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Home›Match Previews›Yes, It Is A Must Win Match. Arsenal v Hull City, Match Preview

Yes, It Is A Must Win Match. Arsenal v Hull City, Match Preview

By Michael Price
December 19, 2009
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Its the Tan Man v the Red and White Army

Its the Tan Man v the Red and White Army

It’s hard to say that a match in December is a must win. But when Hull City visit the Emirates this Saturday anything less than a win will once again create that doubt that Arsenal can sustain a title challenge this year.

Last season when the well tanned man, Phil Brown brought his newly promoted Hull City to the Emirates they were the league darlings having worked their way up to the top of the league. Even more stunningly they pulled off a 2-1 defeat of the Gunners and had Arsene Wenger’s men on the path to fighting for the Champion’s League lives.

Forward to this season and the story is all together different. While Arsenal are having their difficulties, they look to be better equipped to stay in the league’s elite tier. Hull haven’t seen the top 10 since they were there on Day 1 of the season. Hull are fighting for their Premiership lives at this point with only 1 point keeping them out of the relegation zone.  However, gaining a even point seems a hard task for the Tigers with their key player Jimmy Bullard off due to a knee injury.

Arsenal though are currently in their own rut. The injuries have piled up and scoring has dried up. Prior the injury suffered by Robin Van Persie, the Gunners were scoring on an average of 3.5 goals per match. Since his injury the gunners have managed to average 1.5 games per match. That’s in all competitions folks. If you look at the 5 league games since he has been gone – Arsenal have only managed 5 goals in 5 matches.

In order to keep the pressure on United and Chelsea (and to keep Spurs and Villa in their rightful place – beneath us in the table) Arsenal will need to come out and break Hull’s back early. And breaking their back means two goals not one.  The simple fact of the matter is even with 1 goal leads Arsenal are not safe. Manuel Almunia is an absolute wreck and cannot seem to do whatever it takes to keep the ball out of the net.  While there are keepers aplenty stopping penalty shots, Manuel couldn’t even manage that. In fairness though, fans I think believe PKs are a gimmie and saves are a bonus. So I can’t completely fault him. But the fact remains, he looks tenative playing any ball in the middle of the box. On set pieces he is woeful – he hardly attacks the ball and most times when he does he does poorly and it winds up on the opposition’s foot and likely in the back of the net. Simply put, if Arsenal are going to sustain their title challenge – Almunia either needs a “Come to Jens” moment or Arsene Wenger needs to give Fabianski a run out. (We bought the chest cold before Arsene).

In the draw with Burnley, one of the reasons the attack got stifled was the lack of our “quaterback.” At the start of the 2nd half, lone goal scorer Cesc Fabregas was taken off the field with a thigh injury. When Ramsey comes in the interlinking play is off. I likened to what happens when an NFL team has to bring in a 2nd string QB in the middle of a game. All week leading up to the match the 1st string QB gets all the reps with the first team. The backups all play on the squibb team. The rythm of the attack was completely thrown off when Fabs went out. Not so much I think (its my opinion) because Ramsey is unskilled – I think it had more to do working with the first team in that position. And frankly he seemed more keen for the attack and if that was the case, Nasri should’ve been rotated back as the playmaker.

Fabregas won’t be around for this match again. Which only means that spitgate could happen again – if they win. Who Arsene puts in will say alot. I have to go with my gut and it tells me our mid-field will be made up of Song, Diaby, and Denilson. As much as I’d like to see Ramsey get a runout, I just don’t see it happening. It isn’t Arsene’s style.  So if anything our midfield could be as weak as our keeper which worries me.

But remember this first team squad of Brown’s is the same squad that faced off against the young guns in last seasons Carling Cup and LOST. Now maybe Arsene should give the young guns another run out. Not likely but the point is we SHOULD be able to take care of the business. In 12 matches at the Emirates the Gunners Arsenal are the winners of 10. Each by a two goal margin. Their opponent is ripe for the taking, Hull has only won 1 of their last 22 Premier League away games and are still to win on the road this season.

How The Match Should Play Out:
Last week saw Arsenal score inside of 15 minutes for the first time this season. They will need to build on this and add a 2nd goal not too long after. If they wind up with a draw going into the half – you have to wonder if Arsene’s blow-dryer speech against Liverpool was a 1 and done and quickly left the lads mind. Even this depleted Arsenal side should provide too much pace for the Hull defense. The 4-3-3 will likely resemble a 4-5-1 with Nasri and Walcott on the wings. These two are needed and needed to perform if they want to win this match.

Probable Starting XIs:

I did say they were probable right?

I did say they were probable right?

 

Injuries:Arsenal: Bendtner (hernia), Clichy (back), Djourou (knee), Fabregas (hamstring), Gibbs (foot), Rosicky (groin), Traore (hamstring), van Persie (ankle)

Hull: Bullard (knee) Ashbee (knee)

Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Andrei Arshavin. Again the dimunitive Russian needs to fill the scoring void.l Him and Fabregas have been the only Gunners to net in the last 3 games. He has risen to the challenge each time and needs to get back into it. He has all the qualities of Champion and those need to be on display.

Hull: Jozy Altidore. It’s rare to say watch the sub but as an American I take a sense of pride in watching this kid play. Kudos to him for making it on to a EPL roster even if it is Hull. I don’t want him to score but it will be nice to see him on the Emriates pitch.

Match Officials:
Referee:Steve Bennett

Assistant referees: Fourth official: Phil Dowd

Recent League Form:
Arsenal: DWWLL

Hull: DLDWD

US Coverage:
Fox Soccer Channel 12:30PM EST

UK Coverage:
ESPN UK: 17:30BST
Possible Streams:
www.atdhe.net
www.iraqgoals.net
www.justin.tv

Gameday Chat will be Open: www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal 2 – Hull 1

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199 comments

  1. nipuna 22 December, 2009 at 23:56 Log in to Reply

    Arsene is insistent that he will sign a striker in Jan. I wonder what that means for Bendtner. Is he injured such that he won’t be back very soon? I am guessing so, otherwise, Arsene is not the person who will publicly say that he will sign a player. We would have heard the usual “I have internal solutions” and “I can’t kill Bendtner” stories. I think Bendtner is out for quite a while.

    • seattle gooner 23 December, 2009 at 02:27 Log in to Reply

      Either that or he has ralized that Bendtner is not the guy to lead the line on a consistent basis.

      • stag133 23 December, 2009 at 02:53 Log in to Reply

        Bendtner is NOT a #1 striker that you expect to bang in important goals… not yet anyway.
        He will have to recover and re-establish a top level of play when he returns… and we don’t have the time for that… we need OPTIONS up front.
        (if we want to actually compete for a trophy)
        If we want to just make the top 4, just stand pat, and collect the cash from the 60000 asses in the seats every home match.

        • seattle gooner 23 December, 2009 at 16:11

          That was sort of my point.

  2. nipuna 22 December, 2009 at 23:52 Log in to Reply

    But for C Ronaldo’s huge transfer fee, ManU would be much higher up that list.

    • stag133 23 December, 2009 at 02:51 Log in to Reply

      and if they didn’t sell him, they’d probably be in 1st place in the league!

  3. Andez 22 December, 2009 at 18:51 Log in to Reply

    http://transferleague.co.uk/

    Some amazing stats.

    Apparently Arsenal’s net spending in transfer market since the start of the premiership rank 11th with around 1.8 mil per season. Chelsea top the table with 20 mil (10 times more than us), followed by Man City at 16 mil. Liverpool are in fact ranked 3rd, so much so with Rafa’s complaint they can’t compete with the top club finanically. Spurs ranked 4th at around 10 mil (5 times more than us). While United ranked 6th.

    Since 2004 season, the stats are even more remarkable.

    Arsenal ranked 20th, the least spending side in the league. With a -4 mil record. In a way, we got everyone of our players for free!

    Man City rank top with 36.8 mil, that is about 40 times more than us. Chelsea 2nd with 24 mil.

    • Mazza 22 December, 2009 at 19:51 Log in to Reply

      Pound for pound, there’s no doubt he is the best manager in the league. I’m sure he could put together a team from relative scratch(say £5m) and keep them afloat in the premier league.

      Ferguson would be close to him but I give Wenger the edge in this particular scenario challenge.

      • stag133 23 December, 2009 at 02:48 Log in to Reply

        what have we won since 2004? FUCK ALL.
        Oh, we won the profit league.
        It should be embarrassing to the club… because if we had actually spend some funds and tried to compete … we probably would have won trophies more than once.
        Ridiculous that we would be 20th since 2004.
        The club should be ashamed to be selling the highest priced tickets in Europe. DISGUSTING.

        • Andez 23 December, 2009 at 11:42

          Stag, once again, u forgot to mention the loan DEBT.

        • stag133 23 December, 2009 at 12:05

          That’s because I don’t give a shit about a loan debt when the team makes the most PROFIT of any team.

          It is GREED that they would be 20th in spending since 2004, and have the highest ticket prices in Europe.
          Maybe that’s OK with you that they are fleecing their supporters, but I’m not buying it.

    • ChicagoGooner 22 December, 2009 at 19:55 Log in to Reply

      Interesting stuff. I followed the link, and I have to say about Arsenal’s net spending since ’04: I can respect wanting to balance the books, but that’s not what they’ve done. Balancing money in w/ money out in the transfer market is a worthy goal. But Arsenal have a total profit of over 26 million pounds in the transfer market since 2004. Which means either the board is keeping the squeeze on so they can line their pockets, or they have given AW the okay to spend and he refuses. I dislike both outcomes.

    • sachin 22 December, 2009 at 20:32 Log in to Reply

      I always figured Wenger had the best track record when it came to balancing the books but interesting to see it compared to others.

      Yet…I can’t help but think how the board has been happy to profit away while allowing the team to go off balance.

      • sachin 22 December, 2009 at 20:46 Log in to Reply

        Thanks for that link Andez…Taking these stats out of context is even fun too. Wolves is right behind Arsenal in the net spending column. so they have almost spent as much Arsenal and still..never mind, I am resisting the temptation about them throwing away the Man Utd game..

        Looking at all old Arsenal transfers..Almunia cost slightly more than Lehmann. Argh. Although Lehmann is not doing himself any favours currently.

        Amaury Bischoff ==>Undisclosed. Money well spent I guess :)

        The question is can Arsene ever find bargains such as PV, Freddie, etc anymore. Or has the transfer market changed now that a minimum of 5-10 million be required for Arsenal to get anyone?

        • Andez 22 December, 2009 at 21:10

          The question is can Arsene ever find bargains such as PV, Freddie
          ————–
          Interesting point Sachin.

          Personally, I think it’s more difficult for AW to find bargains like that than he used to.

          Not so much because of the inflated market, but the fact he’s now well known as a talent spotter. He may not be the greatest manager around, but I bet even rival fans would agree he’s probably the best when comes to unearthing talents.

          When he bought Vieira, it was the time before he even joined Arsenal, still very much being a “Arsene Who” himself.

          But you can imagine AC Milan would never forget that they had let a talent like Vieira slip away. Say, if another young talent as good as Vieira emerge in AC Milan, and Arsenal express interest, I bet no way in hell Milan would wanna sell again.

          As for Freddie, I’d put him in the same category as Kolo Toure. He’s not naturally as gifted a player as say Vieira.

          For Vieira, I believe even if he’s not playing for Wenger, he would still become a superstar.

          But for players like Freddie and Kolo, they probably became better players under the guidance of Wenger.

          I would like to think Alex Song is such a bargain buy as Freddie.

          IMO the best deal AW ever made though was Kolo Toure.

          He got him for under 500k, yet sold him for an unbelievably inflated price. Thanks to City.

          Although we earned a lot from the Anelka deal as well. But you kinda expected Anelka worth that much. And losing Anelka at that time, we did feel we were losing a 23-mil rate player.

          But Kolo Toure was on the way to lose his starting place anyway. And we still got so much from selling him. Had not because of City, I am not sure if we would be able to sell him for 10 mil.

        • nipuna 22 December, 2009 at 23:54

          Yeah, money wise the best deal has got to be Anelka, but for the length of service we got from Toure, he ranks as the best overall signing ever.

        • sachin 23 December, 2009 at 11:34

          Yeah I do think as well when word gets out that Arsene is looking at a player, the price might go up given Wenger’s track record of finding these gems.

          It still amazes me how much Arsenal got from selling Kolo. Like nipuna says, considering how useful he was to Arsenal in those crucial years, it is a huge profit. Arsene has managed to get some nice chunks of money for players past their sell off date.

          I also like the money that Arsenal got from the double sale of the “great” Bentley, especially since the second sale was to Spurs. That had a nice ironic touch to it.

  4. DaAdminGooner 22 December, 2009 at 17:53 Log in to Reply

    Nasri has escaped any punishment

  5. DaAdminGooner 22 December, 2009 at 17:45 Log in to Reply

    Very interesting interview with Arsene –

    http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=717021&sec=england&cc=5901&campaign=rss&source=soccernet

    Basically says he is keeping it in his mind that RvP will be out for the remainder of the season – if he comes back in April it would be “a pleasant surprise.”

    Also confirms he will be dipping into the transfer window.

    I also read a story today that Arsenal is trying to renogtiate its shirt deal with Emirates. According to the article they would like to get it done before the January window closes to use the for the transfer window.

    • arsesession 22 December, 2009 at 19:56 Log in to Reply

      As fans, we should accept reality that RvP is unlikely to return this season.

      However, Arsene only confirms if the right player is available, then he would consider picking up another striker…..is there another Arshavin?

      We have Arshavin, Eduardo, Vela, Theo, and Bendtner as forwards & others who have played upfront as: Rosicky, Diaby, and Eboue.

      I believe if he can trade Senderos, he will then pick up another CB or versatile defender.

      • Andez 22 December, 2009 at 20:30 Log in to Reply

        I agree AS. And even if RvP makes it back around April, he’s always a slow warmer,takes matches to get into his stride, it’s unlikely he would be making much an impact anyway.

        I believe we will be seeing a new striker in January.

      • stag133 23 December, 2009 at 02:44 Log in to Reply

        Arshavin is not a true striker, Eduardo has lost his confidence and has not played well, Vela has not shown much in the 1st team, Theo is not consistent and mostly plays on the wing, and Bendtner is not a top striker.
        I sincerely hope someone comes in at the striker position in January, but ideally, it would be someone not completely new to the EPL, as it will take time to adapt, and we don’t have time to throw away.

  6. stag133 22 December, 2009 at 15:19 Log in to Reply

    oh, and for something that might be BAD for football or the league…
    was that after Wolverhampton played their reserves against United, and rested their 1st team…
    they actually beat Burnley… and so the result was exactly what their manager was trying to acheive. He felt he gave his side a better chance of beating a team he was competing with to stay up, and it worked.
    Wouldn’t be surprised if it happens a few more times.

    • vibe4arsenal 22 December, 2009 at 15:44 Log in to Reply

      You’re probably right. I wonder how it embarrassing it will get before it’s officially addressed?

    • Andez 22 December, 2009 at 17:32 Log in to Reply

      Whether McCarthy made a right decision or not nobody could tell at this moment. Cos even without resting their starters, they could have beaten Burnley anyway.

      One thing for sure though is – comes the end of the season, McCarthy better hope that either Wolves survive the relegation battle, or getting relegated more than THREE points off the 17th place team.

      As if Wolves are relegated by 2 or 1 points off the 17th place team, his decision of virtually throwing away one match are going to come back and haunt him for a long time.

      • stag133 23 December, 2009 at 02:41 Log in to Reply

        Andez, if they beat United, and lost to Burnley, it would NOT be as important.
        Taking 3 points off your direct competitor, is a 6-point match.
        So, McCarthy got exactly what he wanted…
        It looks like a good move, and it might encourage other teams to do the same.

  7. Mazza 22 December, 2009 at 14:19 Log in to Reply

    It’s definately a strange league so far. There has never been more middle of the road clubs in the league, and yet it’s the most competitive one for a long time. You would think it would be the complete opposite.

    I think it is a combination of the top four teams genuinely being weaker (for various reasons), on the whole, than they have been for a very long time, and a certain abberation element in certain matches earier in the season which have created a snowball effect; teams all of a sudden think they can beat the big guns and this little avalanche may carry on for a few more weeks yet. I hope so anyway, as if we want to win the league we’ll need it.

    Whatever happens in the next few months, this year’s champions will probably be looked back on as one of the worst teams ever to lift the premier league. The first six months of the league has not put any team in a good light and it will be hard to shake that off.

  8. DaAdminGooner 22 December, 2009 at 13:25 Log in to Reply

    I believe that this “parity” of the league is being a little overstated. If you look at the big teams that are getting beat they’ve all had significant changes or injuries.

    ManUnited are woeful in the back four right now. Seriously if our first match was agains them with their current back four – we’d have scored three goals. United are also lacking in the midfield.

    Liverpool, their defence was suspect last year and is suspect againt this year. Johnson was an idiotic signing and Carra is a dolt. Rafa isn’t the best talent judge and I base that on his letting Xabi go and thinking he had the talent to replace him. He doesn’t. Also he signed someone to replace him who is more injury prone than most of our players.

    Chelsea, have benefitted from having the best attacking tandem in the league. Early in the season they would go down by a goal and be forced to come back. Many of their earlier wins this season were 2-1. We happened to catch them on their good run. But their defence is awful. Sorry, there is no getting over it. Petr Cech may be the only goal keeper I think that could be worse than Almunia.

    As for Spurs and Villa – they are essentially the same teams managed by the same managers. Villa will fade away at some point and Spurs – their still Spurs.

    I think all of this could benefit Arsenal. Provided they do what they have to and beat the lesser sides. Things the others haven’t done. Where we are better this year is winning the games we should be winning – West Ham, Sunderland and Burnley aside. Should we stay where we are and AW does manage to buy someone in January then we could be the best positioned team to draw in to Chelsea.

    I also think City will slide. There are too many individuals on that team. There are no team players. Every one wants to be the star and ultimately players are trying to do it all to showcase rather than to win anything. Mancini is place holder until Mourhino comes available. And even then Mancini may not last that long. City think their money will attract big name players. I don’t see that. No one wants to come to Manchester unless its United and it all has to do with stature and presence. Now in 20 years if City go on and become as colossal as the others than that will be a different story. As for now. City will continue to get “big name” problem players.

    Oh and new post coming tonight or tomorrow so you lot don’t have to scroll down forever.

    • vibe4arsenal 22 December, 2009 at 13:43 Log in to Reply

      Everyone has injuries/changes, every year. And (obviously) most of the teams lower on the table have smaller sides to begin with.

      But even with those annual constants, we’re getting some very unusual results this season. I used the word ‘parity’ to make a loose analogy to the NFL. I don’t think it’s actually parity in the Prem, as that would have to be sustained over time.

      But this season has thus far shaped up to be more open than any year in recent memory. So right this minute, it does at least appear to be relatively more equal. Yes, perhaps Chelsea will splash the cash in January, and render all this moot.

      But to this point, it has made this season more interesting to watch. And, as nip pointed out, it’s certainly been a benefit to Gooners.

    • arsesession 22 December, 2009 at 13:48 Log in to Reply

      re: the City situation: I’m not a fan of Hughes. I think he did an excellent job with the smaller club Blackburn. Trying to re-brand your club, take a K-mart and transform into a Macy’s takes years, OR may never happen.

      The City fans were excited to see the new owner splash the cash, but now want to trump his decision to fire Hughes.

      I’m sure expectations for the team were laid out this past summer. There has been no injustice to Hughes, there was never going to be a perfect way to make the change.

      Hughes, and later the fans, will look back and see he was in a no-win situation. He will return to coach another BPL club and be happier – but still be Hughes.

      Maybe the stature (experience) that Mancini brings to the manager position will command more respect from his collection of ebay players.

      DAG – as far as parity……there is a definite coaching upgrade over the past five years.
      If you watch the players throughout the league – they are stronger. more athletic, combined with power and pace. This power and physical size translates into contact that produces more injuries.

      Factor in the officials mentality for keeping the match flowing…….and you have the perfect storm.

      My take: the bigger clubs used to control the dishing out of physical abuse to the smaller fish in the sea. Now, its being dished back.

      And not but not least, I’m excited for our return match with City at the Emirates – to see Wenger extend his hand to Mancini, and then watch the media clowns rehash the CC fixture.

      • stag133 22 December, 2009 at 14:15 Log in to Reply

        apparently Mancini doesn’t speak English, or very little…
        Would love to see how he is going to walk in and command respect from the players, especially when many are pissed that Hughes was fired.
        I love it.
        I believe it will just take even longer for the team to get itself right, and make a serious run at the 4th place spot.
        But they have winners, and players that have done it before.
        So, I think they have a legit shot at 4th.

    • stag133 22 December, 2009 at 14:11 Log in to Reply

      Cech is the only keeper worse than Almunia?
      Based on… two or three games?
      That might be an “overstatement”!
      He is an excellent keeper.

      Also, Chelsea weren’t going behind to anyone at home… that had only allowed ONE GOAL, on opening day, at home… until… a few weeks ago.

      • DaAdminGooner 22 December, 2009 at 17:11 Log in to Reply

        I didn’t say they went behind to anyone at home I said in their opening games this season in – I believe 4 matches –

        2-1 win over Hull
        3-1 win over Sunderland
        2-1 win over Stoke
        3-1 win over Wigan

        They conceded the first goal every time.

        I am not basing my opinion of Cech on two or three games but on his play all season. Even in their wins he has been shaky on the ball. He is out of position more than he is in.

        This is not the same Petr Cech – overall yes he is better than Almunia (I AM BETTER than Almunia) but there are some who would argue that right Cech is not any better.

        • stag133 23 December, 2009 at 02:40

          I’d take Cech tomorrow over most keepers in the EPL. Definitely over anybody we have at Arsenal… he would make us so much better defensively it would be night and day.

  9. stag133 22 December, 2009 at 13:13 Log in to Reply

    I think the fact that so far… there is a wide open race and some parity in the league is FANTASTIC. When you can legitimately go into a match with there being a chance the minnow can win… or draw, it adds a great deal of excitement.
    It is GOOD for the game.
    However, I would bet come January, the richer teams will try to
    fix things… while the less rich teams won’t be able to adjust the same way, and the long Winter will have some effect on those teams with less depth.

    Andez, not sure how you can point at the Scottish League… which is much smaller than the EPL, and see it any different than England.
    They have 2 teams that win every year, we have 4 teams.
    Nobody else can win the EPL… (and Liverpool can’t seem to either)
    So is that an example of one of the worst things that can happen to football as well? or Real Madrid and Barca in Spain… ?

    It has been a very interesting season so far to say the least, and I enjoy the competition being… competitive. (not just at the relegation end of the table!)

    I also don’t see the arrogance or entitlement in ManU or Liverpool supporters or pundits… Let’s face it, United have won 3 titles in a row, and a few CL wins as well. They are the best team this decade by far, and Liverpool, have won ONLY the CL… they haven’t got anything to have arrogance about in a long time. Most Liverpool supporters I know are pretty humbled by their teams performace in recent years.

    • Andez 22 December, 2009 at 13:32 Log in to Reply

      Stag, of course I am not saying other leagues are not guilty of total domination by a few particular teams.

      But in the case of SPL… there hasn’t been such a thing as “competition” for God knows how many years.

      The last time anyone apart from the Old Firm who won the SPL was…. Alex Ferguson (would u believe it) and his Aberdeen back in 1985.

      It’s a record I think none of other European leagues could beat!

      And really, if 10 or 20 years down the road it’s still Man U and Chelsea who’s gonna win every single league title, if it’s not the worst thing to football, I am pretty sure it cannot be a good thing neither.

      • stag133 22 December, 2009 at 14:06 Log in to Reply

        It is not a good thing with dominance by a few teams, but I don’t see it changing unless someone comes in and does what they are trying to do at ManCity. And as we see, its not always that easy.

        The EPL has had 3 teams win it… in the last how many years? last “other” team was… Blackburn in 1994-95.
        11 United
        3 Arsenal
        2 Chelsea
        1 Blackburn (15 years ago)

        How is that much different from Scotland?
        I don’t see much difference.

        • Andez 22 December, 2009 at 14:21

          come on stag, did u actually read the original post from Vibe?

          We are here discussing whether it’s a GOOD thing or not that this season the title race seems to be wide opened.

          And so far everyone loves to see a more opened race.

          That’s the whole POINT we are talking about.

          Like I said before so many times, I hate to see a league dominated by a few teams. Be it it’s EPL, or La Liga or Series A.

          I used SPL as an example to show how bad things could turn if a league continued to be dominated by a few particular teams. It does not mean I’m proud of the way things been going in EPL.

          Besides, what do you really care about SPL anyway? it’s a league i doubt anyone would bother to watch unless he’s Scottish.

        • stag133 23 December, 2009 at 02:37

          Andez. Agreed, more teams involved and competitive is good. I like it.
          I watch most soccer I can… if the SPL is on, Rangers or Celtic or even Hibs…(Trainspotting)… I would watch.
          I think Rangers and Celtic could be mid-table in the EPL, within a few years. They have the money to compete.

    • vibe4arsenal 22 December, 2009 at 13:36 Log in to Reply

      stagg, I guess it just depends on which United supporters one happens to know. It may be coincidental, but those United supporters I know personally are arrogant, front-running pricks. If you’d ever had anyone sing Glory, glory ManUnited in your fooking living room, you’d be less forgiving.

      • stag133 22 December, 2009 at 14:08 Log in to Reply

        I guess so… the United supporters I know here, and in the UK… tend to be “used to winning”. And frankly, aren’t very arrogant. They do expect their team to win and compete for all titles… and that’s not a bad thing.

      • armchairfan 22 December, 2009 at 14:28 Log in to Reply

        V4A;

        If we looked closer to home, there are also arrogant Gooners who think that we’re playing out of planet footie and sometimes couldn’t accept criticism.

        • vibe4arsenal 22 December, 2009 at 15:50

          If you’re referring to the rosetints, I think it’s a little different. ;-)

          It probably is down to individual experience. Here where I live, the biggest contingent is ‘pool supporters. Authentic scouse pub and all. Next up, are the United fans. As stagg observes, they do always expect to win. It’s just the way it comes across sometimes. I can’t blame them, based on history. But they don’t have to be such dicks about it. :-)

  10. nipuna 22 December, 2009 at 12:08 Log in to Reply

    Anybody else sick and tired of the hue and cry over Hughes’ sacking?

    Yet another fine example of British jingoism.

    I don’t remember such a thing happening when Ranieri was sacked. I doubt anything will happen if Rafa is sacked tomorrow. But Hughes – Oh my! What a fine gentleman. What injustice!

    I hope his next job is at Hull, or better still in the Championship.

    • Andez 22 December, 2009 at 12:59 Log in to Reply

      Personally, I just find it funny.

      As far as I’m concerned, from the day when the Middle East group took over City, Mark Hughes’ days were already numbered.

      Those sugar daddy didn’t spend 200 mil in the summer hoping for a 6th place finish.

      As far as I’m concerned, the English press/media have long been waiting this moment to come (Mark Hughes sacked), so that they could make a meal out of it.

      When Man City suffered a run of poor results, had the media come out and support him? They had spent more time to remind people how much Mark Hughes had spent than anything else.

      And now they are acting like they are “shocked” by Mark Hughes’ sacking?

      Personally, I was shocked that Mark Hughes actually last that long.

      Cos let’s face it, when City been throwing around money buying for NAMES (which I doubt everyone of their sigings were out of Mark Hughes’ idea), it would be logical to expect that in terms of manager, they too would want a BIG NAME wouldn’t they?

      • nipuna 22 December, 2009 at 13:17 Log in to Reply

        The biggest surprise is that the biggest name they could find was Mancini.

        On second thought, not exactly a surprise, considering the big NAME players they have signed. :)

    • sachin 22 December, 2009 at 20:25 Log in to Reply

      Yeah it is been annoying. The press are acting as if this is the first time in the history of the English league that a club has…gasp…talked to another manager before their fired their existing one. Oh my gawd. What next? Clubs illegally approaching players who are tied to contract with other clubs? I guess the innocence of the player league is forever gone now :) No, turning back.

      Solution: the EPL should ban all foreign owners, players and managers.

  11. vibe4arsenal 22 December, 2009 at 10:05 Log in to Reply

    Interesting discussion in the Telegraph as to whether this is a great PL season or a terrible one.

    When we get parity in the NFL, everyone is pleased, because it’s been (more recently) set up to be that way.

    But the Prem is organized in such a way that the rich are generally a class above the rest of the league. Then what to make out of the first half of this season? Will the likes of Villa and Spurs fade, the way City appear to be? Or is this one of those rare years when one of the Big Four finish outside the top 4? (Obviously, ‘pool currently appear the most likely candidate.) OR will the big boys spend in January, and everything will look ‘right’ again come May?

    As a fan, I’m less inclined to worry about what’s ‘wrong’, as a less predictable season will be more fun to watch.

    What do you guys think?

    http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/sport/robkelly/100004526/manchester-united-and-liverpool-lose-again-while-chelsea-draw-so-is-this-the-best-premier-league-title-race-yet-or-the-worst/

    • Andez 22 December, 2009 at 11:17 Log in to Reply

      He just stepped on Garcia’s foot, something Lehmann had to suffer all the time he kept goal in England. But I don’t remember all those players who stamped on Lehmann getting sanctioned. Oh, I remember, they were not Arsenal players.
      ——————–
      Exactly nip.

      Or let’s say the other way around. Had Garcia was the one who stamped on Nasri, and Nasri went down like he got shot… guess what everyone would be saying?

      Would they been calling “let’s ban Garcia”?

      OR…

      Nasri is such a “cheat”?

    • Andez 22 December, 2009 at 11:32 Log in to Reply

      vibe,

      Personally I’d give credit to some “smaller” sides who had made themsevles “competitive” this season.

      Although the rise of Spurs, City and Villa have definitely made the league more competitive. But the role of clubs like Fulham, Burnley, Sunderland been performing this season shouldn’t be underestimated as well.

      Take Fulham, we had a difficult time when we were playing against them. And frankly I think I am not the only one who were suprised by how well they played. Man Utd soon found it out later themselves.

      It’s the same the other way around. When Burnley beat Man Utd, it was seemed as a shock result. But we too soon found out it might not be such a “shocking” result afterall.

      Anyway, I think that’s the way football should be.

      A league like Scottish Premier League is probably one of the worst things which could happen to football. Gazza won many titles with Rangers but who on earth really regard it as an “achievement”?

      As far as I’m concerned, the Scottish Premier League should have consisted of only two teams, and let them playing against each other 30 times a season to decide who’s the league champions.

      • vibe4arsenal 22 December, 2009 at 12:14 Log in to Reply

        I agree. The way things are shaking out, this could be one of the most interesting seasons we’ve had in years. From a fan’s perspective, what’s not to like? Frankly, I’d rather this were a trend, rather than an aberration.

        I also second your recognition of Fulham. A friend here follows them and he hasn’t been this happy in years. ;-)

        (I also agree with what AS says below…more so about arrogant, entitled United supporters than those who follow ‘pool, who have done their share of suffering. That has a way of enforcing some humility.)

    • arsesession 22 December, 2009 at 11:56 Log in to Reply

      The only way fans would consider the season terrible if they were supporters of Pool or ManU. Fans who feel entitled win because of their history. Frankly, thats probably a large piece of the fan pie and English media pundits.

      Pool and ManU bias is evident on every broadcast – that I’m able to access.

      I find parity a refreshing change for the BPL. The champion, more deserving the achievement!

      To Andez remarks, I’d like to add Birmingham City ( and at times Wigan and West Ham).

    • nipuna 22 December, 2009 at 12:11 Log in to Reply

      Parity is good for Arsenal. :)

      • vibe4arsenal 22 December, 2009 at 12:35 Log in to Reply

        Ha. Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.

  12. joshuad 21 December, 2009 at 23:37 Log in to Reply

    Just watched the game again. Did you guys notice that Eduardo almost missed his goal? It just barely stayed inside the post. Can you imagine how that would have affected him had he missed from two meters? Well, I’ll take it however I can get it.

    Speaking of taking it however I can get it, if you’ve got a player who’s one of the best in the league at dispossessing an opponent of the ball, who gives a shit how he does it? Most people don’t. However, some will persist with pejorative remarks in an effort to vitiate this as a relevant quality :-) What’s relevant is that it’s awful tough for the other team to score when they haven’t got the ball.

    I think Eboue’s performance was typical. He’s a good player; very consistent.

    On to Aston Villa, you’ve got to respect that they keep finding a way to win. The Man United result may have been an illusion as they had midfielders playing at CB. Villa have a few favorable match-ups; mainly Milner vs Silvestre. But our forth-choice LB isn’t bad. Ironically enough, he’s better than Man Utd’s fourth choice LB as I’m sure they could use him now. We’ve both got momentum going into this match but it’s at home so we’ll see. If our guys are as focused as they were in the second half on Satuday, we could win rather comfortably. We certainly have the quality. Regardless, it’s an important game for both teams. Can’t wait.

    • stag133 21 December, 2009 at 23:50 Log in to Reply

      Eduardo could miss from 2 meters right now, he is NOT playing well at all.

      Eboue. I’ve watched the match twice as well, and I still don’t think he did much well. It was a typical Eboue performance. Mediocre.

      and… I doubt we will win “rather comfortably” … though I’d love to see it. We have not played well recently, and definitely have not put together a good 90 minutes in a long time.

      I don’t care how we get the 3, but we need the 3 points!

      • ChicagoGooner 22 December, 2009 at 03:06 Log in to Reply

        Stag, I wouldn’t be surprised if your last sentence turns out to be how the game plays out. So far this season, we’ve had some good and bad games at home, but regardless of how well we’ve played from a subjective standpoint, we’ve managed to get results. In all competitions our home record this year is as follows:

        P14, W13, D0, L1

        I’m willing to bet we may not “win comfortably”, just as you suggest, but I bet we can scrape 3 points out of this fixture. We’ve done it against everyone but the league leaders.

        • stag133 22 December, 2009 at 13:02

          I agree, and that is essentially all that matters… getting the win and 3 points.

          I’d love to see us put together a solid 90 minute performance, but we just have so many injuries its difficult to do.

    • Fred 22 December, 2009 at 12:04 Log in to Reply

      “who’s one of the best in the league at dispossessing an opponent of the ball”

      Now, you are really having a laugh.

  13. ChicagoGooner 21 December, 2009 at 21:48 Log in to Reply

    So Nasri may be in trouble for the dust up w/ Hull. Maybe I wasn’t paying that close attention what with the match-day chat, but to me it didn’t look like he did very much. I thought the Hull players over-reacted.

    • stag133 21 December, 2009 at 23:46 Log in to Reply

      It looked like he definitely did “something”… like kicked or spiked the player in the back of the leg…

      • nipuna 22 December, 2009 at 00:21 Log in to Reply

        He just stepped on Garcia’s foot, something Lehmann had to suffer all the time he kept goal in England. But I don’t remember all those players who stamped on Lehmann getting sanctioned. Oh, I remember, they were not Arsenal players.

        • stag133 22 December, 2009 at 13:01

          there was no replay that I saw that showed him…
          just step on his foot?
          I’d have to see that to believe it, as City players reacted strongly to his… stepping on his foot.
          I’d bet he spiked him.

        • seattle gooner 22 December, 2009 at 15:34

          He got him with the studs, but not very hard. If you get a chance to see the replay, the Hull player falls down and grabs his right foot then quickly grabs the other foot. Definitely a dumb thing to do but meal was made of it.

  14. Fred 21 December, 2009 at 16:16 Log in to Reply

    PS: Anyone noticed Toure is now whoring himself out to Barca and Madrid??!! LOL!

    The guy has forgotten that City were the ONLY club who bid for him in the summer!

    The consensus after a cursory look at any Citeh board is that he has been a disaster CB who shits himself when the ball is in the air. Tell us about it.

    To be fair though, pairing him with Lescott is the exact equivalent of pairing him with Gallas. Never going to end well. He should have been paired with Dunne. Yet people are feeling sorry for that plank, Hughes.

    • stag133 21 December, 2009 at 16:27 Log in to Reply

      He has tried for years to get Yaya to come to England, now that is not gonna happen, he might as well try to get to Spain!

  15. Fred 21 December, 2009 at 16:12 Log in to Reply

    If we ever got Given, I would be so happy. Even if he was the ONLY one who came in, it would help our defense so much and put their minds at ease. And hence make them play even better.

    The fans blood pressure will drop from the incredible Manuel-fueled highs.

    NOT sold on Bellamy though. In fact the fewer players we take from those cunts the better.

  16. stag133 21 December, 2009 at 12:50 Log in to Reply

    Stan is CLOSE… just 17 shares away from the takeover.
    Do we know what that means? Probably not, possibly nothing…
    but I still find it interesting, and that an American could be the
    majority holder at Arsenal.

    Apparently many players at City are not too pleased with the
    sacking of Hughes… reportedly disgusted are:
    Given, Tevez, Barry and Bellamy.

    Ummmm. Hey Shay, I understand completely. It’s terrible what they’ve
    done… why not come over to the Arsenal, I think you’ll enjoy London.
    ;)

    • Mazza 21 December, 2009 at 13:28 Log in to Reply

      Bellamy and Given please.

      Bellamy in my opinion pisses all over Eduardo, Bendtner, Walcott, in the wide forward position.

      • stag133 21 December, 2009 at 16:26 Log in to Reply

        I am a big fan of Bellamy as well… he has the mean streak – tough mentality that we very much lack.
        But I could never see Wenger go for Craig Bellamy.

        • nipuna 22 December, 2009 at 00:19

          Arsene will never sign Bellamy. He wants good boys only.

  17. nipuna 21 December, 2009 at 12:37 Log in to Reply

    Diaby had a good game against Hull, Denilson scored and Cesc will be back for the Villa game.

    What will Wenger do – drop Song or play Diaby as part of the front three?

    • HighburyterraceSteve 21 December, 2009 at 12:43 Log in to Reply

      Sounds like he may get his problem solved for him…

      http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2779433/Nasri-faces-ban-for-stamp.html?=&ATTR=Football

  18. DaAdminGooner 21 December, 2009 at 08:45 Log in to Reply

    RvP – their team departure is up to their National team. Some could leave as early as this week – FIFA stipulates National sides can recall players up to two weeks prior to the actual event they play for.

    Fred – With a dope dealing father and a hanger on mother – I suspect the answer to that questions is very low.

    Quick points about the match –

    I have to agree with Stag – Eboue wasn’t exceptional. As a matter of fact I thought he was mediocre compared to the last match he started where he was up front and really used his speed to press. He wasn’t poor but this wasn’t his best.

    MOTM was a toss up for me. Diaby was playing out of his head and showed what he can do when he applies himself and doesn’t take off. He was responsible for two goals – his own and DuDu’s (by the way look at the replay Dudu flicks the goal off the outside of his foot again – ala Burnley)

    I also am considering Manny for the MOTM. That was simply the best I Can remember Manny playing in 2 seasons. He wasn’t flopping around. He was solid on all his plays (execept one).

    Any way more today when I do my summary.

    • arsesession 21 December, 2009 at 10:59 Log in to Reply

      Upfront vs. RB?
      Wonder how you can compare a players performance & expectations when they are playing 2 different positions?

      See my remarks above.

  19. rvp4mvp 21 December, 2009 at 03:56 Log in to Reply

    Do they ACoN players have one game left before they leave? or are they off now?

  20. Fred 21 December, 2009 at 01:30 Log in to Reply

    How low can John Terry go???

    http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=715998&sec=england&cc=5901

  21. nipuna 21 December, 2009 at 00:28 Log in to Reply

    This has got to be the most open title race in years. Also, our best shot at the title since 2004. We must beat Villa at any rate and go on a winning run.

    • stag133 21 December, 2009 at 00:48 Log in to Reply

      Our play has not exactly been sparkling in recent matches… so Villa will be a huge test.
      We could easily drop points, and still be in the race… I agree its a wide open season like none in recent memory.
      Chelsea had their chance today to open up some daylight, and blew it.

      • nipuna 21 December, 2009 at 00:58 Log in to Reply

        Which is why we must not blow our chances. We have already drawn against Burnley after clawing back into contention with the Liverpool win.

        This time, we are at home and anything but a win will continue to raise doubts over our title credentials.

        • rvp4mvp 21 December, 2009 at 03:47

          Anything but a win and we could be drawn into a battle with spuds and the villians…we need this

  22. Fred 20 December, 2009 at 20:59 Log in to Reply

    Anyone else watched Serie A recently? If not, I advise you not to. Its horrible!

    Had nothing to do so settled down to Inter v. Lazio, thinking its better than nothing. Havent watched a full game of Serie A in almost a year now, and I never thought it as bad.

    But this was by far the worst 90 minutes of soccer possible.

    Endless passing amongst defenders, extremely low number of forays into the oppositions third, even lower number of shots.

    Every single tackle or challenge is blown as a foul and even for the most basic of those “fouls” the players rolls on the ground in alleged pain for 2 minutes minimum. When he finally gets up, there is another 5 minutes of passing it among the defenders with little or no opposition challenge, then they pass it forward, lose the ball … then a foul … lots of Italian hand gestures of fake outrage, the medics come in and play doesnt restart for about 4 minutes!!!

    In the whole 90 minutes there was only about 30 minutes of actual soccer, its incredibly insane. I would take Bolton-Stoke any day of the week.

    • stag133 21 December, 2009 at 00:46 Log in to Reply

      Ummm. You haven’t watched a full match in almost a year… you watched one match and have labeled the entire league “horrible”?

      I watch it, and while its not the entertainment of the EPL, it is a VERY competitive league, with about 10 teams with a chance to get a top 4 spot.
      Inter is the best team in the league, but will play the usual Mourinho defensive style of play.
      Watch Genoa, who score and let in a lot of goals.

      It is not as bad as you make out, and there are some bad teams and matches in England as well.

      • Fred 21 December, 2009 at 01:05 Log in to Reply

        i have watched far more soccer than most. took in over 50 LIVE milan matches in the 90s. watched at least 500 in the dutch, french and german leagues … all live … and not counting TV games.

        all in all, i have never watched so much interruptions in play. that problem seems to be getting worse in italy.

        it was NEVER as bad.

        • stag133 21 December, 2009 at 12:44

          OK.
          well, I watch it quite a bit, I don’t think its horrible… they definitely play a more defensive style in Italy, but even that changes depending on the teams.
          It is not the EPL, but the EPL is far and away the most exciting to watch, even for casual observers.

      • arsesession 21 December, 2009 at 10:46 Log in to Reply

        Seria A is overrated – luster of the past still clings to its image.

        • stag133 21 December, 2009 at 12:45

          It is still one of the better leagues in the world… and I don’t think its “rated” ahead of England or Spain. So hard to see how its over-rated, unless you are asking Italians.

        • arsesession 21 December, 2009 at 18:41

          my comment was based on the successes of the top teams outside league play.

        • stag133 22 December, 2009 at 12:59

          in that scenario, every league other than the EPL is over-rated, because the EPL dominates.
          3 of 4 semi-finalists the last 2 seasons.

          All other leagues pale in comparison.

  23. Mazza 20 December, 2009 at 15:45 Log in to Reply

    We haven’t beat Villa at home since the 5-0 at Highbury nearly fours years ago. A repeat would be nice.

    This might sound sacreligious, but I wouldn’t be devastated if Cesc sat this game out. I don’t think he matches up well against Villa. I would prefer to keep the central area locked and use the flanks. With Cesc we play a slow style that suits Villa as they can drop off and hit us on the counter, and we seem more porous centrally.

    • ChicagoGooner 20 December, 2009 at 15:56 Log in to Reply

      Whoever we play, I’d rather Cesc sits an extra game out now and plays in the rest of the games this season, than have him come back a game too early and miss a run of games down the stretch as a result.

      • Mazza 20 December, 2009 at 16:11 Log in to Reply

        He tends to have very lethargic games around this time of year and he rarely comes back from injury firing.

        I think Diaby fully firing and without Fabregas there, could tear Villa a new one as he would just be direct and hopefully hit Villa on the counter. Without Fabs they might take the game to us more and leave themselves open to them.

    • stag133 21 December, 2009 at 00:39 Log in to Reply

      We didn’t play exceptionally well with Cesc out against Hull. The first 45 we were average at best, and Denilson’s free-kick changed everything.
      Villa are better and far more dangerous and CONFIDENT than Hull.
      I’ll take Cesc in that match please, you can sit him against lesser opponents.

      the goals in the 2nd half completely glossed over a sub-par first half performance.

  24. Mazza 20 December, 2009 at 15:39 Log in to Reply

    Being a good defensive midfielder is also about physiology as much as anything else, and that’s simply down to luck in terms of physique, supple-ness, mobility, and speed.

    Javier Mascharano is a phenomenal defensive midfield player in my opinion, but you wouldn’t break his game down and say he’s great tackler or brilliant interceptor. The truth is he’s decent at those two things but where he really excels his mobility, acceleration, and low centre of gravity which enable him to do cover ground quickly, block off passing lanes, and in general make his presence felt. He is a mediocre passer but he can escape from tight situations because he roll off players and sprint into space before offloading a simple pass.

    These are things Song cannot do. He simply doesn’t have the pace, mobility, or balance to cover ground or block lanes to the same level as Mascherano. And when he attempts ambitious defensive moves, his mind often writes cheques his body can’t cash, leaving us exposed. Same with Denilson as well.

    I won’t even bother critiquing Denilson in this sense because he’s more of CM and woefully inadequate as a permanent fixture in the defensive central position, but he does have decent ability in terms of intercepting and he can tackle fairly well. What renders these qualities almost irrelevant in the PL is his lack of power/speed and physical strength, which hinders him offensively as well because he can’t escape with the ball by making a driving run forward – he always has to play the ball back.

    Okay, so I did critque him in that sense ;)

    I would put Song on the same level as Mikel defensively.

  25. Fred 20 December, 2009 at 15:30 Log in to Reply

    At least we are back to the pre-Burnley status quo. Six behind with a game in hand.

    The Villa game is MASSIVE, MASSIVE. Probably even bigger than the Liverpool game at this point. We win and we put some daylight between us and the other top 4 contenders.

    Its at home so at least thats a plus.

    When the hell is Bendtner coming back???

  26. Fred 20 December, 2009 at 15:20 Log in to Reply

    Hilarious points about the “diving in” or non diving-in DM.

    Its all well and good portraying the art of tackling as reckless, bad, “diving-in”. Tackling is just plain tackling. Its a BIG part of the game. Ofcourse you mix it up but you must know how to do both.

    The “nicking the ball” theory is useful if you are playing against a plank AM who lets the ball run a few yards in front of them. On the other hand an above average AM or striker would have the ball very close to feet. You are not getting the ball unless you TACKLE him.

    “Nicking the ball” only comes into effect when the guy pushes the ball a bit too far. So in other words you are waiting for a mistake.

    Good luck using that approach against quality players!

    • Andez 20 December, 2009 at 16:59 Log in to Reply

      Bravo! Really show that how much you know what you been talking about!

      • Fred 20 December, 2009 at 18:38 Log in to Reply

        LOL! Only those who agree with you know what they are talking about! Got it!

        Who needs players who can win tackles!

        Andez, you are a bit of a snide clown. Dont you have some list to make up on how you are a better fan?

        • stag133 21 December, 2009 at 00:36

          why must you always resort to name-calling?

        • Fred 21 December, 2009 at 00:52

          clown isnt a pejorative, stag.

        • rocka 21 December, 2009 at 04:34

          what’s a pejorative? Sounds like something a clown would say

        • Mazza 21 December, 2009 at 13:27

          Well, Fred can use that word if he wants. It’s his pejorative to do so…. sorry…perogative.

        • Fred 21 December, 2009 at 15:58

          dont you mean “prerogative”?? LOL

          well I guess I shouldnt be a pedant, considering I used “pejorative” as a freaking noun … lol.

  27. vibe4arsenal 20 December, 2009 at 14:58 Log in to Reply

    Thank you, West Ham.

  28. nipuna 20 December, 2009 at 13:55 Log in to Reply

    West Ham lead Chelsea at HT. Is the weekend about to get even better?

    • ChicagoGooner 20 December, 2009 at 14:23 Log in to Reply

      I hope! If the Hammers can just hold out for the draw at least…

      • nipuna 20 December, 2009 at 14:56 Log in to Reply

        Chelsea equalize through a poor penalty decision but drop two points.

        Arsenal are now just six points behind with a game in hand. The Villa game will be MASSIVE.

        • ChicagoGooner 20 December, 2009 at 14:58

          I watched the last 25 minutes of the match. From 65 to 80 there was end-to-end action, but after 80 it was mostly West Ham taking the fight to Chelsea. They earned that point and maybe should have come away with 3 b/c of that PK.

          A fitting end to the 2nd consecutive crazy weekend in this crazy season.

        • vibe4arsenal 20 December, 2009 at 20:50

          End to end action, including (hilariously) Franco’s repeated finger-poking of Ballack. Who says European Footballers aren’t tough guys?

  29. Andez 20 December, 2009 at 13:29 Log in to Reply

    completely agree with Joshuad’s point regarding of “tackling”.

    There are two forms of tackle – diving in and nicking the ball away.

    In fact, the truly great defensive players never need to “dive in”. As you either risk to get booked, or let a skillful attacker dribble past you and let your defense exposed.

    I remember this same comment I made before when Flamini first won over the starting job. He tended to dive in too easily at the early stage of his Arsenal career. Yet gradually he had changed his game to become a DM who would hold his ground and nick the ball away, rather than giving away his position by diving in. That’s when he started to really shine.

    It’s same for Song. Remember how he tended to give away lot of cheap freekicks during his early years? Because he’s relatively a slow player, and when he tried to dive in for a tackle, more often than not it’s mistimed. Yet in recent time, we saw him gradually turned into a nicker and hold his ground rather than diving in blindly. I think that’s one significant improvement of his game.

    • stag133 21 December, 2009 at 00:33 Log in to Reply

      There is a time and place for a HARD PHYSICAL TACKLE. They can make a point, and can let the opponent know that we’re not going to allow any BS.
      When Nasri got into the middle of the mess yesterday, it was SILVESTRE who was right in the center of it as well, sticking up for him, pushing people away… I didn’t see many other Arsenal players get involved.
      Keown, Vieira, Winterburn, Parlour… ALL would have been in on it.
      I’d really like to see more of that.
      Silvestre is old school… and that’s a positive.

  30. arsesession 20 December, 2009 at 11:26 Log in to Reply

    Andez, I thought you observation abt Almunia, his right hand (side) appears to be his stronger – more dominate is a detail to his game that I failed to catch; maybe it was overshadowed by other glaring faults.

    As to the Hull match:
    Eboue and Sivestre at starting outside backs – a first.
    Song, Denilson, Diaby in midfield – a first
    These five players stepped up to the challenge for the club.

    Mazz & Josh – very astute comments abt Cesc’s influence on Diaby’s play. The linking between Arshavin, Nasri, and Eduardo was superb.

    I thought Eboue had his best match for Arsenal in over 2 years.

    • stag133 21 December, 2009 at 00:30 Log in to Reply

      I don’t think Eboue played very well, he was OK, so if that’s his best in 2 years, woe is us.
      What did he do that made you think he played really well?

      • arsesession 21 December, 2009 at 10:40 Log in to Reply

        – never caught out of position
        – not beaten by the dribble; most attempts to attack his flank were disrupted
        – worked in sync with Gallas, Vermaelen, and Silvestre for an effective offside traps
        – excellent defending crosses into our PA
        – ‘DID NOT COMMIT ANY SILLY FOULS’, DIVE, OR FAKE INJURY’

        • stag133 21 December, 2009 at 16:22

          yes, that’s what a defender is supposed to do, it doesn’t mean he played exceptionally well. He was OK at best.
          That’s all Eboue provides. A good back-up, who can occasionally dive, cheat, and get red-cards, and can’t shoot for shit.

  31. Andez 20 December, 2009 at 07:56 Log in to Reply

    Remember the call for spending big money on Gareth Barry at the past to “improve” our defense?

    Last time I check, among the top 7 clubs in the Premership league table, Man City conceded more goals than anyone else.

    While Aston Villa, who had lost Barry to City in the summer, conceded the least.

    Thanks God AW kept his faith in Song.

    • Fred 20 December, 2009 at 15:10 Log in to Reply

      That has far MORE to do with the planks they have playing at CB. Toure and Lescott are a woefull combination.

      They should have kept Dunne.

      Villa are stronger BECAUSE they got Dunne.

    • stag133 21 December, 2009 at 00:29 Log in to Reply

      So, somehow that all falls on Barry?
      There are other players around him, and he STILL would help our team with depth and size.
      Song has played well, but ANC? We’ll go with Denilson and who?

  32. rvp4mvp 20 December, 2009 at 07:34 Log in to Reply

    We are in quite an interesting point in the season now. Half way through and we need to decide if Arsenal is battling with Manu/Chelsea or if we are going to get stuck in the battle with the rest (AV,tots,citeh,pool).

  33. live_dont_exist 20 December, 2009 at 05:30 Log in to Reply

    AW response to Mick McCarthy – Another classic… :bowsdown to AW

    If a guy is a dictator, when somebody is of a different opinion, he becomes an enemy. Me, I’m a democrat. If someone’s of a different opinion, I try to understand why. And that’s all I have to say. For me Mick McCarthy is not an enemy, I respect him. He has made a decision that I found was unfair towards us, towards Arsenal. Maybe I’m wrong. I can accept that. I can accept everybodys opinion.

    • rvp4mvp 20 December, 2009 at 07:34 Log in to Reply

      perfect response

  34. OziKenyan 20 December, 2009 at 00:13 Log in to Reply

    Very happy with the outcome. All that needs to be said seems to have been covered. Penalty save not withstanding, was anyone else surprised at how willingly Almunia was coming off his line? He was doing the sweeper role more enthusiastically than usual. After the Burnley horror show, the fact that he was still picked for this game suggests he’s going to be there till May at the least. In which case as Josh says we need to support him and I hope this game sees him at the least keep this level of performance up.

    • rocka 20 December, 2009 at 02:45 Log in to Reply

      Did notice Almunia coming out more. At least he is trying to get himself into form.

  35. rocka 19 December, 2009 at 23:43 Log in to Reply

    Well we just saw the benefit of all the game time that Song, Diaby and Denilson have gained over the past few years. They showed enough experience and quality to get the result. (Do I sound like Arsene?)

    But it was only Hull, at home, so not getting carried away.

    Villa is the big one. Without a striker I fear for us in that one.

    • rvp4mvp 20 December, 2009 at 11:27 Log in to Reply

      pffff we have a striker

      as the song goes

      he came to us henry went…

  36. joshuad 19 December, 2009 at 23:33 Log in to Reply

    Mazza, about Diaby, I said the same thing a few seasons back. It was a moot point as Fabregas is certainly preferred to the Frenchman but it’s hard for Diaby as he has to think a lot more about what he’s doing with Fabregas instead of just playing intuitively. No Fabregas seemed to mean no “handbrake” for him.

    I believe the attack would be better served with Diaby in a more advanced role just off the front striker. Cesc having a dribbler ahead of him gives him more time to create. Diaby could pose a similar threat as Hleb, being our only dribbler (besides Eboue) but also a greater aerial and goal threat. The only problem is his ability to pick out a smart pass is lacking. Lastly, Diaby seems to prefer an advanced role while Cesc seems to prefer to play deeper. However, I can understand Wenger opting the big and strong Diaby winning balls in midfield opposed to Fabregas.

    As for Denilson tackling, I think if a player has the ball and an opponent (Denilson) puts himself between said player and ball, assuming control and possession of the ball, then that is considered a tackle. It’s not the typical, going-to-ground, Vieira-style tackle but if you disposess the player, who cares how? It’s even more efficient when you assume possession as opposed to kicking the ball into touch. Most BPL tackles are like an armed robbery while Denilson is more of a cat burglar. In the end, you’re still getting jacked? Denilson certainly isn’t the biggest, strongest or most experienced player but, at 21, he continues to find a way to be effective in the big and burly BPL.

    Our midfield was more efficient with Diaby, Song, and Denilson than with Ramsey in that mix. It’s not a knock on Ramsey as he’s only 18 but his time is coming; just not yet.

    • OziKenyan 20 December, 2009 at 00:15 Log in to Reply

      “Most BPL tackles are like an armed robbery”- Good line.. Made me LOL

  37. joshuad 19 December, 2009 at 22:40 Log in to Reply

    I think Man City’s success in the short term will depend on how well Mancini understands and relates to the players he’s inherited. Surely, he’ll want to add something new. Hughes only brought in players from other Premier League teams this summer and Mancini will, surely, want a bit of continental flavor.

    Aston Villa are a tad bit deeper than last year but considering they’re not in Europe this year, that tad might be deep enough to see them sustain their challenge for a top four place. Just like we hear all the time at Arsenal, Villa’s young players are all one year more experienced and, despite the loss of Berry, certainly deeper than the beginning of last season. I expect them to be there pretty much all season this term. We’ll see.

    • stag133 19 December, 2009 at 23:19 Log in to Reply

      No doubt, I think Villa, City, the Totts AND Liverpool will all be vying for 4th place.

      • rvp4mvp 20 December, 2009 at 07:35 Log in to Reply

        will Arsenal and 3rd place be in the mix as well?

        • stag133 21 December, 2009 at 00:26

          I would HOPE we will be pushing for 2nd or even first, especially with Chelsea dropping points at West Ham, but it all will depend on whether we strengthen in January.
          United WILL … Chelsea WILL.
          If we watch and Wenger goes with … so and so coming back is like a new signing, we’ll be playing for 3rd place.

  38. stag133 19 December, 2009 at 21:57 Log in to Reply

    A fact about City, is that they have only lost TWICE all season… once to ManU… nobody else has been beaten less.
    I think they’ll be in the 4th place race until the end… as nobody
    else is really going to pull away…

    It will be an interesting and busy January for them.

    • OziKenyan 20 December, 2009 at 00:14 Log in to Reply

      Another fact about them is that Birmingham City has won more games than them. 7 wins in 17 for an investment like the one they have made is pathetic.

  39. Fred 19 December, 2009 at 20:26 Log in to Reply

    As for City, if you are going to sack Hughes at least go for a top-class coach. Someone like Mourinho or Hiddink.

    Mancini is a mediocre coach on the same level as Ranieri … and not that much better than Hughes. Infact, its his first time coaching in England, so his record might be worse.

    I bet Mancini would be sacked in the next 6 months.

    Which is good, cos it leaves us, Liverpool, Spurs and Villa to fight for the 2 CL spots.

  40. Fred 19 December, 2009 at 20:15 Log in to Reply

    Regular order game. Diaby is definitely MOTM.

    Denilson won TWO tackles today. Up from his average of zero … that alone is enough to earn him kudos. Scoring a free kick? Well, not too surprising. I have always given his shooting as his one redeeming point. But, hey no bashing him … at least not today :-)

    Diaby. If only he can play exactly like this most weeks. But truth be told I fully expect him to return to his oafish ways come next week. I would love to be proven wrong.

    Almunia. Even the defenders were shocked he saved it. Hence, none bothered following up on the kick. For the first time this season he actually had a positive effect on the scoreline for us. Unfortunately he still has fundamental flaws we should not gamble away in the CL or FA cup.

    Silvestre: Didnt face a fast winger today. And luckily Traore would be back for the Villa game.

    However it seems like Silvestre might actually be the SMARTEST fullback we have offensively. Massive tradeoff. Slow and a donkey at the back, but street-smart up front.

    • Mazza 19 December, 2009 at 20:22 Log in to Reply

      I think Diaby plays better without Cesc. Both of them have two completely different styles of play and when they play together that becomes apparent. Diaby slows his game down too much and tries to fit in, when he’s better just rampaging through and being direct. It’s similar to how Vieira and Fabregas never played well together.

      Diaby’s last domineering performance was Newcastle away, when he drove through the middle and scored. That was without Cesc as well.

    • stag133 19 December, 2009 at 21:55 Log in to Reply

      Denilson played WELL. Made tackles, passed the ball well (forward even)… tracked back, and was involved in the play. He is also, sort of like Gilberto, in that its sometimes what he doesn’t do, puts himself in good positions.

  41. Andez 19 December, 2009 at 19:58 Log in to Reply

    First, gotta say Almunia made a very important save for us, not just for the game itself, potentially for the season.

    Basically I agree with ChicagoG’s analysis on Almunia. Just wanna add one more point – Not sure if anyone feels the same.. Personally, I think he has much stronger a right hand than left hand.

    I have observed, whenever a freekick was struck towards his left, often it would end up into the net.

    And when he was beaten at near post, it happened more often on his left near post than the right.

    And when he’s facing a penalty kick situation, he often dived to his right. Anyone remember that Roma CL shootout last season? He dived to the right almost every single time.

    This is not the fact. Only an observation.

    Anyway, let’s hope this penalty save will give his confidence a lift. Joshuad said it well – like them or hate them, if we wish Arsenal to do well, we better wish EVERY single one of our players will do well as well.

    • Mazza 19 December, 2009 at 20:18 Log in to Reply

      I still maintain he had a very good season last year, even though he’s not the answer long term.

  42. Mazza 19 December, 2009 at 18:06 Log in to Reply

    Fair play to Denilson. Absolutely brilliant free kick.

  43. DaAdminGooner 19 December, 2009 at 17:40 Log in to Reply

    Sorry to inerrupt but if this isn’t close to a manager throwing in the towel I don’t know what is:

    http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=715654&sec=england&cc=5901

    • arsesession 19 December, 2009 at 18:22 Log in to Reply

      DAG –
      was just studying the PL standings and thinking that MANU is only a few points ahead of a large group of challengers.

      All will be watching how Chelski handles West Ham tomorrow or doesn’t.
      I feel we’re in for a real title race this season.

      • DaAdminGooner 19 December, 2009 at 19:00 Log in to Reply

        Villa will eventually fade. Lack of depth and no real Creative MF. Spurs – well they are spurs and will eventually cock it up.

        City is going to be in chaos for the rest of the season.

  44. joshuad 19 December, 2009 at 16:44 Log in to Reply

    Proper result from a proper performance. All eleven contributed today; including Almunia, Diaby, Denilson, and Silvestre. I’m happy to see them all have descent matches as, hate it or love it, they’re all a part of the team. We will need them all playing well in order to have a chance at the title.

    Diaby is growing as a player. In seasons past, he seems to be at his best right before an injury. This last injury was no different. The difference is he seems to be coming back to form quicker these days. The true tests will come when we’re playing teams much stronger than Hull but atleast we had the resolve to finish off an inferior team.

    I’m not looking past Villa, as that’s foolish, but I’ve been watching Portsmouth a lot this year. They have lost a lot of talent but they still have plenty of firepower down there. They have some strong, physical athletes that like to put the ball on the floor and play. They beat Liverpool pretty soundly today and I’m a fan. Of all the teams in the bottom three, I belive them to be the strongest. Time will tell but I’m not looking past them. With that famous Pompey crowd, they can survive and Grant is no slouch. I’m hoping they survive but to have a bad game against Arsenal.

  45. arsesession 19 December, 2009 at 16:40 Log in to Reply

    With Cesc out – who was going to step up?

    2nd half was marvelously entertaining. Maybe we needed the tussle in the 1st half extra time, to get our
    juices flowing.

    Great effort from EVERYONE!

  46. arthur3sheds 19 December, 2009 at 16:39 Log in to Reply

    Only watched the sencond half. But we played some beautiful football at times.

    I have been impressed with Diaby in the last two games. Today he looked confident and deserved his goal. Theo did not look as woeful as in the two games he has started so I hope he is getting back into gear.

    Shame about the Burnley result, I must read the comments after that game would hbe interesting to see waht the Negative Nancy’s had to say, and see whether Vermaelen got the derision Toure would have got if he was still playing for us.

    • vibe4arsenal 19 December, 2009 at 17:29 Log in to Reply

      One of them plays top-notch defense almost all of the time. Rarely makes a big mistake.

      The other one plays for City.

      Such a nice bonus of an Arsenal victory: you coming back out to post.

      • Fred 19 December, 2009 at 20:03 Log in to Reply

        Perfect response.

  47. stag133 19 December, 2009 at 16:35 Log in to Reply

    OK. Well, the goats are HEROES today.

    After another fairly POOR first half, in which we had players running into each other, all in the same spot, and not creating any real chances against Hull… up steps DENILSON.
    His free-kick was a very good one, and I’d much rather he take them
    than Nasri… (or the recent Eduardo)… beautiful goal.

    Then 2nd half… DEFINITELY NOT A PENALTY against Silvestre, and Almunia makes the big stop… (even if our defenders WATCHED the rebound and 3 Hull players got to it).

    Denilson played a GOOD GAME… he is definitely playing confidently, and made some tackles, good passes and a great goal.
    MAN OF THE MATCH.

    Silvestre has actually played pretty decent at LB… is he someone I’d want to play regularly? No, but he has filled in well.

    Diaby had a good game as well… created one, scored one.

    These are our usual GOATS… blame spread upon them regularly…
    and while Eduardo was not good again, Arshavin didn’t show too much…
    the others, the one’s we don’t expect to win us a match, DID.

    That is exactly what we needed, and is promising in that… these guys will have to play and play well over the Christmas period.

    Liverpool lose again… United get spanked… and we find a way to get it done at home… despite a poor first half, and overcoming a BAD CALL by the ref for a penalty that wasn’t.

    If we are getting contributions from Denilson, Diaby, & Silvestre… anything is possible.

    Now, how about some help from West Ham tomorrow?!
    Wouldn’t bet on it, but I wouldn’t have thought Pompey and Fulham would be successful today either.

    :)
    Enjoy the day Gooners.
    Enjoy YOUR day Denilson!

    • arthur3sheds 19 December, 2009 at 16:42 Log in to Reply

      Got to agree with you Stag although I did not watch the first half, Denilson did look impressive.

      I wonder if Fred will give credit where it is due?

  48. ChicagoGooner 19 December, 2009 at 16:33 Log in to Reply

    Nice play from Diaby today, involved in both of our goals from the run of play: setting up one and scoring the other.

    Also, I’m not that surprised Manny saved the PK (no more than I am whenever else they get saved, b/c it should never really happen). They type of skills needed to save a PK are not the skills he lacks. To me his biggest problems seem to be positioning and quick decision-making. Those aren’t really required in a penalty. The decision is easy: L or R. And the positioning, well just die whichever way you chose. You don’t need to track various player movements and be good at reading the game, anticipating what is likely to happen next when its a PK. Those are the things he sucks at.

  49. nipuna 19 December, 2009 at 16:32 Log in to Reply

    3-0. Great moves on the second and third goals. Lovely free kick by Denilson.

  50. macmac123 19 December, 2009 at 16:16 Log in to Reply

    3-0. Diaby, powering through the middle. Now you’re talking. Why can’t Diaby play like that all the time?
    Let’s get one more and truly shut Phil Brown up.

    PS Adios Sparky. That’ll teach you. Your defense is hilarious!

  51. vibe4arsenal 19 December, 2009 at 15:50 Log in to Reply

    Manny saves a penalty??!??

    Holy crap. We have truly stepped in a wormhole today.

    • arthur3sheds 19 December, 2009 at 16:32 Log in to Reply

      Manny has saved many penalties for us. If you wasn’t so busy moaning you might well have noticed.

      • vibe4arsenal 19 December, 2009 at 17:21 Log in to Reply

        Hey, sorry about your boy Mark Hughes. Shame about their defense. Still, you must be thrilled with City’s win.

      • Mazza 19 December, 2009 at 17:41 Log in to Reply

        Yes, condolences Arthur.

        I hear Ade was relegated to the bench today as well, and his replacement, Santa Cruz, scored a brace.

        My thoughts are with you.

      • Fred 19 December, 2009 at 19:58 Log in to Reply

        Also, the City owners were said to be especially angry about the whole Ade situation. At this point the bookies are already putting short odds on him being sold either this January or in the summer. Either way, he is def. no longer first choice.

        I see Marseilles or Hamburg in his future.

        Dont cry too much though. There is life after love.

  52. macmac123 19 December, 2009 at 15:25 Log in to Reply

    1-0! Denilson scores from a…. direct freekick! So that’s what he brings to the relationship.

    Wow, we were labored and scrappy in most other respects. No midfield kick or wit. We need a Wenger blowtorch at halftime and bring on Ramsay sooner rather than later.

    • vibe4arsenal 19 December, 2009 at 15:39 Log in to Reply

      As I’ve only got the radio now, will somehow with picture fill in the details on the kerfuffle shortly before the goal? What did Nasri do, exactly? Did Manny really run all the way across the pitch?

      • Mazza 19 December, 2009 at 17:21 Log in to Reply

        I was listening as well but from what I can gather Nasri stepped on Garcia’s ankle and all hell broke loose.

        I think Almunia was involved, but reports of him strangling Fagan round the neck ala Leland/Maddy style are unconfirmed at this point.

        • vibe4arsenal 21 December, 2009 at 12:45

          That actually made me LOL. Sorry I took so long finding my way back up to it.

  53. vibe4arsenal 19 December, 2009 at 14:45 Log in to Reply

    And, perfect. THIS is the moment when the snow storm overwhelms my satellite picture. Perfect. I think the satellite radio is still working. I hope.

  54. macmac123 19 December, 2009 at 14:38 Log in to Reply

    This site is offering a typographical hint to Wenger – be bold, amigo. Take the game to Hull. Get the early breakthrough. Then wrap it the F. up with a second goal before halftime.

    We couldn’t ask for nicer results this weekend. Two wins and we’re in second place.

    The Van P. statistics shows how our attack founders without a pivot player who can hold the ball up and bring in other players into the attack. The Van P. reverse throughball for a player running forward is what I’m missing right now.

    And that other statistic about us not scoring from a freekick since forever – that is the one area of Van P.’s game that declined. He used to smash them in.

    Anyway, I’m going for a nice 2-0 home win with some howling controversy to set off Phil Brown.

  55. ChicagoGooner 19 December, 2009 at 14:24 Log in to Reply

    2 of the Big 4 slip up again, while Villa, Spurs, and City all win. This is easily the most interesting league season in years! Maybe West Ham can pull some magic tomorrow against the Blues. We better win today…

    • ChicagoGooner 19 December, 2009 at 14:24 Log in to Reply

      Also, despite the 4-3 win over Sunderland, I’m reading that City is getting ready to sack Hughes.

      • vibe4arsenal 19 December, 2009 at 15:00 Log in to Reply

        Confirmed. Hughes out, Mancini supposed to be in.

        http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=715277&sec=england&cc=5901

  56. vibe4arsenal 19 December, 2009 at 14:23 Log in to Reply

    Site note…the the typeface on this thread looks bolder. Don’t know whether or not it’s anything you did, DAG, but I like it.

  57. DaAdminGooner 19 December, 2009 at 13:53 Log in to Reply

    Starting XI Almunia (c), Eboue, Gallas, Vermaelen, Silvestre, Song, Diaby, Denilson, Nasri, Arshavin, Eduardo

    Substitutes: Fabianski, Sagna, Ramsey, Wilshere, Walcott, Emmanuel-Thomas, Vela

  58. live_dont_exist 19 December, 2009 at 13:42 Log in to Reply

    Fulham 3 – ManU 0 ????

    Pompey 2 – Pool 0 ????

    What a weird season. Hope we get it done today. Seriously.

    • vibe4arsenal 19 December, 2009 at 15:37 Log in to Reply

      So much for those optimistic about Liverpool.

  59. arsesession 19 December, 2009 at 13:41 Log in to Reply

    Fulham serving holiday cheer to ManU; 3-0 (late score)

  60. nipuna 19 December, 2009 at 11:28 Log in to Reply

    Ok, folks, I just got back home. Will be sitting in front of the tv soon all the way till the Arsenal game ends (1 am IST). :)

    Anybody on GDC?

    • HighburyterraceSteve 19 December, 2009 at 11:30 Log in to Reply

      We probably could move these pithy comments over there….As it is, Pompey score another vs ‘Pool, Reina unable to protect his left post from the same crazy angle…At least nobody’s “Walking Alone”….

      Yeah, I’m finding too much pleasure in ‘Pool’s failings when we need to take care of business later….I’m off to the GDC, where these things are maybe more appropriate….

      • DaAdminGooner 19 December, 2009 at 11:35 Log in to Reply

        You kind of wonder could we buy Reina now. They need the money. They suck.

        • nipuna 19 December, 2009 at 11:44

          While we are at it, why not sign Torres?

        • DaAdminGooner 19 December, 2009 at 11:46

          Well he wants Champion’s League football. He certainly isn’t get it at Liverpool. They’ll be lucky at this point not to be staving off relegation.

        • HighburyterraceSteve 19 December, 2009 at 11:47

          My thought has always been that if Rafa goes he’ll end up in Spain and he’ll bring some of his Spanish (and Spanish speaking) players with him. As such he sort of has the Kop at his ransom. (Of course one might argue the same about AW and our French contingent…)

          Reina, IMO, isn’t good enough relative to what a “big four” rival would charge for him.

  61. DaAdminGooner 19 December, 2009 at 11:20 Log in to Reply

    Hmmm guess £25M in striker gets you relegated to the bench – Adebayor not starting for City. ROFLMAO

    Oh yeah don’t forget that £25M defender that is on the trainer’s bench for 6-8 weeks.

    Did I mention I hate City?

    Oh and I have no idea why everyone’s post is coming in BF

    • HighburyterraceSteve 19 December, 2009 at 11:26 Log in to Reply

      Hughes is on deathwatch up there…

      Also, please explain the “Come to Jens” moment that Manny needs. I don’t understand it, but it made me laugh.

      • DaAdminGooner 19 December, 2009 at 11:28 Log in to Reply

        I couldn’t decide if it was a “come to Jens” or “Come to David” moment.

        The point is even at his most erratic Jens Lehmann is double the keeper Almunia is or could hope to be. So either he gets some devine inspiration and go all mental or step aside and let someone else have a bloody go.

        I wonder could we see to managers get the sack today – Rafa and Hughes.

        • HighburyterraceSteve 19 December, 2009 at 11:32

          Sort of, “It might be best if you celebrated Christmas AWAY from the team”….

        • DaAdminGooner 19 December, 2009 at 11:36

          Exactly.

  62. HighburyterraceSteve 19 December, 2009 at 11:19 Log in to Reply

    I know I get too caught up in each “moment” of the season, but watching the early match, Pompey-‘Pool, Man oh (10)man, Liverpool seem to have an important half hour here to rescue their season….

    At the bottom of the table it is interesting that the relegation spots are currently occupied by more established Premiership clubs, so that none of them will be willing to go down easily, and they all will make a reasonable stand, at least in their home stadiums (as we certainly experienced in mid-week).

    For us, we are right on the edge with the injury situation. We need to come through this match today unscathed and we need some of the squad players to step up and give us comfort in our notion of “depth”. With a week to get ready for Villa it would be nice to have some bodies back for that match as well as some confidence from some of our “supporting” players who are sorely lacking it.

  63. arsesession 19 December, 2009 at 11:15 Log in to Reply

    Weather – field conditions will have a big factor in all aspects of play.

  64. arsesession 19 December, 2009 at 11:06 Log in to Reply

    off topic –
    Arsene remarked today that he didn’t see much activity by all clubs during the January transfer window – FINANCIAL CONDITIONS OF CLUBS (everywhere) are delicate.

    We will see Senderos depart, but I see our roster set in stone.

    • HighburyterraceSteve 19 December, 2009 at 11:24 Log in to Reply

      I’m normally un-optimisic when it comes to Arsenal transfers, but I’m thinking that AW is trying to soften up perspective selling teams in advance of the window. Some teams desperately need some money (West Ham for example–C.Cole?) and it could work to our advantage.

      • arsesession 19 December, 2009 at 12:09 Log in to Reply

        even swap, Theo for C. Cole?

        • stag133 19 December, 2009 at 16:26

          why?
          Theo is too young to give up on, and Cole’s never done much over any length of time.
          I wouldn’t hold your breath on that one.

        • arsesession 19 December, 2009 at 18:10

          just kidding!

          Theo is ‘one’ of the youth’s in progress…..

  65. arsesession 19 December, 2009 at 11:00 Log in to Reply

    Last season my blood pressure spiked on all opponents free kicks into our penalty area.

    If anything, our back 4 seem more composed and the play of Song/Gallas/Vermaelen has allowed our midfield more time with the ball.

    With Cesc out, all of us will be waiting (anxiously) to see if we can maintain our fluid play and exploit Hulls’ back line.

    If Bullard were playing, I’d be worried, otherwise I see a comfortable win for Arsenal.

  66. HighburyterraceSteve 19 December, 2009 at 10:54 Log in to Reply

    Anybody predict Denilson to score today?….Well “old” Denilson already has (in the 3rd place match in the club world cup or whatever it is)….

    Hey DAG, I like the new font in the comments….a bit more forceful than the previous one–trying to turn up the volume on the debate here?

  67. joshuad 19 December, 2009 at 10:26 Log in to Reply

    Holy shite! You guys see Belhadj’s goal? Liverpool are in trouble.

    If Almunia had conceded that goal, he’d be tarred and feathered but, sorry boys, nobody was stopping that rocket.

    • HighburyterraceSteve 19 December, 2009 at 10:35 Log in to Reply

      Saw it (up too early this morning….) Unstoppable. Mascerano gets a straight red (3 match ban) AND he’s hurt himself (maybe). Liverpool ARE in trouble…

      Josh…are you saying we should be taking it easier on Almunia?

    • arsesession 19 December, 2009 at 10:38 Log in to Reply

      great strike…..
      Mascherano shown the Xmas red…….

  68. nipuna 19 December, 2009 at 05:38 Log in to Reply

    MacMac’s point about 36 goals in 11 games with RvP but only 5 in 5 without him is the most amazing stat about Arsenal this season. Does that make us a one man team?

    I had big doubts about RvP settling into the main striker role in a 4-3-3 but he has far exceeded mine (and everyone’s) expectations. But the stats seem to show an over reliance on him which is not good at all (considering he won’t be back this season). And now we are without Cesc as well (thankfully for a short time only).

  69. nipuna 19 December, 2009 at 05:33 Log in to Reply

    You have gone with Arsene’s pets in midfield – Song, Denilson and Diaby. Somehow I think Ramsey will play with Diaby pushed into Walcott’s position.

    I was going to predict 3-0 (ok, 3-1 if Almunia starts), but with Cesc injured, this could get interesting. Still I fancy a 2-0 or at least a 2-1 win. If we can’t win over Hull at home without Cesc, what chance do we have of being champions?

    See you all on GDC.

  70. DaAdminGooner 19 December, 2009 at 04:25 Log in to Reply

    Apologies if you were trying to get on the site and couldn’t. The server the site is on had a DDOS attack last nite.

    • arsesession 19 December, 2009 at 11:10 Log in to Reply

      Another solid post….
      Agree with your line-up forecasst.

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