season. It’s just as crazy a little further down as well:
GP…TEAM….PTS
28…Spurs…49
27…City….49
28…Pool….48
26…Villa…45
Come on Villa! Get that 4th spot, cause I hate the other 3 teams pushing for it!
A bit too close for comfort. Late in the game, Mooney flapped at a corner and the Burnley player blasted the shot over the bar. If that had gone in, that was it for Arsenal.
If Big Head Ben had his scoring boots on today along with a few other chances, we might have had a tennis score. Still, happy with the result, but need a marked improvement to beat Porto and keep the title chase going.
Things looked normal today. Arsenal had the most possession, missed plenty of chances, including some classic misses from Bendtner like in the good old days. But this time the fans appeared to be laughing at his misses and he was all smiles when he left. Walcott got a really nice goal today. I think next time, we should get Zidane to criticize Walcott before a big game. Walcott will deliver a hat-trick then :)
And glad to see Arshavin back. Hopefully Cesc comes back soon as his goal was beautiful. Even Eboue had a nice 1-2 with Cesc.
When Cesc scored the goal, the commentators noted that the Burnley goal keeper’s injury (with Nasri) might have prevented him from moving freely. Sure. Like he would have moved anyway. Little comments like that are annoying but don’t care if Arsenal keep scoring and winning.
BTW
Veetle.com has a great feed in HD for FSC+.
yeah they did. They had one last week as well. I am glad for whoever puts this out on HD.
The stream is in HD? How much bandwidth does that require?
Didn’t check to see how much bandwidth but my connection varied quite a bit so my picture did not stay constant throughout but atleast I always had the voice.
3 pts. Hopefully, that’ll give some comforts to young Ramsey.
64 Bendtner misses another absolute sitter. Walcott sends in a perfect ball but the striker contrives to again put it wide from about five yards. The Arsenal fans don’t know whether to laugh or cry at the moment.
I’m choosing to cry.
GOALLLLLL… Theo. Fuck finely poise. Let’s run riot!
48 Walcott does well to keep in a cross. His touch falls right into the path of Bendtner, who blazes it over from five yards! Should have a hat-trick by now. Unbelievable miss.
If only Bendtner was as good in the real world as he is in his head.
1-1… Finely poised for a nerve-shredding final 30 mins.
Why was Cesc sub out?
What happened to Cesc?
Mixed feelings about the lineups. Happy to see Nasri?Rosicky starting in the middle. Should complement cesc well. Hopefully Denilson has a better than usual day as DM. Eboue at RB I don’t mind althoughit might be an We’ll have to watch him and Fletcher. Alexander, their captain, is also back for them. Should be able to run rings round him hopefully.
Bring it onn!!
Do any Boston Gooners know where I can catch tomorrow’s game? I don’t know what the deal is now that Setanta is done. Also, does anyone have FSC Plus yet? When can we expect it?
Brendan, I just saw this late… and answered on the previous post.
Spots to watch in Boston:
Cambridge – Phoenix Landing, Central Square.
PACKED, get there early.
Dorchester – The Banshee.
Good food and good crowd.
LIR – Boylston Street near the Prudential.
Newer location, Irish Pub.
The Blackthorn – South Boston.
ARSNEAL Pub.
Rats Nest.
No food. No credit cards. A dive.
Thanks for the list Stag. I have been to a few of these spots. However, I remember most of them showing the games on Setanta. I didn’t know if they would still have the games now that Setanta is gone. Oh well, I will call first next weekend to see who has the game. Or I will try veetle. Thanks again.
They all show the matches…
pretty much every week.
United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal matches are always shown.
Not too happy to see Eboue starting over Sagna…
We’ll miss Song, as we’re lightweight without him … and
Diaby on the bench too?
Don’t understand that either…
But whatever… I expect a good match and a goal from Theo Walcott.
Love it that Portsmouth won their FA Cup match, I hope they get to
Wembley, their great supporters deserve it.
Would have to think that Diaby and AA23 are being rested for Porto
Starting Xi – Almunia, Silvestre, Vermaelen, Eboue, Clichy, Rosicky, Fabregas, Walcott, Denilson, Nasri, Bendtner
Subs: Fabianski, Arshavin, Diaby, Sagna, Eduardo, Eastmond, Traore
Not exactly what I had hoped for. Denilsquat makes an appearance.
A sound thrashing of Burnley would send the right message.
I am all for a 3-0 win!
Eboue to start as an attacking RB. Denilson shouldn’t cause much trouble as I doubt Burnley will attack much. Need Bendy and Arsh to be in form. I tip Walcott to score today.
I am hoping nobody gets injured today. And I am hoping nobody breaks any legs either.
Common u gunners….
Nice article DAG and thanks for the injury update.
Rooney a question mark for United. That should be interesting though in the end they should win – they are playing wolves after all. Funny thing was Fergie breaking precedent and criticizing Shrek for playing in the England friendly.
FYI – Gallas and Campbell are set to return next week. That means all our short-term niggly injuries are gone. Djourou likely to return to training sometime this month and RvP some time next month. Leaving Ramsey and Gibbs (both done for the season) remaining.
One last point, Chelsea and Man United are coming up with some injuries. It will be interesting to see how well they cope and if they can still win tough games with key players missing. We’ve had major inury problems and still managed to stay close in the title race. Now, it’s their turn to face a small dose of that adversity.
There are only three BPL matches on today as most have been postponed for some reason. Arsenal plays but I have to fly tonight and will probably miss the game.
Some Burnley players have come out and expressed a desire to get physical with Arsenal. Even if they plan on doing it, it’s foolish to express that as you simply never know what the referee’s attitude on the Ramsey challenge is. He may simply not feel the way most of the media have and may not tolerate over-physicality. The fact that it’s an away game has already made it tough enough for them.
If Arshavin starts, I’m expecting a show from him. He’s been out with an injury that’s unknown to me but hopefully it hasn’t affected his ability to train. Also, he’ll know how close Arsenal are to possibly winning the title.
If Denilson starts and plays, we need him to play smart. He’s just got to learn that it’s tough to play football with your head up your ass. Hopefully, he’s taken his time out of the team to reflect on his performances this season and can take it back to the basics. If not, then I hope Wenger can afford to drop him again.
Bendtner scored a dynamite goal for Denmark this weekend and he seems to be getting back to his best. We’ll need that from him. Clichy also seems to be getting back. We’ll see how it all goes. It will be interesting to see if Eboue starts at RB or Sagna.
Games have been postponed because teams are playing in the FA Cup.
Maybe you have forgotten about it because Wenger doesn’t care about it anymore. ;)
I see what you’re saying Josh though i think it’s odds against. More than anything, the referee is probably more likely to feel that there is less chance of repercussion against him if he allows the game to flow through the “hard but fair” challenges. I mean, if a leg breaker challenge is still being debated about whether it was a cardable offence then the ref should have no fear over being scrutinized for allowing too much physicality.
But fingers crossed we get a guy who sees it our way.