By 1970’s Gooner
I was very impressed with Everton’s display at Old Trafford. It was characterised with tenacious marking coupled with positive forward play. They played two forwards in a 4 4 2 formation away at Old Trafford which shows their self confidence and belief that the best way to tackle these “big boys” is to stand up to them.
And stand up to Manchester United they did. Matching them in every department knowing that in Tim Cahill they have a demon who can not be exorcised however hard the opposition try.
He has a knack of scoring in big games as he showed against Manchester United with a beautiful header at the far post rising above Evra to equalise Ronaldo’s earlier deflected shot. And a last minute audacious overhead kick to get the equalizer against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Everton will not restrict their aspirations to just getting a point like Portsmouth did. They will be gunning for Arsenal full of confidence that their form is up there with the big boys but also realizing that Arsenal’s recent lackluster displays mean that they are there for the taking.
Having watched Arsenal’s recent performances I would find it hard to argue with this sentiment. Arsenal have found it difficult to repeat their early season scintillating football.
It started just after that away Reading game where the whole of Europe were rubbing their eyes with Arsene Wenger’s brand of 1970’s Ajax “Total Football”.
For the next four games (Wigan, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Middlesbrough) Arsenal were deprived of their creative midfield players of Fabregas and Hleb (the latter only played for 60 minutes against Villa).
The players also looked jaded unable to find that quick rhythm and precise passing that has been so characteristic earlier in the season. As a result the team struggled to find their rhythm and a way round the hard pressing adopted by the opposition. Points were dropped.
In the next games victories over Chelsea and Spurs were secured partly due to uncharacteristic errors by the opposition but Portsmouth held out for a scoreless draw.
The creative midfield players had returned for these games helping to restore some of the creativity that was not there before but unfortunately not the sparkle, precise passing and more importantly movement off the ball that is so vital in a “ball to floor” type of football that Arsene Wenger’s teams play.
What was also obvious was that the player designated to support Adebayor in the forward positions was more occupied in doing Fabregas’s job in the centre of midfield. The double negative effect was that Adebayor and Fabregas were rendered that much less effective.
There is not a lot that Wenger can do to restore the freshness other than resting some players; but he may be loathed to make wholesale changes. He can also twig somewhat with the formation and the deployment within it so as to increase the team’s overall efficiency.
In this respect he should consider bringing the 4 4 2 system back so as to give some real support to Adebayor. This he should do even if Van Persie is not fit to return.
Maybe he was reluctant to do so having tried Eduardo there for a few games which didn’t work mostly due to Eduardo’s need to get acclimatized to English football.
But now Bendtner has shown that he is more than ready. When he came on at Portsmouth he helped create two goalscoring chances during a relatively short period of time.
At the same time Hleb should be told to keep to the left of midfield and Rosicky on the right so as to let Fabregas run the show again.
We more or less know how Everton will approach the game and what they can do. The result however will largely depend on which Arsenal turn up.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Three reasons why Arsenal have not been at their best recently
By 1970’s Gooner
“I can't remember too many games where we have won playing like that. It increases the belief because we were not at our best and still won, but you can't play like that every week and get three points."
This was Arsene Wenger just after the Tottenham game.
Well he was very right of course. A somewhat similar performance was displayed against Portsmouth and it was only due to the home team’s desire being limited to getting a point that spared us our blushes.
Everton will not restrict their aspirations to just getting a point. I was very impressed with their away display at Old Trafford which was characterised with tenacious marking coupled with positive forward play.
There are three main reasons why Arsenal have been below par recently.
1. The conflicting role of Fabregas vs Hleb
The first concerns the role of Fabregas in connection with Hleb’s license to roam free. What is actually happening is that Hleb is dropping deep in the middle of the park picking the ball up and trying to dictate play from there.
This actually inhibits Fabregas who is taking a step back to allow Hleb to make the play. This means that his creative brain and penetrative passing are really being missed. And when Fabregas is under performing Arsenal under performs.
2. The 4 4 1 1 (or 4 5 1) system does not suit Adebayor who needs support
Hleb’s desire to dictate play has a double negative effect. As Fabregas and Co are getting too much support in midfield Adebayor is being deprived of the extra forward that will give him the support his is craving for.
When a 4 5 1 or a 4 4 1 1 system is deployed it is vital that the midfielders push forward when the front man has the ball. This has not been happening with Hleb being too deep concerned with making play.
Flamini is concerned with his defencive duties and Fabregas…well he is looking for a role at the moment. Rosicky and Eboue are by the nature of their positions too wide to offer support to Adebayor anyway.
So Adebayor is left carrying the baby most of the time. Arsene has to seriously consider bringing the 4 4 2 system back even if Van Persie is not fit to return. Maybe he was reluctant to do so having tried Eduardo there for a few games which didn’t work mostly due to Eduardo’s need to get acclimatized to English football.
But now Bendtner has shown that he is more than ready. When he came on at Portsmouth he helped create two goalscoring chances during a relatively short period of time.
Hleb should be told to keep to the left of midfield and Rosicky on the right. Let Fabregas run the show again, give some support to Adebayor and then we will see more chances created and hopefully goals again.
3. Not enough movement off the ball
Performances have lately been rather flat characterised by less energy, poor passing and more importantly not enough movement off the ball.
If the other team press on you in all areas of the pitch then you need creativity, movement off the ball and precise passing to get round the markers. If you fail to do that then your penetration into the opponent’s areas will suffer.
And you end up more often than not pumping long balls to the forward(s) who have to however be supported by midfielders or the other forward if this tactic is to work.
Movement off the ball is something which characterises all Wenger’s teams. It is the basic philosophy underpinning the “ball on the floor” approach with precise and penetrative passing.
Now why there’s not enough movement is difficult to discern but tiredness could be a factor. The only way to remedy it of course is to bring in a few fresh faces. There is strength in depth in the squad after all.
Football is a zero sum game and if all the pieces of the puzzle are not in place then the whole suffers disproportionately. However the converse is that when those weaknesses are corrected then the puzzle begins to look beautiful again.
There’s no in-between!
“I can't remember too many games where we have won playing like that. It increases the belief because we were not at our best and still won, but you can't play like that every week and get three points."
This was Arsene Wenger just after the Tottenham game.
Well he was very right of course. A somewhat similar performance was displayed against Portsmouth and it was only due to the home team’s desire being limited to getting a point that spared us our blushes.
Everton will not restrict their aspirations to just getting a point. I was very impressed with their away display at Old Trafford which was characterised with tenacious marking coupled with positive forward play.
There are three main reasons why Arsenal have been below par recently.
1. The conflicting role of Fabregas vs Hleb
The first concerns the role of Fabregas in connection with Hleb’s license to roam free. What is actually happening is that Hleb is dropping deep in the middle of the park picking the ball up and trying to dictate play from there.
This actually inhibits Fabregas who is taking a step back to allow Hleb to make the play. This means that his creative brain and penetrative passing are really being missed. And when Fabregas is under performing Arsenal under performs.
2. The 4 4 1 1 (or 4 5 1) system does not suit Adebayor who needs support
Hleb’s desire to dictate play has a double negative effect. As Fabregas and Co are getting too much support in midfield Adebayor is being deprived of the extra forward that will give him the support his is craving for.
When a 4 5 1 or a 4 4 1 1 system is deployed it is vital that the midfielders push forward when the front man has the ball. This has not been happening with Hleb being too deep concerned with making play.
Flamini is concerned with his defencive duties and Fabregas…well he is looking for a role at the moment. Rosicky and Eboue are by the nature of their positions too wide to offer support to Adebayor anyway.
So Adebayor is left carrying the baby most of the time. Arsene has to seriously consider bringing the 4 4 2 system back even if Van Persie is not fit to return. Maybe he was reluctant to do so having tried Eduardo there for a few games which didn’t work mostly due to Eduardo’s need to get acclimatized to English football.
But now Bendtner has shown that he is more than ready. When he came on at Portsmouth he helped create two goalscoring chances during a relatively short period of time.
Hleb should be told to keep to the left of midfield and Rosicky on the right. Let Fabregas run the show again, give some support to Adebayor and then we will see more chances created and hopefully goals again.
3. Not enough movement off the ball
Performances have lately been rather flat characterised by less energy, poor passing and more importantly not enough movement off the ball.
If the other team press on you in all areas of the pitch then you need creativity, movement off the ball and precise passing to get round the markers. If you fail to do that then your penetration into the opponent’s areas will suffer.
And you end up more often than not pumping long balls to the forward(s) who have to however be supported by midfielders or the other forward if this tactic is to work.
Movement off the ball is something which characterises all Wenger’s teams. It is the basic philosophy underpinning the “ball on the floor” approach with precise and penetrative passing.
Now why there’s not enough movement is difficult to discern but tiredness could be a factor. The only way to remedy it of course is to bring in a few fresh faces. There is strength in depth in the squad after all.
Football is a zero sum game and if all the pieces of the puzzle are not in place then the whole suffers disproportionately. However the converse is that when those weaknesses are corrected then the puzzle begins to look beautiful again.
There’s no in-between!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Bring the 4 4 2 back Arsene. Player analysis and ratings Vs Portsmouth
By 1970’s Gooner
There are two aspects of Arsenal’s play and formation that are stifling the creativity of the team. If they are not corrected then we may find it very difficult to get a result at Goodison Park against an Everton side that will not be satisfied with a draw like Portsmouth were tonight.
The first concerns the role of Fabregas in connection with Hleb’s free roaming role. What is actually happening is that Hleb is not only depriving Adebayor of the support that his play craves for but his dropping deep in the middle of the park actually inhibits Fabregas.
Fabregas is taking a step back to allow Hleb to dictate play but this means that his creative brain and penetrative passing are really being missed.
As a result Adebayor is playing a really lone role up front. This was belatedly corrected with the introduction of Bendtner in the last part of the game and almost immediately Nicklas created very good scoring chances.
What is clearly needed is the reintroduction of 4 4 2 with the return of Van Persie or if he is not fit then Bendtner should be paired with Adebayor. Hleb should be told to keep to the left of midfield and Rosicky on the right. Let Fabregas run the show again and then we will see more chances created and hopefully goals again.
Almunia
Very assured and safe. Came out very fast to make Benjani rush his decision when he was one on one against him. 8
Sagna
Had a good game. Defended well and went forward a lot in tandem with Eboue. 7
Clichy
Strong and determined. Kept Benjani mostly quiet and got back very well to put him off when he raced through on his own. 8
Gallas
Had a sound game and nearly scored near the end of the game. 7
Toure
Played well and also went forward but no luck. 7
It must be said that the defenders had a relatively easy time of it as Portsmouth were more concerned about defending rather than going forward much.
Rosicky
Was quite mobile and was up for it tonight. Tried one very dangerous shot from outside the box which James saved very well. 7
Hleb
Was trying to make the play dropping deep but the movement off the ball seems to be a lot less from the rest of the players. 7
Eboue
Was very much involved in the play form the off combining well with Sagna. However his crosses and attempted cut backs left a lot to be desired. He needs to improve on these if he is to keep his place in the team. 6.5
Fabregas
Was rather quiet in the first half probably due to Hleb’s tendency to drop deep although he did try to make those ghost runs into the box. Came more into the fore in the second half and as a result Arsenal looked more threatening. 6.5
Flamini
He played his normal game of protecting the defence and breaking up play. 7
Adebayor
“Too lonely this Xmas”. I feel sorry for him really. He needs some support. But he tried his best under the circumstances. 7
Subs
Diaby: took some time to get into the game and lost the ball too often. 6
Bendtner: made an impact as any substitute ought to. Helped create a very good chance for Rosicky which he should have buried. 7
There are two aspects of Arsenal’s play and formation that are stifling the creativity of the team. If they are not corrected then we may find it very difficult to get a result at Goodison Park against an Everton side that will not be satisfied with a draw like Portsmouth were tonight.
The first concerns the role of Fabregas in connection with Hleb’s free roaming role. What is actually happening is that Hleb is not only depriving Adebayor of the support that his play craves for but his dropping deep in the middle of the park actually inhibits Fabregas.
Fabregas is taking a step back to allow Hleb to dictate play but this means that his creative brain and penetrative passing are really being missed.
As a result Adebayor is playing a really lone role up front. This was belatedly corrected with the introduction of Bendtner in the last part of the game and almost immediately Nicklas created very good scoring chances.
What is clearly needed is the reintroduction of 4 4 2 with the return of Van Persie or if he is not fit then Bendtner should be paired with Adebayor. Hleb should be told to keep to the left of midfield and Rosicky on the right. Let Fabregas run the show again and then we will see more chances created and hopefully goals again.
Almunia
Very assured and safe. Came out very fast to make Benjani rush his decision when he was one on one against him. 8
Sagna
Had a good game. Defended well and went forward a lot in tandem with Eboue. 7
Clichy
Strong and determined. Kept Benjani mostly quiet and got back very well to put him off when he raced through on his own. 8
Gallas
Had a sound game and nearly scored near the end of the game. 7
Toure
Played well and also went forward but no luck. 7
It must be said that the defenders had a relatively easy time of it as Portsmouth were more concerned about defending rather than going forward much.
Rosicky
Was quite mobile and was up for it tonight. Tried one very dangerous shot from outside the box which James saved very well. 7
Hleb
Was trying to make the play dropping deep but the movement off the ball seems to be a lot less from the rest of the players. 7
Eboue
Was very much involved in the play form the off combining well with Sagna. However his crosses and attempted cut backs left a lot to be desired. He needs to improve on these if he is to keep his place in the team. 6.5
Fabregas
Was rather quiet in the first half probably due to Hleb’s tendency to drop deep although he did try to make those ghost runs into the box. Came more into the fore in the second half and as a result Arsenal looked more threatening. 6.5
Flamini
He played his normal game of protecting the defence and breaking up play. 7
Adebayor
“Too lonely this Xmas”. I feel sorry for him really. He needs some support. But he tried his best under the circumstances. 7
Subs
Diaby: took some time to get into the game and lost the ball too often. 6
Bendtner: made an impact as any substitute ought to. Helped create a very good chance for Rosicky which he should have buried. 7
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Blackburn will sign Domovchiyski without giving him a trial (plus video)
By Aries
As first reported on this site, Blackburn’s president John Williams has informed Levski Sofia with a fax that Blackburn would like to bring Domovchiyski to Ewood Park.
But the player himself knows nothing about it:
“I don't know anything connected with my possible transfer. Nobody has told me of Blackburn interest”
This is not a surprise as it appears that Blackburn want to sign Domovchiyski from the Bulgarian champions in the winter transfer window and are ready to start talks immediately.
But Unlike team-mate Nikolay Dimitrov, who is on trial at Arsenal from Monday (with English dictionary in hand), Bulgarian press is reporting that Blackburn are ready to hold talks outright without trying the player out on the football field.
It appears that Mark Hughes and his scouts are very impressed with what they saw either from their scouting missions or from the player’s videos.
Judge for yourselves by viewing the video window on the right hand side of the page.
As first reported on this site, Blackburn’s president John Williams has informed Levski Sofia with a fax that Blackburn would like to bring Domovchiyski to Ewood Park.
But the player himself knows nothing about it:
“I don't know anything connected with my possible transfer. Nobody has told me of Blackburn interest”
This is not a surprise as it appears that Blackburn want to sign Domovchiyski from the Bulgarian champions in the winter transfer window and are ready to start talks immediately.
But Unlike team-mate Nikolay Dimitrov, who is on trial at Arsenal from Monday (with English dictionary in hand), Bulgarian press is reporting that Blackburn are ready to hold talks outright without trying the player out on the football field.
It appears that Mark Hughes and his scouts are very impressed with what they saw either from their scouting missions or from the player’s videos.
Judge for yourselves by viewing the video window on the right hand side of the page.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Who would Wenger take from Chelsea’s side?
By 1970’s Gooner
Every manager and every fan probably thinks that his team’s players are the best. As Wenger once remarked “every man believes that their wife is the prettiest”.
Well if you had asked Arsene Wenger which Chelsea players if any he would put into the Arsenal side which would he choose?
What follows of course is a personal view and I am sure that a lot of you whether you are Arsenal or Chelsea fans would have different views. But remember football, as many things in life, is all about opinions.
Goalkeeper
For me the choice between Cech and Almunia or even Lehmann is rather straight forward. Almunia really still has to prove himself and suffers from occasional lapses in decision making. And Lehmann’s problems are well documented.
Cech has been almost faultless for Chelsea. He hardly has any weaknesses. He is very good in the air and his positioning and shot stopping are second to none. It takes something special to beat him. Cech it is.
Right back
There’s really no comparison between Sagna and Beletti or Ferrera who has played in that position before. Sagna has taken to the Premiership like a duck to water. Beletti has good technique and is useful going forward but defensively he comes up short. Sagna without a doubt.
Left back
Well what a choice. Ashley Cole Vs Gael Clichy. Who’s the best? Cole has not been at his best since he left Arsenal as many other stars who chose to leave Wenger’s tutelage find out to their cost. Injuries have not helped him of course. But they are very similar players which is not a surprise as it is the master that moulded them into what they are today.
Clichy edges it for me as he has shown more endeavour going forward and his pace has enabled him to compensate some of his positional inexperience.
Centre Backs
Here we have a choice of two between four players. Toure, Gallas, Terry and Carvalho/Alex. All very good defenders and a very difficult choice for anyone to make.
My reasoning tells me that Kolo Toure has to be in the line up as he has pace, positional awareness and tenacity. These attributes are mostly matched by Terry. These leaves out the exceptional Gallas and Carvalho but there can only be two centre backs I am afraid. Alex is not in the same league as any of them.
Wide midfielders
The choice is between Joe Cole, Wright Philips, Rosicky and Hleb. There are others such as Eboue and Walcott from Arsenal and Malouda and maybe Kalou for Chelsea but the first four if fit would probably start for either team.
Philips has pace but his crossing and distribution of the ball still needs to improve. Joe Cole is a more mature player now and can score goals with ease but is not as penetrative as a wide midfielder should be.
Arsenal’s pair of Rosicky and Hleb can be penetrative and very dexterous with the ball. Maybe they could score more goals but their overall play and technical ability puts them easily ahead of the Chelsea pair.
Rosicky and Hleb it is then.
Central midfielders
Essien and Lampard Vs Fabregas and Flamini. We are spoiled for choice again. Of the four I would choose Essien and Fabregas.
Fabregas is undoubtedly the most creative of the four and now he has added goals to his repertoire there is no one better to play that pivotal role of dictating play.
He will need a more defensively minded player next to him as all teams tend to have. I would choose Essien over Flamini as he has more strength, goals and generally more experience.
Forwards
Assuming our system is 4 4 2 then the choice is two from Drogba, Kalou, Shefchenko, Pizzaro, Adebayor ,Van Persie and Bendtner. I think the choice is easy for me.
Drogba’s strength, aerial ability and goal scoring prowess easily edges out the improving Adebayor. And to play along or just behind him what a choice we have in Robin Van Persie who will be able to feed off Drogba’s lay offs with ease. What a powerful combination they would make.
Arsenal Chelsea combined 11
Czech
Sagna Toure Terry Clichy
Rosicky Fabregas Essien Hleb
Drogba Van Persie
Every manager and every fan probably thinks that his team’s players are the best. As Wenger once remarked “every man believes that their wife is the prettiest”.
Well if you had asked Arsene Wenger which Chelsea players if any he would put into the Arsenal side which would he choose?
What follows of course is a personal view and I am sure that a lot of you whether you are Arsenal or Chelsea fans would have different views. But remember football, as many things in life, is all about opinions.
Goalkeeper
For me the choice between Cech and Almunia or even Lehmann is rather straight forward. Almunia really still has to prove himself and suffers from occasional lapses in decision making. And Lehmann’s problems are well documented.
Cech has been almost faultless for Chelsea. He hardly has any weaknesses. He is very good in the air and his positioning and shot stopping are second to none. It takes something special to beat him. Cech it is.
Right back
There’s really no comparison between Sagna and Beletti or Ferrera who has played in that position before. Sagna has taken to the Premiership like a duck to water. Beletti has good technique and is useful going forward but defensively he comes up short. Sagna without a doubt.
Left back
Well what a choice. Ashley Cole Vs Gael Clichy. Who’s the best? Cole has not been at his best since he left Arsenal as many other stars who chose to leave Wenger’s tutelage find out to their cost. Injuries have not helped him of course. But they are very similar players which is not a surprise as it is the master that moulded them into what they are today.
Clichy edges it for me as he has shown more endeavour going forward and his pace has enabled him to compensate some of his positional inexperience.
Centre Backs
Here we have a choice of two between four players. Toure, Gallas, Terry and Carvalho/Alex. All very good defenders and a very difficult choice for anyone to make.
My reasoning tells me that Kolo Toure has to be in the line up as he has pace, positional awareness and tenacity. These attributes are mostly matched by Terry. These leaves out the exceptional Gallas and Carvalho but there can only be two centre backs I am afraid. Alex is not in the same league as any of them.
Wide midfielders
The choice is between Joe Cole, Wright Philips, Rosicky and Hleb. There are others such as Eboue and Walcott from Arsenal and Malouda and maybe Kalou for Chelsea but the first four if fit would probably start for either team.
Philips has pace but his crossing and distribution of the ball still needs to improve. Joe Cole is a more mature player now and can score goals with ease but is not as penetrative as a wide midfielder should be.
Arsenal’s pair of Rosicky and Hleb can be penetrative and very dexterous with the ball. Maybe they could score more goals but their overall play and technical ability puts them easily ahead of the Chelsea pair.
Rosicky and Hleb it is then.
Central midfielders
Essien and Lampard Vs Fabregas and Flamini. We are spoiled for choice again. Of the four I would choose Essien and Fabregas.
Fabregas is undoubtedly the most creative of the four and now he has added goals to his repertoire there is no one better to play that pivotal role of dictating play.
He will need a more defensively minded player next to him as all teams tend to have. I would choose Essien over Flamini as he has more strength, goals and generally more experience.
Forwards
Assuming our system is 4 4 2 then the choice is two from Drogba, Kalou, Shefchenko, Pizzaro, Adebayor ,Van Persie and Bendtner. I think the choice is easy for me.
Drogba’s strength, aerial ability and goal scoring prowess easily edges out the improving Adebayor. And to play along or just behind him what a choice we have in Robin Van Persie who will be able to feed off Drogba’s lay offs with ease. What a powerful combination they would make.
Arsenal Chelsea combined 11
Czech
Sagna Toure Terry Clichy
Rosicky Fabregas Essien Hleb
Drogba Van Persie
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Arsenal Player Evaluations and Ratings Vs Middlesbrough
By 1970's Gooner
Almunia:
Came out too early in the penalty incident and in a way forced Toure into making the foul on Alliadiere. Otherwise did ok. 6
Sagna:
Not his usual self. His passing was sloppy and was not as offensively minded as per usual. Maybe Middlesbrough’s pushing tight from the front had something to do with it. 5
Clichy:
The same goes for Gael as for Sagna. Sloppy passing and no forward movement of note until late in the game. 5
Toure:
Just about one of a few Arsenal players to do ok. Went forward when required but more often than not kept playing those long balls to Adebayor. Maybe an indication that the Arsenal midfield could not be trusted especially since they were tightly marked. This wasn’t the case when Denilson came on by the way. 6
Gallas:
Solid game again but could not do much in the general malaise that was so evident throughout the team. 6
Eboue:
Had his usual game which means he was part good part frivolous. Did not connect much with Sagna when they tried to penetrate from the wing. 6
Rosicky;
Showed desire to get on the ball but his wide position did not allow him to do much with it when he got it as the rest of his team mates were not up to it. Well taken goal. 7
Diarra:
Did not perform as well as against Newcastle. He tends to delay the pass when he wins the ball and his passing quality was below average. 5
Gilberto:
He is getting slower and slower. He tries to do enough just to win the ball and even this he could not do well. No wonder Flamini was the preferred choice at the beginning of the season. 5
Eduardo:
Another inept performance. 4
Adebayor:
Out of the game completely. His control was abysmal and his positioning and running off the ball were as though he was in day dream land. 4
Subs:
Bendtner:
Looked useful but did not have enough time to make a mark really. 6
Denilson:
Had a decent game when he came on the field. Looked positive and had the quality in his passing that Gilberto and Diarra didn’t. Maybe should have started the game. 6
Walcott:
Had some of those pacy runs and looked dangerous on the wing. 6
Arsenal can win at Middlesbrough by dropping Eduardo and playing Rosicky central
Almunia:
Came out too early in the penalty incident and in a way forced Toure into making the foul on Alliadiere. Otherwise did ok. 6
Sagna:
Not his usual self. His passing was sloppy and was not as offensively minded as per usual. Maybe Middlesbrough’s pushing tight from the front had something to do with it. 5
Clichy:
The same goes for Gael as for Sagna. Sloppy passing and no forward movement of note until late in the game. 5
Toure:
Just about one of a few Arsenal players to do ok. Went forward when required but more often than not kept playing those long balls to Adebayor. Maybe an indication that the Arsenal midfield could not be trusted especially since they were tightly marked. This wasn’t the case when Denilson came on by the way. 6
Gallas:
Solid game again but could not do much in the general malaise that was so evident throughout the team. 6
Eboue:
Had his usual game which means he was part good part frivolous. Did not connect much with Sagna when they tried to penetrate from the wing. 6
Rosicky;
Showed desire to get on the ball but his wide position did not allow him to do much with it when he got it as the rest of his team mates were not up to it. Well taken goal. 7
Diarra:
Did not perform as well as against Newcastle. He tends to delay the pass when he wins the ball and his passing quality was below average. 5
Gilberto:
He is getting slower and slower. He tries to do enough just to win the ball and even this he could not do well. No wonder Flamini was the preferred choice at the beginning of the season. 5
Eduardo:
Another inept performance. 4
Adebayor:
Out of the game completely. His control was abysmal and his positioning and running off the ball were as though he was in day dream land. 4
Subs:
Bendtner:
Looked useful but did not have enough time to make a mark really. 6
Denilson:
Had a decent game when he came on the field. Looked positive and had the quality in his passing that Gilberto and Diarra didn’t. Maybe should have started the game. 6
Walcott:
Had some of those pacy runs and looked dangerous on the wing. 6
Arsenal can win at Middlesbrough by dropping Eduardo and playing Rosicky central
Pathetic Mr Wenger
By 1970’s Gooner
What a pathetic performance. What a pathetic choice of formation and pathetic choice of players to play in that formation.
Arsene Wenger must have seen that recently the team were struggling to cover for a passenger of a player called Eduardo. And you can not really play with ten men in the Premier League. Although it has to be said that the rest of the players had a bad game.
He must have also seen in the previous two games that the two central midfielders Diarra and Gilberto were just about average in terms of winning the ball but significantly lacking in being creative.
And when the opponents are pushing tight on you it’s not only strength that you need but skill. Fabregas and Hleb used to provide it but now that they could not play surely Rosicky should have been the one to play just behind Adebayor.
It was bleeding obvious that this was evidently lacking in all the three away games that Arsenal played. We were lucky that with Hleb and Flamini in the side against Villa we got enough goals in the first half to scrape through.
But when these two were missing against Newcastle we were lucky to score in the 4th minute and then had to defend that for the rest of the game.
This was because again Mr Wenger still played Eduardo, who was again a passenger and deprived the midfield of any creativity by keeping Rosicky on the wing.
Arsene Wenger usually gets these things right but when he gets them wrong boy does he get them wrong. Isn’t there anyone in the Arsenal boot room to say anything to him?
Arsenal can win at Middlesbrough by dropping Eduardo and playing Rosicky central
What a pathetic performance. What a pathetic choice of formation and pathetic choice of players to play in that formation.
Arsene Wenger must have seen that recently the team were struggling to cover for a passenger of a player called Eduardo. And you can not really play with ten men in the Premier League. Although it has to be said that the rest of the players had a bad game.
He must have also seen in the previous two games that the two central midfielders Diarra and Gilberto were just about average in terms of winning the ball but significantly lacking in being creative.
And when the opponents are pushing tight on you it’s not only strength that you need but skill. Fabregas and Hleb used to provide it but now that they could not play surely Rosicky should have been the one to play just behind Adebayor.
It was bleeding obvious that this was evidently lacking in all the three away games that Arsenal played. We were lucky that with Hleb and Flamini in the side against Villa we got enough goals in the first half to scrape through.
But when these two were missing against Newcastle we were lucky to score in the 4th minute and then had to defend that for the rest of the game.
This was because again Mr Wenger still played Eduardo, who was again a passenger and deprived the midfield of any creativity by keeping Rosicky on the wing.
Arsene Wenger usually gets these things right but when he gets them wrong boy does he get them wrong. Isn’t there anyone in the Arsenal boot room to say anything to him?
Arsenal can win at Middlesbrough by dropping Eduardo and playing Rosicky central
Arsenal can win at Middlesbrough by dropping Eduardo and playing Rosicky central
By 1970’s Gooner
Eduardo has failed to impress in any of his starts for Arsenal. He has not adopted to the Premier League yet and he is even finding it difficult to combine with his fellow players.
He doesn’t seem to be on the same wave length with them and has been rather peripheral in terms of impact. His worst performance was against Newcastle where he made the mistake in not clearing the ball away from goal or even out of play which led to the equaliser.
Arsene Wenger will have to drop him from this away encounter at the Riverside and give him more time on the training ground and in the Carling and FA Cup games to get more acclimatized. I think he has the qualities to come good but like Pires he needs time.
The second change that Wenger must surely make is the most obvious one to me. The team is lacking in creativity in the central areas of the pitch.
At Newcastle Arsene, had to choose a side that could not include Flamini and Hleb. Just like against Wigan, when these two players were also missing, he went for more defensive and destructive players in central midfield. On this occasion Gilberto and Diarra. Rosicky the only creative midfielder left standing was marginalised on the left wing.
The end result, as feared by many, including this site, was that there was no creativity again (other sites were predicting an easy win even with a “depleted midfield”).
There was no one to dictate play in the crucial central areas of the field starving the forwards of the service they deserved.
So Arsene has to change the formation and accommodate Rosicky in a more central role.
This can be achieved in a 4 2 1 3 formation with two central defensive midfielders (any two from Gilberto, Diarra, Denilson and Song) sitting behind Rosicky with three forwards in front of him: Adebayor flanked by Eboue and say Walcott or Denilson but not Eduardo.
Prediction: Away win 0-2
Eduardo has failed to impress in any of his starts for Arsenal. He has not adopted to the Premier League yet and he is even finding it difficult to combine with his fellow players.
He doesn’t seem to be on the same wave length with them and has been rather peripheral in terms of impact. His worst performance was against Newcastle where he made the mistake in not clearing the ball away from goal or even out of play which led to the equaliser.
Arsene Wenger will have to drop him from this away encounter at the Riverside and give him more time on the training ground and in the Carling and FA Cup games to get more acclimatized. I think he has the qualities to come good but like Pires he needs time.
The second change that Wenger must surely make is the most obvious one to me. The team is lacking in creativity in the central areas of the pitch.
At Newcastle Arsene, had to choose a side that could not include Flamini and Hleb. Just like against Wigan, when these two players were also missing, he went for more defensive and destructive players in central midfield. On this occasion Gilberto and Diarra. Rosicky the only creative midfielder left standing was marginalised on the left wing.
The end result, as feared by many, including this site, was that there was no creativity again (other sites were predicting an easy win even with a “depleted midfield”).
There was no one to dictate play in the crucial central areas of the field starving the forwards of the service they deserved.
So Arsene has to change the formation and accommodate Rosicky in a more central role.
This can be achieved in a 4 2 1 3 formation with two central defensive midfielders (any two from Gilberto, Diarra, Denilson and Song) sitting behind Rosicky with three forwards in front of him: Adebayor flanked by Eboue and say Walcott or Denilson but not Eduardo.
Prediction: Away win 0-2
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