Tis the Season. . . For Consistency – Arsenal v Burnley, Match Preview
It's another David versus Goliath - sort of.
The next coming days and weeks are really where the EPL table starts to get a little clearer. With no international breaks or cup ties to distract teams, the EPL begins to double up on its fun and start its midweek match rotation through the Christmas season. Coming off an impressive come from behind win at Anfield, Arsenal are on the road once again, travelling to Turf Mor home of the Burnley Clarets.
The Clarets are no strangers to Arsenal or Arsenal fans. It was Championship side Burnley who had the honour of vanquishing the young guns last season in the Carling Cup semi-final. The same Burnley who also took Chelsea’s scalp last year and United and Everton’s this year. They also did a fairly decent number to Manchester City coming back from a 3 goal deficit to earn a valuable away point. So any Arsenal fan expecting a pushover team could be in for surprise to a very well coached side try and play some open flowing ball with Arsenal.
But this is an Arsenal squad that is once again inthe title hunt. A fort night ago you’d be hard pressed to find anyone outside your rabid Gooners who would put Arsenal in the title hunt. The red and white army had suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Chelsea to move them 11 points behind the league leaders. All the prognisticators were annointing Chelsea the defacto champions and Arsenal would be struggling for its Champion’s League life.
A funny thing happened however, the top 7 teams with the exception of two sides, were dropping starting to have their own issues and not make any movement in the league. The two sides who were gaining points – Aston Villa and . . . that’s right Arsenal. Out of all the clubs figuring for a CL spot only Villa and Arsenal have been the models of consistency winning both their league matches. Actually Villa won again this Tuesday and until the Burnley match is played they sit 1 point over Arsenal in the table.
Arsenal are going to need to maintain that consistency and work to gain maximum points over Burnley and Hull prior to meeting for the annual Boxing day match against Villa. With a good portion of the squad on the trainer’s table and another portion coming off – the Gunners need to build some momentum in order to push Chelsea and United and to some extent Villa. The next 3 weeks to the end of January, beginning of February will be crucial. With beatable sides set up for them, Arsenal will need to get as many points as possible before they have a run against Villa, Chelsea, United and Liverpool back to back to back to back.
The opponent they face this week is fesity and has played very well on their home turf. They’ve already beaten United and Everton there and are relishing the chance to take it to the Gunners. However, there are weak points and Arsene’s lads will need to exploit them whenever possible.
The primary weak point is a rather slow back 4. They trudge more than run. If Arsenal can press the attack and unlock them early, it could be a long day for Claret ‘keeper Jensen. Andrei Arshavin at 5’7″ is showing everyone that size doesn’t matter when it comes to a striker – what matters – at least to him – is work rate, skill and magical way to score. He’s got a hurt foot right now but according to Arsene – he absolutely demanded to play in this match. If it’s true the legend of Andrei Gunner will only grow – especially if he scores again from the central role.
Thomas Vermaelen will be called on to lock down another attacking threat this time – forward Steven Fletcher. Fletcher has had impressive season with 8 goals in all competitions. Tommy Gunn has had impressive start to his Arsenal career and with the exception of the OG against Chelsea, he has arguably given more than we got him for. If plays this way for the whole season with his new best friend – things look very good for Arsenal.
Again though the real weak spot won’t be the lack of size up front but the lack of heart in the back. Manuel Almunia is the shadow of a number goalie and continues to make blunder after blunder. Whether or not Lucas was offside in the match against Liverpool, Almunia totally misplayed the ball. Manny needs to start showing he deserves the blind faith Arsene has in him. And he does. Arsene lept to his defence in the Tuesday press conference saying in a review of the match tape the ball actually comes off of Lucas who is behind Almunia. AW says he has faith in Manny and that he will play against the Clarets. You have to wonder now – what does Manny have on our fearless leader.
Finally, we also need other players to start stepping up. Ever since the loss of Van PErsie some players have gone into shells. While Fabregas hasn’t gotten awful he hasn’t been as strong or assertive in the midfield as he was previously this season. If the Gunners are going to do anything in the league, the will need him to step it up. Same for Theo Walcott and Samir Nasri. While Nasri is starting to come along, Theo has been a disappointment so far this season. He has the pace but his finishing skills need to be refined. Theo needs to step up and clearly show his fortitude or step aside for someone else. Others like Vela and Eduardo also need to step it up.
Burnley is the perfect place to begin a solid run and build a level of consistency. Rafa said that last Sunday was the beginning of the season for them – well it may have been for Arsenal too. A win at Turf Mor and the season is in full swing with glory in site.
How It Should Play Out:
This match should play out like most matches have. Expect Burnley to come out flying. They have a raucus home crowd and having defeated other big teams will be looking to do the same to Arsenal. I’d rather see Arsenal absorb that early pressure let it dwindle down and then move in to kill. Get a goal within the first 25 minutes and set the tone from there on in. Once Arsenal get that first goal and open up the game, they can user their passing and speed to unlock the Burnley back four.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Manuel Almunia. He absolultely needs a clean sheet. He also needs to show that he can be steady and not the flopping git he was on Sunday. A clean sheet won’t silence all of us calling for his head but at least it will reassure us that the team can survive somewhat until a real keeper is brought in.
Burnley: Steven Fletcher. He’s been part of the giant killing brigade and his goal against United showed his class. He will need to come up big if Burnley are to beat Arsenal.
Probable Starting XIs:
LIkley Lineups? You tell me
Injuries:
Arsenal: Bendtner (hernia), Clichy (back), Denilson (back), Djourou (knee), Rosicky (groin), Traore (hamstring), Van Persie (ankle)
Burnley: McCann (knee), Paterson (knee), Rodriguez (ankle)
Officials:
Referee: Mike Dean
Assistant referees: Jeremy Simpson & Richard West
Fourth official: Chris Foy
Recent League Form:
Arsenal: WWLLW
Burnley: DLLLD
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal 3 – Burnley 1
US Coverage:
Fox Soccer Channel: 5PM (Delayed Telecast)
UK Coverage:
BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio
Possible Streams:
www.atdhe.net
www.iraqgoals.net
www.justin.tv
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