Wenger thinks very highly of Benzema

By Aries

You may remember when we last reported that Arsene Wenger was appointed Castrol Ambassador for Euro 2008.

He has recently in this capacity been speaking to Eurosport assessing each team’s chances for glory in the Euro 2008 championships next summer.

He has pinpointed Karim Benzema, the Lyon striker, as the player that could make a big impact saying that he could be “an immense revelation”. He also showed that he knew a lot about the player’s performance statistics:

“I think Benzema could emerge as a big surprise. He is 20-years-old, in France he scored 11 goals in 10 games and he has fantastic efficiency”.

"But he is also a good link player, he is not only a goalscorer, and I believe he could be an immense revelation at the European Championship."

He obviously looks like a typical Wenger player who has the technique and flexibility to play in more than one position.

Benzema along with fellow Lyon player Hatem Ben Arfa have been coveted by a host of European clubs ever since they burst into Lyon’s first team.


Arsenal were reported to have sent scouts to watch Benzema last October when he scored against Lyon’s victory over Monaco.

Wenger, if he is interested in bidding for the player in the transfer window, is likely to face competition from Milan, Inter and Juventus, who have also been tracking Benzema.

However Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has said the Benzema and Arfa are going nowhere.

"It is out of the question that they are leaving us," he said last month.

However Michael Essien, Mahamadou Diarra, Florent Malouda and Eric Abidal all left Lyon after similar comments from Aulas!


Rosicky Holds the Key to Riverside Lock

Wenger enters the world of advertising but with a touch of class

Rosicky Holds the Key to Riverside Lock

By 1970’s Gooner

Eleven days ago Arsenal faced a Wigan side that tasted defeat in its previous seven games. Absent from this game were two of the most creative midfielders Arsene Wenger has ever assembled: Cesc Fabregas and the Minsk Maradona, Alexander Hleb. Also missing was the magnificent Flamini.

What was evident during that game was that there was neither leadership nor forward penetration coming from the midfield. There was no one to take up the mantle and dictate play the way that Fabregas usually provides.

Both Denilson and Diarra, the chosen pair for the two central midfield positions, were content to win the ball and play it safe.

It wasn’t until Wenger moved a more forceful and creative player, Rosicky, into that area behind Adebayor and the midfield when things changed.

Arsenal suddenly had forward movement and urgency and as a result were circling round Wigan’s area pushing them back more and more. In the 80th minute Gallas stepped up to score and it was game over.

A week later Arsenal traveled to Birmingham to face a very strong and in form Aston Villa. The starting eleven however included two players that were missing against Wigan: Flamini and Hleb.

Flamini’s tireless and powerful display along with Hleb’s fantastic trickery and forward creativity make the difference and Arsenal’s brilliance and domination results in two goals in the first half.

It wasn’t until Hleb’s injury in the second half that Villa assumed the initiative. But Arsenal were already a goal ahead by then and only had to hold out for about 30 minutes.

At Newcastle four days later Arsene, had to choose a side that could not include Flamini and Hleb. Just like against Wigan, when these two players were also missing, he went again for more defensive and destructive players in central midfield. On this occasion Gilberto and Diarra.

Rosicky was, as for the Wigan game, again marginalised on the left wing.

The end result, as feared by many, including this site, was that there was no creativity again (other sites were predicting an easy win even with a “depleted midfield”).

There was no one to dictate play in the crucial central areas of the field starving the forwards of the service they deserved.

As Arsene Wenger said after the game:

“I feel that technically we did not find the right solutions when we won the ball back to get them out of position. That made their physical game easier for them”.

Newcastle are not Wigan. They played tenaciously and pressed Arsenal in all areas inclusive high up the pitch. Just like Aston Villa did in the second half. And more importantly Arsenal did not and could not be creative enough to score a second goal.

On Sunday Arsene has to choose a side to face Middlesbrough which again cannot contain Flamini and Hleb.

Will he still insist on keeping the only remaining creative midfielder away from the area where the team is clearly lacking?

An area from where he could provide the link between the forward line and the middle of the pitch that was so missing against Newcastle?

Football coaches say that a lot of the time they have to adjust their tactics and formations to suit the players they have available. And it looks that Arsene may now have to twig the formation a bit to accommodate Rosicky in a more central role.

And the system that will allow him to do that is a 4 2 1 3 formation with two central defensive midfielders (any two from Gilberto, Diarra, Denilson and Song) sitting behind Rosicky with three forwards in front of him: Adebayor flanked by Eboue and say Walcott (not Eduardo).

Middlesbrough are not the type of team nor do they have the players to pressure Arsenal up the pitch like Newcastle and Aston Villa did. And in ex Arsenal boy Alliadiere and the Turk Tuncay they do not possess a particularly potent strike force.

However Arsenal will still need to be creative and Rosicky can play a significant role in making it seven away points out of a possible nine.


Three reasons why Newcastle will be a tough nut to break

Six changes Wenger made this season are propelling Arsenal to the title.

Xmas wish for West Ham fans: Bilic as West Ham's new Wenger!

By The Coach (who is really a crypto West Ham fan!)

Bilic is an ex-West Ham great who has proven to have Wenger-like qualities in building up teams that are young and exciting and most of all effective.

He can be the new Wenger of the Premiership and I am sure he would jump at the chance to coach a Premiership team especially at his old stamping ground, Upton Park.

The West Ham Board should recognise opportunities when they arise and find a way to make them happen.

I was totally impressed with Bilic's ability to bring together young talent and shape a team that can play good football and most of all a team that is capable of beating anyone.

The style of football that Croatia displayed at Wembley the other night is indeed the football that West Ham were known for but sadly now only seen in glimpses.

It wasn’t that long ago when Sir Trevor Brooking et al and even before him when the Great Bobby Moore was the captain that West Ham were admired for the way they played the beautiful game.

Bilic is the man and the Board should be clever enough to see and grasp this opportunity to transform West Ham into a power in football again. It won't happen overnight, but Bilic more than Curbishley knows how to achieve it.

The most Curbishley can manage is to use his old and trusted methods to just keep West Ham away from trouble. But is this enough?

Having been a West Ham admirer for so many years, I think it is time the club moved on. It is time to show a little more ambition.


England will probably never be a world football power again

West Ham Don’t Need a Director of Football but a New Manager

McClaren and Wenger blamed for England’s failure: A nation in denial

By The Coach

Sure, McClaren was never a brilliant football manager and yes, a better choice could have been made in May 2006. But isn’t this typical of a nation that goes into mass denial once again?

The problem of English football is deeply rooted and has to do with an archaic footballing culture that is fostered and maintained by all, including those who are now taking to pieces poor McClaren.

All these experts and professors of football are quick to advise the eternal formula, “sack the coach and start again”. If only it were that simple!

Wait, haven’t we tried that many times before? Terry Venables, Glenn Hoddle, Sven Goran Ericsson and even Sir Alf Ramsey did not escape becoming the scapegoats for the more obvious reality that a whole nation does not want to even consider, let alone, come to terms with.

The fact is that football in England is bad! It is too physical, too square, too predictable, too English!

The mass hysteria has even reached the point of blaming it all on Wenger! Yes, unbelievable as it may sound, some gurus in England actually profess that the problems with English football emanate from having Arsene Wenger type managers in the Premiership!

“If only Arsene Wenger would try to create successful teams in the Premiership using young British rather than international talent, then…”

Wenger is not racist or anti-British! He would love to be able to build a championship winning team using available talent from England. The problem is that there is no such talent (and surely not at the same cost) to be found as could be sourced from abroad.

Looking into the problem a little deeper, the talent that can be developed into the Fabregas, the Van-Persies and the Hlebs of this world is so rare in England for a very good reason.

Young kids in England are unfortunate enough to grow up in England. By the time they learn the rules and have the British footballing values embedded into their persona it is far too late to explore and develop their natural qualities for creativity, imagination and flair on the field.

To use an analogy, it is like having Van Gough or Mozart create their beautiful work while serving in the army.

Back in early September I along with 1970’s Gooner began a series of articles that expounded on this very issue (see our posting England will probably never be a world football power again).

In our opinion the reason for this lies on the emphasis placed by the English society on several character related attributes, which in the end help to stifle any skills that a young player may possess.

These attributes, admirable as they are, concentrate more on the traditional English values of commitment, work ethos, effort and physical and mental strength.

All very important and very necessary elements in what makes a world class player.

But alas not sufficient. And they inevitably manifest themselves in all aspects of the English game.

In the way the players themselves play the game. In the way English coaches encourage their players to conduct themselves on the pitch. In their choice of strategies and tactics. And in the way the referees interpret the laws.

In fact most English players are made to look better when they are playing for their club teams which mostly consist of foreign players.

But when they have to co-exist with the rest of the England squad and line up against their club colleagues and other more skillful players in an international game they have no such “shield”

The truth is that England are really an average team who is made to look a little bit better when a few world class players emerge now and then.


England will probably never be a world football power again

Accounts show Wenger has £74m transfer kitty. What should he spend it on?

By 1970's Gooner

A few months ago Arsenal Holdings Plc announced bumper financial figures for the year ended May 2006. The results include the hugely positive effect of the extra revenues arising from the move to the Emirates.

Arsenal now take in £3.1m per match day as opposed to about half of that during the Highbury days and this extra revenue has generated a lot of cash that are available for transfers.


The financial figures revealed at the time that £74m is cash was sitting in the company’s bank account! It is very interesting to note what the Board had to say about how this cash is to be used:

”The Board believe that the best long term policy is to re-invest the cash back into the development of the team. The objective is to make available to the manager the maximum possible funds for the development of the playing squad.”

Also added to this income is the extra net cash generated by Wenger’s transfer activity during the summer which includes the lucrative transfers of Henry to Barcelona and Ljumberg to West Ham (see my posting: Arsenal’s transfer kitty is still bulging).

There is no doubt that there is a lot of cash available for transfers; if Wenger chooses to spend any that is!

But which are the areas that he may consider strengthening?

Goalkeeper

The sensible thing to do here is to see if Lehmann will continue until the summer. If so Wenger may resist strengthening for January, giving Almunia the chance to prove himself. He will then know what to go for; a new number one or another number two.


However if Lehmann is to leave in this January window then Wenger needs to recruit a new and experienced goalkeeper that will be able to challenge and provide cover for Almunia; and vice versa.

Right back

No need to strengthen. Hoyte, Eboue and Diarra are very adequate back ups for Sagna

Left back

There is a need to have an experienced defender to cover for Clichy. But Wenger values Traore and will not want to jeopardize his prospects by buying another left back.

He has cover after all, as the players available for the right back position can fill in, but additionally there is Gallas and Flamini.

Central defenders

The two first team choices of Toure and Gallas are beginning to jell at last but it is in their cover again that reinforcements are needed especially with the African Cup of Nations drawing near.

The current second choice central defenders are Senderos, Djourou, Gilberto and lately Song.

The problem is that of these only Djourou looks capable of rising to the task. Gilberto is experienced but lacks pace and Song is still too young to be trusted.

Senderos has not been convincing this season.

Lack of pace and positional sense being his two major deficiencies.

Wenger may utilise some of that available cash to bring in a new experienced centre back and consider allowing the young lad to move on.

Wide midfielders

There seems to be an abundance of wide midfielders available for Wenger to choose from. His preferred options are Rosicky and the excellent Hleb. There are of course Eboue and Walcott available who have been coming into form lately.

Wenger may not add to this list in January as he will want to give first team games to both Eboue and especially Walcott in order to allow them the chance to blossom further.

He will probably want to reassess the situation ready for the summer transfer window especially if Eboue does not continue to improve.

Central midfielders

There is an abundance of riches for these positions and if anything Wenger may be forced to unload than to recruit.

There is Fabregas and Flamini of course but there is also Gilberto, the captain of Brazil, the excellent prospect that goes by the name of Denilson, Diaby the new Vieira, the newly arrived Diarra who looks promising and Song whom I rate highly as a central midfielder.

The more likely candidate to be sold on is in fact Gilberto. His transfer will create the space for the other players to blossom even further and the transfer income and savings in his wages makes even more financial sense.


Judging by Wenger’s transfer behaviour so far do not be surprised to waive good buy to Gilberto! However this may come next summer as his experience will be very valuable for this young and title chasing team.

Forwards

The pairing of Robin Van Persie and Adebayor needs time to jell further and Arsene Wenger will want to give it every opportunity of doing so as this combination has the potential to grow into something beautiful.

He has already bought Eduardo and brought young Bendtner back from his loan stint at Birmingham. He will also want to give them the opportunities to show what they can do.

The problem however is that Eduardo has not settled in yet and as such has not been able to offer the outlet that the recent absence of Van Persie cried out for.

Bendtner, although promising, is still young and as such has not been trusted by Wenger to start important games (I disagree of course).

Wenger recognising this lack of cover reverted to the rather conservative 4 5 1 for the two crucial games against Liverpool and Manchester United leaving Adebayor, by his own admittance, isolated. (See my posting on this subject: Arsenal’s Formula One Car Cannot Run With The Handbreak On. A Critique)

He has the Hleb option available of course which is a realistic one; as long as Hleb actually plays that support role behind the front striker.

So it is unlikely that Wenger will buy in any more front players during this window.

Conclusion

Yes there is a large transfer kitty available to Arsene Wenger and if he does use it in January, it will probably be for experienced back ups in the goalkeeper and central defensive positions.

Otherwise he is unlikely to use any substantial amounts in strengthening what is already a strong squad; which is “getting better all the time”!

Remember the Beatles song?


Arsenal’s "Totaalvoetbal" a First in the Premiership. Wenger and Michels, Hleb and Cruyff

Wenger’s midfield options for Wigan limited due to injuries and suspension

Wenger prank transfer target due to cross the Atlantic

By 1970’s Gooner

You will remember last summer when “The Sun” published a sensational story that Arsene Wenger was ready to sign Argentinean hot shot goal scoring sensation Rodrigo Palacios.

A lot of newspapers and other news related media and blogs (!) were taken in because it did concern a known player of certain ability just after Henry had departed from Arsenal.

It turned out to be a big prank of course.

But now it appears that his goal scoring ability has attracted interest from a host of European clubs including the French side Lyon.

They are about to ditch ex Liverpool and Aston Villa player Milan Baros and are on the look out to augment their attacking options as their other forward Alex is injured at the moment.

Palacios is 25 plays for Boca Juniors and is considered to be the best Argentinean not to have crossed the Atlantic! His transfer fee is put at £12m.

Wenger trialist Mputu hailed as the new Eto'o. Watch him on video

Arsenal’s "Totaalvoetbal" a First in the Premiership. Wenger and Michels, Hleb and Cruyff

Wenger trialist Mputu hailed as the new Eto'o. Watch him on video

By 1970’s Gooner

Tresor Mputu’s performances were so impressive for his club TP Mazembe and for his country DR Congo that a host of local and foreign clubs have been very keen to sign him.

The list includes Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns and also three Belgian teams as well as Bayern Munich.

Mputu, 21, has reportedly already had trials in France and Belgium.

This must have alerted Arsene Wenger who apparently has been tracking the African for some time. And move fast he had.

So fast that, as Mputu’s agent announced, the player is arriving in London to begin trials with Arsenal on Monday November 19th.

“There is a 70 percent chance that he could sign but Arsenal still want to look at him before making final arrangements,”

“He is one of the most talented players to come out of Africa in the past two years and his performance in the African Champions league is there for all to see, he told Kick Off Magazine.


The pint-sized but highly skilful forward currently tops the Caf Champions League goalscoring table with 11 goals to his name.

Mputu is expected to make his mark for DR Congo in the upcoming African Nations Cup and Wenger, a shrewd transfer dealer, would obviously like to get his man before he bursts on the scene and his value sky rockets.

His price is placed at the moment at £500,000 which is just about right for Wenger!

Former Congo coach Claude Le Roy described Mputu as better than Samuel Eto'o!

Le Roy famously picked Eto’o for Cameroon for the 1998FIFA World Cup in France as a 17 year-old. If he is right then Wenger has unearthed another gem.

As you can see from the videos we have assembled Tresor is a cool finisher in front of goal.

He is also blessed with pace and good technique which is of course a sine qua non for any player if he is to be given half a chance of making it through the London Colney doors.

He can also kick where it hurts!

Tresor Mabi Mputu Fact File

Date of Birth: 10 December 1985
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Playing position: Striker
Current club: TP Mazembe
Number: 8


Arsenal’s "Totaalvoetbal" a First in the Premiership. Wenger and Michels, Hleb and Cruyff

Arsenal put on the Harlem Globetrotters Show at Reading

By 1970’s Gooner

It was men against boys; only the other way round if you see what I mean. But it was not like that all the way through. Coppell went for the conservative approach packing his midfield with five men and playing only one man up front.

Arsenal started somewhat lethargically and although they were enjoying 60% of possession they could not find a way round the packed Reading defense.

Yet it could have been very different from as early as the 4th minute when Adebayor put through by Rosicky clean on goal rather casually stroked the ball round Hanemann only to see it hit the outside the right hand post and go out of play.

Reading’s defensive formation was working quite well until the 43rd minute when they won a corner! As on many occasions that is when the defensive team is most vulnerable with the commitment of players in the opposite box opening up space on the other end of the pitch.

Arsenal were in the Reading box in a flash and Hleb was squaring the ball to the on rushing Flamini to score his first goal of the season.

That spelled the end of Reading’s mental resilience. The second half was monopolised by Arsenal adding the second on 52 after a sumptuous passing movement.

First Adebayor passed to Rosicky who gave it to Fabregas who laid it back for Adebayor to score from just inside the box with the minimum of back lift and with the inside of his right boot beyond the despairing Hanemann.

Now it was cruise control and exhibition “Harlem Globetrotters” staff as Reading were reduced to just a spectator part.

The Arsenal players were more interested in putting passes together and keeping the ball for very long spells rather than going for the jugular. Just like a cat plays with a captive mouse whose fate is already beyond doubt!

Hleb got the third on 78 after Oster passed to nobody outside his area. Hleb picked it up went through one player dummied the goalkeeper, dragged the ball back to his right foot and shot into the net off the defender’s stretched leg.

Wenger’s insistence on making double substitutions at the same time rather than spacing them out disrupted the flow again just as they did in Arsenal’s last game against Manchester United.

This gave the impetus for Reading to push forward and as Arsenal relaxed a bit more they managed to score a goal after a header hit the post with Almunia already out of position trying to stop it.

Fabregas got an “intended” yellow card and misses Arsenal’s next game against Wigan at the Emirates.

But Arsenal are top of the League again. Where they belong.


Coppell: "Reading have three different ways of playing against Arsenal". Really?

Coppell: "Reading have three different ways of playing against Arsenal". Really?

By 1970’s Gooner

There are indeed, as Steve Coppell has said, three different ways available for Reading to play against Arsenal. But are they all viable options?

Coppell knows that if Reading play a 4 4 2 as they did the last time these two sides met at the Madejski Stadium they will get hammered again.

The open spaces that such a system will leave for Fabregas et al to exploit will in the end allow Arsenal to dictate the game carving up Reading’s midfield and creating chances for Arsenal’s forwards.

Especially if Arsenal play a 4 4 1 1 system with Hleb just behind Adebayor.

So Coppell’s only other options are to either deploy the man to man marking that worked so well against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the first game of the season or pack the midfield with five men and deploy the lone striker up front.

Playing man to man is likely to prove very risky against this Arsenal side. More than it did against Manchester United. This is because Arsenal’s style of play is full of quick passing and more importantly movement.

As Marcus Hannemann the Reading goalkeeper said of Arsenal “they're the give-and-go kings”

And it is the mobility that usually untangles this tactic which requires only one man to falter in his covering or positioning and you are already chasing the game.

Also it is very difficult to switch into a new formation should you wish to do so. If you fall behind for example.

So Coppell has only one option really. He will pack his midfield in a 4 5 1 formation and hope to catch Arsenal on the break or score from a dead ball situation.

What is also interesting however is the formation Wenger will choose to deploy.

This game comes after his “Mea Culpa” following the draw against Manchester United at the Emirates where he accepted that the formation selected meant that there was no real support for the front striker.

"Sometimes Adebayor was a bit too isolated up there. Maybe I could have played Theo Walcott up front, or Eduardo or Niklas Bendnter. But I went for a different approach.

"Without Robin van Persie the balance in the final third was not completely right. “That's my fault. I'd look at that again.

It seems that for the difficult games Wenger tends to go for the more conservative approach. But for games such as tonight’s I would be very surprised if he chooses a conservative 4 5 1.

It’s more likely to be a more attacking 4 4 1 1 where Hleb will be the support striker or a more traditional 4 4 2 with Eduardo or Walcott partnering Adebayor.

Since Arsenal ex boy Steven Sidwell departed for Chelsea, Reading have been missing not only his industry in midfield but also his creativeness.

Sidwell often carved up chances for his teammates and for himself. In this respect Coppell has failed to replace him and the team is suffering for it.

It is no surprise therefore that only Wigan, Derby and Sunderland have scored less goals at home than Reading (6 vs 7 for Reading).

What is more ominous however is that Reading has the weakest defence in the Premier League along with bottom placed Derby with 26 goals conceded.

They tend to concede on average one goal every 42 minutes. Arsenal on the other hand score on average one goal every 41 minutes!

Prediction: Away win 0-3

Wenger’s “top class” Vela scores a great goal for Osasuna

By 1970’s Gooner

Carlos Vela, the Mexican wonder kid who is on Arsenal’s books, has scored a fantastic goal for Spanish La Liga side Osasuna helping them win away at Real Betis 0-3. The striker was then left out as Osasuna slumped to a 2-0 home defeat by Getafe. Maybe they should play him more often.

As you can see on the video he takes the ball from the left wide midfield position, cuts infield and after playing a one two he strikes an unstoppable shot from outside the area into the top right hand corner of the goal.

He is not a regular first team player yet but with goals like that he will soon be starting games. He is currently being used as a substitute but when he comes on he plays on the left side of midfield.

Wenger however has said his position will be in the middle of the attack. It’s not normally that Arsene Wenger lavishes so much praise on a player as readily as he has for Carlos Vela. When Vela signed a permanent deal at Arsenal at the beginning of the year Wenger was 100% convinced of his ability.

"He's top class. I like his intelligence and his pace. He scores goals but he can also create them. "He's a special talent and I believe 100 per cent that he will make it at the highest level."

Praise indeed!

A Mexican Youth International, Carlos shot to prominence in 2005 when he helped Mexico win the FIFA U-17 World Championships. He scored five goals in the tournament to win the Golden Boot.

In the summer he represented Mexico at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada. He played in all five matches but Mexico were knocked out at the Quarter-Final stage by eventual winners Argentina.

Vela has already stated that he is dreaming of copying Cesc Fabregas and becoming a hit at Emirates Stadium. As you can see from the photo he has even adopted Fabregas’s goal celebration!





Arsenal’s Formula One Car Cannot Run With The Handbreak On. A Critique

Wenger's mea culpa! Plus player ratings for Arsenal Vs Manchester United

Arsenal’s Formula One Car Cannot Run With The Handbreak On. A Critique

By 1970’s Gooner

You can not have the most attractive team on the land, littered with players who possess amazing technique and skills yet ask them to play in a straitjacket type of formation which stifles their natural tendency to play the beautiful game.

It’s like having a Formula One car but running the race with the handbrake on.

It was obvious form the beginning of the game that Arsene Wenger showed too much respect to the opponents, as he did at Anfield last week when Liverpool were not really good enough to even get a draw.

Yet he repeated the same formation, apparently 4 4 1 1, for this vital game against Manchester United. But it was not really an attacking minded 4 4 1 1.

It was actually a 4 5 1 formation, as the outstanding Hleb did not play just behind Adebayor as you would expect but much more behind, in the midfield area, in more of a playmaker’s role.

This had the result that Fagregas was more withdrawn than normal. But more importantly, when Arsenal attacked, Adebayor was more often than not isolated with no midfielders pushing forward to offer support or try and pose a more potent goal threat.

This scenario did not of course evolve naturally on its own as the game wore on. It was Wenger’s choice to put the hand break on by instructing Hleb and Fabregas to be less adventurous territorially.

He probably had a game plan of putting the shackles on in the first half and then, if need be, become more adventurous in the second.

But it doesn’t work like that. Not against the Manchester Uniteds of this world. They don’t need much to clinically strike you where it hurts most because they, more than any other team, have the players to capitalise on any single mistake that unavoidably will occur during a football match.

No other team can boast of having so many “killers” in their midst such as Roonie, Ronaldo and Tevez. And they were very close to winning this game.

So it was no surprise that again the same scenario unfolded more or less at the Emirates as it did against Liverpool the previous week.

Arsenal start the game with the hand break on, no real support in the offensive positions, the other team get a goal (from a defensive lapse) and then release the handbreak to salvage a draw.

I am sorry but the teams the Arsene builds can not play in this way. They cannot play in a restricted manner, defensively minded, midfielders not venturing forward and with a lone front man. Of all people Arsene should know that!

Do you remember a few years back at the beginning of Wenger’s reign when Arsenal were supreme in the Premiership but flattered to deceive in Europe? Everyone was wondering why.

In my opinion one of the major reasons for this was the application of the “handbreak”, a submission to the tactical chess games that most managers like to play in the pursuit of getting a draw away from home.

Come on Mr Wenger. This team you have built is much better than that.

Wenger and Ferguson faced with interesting selection options

By 1970’s Gooner

Does a football coach select his starting eleven according to who’s available and on form? Or according to the system that is the most appropriate for the particular game coming up?

It’s usually a combination of both of course and for the Arsenal Manchester United clash at the Emirates it is intriguing to see what formations the two managers will go with.

Let’s look at the visitors first.

Ferguson’s options appear to be much more compromised than Wenger’s.

The injuries to key players such as Neville, Saha, Scholes and possibly Carrick will go a long way in dictating not only who he selects to start but more crucially which system he will deploy.

This is because in that critical area of the pitch, the midfield, he is deprived one if not two of his best midfielders. Scholes of course has been out for some time now and the additional absence of Carrick recently forced Ferguson to rely on new young recruit Anderson.

Carrick is now considered to have overcome his injury. But he has been out for the last four weeks and I am not sure that Ferguson will risk him. There is a chance of the injury recurring but more importantly there will be concerns over his match fitness.

So Ferguson may have to decide whether to stick with Anderson or bring back Fletcher who can add a bit more steel in an area where a lot of Arsenal’s play is directed form. The excellent Hargreaves of course will be the other central midfielder.

If Ferguson sticks with Anderson then he might feel that his midfield may need bolstering further and therefore ask Roonie to drop back into that area in a 4 4 1 1 come 4 5 1 formation.

In fact he may still decide to choose this system even if Fletcher is selected as he has not being playing recently and might also be rusty.

At the end of day we all know that Roonie will be playing in that hole behind the main striker. But it is how attacking minded Ferguson wants him to be that will decide whether he is more offensively or destructively oriented.

Another reason why Ferguson might be more conservative is the vulnerability of the United full backs O’Shea and Wes Brown.

Evra, who might be fit to start, has been out of action too and may lack match fitness. Ferguson therefore might want to give his full backs more protection by detailing support from the midfielders. And a 4 4 1 1 system will allow him to do that.

There is of course a price to pay and that is the forward areas of the pitch might be starved of support.


4 4 1 1 for Arsenal too?

On the other hand Wenger has even more options. He can play the same way he did against Liverpool with a 4 4 1 1 formation with Hleb just behind Adebayor.

This is risky as it will leave only Flamini as the only defensive minded midfielder. Roonie will then find a lot of space as that will be his favourite patch of the field.

In order to counter this Wenger can go for the more conservative 4 3 3 by bringing Gilberto back into the midfield along with Flamini and Fabregas.

Adebayor could then be flanked by Hleb and Rosicky. Gilberto parking himself infront of the defence countering Roonie’s threat and Fabregas and Flamini pushing forward in support as and when the occasion demands.

The second option is to bring Bendtner or Walcott on to partner Adebayor in a 4 4 2 formation.

I watched Bendtner perform very well for Denmark in the Euro qualifiers and also in the Carling Cup. His direct physical style is very effective.

I doubt whether Wenger will try this as he is yet inexperienced for such a big game. The same goes for Walcott who is much more effective coming off the bench at the moment.

This 4 3 3 formation will be my preferred option as it provides defensive cover but at the same time it allows you the use of three attacking players plus any of the midfielders who may venture forward.

Arsenal more than Manchester United have “impact” players on the bench such as Walcott, Eboue, Bendtner or Eduardo to change the game if needed.

Ed: what do you think should be the formations for the two managers? Leave your comment and your vote on the poll we have set up

Arsenal B team should now be allowed to play in the Championship. Report and players ratings

By 1970’s Gooner

This Arsenal B team was so dominant against Sheffield United it was embarrassing.

I felt sorry, in a way, for the hapless players and supporters of this historic team. Sorry for the way they were made to look so ordinary, so pedestrian and so technically lacking.

Each and every one of those Arsenal players were of course hand picked and eventually brought to the club by Wenger himself. But only after being watched countless of times in games and in training sessions, their character scrutinised, but above all tested for their technical skills.

So it was not a surprise that each and every one of these players comprising the Arsenal B team were so brilliant and beautiful to watch. Just like the A team in fact.

Both teams are playing the same type of football which is also running throughout the Arsenal Football Club. So that when a player is ready to come into the A team he is already versed in the Arsenal way of the beautiful game.

It is now time for the football league and the authorities behind football to consider allowing football clubs like Arsenal to field their B teams in the championship. They would probably run out champions.

It would also allow for these excellent young players to get valuable experience in a competitive league without having to go out on loan and continue their tutelage at the club where they belong and in the way their club wants to bring them up.

Fabiansky

The captain for the night (but the real captain of course was Gilberto). He looked uneasy on some high balls into the box electing to punch them out rather than catch them. Corrected this in the second half and looked very assured throughout. Made a very good save early in the game when the team was trying to settle. He looks a very good goalkeeper. 8

Diarra

I was impressed with Diarra. Even though he was playing out of position he was combative, strong and full of energy. He was comfortable in this position and also ventured forward. Needs to improve his crossing but a very useful all round player. 8

Song

Also playing out of position and had a shaky start but got better as the game wore on. He still looked a little bit vulnerable and ponderous as he always does. I rate him highly as central midfielder but not as a defender. 7

Hoyte

Was very assured as a central defender and looked the part. Again was very reliable and performed his duties very well even if playing out of position. This might after all be the position for him. 8

Gibbs

Another one playing out of position (the only one in defense playing in his position was the goalkeeper). Even so he looked assured and very skillful but was reluctant to venture forward. Maybe with more exposure he will get more confident and be more attacking. 7

Diaby

Was not at his usual best. He gave the ball away on some occasions and lacked concentration throughout the game. Did not have the impact that you would have expected from someone with such strength and skill. Maybe playing out of position has something to do with it. 5

Gilberto

What a professional and what a performance. Having been left out of the first team and now stripped of the captaincy even for this Carling Cup he gave an impressive performance slotting in front of the defence, protecting the young and inexperienced back four. Made a goal saving clearance off the line. 9

Denilson

What a player. Run the game from the central midfield position. Always asking for the ball, evading the tackles and distributing like a veteran. Is he Fabregas in disguise? Got a deserved goal from a deflected shot from outside the box. 9

Walcott

Carried on from where he left against Liverpool. So full of speed and penetration. I would have liked Wenger to have played him in the center forward position. Hit the post from a tight angle after rounding the keeper. 8

Bendtner

I was impressed. He dropped back a bit off Eduardo and used his body strength to receive and shield the ball before distributing it again. His passing was accurate and thoughtful. His assist to Eduardo for the first goal was a well directed pass to feet from a distance of 20 yards. 8

Eduardo

Scored two goals that were excellently taken. The first from a rasping shot outside the area in the top right hand corner. The second after racing onto a through ball from Gibbs with only the keeper to beat. He confirmed to me that he is a real fox in the fox. You only have to set him up and he will not disappoint. 9

Manchester United’s weaknesses can be Arsenal’s gains

By 1970’s Gooner

You can imagine Wenger in the Arsenal “boot room”, or in his living room more like it, with the video of last Saturday's game between Manchester United and Middlesbrough just finishing.

This will have confirmed to him a few weaknesses in Manchester United’s defensive performance.

The goal conceded was from a header scored by one of the shortest men on the pitch, ex gunner Jeremy Aliadiere.

Uncannily it was a similar goal scored last season by another ex gunner, Thierry Henry, in that victory over United at the Emirates.

Both goals exposed two vulnerable areas in next Saturday’s opponents.

They both came from balls sent into the box from the wide areas of the pitch with the crosser of the ball getting the better of the defender.

Eboue was the provider last season and the Turk Tuncay Sanli last Saturday.

The left and right backs for United, Wes Brown and O’ Shea appear to be vulnerable to pressure especially if it comes from technically gifted opponents.

This is not surprising, as their natural position on the field due to their height and built and the one they have been trained to do since their academy years, is that of a central defender.

And Arsenal have indeed technically gifted wide men that can expose these two makeshift full backs.

Now who Wenger would choose to play wide on Saturday is another matter; but he does have a lot of options: Hleb, Rosicky, Eboue, Walcott to name but a few….

The fact that Manchester United’s wide midfielders,Ronaldo and probably Nani (or Giggs), are much better in their attacking duties rather than their defensive obligations means that Ferguson is limited as to what he can do to provide adequate protection to the full backs.

And if he does so by detailing other midfielders to look out for these situations then other areas of the field will inevitably open up.

Wenger would also have noted that the scorers (Aliadiere and Henry) who are not known for their heading ability managed to get their goal by positioning themselves between the two central defenders, Ferdinand and Vidic.

This is strange, as both the Manchester United players are known for their strength in the air. And in Adebayor, Arsenal have the right man to exploit this if and when the opportunity arises.

He will however need support when Arsenal are on the attack so that the United defenders have more players to worry about and get dragged out of position.

But perhaps what is perceived to be one of Manchester United’s major strengths, that of an attacking mentality and a system of play to match it, may end up being a weakness.

In Tevez and Roonie they have two very good footballers who can not really be instructed to play destructively.

Add to these two Ronaldo and Nani (or Giggs) and you have a very attacking set up but with lots of space being liberated in the middle of the field.

This area is unlikely to be as congested as when “lesser” teams have visited the Emirates (or as congested as it was at Anfield). And this will make for an exciting, open and entertaining game.

Decongested spaces usually suit the more creative and passing team. As indeed was the case last season when Arsenal finished top of the mini league comprising the top four teams in the Premiership.

Which included doing the double over Manchester United.


A disappointing performance at Anfield still has everyone drooling. Plus players ratings

Arsenal’s movement, Liverpool’s long balls and Adebayor’s hunger

Manchester United’s weaknesses can be Arsenal’s gains

By 1970’s Gooner

You can imagine Wenger in the Arsenal “boot room”, or in his living room more like it, with the video of last Saturday's game between Manchester United and Middlesbrough just finishing.

This will have confirmed to him a few weaknesses in Manchester United’s defensive performance.

The goal conceded was from a header scored by one of the shortest men on the pitch, ex gunner Jeremy Aliadiere.

Uncannily it was a similar goal scored last season by another ex gunner, Thierry Henry, in that victory over United at the Emirates.

Both goals exposed two vulnerable areas in next Saturday’s opponents.

They both came from balls sent into the box from the wide areas of the pitch with the crosser of the ball getting the better of the defender.

Eboue was the provider last season and the Turk Tuncay Sanli last Saturday.

The left and right backs for United, Wes Brown and O’ Shea appear to be vulnerable to pressure especially if it comes from technically gifted opponents.

This is not surprising, as their natural position on the field due to their height and built and the one they have been trained to do since their academy years, is that of a central defender.

And Arsenal have indeed technically gifted wide men that can expose these two makeshift full backs.

Now who Wenger would choose to play wide on Saturday is another matter; but he does have a lot of options: Hleb, Rosicky, Eboue, Walcott to name but a few….

The fact that Manchester United’s wide midfielders,Ronaldo and probably Nani (or Giggs), are much better in their attacking duties rather than their defensive obligations means that Ferguson is limited as to what he can do to provide adequate protection to the full backs.

And if he does so by detailing other midfielders to look out for these situations then other areas of the field will inevitably open up.

Wenger would also have noted that the scorers (Aliadiere and Henry) who are not known for their heading ability managed to get their goal by positioning themselves between the two central defenders, Ferdinand and Vidic.

This is strange, as both the Manchester United players are known for their strength in the air. And in Adebayor, Arsenal have the right man to exploit this if and when the opportunity arises.

He will however need support when Arsenal are on the attack so that the United defenders have more players to worry about and get dragged out of position.

But perhaps what is perceived to be one of Manchester United’s major strengths, that of an attacking mentality and a system of play to match it, may end up being a weakness.

In Tevez and Roonie they have two very good footballers who can not really be instructed to play destructively.

Add to these two Ronaldo and Nani (or Giggs) and you have a very attacking set up but with lots of space being liberated in the middle of the field.

This area is unlikely to be as congested as when “lesser” teams have visited the Emirates (or as congested as it was at Anfield). And this will make for an exciting, open and entertaining game.

Decongested spaces usually suit the more creative and passing team. As indeed was the case last season when Arsenal finished top of the mini league comprising the top four teams in the Premiership.

Which included doing the double over Manchester United.


A disappointing performance at Anfield still has everyone drooling. Plus players ratings

Arsenal’s movement, Liverpool’s long balls and Adebayor’s hunger

Wenger's dilemma:Who should partner Adebayor against Liverpool?

By 1970’s Gooner

Does a football coach select his starting eleven according to who’s on form?

Or according to the system that is the most appropriate for the particular game coming up?

It’s usually a combination of both of course.

And if Robin Van Persie was available tonight we would not have been pondering the question posed in the title or trying to decide the formation.

It would have been 4 4 2 and the team would have almost picked itself. But now we have the new kid on the block.

Theo was spectacular against Slavia Prague and has given Wenger a real selection dilemma. Probably one he invited on himself!

Does he stick with Theo thus continuing with the 4 4 2 formation that he anyway favours or does he decide that 4 3 3 or even 4 4 1 1 would be more appropriate in which case Walcott may not be preferred?

Keeping Walcott on the bench has its merits and would be my choice.

The 4 3 3 system is very flexible as it can of course be deployed as an attacking formation using three forwards.

But at the same time you have three midfielders (Fabregas, Flamini and Gilberto/Diaby) who can, between them, protect the defence when the forwards lose the ball.

It can also be transformed during the game into a more defensive 4 5 1 formation especially if you want to keep the score or contain the game; by the two wingers tacking in to the middle of the pitch.

Additionally by keeping Walcott on the bench Wenger will have the option of utilising the high tempo impact that Theo can provide as a substitute if the team need a goal; just like it proved against Sunderland and Bolton.

If Theo is already on the pitch who can Wenger bring on that can change the game as dramatically as we have witnessed recently?

On the other hand starting with Walcott has its merits.

For a start he is on a high and there is nothing more that adds to the potency of a forward than scoring in the previous game.


But as important is his blistering pace. It could prove to be a very big and telling advantage considering that the Liverpool central defenders, Carragher and especially Hyppia, are not particularly blessed with this attribute.

Placing those balls behind Liverpool’s defence for Walcott to run on would be Fabregas’ brief and one, I am sure, he will excel at fulfilling.

And with the team on such a high after trouncing Slavia 7-0 it may prove too difficult for Wenger to make too many changes.

One he is more likely to make is Rosicky, who likes scoring at Anfield, for Eboue.

Will the other one involve Walcott?

That’s Wenger’s dilemma.

Ed: What do you think? Leave your comment below and cast your vote on the poll we have set up: “Who should partner Adebayor against Liverpool?”

Wenger enters the world of advertising but with a touch of class

We are all Goonerish now!

Wenger enters the world of advertising but with a touch of class

By 1970’s Gooner

It was only a matter of time I suppose. Arsene Wenger is a world renowned figure, a perfectionist who excels at his chosen profession producing an output that is considered top top quality.

In the business world these are the attributes that chief Executive Officers are made of.

But if you want to advertise and promote your company then associating your company’s products with Mr Wenger is the next best thing.

Castrol of the lubricant’s brand fame is one of the major sponsors of UEFA's Euro 2008 championships.

They plan to use Wenger as their headline ambassador across a range of marketing activities including customer relations, TV, other media, PR, advertising and promotion.

However true to his class Arsene will be combining this activity along with assuming another major role.

That of developing a data base of a new performance index based on player speed, efficiency and performance in matches played in the euro 2008 championships.

Other notable Castrol ambassadors for this exercise will be Emilio Butragueno, Ottmar Hitzfeld and famous ex referee Pierluigi Colina.

I had a look at the format of this data base and it looks quite interesting. It is the type of player performance data that every manager would like to have at his fingertips. If you are interested check out the Castrol site.

Wenger of course is well known for relying heavily on such information not only in deciding when its time to let a player go to pastures green but also whether to go for a player in the transfer market:

“I’m addicted to these kind of statistics. You can assess strengths and weaknesses – how many passes a player makes, how many sprints, how many interceptions, assists etc.

I’m conscious that if I am wrong when bringing in a player, no matter how good my work is afterwards, I will stay wrong”

Well he has not been that wrong in his eleven years at Arsenal F.C has he?


Out of the walkway and onto the motorway. Can Eduardo propel Arsenal to the title starting today against Bolton?

Wenger’s selection dilemmas coming up for the Liverpool and Manchester United games

By 1970’s Gooner

It is slightly unfortunate that Arsenal are now entering the most important series of games in their calendar without their main striker in Robin Van Persie.

It is a period where this young team will have to show its credentials against the big boys of Liverpool and Manchester United. The latter following an away game in the Champions League to Slavia Prague.

It’s not your first team players that win you trophies but your squad. But just who can adequately replace Van Persie for these games has now assumed major importance following Eduardo’s very disappointing display against Bolton.

He has not yet adapted to the pace, tight marking from behind and in your face type of English football.

He could not hold the ball up front with the result that he couldn't connect with Adebayor nor bring other players into the game. He reminds me of similar performances put in by Adebayor in his first season in this League.

Eduardo was similarly ineffective on the last occasion he was given a start which was against Blackburn away.

All this poses serious selection dilemmas for Wenger who has other options of course.

His first is to play Hleb just behind Adebayor in 4 5 1 formation with Rosicky and Eboue/Walcott as the wide midfield men.

He reverted to this when he made the inspired match winning changes against Bolton. It was also the formation that served him well at the beginning of the season. It served Hleb as well.

The second option is to bring Bendtner on to partner Adebayor in a 4 4 2 formation.

I watched Bendtner perform very well for Denmark in the Euro qualifiers and his direct physical style is at the moment more effective than Eduardo’s ball to feet approach.

The more unexpected but interesting option is to reinstall Gilberto into a three man midfield, in a 4 3 3 formation along Fabregas and Flamini.

Adebayor could then be flanked by Hleb and Rosicky. Fabregas and Flamini pushing forward in support as and when the occasion demands.

Judging by Wenger’s actions in team selection so far he is likely to give Eduardo every chance to prove himself.

He will probably select him for the Champions League game in Prague and give him the chance to show what he can do and hope he can get a goal which will prop up his confidence level.

But these types of games cannot be compared to the pressure of facing the Liverpools and Man Utds of this world.

Arsene Wenger has some serious thinking to do.


Out of the walkway and onto the motorway. Can Eduardo propel Arsenal to the title starting today against Bolton?

Are you English or Goonerish?

Out of the walkway and onto the motorway. Can Eduardo propel Arsenal to the title starting today against Bolton?

By 1970’s Gooner

It has been said many times before. It’s not your first team players that win you trophies but your squad. And today, against Bolton Wanderers, Arsenal has to begin relying even more on the quality of the squad players.

This process had really started since the beginning of the season with the injury to Gallas giving Senderos the chance to show what he can do. He could have been better of course but he did get us through this period of need.

Now he is injured, Gallas is thankfully back at the right time having played a full 90 minutes for France last Wednesday.

The trickiest injury however that Wenger will have to cope with is Van Persie’s. He is out for up to six weeks and unfortunately this period is likely to prove crucial in deciding whether these young Gunners will challenge forcefully for the title.

The games Robin is likely to miss cover very difficult fixtures against major contenders for the title. After Bolton at home the boys travel to Anfield and then a home game against Manchester United. He is also likely to miss games against Reading and Wigan.

So in step Eduardo Da Silva. He has been doing it for his adopted country Croatia consistently, scoring goals for fan as you can see on the video window.



But he has needed time to adjust to the Premiership. This is Eduardo’s chance to do so. He is likely to get a good run of games now and this will give him the exposure that all football players need. Especially if he gets a goal against Bolton.

As Wenger has said. “When you come from the Croatian championship to the English Premier League, it's like you go on the motorway from a walkway."

Let’s hope that against Bolton the latter rules the day as this game is more important than just getting the three points. It’s a game that is going to shape Arsenal’s chances of winning the title.

No easy peasy

There are a lot of fans that consider today’s game as easy peasy since Bolton are manager less and a shadow of themselves since Big Sam departed for (theoretically) greener pastures.

I have my doubts. I watched Bolton’s defeat to Chelsea and they were unlucky to lose playing very well especially with Ken Davies returning up front for them. He is likely to feature today and he gives them that aerial threat that is so important to their game.

If they pitch Davies against Clichy or Sagna and pump long balls to him then I can see them troubling the Arsenal defence especially if Anelka is there to pick up the pieces.

So don’t expect an easy ride today especially with Eduardo in the starting line up who will need time to get used to his colleagues on the football pitch rather than the training ground.

Team selection

The only difficult decision for Wenger is whether to start with Rosicky or replace him with either Eboue or Walcott. Rosicky sat out the Czech Republic’s last game due to muscular problems.

I would go for Eboue due to his more experience of the physical games and the fact that Walcott is, for now, more effective coming off the bench.

Almunia
Sagna (with locks on) Toure Gallas Clichy
Hleb Fabregas Flamini Eboue
Adebayor Eduardo

Prediction: Home win 2-0

Arsenal interested in promising young Greek defender

By 1970’s Gooner

Greek sports newspapers have been reporting, for some time now, increased interest from Arsenal in one of the hottest young Greek players to have emerged in the last decade.

He is 19 year old central defender Socratis Papastathopoulos who plays for AEK Athens.

Socratis impressed during the 2007 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship in Austria with his strong and mature displays which helped the National side reach the finals.

He was captain of the Greek side but missed out on the final against Spain due to a suspension.

He can play in central defence but also as a defensive midfielder. Although only 19 he has European experience under his belt with three Champions League appearances last season already.

He is the one in yellow.

Although there have recently been some reports in the English press linking Arsenal with 20m rated defender Veloso who plays for Sporting Lisbon this latest news fits in more with Wenger’s strategy when it comes to transfers.

Papastathopoulos is relatively unknown, playing in a League that not so many managers follow and above all the transfer price at the moment is put at a mere £3 to £5m.

There is also previous history between Wenger and Greece. Don’t forget that Wenger bought a young Tavlarides from Iraclis Thessalonika a few years back. He is now an established defender in the French League with Saint-Étienne.

Interestingly Arsenal and AEK Athens have been cooperating since last year on issues of football management and training methods especially after the visit to London Colney by the Greek team’s Spanish manager and the club’s president.

In addition Arsenal have this year formally established an Arsenal Academy network consisting of 25 selected academies spanning the whole of Greece.

So it is not a surprise that, as reported by the Greek press, an Arsenal scout, Thomas Cost, has already been dispatched to the Greek capital to watch Papastathopoulos from close quarters, even during training!

This should also not surprise. Robin Van Persie has recently revealed that the dossier prepared by the Arsenal scouts prior to his transfer to Arsenal contained information obtained during Feyenoord’s training:

“I couldn’t believe what I read. They had written down every detail. Like how many times I went forward or if I came back to defend or if I shot at goal.

“This didn’t just cover normal games or friendly matches but also what I had done during training sessions.”

Socratis Papastathopoulos: Fact File

Date of Birth: 9.6.1988
Age: 19
Height: 1.83
Weight: 82 Kg
Position: Central Defence
Nationality: Greece
Team: AEK Athens



Who Would Wenger Take From Manchester United’s Team? The Final Word