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.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
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.
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