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.
Provides an independent, analytical and mature approach to Arsenal's games and related issues.
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
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Clichy is injured. Step up Traore
By 1970’s Gooner
The latest injury news to come out of Arsenal is that the excellent Gael Clichy did not travel to Spain due to a thigh injury he picked up against Wigan on Saturday.
This injury comes at an inopportune moment in Arsenal’s fixture calendar as we are about to embark on a series of away fixtures with a game on average every four days.
Clichy’s injury is described as short term and let’s hope it is indeed that, otherwise Traore could suddenly come into the reckoning.
There’s Hoyte of course and Diarra that could fill in if Wenger wants a more experienced player there.
This fixture list includes an away game on Saturday at Aston Villa, four days later on Wednesday we play Newcastle away and the Sunday after that Middlesbrough away.
This is followed by Steaua home the Wednesday after and then on Sunday Ashley Cole’s return with Chelsea. And it doesn’t stop there as we have Tottenham at home a week later!
The heavy schedule coming up is likely to set difficult selection problems for tonight’s game at Sevilla.
Wenger has to rest players in order to freshen them up but at the same time he has to try and have enough experienced players to assist the youngsters and have a chance of getting a result.
I would however prefer that as many first team players are rested and this should include Almunia so that Lehmann can get in some games in case he is needed in the coming weeks.
Lehmann should start in goal with Hoyte, Toure, Senderos and Traore the back four. Eboue, Diarra, Gilberto and Denilson the four in midfield and Bendtner and Eduardo the front two.
This will give a rest to Rosicky, Walcott, Almunia, Fabregas and Sagna. Although in the travelling party, Flamini will not be risked by Wenger.
Some newspapers have Rosicky and Fabregas starting and they would certainly add a sparkle to the line up.
But should Wenger be risking them with such a demanding fixture list and so close to the run up of the crucial Xmas period? I hope not.
Prediction: Whatever Wenger decides will be good enough to contest the game.
The defence is solid enough but obviously keeping Kanute quiet will be a big test especially for the returning Senderos.
The pairing of Bendtner and Eduardo however needs to click together if Arsenal are to have any success; 0-0
The latest injury news to come out of Arsenal is that the excellent Gael Clichy did not travel to Spain due to a thigh injury he picked up against Wigan on Saturday.
This injury comes at an inopportune moment in Arsenal’s fixture calendar as we are about to embark on a series of away fixtures with a game on average every four days.
Clichy’s injury is described as short term and let’s hope it is indeed that, otherwise Traore could suddenly come into the reckoning.
There’s Hoyte of course and Diarra that could fill in if Wenger wants a more experienced player there.
This fixture list includes an away game on Saturday at Aston Villa, four days later on Wednesday we play Newcastle away and the Sunday after that Middlesbrough away.
This is followed by Steaua home the Wednesday after and then on Sunday Ashley Cole’s return with Chelsea. And it doesn’t stop there as we have Tottenham at home a week later!
The heavy schedule coming up is likely to set difficult selection problems for tonight’s game at Sevilla.
Wenger has to rest players in order to freshen them up but at the same time he has to try and have enough experienced players to assist the youngsters and have a chance of getting a result.
I would however prefer that as many first team players are rested and this should include Almunia so that Lehmann can get in some games in case he is needed in the coming weeks.
Lehmann should start in goal with Hoyte, Toure, Senderos and Traore the back four. Eboue, Diarra, Gilberto and Denilson the four in midfield and Bendtner and Eduardo the front two.
This will give a rest to Rosicky, Walcott, Almunia, Fabregas and Sagna. Although in the travelling party, Flamini will not be risked by Wenger.
Some newspapers have Rosicky and Fabregas starting and they would certainly add a sparkle to the line up.
But should Wenger be risking them with such a demanding fixture list and so close to the run up of the crucial Xmas period? I hope not.
Prediction: Whatever Wenger decides will be good enough to contest the game.
The defence is solid enough but obviously keeping Kanute quiet will be a big test especially for the returning Senderos.
The pairing of Bendtner and Eduardo however needs to click together if Arsenal are to have any success; 0-0
Friday, November 23, 2007
Xmas wish for West Ham fans: Bilic as West Ham's new Wenger!
By The Coach (who is really a crypto West Ham fan!)
Bilic is an ex-West Ham great who has proven to have Wenger-like qualities in building up teams that are young and exciting and most of all effective.
He can be the new Wenger of the Premiership and I am sure he would jump at the chance to coach a Premiership team especially at his old stamping ground, Upton Park.
The West Ham Board should recognise opportunities when they arise and find a way to make them happen.
I was totally impressed with Bilic's ability to bring together young talent and shape a team that can play good football and most of all a team that is capable of beating anyone.
The style of football that Croatia displayed at Wembley the other night is indeed the football that West Ham were known for but sadly now only seen in glimpses.
It wasn’t that long ago when Sir Trevor Brooking et al and even before him when the Great Bobby Moore was the captain that West Ham were admired for the way they played the beautiful game.
Bilic is the man and the Board should be clever enough to see and grasp this opportunity to transform West Ham into a power in football again. It won't happen overnight, but Bilic more than Curbishley knows how to achieve it.
The most Curbishley can manage is to use his old and trusted methods to just keep West Ham away from trouble. But is this enough?
Having been a West Ham admirer for so many years, I think it is time the club moved on. It is time to show a little more ambition.
England will probably never be a world football power again
West Ham Don’t Need a Director of Football but a New Manager
Bilic is an ex-West Ham great who has proven to have Wenger-like qualities in building up teams that are young and exciting and most of all effective.
He can be the new Wenger of the Premiership and I am sure he would jump at the chance to coach a Premiership team especially at his old stamping ground, Upton Park.
The West Ham Board should recognise opportunities when they arise and find a way to make them happen.
I was totally impressed with Bilic's ability to bring together young talent and shape a team that can play good football and most of all a team that is capable of beating anyone.
The style of football that Croatia displayed at Wembley the other night is indeed the football that West Ham were known for but sadly now only seen in glimpses.
It wasn’t that long ago when Sir Trevor Brooking et al and even before him when the Great Bobby Moore was the captain that West Ham were admired for the way they played the beautiful game.
Bilic is the man and the Board should be clever enough to see and grasp this opportunity to transform West Ham into a power in football again. It won't happen overnight, but Bilic more than Curbishley knows how to achieve it.
The most Curbishley can manage is to use his old and trusted methods to just keep West Ham away from trouble. But is this enough?
Having been a West Ham admirer for so many years, I think it is time the club moved on. It is time to show a little more ambition.
England will probably never be a world football power again
West Ham Don’t Need a Director of Football but a New Manager
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Six players are out so it’s a Carling Cup side for Wigan
By 1970’s Gooner
The news coming out of Arsenal with regard to injuries is not good.
Alex Hleb is out for 21 days with a hamstring injury picked up playing for Belarus against Holland (2-1). He was substituted at half time.
Mathieu Flamini was sent home by Domenech after he picked up a thigh injury in the seven minutes he played for France. He will be out for one week.
Abu Diaby hurt his back against the Slavia Prague game and has not participated for the France Under 21s. He will be out for three weeks.
Robin Van Persie’s knee has not healed sufficiently and he needs another ten days before making his come back. He will also miss the Sevilla Champions League game in Spain.
Gilberto will return very, very late from international duty with Brazil and he will only come back on Friday jet lagged!
Cesc Fabregas stupidly went and got himself yellow carded so he is also out of the Wigan game.
Philip Senderos is back though which is small consolation as he is not likely to start anyway.
The selection dilemmas for Wenger will be focused on the central midfield positions and on who will partner Adebayor up front.
Gilberto obviously is a definite starter if he can get back in time from his duties as captain of Brazil.
For the other central midfield position it looks like a straight choice between Denilson and Diarra as Song’s only outings so far have only been a few last minute substitutions.
It will be interesting to see which Wenger will choose although Denilson is more of a creative player and creativity will be needed to compliment Gilberto’s industry and defensive inclinations.
Up front I think Eduardo will get the nod as he looked sharp for Croatia on Wednesday night.
So Wenger will be forced to field a Carling Cup side for Saturday. The possible 11 are as follows:
Almunia
Sagna Toure Gallas Clichy
Eboue Gilberto Denilson/Diarra Rosicky
Adebayor Eduardo
The news coming out of Arsenal with regard to injuries is not good.
Alex Hleb is out for 21 days with a hamstring injury picked up playing for Belarus against Holland (2-1). He was substituted at half time.
Mathieu Flamini was sent home by Domenech after he picked up a thigh injury in the seven minutes he played for France. He will be out for one week.
Abu Diaby hurt his back against the Slavia Prague game and has not participated for the France Under 21s. He will be out for three weeks.
Robin Van Persie’s knee has not healed sufficiently and he needs another ten days before making his come back. He will also miss the Sevilla Champions League game in Spain.
Gilberto will return very, very late from international duty with Brazil and he will only come back on Friday jet lagged!
Cesc Fabregas stupidly went and got himself yellow carded so he is also out of the Wigan game.
Philip Senderos is back though which is small consolation as he is not likely to start anyway.
The selection dilemmas for Wenger will be focused on the central midfield positions and on who will partner Adebayor up front.
Gilberto obviously is a definite starter if he can get back in time from his duties as captain of Brazil.
For the other central midfield position it looks like a straight choice between Denilson and Diarra as Song’s only outings so far have only been a few last minute substitutions.
It will be interesting to see which Wenger will choose although Denilson is more of a creative player and creativity will be needed to compliment Gilberto’s industry and defensive inclinations.
Up front I think Eduardo will get the nod as he looked sharp for Croatia on Wednesday night.
So Wenger will be forced to field a Carling Cup side for Saturday. The possible 11 are as follows:
Almunia
Sagna Toure Gallas Clichy
Eboue Gilberto Denilson/Diarra Rosicky
Adebayor Eduardo
McClaren and Wenger blamed for England’s failure: A nation in denial
By The Coach
Sure, McClaren was never a brilliant football manager and yes, a better choice could have been made in May 2006. But isn’t this typical of a nation that goes into mass denial once again?
The problem of English football is deeply rooted and has to do with an archaic footballing culture that is fostered and maintained by all, including those who are now taking to pieces poor McClaren.
All these experts and professors of football are quick to advise the eternal formula, “sack the coach and start again”. If only it were that simple!
Wait, haven’t we tried that many times before? Terry Venables, Glenn Hoddle, Sven Goran Ericsson and even Sir Alf Ramsey did not escape becoming the scapegoats for the more obvious reality that a whole nation does not want to even consider, let alone, come to terms with.
The fact is that football in England is bad! It is too physical, too square, too predictable, too English!
The mass hysteria has even reached the point of blaming it all on Wenger! Yes, unbelievable as it may sound, some gurus in England actually profess that the problems with English football emanate from having Arsene Wenger type managers in the Premiership!
“If only Arsene Wenger would try to create successful teams in the Premiership using young British rather than international talent, then…”
Wenger is not racist or anti-British! He would love to be able to build a championship winning team using available talent from England. The problem is that there is no such talent (and surely not at the same cost) to be found as could be sourced from abroad.
Looking into the problem a little deeper, the talent that can be developed into the Fabregas, the Van-Persies and the Hlebs of this world is so rare in England for a very good reason.
Young kids in England are unfortunate enough to grow up in England. By the time they learn the rules and have the British footballing values embedded into their persona it is far too late to explore and develop their natural qualities for creativity, imagination and flair on the field.
To use an analogy, it is like having Van Gough or Mozart create their beautiful work while serving in the army.
Back in early September I along with 1970’s Gooner began a series of articles that expounded on this very issue (see our posting England will probably never be a world football power again).
In our opinion the reason for this lies on the emphasis placed by the English society on several character related attributes, which in the end help to stifle any skills that a young player may possess.
These attributes, admirable as they are, concentrate more on the traditional English values of commitment, work ethos, effort and physical and mental strength.
All very important and very necessary elements in what makes a world class player.
But alas not sufficient. And they inevitably manifest themselves in all aspects of the English game.
In the way the players themselves play the game. In the way English coaches encourage their players to conduct themselves on the pitch. In their choice of strategies and tactics. And in the way the referees interpret the laws.
In fact most English players are made to look better when they are playing for their club teams which mostly consist of foreign players.
But when they have to co-exist with the rest of the England squad and line up against their club colleagues and other more skillful players in an international game they have no such “shield”
The truth is that England are really an average team who is made to look a little bit better when a few world class players emerge now and then.
England will probably never be a world football power again
Sure, McClaren was never a brilliant football manager and yes, a better choice could have been made in May 2006. But isn’t this typical of a nation that goes into mass denial once again?
The problem of English football is deeply rooted and has to do with an archaic footballing culture that is fostered and maintained by all, including those who are now taking to pieces poor McClaren.
All these experts and professors of football are quick to advise the eternal formula, “sack the coach and start again”. If only it were that simple!
Wait, haven’t we tried that many times before? Terry Venables, Glenn Hoddle, Sven Goran Ericsson and even Sir Alf Ramsey did not escape becoming the scapegoats for the more obvious reality that a whole nation does not want to even consider, let alone, come to terms with.
The fact is that football in England is bad! It is too physical, too square, too predictable, too English!
The mass hysteria has even reached the point of blaming it all on Wenger! Yes, unbelievable as it may sound, some gurus in England actually profess that the problems with English football emanate from having Arsene Wenger type managers in the Premiership!
“If only Arsene Wenger would try to create successful teams in the Premiership using young British rather than international talent, then…”
Wenger is not racist or anti-British! He would love to be able to build a championship winning team using available talent from England. The problem is that there is no such talent (and surely not at the same cost) to be found as could be sourced from abroad.
Looking into the problem a little deeper, the talent that can be developed into the Fabregas, the Van-Persies and the Hlebs of this world is so rare in England for a very good reason.
Young kids in England are unfortunate enough to grow up in England. By the time they learn the rules and have the British footballing values embedded into their persona it is far too late to explore and develop their natural qualities for creativity, imagination and flair on the field.
To use an analogy, it is like having Van Gough or Mozart create their beautiful work while serving in the army.
Back in early September I along with 1970’s Gooner began a series of articles that expounded on this very issue (see our posting England will probably never be a world football power again).
In our opinion the reason for this lies on the emphasis placed by the English society on several character related attributes, which in the end help to stifle any skills that a young player may possess.
These attributes, admirable as they are, concentrate more on the traditional English values of commitment, work ethos, effort and physical and mental strength.
All very important and very necessary elements in what makes a world class player.
But alas not sufficient. And they inevitably manifest themselves in all aspects of the English game.
In the way the players themselves play the game. In the way English coaches encourage their players to conduct themselves on the pitch. In their choice of strategies and tactics. And in the way the referees interpret the laws.
In fact most English players are made to look better when they are playing for their club teams which mostly consist of foreign players.
But when they have to co-exist with the rest of the England squad and line up against their club colleagues and other more skillful players in an international game they have no such “shield”
The truth is that England are really an average team who is made to look a little bit better when a few world class players emerge now and then.
England will probably never be a world football power again
Monday, November 19, 2007
Spurs Look to Cash in on Wenger’s Prodigies. Not on your Nelly!
By 1970’s Gooner
The People published a story that Diaby, Denilson and Traore are wanted by Spurs. And of course, not to be outdone, the other newspapers picked it up and started regurgitating the same story over and over again.
A sign that we are due to enter the “silly” period that is called a “transfer window”
There are football, financial and rivalry reasons why Diaby, Denilson and Traore will not be transferred to Spurs.
All three players have been handpicked and groomed by Wenger to provide top quality cover for their respective positions.
But more importantly to be ready in the next few seasons to take up the mantle if needed from their first team counterparts.
Diaby in particular has since his return from injury been very impressive especially on the few occasions he has been allowed to play in his natural position in the centre of midfield.
He has been likened to Vieira and in my opinion not without reason. His potential to grow into a great footballer is phenomenal.
So not only has he a great future at Arsenal but also to sell him on now especially when his transfer price will sky rocket in the future does not even make financial sense.
The more likely candidate to be sold on is in fact Gilberto. His transfer will create the space for players like Diaby, Denilson and Diarra to blossom even further.
Also the transfer price and savings in wages makes even more financial sense.
Judging by Wenger’s transfer behaviour so far do not be surprised to waive good buy to Gilberto! But most probably not to Spurs!
Denilson to my mind can be characterised as a prodigy who at only 19 is beginning to show that he can hold his own in that Fabregas role.
Surely he is being groomed to offer cover for Fabregas and also to play along side him if need be. Again why sell him now? It does not make much sense.
Traore is still learning his trade but we have seen how he resembles and plays like Clichy and even Ashley Cole before him. Wenger is obviously grooming him to be the next in line after Clichy.
But the problem of course is that he is still a little bit too young at 18. Wenger will make do at the moment with what he has and provide cover for Clichy from other sources such as Flamini or Diarra.
So again it does not make much sense to sell him on.
And what does not make much sense does not happen.
Especially if Spurs are involved!
Arsenal’s "Totaalvoetbal" a First in the Premiership. Wenger and Michels, Hleb and Cruyff
Lehmann back to his best
The People published a story that Diaby, Denilson and Traore are wanted by Spurs. And of course, not to be outdone, the other newspapers picked it up and started regurgitating the same story over and over again.
A sign that we are due to enter the “silly” period that is called a “transfer window”
There are football, financial and rivalry reasons why Diaby, Denilson and Traore will not be transferred to Spurs.
All three players have been handpicked and groomed by Wenger to provide top quality cover for their respective positions.
But more importantly to be ready in the next few seasons to take up the mantle if needed from their first team counterparts.
Diaby in particular has since his return from injury been very impressive especially on the few occasions he has been allowed to play in his natural position in the centre of midfield.
He has been likened to Vieira and in my opinion not without reason. His potential to grow into a great footballer is phenomenal.
So not only has he a great future at Arsenal but also to sell him on now especially when his transfer price will sky rocket in the future does not even make financial sense.
The more likely candidate to be sold on is in fact Gilberto. His transfer will create the space for players like Diaby, Denilson and Diarra to blossom even further.
Also the transfer price and savings in wages makes even more financial sense.
Judging by Wenger’s transfer behaviour so far do not be surprised to waive good buy to Gilberto! But most probably not to Spurs!
Denilson to my mind can be characterised as a prodigy who at only 19 is beginning to show that he can hold his own in that Fabregas role.
Surely he is being groomed to offer cover for Fabregas and also to play along side him if need be. Again why sell him now? It does not make much sense.
Traore is still learning his trade but we have seen how he resembles and plays like Clichy and even Ashley Cole before him. Wenger is obviously grooming him to be the next in line after Clichy.
But the problem of course is that he is still a little bit too young at 18. Wenger will make do at the moment with what he has and provide cover for Clichy from other sources such as Flamini or Diarra.
So again it does not make much sense to sell him on.
And what does not make much sense does not happen.
Especially if Spurs are involved!
Arsenal’s "Totaalvoetbal" a First in the Premiership. Wenger and Michels, Hleb and Cruyff
Lehmann back to his best
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Arsenal put on the Harlem Globetrotters Show at Reading
By 1970’s Gooner
It was men against boys; only the other way round if you see what I mean. But it was not like that all the way through. Coppell went for the conservative approach packing his midfield with five men and playing only one man up front.
Arsenal started somewhat lethargically and although they were enjoying 60% of possession they could not find a way round the packed Reading defense.
Yet it could have been very different from as early as the 4th minute when Adebayor put through by Rosicky clean on goal rather casually stroked the ball round Hanemann only to see it hit the outside the right hand post and go out of play.
Reading’s defensive formation was working quite well until the 43rd minute when they won a corner! As on many occasions that is when the defensive team is most vulnerable with the commitment of players in the opposite box opening up space on the other end of the pitch.
Arsenal were in the Reading box in a flash and Hleb was squaring the ball to the on rushing Flamini to score his first goal of the season.
That spelled the end of Reading’s mental resilience. The second half was monopolised by Arsenal adding the second on 52 after a sumptuous passing movement.
First Adebayor passed to Rosicky who gave it to Fabregas who laid it back for Adebayor to score from just inside the box with the minimum of back lift and with the inside of his right boot beyond the despairing Hanemann.
Now it was cruise control and exhibition “Harlem Globetrotters” staff as Reading were reduced to just a spectator part.
The Arsenal players were more interested in putting passes together and keeping the ball for very long spells rather than going for the jugular. Just like a cat plays with a captive mouse whose fate is already beyond doubt!
Hleb got the third on 78 after Oster passed to nobody outside his area. Hleb picked it up went through one player dummied the goalkeeper, dragged the ball back to his right foot and shot into the net off the defender’s stretched leg.
Wenger’s insistence on making double substitutions at the same time rather than spacing them out disrupted the flow again just as they did in Arsenal’s last game against Manchester United.
This gave the impetus for Reading to push forward and as Arsenal relaxed a bit more they managed to score a goal after a header hit the post with Almunia already out of position trying to stop it.
Fabregas got an “intended” yellow card and misses Arsenal’s next game against Wigan at the Emirates.
But Arsenal are top of the League again. Where they belong.
Coppell: "Reading have three different ways of playing against Arsenal". Really?
It was men against boys; only the other way round if you see what I mean. But it was not like that all the way through. Coppell went for the conservative approach packing his midfield with five men and playing only one man up front.
Arsenal started somewhat lethargically and although they were enjoying 60% of possession they could not find a way round the packed Reading defense.
Yet it could have been very different from as early as the 4th minute when Adebayor put through by Rosicky clean on goal rather casually stroked the ball round Hanemann only to see it hit the outside the right hand post and go out of play.
Reading’s defensive formation was working quite well until the 43rd minute when they won a corner! As on many occasions that is when the defensive team is most vulnerable with the commitment of players in the opposite box opening up space on the other end of the pitch.
Arsenal were in the Reading box in a flash and Hleb was squaring the ball to the on rushing Flamini to score his first goal of the season.
That spelled the end of Reading’s mental resilience. The second half was monopolised by Arsenal adding the second on 52 after a sumptuous passing movement.
First Adebayor passed to Rosicky who gave it to Fabregas who laid it back for Adebayor to score from just inside the box with the minimum of back lift and with the inside of his right boot beyond the despairing Hanemann.
Now it was cruise control and exhibition “Harlem Globetrotters” staff as Reading were reduced to just a spectator part.
The Arsenal players were more interested in putting passes together and keeping the ball for very long spells rather than going for the jugular. Just like a cat plays with a captive mouse whose fate is already beyond doubt!
Hleb got the third on 78 after Oster passed to nobody outside his area. Hleb picked it up went through one player dummied the goalkeeper, dragged the ball back to his right foot and shot into the net off the defender’s stretched leg.
Wenger’s insistence on making double substitutions at the same time rather than spacing them out disrupted the flow again just as they did in Arsenal’s last game against Manchester United.
This gave the impetus for Reading to push forward and as Arsenal relaxed a bit more they managed to score a goal after a header hit the post with Almunia already out of position trying to stop it.
Fabregas got an “intended” yellow card and misses Arsenal’s next game against Wigan at the Emirates.
But Arsenal are top of the League again. Where they belong.
Coppell: "Reading have three different ways of playing against Arsenal". Really?
Monday, November 12, 2007
Arsenal put on the Harlem Globetrotters Show at Reading
By 1970’s Gooner
It was men against boys; only the other way round if you see what I mean. But it was not like that all the way through. Coppell went for the conservative approach packing his midfield with five men and playing only one man up front.
Arsenal started somewhat lethargically and although they were enjoying 60% of possession they could not find a way round the packed Reading defense.
Yet it could have been very different from as early as the 4th minute when Adebayor put through by Rosicky clean on goal rather casually stroked the ball round Hanemann only to see it hit the outside the right hand post and go out of play.
Reading’s defensive formation was working quite well until the 43rd minute when they won a corner! As on many occasions that is when the defensive team is most vulnerable with the commitment of players in the opposite box opening up space on the other end of the pitch.
Arsenal were in the Reading box in a flash and Hleb was squaring the ball to the on rushing Flamini to score his first goal of the season.
That spelled the end of Reading’s mental resilience. The second half was monopolised by Arsenal adding the second on 52 after a sumptuous passing movement.
First Adebayor passed to Rosicky who gave it to Fabregas who laid it back for Adebayor to score from just inside the box with the minimum of back lift and with the inside of his right boot beyond the despairing Hanemann.
Now it was cruise control and exhibition “Harlem Globetrotters” staff as Reading were reduced to just a spectator part.
The Arsenal players were more interested in putting passes together and keeping the ball for very long spells rather than going for the jugular. Just like a cat plays with a captive mouse whose fate is already beyond doubt!
Hleb got the third on 78 after Oster passed to nobody outside his area. Hleb picked it up went through one player dummied the goalkeeper, dragged the ball back to his right foot and shot into the net off the defender’s stretched leg.
Wenger’s insistence on making double substitutions at the same time rather than spacing them out disrupted the flow again just as they did in Arsenal’s last game against Manchester United.
This gave the impetus for Reading to push forward and as Arsenal relaxed a bit more they managed to score a goal after a header hit the post with Almunia already out of position trying to stop it.
Fabregas got an “intended” yellow card and misses Arsenal’s next game against Wigan at the Emirates.
But Arsenal are top of the League again. Where they belong.
Coppell: "Reading have three different ways of playing against Arsenal". Really?
It was men against boys; only the other way round if you see what I mean. But it was not like that all the way through. Coppell went for the conservative approach packing his midfield with five men and playing only one man up front.
Arsenal started somewhat lethargically and although they were enjoying 60% of possession they could not find a way round the packed Reading defense.
Yet it could have been very different from as early as the 4th minute when Adebayor put through by Rosicky clean on goal rather casually stroked the ball round Hanemann only to see it hit the outside the right hand post and go out of play.
Reading’s defensive formation was working quite well until the 43rd minute when they won a corner! As on many occasions that is when the defensive team is most vulnerable with the commitment of players in the opposite box opening up space on the other end of the pitch.
Arsenal were in the Reading box in a flash and Hleb was squaring the ball to the on rushing Flamini to score his first goal of the season.
That spelled the end of Reading’s mental resilience. The second half was monopolised by Arsenal adding the second on 52 after a sumptuous passing movement.
First Adebayor passed to Rosicky who gave it to Fabregas who laid it back for Adebayor to score from just inside the box with the minimum of back lift and with the inside of his right boot beyond the despairing Hanemann.
Now it was cruise control and exhibition “Harlem Globetrotters” staff as Reading were reduced to just a spectator part.
The Arsenal players were more interested in putting passes together and keeping the ball for very long spells rather than going for the jugular. Just like a cat plays with a captive mouse whose fate is already beyond doubt!
Hleb got the third on 78 after Oster passed to nobody outside his area. Hleb picked it up went through one player dummied the goalkeeper, dragged the ball back to his right foot and shot into the net off the defender’s stretched leg.
Wenger’s insistence on making double substitutions at the same time rather than spacing them out disrupted the flow again just as they did in Arsenal’s last game against Manchester United.
This gave the impetus for Reading to push forward and as Arsenal relaxed a bit more they managed to score a goal after a header hit the post with Almunia already out of position trying to stop it.
Fabregas got an “intended” yellow card and misses Arsenal’s next game against Wigan at the Emirates.
But Arsenal are top of the League again. Where they belong.
Coppell: "Reading have three different ways of playing against Arsenal". Really?
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Slavia do a lap of honour and Arsenal stumble to qualification. Plus player ratings
By 1970's Gooner
It was a disjointed performance in wet conditions with dreadful whether. Yet this is no excuse for a dreadful display by admittedly a Carling Cup side.
You would have at least expected a repeat of the fine display away at Sheffield United with a commitment to the passing game that all Arsenal sides under Wenger are well known for and the creation of some chances; even some half chances come to that.
But no nothing. Diaby was on the ball a lot but was not doing anything with it and he kept trying to use his body instead of adding to his game his undoubted skill.
Walcott reverted to running like a headless chicken and was largely ineffective and Denilson did not assert himself enough in the middle of the pitch. Up front Bendtner and Eduardo were largely anonymous and did not play as a pair.
The only one who can claim he had a good match was Almunia who made two excellent saves. In the first half he tipped the ball over the bar from a strong shot from outside the box but more significantly rushed out of his area to save what looked a certain goal after the Slavia forward escaped Gallas’s attention.
Lehmann's exclusion from the first eleven does tend to point to his departure in the january transfer window.
The result left both teams satisfied. Slavia avoided another humiliation and bagged a point; they did a lap of honour afterwards! And Arsenal got the draw that was needed to qualify.
Almunia; back to form 9
Clichy; his usual purposeful and energetic performance 8
Diarra; played as well as he did at Sheffield United but was not penetrative when going forward 7
Gallas; made one mistake which nearly cost us a goal 6
Song; strong and determined. Had a good game 7
Denilson; did not dictate play as well as he can 6
Gilberto; his usual strong and calm performance 7
Diaby; frivolous in possession and largely ineffective 5
Walcott; was not penetrative enough and did not pose any significant threat 5
Bendtner; below his best and did not connect well with his partner in attack 5
Eduardo; was largely anonymous 5
It was a disjointed performance in wet conditions with dreadful whether. Yet this is no excuse for a dreadful display by admittedly a Carling Cup side.
You would have at least expected a repeat of the fine display away at Sheffield United with a commitment to the passing game that all Arsenal sides under Wenger are well known for and the creation of some chances; even some half chances come to that.
But no nothing. Diaby was on the ball a lot but was not doing anything with it and he kept trying to use his body instead of adding to his game his undoubted skill.
Walcott reverted to running like a headless chicken and was largely ineffective and Denilson did not assert himself enough in the middle of the pitch. Up front Bendtner and Eduardo were largely anonymous and did not play as a pair.
The only one who can claim he had a good match was Almunia who made two excellent saves. In the first half he tipped the ball over the bar from a strong shot from outside the box but more significantly rushed out of his area to save what looked a certain goal after the Slavia forward escaped Gallas’s attention.
Lehmann's exclusion from the first eleven does tend to point to his departure in the january transfer window.
The result left both teams satisfied. Slavia avoided another humiliation and bagged a point; they did a lap of honour afterwards! And Arsenal got the draw that was needed to qualify.
Almunia; back to form 9
Clichy; his usual purposeful and energetic performance 8
Diarra; played as well as he did at Sheffield United but was not penetrative when going forward 7
Gallas; made one mistake which nearly cost us a goal 6
Song; strong and determined. Had a good game 7
Denilson; did not dictate play as well as he can 6
Gilberto; his usual strong and calm performance 7
Diaby; frivolous in possession and largely ineffective 5
Walcott; was not penetrative enough and did not pose any significant threat 5
Bendtner; below his best and did not connect well with his partner in attack 5
Eduardo; was largely anonymous 5
Arsenal’s B team good enough to win in Prague
By 1970’s Gooner
This game comes after two draining clashes against Liverpool and Manchester United and since a draw will be enough to see Arsenal through to the knock-out stages it has allowed Wenger the luxury to shuffle his pack.
Alexander Hleb and Cesc Fabregas are both rested after making 29 starts between them so far this season, while Kolo Toure (calf) and Tomas Rosicky (groin) are carrying minor knocks.
However Arsenal’s squad is littered with experienced internationals and gifted youngsters as well so it’s not really that big a risk to field a version of the B team.
In fact Wenger has blooded the youngsters so early in their career and in competitive matches that though young, immature and inexperienced they are not.
And they have shown that when they are complimented by a few seasoned campaigners such as Gilberto and Gallas they are capable of producing top class performances.
In a recent article after the victory in the Carling Cup tie at Sheffield United I reiterated the idea of teams like Arsenal being allowed to field “B” teams in the championship as they do in Spain. Arsenal’s B team was so obviously a class above the championship side.
Wenger has, in a way, the opportunity to field his Arsenal B team for the rest of the games left in this relatively easy group.
His biggest decision is who to field between the posts. Almunia needs to start in order to recover some confidence and ease his nerves.
Lehmann also needs a start if anything to be match fit and ready to step in the first team if Almunia’s two “lives” are exhausted. My hunch: Lehmann is a goner in the transfer window.
For the right back position Hoyte deserves a start and for left back I would rest Clichy and give Traore his first Champion’s League game. Gallas and Song will play in central defence.
I do not trust Song in defence. Having watched him play for Charlton in midfield last season I was impressed. I think he will be a very good central midfielder rather than central defender.
Denilson and Gilberto will be a strong pairing in midfield flanked by Diaby on the left and Walcott on the right. Eduardo and Bendtner will resume their productive partnership up front.
It sounds pretty strong to me.
For Slavia Prague ex Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer is available, but Ladislav Volesak is suspended. Meanwhile, second-choice goalkeeper Michal Vorel is likely to make his Champions League debut in place of Czech international Martin Vaniak.
Slavia’s best hope is to qualify for third place and enter the UEFA competition. I wouldn’t expect them to play open and attacking football but they will be looking to get something out of this game.
Prediction: Arsenal’s B team find it hard to settle at the beginning but once in their stride can outclass Slavia. 0-1
This game comes after two draining clashes against Liverpool and Manchester United and since a draw will be enough to see Arsenal through to the knock-out stages it has allowed Wenger the luxury to shuffle his pack.
Alexander Hleb and Cesc Fabregas are both rested after making 29 starts between them so far this season, while Kolo Toure (calf) and Tomas Rosicky (groin) are carrying minor knocks.
However Arsenal’s squad is littered with experienced internationals and gifted youngsters as well so it’s not really that big a risk to field a version of the B team.
In fact Wenger has blooded the youngsters so early in their career and in competitive matches that though young, immature and inexperienced they are not.
And they have shown that when they are complimented by a few seasoned campaigners such as Gilberto and Gallas they are capable of producing top class performances.
In a recent article after the victory in the Carling Cup tie at Sheffield United I reiterated the idea of teams like Arsenal being allowed to field “B” teams in the championship as they do in Spain. Arsenal’s B team was so obviously a class above the championship side.
Wenger has, in a way, the opportunity to field his Arsenal B team for the rest of the games left in this relatively easy group.
His biggest decision is who to field between the posts. Almunia needs to start in order to recover some confidence and ease his nerves.
Lehmann also needs a start if anything to be match fit and ready to step in the first team if Almunia’s two “lives” are exhausted. My hunch: Lehmann is a goner in the transfer window.
For the right back position Hoyte deserves a start and for left back I would rest Clichy and give Traore his first Champion’s League game. Gallas and Song will play in central defence.
I do not trust Song in defence. Having watched him play for Charlton in midfield last season I was impressed. I think he will be a very good central midfielder rather than central defender.
Denilson and Gilberto will be a strong pairing in midfield flanked by Diaby on the left and Walcott on the right. Eduardo and Bendtner will resume their productive partnership up front.
It sounds pretty strong to me.
For Slavia Prague ex Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer is available, but Ladislav Volesak is suspended. Meanwhile, second-choice goalkeeper Michal Vorel is likely to make his Champions League debut in place of Czech international Martin Vaniak.
Slavia’s best hope is to qualify for third place and enter the UEFA competition. I wouldn’t expect them to play open and attacking football but they will be looking to get something out of this game.
Prediction: Arsenal’s B team find it hard to settle at the beginning but once in their stride can outclass Slavia. 0-1
Monday, November 05, 2007
Wenger's mea culpa! Plus player ratings for Arsenal Vs Manchester United
By 1970’s Gooner
Arsene Wenger admitted as much after the game. The formation he selected meant that there was no real support for the front striker. Adebayor was more often than not isolated.
Wenger said: "Sometimes Adebayor was a bit too isolated up there. Maybe I could have played Theo Walcott up front, or Eduardo or Niklas Bendnter. But I went for a different approach.
"Without Robin van Persie the balance in the final third was not completely right.
“That's my fault. I'd look at that again.
As I pointed in my post match analysis it was indeed very apparent that the formation was not really an attacking minded 4 4 1 1.
It was actually a 4 5 1 formation, as the outstanding Hleb did not play just behind Adebayor as you would expect but much more behind, in the midfield area, in more of a playmaker’s role.
Almunia
Could not be faulted for the first goal conceded but the same can not be said of the second one. He came out of his area unnecessarily as Gallas was already closing in on Evra. This left his goal unguarded for a simple tap in by Ronaldo. He made the same mistake in a similar situation earlier on but his defenders bailed him out on that occasion. 5
Van De Sar
Could not be faulted for any of the Arsenal goals but can be faulted for his persistency, with the ball so clearly over the line for Arsenal’s equaliser, in trying to convince the referee otherwise. He made a good save from Adebayor’s close volley that eventually led to the goal. 8
Clichy
Performed well apart from United’s first goal. He was nowhere near Ronaldo when he put in his low cross. When the shackles came off in the second half he became more attack minded. His persistency in keeping the ball in play on the left touch line and putting a very dangerous cross which had the United defence in panic resulted in the dramatic equalizer. 7
Evra
Had mixed fortunes. Was instrumental in United’s second goal when he was well placed to receive Saha’s reverse pass and then place it on the plate for Ronaldo to score. However he was at fault for Arsenal’s first goal as he allowed Sagna to steal in behind him and screw the ball to the unmarked Fabregas. 6
Sagna
Performed well and was solid. Played an important part in Arsenal’s first goal and could not be faulted for United’s second as Walcott did not track Evra’s run into the box as he should have done. 7
Brown
Did not have the best of games. He was troubled by Clichy’s runs and looked uncomfortable when faced with fast players attacking him one to one. Was slow to pick Clichy up when he put his cross in for Arsenal’s equalizer. 6
Toure
Had a very solid game. Did not put a foot wrong and also ventured forward in the second half. He is becoming the rock in this Arsenal defence. Along with Gallas made sure that Tevez had a quiet game. 8
Vidic
A solid performance. Very good in the air and did not give much room to Adebayor to operate in. He was lucky that a penalty was not given against him when he was pulling on Hleb’s shirt inside the area. 8
Gallas
He is beginning to live up to his captain’s role. More importantly the rest of the Arsenal players are beginning to realise it. He was slow by his own admission to cover Roonie’s run for the first goal but he was there where it mattered to score the equalizer. 8
Ferdinand
Another solid performance but along with Vidic they only had Adebayor to deal with. His partnership with Vidic looks ideal. One is strong and the other is also good at tidying things up and distributing. 8
Rosicky
Had a subdued game and did not get involved as much as he could have. Kept to his defensive duties well. 6
Ronaldo
Also had a subdued game. He was denied space by the tight marking of Sagna and Rosicky as well as the packed midfield from both sides. 6
Fabregas
The little maestro was again the main pivot for a lot of the Arsenal moves. He was, probably by design, more defensively minded in the first half but he was there again at the right position to score the equaliser at the beginning of the second. 8
Hargreaves
Performed his duties very well. He balances this United side beautifully forming the anchor on which the more creative players can perform. 8
Flamini
Plays in a similar role to Hargreaves and has the same effect on this Arsenal side. He was everywhere and anywhere during this game. 8
Anderson
I was impressed by his strength and tenacity. Supported Hargreaves in the middle of the United midfield helping to keep it tight and competitive. 7
Eboue
Much improved in this game. He seems to improve the more games he plays. Put aside the theatrics and was positive throughout. This was probably because he was much more focused on the job he had to do. He had only one misplaced pass but did not misplace his beautiful cross for Adebayor which led to Arsenal’s first goal. 8
Giggs
Was for me anonymous throughout the game. Not the same Giggs we knew. Will this be his last season at United? 5
Hleb
What a performance again. Top draw. His skill and close dexterous control of the ball is unparalleled in this league. But when used as a second striker the level of his performance is compromised. Kept the ball under pressure from a bunch of United players and found the ball to Fabregas who began the move which led to Arsenal’s first equalizer. 8
Roonie
Tenacious and dangerous as always. Played the role he was assigned very well popping up at the near post to score United’s first goal. He did the same last season at the far post. 8
Adebayor
Played the lone striker role well but did not have enough support from Hleb or from the other midfielders. His control sometimes led him down and he desperately needs to score a goal. Good run and shot on the volley from Eboue’s pass which eventually resulted in Arsenal’s first goal. 7
Tevez
Was quite subdued throughout the game and did not contribute much towards United’s overall play. United will need a front man like Saha especially when they play against the strong teams. His influence when he came on was very apparent. 5
Arsenal’s Formula One Car Cannot Run With The Handbreak On. A Critique
Arsene Wenger admitted as much after the game. The formation he selected meant that there was no real support for the front striker. Adebayor was more often than not isolated.
Wenger said: "Sometimes Adebayor was a bit too isolated up there. Maybe I could have played Theo Walcott up front, or Eduardo or Niklas Bendnter. But I went for a different approach.
"Without Robin van Persie the balance in the final third was not completely right.
“That's my fault. I'd look at that again.
As I pointed in my post match analysis it was indeed very apparent that the formation was not really an attacking minded 4 4 1 1.
It was actually a 4 5 1 formation, as the outstanding Hleb did not play just behind Adebayor as you would expect but much more behind, in the midfield area, in more of a playmaker’s role.
Almunia
Could not be faulted for the first goal conceded but the same can not be said of the second one. He came out of his area unnecessarily as Gallas was already closing in on Evra. This left his goal unguarded for a simple tap in by Ronaldo. He made the same mistake in a similar situation earlier on but his defenders bailed him out on that occasion. 5
Van De Sar
Could not be faulted for any of the Arsenal goals but can be faulted for his persistency, with the ball so clearly over the line for Arsenal’s equaliser, in trying to convince the referee otherwise. He made a good save from Adebayor’s close volley that eventually led to the goal. 8
Clichy
Performed well apart from United’s first goal. He was nowhere near Ronaldo when he put in his low cross. When the shackles came off in the second half he became more attack minded. His persistency in keeping the ball in play on the left touch line and putting a very dangerous cross which had the United defence in panic resulted in the dramatic equalizer. 7
Evra
Had mixed fortunes. Was instrumental in United’s second goal when he was well placed to receive Saha’s reverse pass and then place it on the plate for Ronaldo to score. However he was at fault for Arsenal’s first goal as he allowed Sagna to steal in behind him and screw the ball to the unmarked Fabregas. 6
Sagna
Performed well and was solid. Played an important part in Arsenal’s first goal and could not be faulted for United’s second as Walcott did not track Evra’s run into the box as he should have done. 7
Brown
Did not have the best of games. He was troubled by Clichy’s runs and looked uncomfortable when faced with fast players attacking him one to one. Was slow to pick Clichy up when he put his cross in for Arsenal’s equalizer. 6
Toure
Had a very solid game. Did not put a foot wrong and also ventured forward in the second half. He is becoming the rock in this Arsenal defence. Along with Gallas made sure that Tevez had a quiet game. 8
Vidic
A solid performance. Very good in the air and did not give much room to Adebayor to operate in. He was lucky that a penalty was not given against him when he was pulling on Hleb’s shirt inside the area. 8
Gallas
He is beginning to live up to his captain’s role. More importantly the rest of the Arsenal players are beginning to realise it. He was slow by his own admission to cover Roonie’s run for the first goal but he was there where it mattered to score the equalizer. 8
Ferdinand
Another solid performance but along with Vidic they only had Adebayor to deal with. His partnership with Vidic looks ideal. One is strong and the other is also good at tidying things up and distributing. 8
Rosicky
Had a subdued game and did not get involved as much as he could have. Kept to his defensive duties well. 6
Ronaldo
Also had a subdued game. He was denied space by the tight marking of Sagna and Rosicky as well as the packed midfield from both sides. 6
Fabregas
The little maestro was again the main pivot for a lot of the Arsenal moves. He was, probably by design, more defensively minded in the first half but he was there again at the right position to score the equaliser at the beginning of the second. 8
Hargreaves
Performed his duties very well. He balances this United side beautifully forming the anchor on which the more creative players can perform. 8
Flamini
Plays in a similar role to Hargreaves and has the same effect on this Arsenal side. He was everywhere and anywhere during this game. 8
Anderson
I was impressed by his strength and tenacity. Supported Hargreaves in the middle of the United midfield helping to keep it tight and competitive. 7
Eboue
Much improved in this game. He seems to improve the more games he plays. Put aside the theatrics and was positive throughout. This was probably because he was much more focused on the job he had to do. He had only one misplaced pass but did not misplace his beautiful cross for Adebayor which led to Arsenal’s first goal. 8
Giggs
Was for me anonymous throughout the game. Not the same Giggs we knew. Will this be his last season at United? 5
Hleb
What a performance again. Top draw. His skill and close dexterous control of the ball is unparalleled in this league. But when used as a second striker the level of his performance is compromised. Kept the ball under pressure from a bunch of United players and found the ball to Fabregas who began the move which led to Arsenal’s first equalizer. 8
Roonie
Tenacious and dangerous as always. Played the role he was assigned very well popping up at the near post to score United’s first goal. He did the same last season at the far post. 8
Adebayor
Played the lone striker role well but did not have enough support from Hleb or from the other midfielders. His control sometimes led him down and he desperately needs to score a goal. Good run and shot on the volley from Eboue’s pass which eventually resulted in Arsenal’s first goal. 7
Tevez
Was quite subdued throughout the game and did not contribute much towards United’s overall play. United will need a front man like Saha especially when they play against the strong teams. His influence when he came on was very apparent. 5
Arsenal’s Formula One Car Cannot Run With The Handbreak On. A Critique
Friday, November 02, 2007
Wenger and Ferguson faced with interesting selection options
By 1970’s Gooner
Does a football coach select his starting eleven according to who’s available and on form? Or according to the system that is the most appropriate for the particular game coming up?
It’s usually a combination of both of course and for the Arsenal Manchester United clash at the Emirates it is intriguing to see what formations the two managers will go with.
Let’s look at the visitors first.
Ferguson’s options appear to be much more compromised than Wenger’s.
The injuries to key players such as Neville, Saha, Scholes and possibly Carrick will go a long way in dictating not only who he selects to start but more crucially which system he will deploy.
This is because in that critical area of the pitch, the midfield, he is deprived one if not two of his best midfielders. Scholes of course has been out for some time now and the additional absence of Carrick recently forced Ferguson to rely on new young recruit Anderson.
Carrick is now considered to have overcome his injury. But he has been out for the last four weeks and I am not sure that Ferguson will risk him. There is a chance of the injury recurring but more importantly there will be concerns over his match fitness.
So Ferguson may have to decide whether to stick with Anderson or bring back Fletcher who can add a bit more steel in an area where a lot of Arsenal’s play is directed form. The excellent Hargreaves of course will be the other central midfielder.
If Ferguson sticks with Anderson then he might feel that his midfield may need bolstering further and therefore ask Roonie to drop back into that area in a 4 4 1 1 come 4 5 1 formation.
In fact he may still decide to choose this system even if Fletcher is selected as he has not being playing recently and might also be rusty.
At the end of day we all know that Roonie will be playing in that hole behind the main striker. But it is how attacking minded Ferguson wants him to be that will decide whether he is more offensively or destructively oriented.
Another reason why Ferguson might be more conservative is the vulnerability of the United full backs O’Shea and Wes Brown.
Evra, who might be fit to start, has been out of action too and may lack match fitness. Ferguson therefore might want to give his full backs more protection by detailing support from the midfielders. And a 4 4 1 1 system will allow him to do that.
There is of course a price to pay and that is the forward areas of the pitch might be starved of support.
4 4 1 1 for Arsenal too?
On the other hand Wenger has even more options. He can play the same way he did against Liverpool with a 4 4 1 1 formation with Hleb just behind Adebayor.
This is risky as it will leave only Flamini as the only defensive minded midfielder. Roonie will then find a lot of space as that will be his favourite patch of the field.
In order to counter this Wenger can go for the more conservative 4 3 3 by bringing Gilberto back into the midfield along with Flamini and Fabregas.
Adebayor could then be flanked by Hleb and Rosicky. Gilberto parking himself infront of the defence countering Roonie’s threat and Fabregas and Flamini pushing forward in support as and when the occasion demands.
The second option is to bring Bendtner or Walcott on to partner Adebayor in a 4 4 2 formation.
I watched Bendtner perform very well for Denmark in the Euro qualifiers and also in the Carling Cup. His direct physical style is very effective.
I doubt whether Wenger will try this as he is yet inexperienced for such a big game. The same goes for Walcott who is much more effective coming off the bench at the moment.
This 4 3 3 formation will be my preferred option as it provides defensive cover but at the same time it allows you the use of three attacking players plus any of the midfielders who may venture forward.
Arsenal more than Manchester United have “impact” players on the bench such as Walcott, Eboue, Bendtner or Eduardo to change the game if needed.
Ed: what do you think should be the formations for the two managers? Leave your comment and your vote on the poll we have set up
Does a football coach select his starting eleven according to who’s available and on form? Or according to the system that is the most appropriate for the particular game coming up?
It’s usually a combination of both of course and for the Arsenal Manchester United clash at the Emirates it is intriguing to see what formations the two managers will go with.
Let’s look at the visitors first.
Ferguson’s options appear to be much more compromised than Wenger’s.
The injuries to key players such as Neville, Saha, Scholes and possibly Carrick will go a long way in dictating not only who he selects to start but more crucially which system he will deploy.
This is because in that critical area of the pitch, the midfield, he is deprived one if not two of his best midfielders. Scholes of course has been out for some time now and the additional absence of Carrick recently forced Ferguson to rely on new young recruit Anderson.
Carrick is now considered to have overcome his injury. But he has been out for the last four weeks and I am not sure that Ferguson will risk him. There is a chance of the injury recurring but more importantly there will be concerns over his match fitness.
So Ferguson may have to decide whether to stick with Anderson or bring back Fletcher who can add a bit more steel in an area where a lot of Arsenal’s play is directed form. The excellent Hargreaves of course will be the other central midfielder.
If Ferguson sticks with Anderson then he might feel that his midfield may need bolstering further and therefore ask Roonie to drop back into that area in a 4 4 1 1 come 4 5 1 formation.
In fact he may still decide to choose this system even if Fletcher is selected as he has not being playing recently and might also be rusty.
At the end of day we all know that Roonie will be playing in that hole behind the main striker. But it is how attacking minded Ferguson wants him to be that will decide whether he is more offensively or destructively oriented.
Another reason why Ferguson might be more conservative is the vulnerability of the United full backs O’Shea and Wes Brown.
Evra, who might be fit to start, has been out of action too and may lack match fitness. Ferguson therefore might want to give his full backs more protection by detailing support from the midfielders. And a 4 4 1 1 system will allow him to do that.
There is of course a price to pay and that is the forward areas of the pitch might be starved of support.
4 4 1 1 for Arsenal too?
On the other hand Wenger has even more options. He can play the same way he did against Liverpool with a 4 4 1 1 formation with Hleb just behind Adebayor.
This is risky as it will leave only Flamini as the only defensive minded midfielder. Roonie will then find a lot of space as that will be his favourite patch of the field.
In order to counter this Wenger can go for the more conservative 4 3 3 by bringing Gilberto back into the midfield along with Flamini and Fabregas.
Adebayor could then be flanked by Hleb and Rosicky. Gilberto parking himself infront of the defence countering Roonie’s threat and Fabregas and Flamini pushing forward in support as and when the occasion demands.
The second option is to bring Bendtner or Walcott on to partner Adebayor in a 4 4 2 formation.
I watched Bendtner perform very well for Denmark in the Euro qualifiers and also in the Carling Cup. His direct physical style is very effective.
I doubt whether Wenger will try this as he is yet inexperienced for such a big game. The same goes for Walcott who is much more effective coming off the bench at the moment.
This 4 3 3 formation will be my preferred option as it provides defensive cover but at the same time it allows you the use of three attacking players plus any of the midfielders who may venture forward.
Arsenal more than Manchester United have “impact” players on the bench such as Walcott, Eboue, Bendtner or Eduardo to change the game if needed.
Ed: what do you think should be the formations for the two managers? Leave your comment and your vote on the poll we have set up
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Gilberto and 4 3 3 for Slavia Prague
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
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
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.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Hleb is passed fit but who will replace Rosicky?
By 1970’s Gooner
According to reports Hleb has been passed fit for the third away game of the season against West Ham United. The squad to make the short trip to Upton Park does not include the other wide midfield player, Rosicky, who has been impressive this season but is out with a hamstring.
This means that his participation in the Champions League game away to Steaoua in Bucharest is very doubtful as these kind of injuries usually take a minimum of two weeks to heal.
The squad for tomorrow’s game is as follows:
Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Senderos, Clichy, Walcott, Fabregas, Flamini, Diaby, Eduardo, Adebayor, Fabianski, Van Persie, Gilberto, Eboue, Diarra, Denilson, Hleb, Hoyte, Bendtner.
It does not include goalkeeper Jens Lehmann (elbow), captain William Gallas (groin) and Alex Song (calf)
The other wide midfield position is likely to be contested by three players. Diaby who has been preferred in that position recently, Walcott who played in the Carling Cup and the recently returned to fitness Eboue.
Walcott has not convinced yet that he is ready to be a regular in the team. He needs to improve his concentration and final ball.
But it’s still a difficult decision to make for Wenger who will have to decide between Diaby who has been in terrific form recently scoring a spectacular goal against Derby; or Eboue who played very well against Newcastle in the Carling Cup last Tuesday and is the more “natural” winger of the two.
In my opinion the tactical arguments dictate that the more natural winger, Eboue, should be chosen as he is much more penetrative on the wing and able to go past his defender. In this way he can create scoring opportunities for the forwards with his cut backs and his crosses.
Diaby on the other hand is a central midfielder not a winger. This is obvious for everyone to see. He also does not posses acceleration and speed at the levels that would allow him to stretch defenders.
Wenger however may take into account the defensive capabilities of Diaby which may be more important in a tough away game. So he may decide for Diaby who is on form anyway.
The Hammers have won their last three matches against Arsenal and were the last team to beat us back in April.
Curbishly is likely to bring pace back into the attack with Bellamy now fit to partner Ashton.
In the midfield he may opt for Parker who played in the midweek game against Plymouth along with Bowyer, Noble and Etherington. Although there is not enough creativity there he may consider that this is the best way to combat Fabregas and co.
Arsenal ex boy Upson will feature in defence. Other ex Arsenal players Boa Morte and Ljumberg may be on the bench.
This is going to be a tough game for Arsenal as West Ham will play with strength and tenacity bolstered with the Knowledge that they have done it before against the Gunners by playing in this way.
One of the major factors in their impressive performances has been the leadership and energy that Nigel Reo Cocker usd to bring into the team. Now ploughing his trade at Aston Villa. Performances that had Wenger considering putting bids for the player in the past.
With all due respect, Bowyer is a very poor substitute for Reo Cocker and I do not see the West ham midfield succeeding where Fulham, Blackburn, Manchester City, Portsmouth and Derby failed.
The only area that West Ham may have some joy is in the pace of Etherington and Bellamy. The first however is up against an equally pacy Clichy and with Diaby doubling up on him I do not see serious problems arising.
Bellamy however up against the relatively slower and error prone Senderos may cause us problems. I hope that Toure is able to cover for him as he did for Gilberto against Spurs.
I do not foresee real problems for the Arsenal defenders against Ashton as he is not that quick and tends to rely more on his strength and aerial ability. An area that both Toure and Senderos can cope very well.
Prediction: Arsenal have too much for the Hammers. Away win 0-2
Betting suggestion:
Arsenal have been awarded more penalties in the Premier League this season than any other club (four), but only converted three of them. Now that Hleb is likely to play I can see his intricate play and dribbling ability winning a penalty. Have a bet on Arsenal to win and convert a penalty 5/1 with Bet365.
Keep well.
Tottenham’s win against Cyprus minnows may be all down to a cheeky ball boy! (watch it on video)
Last night’s performance means that Arsenal will win trophies this year
According to reports Hleb has been passed fit for the third away game of the season against West Ham United. The squad to make the short trip to Upton Park does not include the other wide midfield player, Rosicky, who has been impressive this season but is out with a hamstring.
This means that his participation in the Champions League game away to Steaoua in Bucharest is very doubtful as these kind of injuries usually take a minimum of two weeks to heal.
The squad for tomorrow’s game is as follows:
Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Senderos, Clichy, Walcott, Fabregas, Flamini, Diaby, Eduardo, Adebayor, Fabianski, Van Persie, Gilberto, Eboue, Diarra, Denilson, Hleb, Hoyte, Bendtner.
It does not include goalkeeper Jens Lehmann (elbow), captain William Gallas (groin) and Alex Song (calf)
The other wide midfield position is likely to be contested by three players. Diaby who has been preferred in that position recently, Walcott who played in the Carling Cup and the recently returned to fitness Eboue.
Walcott has not convinced yet that he is ready to be a regular in the team. He needs to improve his concentration and final ball.
But it’s still a difficult decision to make for Wenger who will have to decide between Diaby who has been in terrific form recently scoring a spectacular goal against Derby; or Eboue who played very well against Newcastle in the Carling Cup last Tuesday and is the more “natural” winger of the two.
In my opinion the tactical arguments dictate that the more natural winger, Eboue, should be chosen as he is much more penetrative on the wing and able to go past his defender. In this way he can create scoring opportunities for the forwards with his cut backs and his crosses.
Diaby on the other hand is a central midfielder not a winger. This is obvious for everyone to see. He also does not posses acceleration and speed at the levels that would allow him to stretch defenders.
Wenger however may take into account the defensive capabilities of Diaby which may be more important in a tough away game. So he may decide for Diaby who is on form anyway.
The Hammers have won their last three matches against Arsenal and were the last team to beat us back in April.
Curbishly is likely to bring pace back into the attack with Bellamy now fit to partner Ashton.
In the midfield he may opt for Parker who played in the midweek game against Plymouth along with Bowyer, Noble and Etherington. Although there is not enough creativity there he may consider that this is the best way to combat Fabregas and co.
Arsenal ex boy Upson will feature in defence. Other ex Arsenal players Boa Morte and Ljumberg may be on the bench.
This is going to be a tough game for Arsenal as West Ham will play with strength and tenacity bolstered with the Knowledge that they have done it before against the Gunners by playing in this way.
One of the major factors in their impressive performances has been the leadership and energy that Nigel Reo Cocker usd to bring into the team. Now ploughing his trade at Aston Villa. Performances that had Wenger considering putting bids for the player in the past.
With all due respect, Bowyer is a very poor substitute for Reo Cocker and I do not see the West ham midfield succeeding where Fulham, Blackburn, Manchester City, Portsmouth and Derby failed.
The only area that West Ham may have some joy is in the pace of Etherington and Bellamy. The first however is up against an equally pacy Clichy and with Diaby doubling up on him I do not see serious problems arising.
Bellamy however up against the relatively slower and error prone Senderos may cause us problems. I hope that Toure is able to cover for him as he did for Gilberto against Spurs.
I do not foresee real problems for the Arsenal defenders against Ashton as he is not that quick and tends to rely more on his strength and aerial ability. An area that both Toure and Senderos can cope very well.
Prediction: Arsenal have too much for the Hammers. Away win 0-2
Betting suggestion:
Arsenal have been awarded more penalties in the Premier League this season than any other club (four), but only converted three of them. Now that Hleb is likely to play I can see his intricate play and dribbling ability winning a penalty. Have a bet on Arsenal to win and convert a penalty 5/1 with Bet365.
Keep well.
Tottenham’s win against Cyprus minnows may be all down to a cheeky ball boy! (watch it on video)
Last night’s performance means that Arsenal will win trophies this year
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Tottenham’s win against Cyprus minnows may be all down to a cheeky ball boy! (watch it on video)
By 1970’s Gooner
So the 6-1 win that Spurs managed against the minnows of Cyprus, Anorthosis Famagusta, in the first round first leg tie at White Hart Lane last Thursday was not all down to good play.
Or even the weaknesses inherent in a team that has a budget which is about one hundredth that of Spurs.
A lot of the inept display by one of the Cypriot’s sides players was down to the cheekiness of a Spurs ball boy who decided his team needed a little bit of help!
He returned the ball to Kostas Loumboutis for a throw but not, as you would imagine, to his hands. He rather forcefully aimed it at the ex Twente player’s privates forcing him to wince from the pain inflicted.
Loumboutis gave him a very glaring look but decided to continue with the throw that was awarded to his team.
The crowd gave the boy, who was in the corner of The Shelf and the Park Lane, a rousing reception.
Watch the clip and the fans reception by clicking on the video window.
Last night’s performance means that Arsenal will win trophies this year
So the 6-1 win that Spurs managed against the minnows of Cyprus, Anorthosis Famagusta, in the first round first leg tie at White Hart Lane last Thursday was not all down to good play.
Or even the weaknesses inherent in a team that has a budget which is about one hundredth that of Spurs.
A lot of the inept display by one of the Cypriot’s sides players was down to the cheekiness of a Spurs ball boy who decided his team needed a little bit of help!
He returned the ball to Kostas Loumboutis for a throw but not, as you would imagine, to his hands. He rather forcefully aimed it at the ex Twente player’s privates forcing him to wince from the pain inflicted.
Loumboutis gave him a very glaring look but decided to continue with the throw that was awarded to his team.
The crowd gave the boy, who was in the corner of The Shelf and the Park Lane, a rousing reception.
Watch the clip and the fans reception by clicking on the video window.
Last night’s performance means that Arsenal will win trophies this year
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
The young guns play the beautiful game (watch the highlights on video)
By 1970’s Gooner
One of the most satisfying aspects of last night’s performance is that the style of football played throughout all the Arsenal teams from the youth level to the first team is the same.
It is a style of football that has been labeled “beautiful” which very few teams in the world play. And this is instilled in the young guns from the moment they walk through the Academy doors.
You can watch the highlights on the video screen plus the goals and you will see what I mean.
Keep well.
Last night’s performance means that Arsenal will win trophies this year
One of the most satisfying aspects of last night’s performance is that the style of football played throughout all the Arsenal teams from the youth level to the first team is the same.
It is a style of football that has been labeled “beautiful” which very few teams in the world play. And this is instilled in the young guns from the moment they walk through the Academy doors.
You can watch the highlights on the video screen plus the goals and you will see what I mean.
Keep well.
Last night’s performance means that Arsenal will win trophies this year
Last night’s performance means that Arsenal will win trophies this year.
By 1970’s Gooner
While chatting over dinner the question was put to Arsene Wenger by some of the Arsenal directors:
“What would you do if we gave you £100m to spend on new players?” His answer was of course very revealing: “I would give it back to you”
Judging by last night’s excellent performance against Newcastle he was right.
You are only as good as your bench. This old football saying is very true in today’s highly demanding Premiership where the road to deliverance is like a marathon where every bit of each team’s components is tested to the full.
The components necessary to win trophies include not only ability, strength, determination, will and tenacity.
What is also required is a pool of players who although not usually expected to be named in the first eleven every week are nevertheless capable of performing at the highest level when they are called upon.
This is vitally important when you take into consideration injuries, loss of form, suspensions and international tournaments like the Africa Nations Cup which inevitably force managers to rely on all of their squad.
This was therefore an important match for Arsenal Football Club.
It was the litmus test that the young guns had to go through so that they could convince Wenger that there is strength in depth in this squad and that there is no need to spend any of that £100m that was offered to him by the Board.
And these young guns will be called upon on many occasions this season as the injury list will not go away and the Africa Nations Cup is slowly getting nearer.
One aspect that seems to characterize this new Arsenal side is the real strength in depth that exists in the squad. And by real I mean that this squad has quality replacements in all positions.
Take for example the forward positions. Bendtner’s wonderful performance last night culminated in another excellent headed goal for the Arsenal.
He has proved that Adebayor’s departure for a month at the Africa Nations Cup will not be that painful. The same goes for Eduardo who will need these games to acclimatise himself with English football even more by then.
Look at the wide midfield positions where along with Hleb and Rosicky there is Eboue who has shown last night that he is a wonderful and powerful winger on an equal if not higher footing than them.
He would of course fill in at right back when required. And there is young Walcott who will, with more concentration and experience, be more than a viable alternative.
Consider central midfield where Diarra is the snitch of the year at £2m! Not to mention Denilson who is fast becoming the next star after Fabregas.
Song who although played in central defence is to me a very promising central midfielder. I rather rate him in that position having watched him put in an excellent performance for Charlton away at Man Utd last season.
Look at Traore and you think that you are seeing double. So mush resemblance to a young Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy is uncanny!
There are indeed a lot of choices open to Wenger.
When I suggested in one of my preseason postings titled: “Strength in depth eases Wenger’s team selection worries for the coming season” that there was a lot of strength in depth in the squad there was a lot of negative reaction from some readers who wanted Wenger to buy big.
Now no one is complaining.
I do not need to go on. But this performance last night has convinced me that Arsenal will win trophies this season.
Please note the use of the plural.
Keep well.
While chatting over dinner the question was put to Arsene Wenger by some of the Arsenal directors:
“What would you do if we gave you £100m to spend on new players?” His answer was of course very revealing: “I would give it back to you”
Judging by last night’s excellent performance against Newcastle he was right.
You are only as good as your bench. This old football saying is very true in today’s highly demanding Premiership where the road to deliverance is like a marathon where every bit of each team’s components is tested to the full.
The components necessary to win trophies include not only ability, strength, determination, will and tenacity.
What is also required is a pool of players who although not usually expected to be named in the first eleven every week are nevertheless capable of performing at the highest level when they are called upon.
This is vitally important when you take into consideration injuries, loss of form, suspensions and international tournaments like the Africa Nations Cup which inevitably force managers to rely on all of their squad.
This was therefore an important match for Arsenal Football Club.
It was the litmus test that the young guns had to go through so that they could convince Wenger that there is strength in depth in this squad and that there is no need to spend any of that £100m that was offered to him by the Board.
And these young guns will be called upon on many occasions this season as the injury list will not go away and the Africa Nations Cup is slowly getting nearer.
One aspect that seems to characterize this new Arsenal side is the real strength in depth that exists in the squad. And by real I mean that this squad has quality replacements in all positions.
Take for example the forward positions. Bendtner’s wonderful performance last night culminated in another excellent headed goal for the Arsenal.
He has proved that Adebayor’s departure for a month at the Africa Nations Cup will not be that painful. The same goes for Eduardo who will need these games to acclimatise himself with English football even more by then.
Look at the wide midfield positions where along with Hleb and Rosicky there is Eboue who has shown last night that he is a wonderful and powerful winger on an equal if not higher footing than them.
He would of course fill in at right back when required. And there is young Walcott who will, with more concentration and experience, be more than a viable alternative.
Consider central midfield where Diarra is the snitch of the year at £2m! Not to mention Denilson who is fast becoming the next star after Fabregas.
Song who although played in central defence is to me a very promising central midfielder. I rather rate him in that position having watched him put in an excellent performance for Charlton away at Man Utd last season.
Look at Traore and you think that you are seeing double. So mush resemblance to a young Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy is uncanny!
There are indeed a lot of choices open to Wenger.
When I suggested in one of my preseason postings titled: “Strength in depth eases Wenger’s team selection worries for the coming season” that there was a lot of strength in depth in the squad there was a lot of negative reaction from some readers who wanted Wenger to buy big.
Now no one is complaining.
I do not need to go on. But this performance last night has convinced me that Arsenal will win trophies this season.
Please note the use of the plural.
Keep well.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Arsenal’s rookie defence Vs Martins and Viduka!
By 1970's Gooner
It will be carling Cup team that Wenger will put out in the sense that it will consist mostly of fringe players whose chances of getting a game in the first team are for the moment limited.
But so bold has Wenger’s selection and loan policy been in the past that a lot of these players have had considerable exposure and games.
Look at the squad announced which includes experienced “old hands” such as Senderos, Denilson, Song, who had an excellent loan season with Charlton in the Premier League last season, Bendtner who likewise was with Birmingham, Theo Walcott and Justin Hoyte who has played 49 games for Arsenal already.
The full squad is as follows:
Phillipe Senderos , Lassana Diarra, Eduardo, Denilson, Alexandre Song, Lukasz Fabianski (GK), Nicklas Bendtner, Emmanuel Eboue , Armand Traore, Justin Hoyte, Theo Walcott, Henri Lansbury , Vito Mannone(GK) , Gavin Hoyte, Fran Merida
Newcastle themselves are likely to field first team squad players mainly due to injury rather than out of choice.
These players however are seasoned professionals such as ex Arsenal target Martins, the excellent keeper Given who has been linked to Arsenal before, Faye and the Turk Emre Belozoglu. Viduka has shaken of a foot injury and will start.
So it will indeed be an interesting game between two teams not lacking in experience but one very young and the other much older.
The Arsenal line up could be as follows:
Fabiansky
Hoyte Senderos Song Traore
Walcott Diaby Diarra Denilson
Eduardo Bendtner
Now this is a very strong line up with the exception of Song playing in defence if indeed he starts there. I do not see how Wenger could otherwise fill in that spot from the squad announced unless he pits Diarra there.
He has tried Song in that position in some of the preseason friendlies, at Barnet and at Salzburg and I must say the youngster was rather lackadaisical in his approach.
He is obviously suited to playing in midfield and I rather rate him in that position having watched him put in a very sterling performance for Charlton away at Man Utd last season.
Wenger could be bold and field exciting youngsters Lansbury and Merida from the start which would make the tie more interesting from that point of view. And I hope he does so as it is only in this way that these players could get the experience they need. Fabregas started this way.
I think the game will be decided on how much the center of Arsenal’s defence, manage to perform against Viduka and the quick Martins. It looks a pretty tough task to me.
Prediction: Our attack manages to score more goals than our defence let in. 3-2
It will be carling Cup team that Wenger will put out in the sense that it will consist mostly of fringe players whose chances of getting a game in the first team are for the moment limited.
But so bold has Wenger’s selection and loan policy been in the past that a lot of these players have had considerable exposure and games.
Look at the squad announced which includes experienced “old hands” such as Senderos, Denilson, Song, who had an excellent loan season with Charlton in the Premier League last season, Bendtner who likewise was with Birmingham, Theo Walcott and Justin Hoyte who has played 49 games for Arsenal already.
The full squad is as follows:
Phillipe Senderos , Lassana Diarra, Eduardo, Denilson, Alexandre Song, Lukasz Fabianski (GK), Nicklas Bendtner, Emmanuel Eboue , Armand Traore, Justin Hoyte, Theo Walcott, Henri Lansbury , Vito Mannone(GK) , Gavin Hoyte, Fran Merida
Newcastle themselves are likely to field first team squad players mainly due to injury rather than out of choice.
These players however are seasoned professionals such as ex Arsenal target Martins, the excellent keeper Given who has been linked to Arsenal before, Faye and the Turk Emre Belozoglu. Viduka has shaken of a foot injury and will start.
So it will indeed be an interesting game between two teams not lacking in experience but one very young and the other much older.
The Arsenal line up could be as follows:
Fabiansky
Hoyte Senderos Song Traore
Walcott Diaby Diarra Denilson
Eduardo Bendtner
Now this is a very strong line up with the exception of Song playing in defence if indeed he starts there. I do not see how Wenger could otherwise fill in that spot from the squad announced unless he pits Diarra there.
He has tried Song in that position in some of the preseason friendlies, at Barnet and at Salzburg and I must say the youngster was rather lackadaisical in his approach.
He is obviously suited to playing in midfield and I rather rate him in that position having watched him put in a very sterling performance for Charlton away at Man Utd last season.
Wenger could be bold and field exciting youngsters Lansbury and Merida from the start which would make the tie more interesting from that point of view. And I hope he does so as it is only in this way that these players could get the experience they need. Fabregas started this way.
I think the game will be decided on how much the center of Arsenal’s defence, manage to perform against Viduka and the quick Martins. It looks a pretty tough task to me.
Prediction: Our attack manages to score more goals than our defence let in. 3-2