By 1970’s Gooner
It was a game Arsenal needed to win so as to finally take advantage of Chelsea’s indifferent form as of late. And the boys looked hungry and determined to get all three points.
It wasn’t until Wenger made two significant substitutions that Arsenal began to pass the ball quicker and in more penetrative positions.
Fabregas who replaced Denilson added trickery and more incisive passing. He added the goals of course…
But the other substitution was also important in my mind. For a start Walcott replaced Eduardo who was again disappointingly ineffective.
Walcott also added width which stretched the pitch as he drew on to him Villa’s left back. This left more room for Fabregas and Diaby to roam.
Almunia
Didn’t have much to do and on the occasion he had to he managed to palm the ball away from Agbolanhor as he was close to turning it in five mnutes from the end. 7
Sagna
Kept Downing quiet and also went forward combining well with Nasri. He looks fresher than a few games ago when he looked in need of rest. 7
Traore
I was very relieved when the news came out that he was fit enough to return to the left back position. Silvestre is a real liability as a left back (and as a central defender too).
I would much prefer Sagna to play left back and Eboue brought in at right back if the need arises again.
Traore looks the part now. He is strong, fast and tenacious and what a marvelous cross field ball he made to Walcott which resulted in Arsenal’s second goal.
Wenger will really have a big problem when Clichy and Gibbs return. 7
Gallas
He looks rejuvenated with Vermaelen partnering him rather than Toure. He is stronger and much more determined in the challenges this season. He nearly scored today but Friedle saved from close range. 7
Vermaelen
He wasn’t going to let Agbolnahor or any of the Villa forwards get the better of him. You could sense that all game personified by the chase against Agbolanhor from which he came out a winner. 8
Song
Another strong performance from Arsenal’s anchor. Dominated midfield with his strength, close control and tenacity. His passing however was not up to his usual standards giving the ball away too often. 6.5
Diaby
He has managed to dispel that part of his game that got us all so frustrated last season. That which saw him hold onto the ball too long, draw too many defenders on him and then lose it.
Now he is far more sensible. He wins the ball and then if he doesn’t see the space to exploit he passes short to a team mate. Simple football means great performances and this is what we got today from this awesome football player.
He also scored a wonderful third to cap a fantastic performance. 9
Denilson
He is another that got us all debating last season as to his footballing abilities. But at 21 he has improved so much this season chipping in with vital goals (eg vs Hull) and becoming much more efficient in his ball retrieving and passing. 6
Fabregas
Enough said. He was magnificent today for 28 minutes scoring two great goals. He is a much more direct and efficient player this season. He knows when to pass, when to shoot and which positions to take… 10
Eduardo
Another disappointing performance from Eduardo. He gets into very dangerous positions but fails to convert. He did it against Hull when he turned into the box beating his man with only the goalie to beat. He repeated almost the same move today with the same outcome.
I believe that he is still afraid of picking another injury which makes him rush his shots or be reluctant to go for 50 50 balls. Unless he shakes this fear off he will never be the same player again.
I think he should be dropped for the next game and Walcott (or even Eboue) brought in on the flank. 4
Arshavin
Had a better second half. He was meeting the ball far more effectively in the second half something which he was failing to do in the first.
Villa compressed the space around him so he had litle room to manouvre.
He also suffered due to Fabregas’s absence in the first half as Cesc is able to play him in far more easily than Song, Denilson or Diaby. 5
Nasri
He was more of a peripheral player today which is strange as with the absence of Fabregas from midfield he should have been doing more of the playmaking. 6
Walcott
Provided much needed width when he came on and he looked fresh and more with it today than in his previous outings. Of course he can do that much better when he comes off the bench with the opponents tired.
Once he recovers his fitness he will have a very important role to play this season. Provided the assist for Fabregas to score the second with a very precise pass into his path. 8
Man of the Match: Cesc Fabregas
Provides an independent, analytical and mature approach to Arsenal's games and related issues.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Wenger’s switch of half time talk wasn’t the only one that inspired Arsenal’s win at Anfield
By 1970’s Gooner
It was a game of two halves really. In the first Arsenal played well under par with Liverpool playing more forcefully and closing the space in midfield very well, not allowing room for Fabregas and Co to weave their magic. They created chances, scoring just before the interval.
In the second half Arsenal played more as a team, managing to put passes together in the more advanced positions and getting more forward on Sagna’s side. The own goal did wonders for the confidence as much as it dented Liverpool’s.
But besides the half time dressing room hysterics by Wenger what actually worked equally well on the pitch was the switch of positions in the second half between Nasri and Walcott.
This switch created more space on the right as Nasri tended to come inside more rather than hug the touch line. I think this should not be overlooked.
It was Nasri who drifted inwards and crossed low to a position where the ball should be put: Between the goalkeeper and the central defenders. I do not think that Walcott would have done that. Not the way he was playing tonight.
What also worked in this move was Walcott’s presence in the middle of the box forcing the mistake by Johnson for the own goal. He drifted in the middle from the left as Arshavin himself drifted back into midfield to collect the ball and pass it to Fabregas.
Wenger’s inspired switch also did the trick again for Arsenal’s winner.
It was Walcott’s presence in the middle of the box challenging for Fabregas’s cross which put the defender under pressure thus allowing the ball to travel to the little Russian demon.
Arshavin had momentarily stayed leftish as Walcott found himself in the centre forward position anticipating Fabregas’s cross who had found space on the right hand side of the pitch, again.
Something which would not have occurred had Walcott not made the switch with Nasri in the first place.
And the rest is history as they say…
It was a game of two halves really. In the first Arsenal played well under par with Liverpool playing more forcefully and closing the space in midfield very well, not allowing room for Fabregas and Co to weave their magic. They created chances, scoring just before the interval.
In the second half Arsenal played more as a team, managing to put passes together in the more advanced positions and getting more forward on Sagna’s side. The own goal did wonders for the confidence as much as it dented Liverpool’s.
But besides the half time dressing room hysterics by Wenger what actually worked equally well on the pitch was the switch of positions in the second half between Nasri and Walcott.
This switch created more space on the right as Nasri tended to come inside more rather than hug the touch line. I think this should not be overlooked.
It was Nasri who drifted inwards and crossed low to a position where the ball should be put: Between the goalkeeper and the central defenders. I do not think that Walcott would have done that. Not the way he was playing tonight.
What also worked in this move was Walcott’s presence in the middle of the box forcing the mistake by Johnson for the own goal. He drifted in the middle from the left as Arshavin himself drifted back into midfield to collect the ball and pass it to Fabregas.
Wenger’s inspired switch also did the trick again for Arsenal’s winner.
It was Walcott’s presence in the middle of the box challenging for Fabregas’s cross which put the defender under pressure thus allowing the ball to travel to the little Russian demon.
Arshavin had momentarily stayed leftish as Walcott found himself in the centre forward position anticipating Fabregas’s cross who had found space on the right hand side of the pitch, again.
Something which would not have occurred had Walcott not made the switch with Nasri in the first place.
And the rest is history as they say…
Thursday, December 03, 2009
How Arsenal could play without Song, van Persie and Walcott and still beat Stoke
By 1970’s Gooner
If Arsenal are to have a good chance of beating Stoke (yes Stoke at the Emirates) then two team selections will prove vital.
The first one has to do with whom to play in the front man position.
Will Wenger continue to be stubborn and insist that Eduardo is the front man to make up for van Persie’s loss?
He made the choice to play Eduardo against Sunderland and the boy was awful.
Wenger insisted to play him again against Chelsea when it was so obvious that if he couldn’t cut it against Sunderland’s central defenders he certainly wasn’t going to cut it against Terry and Calvalho.
Again Eduardo was awful.
Wenger has two options. The first one is to select the only other available player that can play in that position and that is Arshavin. In my opinion he would hold the ball under pressure much better than Eduardo has done up to now.
The unfortunate thing is that Walcott will not be available as he could have taken up Arshavin’s position on one of the wings.
In this case then Eduardo or even Eboue could be moved to one of the wide midfield positions. The other would probably be filled by Nasri who was rested in midweek and has shown improving form since coming back from his injury.
If Wenger sticks to his guns and goes for 4 3 3 then I hope that he keeps Ramsey on the bench as he didn’t have a good game against Manchester City and brings Eboue in the middle.
Almunia
Sagna Gallas Vermaelen, Traore
Eboue Fabregas Denilson
Nasri Arshavin Eduardo
Wenger’s other option would be to change formation and play 4 4 2 by giving Eduardo support in the front by playing Arshavin next to him.
This is to my mind a more viable option when taking into account the type of players left standing in the Arsenal squad.
This switch would also solve Wenger’s other major selection problem for Saturday.
Song’s forced absence could prove as big a problem as van Persie’s and by playing 4 4 2 instead of 4 3 3 does away with the need to play two more defensive midfielders.
In this case Denilson and Fabregas will be the two central midfielders with Fabregas assuming his old familiar role of the deep lying midfield playmaker.
In a 4 4 2 formation my team selection would therefore be as follows:
Almunia
Sagna Gallas Vermaelen, Traore
Eboue Fabregas Denilson Nasri
Eduardo Arshavin
I would go for 4 4 2.
If Arsenal are to have a good chance of beating Stoke (yes Stoke at the Emirates) then two team selections will prove vital.
The first one has to do with whom to play in the front man position.
Will Wenger continue to be stubborn and insist that Eduardo is the front man to make up for van Persie’s loss?
He made the choice to play Eduardo against Sunderland and the boy was awful.
Wenger insisted to play him again against Chelsea when it was so obvious that if he couldn’t cut it against Sunderland’s central defenders he certainly wasn’t going to cut it against Terry and Calvalho.
Again Eduardo was awful.
Wenger has two options. The first one is to select the only other available player that can play in that position and that is Arshavin. In my opinion he would hold the ball under pressure much better than Eduardo has done up to now.
The unfortunate thing is that Walcott will not be available as he could have taken up Arshavin’s position on one of the wings.
In this case then Eduardo or even Eboue could be moved to one of the wide midfield positions. The other would probably be filled by Nasri who was rested in midweek and has shown improving form since coming back from his injury.
If Wenger sticks to his guns and goes for 4 3 3 then I hope that he keeps Ramsey on the bench as he didn’t have a good game against Manchester City and brings Eboue in the middle.
Almunia
Sagna Gallas Vermaelen, Traore
Eboue Fabregas Denilson
Nasri Arshavin Eduardo
Wenger’s other option would be to change formation and play 4 4 2 by giving Eduardo support in the front by playing Arshavin next to him.
This is to my mind a more viable option when taking into account the type of players left standing in the Arsenal squad.
This switch would also solve Wenger’s other major selection problem for Saturday.
Song’s forced absence could prove as big a problem as van Persie’s and by playing 4 4 2 instead of 4 3 3 does away with the need to play two more defensive midfielders.
In this case Denilson and Fabregas will be the two central midfielders with Fabregas assuming his old familiar role of the deep lying midfield playmaker.
In a 4 4 2 formation my team selection would therefore be as follows:
Almunia
Sagna Gallas Vermaelen, Traore
Eboue Fabregas Denilson Nasri
Eduardo Arshavin
I would go for 4 4 2.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Arsenal are the invincibles
By 1970’s Gooner
Arsenal are the invincibles alright. They were almost invincible tonight, so much they were outplayed and outfought that they were indeed not very visible.
Yes it hurts me to say it but it’s the same old story again isn’t it? A lot of possession but not enough penetration. And then the sucker punch or punches if you like.
What went wrong tonight? To me it was obvious and we touched on it after the Sunderland game. Not enough penetration from the wings but more importantly a non existent front player!
Wenger insisted with Eduardo up front when it was so obvious that the man cannot play there with his back to goal. He is more a box player who will take up good positions and take advantage of the ball after it gets into the box, NOT BEFORE.
You might say that with van Persie and Bendtner out Wenger did not have many choices. Yet he did but he chose to ignore them! He should have realised that Eduardo was not up to it.
He should have therefore started with Arshavin in the middle. He would have been a far more difficult proposition for Terry and Co with his twisting and turning and more direct approach. He would have at least kept the ball when under pressure from the defenders and found his own players when passing the ball!
Yet with Eduardo in there it was just like against Sunderland. Not good enough control of the ball and fluffing those rare chances that came his way.
And in Arshavin’s place on the wing Walcott could have started. He would have kept Ashley Cole far more quiet than Nasri did. Samir kept coming inside all night allowing Ashley Cole the space to come forward. And guess who provided the two assists for the first half goals.
Another disappointing performance tonight came from Almunia. He was clearly out of position for their second and third goals and you simply cannot gift two goals to Chelsea.
With say van Persie up front, Diaby in midfield and Clichy on the left Arsenal could be quite close to Chelsea and Manchester United but not when all three are missing.
So much for Arsenal’s strength in depth.
Arsenal are the invincibles alright. They were almost invincible tonight, so much they were outplayed and outfought that they were indeed not very visible.
Yes it hurts me to say it but it’s the same old story again isn’t it? A lot of possession but not enough penetration. And then the sucker punch or punches if you like.
What went wrong tonight? To me it was obvious and we touched on it after the Sunderland game. Not enough penetration from the wings but more importantly a non existent front player!
Wenger insisted with Eduardo up front when it was so obvious that the man cannot play there with his back to goal. He is more a box player who will take up good positions and take advantage of the ball after it gets into the box, NOT BEFORE.
You might say that with van Persie and Bendtner out Wenger did not have many choices. Yet he did but he chose to ignore them! He should have realised that Eduardo was not up to it.
He should have therefore started with Arshavin in the middle. He would have been a far more difficult proposition for Terry and Co with his twisting and turning and more direct approach. He would have at least kept the ball when under pressure from the defenders and found his own players when passing the ball!
Yet with Eduardo in there it was just like against Sunderland. Not good enough control of the ball and fluffing those rare chances that came his way.
And in Arshavin’s place on the wing Walcott could have started. He would have kept Ashley Cole far more quiet than Nasri did. Samir kept coming inside all night allowing Ashley Cole the space to come forward. And guess who provided the two assists for the first half goals.
Another disappointing performance tonight came from Almunia. He was clearly out of position for their second and third goals and you simply cannot gift two goals to Chelsea.
With say van Persie up front, Diaby in midfield and Clichy on the left Arsenal could be quite close to Chelsea and Manchester United but not when all three are missing.
So much for Arsenal’s strength in depth.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Arsenal really played with 8 men in an unbalanced formation
By 1970’s Gooner
It was difficult enough to start with Eduardo as the front man in a 4 3 3 formation but the wide players, Rosicky and Nasri were also not up to it today.
Add to that the fact that Fabregas was played in the deeper midfield role and Ramsey the more forward and you have a team that was in my mind unbalanced.
Let’s start with Eduardo.
He was hopeless in the front man role. He couldn’t keep possession and as a result our midfielders were always under more pressure than usual to win the ball.
His passing also failed him today which was probably a result of very tight defending from the opponents. He simply isn’t a front man to my mind and maybe Wenger will think again as to whom to play there against Chelsea.
The wide men.
Both Nasri and Rosicky were not penetrative on the wings preferring to come inside all the time. As a result Arsenal had no width and therefore offered no attacking threat.
There was also no attacking threat from the midfield areas as Fabregas was deployed deeper than usual. So where were the goals going to come from?
When Wenger decided to make the changes things improved but we were 1-0 down by then and when you are chasing the game it becomes very difficult doesn’t it?
If Arshavin was too tired to start then I think Walcott should have as he was obviously fresh enough as was evident when he came on. The result may have been different then.
Tiredness
Yes I think that with so many players involved in the World Cup qualifying games the team looked tired. Sagna, Gallas, Ramsey even Fabregas looked fatigued.
The only player to have played well in my mind was Traore who rose to the occasion and put in a performance of high standard, defending well and looking very dangerous when attacking. I think we can rely on him in the future.
It was difficult enough to start with Eduardo as the front man in a 4 3 3 formation but the wide players, Rosicky and Nasri were also not up to it today.
Add to that the fact that Fabregas was played in the deeper midfield role and Ramsey the more forward and you have a team that was in my mind unbalanced.
Let’s start with Eduardo.
He was hopeless in the front man role. He couldn’t keep possession and as a result our midfielders were always under more pressure than usual to win the ball.
His passing also failed him today which was probably a result of very tight defending from the opponents. He simply isn’t a front man to my mind and maybe Wenger will think again as to whom to play there against Chelsea.
The wide men.
Both Nasri and Rosicky were not penetrative on the wings preferring to come inside all the time. As a result Arsenal had no width and therefore offered no attacking threat.
There was also no attacking threat from the midfield areas as Fabregas was deployed deeper than usual. So where were the goals going to come from?
When Wenger decided to make the changes things improved but we were 1-0 down by then and when you are chasing the game it becomes very difficult doesn’t it?
If Arshavin was too tired to start then I think Walcott should have as he was obviously fresh enough as was evident when he came on. The result may have been different then.
Tiredness
Yes I think that with so many players involved in the World Cup qualifying games the team looked tired. Sagna, Gallas, Ramsey even Fabregas looked fatigued.
The only player to have played well in my mind was Traore who rose to the occasion and put in a performance of high standard, defending well and looking very dangerous when attacking. I think we can rely on him in the future.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Arsenal should worry about Song
By 1970’s Gooner
Watching during those opening 25 minutes you wouldn’t have thought that Arsenal’s supremacy would eventually have been so easy.
Wolves were pressing the midfield areas of the pitch with gusto and determination not allowing the Arsenal players room to turn.
And if it wasn’t for good defending and Berra’s inability to head towards Arsenal’s goal, when presented with a free header, Wolves would have gone ahead.
It would have been quite a different game after that.
What was wrong during that opening half hour was Wenger’s decision to rest Song and play Ramsey instead.
The little Welsh wizard is a very good player and will grow into a great player but he surely cannot be expected to replace someone as good as Song.
Especially if along side him was Diaby who is of course improving but alas proved not good enough to give young Ramsey the support he needed.
So and don’t get me wrong, I was “pleased” when Diaby had to come off (with a calf strain). As soon as Song came on he bossed that area as only he can. Wolves could not bully us anymore and then Arsenal’s beautiful football took over.
Culminating in that sublime Fabregas goal, Arsenal’s third, after himself moving the ball from defence onto Sagna on the right who then crossed for van Persie in the area who, in one touch, laid it back onto the oncoming Fabregas who promptly dispatched it into the net. FANTASTIC
The worrying thing about today’s performance is that it has shown how vulnerable this Arsenal side can be when Song goes away to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Whoever Wenger picks to replace Song will need to step up the plate if Arsenal are to have a realistic chance to win something this season.
Where team selection proved its worth tonight was in picking Eduardo as one of the wide players in Arsenal’s 4 3 3 formation, although as Tony Adams has revealed, Wenger considers it as a 4 1 4 1 formation.
Whatever it really is it has revolutionised Arsenal’s performances this season and helps to explain why we are scoring so many goals.
Fabregas is of course playing in the more forward positions now. This means that he moves forward to give support to van Persie and therefore can find himself in the more dangerous areas of the pitch and influence matters from there. His “maturity” and clinical finishing inevitably mean that he is among the goals.
But further than this the two wide men are also further up the field feeling more secure with the three midfield men shoring the areas behind them.
That is why Arsenal are pressing much more up the field keeping the opponents pinned in their half especially when their defenders have the ball.
This system depends crucially on the effectiveness of the three midfield men especially the two more destructive midfielders. If they are on top of their game and keep control of the midfield stopping the opposition from playing their football then it can work.
It only worked today when Song came on.
Watching during those opening 25 minutes you wouldn’t have thought that Arsenal’s supremacy would eventually have been so easy.
Wolves were pressing the midfield areas of the pitch with gusto and determination not allowing the Arsenal players room to turn.
And if it wasn’t for good defending and Berra’s inability to head towards Arsenal’s goal, when presented with a free header, Wolves would have gone ahead.
It would have been quite a different game after that.
What was wrong during that opening half hour was Wenger’s decision to rest Song and play Ramsey instead.
The little Welsh wizard is a very good player and will grow into a great player but he surely cannot be expected to replace someone as good as Song.
Especially if along side him was Diaby who is of course improving but alas proved not good enough to give young Ramsey the support he needed.
So and don’t get me wrong, I was “pleased” when Diaby had to come off (with a calf strain). As soon as Song came on he bossed that area as only he can. Wolves could not bully us anymore and then Arsenal’s beautiful football took over.
Culminating in that sublime Fabregas goal, Arsenal’s third, after himself moving the ball from defence onto Sagna on the right who then crossed for van Persie in the area who, in one touch, laid it back onto the oncoming Fabregas who promptly dispatched it into the net. FANTASTIC
The worrying thing about today’s performance is that it has shown how vulnerable this Arsenal side can be when Song goes away to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Whoever Wenger picks to replace Song will need to step up the plate if Arsenal are to have a realistic chance to win something this season.
Where team selection proved its worth tonight was in picking Eduardo as one of the wide players in Arsenal’s 4 3 3 formation, although as Tony Adams has revealed, Wenger considers it as a 4 1 4 1 formation.
Whatever it really is it has revolutionised Arsenal’s performances this season and helps to explain why we are scoring so many goals.
Fabregas is of course playing in the more forward positions now. This means that he moves forward to give support to van Persie and therefore can find himself in the more dangerous areas of the pitch and influence matters from there. His “maturity” and clinical finishing inevitably mean that he is among the goals.
But further than this the two wide men are also further up the field feeling more secure with the three midfield men shoring the areas behind them.
That is why Arsenal are pressing much more up the field keeping the opponents pinned in their half especially when their defenders have the ball.
This system depends crucially on the effectiveness of the three midfield men especially the two more destructive midfielders. If they are on top of their game and keep control of the midfield stopping the opposition from playing their football then it can work.
It only worked today when Song came on.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Spurs back to the drawing board. Player analysis and ratings
By 1970’s Gooner
Granted Spurs were missing pace up front with the absence of Lennon and Defoe but I still think that we would have still run out easy winners in the end.
They were facing two major problems.
One was their inability to gain control of the midfield areas with Huddlestone, Palacios and Jenas unable to counter Song, Diaby and Fabregas.
The other was that the middle of their defence could not cope with Arsenal’s movement. King in particular lacked pace which allowed van Persie to run rings around him.
Almunia
I called for Almunia to be brought back after Mannone started making mistakes and although Manuel did not have a lot to do he was there when it mattered, prodding Bentley’s free kick over the bar. 7
Sagna
His crossing was not up to standard in recent games and in previous assessments of the player it was suggested that he does some extra training. He obviously has as his crosses were quite good against Spurs with two of Arsenal’s three goals being direct assists. 8
Clichy
Is returning back to form in recent games with his defensive performance being more evident than his attacking. When he improves this side of his game he will be back to his best. 6
Gallas
Solid performance but the defence was not that troubled during the game. 7
Vermaelen
Another solid performance dealing with Crouch well enough. The real test for Vermaelen will be when he comes up against Drogba. If he manages to mark him out of the game then he will be hailed as an Arsenal great…He did not deserve the yellow card as he actually got the ball without fouling the player.7
Song
I had no doubts a few years ago when I saw him play against Manchester United for Charlton when he was on loan there that he will be an Arsenal great… 8
Diaby
He has reined his natural impulses in a lot lately and when he does that he is so much more effective. That’s what we want him to do really, support Song in the defensive duties, win the ball and give it to someone who can go forward.
There were one or two occasions when with 3-0 up he began trying out his pirouettes and holding onto the ball too much often loosing it. As long as he does that when we are 3-0 up then maybe we will forgive him. 6
Fabregas
Back to his best again scoring a fantastic “opportunistic” goal right from the restart! Opportunistic in the sense that any other player will probably not have gone on that run, passed three players, right after his team have scored.
Most teams tend to relax too much after they scored and that is when they are most vulnerable… But no the little maestro did the opposite. 8
Arshavin
Looks tired to me. A lot of his passes did not find their man and tended to run up blind alleys on some occasions. The good thing about him is that even when he is not at his best he can still be very dangerous as he showed with two shots that took deflections, otherwise they were destined for the back of the net. 6
Eduardo
Much better than Bendtner really. Can hold the ball up, use it intelligently and is more dangerous in front of goal. Why doesn’t Wenger start with him on the wing rather than Bendtner or even Eboue? 7
Van Persie
He is becoming lethal in front of goal after an average start to the season. He is an intelligent player with and without the ball and is now becoming more confident in front of goal. 8
When Rosicky, Nasri and Walcott return Robin and Arsenal will become even more potent up front and if we can keep clean sheets at the back then we have a real opportunity to WIN THE TITLE this season.
Man of the Match: Robin van Persie
Granted Spurs were missing pace up front with the absence of Lennon and Defoe but I still think that we would have still run out easy winners in the end.
They were facing two major problems.
One was their inability to gain control of the midfield areas with Huddlestone, Palacios and Jenas unable to counter Song, Diaby and Fabregas.
The other was that the middle of their defence could not cope with Arsenal’s movement. King in particular lacked pace which allowed van Persie to run rings around him.
Almunia
I called for Almunia to be brought back after Mannone started making mistakes and although Manuel did not have a lot to do he was there when it mattered, prodding Bentley’s free kick over the bar. 7
Sagna
His crossing was not up to standard in recent games and in previous assessments of the player it was suggested that he does some extra training. He obviously has as his crosses were quite good against Spurs with two of Arsenal’s three goals being direct assists. 8
Clichy
Is returning back to form in recent games with his defensive performance being more evident than his attacking. When he improves this side of his game he will be back to his best. 6
Gallas
Solid performance but the defence was not that troubled during the game. 7
Vermaelen
Another solid performance dealing with Crouch well enough. The real test for Vermaelen will be when he comes up against Drogba. If he manages to mark him out of the game then he will be hailed as an Arsenal great…He did not deserve the yellow card as he actually got the ball without fouling the player.7
Song
I had no doubts a few years ago when I saw him play against Manchester United for Charlton when he was on loan there that he will be an Arsenal great… 8
Diaby
He has reined his natural impulses in a lot lately and when he does that he is so much more effective. That’s what we want him to do really, support Song in the defensive duties, win the ball and give it to someone who can go forward.
There were one or two occasions when with 3-0 up he began trying out his pirouettes and holding onto the ball too much often loosing it. As long as he does that when we are 3-0 up then maybe we will forgive him. 6
Fabregas
Back to his best again scoring a fantastic “opportunistic” goal right from the restart! Opportunistic in the sense that any other player will probably not have gone on that run, passed three players, right after his team have scored.
Most teams tend to relax too much after they scored and that is when they are most vulnerable… But no the little maestro did the opposite. 8
Arshavin
Looks tired to me. A lot of his passes did not find their man and tended to run up blind alleys on some occasions. The good thing about him is that even when he is not at his best he can still be very dangerous as he showed with two shots that took deflections, otherwise they were destined for the back of the net. 6
Eduardo
Much better than Bendtner really. Can hold the ball up, use it intelligently and is more dangerous in front of goal. Why doesn’t Wenger start with him on the wing rather than Bendtner or even Eboue? 7
Van Persie
He is becoming lethal in front of goal after an average start to the season. He is an intelligent player with and without the ball and is now becoming more confident in front of goal. 8
When Rosicky, Nasri and Walcott return Robin and Arsenal will become even more potent up front and if we can keep clean sheets at the back then we have a real opportunity to WIN THE TITLE this season.
Man of the Match: Robin van Persie
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Bring Almunia back. Player analysis and ratings Vs West Ham
By 1970’s Gooner
It’s simply not good enough. To have blown away a lead once and then to go and do it again a few days later, in the same manner is beyond belief. Don’t tell me that we need to go three up to feel safe because this is what it looks like it at the moment.
It was really pathetic, going 2-0 up in the first half and not being able to close the game out. The players thought that the game was over after the first 45 minutes. They started playing in second and third gear, not really interested enough to put the game beyond reach.
So the young squad still has a lot to learn, apparently.
Mannone
I still think that he will be a great goalkeeper for Arsenal but he was clearly at fault for their first goal. He should have pushed the ball out for a corner not bring it back into play again.
This goal started their revival and it is almost impossible to move up a gear when you’ve been in a lethargic state for a big part of the second half.
If Almunia was fit he should have been brought back into the team. 5
Sagna
Was a lot better this game. Went forward enough and his crosses were much improved resulting in Arsenal’s first goal. 7
Gallas
Looks invigorated this season and got another goal today. 7
Vermaelen
The centre back that Arsenal needed. Intelligent, physical, a good passer of the ball as well as having an eye for goal. 7
Clichy
Had an average game defensively but was not as good going forward. The quality of his crosses left a lot to be desired. 6
Song
Was having another strong game with his ability to shield the defence and make the simple passes to his forwards or Fabregas. However he tends to foul unnecessarily sometimes and it was fairly stupid of him to do so in the box giving away the penalty. 6
Fabregas
Was playing in second gear from the beginning of the game. Drifted in out of the game and generally was not the usual Cesc we all know. 5
Diaby
Has cut out the fancy stuff in recent games and this has resulted in much better performances. 6
Arshavin
Looked disinterested and like Fabregas was not in the centre of things as we have come to expect from the little Russian demon. 5
Van Persie
One of the few that played well tonight. Scored the first goal and generally led the line well. Nearly scored the winner with a header that was saved by Green in the latter stages of the game. He was however no helped a lot by the below par performances of Fabregas and Arshavin. 7
Eboue
He is a much improved player this season but I feel his inability to make the right decisions at important moments will always hamper his effectiveness. Now if Rosicky was fit or even if Eduardo was in the team we would have probably won the game. 6
It’s simply not good enough. To have blown away a lead once and then to go and do it again a few days later, in the same manner is beyond belief. Don’t tell me that we need to go three up to feel safe because this is what it looks like it at the moment.
It was really pathetic, going 2-0 up in the first half and not being able to close the game out. The players thought that the game was over after the first 45 minutes. They started playing in second and third gear, not really interested enough to put the game beyond reach.
So the young squad still has a lot to learn, apparently.
Mannone
I still think that he will be a great goalkeeper for Arsenal but he was clearly at fault for their first goal. He should have pushed the ball out for a corner not bring it back into play again.
This goal started their revival and it is almost impossible to move up a gear when you’ve been in a lethargic state for a big part of the second half.
If Almunia was fit he should have been brought back into the team. 5
Sagna
Was a lot better this game. Went forward enough and his crosses were much improved resulting in Arsenal’s first goal. 7
Gallas
Looks invigorated this season and got another goal today. 7
Vermaelen
The centre back that Arsenal needed. Intelligent, physical, a good passer of the ball as well as having an eye for goal. 7
Clichy
Had an average game defensively but was not as good going forward. The quality of his crosses left a lot to be desired. 6
Song
Was having another strong game with his ability to shield the defence and make the simple passes to his forwards or Fabregas. However he tends to foul unnecessarily sometimes and it was fairly stupid of him to do so in the box giving away the penalty. 6
Fabregas
Was playing in second gear from the beginning of the game. Drifted in out of the game and generally was not the usual Cesc we all know. 5
Diaby
Has cut out the fancy stuff in recent games and this has resulted in much better performances. 6
Arshavin
Looked disinterested and like Fabregas was not in the centre of things as we have come to expect from the little Russian demon. 5
Van Persie
One of the few that played well tonight. Scored the first goal and generally led the line well. Nearly scored the winner with a header that was saved by Green in the latter stages of the game. He was however no helped a lot by the below par performances of Fabregas and Arshavin. 7
Eboue
He is a much improved player this season but I feel his inability to make the right decisions at important moments will always hamper his effectiveness. Now if Rosicky was fit or even if Eduardo was in the team we would have probably won the game. 6
Friday, October 23, 2009
Lansbury scores two for Watford (video)
By Aries
Henri Lansbury scored two goals to help Watford to their 4 -1 thrashing of Sheffield Wednesday at Vicarage Road tonight.
He scored his first and Watford’s second on the 26th minute and rapped up the game with Warford’s fourth of the night.
You can watch all the goals on the video screen above.
Henri Lansbury scored two goals to help Watford to their 4 -1 thrashing of Sheffield Wednesday at Vicarage Road tonight.
He scored his first and Watford’s second on the 26th minute and rapped up the game with Warford’s fourth of the night.
You can watch all the goals on the video screen above.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Another route today?
By 1970's Gooner
The result of today’s game at the Emirates against Birmingham really depends on what Arsenal do rather than on how the opponents approach the game. This is generally the case when one of the teams in a game is superior and also playing at home.
Birmingham on the other hand has an added incentive today in that it is the first game under new (richer) ownership. This is bound to “encourage” the players to up their performance with the January transfer window soon approaching.
McLeish is likely to approach the game with the same tactics adopted against Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier in the season loosing in the end by one goal to nil.
They played in a defensive formation but came out more in the last 15 minutes to try and salvage a draw which they nearly did.
I was impressed with their performance on that day and that is why I think that today’s game will be won by Arsenal only if mistakes are kept to a minimum at the back and ruthlessness employed in front of goal.
If Arsenal scores an early goal then I would expect another rout of a low rank team at the Emirates. If however we allow them to get ahead first then I do not see Birmingham being as generous as Blackburn at the back.
The positive aspect about Arsenal this season, however, is the democratic approach to goal scoring. There are goals from everywhere in the team, reminiscent once again of the “total football” approach that Arsene Wenger’s style brings about.
With players like Arshavin, van Persie, Rosicky, Fabregas, Gallas and of course Vermaelen around the goal threat is very real and this bodes well when playing against lower quality opposition.
This allows a certain amount of optimism that this season we will not drop so many points against the likes of Birmingham.
If we get our defensive effectiveness right against the better teams of the League then we have a real chance for the title.
Predicted line up:
Mannone
Sagna Galas Vermaelen Gibbs
Diaby Song
Fabregas
Arshavin van Persie Rosicky
Prediction: Arsenal 3 Birmingham 0
The result of today’s game at the Emirates against Birmingham really depends on what Arsenal do rather than on how the opponents approach the game. This is generally the case when one of the teams in a game is superior and also playing at home.
Birmingham on the other hand has an added incentive today in that it is the first game under new (richer) ownership. This is bound to “encourage” the players to up their performance with the January transfer window soon approaching.
McLeish is likely to approach the game with the same tactics adopted against Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier in the season loosing in the end by one goal to nil.
They played in a defensive formation but came out more in the last 15 minutes to try and salvage a draw which they nearly did.
I was impressed with their performance on that day and that is why I think that today’s game will be won by Arsenal only if mistakes are kept to a minimum at the back and ruthlessness employed in front of goal.
If Arsenal scores an early goal then I would expect another rout of a low rank team at the Emirates. If however we allow them to get ahead first then I do not see Birmingham being as generous as Blackburn at the back.
The positive aspect about Arsenal this season, however, is the democratic approach to goal scoring. There are goals from everywhere in the team, reminiscent once again of the “total football” approach that Arsene Wenger’s style brings about.
With players like Arshavin, van Persie, Rosicky, Fabregas, Gallas and of course Vermaelen around the goal threat is very real and this bodes well when playing against lower quality opposition.
This allows a certain amount of optimism that this season we will not drop so many points against the likes of Birmingham.
If we get our defensive effectiveness right against the better teams of the League then we have a real chance for the title.
Predicted line up:
Mannone
Sagna Galas Vermaelen Gibbs
Diaby Song
Fabregas
Arshavin van Persie Rosicky
Prediction: Arsenal 3 Birmingham 0
Monday, September 28, 2009
Arsenal’s three worst players against Fulham need to shape up and soon
By 1970’s Gooner
I was as delighted as much as I was frustrated last Saturday in that uncharacteristic one nil to the Arsenal win against a very spirited Fulham side.
I was delighted that we won the game which kept us within distance of the top, especially as Chelsea dropped points. I was also pleased that the win was obtained when not playing at our best.
It’s quite funny really in that a lot of the media usually criticise Arsene Wenger’s teams for not being able to rough it, play badly and win ugly. This is exactly what Arsenal did yet this is labeled a lucky win!
Stop reading the tabloids I say and stick to blogs….
Yet I cannot but ponder on the reasons for Arsenal’s lackluster performance. This is because I feel that if we carry on playing like this we are bound to come unstuck sooner than later.
Winning ugly gets you out of jail once or maybe twice but then you simply have to revert back to your brilliant best.
A lot of the pressure that Arsenal faced against Fulham originated from within itself rather than created by Fulham’s play.
Uncharacteristic mistakes were made in the passing of the ball and the giving away of possession and free kicks in dangerous areas; way too often.
In the offensive area of the pitch Arsenal did not create much and there was not enough fluidity and slick passing as we have become accustomed.
For all the above I blame three players in particular and I hope that they get back to form pretty soon starting tomorrow in the Champions League.
3. Fabregas
Yes he did after all provide the brilliant assist for van Persie’e goal and put a few excellent passes for the forwards to score. But you must agree that the little maestro is below par when you compare him to his brilliant best.
He has been misplacing passes and lacking that dynamism and dexterity that he has shown in previous years for quite a few games now. Something is bothering him and I hope it is not Barcelona.
Nevertheless if he doesn’t tick Arsenal’s clock stops ticking. And his below par performance affected the rest of the team.
2. Arshavin
He has been out for a month after taking that silly decision to play for Russia when he was clearly injured. This showed against Fulham. He was below pace, did not get much involved and generally did not contribute enough for the cause.
Add to this the lack of penetration on the other wing from the average Bendtner and you can see that poor van Persie did not get much of a service.
We need a fit Arshavin in the side and I hope that he can get back to full fitness quite soon.
1. Diaby
What an idiot. Who does he think he is? Maradona in his hey day? This boy has to be taught to play the simple game. Win the ball and then pass it. Full stop. At this stage of his development he should concentrate to get this right.
All he did last Saturday was to give possession to the other side. He did this by passing them the ball, trying one dribble too many or and this was more dangerous, giving away silly fouls in dangerous areas outside our box.
Abu Diaby you have the potential to become an Arsenal great but you have to learn to play simple football for the team. Not for yourself.
Fabregas and Arshavin will improve I am sure. But Wenger needs to reconsider whether to keep persisting with Diaby.
I was as delighted as much as I was frustrated last Saturday in that uncharacteristic one nil to the Arsenal win against a very spirited Fulham side.
I was delighted that we won the game which kept us within distance of the top, especially as Chelsea dropped points. I was also pleased that the win was obtained when not playing at our best.
It’s quite funny really in that a lot of the media usually criticise Arsene Wenger’s teams for not being able to rough it, play badly and win ugly. This is exactly what Arsenal did yet this is labeled a lucky win!
Stop reading the tabloids I say and stick to blogs….
Yet I cannot but ponder on the reasons for Arsenal’s lackluster performance. This is because I feel that if we carry on playing like this we are bound to come unstuck sooner than later.
Winning ugly gets you out of jail once or maybe twice but then you simply have to revert back to your brilliant best.
A lot of the pressure that Arsenal faced against Fulham originated from within itself rather than created by Fulham’s play.
Uncharacteristic mistakes were made in the passing of the ball and the giving away of possession and free kicks in dangerous areas; way too often.
In the offensive area of the pitch Arsenal did not create much and there was not enough fluidity and slick passing as we have become accustomed.
For all the above I blame three players in particular and I hope that they get back to form pretty soon starting tomorrow in the Champions League.
3. Fabregas
Yes he did after all provide the brilliant assist for van Persie’e goal and put a few excellent passes for the forwards to score. But you must agree that the little maestro is below par when you compare him to his brilliant best.
He has been misplacing passes and lacking that dynamism and dexterity that he has shown in previous years for quite a few games now. Something is bothering him and I hope it is not Barcelona.
Nevertheless if he doesn’t tick Arsenal’s clock stops ticking. And his below par performance affected the rest of the team.
2. Arshavin
He has been out for a month after taking that silly decision to play for Russia when he was clearly injured. This showed against Fulham. He was below pace, did not get much involved and generally did not contribute enough for the cause.
Add to this the lack of penetration on the other wing from the average Bendtner and you can see that poor van Persie did not get much of a service.
We need a fit Arshavin in the side and I hope that he can get back to full fitness quite soon.
1. Diaby
What an idiot. Who does he think he is? Maradona in his hey day? This boy has to be taught to play the simple game. Win the ball and then pass it. Full stop. At this stage of his development he should concentrate to get this right.
All he did last Saturday was to give possession to the other side. He did this by passing them the ball, trying one dribble too many or and this was more dangerous, giving away silly fouls in dangerous areas outside our box.
Abu Diaby you have the potential to become an Arsenal great but you have to learn to play simple football for the team. Not for yourself.
Fabregas and Arshavin will improve I am sure. But Wenger needs to reconsider whether to keep persisting with Diaby.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Four reasons why Arsenal lost to Manchester City (plus player ratings)
By 1970’s Gooner
1. Heavy legs?
What a pathetic performance by the Arsenal players in the first half. They could not find each other even with short passes, their free kicks and crosses rarely got past the first defender and their heavy legs never allowed them to play in a quick tempo. Cesc Fabregas was particularly guilty.
May be they were affected by the international week that a lot of them were involved in but Manchester City had players on international duty too.
In the second half after probably a good spanking by Wenger in the dressing room but more importantly with the introduction of Rosicky the whole team were rejuvenated.
Fabregas became more efficient and went more forward to give support to van Persie, Rosicky gave added impetus to the attacks and suddenly balls were finding their intended targets.
2. No width
Wenger elected to start with Bendtner and Diaby on the flanks in a 4 3 3 formation. Diaby was abysmal, holding onto the ball when he should have been passing it and when he got round to passing it he could not find his players.
More significantly he often strayed infield thus starving the team of the width on the left hand side that he should have been providing.
Bendtner was also ineffective for most of the time on the other wing. This meant that van Persie got no meaningful crosses or penetrative passes to exploit.
3. Clichy and Diaby go awol
In the first half Diaby helped Clichy deal with the threat of Wright Philips. But in the second both were guilty of leaving that left hand side almost unguarded. Both the vital second and third goals that killed the game off came from that side.
For the second Clichy was dispossessed up the field, Diaby was nowhere to be found and Song had to rush back to cover, unsuccesfuly.
For their third Clichy was tricked by Philips who raced clear to plant the ball on Adebayor’s head.
4. Almunia lets the team down
He was slow in coming out for the high ball against Portsmouth when they scored their goal but it didn’t matter. It mattered today. He was slow to react to Richards’s header and by the time he got to it the ball had hit the post and his back.
Goals change games and this goal gave them belief and had us chasing the game committing players up front in a second half.
Still we got Rosicky back and he looks back to his old best. This is a real bonus as he can add quality and creativeness to the team.
Almunia 5
Clichy 4
Sagna 5
Vermaelen 6
Gallas 6
Song 6
Denilson 5
Fabregas 6
Diaby 4
Bendtner 5
Van Persie 6
Rosicky 7
Eduardo 5
Eboue 5
1. Heavy legs?
What a pathetic performance by the Arsenal players in the first half. They could not find each other even with short passes, their free kicks and crosses rarely got past the first defender and their heavy legs never allowed them to play in a quick tempo. Cesc Fabregas was particularly guilty.
May be they were affected by the international week that a lot of them were involved in but Manchester City had players on international duty too.
In the second half after probably a good spanking by Wenger in the dressing room but more importantly with the introduction of Rosicky the whole team were rejuvenated.
Fabregas became more efficient and went more forward to give support to van Persie, Rosicky gave added impetus to the attacks and suddenly balls were finding their intended targets.
2. No width
Wenger elected to start with Bendtner and Diaby on the flanks in a 4 3 3 formation. Diaby was abysmal, holding onto the ball when he should have been passing it and when he got round to passing it he could not find his players.
More significantly he often strayed infield thus starving the team of the width on the left hand side that he should have been providing.
Bendtner was also ineffective for most of the time on the other wing. This meant that van Persie got no meaningful crosses or penetrative passes to exploit.
3. Clichy and Diaby go awol
In the first half Diaby helped Clichy deal with the threat of Wright Philips. But in the second both were guilty of leaving that left hand side almost unguarded. Both the vital second and third goals that killed the game off came from that side.
For the second Clichy was dispossessed up the field, Diaby was nowhere to be found and Song had to rush back to cover, unsuccesfuly.
For their third Clichy was tricked by Philips who raced clear to plant the ball on Adebayor’s head.
4. Almunia lets the team down
He was slow in coming out for the high ball against Portsmouth when they scored their goal but it didn’t matter. It mattered today. He was slow to react to Richards’s header and by the time he got to it the ball had hit the post and his back.
Goals change games and this goal gave them belief and had us chasing the game committing players up front in a second half.
Still we got Rosicky back and he looks back to his old best. This is a real bonus as he can add quality and creativeness to the team.
Almunia 5
Clichy 4
Sagna 5
Vermaelen 6
Gallas 6
Song 6
Denilson 5
Fabregas 6
Diaby 4
Bendtner 5
Van Persie 6
Rosicky 7
Eduardo 5
Eboue 5
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Fabregas on the score sheet again…(video)
By 1970’s Gooner
European champions Spain secured their place at next year's World Cup finals with an easy 3-0 win over Estonia thanks to goals from Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla and Juan Manuel Mata.
Bosnia-Herzegovina was held by Turkey earlier in the evening so Spain knew a victory over Estonia would be enough to guarantee themselves top spot in Group Five.
Spain took this opportunity as they continued their 100% record in qualifying with an eighth win in eight games.
Cesc got the first goal after receiving a through ball into the area and his shot low across the goal ended in the back of the net.
He seems to have found renewed confidence in front of goal this season. This seems to be a result of increasing maturity both in terms of football but also in his physique.
He is also benefiting from the more advanced role he has assumed for Arsenal in the new 4 3 3 formation that has been adopted by Arsene Wenger this season.
European champions Spain secured their place at next year's World Cup finals with an easy 3-0 win over Estonia thanks to goals from Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla and Juan Manuel Mata.
Bosnia-Herzegovina was held by Turkey earlier in the evening so Spain knew a victory over Estonia would be enough to guarantee themselves top spot in Group Five.
Spain took this opportunity as they continued their 100% record in qualifying with an eighth win in eight games.
Cesc got the first goal after receiving a through ball into the area and his shot low across the goal ended in the back of the net.
He seems to have found renewed confidence in front of goal this season. This seems to be a result of increasing maturity both in terms of football but also in his physique.
He is also benefiting from the more advanced role he has assumed for Arsenal in the new 4 3 3 formation that has been adopted by Arsene Wenger this season.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Song is the new Vieira?
By 1970’s Gooner
Enough will be said about the demolition of Everton and the amazing six goals scored. All the players played a blinder today inclusive of Vermaelen who had a dream debut for Arsenal.
Bendtner and Denilson were exceptional to my mind but I just feel the need to highlight the world class performance that Alexandre Song put in today.
He was everywhere, tackling in front of the defence and protecting his back four, breaking up Everton’s attacks as soon as they started to develop and he distributed the ball forward with accuracy.
He was immense.
He is not Vieira in his physique but he was Vieira in his effectiveness and style of play today.
This is why Wenger decided not to buy another defensive midfielder.
Enough will be said about the demolition of Everton and the amazing six goals scored. All the players played a blinder today inclusive of Vermaelen who had a dream debut for Arsenal.
Bendtner and Denilson were exceptional to my mind but I just feel the need to highlight the world class performance that Alexandre Song put in today.
He was everywhere, tackling in front of the defence and protecting his back four, breaking up Everton’s attacks as soon as they started to develop and he distributed the ball forward with accuracy.
He was immense.
He is not Vieira in his physique but he was Vieira in his effectiveness and style of play today.
This is why Wenger decided not to buy another defensive midfielder.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Why Arsenal will continue to be amongst the top teams for years to come
By Kazeem Atanda
It has almost become a tradition for teams outside the top four to spend big in order to break the monopoly of the elite clubs. But anytime a club does, the pundits' verdict is that "Arsenal will drop out of the top zone" due to Arsene Wenger's stingy behaviour in the transfer market.
In 2005 when Everton broke into the top four, it was Liverpool and not Arsenal that eventually dropped out. And it is a fact that no team has broken the monopoly since then.
Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa all continue to spend big on new players than Arsenal every season but woefully end up finishing below the Gunners (and not even making the top four).
This summer, Manchester City's new owner has spent close to £100 m on new players that included Arsenal duo Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure.
Many observers have questioned Arsene Wenger's decision in selling these players to the Citizens believing that the Arsenal gaffer has sold fourth position to premiership rival, Manchester City.
Theses pundits have forgotten that this is not the first time that Arsenal will be selling their top stars, yet managed to finish in the top four despite parading a young and inexperienced team.
In the 2004/2005 season, without Wiltord and Kanu, Arsenal won the FA cup and finished 3rd in the league.
Losing Vieira and Edu in 2005/2006 season was one player too many, yet Arsenal reached the final of the Champions League and finished 4th in the premiership.
Pires, Reyes, Bergkamp, Campbell and Ashley Cole, all left in 2006/2007 season but it didn't stop Arsene Wenger's young guns reaching the Carling Cup final and retaining 4th position in the league.
In 2007/2008 season, the news that every Arsenal fan had been dreading for a year, talismanic captain Thierry Henry left for Barcelona while Ljumberg also left for West Ham. Yet Arsenal lost the premiership title with only a few games to go and ended in 3rd position.
Without Hleb, Flamini and Gilberto last season Arsenal were semi finalists in both the FA cup and Champions League and finished 4th in the premiership.
This summer, with only one addition, two players already gone and probably more has brought out the Cassandra’s of this world.
The only person whose absence will mar the club is Arsene Wenger, himself. He knows the club inside out and being an economist, he is a man with the air of an accountant, the dress sense of a senior civil servant and a modern business man.
Wenger's technique, character, appetite and masterpiece of the round leather game is second to none. In almost 13 years at Arsenal, he has transformed the club, created a string of superlative teams, built a glittering stadium and helped to transform the stagnant conservatism of English football.
Though Arsene knows to his bones that the game is all about glory he will never spend big to achieve it.
There are two reasons why Wenger is building his team this way. One is that he loves developing youngsters. And the second is that he hates spending money. It is not in his nature.
For those that believe Arsene Wenger's young guns will not propel Arsenal to the top four this season should wait a little.
The Gunners will be challenging for titles on all four fronts.
"Arsene knows" is a phrase that will resurface with a vengeance once more.
It has almost become a tradition for teams outside the top four to spend big in order to break the monopoly of the elite clubs. But anytime a club does, the pundits' verdict is that "Arsenal will drop out of the top zone" due to Arsene Wenger's stingy behaviour in the transfer market.
In 2005 when Everton broke into the top four, it was Liverpool and not Arsenal that eventually dropped out. And it is a fact that no team has broken the monopoly since then.
Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa all continue to spend big on new players than Arsenal every season but woefully end up finishing below the Gunners (and not even making the top four).
This summer, Manchester City's new owner has spent close to £100 m on new players that included Arsenal duo Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure.
Many observers have questioned Arsene Wenger's decision in selling these players to the Citizens believing that the Arsenal gaffer has sold fourth position to premiership rival, Manchester City.
Theses pundits have forgotten that this is not the first time that Arsenal will be selling their top stars, yet managed to finish in the top four despite parading a young and inexperienced team.
In the 2004/2005 season, without Wiltord and Kanu, Arsenal won the FA cup and finished 3rd in the league.
Losing Vieira and Edu in 2005/2006 season was one player too many, yet Arsenal reached the final of the Champions League and finished 4th in the premiership.
Pires, Reyes, Bergkamp, Campbell and Ashley Cole, all left in 2006/2007 season but it didn't stop Arsene Wenger's young guns reaching the Carling Cup final and retaining 4th position in the league.
In 2007/2008 season, the news that every Arsenal fan had been dreading for a year, talismanic captain Thierry Henry left for Barcelona while Ljumberg also left for West Ham. Yet Arsenal lost the premiership title with only a few games to go and ended in 3rd position.
Without Hleb, Flamini and Gilberto last season Arsenal were semi finalists in both the FA cup and Champions League and finished 4th in the premiership.
This summer, with only one addition, two players already gone and probably more has brought out the Cassandra’s of this world.
The only person whose absence will mar the club is Arsene Wenger, himself. He knows the club inside out and being an economist, he is a man with the air of an accountant, the dress sense of a senior civil servant and a modern business man.
Wenger's technique, character, appetite and masterpiece of the round leather game is second to none. In almost 13 years at Arsenal, he has transformed the club, created a string of superlative teams, built a glittering stadium and helped to transform the stagnant conservatism of English football.
Though Arsene knows to his bones that the game is all about glory he will never spend big to achieve it.
There are two reasons why Wenger is building his team this way. One is that he loves developing youngsters. And the second is that he hates spending money. It is not in his nature.
For those that believe Arsene Wenger's young guns will not propel Arsenal to the top four this season should wait a little.
The Gunners will be challenging for titles on all four fronts.
"Arsene knows" is a phrase that will resurface with a vengeance once more.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Video highlights and player ratings: Arsenal Vs Haladas
By 1970’s Gooner
Mannone: Did not have many things of note to do. Fluffed his clearance after a bad back pass from Ramsey when he should have kicked the ball out of his area with his left rather than the right foot. But he came out forcefully to clear a through ball. 6
Szczesny: One bad clearance when he should have stayed in his area but two very good saves, one from a free kick and the other from close range. 7
Eboue: one of the worst players in the first half. Hardly played a ball to an Arsenal player. If we can really get 8m for him then grab it and run I say. 4
Sagna: Quiet game but without mistakes. 6
Traore: Fantastic going forward, lousy in defending. Reminds me of Clichy and Ashley Cole in their earlier days where they were excellent going forward but their defensive positioning was lousy. They all had to use their pace to salvage the situation.
Cole and Clichy have turned out excellent defenders and so will Traore but how will Wenger satisfy all three current Arsenal left backs? 7
Silvestre: I am worried about his pace. This did not show today due to the opposition. 6
Toure: Still needs games to get into shape. Some clearances were shaky. 6
Djourou: Has to watch his positioning. 6
Gallas: Solid with a few very good tackles. The decision against him for the penalty was way too harsh. 7
Vermaelen: I liked his positional sense and the cultured left foot he has. He defended and also distributed well. 7
Denilson: Started every friendly game so far. I hope it is not a sign of things to come..Was, along with Ramsey, overran during the first 15 minutes when the opponents dominated. Perked up later. 6
Ramsey: One of his worst games so far. Hardly able to keep the ball or pass it to a team mate. 5
Song: Solid and getting better with his distribution. 7
Senderos: Again started in defensive midfield. Did well but I fear against Premier League opposition he will be giving too many fouls away as his lack of pace will be letting him down. This is not his position of course. 6
Wilshere: Lost on the left wing in the first half but when moved into the play makers position came into the for. This is his natural position and it is up to Wenger to decide whether to trust him there so early on in his career (like Fabregas) or bide his time. He missed two chances to score by trying to be too clever. 5
Bendtner: Increasingly looks the part. Scored two well taken goals and generally his overall play was very professional. This may be a very significant season for him and for Arsenal. I am expecting that he will rise up to fill Adebayor’s gap as I think that Wenger will not buy… 9
Eduardo: Scored two well taken goals. He is a clinical finisher and if he stays fit then he will score goals for us this season. 8
Arshavin: Was not up to his usual high standard today. Couldn’t hold the ball well nor pass it accurately. 5
Van Persie: had an average game but scored a superb penalty. 6
Man of the Match: Nicklas Bendtner
Mannone: Did not have many things of note to do. Fluffed his clearance after a bad back pass from Ramsey when he should have kicked the ball out of his area with his left rather than the right foot. But he came out forcefully to clear a through ball. 6
Szczesny: One bad clearance when he should have stayed in his area but two very good saves, one from a free kick and the other from close range. 7
Eboue: one of the worst players in the first half. Hardly played a ball to an Arsenal player. If we can really get 8m for him then grab it and run I say. 4
Sagna: Quiet game but without mistakes. 6
Traore: Fantastic going forward, lousy in defending. Reminds me of Clichy and Ashley Cole in their earlier days where they were excellent going forward but their defensive positioning was lousy. They all had to use their pace to salvage the situation.
Cole and Clichy have turned out excellent defenders and so will Traore but how will Wenger satisfy all three current Arsenal left backs? 7
Silvestre: I am worried about his pace. This did not show today due to the opposition. 6
Toure: Still needs games to get into shape. Some clearances were shaky. 6
Djourou: Has to watch his positioning. 6
Gallas: Solid with a few very good tackles. The decision against him for the penalty was way too harsh. 7
Vermaelen: I liked his positional sense and the cultured left foot he has. He defended and also distributed well. 7
Denilson: Started every friendly game so far. I hope it is not a sign of things to come..Was, along with Ramsey, overran during the first 15 minutes when the opponents dominated. Perked up later. 6
Ramsey: One of his worst games so far. Hardly able to keep the ball or pass it to a team mate. 5
Song: Solid and getting better with his distribution. 7
Senderos: Again started in defensive midfield. Did well but I fear against Premier League opposition he will be giving too many fouls away as his lack of pace will be letting him down. This is not his position of course. 6
Wilshere: Lost on the left wing in the first half but when moved into the play makers position came into the for. This is his natural position and it is up to Wenger to decide whether to trust him there so early on in his career (like Fabregas) or bide his time. He missed two chances to score by trying to be too clever. 5
Bendtner: Increasingly looks the part. Scored two well taken goals and generally his overall play was very professional. This may be a very significant season for him and for Arsenal. I am expecting that he will rise up to fill Adebayor’s gap as I think that Wenger will not buy… 9
Eduardo: Scored two well taken goals. He is a clinical finisher and if he stays fit then he will score goals for us this season. 8
Arshavin: Was not up to his usual high standard today. Couldn’t hold the ball well nor pass it accurately. 5
Van Persie: had an average game but scored a superb penalty. 6
Man of the Match: Nicklas Bendtner
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Arsenal target Melo scores a beautiful goal for Brazil (video)
By Aries
Arsenal target Felipe Melo put Brazil one up against the USA in the Confederations Cup being held in South Africa. The final score was 3-0 to Brazil.
He scored a powerful header from close range after a free kick in the seventh minute and Robinho made it 2-0 in the 20th, completing a counter attack that began when DaMarcus Beasley fumbled a short corner kick. Maicon added the third goal in the 62nd.
You can watch Melo's goal on the video screen above.
If he can score these type of goals for Arsenal then we are onto a good thing here.
Arsenal target Felipe Melo put Brazil one up against the USA in the Confederations Cup being held in South Africa. The final score was 3-0 to Brazil.
He scored a powerful header from close range after a free kick in the seventh minute and Robinho made it 2-0 in the 20th, completing a counter attack that began when DaMarcus Beasley fumbled a short corner kick. Maicon added the third goal in the 62nd.
You can watch Melo's goal on the video screen above.
If he can score these type of goals for Arsenal then we are onto a good thing here.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Milan desperate to lure Dzeko
By 1970’s Gooner
Just when it seemed that things were beginning to get hot, in fly Mr. Galliani and Ariedo Braida, AC Milan’s President and Finane director respectively, to scamper Arsenal’s chances of landing hit man Edin Dzeko.
It seems that they realised that Arsenal were getting pretty close to getting their man and decided to act very quickly.
We can reveal that they actually flew in their private plane to Sarajevo, capital city of Bosnia and Hercegovina, last Saturday and spent the whole day on Sunday talking to Dzeko’s agent, Irfan Redžepagić.
“We began contact when Wolfsburg played against Milan in the UEFA Cup. They called me five days ago and expressed the wish to come. They came to get the consent of the player to talk to Wolfsburg.
After a telephone consultation with Edin we have his consent and actually said to us that it is such a pleasure that Milan is interested in him” Redžepagić said to the Bosnian media.
He also revealed that Milan has so far demonstrated the greatest interest to sign Dzeko.
“Galijani and Braida came here to show how serious they are. They made it clear that they want to see Dzeko as a Milan player” added Redžepagić.
Redžepagić also confirmed that apart from Milan and Arsenal there are three other teams interested in Dzeko: Manchester City, Chelsea, Lyon and Inter Milan. He also offered the opinion that Dzeko will probably not be playing in Germany next season.
“I will inform Wolfsburg the contact with Milan. Objectively, I think that Wolfsburg is now in a race with clubs that are a few classes above in every respect” Redžepagić said.
This turn of events is doubly bad news for Arsenal. For one it seems that the price for Dzeko will now be in the £20m region which may be prohibitive for Arsene’s low budget.
The other reason is that if Milan get their man they will certainly cool off any interest in buying Adebayor and I am one of those that would like to see the back of him….
Just when it seemed that things were beginning to get hot, in fly Mr. Galliani and Ariedo Braida, AC Milan’s President and Finane director respectively, to scamper Arsenal’s chances of landing hit man Edin Dzeko.
It seems that they realised that Arsenal were getting pretty close to getting their man and decided to act very quickly.
We can reveal that they actually flew in their private plane to Sarajevo, capital city of Bosnia and Hercegovina, last Saturday and spent the whole day on Sunday talking to Dzeko’s agent, Irfan Redžepagić.
“We began contact when Wolfsburg played against Milan in the UEFA Cup. They called me five days ago and expressed the wish to come. They came to get the consent of the player to talk to Wolfsburg.
After a telephone consultation with Edin we have his consent and actually said to us that it is such a pleasure that Milan is interested in him” Redžepagić said to the Bosnian media.
He also revealed that Milan has so far demonstrated the greatest interest to sign Dzeko.
“Galijani and Braida came here to show how serious they are. They made it clear that they want to see Dzeko as a Milan player” added Redžepagić.
Redžepagić also confirmed that apart from Milan and Arsenal there are three other teams interested in Dzeko: Manchester City, Chelsea, Lyon and Inter Milan. He also offered the opinion that Dzeko will probably not be playing in Germany next season.
“I will inform Wolfsburg the contact with Milan. Objectively, I think that Wolfsburg is now in a race with clubs that are a few classes above in every respect” Redžepagić said.
This turn of events is doubly bad news for Arsenal. For one it seems that the price for Dzeko will now be in the £20m region which may be prohibitive for Arsene’s low budget.
The other reason is that if Milan get their man they will certainly cool off any interest in buying Adebayor and I am one of those that would like to see the back of him….
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Doctor reveals that Eduardo underwent two surgeries not one
By Aries
Now who are we to believe. Arsenal FC or Croatia’s national team doctor?
Dr Boris Nemec said today that Eduardo underwent two minor surgeries. The first was a revision surgery on the left ankle to remove small metal screws which were originally placed there to assist in his recovery from the horrible injury he sustained more than a year ago.
The other however was on the same ankle which apparently has been troubling him since his come back late this season. It was to remove a bone that has been troubling Eduardo’s mobility.
“The doctor has removed a small bone on the ankle that slightly bothered ankle mobility. After that a small incision was made to remove screws that were placed in the ankle. The operation lasted about an hour Dr Nemec said.
We can reveal that the arthroscopy was carried out by the famous Dutch doctor Niek van Dijk who is very sought after by athletes all over the world suffering from ankle related problems. He was the doctor that treated Manchester United’s Ronaldo last season.
It appears that Arsenal decided to take advantage of the planned removal of the screws to carry out this second minor operation on the troublesome ankle at the same time.
This means that Eduardo will now be ready to start physiotherapy and if all goes well will be ready for preseason training on the 5th July.
Now who are we to believe. Arsenal FC or Croatia’s national team doctor?
Dr Boris Nemec said today that Eduardo underwent two minor surgeries. The first was a revision surgery on the left ankle to remove small metal screws which were originally placed there to assist in his recovery from the horrible injury he sustained more than a year ago.
The other however was on the same ankle which apparently has been troubling him since his come back late this season. It was to remove a bone that has been troubling Eduardo’s mobility.
“The doctor has removed a small bone on the ankle that slightly bothered ankle mobility. After that a small incision was made to remove screws that were placed in the ankle. The operation lasted about an hour Dr Nemec said.
We can reveal that the arthroscopy was carried out by the famous Dutch doctor Niek van Dijk who is very sought after by athletes all over the world suffering from ankle related problems. He was the doctor that treated Manchester United’s Ronaldo last season.
It appears that Arsenal decided to take advantage of the planned removal of the screws to carry out this second minor operation on the troublesome ankle at the same time.
This means that Eduardo will now be ready to start physiotherapy and if all goes well will be ready for preseason training on the 5th July.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
F**** the potential Arsene, we have had enough
By 1970’s Gooner
This was men against boys. The difference in class was so obvious to see.
The United players were more experienced, stronger and covered so well for each other that even if Gibbs did not slip to let Park score the first goal they would have still run out comfortable winners.
The Arsenal team was littered with young boys and seeing them try to get to grips with the United pros was embarrassing.
Gibbs, yes he has potential but so obviously not ready for this type of game. He was found wanting in the first leg where most of United’s attacks and goal originated from his side.
In tonight’s game his slip set the tone of the game. And make no mistake his slip was a result of being under pressure, from knowing that Park was lurking behind him with intend.
Why didn’t Wenger go for more experience right from the first leg and play Eboue. He did after all trust him to start the Champions League Final in 2006.
Djourou was turned inside out by Ronaldo and Rooney and the centre of Arsenal’s defence looked porous all night.
Walcott was once again shut out of the game by Evra who was too strong for him.
Adebayor was a little more interested but was not effective enough and Van Persie was unfit and unable to support him.
Fabregas was nowhere to be seen, passes going astray and above all showing no leadership.
The only players to come out with any credit were Nasri and Song. Nasri was trying really hard, chasing the ball and making the play. Song was doing the defensive work very well and in addition was also trying to be creative, so ineffective was Fabregas.
And finally Wenger has to accept the most criticism for making all those inexplicable selections in the first leg, with Fabregas, Nasri and Diaby all played out of position in a formation which was wrong.
It was he that said that these ties are lost in the first leg. Well he did loose it in the first leg didn’t he?
He also lost it in that FA Cup semi final against Chelsea when for some unfathomable reason he dropped Arshavin played Van Persie out of position who promptly got injured too!
What a shambles. And what a shambles this policy of relying mostly on youth is turning out to be.
Well you can’t do that Mr Wenger, you have to have a balance in the team and blend these exciting youngsters with more experienced and physically stronger players. Otherwise you will still be pitching this potential lark to us for years to come.
Well it’s been four years now and we are still waiting.
WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH.
This was men against boys. The difference in class was so obvious to see.
The United players were more experienced, stronger and covered so well for each other that even if Gibbs did not slip to let Park score the first goal they would have still run out comfortable winners.
The Arsenal team was littered with young boys and seeing them try to get to grips with the United pros was embarrassing.
Gibbs, yes he has potential but so obviously not ready for this type of game. He was found wanting in the first leg where most of United’s attacks and goal originated from his side.
In tonight’s game his slip set the tone of the game. And make no mistake his slip was a result of being under pressure, from knowing that Park was lurking behind him with intend.
Why didn’t Wenger go for more experience right from the first leg and play Eboue. He did after all trust him to start the Champions League Final in 2006.
Djourou was turned inside out by Ronaldo and Rooney and the centre of Arsenal’s defence looked porous all night.
Walcott was once again shut out of the game by Evra who was too strong for him.
Adebayor was a little more interested but was not effective enough and Van Persie was unfit and unable to support him.
Fabregas was nowhere to be seen, passes going astray and above all showing no leadership.
The only players to come out with any credit were Nasri and Song. Nasri was trying really hard, chasing the ball and making the play. Song was doing the defensive work very well and in addition was also trying to be creative, so ineffective was Fabregas.
And finally Wenger has to accept the most criticism for making all those inexplicable selections in the first leg, with Fabregas, Nasri and Diaby all played out of position in a formation which was wrong.
It was he that said that these ties are lost in the first leg. Well he did loose it in the first leg didn’t he?
He also lost it in that FA Cup semi final against Chelsea when for some unfathomable reason he dropped Arshavin played Van Persie out of position who promptly got injured too!
What a shambles. And what a shambles this policy of relying mostly on youth is turning out to be.
Well you can’t do that Mr Wenger, you have to have a balance in the team and blend these exciting youngsters with more experienced and physically stronger players. Otherwise you will still be pitching this potential lark to us for years to come.
Well it’s been four years now and we are still waiting.
WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Player analysis and ratings Vs Liverpool
By 1970’s Gooner
Fabiansky
Kept Asrsenal in the game with a string of fine saves and looked to be redeeming himself as a result. He was however at fault for Liverpool’s second goal as he was way behind the goal line to stop their second goal. He could also have parried Torres’s shot to the side but instead his outstretched hand wasn’t strong enough to do that. 5.5
Sagna
Brought back sound defending on the right hand side. Was not adventurous enough going forward. 6
Gibbs
Had a difficult game. Couldn’t keep up with the pressure Liverpool were putting on his side of the pitch. 5
Silvestre
Was found wanting on Liverpool’s two of the goals and generally, as against Drogba, did not have the pace again to deal with Torres and co. 4
Toure
Was culpable for Liverpool’s last minute equaliser as he along with Silvestre panicked and run into each other. Up to then had a decent game. 6
Song
He was immense again. He did his job very well, managing to block the opponents and actually make telling and forward passes. He is growing into a permanent feature in this team. 8
Denilson
Once again a below par performance. He did not deserve to start tonight as his showing against Chelsea was simply not good enough. Not good enough tonight either. 4
Fabregas
Provided the assist for Arshavin’s first goal by showing maturity beyond his age when he looked up to spot the little Russian demon. He was not forward minded enough for me tonight (as also against Chelsea). 6.5
Nasri
Was back to form tonight. He was purposeful and provided a lot of nous on his side of the pitch. He cleverly dispossessed the Liverpool defender to create the first goal by first waiting and then nudging the ball to Fabregas who run into the position behind Liverpool’s defence to receive it. 7
Bendtner
Was isolated tonight like Adebayor was against Chelsea. But also like Adebayor he did not hold the ball at all well up front nor did he bring any of his team mates into the game. Was largely ineffective. 4
Arshavin
I call him the little Russian demon and that is what indeed he was tonight. He unleashed all that energy he had to save from last Saturday onto poor Liverpool. What a performance, what a feast of goal scoring and what a lesson as to how to take chances he gave tonight. Absolutely immense. I can only give him a perfect 10!
There is no reason to put up a poll for the man of the match tonight is there?
Fabiansky
Kept Asrsenal in the game with a string of fine saves and looked to be redeeming himself as a result. He was however at fault for Liverpool’s second goal as he was way behind the goal line to stop their second goal. He could also have parried Torres’s shot to the side but instead his outstretched hand wasn’t strong enough to do that. 5.5
Sagna
Brought back sound defending on the right hand side. Was not adventurous enough going forward. 6
Gibbs
Had a difficult game. Couldn’t keep up with the pressure Liverpool were putting on his side of the pitch. 5
Silvestre
Was found wanting on Liverpool’s two of the goals and generally, as against Drogba, did not have the pace again to deal with Torres and co. 4
Toure
Was culpable for Liverpool’s last minute equaliser as he along with Silvestre panicked and run into each other. Up to then had a decent game. 6
Song
He was immense again. He did his job very well, managing to block the opponents and actually make telling and forward passes. He is growing into a permanent feature in this team. 8
Denilson
Once again a below par performance. He did not deserve to start tonight as his showing against Chelsea was simply not good enough. Not good enough tonight either. 4
Fabregas
Provided the assist for Arshavin’s first goal by showing maturity beyond his age when he looked up to spot the little Russian demon. He was not forward minded enough for me tonight (as also against Chelsea). 6.5
Nasri
Was back to form tonight. He was purposeful and provided a lot of nous on his side of the pitch. He cleverly dispossessed the Liverpool defender to create the first goal by first waiting and then nudging the ball to Fabregas who run into the position behind Liverpool’s defence to receive it. 7
Bendtner
Was isolated tonight like Adebayor was against Chelsea. But also like Adebayor he did not hold the ball at all well up front nor did he bring any of his team mates into the game. Was largely ineffective. 4
Arshavin
I call him the little Russian demon and that is what indeed he was tonight. He unleashed all that energy he had to save from last Saturday onto poor Liverpool. What a performance, what a feast of goal scoring and what a lesson as to how to take chances he gave tonight. Absolutely immense. I can only give him a perfect 10!
There is no reason to put up a poll for the man of the match tonight is there?
Monday, April 20, 2009
The reasons behind Saturday’s team selection
By 1970’s Gooner
A lot of commentators have been postulating that Wenger rested players against Chelsea so that they would be fresh to face not Liverpool but Manchester United in the now all important Champions League semi final games.
The reason is that Arsenal are already seven points ahead of their closest rivals, Aston Villa, for the fourth spot in the League anyway (with a game in hand).
But the only players rested against Chelsea among those fit and available were Song and Nasri while Arshavin is not eligible to play against Manchester United in the Champions League anyway.
The fact that Nasri was not in the first eleven may have something to do with his form rather than needing a rest. Nasri has been off form recently and already had a rest due to his absence from the first team due to illness.
No, to my mind, it appears that Wenger made a decision to try and win the FA Cup semi final by matching up to Chelsea’s formation (and resting Song in the process).
It all back fired.
The overriding error is that he showed Chelsea too much respect. In other words he tried to stop them from playing rather than encouraging his own team to play their own game.
But when a team tries to match up the opponent’s formation it has to have players in the key positions that are at least equally good as the opponents.
And Arsenal’s central midfield in Fabregas, Denilson and Diaby certainly wasn’t a match for Essien, Ballack and Lampard. Offensively on the left Van Persie was not up it and Adebayor was too isolated up front.
The 4 3 3 formation meant that Fabregas or Diaby should have been playing further up front in order to support Adebayor (we are still not sure who was supposed to play behind Adebayor- maybe no one?).
This did not happen and Adebayor was left isolated and thus rendered ineffective.
Van Persie’s deployment as a left winger was a disaster.
Some say that he was played there to help young Gibbs out but the downside was that Van Persie did not offer anything going forward and Gibbs had a fine game anyway, both defensively and attacking wise.
But the perplexing decision here is the omission of Arshavin who is cup tied anyway for the Champions League.
He would have not only offered defensive cover for Gibbs (Arshavin has shown defensive responsibility in his games for Arsenal so far) but would also have been more offensively minded than Van Persie was from that position.
The ironic thing is that if Wenger really wanted to rest players for the Man U games then he would have started with Arshavin instead and gave Van Persie a break (by the way Van Persie is now carrying a groin injury).
So trying to match up with Chelsea by using inferior players on the day was Arsenal’s undoing.
Now, if in the 4 3 3 formation Song was deployed in central midfield instead of say Diaby (or Denilson) and Arshavin on the left instead of Van Persie I believe things could have been a lot different.
Fabregas for a start could have been more offensively minded as Song would have been far stronger in midfield than either Denilson or Diaby thus providing the platform for Fabregas to go forward.
I am assuming of course that Fabregas would have been given the go ahead to roam forward….
Adebayor would have got the needed support up front and Arshavin would have created 1000% more than Van Persie managed.
In other words Arsenal would have been far more offensively minded.
But is this what Wenger wanted?
A lot of commentators have been postulating that Wenger rested players against Chelsea so that they would be fresh to face not Liverpool but Manchester United in the now all important Champions League semi final games.
The reason is that Arsenal are already seven points ahead of their closest rivals, Aston Villa, for the fourth spot in the League anyway (with a game in hand).
But the only players rested against Chelsea among those fit and available were Song and Nasri while Arshavin is not eligible to play against Manchester United in the Champions League anyway.
The fact that Nasri was not in the first eleven may have something to do with his form rather than needing a rest. Nasri has been off form recently and already had a rest due to his absence from the first team due to illness.
No, to my mind, it appears that Wenger made a decision to try and win the FA Cup semi final by matching up to Chelsea’s formation (and resting Song in the process).
It all back fired.
The overriding error is that he showed Chelsea too much respect. In other words he tried to stop them from playing rather than encouraging his own team to play their own game.
But when a team tries to match up the opponent’s formation it has to have players in the key positions that are at least equally good as the opponents.
And Arsenal’s central midfield in Fabregas, Denilson and Diaby certainly wasn’t a match for Essien, Ballack and Lampard. Offensively on the left Van Persie was not up it and Adebayor was too isolated up front.
The 4 3 3 formation meant that Fabregas or Diaby should have been playing further up front in order to support Adebayor (we are still not sure who was supposed to play behind Adebayor- maybe no one?).
This did not happen and Adebayor was left isolated and thus rendered ineffective.
Van Persie’s deployment as a left winger was a disaster.
Some say that he was played there to help young Gibbs out but the downside was that Van Persie did not offer anything going forward and Gibbs had a fine game anyway, both defensively and attacking wise.
But the perplexing decision here is the omission of Arshavin who is cup tied anyway for the Champions League.
He would have not only offered defensive cover for Gibbs (Arshavin has shown defensive responsibility in his games for Arsenal so far) but would also have been more offensively minded than Van Persie was from that position.
The ironic thing is that if Wenger really wanted to rest players for the Man U games then he would have started with Arshavin instead and gave Van Persie a break (by the way Van Persie is now carrying a groin injury).
So trying to match up with Chelsea by using inferior players on the day was Arsenal’s undoing.
Now, if in the 4 3 3 formation Song was deployed in central midfield instead of say Diaby (or Denilson) and Arshavin on the left instead of Van Persie I believe things could have been a lot different.
Fabregas for a start could have been more offensively minded as Song would have been far stronger in midfield than either Denilson or Diaby thus providing the platform for Fabregas to go forward.
I am assuming of course that Fabregas would have been given the go ahead to roam forward….
Adebayor would have got the needed support up front and Arshavin would have created 1000% more than Van Persie managed.
In other words Arsenal would have been far more offensively minded.
But is this what Wenger wanted?
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Fan demands public apology from Arsene Wenger
This is one of the many rants that were posted on the site right after the defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup semi final. The main point the commenter is making is that Arsene Wenger gave Chelsea too much respect.
By Anonymous
If we had lost with our two best players on the pitch then we would have no complaints. To lose with the Ash and Naz on the bench is hard to take.
I do not blame the goalkeeper. The blame lies with the all knowing Mr Wenger who gave the chavs too much respect.
He failed the team today with his selection. He undid all the good work of the past months with his cowardly team selection.
The chavs were there for the taking and we bottled it because of Mr Wenger and his cowardly team selection. I hope he rediscovers his balls in the coming weeks or we shall have to chop them off because he is not using them when picking his team.
He has ruined everyone's weekend and we demand a public apology from Mr Wenger for leaving two of our best players sitting on the bench and for filling our hearts with hope only to break them with his cowardly team choice for such an important game.
I don't want Mr Wenger out. I want him to stay true to his beliefs and send out Arsenal teams to play our attacking football and to not worry about the opposition.
Come on Mr Wenger, grow some fu*king balls for fu*ks sake!
By Anonymous
If we had lost with our two best players on the pitch then we would have no complaints. To lose with the Ash and Naz on the bench is hard to take.
I do not blame the goalkeeper. The blame lies with the all knowing Mr Wenger who gave the chavs too much respect.
He failed the team today with his selection. He undid all the good work of the past months with his cowardly team selection.
The chavs were there for the taking and we bottled it because of Mr Wenger and his cowardly team selection. I hope he rediscovers his balls in the coming weeks or we shall have to chop them off because he is not using them when picking his team.
He has ruined everyone's weekend and we demand a public apology from Mr Wenger for leaving two of our best players sitting on the bench and for filling our hearts with hope only to break them with his cowardly team choice for such an important game.
I don't want Mr Wenger out. I want him to stay true to his beliefs and send out Arsenal teams to play our attacking football and to not worry about the opposition.
Come on Mr Wenger, grow some fu*king balls for fu*ks sake!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Player analysis and ratings Vs Chelsea
By 1970's Gooner
Fabiansky
Nervous and shaky. Made three errors out of which two goals were scored! He has to get his act together if we are going to win anything this season. 3
Gibbs
The shining light of the day. Did not put a foot wrong. Very good defensively and equally good going forward. Supplied the cross for Walcott’s goal. 9
Eboue
Has been surprisingly good in his last two games as a right back. Defended well and thrust forward with intend. 7
Toure
Had Drogba in his pocket for nearly all the game. It was in fact Silvestre who was found wanting when Drogba out paced him for his match winning goal. Toure though had a very good game continuing on his good form as of late. 8
Silvestre
He brings experience in defence especially with the young Gibbs in the back four. He lacks pace though and Drogba took advantage of that. 5
Denilson
Had one of his worse games for Arsenal. Kept giving the ball away, often failing to block Chelsea’s midfield. When he lost the ball he invariably gave dangerous free kicks away. A mystery why he was picked by Wenger because he has been out of form recently and Song had been excellent in that position. 2
Diaby
Had a good first half but faded away in the second. Crowded Fabreags out in the midfield areas and was not really offering any support to Adebayor who was left isolated. 4
Fabregas
Was not creative enough today. He did not make any penetrative passes nor did he dictate play as he usually does. Maybe Diaby had something to do with it. 5
Van Persie
Can’t really blame him as he was played out of position but he never got past his man once! Often came inside but was largely ineffective. 4
Walcott
Along with Gibbs, Walcott was the bright spark of a miserable afternoon. Often had the better of Cole and scored Arsenal’s goal because he was at the right position to score it even if it went in off two Chelsea defenders. He has to improve his crosses though as they often got way beyond our attackers. 7
Adebayor
Can’t blame him for his ineffective performance for once. He was isolated up front and never got the supply he deserved. 6
Arsenal’s Man of the Match: Kieren Gibbs
Fabiansky
Nervous and shaky. Made three errors out of which two goals were scored! He has to get his act together if we are going to win anything this season. 3
Gibbs
The shining light of the day. Did not put a foot wrong. Very good defensively and equally good going forward. Supplied the cross for Walcott’s goal. 9
Eboue
Has been surprisingly good in his last two games as a right back. Defended well and thrust forward with intend. 7
Toure
Had Drogba in his pocket for nearly all the game. It was in fact Silvestre who was found wanting when Drogba out paced him for his match winning goal. Toure though had a very good game continuing on his good form as of late. 8
Silvestre
He brings experience in defence especially with the young Gibbs in the back four. He lacks pace though and Drogba took advantage of that. 5
Denilson
Had one of his worse games for Arsenal. Kept giving the ball away, often failing to block Chelsea’s midfield. When he lost the ball he invariably gave dangerous free kicks away. A mystery why he was picked by Wenger because he has been out of form recently and Song had been excellent in that position. 2
Diaby
Had a good first half but faded away in the second. Crowded Fabreags out in the midfield areas and was not really offering any support to Adebayor who was left isolated. 4
Fabregas
Was not creative enough today. He did not make any penetrative passes nor did he dictate play as he usually does. Maybe Diaby had something to do with it. 5
Van Persie
Can’t really blame him as he was played out of position but he never got past his man once! Often came inside but was largely ineffective. 4
Walcott
Along with Gibbs, Walcott was the bright spark of a miserable afternoon. Often had the better of Cole and scored Arsenal’s goal because he was at the right position to score it even if it went in off two Chelsea defenders. He has to improve his crosses though as they often got way beyond our attackers. 7
Adebayor
Can’t blame him for his ineffective performance for once. He was isolated up front and never got the supply he deserved. 6
Arsenal’s Man of the Match: Kieren Gibbs
Wenger picked the wrong team
By 1970's Gooner
I have to call them as I see them. And what I saw during this pulsating FA Cup semi final was a team put out by Wenger which was starved of its midfield tenacity and its forward minded players.
The first and foremost glaring team selection by Wenger was to keep Song out of the team and play Denilson in his place.
The result was a weak Denilson often failing to block Chelsea’s midfield but above all passing the ball to them and putting our defence under unnecessary pressure.
When he lost the ball he invariably gave dangerous free kicks away. If Song had played I am sure the game would have had a different outcome.
And if Song had an injury then Diaby and Fabregas should have been the pairing in midfield with Diaby instructed to keep back.
The second of what I call “self induced weakness” was to drop Arshavin on the bench and play Van Persie as a left winger.
Not only did Arsenal lose Arshavin’s thrust and penetration the player chosen to replace him was playing out of position and thus the poor man rendered largely ineffective.
The third which arose as a result of playing Van Persie out of position was playing Diaby as the man behind Adebayor. Or was it Fabregas who was supposed to play there.
You see what I mean? Diaby was more often than not in the Fabregas territory crowding the little maestro out thus depriving Arsenal of its creativity.
Or was it Fabregas that was crowding Diaby out? Take your pick because it was not clear who was supporting Adebayor at all. This also meant that Adebayor was starved of any support.
Fair enough you cannot legislate for two goal keeping errors and if Fabiansky had not come out to try and block Drogba then you never know we might have got away with a 90 minute draw and then it would have been anybody’s game.
I also feel that if we had played with a full strength team we would have out played Chelsea to the ground. This leaves me feeling very optimistic for the remaining games and for next season.
But only if Wenger stops messing about with the formation and the selection of players.
I have to call them as I see them. And what I saw during this pulsating FA Cup semi final was a team put out by Wenger which was starved of its midfield tenacity and its forward minded players.
The first and foremost glaring team selection by Wenger was to keep Song out of the team and play Denilson in his place.
The result was a weak Denilson often failing to block Chelsea’s midfield but above all passing the ball to them and putting our defence under unnecessary pressure.
When he lost the ball he invariably gave dangerous free kicks away. If Song had played I am sure the game would have had a different outcome.
And if Song had an injury then Diaby and Fabregas should have been the pairing in midfield with Diaby instructed to keep back.
The second of what I call “self induced weakness” was to drop Arshavin on the bench and play Van Persie as a left winger.
Not only did Arsenal lose Arshavin’s thrust and penetration the player chosen to replace him was playing out of position and thus the poor man rendered largely ineffective.
The third which arose as a result of playing Van Persie out of position was playing Diaby as the man behind Adebayor. Or was it Fabregas who was supposed to play there.
You see what I mean? Diaby was more often than not in the Fabregas territory crowding the little maestro out thus depriving Arsenal of its creativity.
Or was it Fabregas that was crowding Diaby out? Take your pick because it was not clear who was supporting Adebayor at all. This also meant that Adebayor was starved of any support.
Fair enough you cannot legislate for two goal keeping errors and if Fabiansky had not come out to try and block Drogba then you never know we might have got away with a 90 minute draw and then it would have been anybody’s game.
I also feel that if we had played with a full strength team we would have out played Chelsea to the ground. This leaves me feeling very optimistic for the remaining games and for next season.
But only if Wenger stops messing about with the formation and the selection of players.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Van Persie gets a goal and an injury which does not look serious (video)
By 1970's Gooner
There has been concern about Robin Van Persie’s fitness after he was substituted on the 65th minute during Holland’s game against Scotland.
Van Persie scored a headed goal from a corner when he made a run into the six yard box without anybody picking him up.
He was also ready to head Holland’s first goal but his team mate Huntelaar got there just before him. So terrible was the defending from the Scots that Holland’s coach Bert van Marwijk said:
"3-0 is a good result in an international match. Scotland created only one chance, so we did a good job. However, our start wasn't good enough and Scotland defended good in the beginning”
Van Persie’s injury does not look that worrying as it was a clash on the head as he went up to meet a deep cross. He was able to walk off unaided afterwards as you will see from the video above.
There has been concern about Robin Van Persie’s fitness after he was substituted on the 65th minute during Holland’s game against Scotland.
Van Persie scored a headed goal from a corner when he made a run into the six yard box without anybody picking him up.
He was also ready to head Holland’s first goal but his team mate Huntelaar got there just before him. So terrible was the defending from the Scots that Holland’s coach Bert van Marwijk said:
"3-0 is a good result in an international match. Scotland created only one chance, so we did a good job. However, our start wasn't good enough and Scotland defended good in the beginning”
Van Persie’s injury does not look that worrying as it was a clash on the head as he went up to meet a deep cross. He was able to walk off unaided afterwards as you will see from the video above.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Eduardo after his comeback:"This will help me when I play for Arsenal”
By 1970’s Gooner
Eduardo spoke after Croatia’s game against Romania where he capped a very good performance with the assist for Nico Kranjkar’s winner.
"What can I say. I am overjoyed that I came back. I am glad that the fans and you journalists could see that I had no fear”.
He did admit though that he was apprehensive before the game:
“Before the game I felt a little fear, excitement in the stomach, but I think that was good. I think this we will certainly help me when I play for Arsenal. I am extremely happy that my coach gave me the opportunity to play”.
“There is a lot of competition in the attack now. Petric and Olic are in great shape and this can only be positive” Eduardo said.
Eduardo spoke after Croatia’s game against Romania where he capped a very good performance with the assist for Nico Kranjkar’s winner.
"What can I say. I am overjoyed that I came back. I am glad that the fans and you journalists could see that I had no fear”.
He did admit though that he was apprehensive before the game:
“Before the game I felt a little fear, excitement in the stomach, but I think that was good. I think this we will certainly help me when I play for Arsenal. I am extremely happy that my coach gave me the opportunity to play”.
“There is a lot of competition in the attack now. Petric and Olic are in great shape and this can only be positive” Eduardo said.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Player analysis and ratings vs Spurs
By 1970’s Gooner
Almunia
Made only mistake which he tends to repeat in many games. His timing and positioning when he comes out for the crosses is suspect. Robbie Keane failed to score luckily enough.
Other than that Almunia was calmness personified. He collected from corners well and took the pressure off his beleagured defenders and crowned a very good performance with a last minute save when Modric was clean through. Just what our players were doing committing themselves to a corner kick the other end is beyond me! 8
Sagna
Kept to his duties well but did not venture forward much. When he did his crosses were not very good often hitting the defender. Yet it was defending that was needed and this he did well. 7
Clichy
I felt that he was not at his best in this game and also during the last few games. He looks tired and Lennon did go past him on some occasions. When Wenger made the switch and put Van Persie in the midfield on the left hand side leaving Bendtner alone up front the team regained its balance and Clichy had more needed support. 6
Gallas
A solid performance. Kept Pauvlichenko in check and was always well positioned to defend with strength and determination. 7
Toure
I felt that he was tentative in his heading especially in the first half. He tends to head the ball almost upwards rather than forward. This tends to put the rest of the defence under pressure because it is anybody’s ball when he does that. He did defend very well in the second half when we were under pressure. I am more in favour of Djourou starting games. 6
Song
One of his better games for Arsenal especially in the second half when he only had to defend and destroy. Broke up a lot of the Spurs attacks and did the job of two men really as his other half in the middle of the pitch was nowhere to be found. 8.5
Denilson
Probably had his worst game for Arsenal. Couldn’t tackle couldn’t pass the ball with any accuracy and couldn’t make any telling contribution at all. Why oh why does Wenger insist with him I will never know. 4
Narsi
Was lively in the first half but faded in the second. He did come in the middle and helped crowd the space up and at least he is not wasteful in possession. 5.5
Eboue
Brainless. He did have a good first 15 minutes running through and creating some dangerous situations but those two yellows were indefensible. 3
Adebayor
Useless. Lethargic. Uninterested. His injury is a blessing in disguise. 4
Robin Van Persie
Quality. The only player that played with determination, commitment and purpose. He also performed quite well when asked to fill in the middle areas of the pitch. 8
Bendtner
He needs to play with more concentration and use his head rather than let his enthusiasm take over. We were after all playing with 10 men. Yet he did combine well with Van Persie and nearly scored with a thunderous shot that Cuddicini parried away. Will Wenger trust him now that Adebayor is out? 6.5
Man of the Match: Song and Almunia are very close but I would give it to Song
Almunia
Made only mistake which he tends to repeat in many games. His timing and positioning when he comes out for the crosses is suspect. Robbie Keane failed to score luckily enough.
Other than that Almunia was calmness personified. He collected from corners well and took the pressure off his beleagured defenders and crowned a very good performance with a last minute save when Modric was clean through. Just what our players were doing committing themselves to a corner kick the other end is beyond me! 8
Sagna
Kept to his duties well but did not venture forward much. When he did his crosses were not very good often hitting the defender. Yet it was defending that was needed and this he did well. 7
Clichy
I felt that he was not at his best in this game and also during the last few games. He looks tired and Lennon did go past him on some occasions. When Wenger made the switch and put Van Persie in the midfield on the left hand side leaving Bendtner alone up front the team regained its balance and Clichy had more needed support. 6
Gallas
A solid performance. Kept Pauvlichenko in check and was always well positioned to defend with strength and determination. 7
Toure
I felt that he was tentative in his heading especially in the first half. He tends to head the ball almost upwards rather than forward. This tends to put the rest of the defence under pressure because it is anybody’s ball when he does that. He did defend very well in the second half when we were under pressure. I am more in favour of Djourou starting games. 6
Song
One of his better games for Arsenal especially in the second half when he only had to defend and destroy. Broke up a lot of the Spurs attacks and did the job of two men really as his other half in the middle of the pitch was nowhere to be found. 8.5
Denilson
Probably had his worst game for Arsenal. Couldn’t tackle couldn’t pass the ball with any accuracy and couldn’t make any telling contribution at all. Why oh why does Wenger insist with him I will never know. 4
Narsi
Was lively in the first half but faded in the second. He did come in the middle and helped crowd the space up and at least he is not wasteful in possession. 5.5
Eboue
Brainless. He did have a good first 15 minutes running through and creating some dangerous situations but those two yellows were indefensible. 3
Adebayor
Useless. Lethargic. Uninterested. His injury is a blessing in disguise. 4
Robin Van Persie
Quality. The only player that played with determination, commitment and purpose. He also performed quite well when asked to fill in the middle areas of the pitch. 8
Bendtner
He needs to play with more concentration and use his head rather than let his enthusiasm take over. We were after all playing with 10 men. Yet he did combine well with Van Persie and nearly scored with a thunderous shot that Cuddicini parried away. Will Wenger trust him now that Adebayor is out? 6.5
Man of the Match: Song and Almunia are very close but I would give it to Song
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Arshavin: I’ve learned the wrong language
By 1970’s Gooner
Andrey Arshavin has been taking private English language lessons in the last year in preparation for his eventual move to England.
He has managed to master the language at a fairly adequate level as we have witnessed during his interviews with Sky Television and Arsenal TV. You can watch one of his interviews above.
What he didn’t bargain for however was that all his efforts have gone to waste as to his great amazement hardly anyone speaks English at the Arsenal training ground!
In fact it is French he should have studied not English as he admitted during an interview he gave to a Russian TV station «News»:
“I sat in the (Arsenal) locker room, but there was continuous French, so it generally is a very big problem. But, I hope the language barrier is quickly overcome”!
He should have known better of course as there are only a few British players at any one time on the training ground or in the dressing room. The vast majority of the important players are indeed French or French speakers.
His English of course will help him outside the training ground as he settles down to life in England with his wife and two children.
Andrey Arshavin has been taking private English language lessons in the last year in preparation for his eventual move to England.
He has managed to master the language at a fairly adequate level as we have witnessed during his interviews with Sky Television and Arsenal TV. You can watch one of his interviews above.
What he didn’t bargain for however was that all his efforts have gone to waste as to his great amazement hardly anyone speaks English at the Arsenal training ground!
In fact it is French he should have studied not English as he admitted during an interview he gave to a Russian TV station «News»:
“I sat in the (Arsenal) locker room, but there was continuous French, so it generally is a very big problem. But, I hope the language barrier is quickly overcome”!
He should have known better of course as there are only a few British players at any one time on the training ground or in the dressing room. The vast majority of the important players are indeed French or French speakers.
His English of course will help him outside the training ground as he settles down to life in England with his wife and two children.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
This is what Wenger saw in Arshavin
By 1970’s Gooner
Andrei Arshavin is a typical Wenger player. He is very, very quick, athletic and most of all possesses high technique and ball skills.
He reminds me of Alexander Hleb but without the timidness in front of goal and with a more direct style.
He is a player who hugs the touchline and his pace, devilry and work rate are almost unplayable.
More over he plays with his brain. His through passes, bisecting the opposing defence and playing his on coming forward through as you will see in the above video are exquisite and in true Wengerish style.
Andrei is 27 years old and captain of Russia. He has scored 15 goals for his country in 41 appearances. If he can do that for Arsenal from a wide midfield position he will be a far more effective player than Alexander Hleb!
Andrei Arshavin is a typical Wenger player. He is very, very quick, athletic and most of all possesses high technique and ball skills.
He reminds me of Alexander Hleb but without the timidness in front of goal and with a more direct style.
He is a player who hugs the touchline and his pace, devilry and work rate are almost unplayable.
More over he plays with his brain. His through passes, bisecting the opposing defence and playing his on coming forward through as you will see in the above video are exquisite and in true Wengerish style.
Andrei is 27 years old and captain of Russia. He has scored 15 goals for his country in 41 appearances. If he can do that for Arsenal from a wide midfield position he will be a far more effective player than Alexander Hleb!
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Arshavin misses Arsenal medical due to London traffic jam
By 1970’s Gooner
Arshavin is in London and doing well.
There has been a lull of information coming out of either camp with the on going saga of Arshavin’s transfer to Arsenal. Some journalists have even questioned whether Arshavin has actually made his way to London to undergo his medical and sign the transfer papers.
Arshavin was not on the plane with the rest of his Zenit teammates when they returned from their winter tour of the Arab Emirates. He took a different route but with the same destination: The Emirates in London…
At the arrivals hall at Heathrow airport he was met with the Arsenal representatives but once they boarded the Arsenal mini bus they were stuck in the traffic jam around the airport and elsewhere in London, so the Russian press is reporting.
This meant that they were a number of hours late for their various appointments inclusive of the rigorous and lengthy medical check up that all football players have to go through.
But the good news is that everything is expected to be completed in time by tomorrow Monday 2nd of February when the transfer window closes.
Arshavin is in London and doing well.
There has been a lull of information coming out of either camp with the on going saga of Arshavin’s transfer to Arsenal. Some journalists have even questioned whether Arshavin has actually made his way to London to undergo his medical and sign the transfer papers.
Arshavin was not on the plane with the rest of his Zenit teammates when they returned from their winter tour of the Arab Emirates. He took a different route but with the same destination: The Emirates in London…
At the arrivals hall at Heathrow airport he was met with the Arsenal representatives but once they boarded the Arsenal mini bus they were stuck in the traffic jam around the airport and elsewhere in London, so the Russian press is reporting.
This meant that they were a number of hours late for their various appointments inclusive of the rigorous and lengthy medical check up that all football players have to go through.
But the good news is that everything is expected to be completed in time by tomorrow Monday 2nd of February when the transfer window closes.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Arsenal Vs Plymouth 3-1. Video Highlights
By Aries
Not a lot of people outside the Emirates got to see Arsenal's three goals against plucky Plymouth.
We have found these highlights for anyone that is interested. Certainly Robin Van Persie was involved in all three goals.
The first an unchallenged header from a corner. The second a deflection of his low cross into the box and the third on the half volley slamming the ball high into the net after the goalkeeper had saved his initial lob.
Not a lot of people outside the Emirates got to see Arsenal's three goals against plucky Plymouth.
We have found these highlights for anyone that is interested. Certainly Robin Van Persie was involved in all three goals.
The first an unchallenged header from a corner. The second a deflection of his low cross into the box and the third on the half volley slamming the ball high into the net after the goalkeeper had saved his initial lob.