By 1970’s Gooner
Arsene Wenger has hinted that Walcott may get a start tonight against Slavia Prague. Although there is no doubt that Theo has been playing well recently I doubt whether Wenger will go for this selection.
Let’s start at the beginning.
Eduardo should be “dropped”. His performance last Saturday was disappointing to say the least.
He has not yet adapted to the pace, tight marking from behind and in your face type of English football. He could not hold the ball up front with the result that he couldn't connect with Adebayor nor bring other players into the game.
Eboue should also be dropped. He was neither decisive nor penetrative enough. Rosicky who is now fit should take his place. So far so good.
But does Wenger go for 4 4 2 again and play Adebayor and Walcott up front?
Interesting; and a combination we would all like to see at some stage. This is likely to come sooner than later.
Walcott himself revealed in one of his very recent interviews on Arsenal TV On Line that his training regime involves him playing up front through the middle.
The other option is to play a 4 4 1 1 formation with Hleb behind Adebayor. Eboue or Walcott could be the other wide midfielder.
But in my opinion Wenger should select, for obvious reasons, the formation and the players he wants to go with in the next two crucial Premier League games coming up: Liverpool away and Manchester United home.
And you wouldn’t choose to start with Walcott for these games would you? I would also not start with the underperforming Eboue for these two games either.
Which leaves as the only viable selection option for the Champions League game the 4 3 3 formation and the recall of Gilberto in the line up.
Adebayor could then be flanked by Hleb and Rosicky. Fabregas and Flamini pushing forward in support as and when the occasion demands.
This formation would be ideal for the games coming up as we need to be compact in the middle of the field and additionally have the option of bringing impact players, Walcott and Eboue, off the bench if needed.
Prediction: Arsenal Vs Slavia Prague 3-0
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Wenger’s selection dilemmas coming up for the Liverpool and Manchester United games
By 1970’s Gooner
It is slightly unfortunate that Arsenal are now entering the most important series of games in their calendar without their main striker in Robin Van Persie.
It is a period where this young team will have to show its credentials against the big boys of Liverpool and Manchester United. The latter following an away game in the Champions League to Slavia Prague.
It’s not your first team players that win you trophies but your squad. But just who can adequately replace Van Persie for these games has now assumed major importance following Eduardo’s very disappointing display against Bolton.
He has not yet adapted to the pace, tight marking from behind and in your face type of English football.
He could not hold the ball up front with the result that he couldn't connect with Adebayor nor bring other players into the game. He reminds me of similar performances put in by Adebayor in his first season in this League.
Eduardo was similarly ineffective on the last occasion he was given a start which was against Blackburn away.
All this poses serious selection dilemmas for Wenger who has other options of course.
His first is to play Hleb just behind Adebayor in 4 5 1 formation with Rosicky and Eboue/Walcott as the wide midfield men.
He reverted to this when he made the inspired match winning changes against Bolton. It was also the formation that served him well at the beginning of the season. It served Hleb as well.
The second option is to bring Bendtner on to partner Adebayor in a 4 4 2 formation.
I watched Bendtner perform very well for Denmark in the Euro qualifiers and his direct physical style is at the moment more effective than Eduardo’s ball to feet approach.
The more unexpected but interesting option is to reinstall Gilberto into a three man midfield, in a 4 3 3 formation along Fabregas and Flamini.
Adebayor could then be flanked by Hleb and Rosicky. Fabregas and Flamini pushing forward in support as and when the occasion demands.
Judging by Wenger’s actions in team selection so far he is likely to give Eduardo every chance to prove himself.
He will probably select him for the Champions League game in Prague and give him the chance to show what he can do and hope he can get a goal which will prop up his confidence level.
But these types of games cannot be compared to the pressure of facing the Liverpools and Man Utds of this world.
Arsene Wenger has some serious thinking to do.
Out of the walkway and onto the motorway. Can Eduardo propel Arsenal to the title starting today against Bolton?
Are you English or Goonerish?
It is slightly unfortunate that Arsenal are now entering the most important series of games in their calendar without their main striker in Robin Van Persie.
It is a period where this young team will have to show its credentials against the big boys of Liverpool and Manchester United. The latter following an away game in the Champions League to Slavia Prague.
It’s not your first team players that win you trophies but your squad. But just who can adequately replace Van Persie for these games has now assumed major importance following Eduardo’s very disappointing display against Bolton.
He has not yet adapted to the pace, tight marking from behind and in your face type of English football.
He could not hold the ball up front with the result that he couldn't connect with Adebayor nor bring other players into the game. He reminds me of similar performances put in by Adebayor in his first season in this League.
Eduardo was similarly ineffective on the last occasion he was given a start which was against Blackburn away.
All this poses serious selection dilemmas for Wenger who has other options of course.
His first is to play Hleb just behind Adebayor in 4 5 1 formation with Rosicky and Eboue/Walcott as the wide midfield men.
He reverted to this when he made the inspired match winning changes against Bolton. It was also the formation that served him well at the beginning of the season. It served Hleb as well.
The second option is to bring Bendtner on to partner Adebayor in a 4 4 2 formation.
I watched Bendtner perform very well for Denmark in the Euro qualifiers and his direct physical style is at the moment more effective than Eduardo’s ball to feet approach.
The more unexpected but interesting option is to reinstall Gilberto into a three man midfield, in a 4 3 3 formation along Fabregas and Flamini.
Adebayor could then be flanked by Hleb and Rosicky. Fabregas and Flamini pushing forward in support as and when the occasion demands.
Judging by Wenger’s actions in team selection so far he is likely to give Eduardo every chance to prove himself.
He will probably select him for the Champions League game in Prague and give him the chance to show what he can do and hope he can get a goal which will prop up his confidence level.
But these types of games cannot be compared to the pressure of facing the Liverpools and Man Utds of this world.
Arsene Wenger has some serious thinking to do.
Out of the walkway and onto the motorway. Can Eduardo propel Arsenal to the title starting today against Bolton?
Are you English or Goonerish?
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Who Would Wenger Take From Manchester United’s Team? The Final Word
The story so far: A Man Utd site,”Absolutely United” published its thoughts on which Arsenal players would make it in the current Man Utd team. Not surprisingly very few Arsenal players were selected.
Not to be outdone "Arsenal Analysis" replied with its own combined 11. Not surprisingly very few Man Utd players made the list.
Back came the two sites with even more analysis and opinion on the matter. In between, a lot of heated opinions were exchanged between the two sets of supporters on comments left on both sites.
Following our latest reply to Absolutely United’s I Spy he regrouped and came out shooting from the hip.
This is we hope a final reply!
By Eros, Arsenal Analysis resident season ticket holder at the Emirates (North Upper Stand Row Q)
I spy,
Glad to see I gave you some food for thought which, as you admitted, required some of your time in getting back to me.
You insist on questioning my mental health which is I suppose your way of showing some kind of respect. So as you would say ‘respect’
Football is a game of opinions and everyone’s opinions are correct to himself, so as I am sure you know by now we will never find enough common ground to come to a final decision.
That’s why after today we should agree to disagree on some of the pending matters.
Wes Brown for the combined 11. Are you serious?
I can not understand how you can keep a straight face arguing that Wes Brown is worthy of a spot in this team.
You admit that he is not a natural wing back. I will also add that his contribution going forward is almost non existent.
He is also not quick enough and in my opinion can be exposed against high quality wingers.
You also say that you like Sagna as a player and you are impressed by how quickly he adapted to the English game but you seem stuck on the fact he has only played a handful of games (something I pointed out originally anyway).
Granted Sagna did not have the best of games against Sunderland but his overall performances until now have been excellent.
It is obvious that Wes Brown should not have a place in the combined Arsenal/Man Utd squad. Sagna and Eboue should be left alone to fight it out for a place in the starting line up.
Transfer flops: Fergie leads the way!
You seem to like mentioning Francis Jeffers and what a big success he was in North London and I Iet you get away with until know, but no more.
Yes Jeffers was an 8m pound flop but I wonder how much Veron, Cleberson, Djemba-Djemba and Taibi all cost.
Surely one argument that you cannot win is the transfer market success Arsene Wenger enjoyed over the years. Your net outlay on transfers this year is close to 50m whereas ours is a positive –yes positive- 8m!
Clichy is more skilful than Evra
As for the position on the opposite side of the pitch you say that Clichy has nothing that Evra has not. I’m afraid you are wrong again! Apart from a superior level of skill and technique, Clichy has time on his side.
He is only 22 and has a long career in front of him. I am not saying that Evra is old – 27? – but if we are to use your argument that right now they are virtually of equal quality then surely Clichy should get the nod because of his unlimited potential.
Ferdinand is not better than Toure
I still do not consider Ferdinand to be better than Toure, for the reasons that I pointed out in my previous post. Basically what you are trying to say is that Ferdinand looks good next to a world class player like Vidic and I agree with you.
You rightly point out that Campbell had the same effect on Rio because he used to do all the dirty work for him.
As for the goal conceded by Arsenal against Sunderland I don’t think that Toure did anything wrong, it was the full backs that in my opinion were found napping for both goals.
As Sagna was walking back to his position Toure was forced to go out the right to cover which left Jones at the back stick against Clichy, not a real contest now is it?
It’s criminal to compare Rio and Toure in terms of concentration and an insult to use the media card on me for any mistake that is picked up from TV pundits. I do have opinions of my own and as I am sure you can read I am not shy about expressing them!
Robin Van Persie’s special quality
I know we agreed to disagree about RVP and Rooney, however I want to point out a quality that makes RVP special. His form is negatively correlated to the form of the rest of the team.
When everyone else is flying Van Persie usually has a quiet game almost as if he is saving energy for more important periods of the season.
If you look at the recent results you will see Van Persie does not usually score when the team wins comfortably, however when the team needs a goal you can bet that more often than not RVP is going to come up with the goods, like he did twice this week.
Van Persie is going to score the important goals, the goals that will lift the whole of the team when they are struggling. I’m not sure Rooney has that killer instinct in him.
Glad to see you dropped the Scholes vs Cesc debate so I will take that as a victory for us Gooners! It was not a real contest anyway.
Finally you point out that some of your squad players were involved in Saturday’s game and from what I read Anderson and Pique especially never put a foot wrong.
All I would say is Wigan at home is not the most testing of games to judge your ability on.
Try and throw them in at the deep like Wenger was forced to 3 years ago when a 16 year old Cesc and a 19 year old Flamini held Lampard, Makelele and Essien to a goalless draw at the Bridge.
Can’t wait until November the 3rd when I am sure we will cross swords again.
Wonder who will have the bragging rights then?
United Versus Arsenal: The Battle Intensifies
An open letter to Manchester United fans
Who Would Wenger Take From Manchester United’s Team?
An Open Letter To Arsenal Fans
Who Would Fergie Take From Arsenal’s First Team?
Not to be outdone "Arsenal Analysis" replied with its own combined 11. Not surprisingly very few Man Utd players made the list.
Back came the two sites with even more analysis and opinion on the matter. In between, a lot of heated opinions were exchanged between the two sets of supporters on comments left on both sites.
Following our latest reply to Absolutely United’s I Spy he regrouped and came out shooting from the hip.
This is we hope a final reply!
By Eros, Arsenal Analysis resident season ticket holder at the Emirates (North Upper Stand Row Q)
I spy,
Glad to see I gave you some food for thought which, as you admitted, required some of your time in getting back to me.
You insist on questioning my mental health which is I suppose your way of showing some kind of respect. So as you would say ‘respect’
Football is a game of opinions and everyone’s opinions are correct to himself, so as I am sure you know by now we will never find enough common ground to come to a final decision.
That’s why after today we should agree to disagree on some of the pending matters.
Wes Brown for the combined 11. Are you serious?
I can not understand how you can keep a straight face arguing that Wes Brown is worthy of a spot in this team.
You admit that he is not a natural wing back. I will also add that his contribution going forward is almost non existent.
He is also not quick enough and in my opinion can be exposed against high quality wingers.
You also say that you like Sagna as a player and you are impressed by how quickly he adapted to the English game but you seem stuck on the fact he has only played a handful of games (something I pointed out originally anyway).
Granted Sagna did not have the best of games against Sunderland but his overall performances until now have been excellent.
It is obvious that Wes Brown should not have a place in the combined Arsenal/Man Utd squad. Sagna and Eboue should be left alone to fight it out for a place in the starting line up.
Transfer flops: Fergie leads the way!
You seem to like mentioning Francis Jeffers and what a big success he was in North London and I Iet you get away with until know, but no more.
Yes Jeffers was an 8m pound flop but I wonder how much Veron, Cleberson, Djemba-Djemba and Taibi all cost.
Surely one argument that you cannot win is the transfer market success Arsene Wenger enjoyed over the years. Your net outlay on transfers this year is close to 50m whereas ours is a positive –yes positive- 8m!
Clichy is more skilful than Evra
As for the position on the opposite side of the pitch you say that Clichy has nothing that Evra has not. I’m afraid you are wrong again! Apart from a superior level of skill and technique, Clichy has time on his side.
He is only 22 and has a long career in front of him. I am not saying that Evra is old – 27? – but if we are to use your argument that right now they are virtually of equal quality then surely Clichy should get the nod because of his unlimited potential.
Ferdinand is not better than Toure
I still do not consider Ferdinand to be better than Toure, for the reasons that I pointed out in my previous post. Basically what you are trying to say is that Ferdinand looks good next to a world class player like Vidic and I agree with you.
You rightly point out that Campbell had the same effect on Rio because he used to do all the dirty work for him.
As for the goal conceded by Arsenal against Sunderland I don’t think that Toure did anything wrong, it was the full backs that in my opinion were found napping for both goals.
As Sagna was walking back to his position Toure was forced to go out the right to cover which left Jones at the back stick against Clichy, not a real contest now is it?
It’s criminal to compare Rio and Toure in terms of concentration and an insult to use the media card on me for any mistake that is picked up from TV pundits. I do have opinions of my own and as I am sure you can read I am not shy about expressing them!
Robin Van Persie’s special quality
I know we agreed to disagree about RVP and Rooney, however I want to point out a quality that makes RVP special. His form is negatively correlated to the form of the rest of the team.
When everyone else is flying Van Persie usually has a quiet game almost as if he is saving energy for more important periods of the season.
If you look at the recent results you will see Van Persie does not usually score when the team wins comfortably, however when the team needs a goal you can bet that more often than not RVP is going to come up with the goods, like he did twice this week.
Van Persie is going to score the important goals, the goals that will lift the whole of the team when they are struggling. I’m not sure Rooney has that killer instinct in him.
Glad to see you dropped the Scholes vs Cesc debate so I will take that as a victory for us Gooners! It was not a real contest anyway.
Finally you point out that some of your squad players were involved in Saturday’s game and from what I read Anderson and Pique especially never put a foot wrong.
All I would say is Wigan at home is not the most testing of games to judge your ability on.
Try and throw them in at the deep like Wenger was forced to 3 years ago when a 16 year old Cesc and a 19 year old Flamini held Lampard, Makelele and Essien to a goalless draw at the Bridge.
Can’t wait until November the 3rd when I am sure we will cross swords again.
Wonder who will have the bragging rights then?
United Versus Arsenal: The Battle Intensifies
An open letter to Manchester United fans
Who Would Wenger Take From Manchester United’s Team?
An Open Letter To Arsenal Fans
Who Would Fergie Take From Arsenal’s First Team?
Who Would Wenger Take From Manchester United’s Team? The Final Word
The story so far: A Man Utd site,”Absolutely United” published its thoughts on which Arsenal players would make it in the current Man Utd team. Not surprisingly very few Arsenal players were selected.
Not to be outdone "Arsenal Analysis" replied with its own combined 11. Not surprisingly very few Man Utd players made the list.
Back came the two sites with even more analysis and opinion on the matter. In between, a lot of heated opinions were exchanged between the two sets of supporters on comments left on both sites.
Following our latest reply to Absolutely United’s I Spy he regrouped and came out shooting from the hip.
This is we hope a final reply!
By Eros, Arsenal Analysis resident season ticket holder at the Emirates (North Upper Stand Row Q)
I spy,
Glad to see I gave you some food for thought which, as you admitted, required some of your time in getting back to me.
You insist on questioning my mental health which is I suppose your way of showing some kind of respect. So as you would say ‘respect’
Football is a game of opinions and everyone’s opinions are correct to himself, so as I am sure you know by now we will never find enough common ground to come to a final decision.
That’s why after today we should agree to disagree on some of the pending matters.
Wes Brown for the combined 11. Are you serious?
I can not understand how you can keep a straight face arguing that Wes Brown is worthy of a spot in this team.
You admit that he is not a natural wing back. I will also add that his contribution going forward is almost non existent.
He is also not quick enough and in my opinion can be exposed against high quality wingers.
You also say that you like Sagna as a player and you are impressed by how quickly he adapted to the English game but you seem stuck on the fact he has only played a handful of games (something I pointed out originally anyway).
Granted Sagna did not have the best of games against Sunderland but his overall performances until now have been excellent.
It is obvious that Wes Brown should not have a place in the combined Arsenal/Man Utd squad. Sagna and Eboue should be left alone to fight it out for a place in the starting line up.
Transfer flops: Fergie leads the way!
You seem to like mentioning Francis Jeffers and what a big success he was in North London and I Iet you get away with until know, but no more.
Yes Jeffers was an 8m pound flop but I wonder how much Veron, Cleberson, Djemba-Djemba and Taibi all cost.
Surely one argument that you cannot win is the transfer market success Arsene Wenger enjoyed over the years. Your net outlay on transfers this year is close to 50m whereas ours is a positive –yes positive- 8m!
Clichy is more skilful than Evra
As for the position on the opposite side of the pitch you say that Clichy has nothing that Evra has not. I’m afraid you are wrong again! Apart from a superior level of skill and technique, Clichy has time on his side.
He is only 22 and has a long career in front of him. I am not saying that Evra is old – 27? – but if we are to use your argument that right now they are virtually of equal quality then surely Clichy should get the nod because of his unlimited potential.
Ferdinand is not better than Toure
I still do not consider Ferdinand to be better than Toure, for the reasons that I pointed out in my previous post. Basically what you are trying to say is that Ferdinand looks good next to a world class player like Vidic and I agree with you.
You rightly point out that Campbell had the same effect on Rio because he used to do all the dirty work for him.
As for the goal conceded by Arsenal against Sunderland I don’t think that Toure did anything wrong, it was the full backs that in my opinion were found napping for both goals.
As Sagna was walking back to his position Toure was forced to go out the right to cover which left Jones at the back stick against Clichy, not a real contest now is it?
It’s criminal to compare Rio and Toure in terms of concentration and an insult to use the media card on me for any mistake that is picked up from TV pundits. I do have opinions of my own and as I am sure you can read I am not shy about expressing them!
Robin Van Persie’s special quality
I know we agreed to disagree about RVP and Rooney, however I want to point out a quality that makes RVP special. His form is negatively correlated to the form of the rest of the team.
When everyone else is flying Van Persie usually has a quiet game almost as if he is saving energy for more important periods of the season.
If you look at the recent results you will see Van Persie does not usually score when the team wins comfortably, however when the team needs a goal you can bet that more often than not RVP is going to come up with the goods, like he did twice this week.
Van Persie is going to score the important goals, the goals that will lift the whole of the team when they are struggling. I’m not sure Rooney has that killer instinct in him.
Glad to see you dropped the Scholes vs Cesc debate so I will take that as a victory for us Gooners! It was not a real contest anyway.
Finally you point out that some of your squad players were involved in Saturday’s game and from what I read Anderson and Pique especially never put a foot wrong.
All I would say is Wigan at home is not the most testing of games to judge your ability on.
Try and throw them in at the deep like Wenger was forced to 3 years ago when a 16 year old Cesc and a 19 year old Flamini held Lampard, Makelele and Essien to a goalless draw at the Bridge.
Can’t wait until November the 3rd when I am sure we will cross swords again.
Wonder who will have the bragging rights then?
United Versus Arsenal: The Battle Intensifies
An open letter to Manchester United fans
Who Would Wenger Take From Manchester United’s Team?
An Open Letter To Arsenal Fans
Who Would Fergie Take From Arsenal’s First Team?
Not to be outdone "Arsenal Analysis" replied with its own combined 11. Not surprisingly very few Man Utd players made the list.
Back came the two sites with even more analysis and opinion on the matter. In between, a lot of heated opinions were exchanged between the two sets of supporters on comments left on both sites.
Following our latest reply to Absolutely United’s I Spy he regrouped and came out shooting from the hip.
This is we hope a final reply!
By Eros, Arsenal Analysis resident season ticket holder at the Emirates (North Upper Stand Row Q)
I spy,
Glad to see I gave you some food for thought which, as you admitted, required some of your time in getting back to me.
You insist on questioning my mental health which is I suppose your way of showing some kind of respect. So as you would say ‘respect’
Football is a game of opinions and everyone’s opinions are correct to himself, so as I am sure you know by now we will never find enough common ground to come to a final decision.
That’s why after today we should agree to disagree on some of the pending matters.
Wes Brown for the combined 11. Are you serious?
I can not understand how you can keep a straight face arguing that Wes Brown is worthy of a spot in this team.
You admit that he is not a natural wing back. I will also add that his contribution going forward is almost non existent.
He is also not quick enough and in my opinion can be exposed against high quality wingers.
You also say that you like Sagna as a player and you are impressed by how quickly he adapted to the English game but you seem stuck on the fact he has only played a handful of games (something I pointed out originally anyway).
Granted Sagna did not have the best of games against Sunderland but his overall performances until now have been excellent.
It is obvious that Wes Brown should not have a place in the combined Arsenal/Man Utd squad. Sagna and Eboue should be left alone to fight it out for a place in the starting line up.
Transfer flops: Fergie leads the way!
You seem to like mentioning Francis Jeffers and what a big success he was in North London and I Iet you get away with until know, but no more.
Yes Jeffers was an 8m pound flop but I wonder how much Veron, Cleberson, Djemba-Djemba and Taibi all cost.
Surely one argument that you cannot win is the transfer market success Arsene Wenger enjoyed over the years. Your net outlay on transfers this year is close to 50m whereas ours is a positive –yes positive- 8m!
Clichy is more skilful than Evra
As for the position on the opposite side of the pitch you say that Clichy has nothing that Evra has not. I’m afraid you are wrong again! Apart from a superior level of skill and technique, Clichy has time on his side.
He is only 22 and has a long career in front of him. I am not saying that Evra is old – 27? – but if we are to use your argument that right now they are virtually of equal quality then surely Clichy should get the nod because of his unlimited potential.
Ferdinand is not better than Toure
I still do not consider Ferdinand to be better than Toure, for the reasons that I pointed out in my previous post. Basically what you are trying to say is that Ferdinand looks good next to a world class player like Vidic and I agree with you.
You rightly point out that Campbell had the same effect on Rio because he used to do all the dirty work for him.
As for the goal conceded by Arsenal against Sunderland I don’t think that Toure did anything wrong, it was the full backs that in my opinion were found napping for both goals.
As Sagna was walking back to his position Toure was forced to go out the right to cover which left Jones at the back stick against Clichy, not a real contest now is it?
It’s criminal to compare Rio and Toure in terms of concentration and an insult to use the media card on me for any mistake that is picked up from TV pundits. I do have opinions of my own and as I am sure you can read I am not shy about expressing them!
Robin Van Persie’s special quality
I know we agreed to disagree about RVP and Rooney, however I want to point out a quality that makes RVP special. His form is negatively correlated to the form of the rest of the team.
When everyone else is flying Van Persie usually has a quiet game almost as if he is saving energy for more important periods of the season.
If you look at the recent results you will see Van Persie does not usually score when the team wins comfortably, however when the team needs a goal you can bet that more often than not RVP is going to come up with the goods, like he did twice this week.
Van Persie is going to score the important goals, the goals that will lift the whole of the team when they are struggling. I’m not sure Rooney has that killer instinct in him.
Glad to see you dropped the Scholes vs Cesc debate so I will take that as a victory for us Gooners! It was not a real contest anyway.
Finally you point out that some of your squad players were involved in Saturday’s game and from what I read Anderson and Pique especially never put a foot wrong.
All I would say is Wigan at home is not the most testing of games to judge your ability on.
Try and throw them in at the deep like Wenger was forced to 3 years ago when a 16 year old Cesc and a 19 year old Flamini held Lampard, Makelele and Essien to a goalless draw at the Bridge.
Can’t wait until November the 3rd when I am sure we will cross swords again.
Wonder who will have the bragging rights then?
United Versus Arsenal: The Battle Intensifies
An open letter to Manchester United fans
Who Would Wenger Take From Manchester United’s Team?
An Open Letter To Arsenal Fans
Who Would Fergie Take From Arsenal’s First Team?
Saturday, October 06, 2007
An open letter to Manchester United fans
By Eros, Arsenal Analysis resident season ticket holder at the Emirates (North Upper Stand Row Q)
Dear I Spy and Manchester United fans,
Thanks for your kind words about the site, I tried to be as objective as possible when writing the article! I am glad that you agree with my original assessment that all football fans are absolutely mental (you call it how much crack did you smoke).
I have read your reply to my article and your revised selections in your open letter to Arsenal fans. To your credit you have made some adjustments to your original position. You say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and you are correct; however the fact that you felt the need to revisit your post and make adjustments to it I think says a lot! I take that as I compliment.
For all your backhanded compliments however I think that some of your arguments would embarrass ever Red Face himself! As I don’t want this to be a ding dong battle – who I’m I kidding I’d love a ding dong battle- I am only going to object to a few selections.
Even you know that however much alcohol or drugs you take Wes Brown is never going to be a better player than either Sagna or Eboue. An ok utility player an international Right Back he is definitely not! There’s no point even arguing about it.
When I originally wrote the post Evra was the back up left back in the French squad. However Clichy has now made the French squad for the upcoming internationals! I think at the expense of Evra.
So even Domenech agrees with me – I am not happy about this as I would much prefer Evra to play and Clichy to have a little rest. Since Domenech is the bees knees – you point out that he guided France to the World Cup final – who are we humans to argue with him! Clichy it is then.
You asked me how many games Arsenal lost last season; I think 9 is the answer to your question. However we did beat your United twice. I have just checked my stats and they say United conceded 27 goals last year and Arsenal 34. But making your decision solely on how many games each team lost last year is ludicrous!
Toure last season had to play with a different partner nearly every week. Gallas was injured most of the season, Djourou and Senderos were in and out of the team because of niggly injuries and Gilberto had to slot in at the back.
What you forget about Toure is that he and Campbell where the defensive partnership when Arsenal went a whole season unbeaten (something you never achieved and cannot even dream of doing), and in 2006 he was the corner stone of the record number of clean sheets that took Arsenal to the Champions League Final.
The argument that Arsenal lost more last year makes Rio a better player smacks me as an easy way out so that no real comparisons are made between the players!
Toure is quicker, better on the ball and reads the game extremely well. He rarely wastes possession and even more infrequently does he loose concentration, which is something that you really can’t say about your Rio.
On top of all that I’ve never heard that Toure missed a drugs test! And in my book you only forget about a drugs test for one reason and it’s not because you are moving house!
I will not even bother arguing about Rooney, Scholes, RVP and Cesc as none of us are able to eliminate all bias and reach a logical conclusion, so I think its best to agree to disagree on this one. However I have to point out that Cesc this year has already got 6 goals and 8 assists.
You seem to also imply that Rooney has a better ‘range’ than RVP. I’m not sure what you mean by range, but I think that Van Persie is better technically, better on the ball and can score a goal from any situation. I also think he is a better finisher.
As I have explained in my original article there are only three Manchester United players that could make it into the Arsenal team at the moment. Van De Sar, Vidic and Ronaldo.
Lastly, you never mention the depth of your squad. I wonder why.
Such is your lack of depth that Fergie relys on 13/14 players unlike Arsenal which can change any player in their starting 11 and still perform up to standard.
Even if Cesc is out both Abou Diaby and Denilson can come in and keep the team playing, what we call, Fabregas football. I think that is were Arsenal have the real advantage.
I wonder what your replacements will be to the loss of Carrick and Hargreaves.
In your open letter you say that we go overboard thinking that we are better than Brazil and you point out that we had a very disappointing year last time out. Nobody denies the disappointment, especially after the last few years where we were used to competing for something every season.
Unlike United we have not been able to compete in the transfer market. Taking into account all the players that left after 2003/04 and the refusal of Wenger to spend money until the financial future of the club was secure makes the last 2 years’ disappointments seem almost insignificant.
But you see, ever since Wenger took over we make the stars not buy them.
The signs of a team emerging were there last year, with the Carling Cup run and the results in the so called big games especially the double over your United. What the team lacked was consistency and that’s why we did not compete.
It’s too early to definitely say but there are good signs that this team is ready to challenge and fight for every point available. The difference to last time out is that now they expect to win every single game and after the start they had, try and convince them otherwise.
Surely there is going to be the odd bad result but I think this team is so strong mentally that it will not be as affected as the 03/04 team.
I have no illusions about United, I honestly think they are a good team, play entertaining football and they will be serious contenders for the title.
I disagree however with the notion that it’s United’s title to lose. You lot better be ready for a fight, I know our boys are!
Ed: This is a personal view. What is your opinion?
Who Would Wenger Take From Manchester United’s Team?
An Open Letter To Arsenal Fans
Who Would Fergie Take From Arsenal’s First Team?
Dear I Spy and Manchester United fans,
Thanks for your kind words about the site, I tried to be as objective as possible when writing the article! I am glad that you agree with my original assessment that all football fans are absolutely mental (you call it how much crack did you smoke).
I have read your reply to my article and your revised selections in your open letter to Arsenal fans. To your credit you have made some adjustments to your original position. You say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and you are correct; however the fact that you felt the need to revisit your post and make adjustments to it I think says a lot! I take that as I compliment.
For all your backhanded compliments however I think that some of your arguments would embarrass ever Red Face himself! As I don’t want this to be a ding dong battle – who I’m I kidding I’d love a ding dong battle- I am only going to object to a few selections.
Even you know that however much alcohol or drugs you take Wes Brown is never going to be a better player than either Sagna or Eboue. An ok utility player an international Right Back he is definitely not! There’s no point even arguing about it.
When I originally wrote the post Evra was the back up left back in the French squad. However Clichy has now made the French squad for the upcoming internationals! I think at the expense of Evra.
So even Domenech agrees with me – I am not happy about this as I would much prefer Evra to play and Clichy to have a little rest. Since Domenech is the bees knees – you point out that he guided France to the World Cup final – who are we humans to argue with him! Clichy it is then.
You asked me how many games Arsenal lost last season; I think 9 is the answer to your question. However we did beat your United twice. I have just checked my stats and they say United conceded 27 goals last year and Arsenal 34. But making your decision solely on how many games each team lost last year is ludicrous!
Toure last season had to play with a different partner nearly every week. Gallas was injured most of the season, Djourou and Senderos were in and out of the team because of niggly injuries and Gilberto had to slot in at the back.
What you forget about Toure is that he and Campbell where the defensive partnership when Arsenal went a whole season unbeaten (something you never achieved and cannot even dream of doing), and in 2006 he was the corner stone of the record number of clean sheets that took Arsenal to the Champions League Final.
The argument that Arsenal lost more last year makes Rio a better player smacks me as an easy way out so that no real comparisons are made between the players!
Toure is quicker, better on the ball and reads the game extremely well. He rarely wastes possession and even more infrequently does he loose concentration, which is something that you really can’t say about your Rio.
On top of all that I’ve never heard that Toure missed a drugs test! And in my book you only forget about a drugs test for one reason and it’s not because you are moving house!
I will not even bother arguing about Rooney, Scholes, RVP and Cesc as none of us are able to eliminate all bias and reach a logical conclusion, so I think its best to agree to disagree on this one. However I have to point out that Cesc this year has already got 6 goals and 8 assists.
You seem to also imply that Rooney has a better ‘range’ than RVP. I’m not sure what you mean by range, but I think that Van Persie is better technically, better on the ball and can score a goal from any situation. I also think he is a better finisher.
As I have explained in my original article there are only three Manchester United players that could make it into the Arsenal team at the moment. Van De Sar, Vidic and Ronaldo.
Lastly, you never mention the depth of your squad. I wonder why.
Such is your lack of depth that Fergie relys on 13/14 players unlike Arsenal which can change any player in their starting 11 and still perform up to standard.
Even if Cesc is out both Abou Diaby and Denilson can come in and keep the team playing, what we call, Fabregas football. I think that is were Arsenal have the real advantage.
I wonder what your replacements will be to the loss of Carrick and Hargreaves.
In your open letter you say that we go overboard thinking that we are better than Brazil and you point out that we had a very disappointing year last time out. Nobody denies the disappointment, especially after the last few years where we were used to competing for something every season.
Unlike United we have not been able to compete in the transfer market. Taking into account all the players that left after 2003/04 and the refusal of Wenger to spend money until the financial future of the club was secure makes the last 2 years’ disappointments seem almost insignificant.
But you see, ever since Wenger took over we make the stars not buy them.
The signs of a team emerging were there last year, with the Carling Cup run and the results in the so called big games especially the double over your United. What the team lacked was consistency and that’s why we did not compete.
It’s too early to definitely say but there are good signs that this team is ready to challenge and fight for every point available. The difference to last time out is that now they expect to win every single game and after the start they had, try and convince them otherwise.
Surely there is going to be the odd bad result but I think this team is so strong mentally that it will not be as affected as the 03/04 team.
I have no illusions about United, I honestly think they are a good team, play entertaining football and they will be serious contenders for the title.
I disagree however with the notion that it’s United’s title to lose. You lot better be ready for a fight, I know our boys are!
Ed: This is a personal view. What is your opinion?
Who Would Wenger Take From Manchester United’s Team?
An Open Letter To Arsenal Fans
Who Would Fergie Take From Arsenal’s First Team?
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Bendtner ready to step up at Steaua Bucharest
By 1970’s Gooner
There are only five players in the current Arsenal squad that can play in the two forward positions against Steaua in Romania. Four of them are carrying injuries which make their participation doubtful.
They are Robin Van Persie (ankle), Adebayor (thigh), Eduardo (groin), Hleb (knee) and Bendtner.
According to Wenger, Van Persie and Adebayor will face late fitness tests with only one of the two, more likely Adebayor, to get the nod. This means that there is another vacancy for the front position left to be filled.
Eduardo has already been ruled out due to a groin injury received during the Carling Cup victory against Newcastle.
Alexander Hleb could be selected to play off the front man in a position he played with distinction during the preseason but also against Sparta Prague in the Champions League qualifying game and a handful of games at the start of the Premier League.
Indeed he may also fit in tactically because Wenger may want to adopt a more conservative, 4 4 1 1, approach for this away fixture.
However Hleb is only rated as 50 /50 and it may be too risky to play him in such a difficult and probably physical encounter. Further aggravation of his problem may sideline him for weeks if not months.
This leaves the only available forward, Bendtner who is fit, ready and willing. It would be better if he played with Robin Van Persie as the two compliment each other well with Van Persie playing just behind Bendtner.
Indeed Bendtner has shown that he is not afraid to face any opposition, plays with a lot of confidence and will be a very useful outlet if and when Fabregas and Co decide to vary the game or relieve some pressure by playing the long ball.
The other injury worries concern Mathieu Flamini (knee), Abou Diaby (ankle) and Rosicky (hamstring). But there is a lot of strength in depth in this squad as I have repeatedly wrote on this site.
There are replacements available if needed in Gilberto Silva for the central midfield position and Eboue and Walcott for the wide midfield positions. As an alternative and if Flamini is fit he could play in the wide midfield position with Gilberto filling in central midfield.
Probable line up (with a high degree of uncertainty) :
Almunia
Sagna Toure Senderos Clichy
Flamini Fabregas Gilberto Eboue
Adebayor/Van Persie Bendtner
Prediction: Arsenal start conservatively but grow in confidence as the game wears on. Away win 0-2.
There are only five players in the current Arsenal squad that can play in the two forward positions against Steaua in Romania. Four of them are carrying injuries which make their participation doubtful.
They are Robin Van Persie (ankle), Adebayor (thigh), Eduardo (groin), Hleb (knee) and Bendtner.
According to Wenger, Van Persie and Adebayor will face late fitness tests with only one of the two, more likely Adebayor, to get the nod. This means that there is another vacancy for the front position left to be filled.
Eduardo has already been ruled out due to a groin injury received during the Carling Cup victory against Newcastle.
Alexander Hleb could be selected to play off the front man in a position he played with distinction during the preseason but also against Sparta Prague in the Champions League qualifying game and a handful of games at the start of the Premier League.
Indeed he may also fit in tactically because Wenger may want to adopt a more conservative, 4 4 1 1, approach for this away fixture.
However Hleb is only rated as 50 /50 and it may be too risky to play him in such a difficult and probably physical encounter. Further aggravation of his problem may sideline him for weeks if not months.
This leaves the only available forward, Bendtner who is fit, ready and willing. It would be better if he played with Robin Van Persie as the two compliment each other well with Van Persie playing just behind Bendtner.
Indeed Bendtner has shown that he is not afraid to face any opposition, plays with a lot of confidence and will be a very useful outlet if and when Fabregas and Co decide to vary the game or relieve some pressure by playing the long ball.
The other injury worries concern Mathieu Flamini (knee), Abou Diaby (ankle) and Rosicky (hamstring). But there is a lot of strength in depth in this squad as I have repeatedly wrote on this site.
There are replacements available if needed in Gilberto Silva for the central midfield position and Eboue and Walcott for the wide midfield positions. As an alternative and if Flamini is fit he could play in the wide midfield position with Gilberto filling in central midfield.
Probable line up (with a high degree of uncertainty) :
Almunia
Sagna Toure Senderos Clichy
Flamini Fabregas Gilberto Eboue
Adebayor/Van Persie Bendtner
Prediction: Arsenal start conservatively but grow in confidence as the game wears on. Away win 0-2.
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