The Carling Cup or If Arsene Can Give A Damn So Can I.
So here it is Wednesday and as many of you know I could care less about the Carling Cup. Sure it’s silverware, something we don’t have a lot of in the recent year but I always figured if Arsene didn’t take it seriously why should I waste the time to write something about it.
Then this season came.
Like our first Carling Cup round at White Heart Lane (a fine thrashing of those noisy cross town neighbours), Arsene Wenger is set to field another strong squad to go into tonight’s match versus Newcastle at St. James Park. Like Spurs, the Geordies will face an Arsenal squad that will feature a fair mix of youngsters and first teamers which goes to show the new found serious interest in the league cup. Use of senior team players along with reserves only goes to show that even Arsene is cognizant of the lack of the silverware and the mounting pressure associated with it. In a recent interview with Arsenal TV Online he said:
“I can understand that people want more and we want to give them more. You can only show attitude, commitment and we have talent, so let’s go step by step and try and win the game tomorrow and keep that urgency and that attitude until the end of the season. I repeat: we will play with a good team [at Newcastle] and we do our best, and that’s all we can do.”
Some of the first team stars likely to feature are, Theo Walcottwho is set for his first start since rolling his ankle whilst on duty for England some months back. Joing Theo will be Nicklas Bendtner, the self reported “best striker” on the planet. Let’s just hope the Dane brings the boots he scored with on Sunday and his normal first touch antics don’t suddenly reappear.
As for ‘keeper Arsenal fans look set to see the future, as Woijicech Szczesny is set to make only his 2nd first team start. He’s been very vocal about getting his opportunity to play and with an “injury” to Almunia, Mannone out on loan and Fabianksi doing his best David Seaman imitation, the pole gets the nod. A solid performance from him will likely insure the goal keeping status quo continues for the foreseeable future.
The Magpies themselves seem intent on a serious cup run of their own. Sure, they are focused on staying up in the EPL, but there is a train of thought that a successful League Cup run could actually help in the mentality around that club.
Newcastle has played Arsenal 165 times in each of the club’s histories. For Newcastle that is more than any other opponent they’ve face. Too bad they’ve only won against Arsenal 65 times. The home side haven’t beaten an Arsenal team in a cup tie since their 1-0 FA Cup final win against the Gunners. The task for the magpies is rough as in the last 7 seven meetings Arsenal are unbeaten and haven’t conceded a goal in the last 4 cup ties against each other.
For the home side, Sol Campbell looks to get a run out featuring in only his second start since signing a contract with Newcastle. I am not sure this is what he had in mind when he decided to join the lads in St. James Park versus the friendly confines of the Emirates.
Arsenal should be wary because this side dispatched an equally strong Chelsea side in the last round.
Regardless, it should be an enteraining match to watch – especially since we seem to be going for it.
My Arsenal side for this match up is:
Szczesny, Djourou, Koscielny, Eboue, Gibbs, Denilson, Diaby, Rosicky, Bendtner, Vela, Walcott
My prediction: 3-0 to the Arsenal
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Up a little early and thinking I might write a morning essay to be buried when DAG puts up his West Ham preview….I guess this is why he created the forums, and maybe I (we) should cross post over there….Here goes….
Before we get too carried away with our Bi-Pole-Er ™ dual clean sheets and the embarrassment of riches in our attack, we need to take care of a little business…Notably West Ham tomorrow and then a lovely early November trip to the Ukraine… Don’t get me wrong, I love it that we can argue on and on about the quality and potential of guys like Theo, Bendy and Vela (who probably will only make the bench at Donesk… bring TWO down coats, Carlitos…)
Fat coats on “tubby tourists” notwithstanding, I’ve been thinking (however) about the thinness of our defense….
Admittedly, it looks a whole lot thicker with keepers (for the moment) doing the job, but with Vermaelen out long(ish) term, West Ham looks a good chance to (again) see the French foursome (Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny and Clichy) and hope that they can do the job AND stay healthy. At the moment Eboue is our only back-up winger and Djourou, who let’s just say looks better with each match, is our lone stand in at CB. (Sorry, but I don’t think Songaldinho wants to muss up his new ‘do with too many defensive headers….)
Our current “system” (and I use the term loosely) appears to be a 4-5-1, with nobody clearly delineated as a DM. As such, the burdens on the defenders are extreme. CBs are expected to push to the half line (and even further) while having the recovery speed to get back quickly if we turn the ball over, not to mention racing back after, as we call it in the GDC, YAPC—yet another poor corner.
We had a little confusion with that term the other day as Gibbs drew the acronym, but this time it was to signify “yet another perma crock”…. Obviously, it’s a shame he’s out again when he’s looked so bright whenever he’s gotten a chance. And his strong (and different) forward play seemed to spark our little Russian in a way that Clichy’s doesn’t…
And attack, our wingbacks must….With Chamakh and/or Bendtner as decent aerial threats and our little fellows buzzing around near the top of the box looking for scraps, crossing the ball is actually a potent strategy. But then, of course, you’ve got wingbacks being asked to cover 100 yards at a time…
My point is that our team dynamic (who feels safe until we’re up by three goals?….) puts tremendous stress on our defenders…and we’re down to bare bones….
Luckily, the summer buys seem good (touch wood) and, so far, Sagna and Clichy are holding up. Sagna, to me, looked none too thrilled to have to come on in the CC match, and Eboue, (though I love him as a team mascot and leader of goal celebrations) looks like he really just goes through the motions and hopes for an opponent’s touch so he can spring(board) into the pool. With the keeper situation (for the moment) looking more settled, this is the area of our team that, to me, needs development and maybe some reinforcements in January. It’s all fine and good to win by 3 or 4 (or more) goals, but in the bigger matches we need our best defenders healthy and ready to take on the better strikers and wingers they will face. Perhaps we’ll see Nordtveit, or others, on the bench at least, over the next little spell, and wrapping up CL qualification might be a great chance for him and some of our other young defenders (like whom???) to get their feet wet.
Any other thoughts from those who know more than me?….
Nice in depth article about Song.
http://arsenalfcblog.com/why-i-love-alex-song/#comment-126251
I agree with Arse. I think AW is fed up with the media constantly rubbishing him for “not playing English”. He wants to prove a point.
Back to Vela. Personally I like this kid a lot. I said a few years ago he’s the most technically gifted young players in our team since Fabregas. Especially his first touch, we haven’t seen someone with such a soft first touch since master Bergkamp. And I love his baby chip, or what they called “ding” when he’s one on one with keepers. Hell, I believe Theo Walcott actually learned or stole a trick or two from Vela! Just look at Theo’s first goal tonight!
Anyway, I do believe Wenger rates him. If he’s for real, sooner or later he will be the man up front for us. AW doesn’t often let the real talent slip away. Just look at all those “bright young things” who had left Arsenal, few turned out to be a real star since leaving Arsenal. Bentley, Aliadiere, Quincy, Lupoli…. a long list of them.
I absolutely love Vela and have a soft spot for him since following his progress in Spain and seeing him make an idiot of Ramos.
When I first saw him play I thought about Jose Antonio Reyes with balls.
However, he just doesn’t seem to fit with our current formation and it may be the best thing to sell him to a La Liga team. A youngster like him needs to play regularly to improve and if not, it would be best for both parties to part ways. He will do good somewhere else.
“he just doesn’t seem to fit with our current formation”
CK – Arsenal have no structured formation…..
our 4-3-3 is really a 4-2-3-1 morphing back and forth to a 4-1-4-1; to a 4-5-1; to a 4-6-0
Look at our players – all versatile (ball control, dribble, and passing); hi IQ for movement without the ball…..total football?
Diaby (2 seasons ago) was thrown out on the wing and he struggled so pathetically. When Song was injured late last season, Diaby then was placed in the DM role and slowly his game acclimated. Now he is shifted to a more attacking role. (versatility)
Arsene is playing Jack out of position in the DM (sharing) role……allowing him to play with less pressure of expectation (at DM), while learning support duties and freedom to push forward (like Song) when the opportunity presents itself.
How has Theo performed (for Arsenal) prior to this season? He is certainly (to date) not effective in linking play – but finding open space to exploit.
Vela is only 2 months older than Theo. Vela has touch, can link, hold the ball, and finish.
Song is 2 years older. Look at how his game has evolved in the past 2 seasons.
If our manager can have the patience for Eboue, Denilson, Fabianski, Song, Diaby, Theo, Rosicky, RvP, why wouldn’t he for Vela?
Ars I also made the argument as to the fluidity of our formation in any one game in relation to the 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1. However CKs point is validated by the fact our dynamism still doesn’t allow for a constant 2 up front. Vela is best played as 1 of those 2.
Im not saying Vela cannot play as a lone striker. If Micheal Owen, Wayne Rooney and even RVP can play there, then Vela can too given enough support. But he may prove no better at it than Arshavin.
The problem is do you play in him the lone striker role ahead of RVP, Chamankh, Bendtner, the emerging JET or even Walcott?
The pecking order prevents him for getting a decent spell in the first team in that postion at present. However I still think he can be effective for us on the wing cutting in and scoring like Arshavin. As highlighted earlier, he is also one of the best crossers of the ball in our side.
Vela can play on either flank….like Rosicky and Nasri – and become extremely effective; especially on the right flank drifting inside to utilize his left foot…..like Roben @ Bayern Munich.
We’ll likely see RvP – also out on the flank.
Hey, Vela rarely plays, so he’s going to look awkward trying to mesh with his teammates.
Why do fans turn their own hour glass over – and expect a player to reach maturity by the last
grain of sand? How old is Vela?
I noticed that 5 minutes b4 half, he became much more mobile, moving to the center of the pitch and becoming an excellent and EFFECTIVE linking option.
Vela has not played much this season, we should not expect miracles. His movement in the middle showed me more about his growth as a Arsenal player and compatibility for the team than anything he’d done in past seasons.
I could never see attitudinal issues with this player – hell, he’s smiling all the time. What player wants to come out of any match?
Throw away the tarot cards.
Agreed Ars’ particularly about the attitude thing. Cannot see any reason why his attitude should be questioned.
It’s more of a drive and hunger thing. Hernandez looks like a starving grizzled veteran at United, feeding off scraps. Vela is like a tubby tourist playing on a beach.
He’s got the talent, he just needs to shake off the yips that have recently afflicted him and to do that he maybe needs to smile less and be a bit more serious.
I agree with Mazza on this one. I never like players playing with a smile on their faces. I perfer to see intensity and determination. That’s one reason I’m so impressed with Wally S. This is the first time I saw him play. He really had that battle face, looked like he would do anything to prevent the ball going past him into his net.
Ars and I were referring to a the suggestion that Vela may have an attitude problem due to his reaction when being taken off. Nothing to do with drive, commitment or smiles.
I like it when players – athletes can ENJOY themselves … smile on the pitch.
Not always grinning and clowning, but…
Thierry Henry smiled on the pitch, he was the best striker we’ve ever had…
Drogba smiles and laughs on the pitch, but is serious when he needs to be as well.
it has zero to do with how the player plays.
There ws no grand statement intended on Vela, just a passing comment. Historically Vela rarely gets a game even when we are threadbare in attack.
So the question (for me) becomes why does Vela get so little game-time yet Walcott gets so much? There’s obviously something amiss in Wenger’s view otherwise the lad would get the same treatment as Walcott, Bendtner, Denilson, Diaby et al.
I presume Vela is simply behind all of those in the pecking order.
Kiwi, I believe it’s because he’s a player without a position with the current Arsenal side playing the 433.
433 really hurt him and Eduardo. IMO he is a striker, and nothing else. Far less effective playing at the wing.
Yet he’s not strong enough to lead the line by himself.
I firmly believe the 442 will bring the best out of him. Playing off a strong targetman.
Walcott is a great asset in counter attack. Whereas Vela isn’t. He’s quick, but not as quick to outrun everyone like Walcott when we start our counter attack.
I think there’s a lot of truth in what you’re saying Andez and I very much agree that the strengths of both Eduardo and Vela look redundant in the current setup.
What I don’t understand is why even when we have almost nobody available in attack he still hasn’t got a run. Wenger persevered with Walcott even when his onfield performances were woeful. So why wouldn’t Vela get a go when there was literally no one else to turn to?
My understanding is that Vela has been struggling with injuries quite constantly over the past 1.5 years, mostly from being flogged to death by the Mexican National team in the (stupid) “Gold Cup” in the summer of 2009. Early in that tournament he landed on his ankle and everybody thought it was going to be the end for him. Instead (perhaps with the aid of cortisone shots) Vela came in as a super-sub, to extremely good effect, scoring the winning PK in the semis and leading Mexico to a 5-nil route of the USA after coming on at half time with the score 0-0. And of course, he was re-injured in this years World Cup.
As for today’s performance, I see a lot of Rosicky in Vela, except that he’s just as left footed as Sicky is right footed. They both move well and are extremely adept with their good foot, and both play with their heads up, always looking to pass or play in teammates. As such, both are probably most suited to play as fairly free-roving AMs or “2nd strikers.” But, of course that would also apply to Cesc, Arshavin, Nasri, Walcott and maybe even RVP (if he’s actually still alive and ever comes back to play with Makh/Bendy who are truer #9s). In fact, we have to be one of the richest clubs in #10s, which is either good or bad, depending on how you feel about AWs penchant for picking up highly skilled players who’ve always played centrally (and then forcing them to play out-of-position…..)
So, with Vela at 21 and Sicky at 30, and based on today’s performance (as well as other recent ones), if I had to say which of them was past their due date….I’d have to go with the Czech….(But of course, I love him too, and I have a soft spot for loyal servants, who’ve fought through injury, etc., etc…..)
Based on potential future performance (which I know isn’t how a lot of folks like to judge players….) I’d say the Smilan Mayan isn’t our worst bet. (Vela was born in the Yucatan, actually in Cancun, which is maybe where the “tubby tourist” thing comes from, and he has the distinctive hook nose….) I just hope he gets more chances and a good run of fitness….
Maybe, if he had just gone for his usual chip in that first chance tonight….
The only problem is that Vela is not a free-roaming AM type like Rosicky. So there really isnt any basis for comparison.
He is a Michael Owen type of player who will do very well shadowing a Big Striker in a 4-4-2 …
He was bought before we switched so its not his fault. But I just dont see any future for him.
Rosicky on the other hand can play either as the AM, CM or the wide forward roles. Vela cant play any of those.
I agree with you both (Andez & Kiwi), Vela is best suited with a partner upfront. However I think this is indicative of all our attackers, I think they all prefer someone to play off.
The problem is Vela is probably the least suited to a lone striker role, although he has better balance and strength than Walcott, Walcott’s pace gets him the nod over Vela in the pecking order. Of course Walcott cost a lot of money is English so he is at a disadvantage there too.
Vela has had plenty experience of playing on the wings prior to AFC, he is one of the best crossers of the ball in the squad, he should be given playing time there. I believe Vela is one of the players Wenger thinks he can afford to keep waiting, him being the latest young arrival and all. He did look very disappointed at being hauled off, maybe his patience is starting to wear thin.
re: Theo
I believe Arsene really wants to develop a world class English player……..and sees in Theo MANY of the attributes of a young Henry.
Having Theo’s pace (as today) would add a new dimension to our attack, where we wouldn’t rely so much on walking the ball into the net.
Bendtner or Chamakh coming back for the ball, dragging one of the opponent’s CB’s with them……..a lot of space for Theo to utilize.
I don’t believe anyone can see 2 years ahead and envision how Vela will evolve at Arsenal. Look where Song was at Vela’s age!
Don’t get all bent about it Arse. I’m guessing most agree on this one. No one is having a go at our smiling Mexican. Steve’s theory on injury may be applicable, that aside we simply don’t have a lot to go by except the simple fact that he almost never gets picked.
The other interesting aspect with Carlos is the number of years of professional experience he already has under his belt. After leaving Mexico, he had 2 years in Spain and this is his 3rd year at Arsenal. So the lad has had quite a bit of time to adjust to being a pro. I’m just intrigued (perplexed?) why Wenger plays him so sparingly.
We know that progress and maturation is not linear (Song is a good case in point), yet….I just get the feeling there is stuff we don’t know about behind the scenes with Carlos.
Too bad about Gibbs….
Lots of shots straight at the keeper in the first half and crazy pace of play. We needed the old man (Sicky) to settle things but he just kept turning and pushing. He is not an adequate field general when Cesc is unavailable (as Joey Barton would like him to be….) We looked much better after the break (and the late goal didn’t hurt….)
Szczesny is the Szczhznit. Loved him screaming at his wall on that late FK, and putting his face in harms way for one of his saves, not to mention the fingertip stuff or the punch to Scotland at the end. Would it be too ironic for AW to announce that Almunia has has a recurrence of his chest cold, with complications including a very bad coughing problem (sneezing would be too obvious….)
And Kos looked very solid and calm in front of him, mopping up Sneezy’s one early error….
Still giving up chances and we’re not solid (at all) in DM. Today we had the squad to dominate possession and control the game in that manner but instead it seemed like everybody needed a goal (or two) and running a tally was more important. Personally I’m saddened that Frimpong did his ACL as he had jumped ahead of Eastmond over the summer. Oh well….
About Vela…Obviously I have a soft spot for him and hope he can do more, but he didn’t help his cause today. Like Arshavin, whose position he assumes on the field, fitness doesn’t seem his strong suit. Whether that’s due to injury or motivational problems, like Kiwi says, we don’t know. I’m inclined to cut him a bit more slack, (he turns 22 next March) but I also wonder if he might do better in a slower, less physical league. The crazy pace of today’s match did him no favors. Still, I thought he wasn’t all bad and popped up in some good positions on several occasions, with a particularly nice run in the 2nd half that died when his good ball to Sicky got played to no one. Oh well…
Is the FA smart enough to keep our ping pong ball away from United’s for the next round? We shall see….
And finally, nice to see Andez(ll) up on the board (but not getting too carried away….)
Steve, good to catch up with u guys again!
That’s a couple of good slashes by Bendtner in the last 2 games. Strong confident strikes coming in from the left.
Walcott looks to have retained his better form that he displayed pre-injury.
So… ok, my bad, that’s the 2 ‘young’ players that traditionally drive me crackers actually contributing. More please. The arrival of Chamakh may be the best thing that happens to Bendtner – a real role model for him to watch and learn from.
Despite the continuing teething problems I’m liking the new faces at CB. The old crew had their chance and came up short. Kos is interesting.
I agree with Nip Chesny looked good, lots of confidence and just a sense of wanting to be there and to do whatever was needed with confidence. His final act was a punch from a corner (I think) – it summed him up, he flew at the ball through the throng of bodies and smash-punched the ball toward the halfway line.
I’m a bit worried about Gibbs. He went off early. I really hope this lad isn’t going to have a career blighted by injury – he is too good a prospect. We need an intelligent LB who can defend and link with the attacking plays. Bit worried for him.
Vela’s a mystery. Has he got attitudinal problems? He came off today and the camera followed his walk. He passed the coaching staff and seemed to avoid them. Maybe nothing, few players ‘like’ coming off but you wonder. Maybe the fit isn’t right.
Thrilled to be through to the next round.
Nice victory, which of course means we are now ready to win the league.
Is it me or is Djourou the new Sendy? Every time he gives me the willies.
Many here pick out one moment in a match and staple it to the player’s entire performance……
there’s an aroma of a clean sheet……
a lot of comments but no one remarking on Djourou’s header (clearance) assist to Theo for the 2nd goal. Okay……gunner historians, anyone remember a similar assist?
Djourou also made a fantastic sliding interception to stop a great goalscoring opportunity, but he does look suspect though.
Sagna also looked suspect at times today, but hey lets enjoy the victory.
Exactly art. I was wondering who would be the first one who brought up that point – Sagna seemed to have had an off day defending our right. Djourou hadn’t played for almost an entire season last term. He needs more game to get into rhythm. Personally I think he did alright. That sliding interception probably had saved us from conceding a goal.
Kolscieny was the star today in defence.
Agreed. Contrary to master Fred’s alleged football knwoledge Kosch seems to be a vey good buy.
Twice Koz headed the ball straight into the air costing an attempt on goal on each occasion. He also lost his man for the thru-ball in that Wosj came out for and missed.
That combined with the 3 or 4 goals Arsenal has conceded this season with him directly committing a “Clichy” means that the jury is still out on him.
Chill on the stupidity ;-)
Either way, he and Djorou are good enough backup for Vermaelen and Squillaci.
Damn! do you expect the boy to be perfect.
I think you will find that Squilla is back up for Kosch.
Deep down you know this boy is the next Tony Adams, you just hate humble pie ;-)
hate? LOL!
i assume his playing in the CC implies he is the junior partner to squillaci.
I think he is in the CC because he is returning from injury.
Oh and I did mean “hate humble pie” :-D
Another fine victory by the lads. Lond may we continue to put away our chances. Fantstic finish from NickyBarnDoor today he really looked sharp, fantastic finish as well to crown a good performance, nice to see Theo on the scoresheet too.
that Barton is nasty peice of work isn’t he, should have had Song in there to dish out out a little retribution or our little hatchet man Jack.
Satisfying victory that we earned, cannot understand why they selected such an understrength side though considering they were playing the Arsenal. Szczney looked really steady as usual apart feom the one error that he got away with. I woulsd stick with Fab though as he seems to have finally tuyrned the corner (fingers crossed).
Kosch continues to look like a very astute buy while Djourou continues to make one nervous, but it’s all good as they say.
Art, when AW claimed Bendtner was troubled by ankle injury last season despite carry on playing, now I believe him. A beautiful finish.
Fantastic finish, give us some consistency with that and we will have another star on our hands.
I think it was a groin. That may explain Bendtner’s ungainly movement in the last couple of years, and we may see a more nimble confident Bendtner when he gets fully fit.
He showed in a 4-4-2 a few years ago that he was alot more than a old-fashioned battering ram. Kid can play.
You not going to start giving ‘saviour’ status to Antibayor now are you? ;-)
Well I was the first to big him up, calling for him to replace Ade during the 07/08 title run in. I knew that plank was going to go goalless and wanted Wenger to pre-empt it and stop the rot before it began, but alas, my calls were ignored.
And righly so Mazza (you calls being ignored that is). Nicky still has yet to prove that he has what it takes to fill the Dade’ boots. He has yet to prove himself to be an exceptional player. If he doesn’t prove it soon he may find himself replaced by somebody like JET.
There is nothing to prove or boots to fill. At present, both Chamakh and Bendtner are far more intelligent and useful forwards for the type of football we strive to play.
Since the clown left Arsenal has actually scored MORE goals.
When either of those are able to score 30+ in one season I may even consider agreeing with until then, let the stats speak for themselves.
We didn’t field the strongest team, we didn’t even play particular well. 4-0 is the final score. If we are called Chelsea, they would say “This is what Champions are made of”. Since we are Arsenal though, I don’t know what people would say. Not like I care about it much anyway. Great result.
P.S: Hasn’t Chris Waddle been awfully quiet on the subject of Theo Walcott lately?
To be fair, this is not the first time Arsenal has smashed a team in the CL group stages or Carlings Cup.
The last few times we have won big like this in both these competitions we have stumbled in the following league game.
Results like this are more meaningful from February onwards.
Nice to have you back Andez.
Theo looks like he is just abouyt ready to bloom. Bendtner too hopefully.
Thanks art, Theo’s two goals, cool as you like! I’m in fact very thankful to Mr. Waddle. Walcott been playing like a man with a point to prove.
Yeah shut Waddle up, they were finishes by a young man who has a look of self belief and confidence, that confidenc helps you to keep calm in sucha high pressure situatiion.
I remember watching twointerviews post the Waddle comment where Theo says, after an what I can only descibe as an arrogant snort, “I know whta I can do,” on both occasions I sense this boy believes what he is saying. IU just wasn’t sure he was deluded by some of Arsene’s pep talk. Obviously not I will not doubt the boy again “he knows what he can do.”
I’m thankful to Fabio Capello. The man who really gave Walcott a giant kick up the jacksie.
Kick up the back side, or rest? Whatever it was Fabio has had a fa greater impact on Theo’ career than Sven.
As for the game, good victory … glad to see Walcott and Bendtner back in form.
BUT I really, really hope you wont see the ridiculous over-confidence from the players that we have come to expect after big wins in the CC or CL group stages.
I pray that Denilson, Clichy and Almunia dont open their pie-holes anytime before the West Ham game.
Scznezy is by far our best GK.
Its not just not the fact that he commands the box strongly, excellent decision making, excellent distribution, communicates very well and is very good shot stopper, its also the sense of confidence he seems to exude.
With Fabianski you get the sense he is praying that nothing bad happens, while with Scznezy he is more like “bring it on!”. Definitely the best GK at the club. By a mile.
However, Fabianski has earned his top spot for now but the younger Pole should definitely be permanent number 2, and the moment Flap f”cks up he should step in.
Either way, Almunia MUST be sold (or given away for free) on January 1st, so that he is never an option again.
And a walk in the park it proved to be.
Very impressed with Chesny. He walked the talk.
Happy that Kos is back. He was calm and collected.
Bendy looked rusty and Vela failed to make an impression (again!).
The thing is Bendtner actually has the ability and technique to strike a football cleanly. Chamakh can’t hit the broad side of the barn door.
Chamakh’s mobility gives him the edge but I wouldn’t say he’s that much better, if at all.
Confusing…Which one is the Barndoor?
Makh’s a horse (or at least when he dives it appears like a steeplechase accident….) and he’s working hard to be that prototypical hold-up guy….If Bendy stays fit (he’s finally moving freely, if not quickly) and learns the same stuff and gets stronger, he might live up to the hype, though I know it’s tougher when you’re royalty…
Only time will tell….But signing Makh (and having him slot in as he has) can only help the “Great” Dane…
I think we agree Ade is the Dade for both of them at this stage in their career right?
I agree. I dont see how exactly Chamakh is better.
He is more mobile and can draw advantageous decisions from the ref … but he isnt any better with regards to shooting or scoring, passing, technique, distribution or heading. Most of Chamakhs headers are free headers. Bendy is the only player on the team who can actually win a properly challenged header.
That said, both players are assets and there are more than enough games for them to both get enough playing time.
Bendy is far inferior to both Chamankh and Ade in the air.
Both Ade and Chamankh are better suited as the big man up front. Ade in particular was good at bringing other player s in to play by using his aerial ability Bendtner has always been useless in that area to date.
Yes Bendtner has scored some good goals in the air but not of the quality or regularityof Ade or Chamankh. If you have only seen Chamankh score free headers you need to watch his goals for Bordeaux
First and foremost, why are you talking about Ade? He is an imbecile sitting on the bench of Man City and is of no concern to me.
As for Bendtner, the goals he scored against Stoke and Wolves last season are ones I havent seen Chamakh score before.
Bendtner is better in the air.
Ade left a gapping hole in our strike force when he left, still hasn’t been filled adequately until either Chamankh or Bendtner hit a peak.
I have always doubted your knowledge of the game Fred. I believe you just spout what you read most of the tiem and everything else exposes you lack of knowledge.
No way is he better in the air you are crazy to suggest so or more likely ignorant.
And I am sure you will find Chamankh has score headed goals that Bendtner hasn’t scored too, that proves very little.
Gaping hole? That explains why we scored more goals last season than during Adebayor’s peak. LOL. We surely havent missed his offsides or misses.
——————
My knowledge of the game comes from 17 years of watching games live in stadia in Holland, Germany and France, 21 yrs of following several leagues on tv, in particular Ajax, Barca and Arsenal in the last 14.
Yours might come from your one-day trip to Calais when you were a kid? Profound!
Bendtner is a better header of the ball.
Fred, all those years watching and still ignorant, that is a shame.
The peak of Ade Arsenal career he scored 30 or so goals, what are you talking about?
There is no point in arguing with you as you are adept in failing to see the obvious anyway ;-)
Arsenal scored more goals last season than during Adebayor’s peak years. Its not a complicated statement to understand. Think about it. Its English ;-)
Fred, it is not complicated but it is irreleveant. When you are comparing the effectiveness of one striker to another on the same team. you compare their strike rates to each other not how many goals the team scored when they were in it, that is simply illogical and foolish yet you claim to be clever and knowledgeable, the irony is astounding :laugh:
“The thing is Bendtner actually has the ability and technique to strike a football cleanly. Chamakh can’t hit the broad side of the barn door.”
like Hleb?
Hleb had a decent shooting technique when he plucked up the courage.
Anyway, I fail to see the connection or relevance between Chamakh and the legendary Belarussian.
LOL
At the point, Vela might as well just pack his bags.
E. Thomas looked better than him in his 7 minutes.
We dont play the 4-4-2 that would suit him so he is pretty much done for us.
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1-0 at half time thanks to an own goal.
Otherwise a typical Arsenal half – total domination, loads of chances, but no goals.
Watching Bendy, one is so grateful for Makh.
Vela has been very disappointing.
Newcastle are very weak (compared to our team). We should walk this one.
Newcastle: Krul, Perch, Williamson, Kadar, Ryan Taylor, Routledge, Guthrie, Smith, Vuckic, Lovenkrands, Ranger.
Subs: Soderberg, Coloccini, Jose Enrique, Barton, Carroll, Gutierrez, Tiote.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Eboue, Djourou, Koscielny, Gibbs, Denilson, Eastmond, Rosicky, Walcott, Bendtner, Vela.
Subs: Fabianski, Sagna, Fabregas, Arshavin, Emmanuel-Thomas, Lansbury, Nordtveit.
Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands)
Surprised to see Eastmond get the nod over Lansbury. Also Nasri is rested instead of Arsh.
I’m shocked to see Cesc on the bench! Didn’t expect him to make the trip.
DAG, Any news about Diaby and his rolled ankle? I haven’t seen anything and it was all very mysterious on Sunday. My guess would be that he is still “injured” and that Lansbury will get the start as he did in the last round.
The game’s on FSC+, and my schedule has cleared up nicely so I’ll be in the GDC hoping to find more than an echo….
This match might be a good occasion to come clean for all of those who were desperate for us to re-sign Sol Campbell. He had a nice re-union with us last Spring in desperate times but after that little honeymoon he found himself a little big in the gut, even in the slimming Black and White Geordie stripes….. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/aug/02/newcastle-sol-campbell-fans-fat-pathetic And I guess it gets harder and harder to get back in shape as you get older….I’ll admit that I put him on my fantasy squad, for sentimental reasons, but I finally traded him as he never played. Hopefully he’s on the pitch today, but I won’t be happy if he heads in a goal unless it’s late on, in a situation like Dudu’s last week….
Personally, I’m glad we spent the 18 million on the thin guys, Kosch & Squill (plus salaries!), but, as always, that’s just me….
I haven’t heard an injury update on Diaby – so yes Lansbury would be the logical replacement if he doesn’t play.
Sol’s presence and contribution last spring was indispensable.
Our manager made the right decision, in taking the proactive steps in signing younger players, likely to handle the demands of a 60 match season better than Sol.
I’ll be there in GDC.
DAG – thanks for the new post.
My understanding is that Sol is injured and won’t see action today.
I’m sure some of our young guns will start, but how many and who, we’ll have to wait for the line up to
be announced.
Hoping for no injuries and any kind of win that doesn’t require overtime or PK’s.
Theo, Bendtner, Gibbs, and Vela – important for these players to regain earlier form or show some signs of vying for a starting role.
Arsenal will need contribution from everyone on the roster to compete in league race and other cup competitions.
After watching one of Newcastle’s matches, marking Carroll will be a chore for any defender in the league. Tiote, in mid-field, is a handful – if he plays. I think the Sunderland match on Saturday will influence Newcastle’s choice of players. FOR NEWCASTLE, STAYING UP (IN THE PL) IS THE PRIORITY.
Lets hope for no injuries and a win that avoids extra time and pk’s.
Newcastle play the Northeast Derby this weekend (Sunderland) and will definitely be rotating players after a very good 3 points away at West Ham last weekend. I’d be surprised to see Carroll, Joey Barton and/or Jonas Guitierez start today. Maybe they’ll be on the bench ready to sub in if it’s winnable late….