By 1970’s Gooner
We have seen it often enough especially at away games. We dominate the game, miss a lot of chances, score and then we think that it will be enough to win the game. This gets dangerous when we score the goal(s) in the first half as we tend to slack off and just try to play a neutral game.
A recent example of course was at Wigan where we came out in the second half thinking that the game was won. It also happened against Tottenham and at Sunderland if you remember.
And I believe the probability of it happening again against Birmingham tomorrow is high. I can see us playing our usual game and scoring. But Birmingham have a good record when coming from behind as they showed against Manchester United and Tottenham.
They have two ingredients that allow them to be successful at this.
The first is that they have players who are gritty and determined, fighting till the last whistle. The second is that they have Zigic who, as he did against Man Utd, can come on the later stages of the game and use his aerial power to good effect.
And we have seen how awful we are defensively in the high ball game.
That is why I am posing the question in the title above. Can we hold out in the last 10 minutes?
We can improve our chances of succeeding in two ways. One is to be ahead by two more goals than the opposition.
The other is to play Djourou.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wenger priming his stars for a sprint run in
By 1970’s Gooner
All is not lost yet. We were very close to the three points which would have been achieved with our second 11 and then everybody would have been praising our “strength in depth”.
But we were done by a combination of bad refereeing, too many changes and defensive lapses.
The referee gave Wigan a non existent penalty as there was no contact on the player who in any case was clearly outside the area! And to top it all a clear handball from Nasri’s free kick inside the area was completely ignored. Sickening really when you consider that Fabregas’s similar handball was punished.
But I feel the real reason for dropping the two points were the many changes made by Wenger. Most of the players looked rusty and could not play together as a unit. Just like the away games at Shacktar Donetsk and Braga.
Wenger should have made changes to rest players but not as many. In my opinion Djourou should be starting every game even if there are two days between games. I don’t think he would have scored that own goal….You don’t see Ferguson resting Vidic and Ferdinand too often do you?
Arshavin had a big impact on the game but he is useless defending and tracking back. Eboue needed that support but he often was no where to be seen.
Diaby, Denilson and Rosicky found it difficult to jell.
Wenger should have kept the spine of the team intact. Fabianski, yes. Djourou in the centre of the defense. Song in the middle of the park to provide strength and penetration and van Persie in attack.
Wigan would have had no chance with these players starting.
Still Wenger knows that we are only half way through yet. There is a long way to go and his aim is to prime his key players so that they are fresh enough to be able to put in a sprint on the run in.
Manchester United are not really playing that well this season. They are certainly not playing better than us.
Chelsea are struggling to find form and I don’t see them putting in a run to catch up the lost ground. They will drop more points as they find that their narrow home win against Bolton proves to be a false dawn.
Manchester City are blowing hot and cold and they don’t look capable to put in a consistent run.
And don’t forget we have home games to come against the Manchester teams.
Arsenal though can do it. We have most of our key players back (van Persie, Fabregas and Walcott) and when Vermaelen returns (to play alongside Djourou) no one will be able to catch us.
And this draw at Wigan would be long forgotten….
All is not lost yet. We were very close to the three points which would have been achieved with our second 11 and then everybody would have been praising our “strength in depth”.
But we were done by a combination of bad refereeing, too many changes and defensive lapses.
The referee gave Wigan a non existent penalty as there was no contact on the player who in any case was clearly outside the area! And to top it all a clear handball from Nasri’s free kick inside the area was completely ignored. Sickening really when you consider that Fabregas’s similar handball was punished.
But I feel the real reason for dropping the two points were the many changes made by Wenger. Most of the players looked rusty and could not play together as a unit. Just like the away games at Shacktar Donetsk and Braga.
Wenger should have made changes to rest players but not as many. In my opinion Djourou should be starting every game even if there are two days between games. I don’t think he would have scored that own goal….You don’t see Ferguson resting Vidic and Ferdinand too often do you?
Arshavin had a big impact on the game but he is useless defending and tracking back. Eboue needed that support but he often was no where to be seen.
Diaby, Denilson and Rosicky found it difficult to jell.
Wenger should have kept the spine of the team intact. Fabianski, yes. Djourou in the centre of the defense. Song in the middle of the park to provide strength and penetration and van Persie in attack.
Wigan would have had no chance with these players starting.
Still Wenger knows that we are only half way through yet. There is a long way to go and his aim is to prime his key players so that they are fresh enough to be able to put in a sprint on the run in.
Manchester United are not really playing that well this season. They are certainly not playing better than us.
Chelsea are struggling to find form and I don’t see them putting in a run to catch up the lost ground. They will drop more points as they find that their narrow home win against Bolton proves to be a false dawn.
Manchester City are blowing hot and cold and they don’t look capable to put in a consistent run.
And don’t forget we have home games to come against the Manchester teams.
Arsenal though can do it. We have most of our key players back (van Persie, Fabregas and Walcott) and when Vermaelen returns (to play alongside Djourou) no one will be able to catch us.
And this draw at Wigan would be long forgotten….
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Three reasons why Arsenal’s title chances are still alive and kicking
By 1970’s Gooner
Yes it was a dreadful performance. A performance that was littered with mistakes, inaccurate passing but above all not enough mental strength to counteract a difficult opponent on his own ground.
Chamach looked tired, Arshavin only lasted a half and Nasri was lost on the wing. Rosicky had his most ineffectual game and Wilshere kept making mistakes. The defence especially our full backs did well and on the whole Squillacy and Konscienly played much better than I thought they would.
But as is often the case we need to score at least two goals to win a game and sadly we were awful in that respect.
We lacked a leader in midfield to take the initiative and when Nasri drifted in the middle in the second half we looked more in control. But our “impact substitutes” of Fabregas, van Persie and Walcott added nothing in attack and so the game drifted to a sad end.
Let’s not duel too much on this defeat. We can and I predict we will put in a new run of wins together like we did after the Chelsea defeat to be genuine challengers. Some of you may be having severe doubts about our title potential but please consider the following:
1. Our current table position has been achieved without three very significant first team players
Fabregas (from the beginning of the season and also recently), van Persie (from the beginning of the season) and Vermaelen (for about the last three months).
I think that if all three were fit enough to start the game against Man Utd we would not have lost the game and judging by Utd’s average display we most probably have won it.
As these players are coming back to fitness I expect that we will soon be a team full of quality, creativeness and defensive stability.
2. We have played the other three major title contenders away already
Please take note of this. We will be facing Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City at home (I don’t consider Spurs as having the stamina and consistency to last the course).
And I believe we can beat them all. None of them are playing particularly well but more importantly we will be playing them with our full compliment of players. And when we do that we have every chance of winning those games .
3. We have found a pair of safe hands!
Bye bye Almunia thank you for your services. In young Szczesny and Fabianski we now have a pair of sound goalkeepers who we feel we can trust to keep us in games by making vital saves, like Szczesny did last night.
So stop the gloom and doom please. This team ain’t finished yet…..
Yes it was a dreadful performance. A performance that was littered with mistakes, inaccurate passing but above all not enough mental strength to counteract a difficult opponent on his own ground.
Chamach looked tired, Arshavin only lasted a half and Nasri was lost on the wing. Rosicky had his most ineffectual game and Wilshere kept making mistakes. The defence especially our full backs did well and on the whole Squillacy and Konscienly played much better than I thought they would.
But as is often the case we need to score at least two goals to win a game and sadly we were awful in that respect.
We lacked a leader in midfield to take the initiative and when Nasri drifted in the middle in the second half we looked more in control. But our “impact substitutes” of Fabregas, van Persie and Walcott added nothing in attack and so the game drifted to a sad end.
Let’s not duel too much on this defeat. We can and I predict we will put in a new run of wins together like we did after the Chelsea defeat to be genuine challengers. Some of you may be having severe doubts about our title potential but please consider the following:
1. Our current table position has been achieved without three very significant first team players
Fabregas (from the beginning of the season and also recently), van Persie (from the beginning of the season) and Vermaelen (for about the last three months).
I think that if all three were fit enough to start the game against Man Utd we would not have lost the game and judging by Utd’s average display we most probably have won it.
As these players are coming back to fitness I expect that we will soon be a team full of quality, creativeness and defensive stability.
2. We have played the other three major title contenders away already
Please take note of this. We will be facing Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City at home (I don’t consider Spurs as having the stamina and consistency to last the course).
And I believe we can beat them all. None of them are playing particularly well but more importantly we will be playing them with our full compliment of players. And when we do that we have every chance of winning those games .
3. We have found a pair of safe hands!
Bye bye Almunia thank you for your services. In young Szczesny and Fabianski we now have a pair of sound goalkeepers who we feel we can trust to keep us in games by making vital saves, like Szczesny did last night.
So stop the gloom and doom please. This team ain’t finished yet…..
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Player analysis and ratings Vs Villa
By 1970’s Gooner
Another nail biting game for us poor Arsenal supporters. It felt that Villa where going to do to us what Spurs managed last week. And Villa were a far worse team than Spurs. They were awful in the first half and it was our own profligacy and sluggishness in front of goal that kept the score at 2- 0.
If it wasn’t for an outstanding Arshavin we would have gone in at 0-0. But he took his goal very well and then Nasri managed to score a difficult goal after missing an open goal a few minutes before.
Our defending was again poor and we allowed them to score two goals and get back in the game. If it were Manchester United going into a two goal lead the game would have finished 7-1….
Fabianski
Did not have much to do and what he did he did well. Could not be faulted for their goals. He was unsighted for the first one and the referee had a shocker of a decision judging Carew as not interfering. Absolute rubbish. 7
Sagna
Had a good game and also provided forward thrust. He is a very consistent and effective defender. 7
Clichy
Played very well and kept Ashley Young mostly quiet unlike in their last encounter when Young had the better of him. Clichy was however returning from a long absence at that time and lots of people forget that. 7
Koscienly
He needs more time to get used to the tempo and long ball tactics of the Premier League. He is not the commanding centre half that we need. He may develop into one but he is not at the moment. 6
Squillaci
At least he has more experience and does not take too many chances as he often decides to whack the ball up field if needed. However both of the Villa goals especially the second one were from players who should never have been allowed to aim for goal. The first came from a weak header out of defence and the second one the scorer was a few yards from goal without anyone near him. 6
Song
As solid as ever. He is reliable and consistent in his performances. The first name on the team sheet. 8
Wilshere
Had a much much better game today than at Braga. What a player he is turning out to be. At such a young age to be able to play with so much maturity and skill is amazing. It’s like watching Fabregas when he started playing for the first team. And what a vital goal he scored. 8
Nasri
What a mature and significant player he is turning out to be for Arsenal Football Club. He can be a play maker a scorer as well as track back and defend. Scored with a marvelous shot on the volley. 8
Arshavin
My man of the match. He was back to his best today, weaving his magic and holding the ball up very well bringing players into the game. Scored the first with a typical run and shot that is his trade mark. I hope that he kicks on from here and has another great season. 9
Rosicky
Had a good game getting involved in a lot of good moves and providing that wonderful Fabregas like through ball to Chamakh for the third goal. He is a more direct midfielder who turns with the ball and dribbles past players which is what we need from midfield. 7
Chamakh
Wenger will have a decision to make when RVP is fit and ready to play. Chamakh had a very good game holding the ball well under pressure, scoring the vital third goal and setting up the fourth. An excellent all round performance. 9
Another nail biting game for us poor Arsenal supporters. It felt that Villa where going to do to us what Spurs managed last week. And Villa were a far worse team than Spurs. They were awful in the first half and it was our own profligacy and sluggishness in front of goal that kept the score at 2- 0.
If it wasn’t for an outstanding Arshavin we would have gone in at 0-0. But he took his goal very well and then Nasri managed to score a difficult goal after missing an open goal a few minutes before.
Our defending was again poor and we allowed them to score two goals and get back in the game. If it were Manchester United going into a two goal lead the game would have finished 7-1….
Fabianski
Did not have much to do and what he did he did well. Could not be faulted for their goals. He was unsighted for the first one and the referee had a shocker of a decision judging Carew as not interfering. Absolute rubbish. 7
Sagna
Had a good game and also provided forward thrust. He is a very consistent and effective defender. 7
Clichy
Played very well and kept Ashley Young mostly quiet unlike in their last encounter when Young had the better of him. Clichy was however returning from a long absence at that time and lots of people forget that. 7
Koscienly
He needs more time to get used to the tempo and long ball tactics of the Premier League. He is not the commanding centre half that we need. He may develop into one but he is not at the moment. 6
Squillaci
At least he has more experience and does not take too many chances as he often decides to whack the ball up field if needed. However both of the Villa goals especially the second one were from players who should never have been allowed to aim for goal. The first came from a weak header out of defence and the second one the scorer was a few yards from goal without anyone near him. 6
Song
As solid as ever. He is reliable and consistent in his performances. The first name on the team sheet. 8
Wilshere
Had a much much better game today than at Braga. What a player he is turning out to be. At such a young age to be able to play with so much maturity and skill is amazing. It’s like watching Fabregas when he started playing for the first team. And what a vital goal he scored. 8
Nasri
What a mature and significant player he is turning out to be for Arsenal Football Club. He can be a play maker a scorer as well as track back and defend. Scored with a marvelous shot on the volley. 8
Arshavin
My man of the match. He was back to his best today, weaving his magic and holding the ball up very well bringing players into the game. Scored the first with a typical run and shot that is his trade mark. I hope that he kicks on from here and has another great season. 9
Rosicky
Had a good game getting involved in a lot of good moves and providing that wonderful Fabregas like through ball to Chamakh for the third goal. He is a more direct midfielder who turns with the ball and dribbles past players which is what we need from midfield. 7
Chamakh
Wenger will have a decision to make when RVP is fit and ready to play. Chamakh had a very good game holding the ball well under pressure, scoring the vital third goal and setting up the fourth. An excellent all round performance. 9
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Denilson and the referee condemn Arsenal to another defeat
By 1970’s Gooner
What a difference Chamack made when he came on. We started to hold the ball more in the attacking areas and thus brought the midfielders in the more threatening positions.
We even won a penalty. Stone clear but the referee and his aides (!) at the back of the goal got it wrong! If we had gone ahead, then it was game over and everyone would have been saying what an “efficient performance by Arsenal”…
Added to the referee’s ineptitude was Denilson’s total inability to offer any defensive cover for Djourou and Squillaci when they went forward in Braga’s area to try and take advantage of a dead ball situation. On both occasions in the second half we let in two goals!
Denilson who was left behind as cover was nowhere when the goal scorer raced through him for a clear run on goal. And for the second goal he decided to foul the player as the ball was coming out of Braga’s area instead of staying with him and delaying him.
Is it really necessary for both Djourou and Squillaci to go forward?
I thought Bendtner was awful tonight. He never got going, was always coming infield to receive the ball but at the same time crowding Fabregas out. Most important of all he never held the ball well.
He should shut up and try and get fit before he starts mouthing off. Arsene Wenger should not have started with him. Chamack should have been there at the start, done the business and then given a rest in the latter part of the game.
With Fabregas out of the Villa game I hope that Wenger gives Nasri the role of playmaker behind Chamack. I am sure he will make Fabregas’s absence go unnoticed and prove that if Cesc does leave in the summer we have a ready replacement.
Villa watch out…
What a difference Chamack made when he came on. We started to hold the ball more in the attacking areas and thus brought the midfielders in the more threatening positions.
We even won a penalty. Stone clear but the referee and his aides (!) at the back of the goal got it wrong! If we had gone ahead, then it was game over and everyone would have been saying what an “efficient performance by Arsenal”…
Added to the referee’s ineptitude was Denilson’s total inability to offer any defensive cover for Djourou and Squillaci when they went forward in Braga’s area to try and take advantage of a dead ball situation. On both occasions in the second half we let in two goals!
Denilson who was left behind as cover was nowhere when the goal scorer raced through him for a clear run on goal. And for the second goal he decided to foul the player as the ball was coming out of Braga’s area instead of staying with him and delaying him.
Is it really necessary for both Djourou and Squillaci to go forward?
I thought Bendtner was awful tonight. He never got going, was always coming infield to receive the ball but at the same time crowding Fabregas out. Most important of all he never held the ball well.
He should shut up and try and get fit before he starts mouthing off. Arsene Wenger should not have started with him. Chamack should have been there at the start, done the business and then given a rest in the latter part of the game.
With Fabregas out of the Villa game I hope that Wenger gives Nasri the role of playmaker behind Chamack. I am sure he will make Fabregas’s absence go unnoticed and prove that if Cesc does leave in the summer we have a ready replacement.
Villa watch out…
Monday, September 27, 2010
I hope Wenger drops more players
By 1970’s Gooner
Almunia has been dropped of course. Arsene Wenger has used this cheap excuse of a phantom injury to drop Almunia in the past usually right after similar howlers.
It is not all poor Almunia’s fault of course. Arsene Wenger chose, for whatever reason, not to replace him this season and now he has to drop him and play another suspect keeper who hasn’t put a foot right in almost all his important appearances in the first team!
God help us, for if Fabianski doesn’t mess up big time in Belgrade he will likely play against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge….
Yet that”pathetic” as I called it, performance against West Brom was not only down to the keeper. There were a host of other players that let us, the team and themselves down.
Players like Clichy who hasn’t been himself lately,
Sagna who looked tired when Thomas just went passed him,
Koscienly who lacked pace,
Diaby who looked out of sorts,
Song whose covering and passing let him down,
Eboue who failed to give width and
Arshavin who this season gives me the creeps because I fear he may be passed it (I hope I am wrong).
I would give Denilson a chance. He looked sharp whenever he came on and looks much more mature, physically and mentally this season.
I would rest Clichy and if Gibbs is fit enough (he is travelling with the squad) I would give him a game. He deserves it and he has been in good form lately.
I would also give Sagna a rest. He needs it. Eboue can deputise.
Rosicky should come in and play on one of the flanks.
I wouldn’t start with Wilshere in Belgrade, he is too young to face a partisan crowd and players.
I would consider saving Chamakh for the Chelsea game as he is the only real choice for this position and we do really need to get a result at Stamford Bridge.
Fabianski
Eboue Konscienly Squillaci Gibbs
Denilson Song
Nasri
Rosicky Vela Arshavin
Almunia has been dropped of course. Arsene Wenger has used this cheap excuse of a phantom injury to drop Almunia in the past usually right after similar howlers.
It is not all poor Almunia’s fault of course. Arsene Wenger chose, for whatever reason, not to replace him this season and now he has to drop him and play another suspect keeper who hasn’t put a foot right in almost all his important appearances in the first team!
God help us, for if Fabianski doesn’t mess up big time in Belgrade he will likely play against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge….
Yet that”pathetic” as I called it, performance against West Brom was not only down to the keeper. There were a host of other players that let us, the team and themselves down.
Players like Clichy who hasn’t been himself lately,
Sagna who looked tired when Thomas just went passed him,
Koscienly who lacked pace,
Diaby who looked out of sorts,
Song whose covering and passing let him down,
Eboue who failed to give width and
Arshavin who this season gives me the creeps because I fear he may be passed it (I hope I am wrong).
I would give Denilson a chance. He looked sharp whenever he came on and looks much more mature, physically and mentally this season.
I would rest Clichy and if Gibbs is fit enough (he is travelling with the squad) I would give him a game. He deserves it and he has been in good form lately.
I would also give Sagna a rest. He needs it. Eboue can deputise.
Rosicky should come in and play on one of the flanks.
I wouldn’t start with Wilshere in Belgrade, he is too young to face a partisan crowd and players.
I would consider saving Chamakh for the Chelsea game as he is the only real choice for this position and we do really need to get a result at Stamford Bridge.
Fabianski
Eboue Konscienly Squillaci Gibbs
Denilson Song
Nasri
Rosicky Vela Arshavin
Saturday, September 25, 2010
What a pathetic performance
By 1970’s Gooner
What a really pathetic performance. Everyone except Nasri should really feel ashamed of himself. This goes to prove what is well known in football. It doesn’t matter if you play against the lowest opposition, you simply have to play at your best to beat them.
And the Arsenal players thought that by just turning up West Brom will lie down and roll over…Maybe they thought that they will save themselves for the “real” games against Partizan and Chelsea.
Almunia, what a clown.
Wenger’s inactivity in the transfer market is coming back to haunt him. Almunia gave away the penalty and then saved it well and that would have been ok but of course he gave away two really soft goals and the three points.
This does not absolve the rest of them of course. There was no movement, no pressing down their midfielders and the passing was woeful. Very unlike Arsenal where passes are crisp, precise and penetrative.
When Nasri had the ball there was not really a player moving into position to receive it and the opponents were given the space and the time to play their game. They played well and took advantage of the gifts given to them.
I expect that against Partizan and Chelsea we will see a different Arsenal. We may even win those games…
What a really pathetic performance. Everyone except Nasri should really feel ashamed of himself. This goes to prove what is well known in football. It doesn’t matter if you play against the lowest opposition, you simply have to play at your best to beat them.
And the Arsenal players thought that by just turning up West Brom will lie down and roll over…Maybe they thought that they will save themselves for the “real” games against Partizan and Chelsea.
Almunia, what a clown.
Wenger’s inactivity in the transfer market is coming back to haunt him. Almunia gave away the penalty and then saved it well and that would have been ok but of course he gave away two really soft goals and the three points.
This does not absolve the rest of them of course. There was no movement, no pressing down their midfielders and the passing was woeful. Very unlike Arsenal where passes are crisp, precise and penetrative.
When Nasri had the ball there was not really a player moving into position to receive it and the opponents were given the space and the time to play their game. They played well and took advantage of the gifts given to them.
I expect that against Partizan and Chelsea we will see a different Arsenal. We may even win those games…
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Squillaci follows eboue and eight other things you didn’t know about him
By Aries
1. Sebastian celebrated his 30th birthday eight days ago on the 11th August
2. He was born in Toulon, France and has represented his country 21 times. He played in France’s defeat to South Africa in the recent World Cup.
3. He is only 6ft (1.83 m)
4. All his clubs bar the current one, Seville, have been in the French leagues. Toulon, Monaco B, Monaco, Ajjacio, Lyon
5. He has played 49 times for Sevilla scoring one goal
6. He played for Monaco in the Champions League final against Mourinho’s Porto losing 3-0
7. He won the French League championship twice with Lyon in 2007 and 2008
8. His goal scoring record is not that great. Played 372 games in total and scored 23 goals
8. Sevilla sporting director Ramon Rodriguez 'Monchi' confirmed: "The player asked not to play (against Braga in the CL qualifying game) because of the offer from such a big team” to ensure he won't be cup-tied in the competition for Arsenal.
9. Squillaci is said to support the eboue cause as he is a rastafarian eboue follower.
1. Sebastian celebrated his 30th birthday eight days ago on the 11th August
2. He was born in Toulon, France and has represented his country 21 times. He played in France’s defeat to South Africa in the recent World Cup.
3. He is only 6ft (1.83 m)
4. All his clubs bar the current one, Seville, have been in the French leagues. Toulon, Monaco B, Monaco, Ajjacio, Lyon
5. He has played 49 times for Sevilla scoring one goal
6. He played for Monaco in the Champions League final against Mourinho’s Porto losing 3-0
7. He won the French League championship twice with Lyon in 2007 and 2008
8. His goal scoring record is not that great. Played 372 games in total and scored 23 goals
8. Sevilla sporting director Ramon Rodriguez 'Monchi' confirmed: "The player asked not to play (against Braga in the CL qualifying game) because of the offer from such a big team” to ensure he won't be cup-tied in the competition for Arsenal.
9. Squillaci is said to support the eboue cause as he is a rastafarian eboue follower.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Cheer up... Wenger made the wrong choices
By 1970’s Gooner
I was left disappointed rather than relieved at the end of Arsenal’s game last Sunday at Anfield.
Disappointed because facing 10 men we not only allowed them to score but also could not put them under the necessary pressure to get not only an equaliser but also a winner.
But when you think about it further, the performance should not have been a surprise.
For a start Arsene Wenger made the wrong choices for the starting 11.
Arshavin has been non existent all throughout the friendlies (and I watched all of them). He in no way deserved a start against Liverpool. He was a passenger, often giving the ball away.
Strange as he was not involved in the World Cup. Better to have started with Walcott who has looked sharper lately.
Secondly starting with Wilshere in the middle of the park was another decision that did not work.
The boy has potential for sure but to start him away from home and against Liverpool was asking too much.
And he was to be partly blamed for not controlling the ball outside the area which eventually resulted in their goal. He made the same mistake in the first half which resulted in a dangerous move by the opposition.
Better to have started with Rosicky who indeed looked the most creative and penetrative Arsenal player when he came on.
I do not see Wenger making those choices again unless he is forced by injury or these players improve their performances dramatically.
And therefore Arsenal’s first 11 will surely not be as weak again.
And there are two more reasons to be cheerful.
The first has to do of course with the likely return to the first team of three vital cogs in Arsenal’s engine: Song, Fabregas and van Persie.
Their stand ins left a lot to be desired. Especially Chamack.
He will turn out to be an excellent buy by Wenger but on Sunday he repeated his performances in the friendlies: lacking control of the ball and also penetration.
The second has to do with Almunia.
He is Arsenal’s best goalkeeper at the moment but will not be when Given or Schwartzer arrive.
I don’t think that either of those goalkeepers would have let Ngog’s effort at the near post (which was a carbon copy of Imbrahimovic’s goal for Barcelona at the Emirates remember?).
So cheer up…..
I was left disappointed rather than relieved at the end of Arsenal’s game last Sunday at Anfield.
Disappointed because facing 10 men we not only allowed them to score but also could not put them under the necessary pressure to get not only an equaliser but also a winner.
But when you think about it further, the performance should not have been a surprise.
For a start Arsene Wenger made the wrong choices for the starting 11.
Arshavin has been non existent all throughout the friendlies (and I watched all of them). He in no way deserved a start against Liverpool. He was a passenger, often giving the ball away.
Strange as he was not involved in the World Cup. Better to have started with Walcott who has looked sharper lately.
Secondly starting with Wilshere in the middle of the park was another decision that did not work.
The boy has potential for sure but to start him away from home and against Liverpool was asking too much.
And he was to be partly blamed for not controlling the ball outside the area which eventually resulted in their goal. He made the same mistake in the first half which resulted in a dangerous move by the opposition.
Better to have started with Rosicky who indeed looked the most creative and penetrative Arsenal player when he came on.
I do not see Wenger making those choices again unless he is forced by injury or these players improve their performances dramatically.
And therefore Arsenal’s first 11 will surely not be as weak again.
And there are two more reasons to be cheerful.
The first has to do of course with the likely return to the first team of three vital cogs in Arsenal’s engine: Song, Fabregas and van Persie.
Their stand ins left a lot to be desired. Especially Chamack.
He will turn out to be an excellent buy by Wenger but on Sunday he repeated his performances in the friendlies: lacking control of the ball and also penetration.
The second has to do with Almunia.
He is Arsenal’s best goalkeeper at the moment but will not be when Given or Schwartzer arrive.
I don’t think that either of those goalkeepers would have let Ngog’s effort at the near post (which was a carbon copy of Imbrahimovic’s goal for Barcelona at the Emirates remember?).
So cheer up…..
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Rosicky asks for time to think about his move from Arsenal
By 1970’s Gooner
It seems that the rumours about Tomas Rosicky moving away from Arsenal have some foundation.
Turkish newspaper “Hurriyet” is reporting that Rosicky’s agent has already started negotiations with Galatasaray. It seems that Frank Rijkaard, Galatasaray’s coach is in pursuit of a number 10 and Rosicky fits the bill.
It appears that Galatasaray are only willing to negotiate around a transfer price of 5m. Rosicky’s agent has already began negotiations with them with regard to the player’s possible demands. But crucially Tomas has asked for two days to consider the move.
If this transfer materialises it will mean that Arsene Wenger has decided to get rid of the two players that have suffered long term injuries in the recent past (Eduardo and Rosicky).
However Rosicky’s transfer will leave a big gap in the squad in terms of experience and quality.
It seems that the rumours about Tomas Rosicky moving away from Arsenal have some foundation.
Turkish newspaper “Hurriyet” is reporting that Rosicky’s agent has already started negotiations with Galatasaray. It seems that Frank Rijkaard, Galatasaray’s coach is in pursuit of a number 10 and Rosicky fits the bill.
It appears that Galatasaray are only willing to negotiate around a transfer price of 5m. Rosicky’s agent has already began negotiations with them with regard to the player’s possible demands. But crucially Tomas has asked for two days to consider the move.
If this transfer materialises it will mean that Arsene Wenger has decided to get rid of the two players that have suffered long term injuries in the recent past (Eduardo and Rosicky).
However Rosicky’s transfer will leave a big gap in the squad in terms of experience and quality.
Montpelier coach sets price for Spahic’s transfer to Arsenal
By 1970’s Gooner
A lot has been written lately about the “imminent” transfer of the 29 year old defender, Emir Spahic, from the French club Montpelier to Arsenal.
First there was the player’s quotes that the “deal was close” but this was swiftly followed by an official statement by Montpelier itself denying there has been any contact with Arsenal.
"There appeared in the media information that Montpellier are in negotiations with Arsenal regarding the transfer of Emir Spahic. Montpellier deny any contact with Arsenal regarding this issue"
Now we have a bold statement coming from the team’s coach Rene Girard who has set a ridiculous price for agreeing to the transfer:
"Indeed I am astonished. There has never been talk of this departure to the Emirates, he said to the local media and in answering the question of whether he will cooperate with Arsenal if they get offers he replied:
"Yes, but only if the English are willing to pay us 25 million pounds."
This rubbish is to be expected of course as Montpelier know that the player desperately wants to leave and they cannot stand in his way. They are merely trying to up the price as much as they can.
This transfer looks a wise move by Wenger. He will not only make sure that he has enough central defenders but will also be adding maturity and experience at the back.
A lot has been written lately about the “imminent” transfer of the 29 year old defender, Emir Spahic, from the French club Montpelier to Arsenal.
First there was the player’s quotes that the “deal was close” but this was swiftly followed by an official statement by Montpelier itself denying there has been any contact with Arsenal.
"There appeared in the media information that Montpellier are in negotiations with Arsenal regarding the transfer of Emir Spahic. Montpellier deny any contact with Arsenal regarding this issue"
Now we have a bold statement coming from the team’s coach Rene Girard who has set a ridiculous price for agreeing to the transfer:
"Indeed I am astonished. There has never been talk of this departure to the Emirates, he said to the local media and in answering the question of whether he will cooperate with Arsenal if they get offers he replied:
"Yes, but only if the English are willing to pay us 25 million pounds."
This rubbish is to be expected of course as Montpelier know that the player desperately wants to leave and they cannot stand in his way. They are merely trying to up the price as much as they can.
This transfer looks a wise move by Wenger. He will not only make sure that he has enough central defenders but will also be adding maturity and experience at the back.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Fabregas in Spain celebrations wearing a Barcelona shirt (video)
By 1970's Gooner
'All I can say is that this is for all the Arsenal players and fans, they are a world-class club,'I am an Arsenal player and I am proud to be.'
Thus spake Cesc Fabregas...
Reading these comments right after Spain's World Cup triumph gives me the impression that he doesn't look like he will be leaving after all.
He was so embarassed when his felllow team mates, Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina and Bernabeu skipper Carles Puyol, had a chuckle at his expense by holding his arms, enabling Gerard Pique to push a Barcelona shirt over his head.
Fabregas smiled but as you can see he was clearly trying to get out of the shirt....
'All I can say is that this is for all the Arsenal players and fans, they are a world-class club,'I am an Arsenal player and I am proud to be.'
Thus spake Cesc Fabregas...
Reading these comments right after Spain's World Cup triumph gives me the impression that he doesn't look like he will be leaving after all.
He was so embarassed when his felllow team mates, Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina and Bernabeu skipper Carles Puyol, had a chuckle at his expense by holding his arms, enabling Gerard Pique to push a Barcelona shirt over his head.
Fabregas smiled but as you can see he was clearly trying to get out of the shirt....
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Video van Persie scores again. Top scorer in the World Cup?
By 1970's Gooner
Robin van Persie has been on a hot streak ever since he so belatedly made his come back for Arsenal in the Premier League. He has been scoring freely for Holland in their friendlies prior to the World Cup.
His latest is against Hungary which you can see on the video above. He received the ball from Kuyt on the edge of the area and put in a delightful curler round the goalkeeper. This was Holland’s equaliser after which they went on to win 6-1.
Can he end up top goal scorer in the World Cup?
The answer is yes provided he keeps free of injury. I would put a bet on him to do what injury prevented him from doing for Arsenal this last season: score those amazing goals and help his team to glory…
Robin van Persie has been on a hot streak ever since he so belatedly made his come back for Arsenal in the Premier League. He has been scoring freely for Holland in their friendlies prior to the World Cup.
His latest is against Hungary which you can see on the video above. He received the ball from Kuyt on the edge of the area and put in a delightful curler round the goalkeeper. This was Holland’s equaliser after which they went on to win 6-1.
Can he end up top goal scorer in the World Cup?
The answer is yes provided he keeps free of injury. I would put a bet on him to do what injury prevented him from doing for Arsenal this last season: score those amazing goals and help his team to glory…
Friday, June 04, 2010
Vela sinks Italy (Video)
By 1970's Gooner
Carlos Vela has began to convert the chances his Mexico team mates are creating for him.
In Mexico's first friendly almost two weeks ago he missed two clear cut scoring opportunities against England at Wembley and I thought, here we go again...
But now he is back on track. He drifted into space behind the defender and in one movement he slid the ball home to score the first Mexico goal in their victory against Italy last night.
I have the feeling that he will be a revelation in the World Cup which will be good news for us Gooners as he has not really fulfilled his early promise when he first arrived.
Carlos Vela has began to convert the chances his Mexico team mates are creating for him.
In Mexico's first friendly almost two weeks ago he missed two clear cut scoring opportunities against England at Wembley and I thought, here we go again...
But now he is back on track. He drifted into space behind the defender and in one movement he slid the ball home to score the first Mexico goal in their victory against Italy last night.
I have the feeling that he will be a revelation in the World Cup which will be good news for us Gooners as he has not really fulfilled his early promise when he first arrived.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
At last Wenger has said what we all wanted to hear. But it's not enough.
By 1970’s Gooner
I made a plea to Arsene Wenger and Arsenal Football Club right at the beginning of the Fabregas transfer saga.
“Say it loud, say it clear Mr Wenger: “Fabregas is going nowhere” was the title of my post.
I was desperate that a clear and definitive statement should come out of the official Arsenal or Wenger’s lips stating categorically that this transfer was definitely not on.
And thankfully, albeit belatedly, we got it today.
“…yesterday evening we received an offer from Barcelona for Cesc and in response, we immediately and resolutely told them once again that we have no intention of selling our captain.
'To be clear, we will not make any kind of counter-proposal or enter into any discussion. Barcelona have publicly stated that they will respect our position and we expect that they will keep their word.”
The chances of Arsenal selling Fabregas this season have now diminished.
Yet it can be reversed if Cesc himself turns against the club that nurtured him since he was 16 and against Wenger to whom he owes pretty much everything in his football life. It would also require a massively improved offer from Barcelona of say around the 50m to 60m mark.
The probability of these two factors occurring is pretty low in my opinion. Cesc has said that he will leave the whole matter to Wenger himself and that he fully trusts him. Also Barcelona have already paid out 42 m for Villa. They have limited resources left to go into a heavy bidding war for Cesc.
But I feel that all these goings on are clear indicators that this season will most probably be Cesc’s last in an Arsenal shirt. Unless….
Unless Wenger realizes that now is his last opportunity to really build a competitive team around his most precious footballer.
That now, this summer, is the time to go out and buy those quality players that will make a difference and propel this club back into title winning performances and Premier league domination.
Let’s pay the right price for a quality goalkeeper, for another two central defenders and for another defensive midfielder. Not stingily buy geriatrics or kids and ask them to perform way above their level.
Let’s go for it NOW, because next season WILL be too late. The bird will have flown out of its nest…
I made a plea to Arsene Wenger and Arsenal Football Club right at the beginning of the Fabregas transfer saga.
“Say it loud, say it clear Mr Wenger: “Fabregas is going nowhere” was the title of my post.
I was desperate that a clear and definitive statement should come out of the official Arsenal or Wenger’s lips stating categorically that this transfer was definitely not on.
And thankfully, albeit belatedly, we got it today.
“…yesterday evening we received an offer from Barcelona for Cesc and in response, we immediately and resolutely told them once again that we have no intention of selling our captain.
'To be clear, we will not make any kind of counter-proposal or enter into any discussion. Barcelona have publicly stated that they will respect our position and we expect that they will keep their word.”
The chances of Arsenal selling Fabregas this season have now diminished.
Yet it can be reversed if Cesc himself turns against the club that nurtured him since he was 16 and against Wenger to whom he owes pretty much everything in his football life. It would also require a massively improved offer from Barcelona of say around the 50m to 60m mark.
The probability of these two factors occurring is pretty low in my opinion. Cesc has said that he will leave the whole matter to Wenger himself and that he fully trusts him. Also Barcelona have already paid out 42 m for Villa. They have limited resources left to go into a heavy bidding war for Cesc.
But I feel that all these goings on are clear indicators that this season will most probably be Cesc’s last in an Arsenal shirt. Unless….
Unless Wenger realizes that now is his last opportunity to really build a competitive team around his most precious footballer.
That now, this summer, is the time to go out and buy those quality players that will make a difference and propel this club back into title winning performances and Premier league domination.
Let’s pay the right price for a quality goalkeeper, for another two central defenders and for another defensive midfielder. Not stingily buy geriatrics or kids and ask them to perform way above their level.
Let’s go for it NOW, because next season WILL be too late. The bird will have flown out of its nest…
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Say it loud, say it clear Mr Wenger: “Fabregas is going nowhere”
By 1970’s Gooner
Fabregas’s departure, if it materialises, would be the final nail in the coffin of Arsene Wenger’s football model of development.
As reiterated on this blog on many occasions in the past this model of football development needs two vital ingredients to stay firmly cemented in place if it is to succeed.
The first is to strike and then keep in place the right blend between talented and technically gifted youth alongside experienced and hardened professionals.
In this way the team can be competitive against the more hardened teams at the top of the League, win trophies and at the same time bring on the youngsters under the guidance of the more experienced players to full football fruition.
A bit like Manchester United.
This Wenger has failed to do. He let or was not able to keep through stinginess and probably stubbornness (in not granting more than one year extensions to players over 30) experienced players who could have provided such a balance.
Players like Pires, Flamini and Hleb from the recent past. And if you want to go back a few years, remember Edu?
He left because Wenger and Dein tried to play hard when his contract extension was up for renewal. If he had stayed I have no doubt we would have won the league again at that time…
The second element is the need to keep the stars of the team while releasing the more aged players who have had their best years at the club, often at remunerative transfer fees.
Players like Vieira and Henry left leaving behind their best football years fetching about 15m each.
This policy keeps the finances in a healthy position ready to buy the next bunch of stars of the future. Players like Ramsey, Wilshere will be and like Fabregas once was.
Vieira, Henry, Overmars and Petit all, of course wanted out – but they were either 30 or approaching 30.
Which brings us to Cesc. If he leaves he will be leaving just at the time when he will be reaching his prime. He is only 24 and will be the youngest star to want out.
This past season has been Fabregas’s best.
Wenger pushed him just in front of two holding midfielders and granted him the freedom to roam in support of a main central striker. And he has excelled, providing more assists than any other player in the Premier League and scoring 19 goals!
Fabregas’s departure would give the message that Arsenal will for ever be a work in progress, getting near but not near enough, often clobbered by more street wise hardened opponents.
If you want to win titles and glory then don’t go to Arsenal….
In this coming season we are likely to see a physically and mentally more mature Fabregas ready to become a truly world star.
But will we? Is Wenger going to stand up to Barcelona, the money men, the Board and more importantly the player himself and say it loud and clear:
YOU ARE GOING NOWHERE
Fabregas’s departure, if it materialises, would be the final nail in the coffin of Arsene Wenger’s football model of development.
As reiterated on this blog on many occasions in the past this model of football development needs two vital ingredients to stay firmly cemented in place if it is to succeed.
The first is to strike and then keep in place the right blend between talented and technically gifted youth alongside experienced and hardened professionals.
In this way the team can be competitive against the more hardened teams at the top of the League, win trophies and at the same time bring on the youngsters under the guidance of the more experienced players to full football fruition.
A bit like Manchester United.
This Wenger has failed to do. He let or was not able to keep through stinginess and probably stubbornness (in not granting more than one year extensions to players over 30) experienced players who could have provided such a balance.
Players like Pires, Flamini and Hleb from the recent past. And if you want to go back a few years, remember Edu?
He left because Wenger and Dein tried to play hard when his contract extension was up for renewal. If he had stayed I have no doubt we would have won the league again at that time…
The second element is the need to keep the stars of the team while releasing the more aged players who have had their best years at the club, often at remunerative transfer fees.
Players like Vieira and Henry left leaving behind their best football years fetching about 15m each.
This policy keeps the finances in a healthy position ready to buy the next bunch of stars of the future. Players like Ramsey, Wilshere will be and like Fabregas once was.
Vieira, Henry, Overmars and Petit all, of course wanted out – but they were either 30 or approaching 30.
Which brings us to Cesc. If he leaves he will be leaving just at the time when he will be reaching his prime. He is only 24 and will be the youngest star to want out.
This past season has been Fabregas’s best.
Wenger pushed him just in front of two holding midfielders and granted him the freedom to roam in support of a main central striker. And he has excelled, providing more assists than any other player in the Premier League and scoring 19 goals!
Fabregas’s departure would give the message that Arsenal will for ever be a work in progress, getting near but not near enough, often clobbered by more street wise hardened opponents.
If you want to win titles and glory then don’t go to Arsenal….
In this coming season we are likely to see a physically and mentally more mature Fabregas ready to become a truly world star.
But will we? Is Wenger going to stand up to Barcelona, the money men, the Board and more importantly the player himself and say it loud and clear:
YOU ARE GOING NOWHERE
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Arsenal fans demand a new keeper
By 1970’s Gooner,
Arsene Wenger made an extraordinary statement in his weekly letter to the Arsenal fans. I get it on my e mail but I almost always ignore it as it usually reiterates an amalgam of his post match comments.
This time it attracted my attention as it was very direct and a little bit angry.
He asked the Arsenal fans to leave the transfer policy to him and we will see the results…
Is he getting fed up with everyone telling him to buy and buy and buy?
You bet he is.
But I am with the majority of the fans who are desperate and fed up to watch year after year talented youngsters play attractive football but get slaughtered by the big guns when the business part of the season arrives.
And there is one transfer that simply has to happen if we are to have a cat’s chance in hell to win anything next season and that is buying a new first team keeper capable to pull out those performances that will win you those points that Almunia and Fabianski certainly failed to do.
Van de Sar has been doing it season after season with Manchester United. Funnily enough Wenger passed on the chance to make that call that Van de Sar was expecting from him when leaving Fulham!
Shay Given, one of the best keepers in the League, was similarly available but again Wenger passed…
Petr Cech has been a top class keeper with Chelsea during those title winning years inclusive of this season of course.
Even Spurs have a better keeper than us. Gomez singlehandedly destroyed our chances to win the title.
I need not go on and on.
In fact the vast majority (82%) of nearly 2000 Arsenal fans that voted on our poll (see above) are clear that if Wenger does not sign a new keeper our chances of winning the title next season will evaporate EVEN if we buy all the outfield players that we need!
That is a strong message indeed.
There are numerous goalkeepers out there who are infinitely better than our lot.
David James may be old but so is Van de Sar. Joe Hart or even Shay Given at Manchester City, Gordon at Sunderland, Green at West Ham, Schwarzer at Fulham.
The list is endless and there are many, many keepers abroad which I am sure if Wenger puts his mind to it can come up with a decent choice.
But will he bother?
Arsene Wenger made an extraordinary statement in his weekly letter to the Arsenal fans. I get it on my e mail but I almost always ignore it as it usually reiterates an amalgam of his post match comments.
This time it attracted my attention as it was very direct and a little bit angry.
He asked the Arsenal fans to leave the transfer policy to him and we will see the results…
Is he getting fed up with everyone telling him to buy and buy and buy?
You bet he is.
But I am with the majority of the fans who are desperate and fed up to watch year after year talented youngsters play attractive football but get slaughtered by the big guns when the business part of the season arrives.
And there is one transfer that simply has to happen if we are to have a cat’s chance in hell to win anything next season and that is buying a new first team keeper capable to pull out those performances that will win you those points that Almunia and Fabianski certainly failed to do.
Van de Sar has been doing it season after season with Manchester United. Funnily enough Wenger passed on the chance to make that call that Van de Sar was expecting from him when leaving Fulham!
Shay Given, one of the best keepers in the League, was similarly available but again Wenger passed…
Petr Cech has been a top class keeper with Chelsea during those title winning years inclusive of this season of course.
Even Spurs have a better keeper than us. Gomez singlehandedly destroyed our chances to win the title.
I need not go on and on.
In fact the vast majority (82%) of nearly 2000 Arsenal fans that voted on our poll (see above) are clear that if Wenger does not sign a new keeper our chances of winning the title next season will evaporate EVEN if we buy all the outfield players that we need!
That is a strong message indeed.
There are numerous goalkeepers out there who are infinitely better than our lot.
David James may be old but so is Van de Sar. Joe Hart or even Shay Given at Manchester City, Gordon at Sunderland, Green at West Ham, Schwarzer at Fulham.
The list is endless and there are many, many keepers abroad which I am sure if Wenger puts his mind to it can come up with a decent choice.
But will he bother?
Monday, May 03, 2010
Arsenal’s goalkeepers are a joke
By 1970’s Gooner
When Arsene Wenger said that due to Almunia’s wrist injury he would give a chance to Fabianski to prove himself I smiled. Wenger is up to his old tricks I thought as Almunia has probably been dropped.
On the other hand how can Fabianski prove himself in only three or so games? Surely you need more games than that to decide whether a keeper is good enough to win you the Premier League?
In fact the only decisive conclusion that could come out of this short run of games with Fabianski in goal could only be on the negative side i.e significant errors being made ruling the poor guy out of the reckoning.
And this eventuality has surely materialised. Or at least I hope that Wenger has now realised this!
Fabianski is not good enough to take that goalkeeper’s jersey. He should at best be loaned out so that he can learn on someone else’s back.
Nor is Almunia good enough and that is in my opinion quite obvious too. He has been given chance after chance, season after season but also failed miserably to convince.
It’s time to get the cheque book out Mr Wenger.
No team with real aspirations to win the title can do it with a goalkeeper, of at best, average quality.
Please go out and get a top class goalkeeper. And spend the money you say you have and give this very promising team the backbone it richly deserves.
A backbone consisting of the goalkeeper, a central defender (of an age below 30) and another strong defensively minded midfielder.
That’s all.
When Arsene Wenger said that due to Almunia’s wrist injury he would give a chance to Fabianski to prove himself I smiled. Wenger is up to his old tricks I thought as Almunia has probably been dropped.
On the other hand how can Fabianski prove himself in only three or so games? Surely you need more games than that to decide whether a keeper is good enough to win you the Premier League?
In fact the only decisive conclusion that could come out of this short run of games with Fabianski in goal could only be on the negative side i.e significant errors being made ruling the poor guy out of the reckoning.
And this eventuality has surely materialised. Or at least I hope that Wenger has now realised this!
Fabianski is not good enough to take that goalkeeper’s jersey. He should at best be loaned out so that he can learn on someone else’s back.
Nor is Almunia good enough and that is in my opinion quite obvious too. He has been given chance after chance, season after season but also failed miserably to convince.
It’s time to get the cheque book out Mr Wenger.
No team with real aspirations to win the title can do it with a goalkeeper, of at best, average quality.
Please go out and get a top class goalkeeper. And spend the money you say you have and give this very promising team the backbone it richly deserves.
A backbone consisting of the goalkeeper, a central defender (of an age below 30) and another strong defensively minded midfielder.
That’s all.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Which team, apart from Arsenal, would you prefer to win the Premier League title?
By Aries
It’s a hard choice really having to pick either Chelsea or Manchester United.
Normally I would prefer the team that played the best football to win the title and Arsenal have done that in my opinion. There’s not much to choose between Manchester United and Chelsea in terms of football played. Both have had good and bad games.
But there is a big difference between the two in their financial standing.
Chelsea have bought the titles they won and by extension they will have bought this one if they do go on and win it. Their financial strength is derived from big handouts from their owner and benefactor and not from what they earn through the normal sources of revenue open to football clubs, such as TV money, gate receipts, shirt sales and other marketable products.
Manchester United on the other hand have tended to rely precisely on these incomes which themselves are not inconsiderable but nevertheless football related.
However much it hurts me to choose a team to win the title other than Arsenal then I will vote for Manchester United.
Maybe Arsenal will win it! We still have an outside chance you know…
It’s a hard choice really having to pick either Chelsea or Manchester United.
Normally I would prefer the team that played the best football to win the title and Arsenal have done that in my opinion. There’s not much to choose between Manchester United and Chelsea in terms of football played. Both have had good and bad games.
But there is a big difference between the two in their financial standing.
Chelsea have bought the titles they won and by extension they will have bought this one if they do go on and win it. Their financial strength is derived from big handouts from their owner and benefactor and not from what they earn through the normal sources of revenue open to football clubs, such as TV money, gate receipts, shirt sales and other marketable products.
Manchester United on the other hand have tended to rely precisely on these incomes which themselves are not inconsiderable but nevertheless football related.
However much it hurts me to choose a team to win the title other than Arsenal then I will vote for Manchester United.
Maybe Arsenal will win it! We still have an outside chance you know…
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Wenger needs to get his and Hillwood’s cheque book out
By 1970’s Gooner
It is true that any team in the world will miss seven fist teamers like Arsenal have missed at various times this season. Robin van Persie, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy, Song, Arshavin, and Fabregas.
But if their replacements were good enough then their absence would not have been felt so much. And Arsenal have suffered.
When the first teamers were out Wenger had to rely on aged players like Silvestre and Campbell or on young kids like Denilson, Eastmond and Bendtner.
The depth of the squad is simply not good enough and it is indeed a miracle that we have consistently been in the top four in the last five seasons.
I feel however that no major surgery is required in the squad but the major deficiencies have to be seriously addressed in time for next season.
And if Wenger finally gets his and Hilwood's cheque book out we may well be celebrating the title this time next year.
First and foremost Almunia and Fabiansky have to go. They have let us down on many an occasion this season and in important games too. No title winning team can rely on these two inadequate clowns.
And to think that we passed over Van de Sar when he was available as well as Shay Given last season! Wenger should buy a top class goalkeeper there’s no two ways about it.
Next shambles this season was our defensive cover. It was well known in advance that Djourou will not be able to offer cover to the two first choice defenders, Gallas and Vermaelen yet what does Wenger do?
He lets Senderos go out on loan, brings in Campbell and keeps Silvestre. Campbell has been brilliant but could not be used too often due to age and Silvestre …well, as I wrote too often in the past, he is a disaster waiting to happen.
Djourou’s long term fitness should be assessed and if he is ok then we need to bring in another quality central defender.
A central defensive midfielder is also needed because we cannot really expect Denilson to play that role every time Song is out injured, on Africa Nations Cup duty or banned.
And finally if Chamach is indeed coming this summer then we will not need more reinforcements in the forward positions.
All I can say is that Chamakh should have been at the Emirates in January. We may have been closer in the title race than what you may think.
Still, better late than never.
And if Wenger buys the right players this summer then all these barren years would have been well worth enduring.
For they will be seen as the necessary investment in the time needed to bring on the talented youngsters, like Fabregas, Clichy, Song, Diaby, Nasri, Walcott and van Persie to Premier and Champions League domination.
It is true that any team in the world will miss seven fist teamers like Arsenal have missed at various times this season. Robin van Persie, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy, Song, Arshavin, and Fabregas.
But if their replacements were good enough then their absence would not have been felt so much. And Arsenal have suffered.
When the first teamers were out Wenger had to rely on aged players like Silvestre and Campbell or on young kids like Denilson, Eastmond and Bendtner.
The depth of the squad is simply not good enough and it is indeed a miracle that we have consistently been in the top four in the last five seasons.
I feel however that no major surgery is required in the squad but the major deficiencies have to be seriously addressed in time for next season.
And if Wenger finally gets his and Hilwood's cheque book out we may well be celebrating the title this time next year.
First and foremost Almunia and Fabiansky have to go. They have let us down on many an occasion this season and in important games too. No title winning team can rely on these two inadequate clowns.
And to think that we passed over Van de Sar when he was available as well as Shay Given last season! Wenger should buy a top class goalkeeper there’s no two ways about it.
Next shambles this season was our defensive cover. It was well known in advance that Djourou will not be able to offer cover to the two first choice defenders, Gallas and Vermaelen yet what does Wenger do?
He lets Senderos go out on loan, brings in Campbell and keeps Silvestre. Campbell has been brilliant but could not be used too often due to age and Silvestre …well, as I wrote too often in the past, he is a disaster waiting to happen.
Djourou’s long term fitness should be assessed and if he is ok then we need to bring in another quality central defender.
A central defensive midfielder is also needed because we cannot really expect Denilson to play that role every time Song is out injured, on Africa Nations Cup duty or banned.
And finally if Chamach is indeed coming this summer then we will not need more reinforcements in the forward positions.
All I can say is that Chamakh should have been at the Emirates in January. We may have been closer in the title race than what you may think.
Still, better late than never.
And if Wenger buys the right players this summer then all these barren years would have been well worth enduring.
For they will be seen as the necessary investment in the time needed to bring on the talented youngsters, like Fabregas, Clichy, Song, Diaby, Nasri, Walcott and van Persie to Premier and Champions League domination.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
It’s tactics, not who starts, that will prove important in Barcelona
By 1970’s Gooner
Yes there are a lot of injured and absent players form Arsenal’s potentially most important game of the season.
There is Gallas missing from defence. Campbell is feared to be suffering from a hamstring strain and/or fatigue, Song and Fabregas are missing from central midfield and Arshavin from the offensive players. Van Persie is a long term absentee of course.
As a result most of the debate among Arsenal fans centres on the possible line up in the key positions where players are or could be missing.
Will Campbell play now that Song is out or will Wenger throw Silvestre in? Will Walcott start or will he be used as an impact substitute?
To my mind it’s what formation and tactics Arsene employs not who starts that will prove important in Barcelona.
Barcelona dominated possession for three quarters of the game at the Emirates and if we are to emerge victorious in Barcelona we simply have to stop them playing by denying them possession.
This is the single most important aim that has to be achieved if Arsenal are to have a chance.
And for this to be achieved in an Arsenal way (i.e not kicking the opponents to death as some other premier League opponents do against us) Wenger has to employ tactics that will thwart the opponent’s midfield and deny them the freedom to pass the ball around.
This can be achieved by adopting a more conservative approach especially in the first half because if Barcelona score first then it’s most probably game over.
A more conservative approach implies changing the formation from a 4 3 3 we have come to enjoy in the Premier League to a 4 5 1.
4 5 1 as played by the Arsenal will and should not be a defensive formation where players just stay behind the ball and defend.
4 5 1 will make life very difficult for Xavi to weave his magic and also deny space to their full backs when they try to roam forward as they did at the Emirates.
Two more things also have to happen.
Nasri who will be deployed centrally should not play as far forward as Fabregas did in the first leg. He should instead, when Arsenal are without the ball, drop back into the middle and mark Xavi denying him the space.
Bendtner should also not forget his defensive duties form the front. Indeed Arsenal should mark Barcelona’s defenders tightly when they have the ball and force them to distribute long rather than short (to Xavi for example). Arsenal will then have a much better chance to win the ball back.
Once all these are achieved then Wenger will begin to think about match winning substitutions. It is important not to play all your hands right from the beginning because if something goes wrong then there will not be a lot of room for maneuver left.
Walcott should therefore stay on the bench.
Almunia
Sagna Campbell Vermaelen Clichy
Eboue Nasri Diaby Denilson Rosicky
Bendtner
Subs: Fabianski, Traore, Silvestre, Merida, Eastmond, Eduardo, Walcott (to come on for Sagna, Eboue goes to right back)
Yes there are a lot of injured and absent players form Arsenal’s potentially most important game of the season.
There is Gallas missing from defence. Campbell is feared to be suffering from a hamstring strain and/or fatigue, Song and Fabregas are missing from central midfield and Arshavin from the offensive players. Van Persie is a long term absentee of course.
As a result most of the debate among Arsenal fans centres on the possible line up in the key positions where players are or could be missing.
Will Campbell play now that Song is out or will Wenger throw Silvestre in? Will Walcott start or will he be used as an impact substitute?
To my mind it’s what formation and tactics Arsene employs not who starts that will prove important in Barcelona.
Barcelona dominated possession for three quarters of the game at the Emirates and if we are to emerge victorious in Barcelona we simply have to stop them playing by denying them possession.
This is the single most important aim that has to be achieved if Arsenal are to have a chance.
And for this to be achieved in an Arsenal way (i.e not kicking the opponents to death as some other premier League opponents do against us) Wenger has to employ tactics that will thwart the opponent’s midfield and deny them the freedom to pass the ball around.
This can be achieved by adopting a more conservative approach especially in the first half because if Barcelona score first then it’s most probably game over.
A more conservative approach implies changing the formation from a 4 3 3 we have come to enjoy in the Premier League to a 4 5 1.
4 5 1 as played by the Arsenal will and should not be a defensive formation where players just stay behind the ball and defend.
4 5 1 will make life very difficult for Xavi to weave his magic and also deny space to their full backs when they try to roam forward as they did at the Emirates.
Two more things also have to happen.
Nasri who will be deployed centrally should not play as far forward as Fabregas did in the first leg. He should instead, when Arsenal are without the ball, drop back into the middle and mark Xavi denying him the space.
Bendtner should also not forget his defensive duties form the front. Indeed Arsenal should mark Barcelona’s defenders tightly when they have the ball and force them to distribute long rather than short (to Xavi for example). Arsenal will then have a much better chance to win the ball back.
Once all these are achieved then Wenger will begin to think about match winning substitutions. It is important not to play all your hands right from the beginning because if something goes wrong then there will not be a lot of room for maneuver left.
Walcott should therefore stay on the bench.
Almunia
Sagna Campbell Vermaelen Clichy
Eboue Nasri Diaby Denilson Rosicky
Bendtner
Subs: Fabianski, Traore, Silvestre, Merida, Eastmond, Eduardo, Walcott (to come on for Sagna, Eboue goes to right back)
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Greedy Wenger dents Arsenal’s title hopes
By 1970’s Gooner
I was very interested to see what Wenger had in mind when I saw Arsenal’s team sheet containing Rosicky and Walcott.
It was obvious that they were not going to be up to the physical approach that Birmingham have been renowned for this season.
And so it proved to be. Walcott was very quiet and Rosicky coming back form an injury lay off was pretty ineffective. He was almost at walking pace for most of the game!
The effect of this selection was that Arsenal had no width with which to stretch the game which inevitably meant that most of the play had to come through the middle.
But hell, that is where we were at our weakest. Especially against Bowyer and Ferguson who were both very combative indeed.
Song’s inevitable move to centre back (he had a fine game) meant that Denilson and Diaby had to act as the defensive shield. Neither did.
Denilson was not strong enough and Diaby was more forward minded than Fabregas even!
The lack of width and crosses also meant that Bendtner was not supplied the balls with which to do any damage.
It wasn’t until the two most obvious substitutions were made that we immediately began looking like we could score. And we did.
Arshavin and Nasri should have started the game. If they had we would have probably ran out winners from the first half.
What an earth was Arsene Wenger thinking of?
The answer is obvious. He was greedy enough to think that this Arsenal team could actually win the double! The Premiership and the Champions League.
That is why he rested these two players and Eboue as well. He intends to play them on Wednesday at the Emirates.
But surely the most important game is always the next one.
Wenger should have played his strongest team, get the win against Birmingham, keep us in the title race and then with confidence high go into the game against Barcelona.
But now it has backfired.
It seems that it is Chelsea who have benefited from getting knocked out of the Champions League.
Not us…
I was very interested to see what Wenger had in mind when I saw Arsenal’s team sheet containing Rosicky and Walcott.
It was obvious that they were not going to be up to the physical approach that Birmingham have been renowned for this season.
And so it proved to be. Walcott was very quiet and Rosicky coming back form an injury lay off was pretty ineffective. He was almost at walking pace for most of the game!
The effect of this selection was that Arsenal had no width with which to stretch the game which inevitably meant that most of the play had to come through the middle.
But hell, that is where we were at our weakest. Especially against Bowyer and Ferguson who were both very combative indeed.
Song’s inevitable move to centre back (he had a fine game) meant that Denilson and Diaby had to act as the defensive shield. Neither did.
Denilson was not strong enough and Diaby was more forward minded than Fabregas even!
The lack of width and crosses also meant that Bendtner was not supplied the balls with which to do any damage.
It wasn’t until the two most obvious substitutions were made that we immediately began looking like we could score. And we did.
Arshavin and Nasri should have started the game. If they had we would have probably ran out winners from the first half.
What an earth was Arsene Wenger thinking of?
The answer is obvious. He was greedy enough to think that this Arsenal team could actually win the double! The Premiership and the Champions League.
That is why he rested these two players and Eboue as well. He intends to play them on Wednesday at the Emirates.
But surely the most important game is always the next one.
Wenger should have played his strongest team, get the win against Birmingham, keep us in the title race and then with confidence high go into the game against Barcelona.
But now it has backfired.
It seems that it is Chelsea who have benefited from getting knocked out of the Champions League.
Not us…
Sunday, February 07, 2010
We’ve had enough Mr Wenger (and Mr Hill Wood)
By 1970’s Gooner
There’s something that either Mr Wenger or the Board are not telling us.
It has been patently obvious that the team needed a few more players of stature, experience and strength to transform it from very good to great.
The Board keeps coming out with statements that the money is there for Arsene to spend. Yet we see no real investment in the team. The only signings are those that are desperately needed to keep the team going. Not the ones that will have added more quality options.
Signings like Arshavin’s when the team really needed a player to help it make the Champions League places. That was last year.
This season it was Vermaelen. But again really desperately needed as Toure was on his way out.
Good signings but the absolute minimum.
And again this policy on living on a shoestring was repeated when van Persie and Bendtner got injured. NO SIGNINGS.
Except Sol Campel’s when Wenger realised that if either Gallas or Vermaelen got injured his only other real option was Silvestre! Another signing on a shoestring...
The result of this policy of stinginess is that when a first team player is out then there is a huge gap in quality and experience left to fill as the rest of the squad is littered with rookies or old has beens.
Examples are aplenty.
Song goes to the ACN and Denilson has to fill in...
Diaby gets injured and Ramsey has to fill in...
Van Persie and Bendtner are out Eduardo and Arshavin have to fill in....
Clichy and Gibbs are out young Traore has to fill in....
If either Gallas or Vermaelen get injured it will be Sol Campel or Silvestre, God forbid...
If Fabregas gets injured it will be young Ramsey...
Almunia is bad enough but if he got injured or dropped it will be the untried Fabiansky...
If the money was really there and Wenger chose to ignore it then I would call it CRIMINAL. For all that this team needs is a few signings that would have complemented this exciting pool of young players.
If the money is not there, which is what I suspect, then the Board should come out and tell us straight and proper.
There’s something that either Mr Wenger or the Board are not telling us.
It has been patently obvious that the team needed a few more players of stature, experience and strength to transform it from very good to great.
The Board keeps coming out with statements that the money is there for Arsene to spend. Yet we see no real investment in the team. The only signings are those that are desperately needed to keep the team going. Not the ones that will have added more quality options.
Signings like Arshavin’s when the team really needed a player to help it make the Champions League places. That was last year.
This season it was Vermaelen. But again really desperately needed as Toure was on his way out.
Good signings but the absolute minimum.
And again this policy on living on a shoestring was repeated when van Persie and Bendtner got injured. NO SIGNINGS.
Except Sol Campel’s when Wenger realised that if either Gallas or Vermaelen got injured his only other real option was Silvestre! Another signing on a shoestring...
The result of this policy of stinginess is that when a first team player is out then there is a huge gap in quality and experience left to fill as the rest of the squad is littered with rookies or old has beens.
Examples are aplenty.
Song goes to the ACN and Denilson has to fill in...
Diaby gets injured and Ramsey has to fill in...
Van Persie and Bendtner are out Eduardo and Arshavin have to fill in....
Clichy and Gibbs are out young Traore has to fill in....
If either Gallas or Vermaelen get injured it will be Sol Campel or Silvestre, God forbid...
If Fabregas gets injured it will be young Ramsey...
Almunia is bad enough but if he got injured or dropped it will be the untried Fabiansky...
If the money was really there and Wenger chose to ignore it then I would call it CRIMINAL. For all that this team needs is a few signings that would have complemented this exciting pool of young players.
If the money is not there, which is what I suspect, then the Board should come out and tell us straight and proper.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Player Ratings Vs Man Utd
By 1970’s Gooner
Almunia: Poor today and a continuous liability 2
Sagna : Steady as you go but nothing more. At least he is consistent. 5
Clichy: Decision making not his forte 3
Gallas: Tried his best, as usual 6
Vermaelen: And we thought his inclusion would have given us the edge. Strong performance and a goal, again 7
Denilson: A kid among men 3
Fabregas: Tried but surrounded by mediocrity, 6
Song: A solid performance, 5
Nasri: Ineffective and often failed to track back, 4
Rosicky: Uninterested? 3
Arshavin: Eager but selfish, 4
Eboue: Made a difference going forward, 6
Walcott: Used his pace to good effect but not enough time to have an impact, 5
Bendtner: Out of touch, needs games 4
Almunia: Poor today and a continuous liability 2
Sagna : Steady as you go but nothing more. At least he is consistent. 5
Clichy: Decision making not his forte 3
Gallas: Tried his best, as usual 6
Vermaelen: And we thought his inclusion would have given us the edge. Strong performance and a goal, again 7
Denilson: A kid among men 3
Fabregas: Tried but surrounded by mediocrity, 6
Song: A solid performance, 5
Nasri: Ineffective and often failed to track back, 4
Rosicky: Uninterested? 3
Arshavin: Eager but selfish, 4
Eboue: Made a difference going forward, 6
Walcott: Used his pace to good effect but not enough time to have an impact, 5
Bendtner: Out of touch, needs games 4
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Arsenal’s vast room for improvement augurs well for the Premier League title
By 1970’s Gooner
When Arsene Wenger sold Patrick Vieira every single pundit wrote Arsenal’s chances for honours off.
Cesc and the rest got to the Champions League Final.
When Arsene Wenger moved Thiery Henry on every single pundit dismissed Arsenal’s chances again.
Yet Cesc and the rest topped the League in the first few months of that season and if it wasn’t for Eduardo’s horrific injury would have gone on to seriously challenge for the title.
This goes to show that this bunch of players that Arsene has put together have the capability to make up for the loss of significant players and still produce scintillating and high quality football.
This trend is being repeated again this season where this squad has had to put up with key players missing and still came up trumps. The run of recent results have so eloquently proved everyone wrong.
Players missing include:
- Arsenal’s top scorer (when he got injured) Robin van Persie and his young but very promising understudy Nicklas Bendtner.
Arsenal have relied on the diminutive Andrei Arshavin who never played centre forward before and on Eduardo who is still trying to find his feet after being out of action for so long.
- First team choice left back Gael Clichy and also his understudy Kieran Gibbs.
Arsenal had to make do with the third choice left back Armand Traore.
- First team choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia as well as his understudy Lukasz Fabianski.
In stepped the third choice rooky keeper Vito Mannone.
- Fantastic midfielder Alex Song away on Africa Nations Cup duty.
He has been replaced by Denilson and when not available, youngster Aaron Ramsey as well as rooky midfielder Creig Eastmond who made his full League debut only last week away to Bolton of all places.
- Samir Nasri and Theo Walcott have been away injured for most of the season so far.
Arsenal found the resources to replace them with Eduardo and Rosicky.
Yet despite all these players missing Arsenal are now sitting top of the League (albeit with a game played more than Chelsea).
The conclusion that can be drawn is that there is still quite a substantial room for even more improvement in this team. And I believe that when this happens Arsenal will be unstoppable.
Let’s look into how this can come about.
Bendtner’s return
When Bendtner comes back Arsenal will gain a double benefit. A player that will play in his natural position who will add height and strength up front. This will give Arsenal the variety that has been missing in its forward play.
Up to now the ball has been played to the forward’s feet on the ground by building form the back. This is Arsenal’s usual way of playing of course.
But Bendtner’s height and strength will provide another option. It will also add height when defending corners and dead ball situations.
The other benefit will be the release of Arshavin and Eduardo to play in their natural positions. The effect of this should not be underestimated as these players will become more efficient and also provide Wenger with more options.
Bendtner is penciled in for the game at Aston Villa next week…
Clichy’s return
Granted he was rather rusty against Bolton and should be partly blamed for the first goal conceded.
Yet we all know Gael’s quality and what he brings to this team. Now he is back the defence will be that much more solid. And we will need that with the difficult games coming up.
Can’t wait for Alex Song
If Cameroon go all the way in the Africa Nations Cup then he Song will not be back till mid February. Yet when he does come back Arsenal’s performances and defensive midfield capability for the latter part of the season will be so much more on solid ground.
Theo back on track
Walcott’s comeback (and eventually Nasri’s return in two weeks) will add more options for Wenger in the wide midfield positions as well as provide a much needed rest for Eduardo, Rosicky and even Arshavin who is carrying an injury.
Theo’s return in particular will add pace in the forward positions which has been missing of late.
Now all Arsenal have to do is stay top or in touch with the top after the completion of the next four games: Aston Villa away, Manchester United home, Chelsea away and Liverpool home.
It’s a tall order by all accounts but if it can be achieved then we will be well on our way for the Premier League title.
When Arsene Wenger sold Patrick Vieira every single pundit wrote Arsenal’s chances for honours off.
Cesc and the rest got to the Champions League Final.
When Arsene Wenger moved Thiery Henry on every single pundit dismissed Arsenal’s chances again.
Yet Cesc and the rest topped the League in the first few months of that season and if it wasn’t for Eduardo’s horrific injury would have gone on to seriously challenge for the title.
This goes to show that this bunch of players that Arsene has put together have the capability to make up for the loss of significant players and still produce scintillating and high quality football.
This trend is being repeated again this season where this squad has had to put up with key players missing and still came up trumps. The run of recent results have so eloquently proved everyone wrong.
Players missing include:
- Arsenal’s top scorer (when he got injured) Robin van Persie and his young but very promising understudy Nicklas Bendtner.
Arsenal have relied on the diminutive Andrei Arshavin who never played centre forward before and on Eduardo who is still trying to find his feet after being out of action for so long.
- First team choice left back Gael Clichy and also his understudy Kieran Gibbs.
Arsenal had to make do with the third choice left back Armand Traore.
- First team choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia as well as his understudy Lukasz Fabianski.
In stepped the third choice rooky keeper Vito Mannone.
- Fantastic midfielder Alex Song away on Africa Nations Cup duty.
He has been replaced by Denilson and when not available, youngster Aaron Ramsey as well as rooky midfielder Creig Eastmond who made his full League debut only last week away to Bolton of all places.
- Samir Nasri and Theo Walcott have been away injured for most of the season so far.
Arsenal found the resources to replace them with Eduardo and Rosicky.
Yet despite all these players missing Arsenal are now sitting top of the League (albeit with a game played more than Chelsea).
The conclusion that can be drawn is that there is still quite a substantial room for even more improvement in this team. And I believe that when this happens Arsenal will be unstoppable.
Let’s look into how this can come about.
Bendtner’s return
When Bendtner comes back Arsenal will gain a double benefit. A player that will play in his natural position who will add height and strength up front. This will give Arsenal the variety that has been missing in its forward play.
Up to now the ball has been played to the forward’s feet on the ground by building form the back. This is Arsenal’s usual way of playing of course.
But Bendtner’s height and strength will provide another option. It will also add height when defending corners and dead ball situations.
The other benefit will be the release of Arshavin and Eduardo to play in their natural positions. The effect of this should not be underestimated as these players will become more efficient and also provide Wenger with more options.
Bendtner is penciled in for the game at Aston Villa next week…
Clichy’s return
Granted he was rather rusty against Bolton and should be partly blamed for the first goal conceded.
Yet we all know Gael’s quality and what he brings to this team. Now he is back the defence will be that much more solid. And we will need that with the difficult games coming up.
Can’t wait for Alex Song
If Cameroon go all the way in the Africa Nations Cup then he Song will not be back till mid February. Yet when he does come back Arsenal’s performances and defensive midfield capability for the latter part of the season will be so much more on solid ground.
Theo back on track
Walcott’s comeback (and eventually Nasri’s return in two weeks) will add more options for Wenger in the wide midfield positions as well as provide a much needed rest for Eduardo, Rosicky and even Arshavin who is carrying an injury.
Theo’s return in particular will add pace in the forward positions which has been missing of late.
Now all Arsenal have to do is stay top or in touch with the top after the completion of the next four games: Aston Villa away, Manchester United home, Chelsea away and Liverpool home.
It’s a tall order by all accounts but if it can be achieved then we will be well on our way for the Premier League title.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Arshavin: “Cesc was the conductor”
By Aries
Andrei Arshavin has hailed once again Fabregas’s fantastic performance against Bolton at the Reebok after Arsenal’s 2-0 victory. He described Fabregas as a conductor.
“Cesc was back in operation. He competently conducted the team and managed to score a goal” he said on his personal web site.
He also thought that it was Arsenal’s team performance that carried them through to final victory but that the pitch didn’t help.
“Today we played quite a hard match. These victories are needed, they are important for the team. I think that today we won thanks to a team game for Arsenal. We tried to combine, but the field was difficult. It interfered with our play”
Arshavin also admitted that his defensive performance was not up to scratch.
“We changed the scheme of the game today. My task was to play left field. I was not able to fully help out in the defense but thanks to the guys who corrected my flaws”
What is important now to Andrei is to win the next game against Bolton which will set the team up nicely for the crucial next four games which include Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.
“But the task is not yet complete, because in the matches against Bolton we want to have 6 points.
If after two days we will be able once again to beat this team, we'll have a good chance on the eve of crucial four matches for Arsenal” he said.
Andrei Arshavin has hailed once again Fabregas’s fantastic performance against Bolton at the Reebok after Arsenal’s 2-0 victory. He described Fabregas as a conductor.
“Cesc was back in operation. He competently conducted the team and managed to score a goal” he said on his personal web site.
He also thought that it was Arsenal’s team performance that carried them through to final victory but that the pitch didn’t help.
“Today we played quite a hard match. These victories are needed, they are important for the team. I think that today we won thanks to a team game for Arsenal. We tried to combine, but the field was difficult. It interfered with our play”
Arshavin also admitted that his defensive performance was not up to scratch.
“We changed the scheme of the game today. My task was to play left field. I was not able to fully help out in the defense but thanks to the guys who corrected my flaws”
What is important now to Andrei is to win the next game against Bolton which will set the team up nicely for the crucial next four games which include Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.
“But the task is not yet complete, because in the matches against Bolton we want to have 6 points.
If after two days we will be able once again to beat this team, we'll have a good chance on the eve of crucial four matches for Arsenal” he said.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Arsenal freeze in the snow. Player Analysis and Ratings Vs Everton
By 1970’s Gooner
It was the first game without Song and against decent opposition who recognised that Arsenal’s key weaknesses were in midfield and at left back.
Everton’s tactics were spot on. They did not show respect and took the game to Arsenal by pressing up field whenever Gallas and Vermaelen had the ball.
Poor people couldn’t find an outlet to pass to as there was no Song who is very good at shielding the ball, turning and passing forward.
There was of course no Fabregas who in his own clever way can take the ball and go forward with it.
And there was no tall centre forward to offer the long ball outlet either.
There was instead Ramsey, Denilson and Diaby. Ramsey has been hyped up recently as the next Fabregas but of course he is not. He was outplayed today and failed in his playmaking duties.
Denilson is Denilson and Diaby failed to take hold of the game (apart from his assist for the late equaliser).
So whenever the ball eventually found one of our midfielders they were quickly pressured by Everton’s midfield which was augmented by Cahill dropping back to add assistance.
As Arsenal’s midfield lacked creativity so did the forwards.
Eduardo although a little bit better today still looked out of place, Arshavin was trying his best but had no support to play with and Nasri kept coming inside to help with the playmaking.
In my opinion Ramsey should have been rested today and Nasri brought into the middle to add some creativity. As Rosicky was not 100% ready Vela, who had a decent game at West Ham, should have started on the wing.
Almunia
Keeps making mistakes like when he came out for a cross which eluded him only for the header to be cleared by Gallas in front of goal. Or when he came out of his goal unnecessarily in the second half knocking poor Traore out.
And for their second goal he could have stayed on his feet for longer instead of going to ground thus offering the opportunity to Pienar to chip him. 5
Sagna
Had a decent game and got forward a lot in the second half. His performances are at least consistent. 6
Traore
Had one of his worst games. Donavan had the better of him and generally he couldn’t take the correct positions and often found himself on the back foot. 4
Vermaelen
Another steady performance. God knows what will happen if he gets injured or suspened. Silvestre is a liability and Senderos hasn’t played at all yet! 6
Gallas
Another strong performance. He stationed himself in the opponent’s area late in the game to try and get the equaliser. He wasn’t really to blame for Everton’s first goal as Osman ran unchallenged into the area. Someone from the midfield or the front players should have picked his run up. 6
Denilson
He played his usual game, retrieving and passing. He was however outmuscled on occasion. The good thing about him is that he is getting amongst the goals and this is a good sign for the future. 6
Ramsey
Too much is expected of him and the poor lad is still learning the game. Everton’s tight pressing in midfield did not allow him to perform as well as he can. 5
Diaby
He should have taken the game by the horns today but he didn’t really. His only good moment was the vital equaliser he created. Otherwise he was outplayed in midfield loosing the ball too often. 5
Nasri
The only creative player on the pitch and he did try to make things happen by coming inside. 6
Rosicky
I have to partly fault him for his wrong pass to an opponent which led to Everton’s second goal. The correct pass should have been to Sagna on the right who was free but he chose otherwise.
However he was there to score the equaliser and I think his quality and experience will be vital in the coming games. 6
Arshavin
Was fairly inefficient today but had no support really. 5
Eduardo
Getting better but still not good enough. The problem is that he is not a winger and as Nasri likes to come inside the pitch gets narrow for Arsenal.
This is mitigated by the full backs coming forward but this is dangerous as too many men are committed up field and there is bunching up in the opponent’s area. 5
With Manchester United dropping points the bitter pill of our draw is a little bit easier to swallow.
If we can hang in there with the leaders until Song, Fabregas and Bendtner return along with a new signing (hopefully) then we have a chance.
It was the first game without Song and against decent opposition who recognised that Arsenal’s key weaknesses were in midfield and at left back.
Everton’s tactics were spot on. They did not show respect and took the game to Arsenal by pressing up field whenever Gallas and Vermaelen had the ball.
Poor people couldn’t find an outlet to pass to as there was no Song who is very good at shielding the ball, turning and passing forward.
There was of course no Fabregas who in his own clever way can take the ball and go forward with it.
And there was no tall centre forward to offer the long ball outlet either.
There was instead Ramsey, Denilson and Diaby. Ramsey has been hyped up recently as the next Fabregas but of course he is not. He was outplayed today and failed in his playmaking duties.
Denilson is Denilson and Diaby failed to take hold of the game (apart from his assist for the late equaliser).
So whenever the ball eventually found one of our midfielders they were quickly pressured by Everton’s midfield which was augmented by Cahill dropping back to add assistance.
As Arsenal’s midfield lacked creativity so did the forwards.
Eduardo although a little bit better today still looked out of place, Arshavin was trying his best but had no support to play with and Nasri kept coming inside to help with the playmaking.
In my opinion Ramsey should have been rested today and Nasri brought into the middle to add some creativity. As Rosicky was not 100% ready Vela, who had a decent game at West Ham, should have started on the wing.
Almunia
Keeps making mistakes like when he came out for a cross which eluded him only for the header to be cleared by Gallas in front of goal. Or when he came out of his goal unnecessarily in the second half knocking poor Traore out.
And for their second goal he could have stayed on his feet for longer instead of going to ground thus offering the opportunity to Pienar to chip him. 5
Sagna
Had a decent game and got forward a lot in the second half. His performances are at least consistent. 6
Traore
Had one of his worst games. Donavan had the better of him and generally he couldn’t take the correct positions and often found himself on the back foot. 4
Vermaelen
Another steady performance. God knows what will happen if he gets injured or suspened. Silvestre is a liability and Senderos hasn’t played at all yet! 6
Gallas
Another strong performance. He stationed himself in the opponent’s area late in the game to try and get the equaliser. He wasn’t really to blame for Everton’s first goal as Osman ran unchallenged into the area. Someone from the midfield or the front players should have picked his run up. 6
Denilson
He played his usual game, retrieving and passing. He was however outmuscled on occasion. The good thing about him is that he is getting amongst the goals and this is a good sign for the future. 6
Ramsey
Too much is expected of him and the poor lad is still learning the game. Everton’s tight pressing in midfield did not allow him to perform as well as he can. 5
Diaby
He should have taken the game by the horns today but he didn’t really. His only good moment was the vital equaliser he created. Otherwise he was outplayed in midfield loosing the ball too often. 5
Nasri
The only creative player on the pitch and he did try to make things happen by coming inside. 6
Rosicky
I have to partly fault him for his wrong pass to an opponent which led to Everton’s second goal. The correct pass should have been to Sagna on the right who was free but he chose otherwise.
However he was there to score the equaliser and I think his quality and experience will be vital in the coming games. 6
Arshavin
Was fairly inefficient today but had no support really. 5
Eduardo
Getting better but still not good enough. The problem is that he is not a winger and as Nasri likes to come inside the pitch gets narrow for Arsenal.
This is mitigated by the full backs coming forward but this is dangerous as too many men are committed up field and there is bunching up in the opponent’s area. 5
With Manchester United dropping points the bitter pill of our draw is a little bit easier to swallow.
If we can hang in there with the leaders until Song, Fabregas and Bendtner return along with a new signing (hopefully) then we have a chance.
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