By 1970's Gooner
What do us Arsenal supporters expect from the media and ex player pundits when they see a match lost 3-1 by Arsenal at home with a possession statistic of 75% and 30 attempts at goal!
We've all heard that story before haven't we? Dominate possession, the opponents park the bus and then do us on the counter attack usually through a defensive mistake.
Even we were and still are extremely critical of our players, especially Mustafi and Koscienly, after the Man Utd debacle let alone the media and MOTD who make their money by highlighting these faults and sometimes using hyperbole to transmit them to the mostly neutral masses.
It is a fact that we were terrible in defence and one would have thought that Wenger would have prepared the players for exactly this sort of thing happening. So for my money Wenger should get some of the blame.
In addition it seemed that we were not prepared to face, from first whistle, the full court press on our defenders. They were not mentally tuned in to deal with it. They were under the impression that Utd would sit back from the first minute and play their waiting game.
Still you would have thought that Arsenal's players could pass their way out of it! Instead they were passing to the opponents!
Were the media (and pundits) failed imo is that they did not spend enough time to analyse the fantastic attacking display by Arsenal and how two terrible decisions by an inept referee and assistants changed the course of the game.
How would the game have panned out if the decision on the clear foul on Welbeck was given? It would have been 2 2 of course with lots of time left to snatch a winner (for both teams).
The media would then have been more eulogistic and even euphoric towards Arsenal coming back from 2 0 down so impressively....
Which brings me to the referee (and his inept assistants). They were lauded on BT for their fantastic refereeing!!!!! They brushed aside the two clear penalty incidents as though they were a minor element in the game....
This and Clattenburg's recent statements of devising a game plan before the game and sticking to it smells to me.
May be the referee for Arsenal's game did not want to award a penalty for the same reasons.
You may say that he did give a red card to Pogba. But that was right in front of him, he did have a clear view so he couldn't just ignore it and it was a clear red card after all.
Still we should focus on the positives. We have a fantastic capacity for attacking play which blew Utd away and would have blown Man City away too. We played with intensity, beautiful movement and Lacazette is an amazing forward.
Can you sort out the defence Mr Wenger?
Tuesday, December 05, 2017
Monday, October 30, 2017
What's happened to Mustafi?
By 1970's Gooner
I am worried about the game at Man City. I am not worried about them, their performance and form are all there for all to see. They will play the full attacking game and put pressure on the ball when they haven't got it.
I am worried about two things. One is the tactics that Wenger should employ to nullify their threats and the other is Mertesacker.
In previous seasons, in similar games, Wenger would ask his players to play their open attacking game and then get slaughtered. There have been two deviations form this.
The away win at Man City a few years back which set us on a winning run but was soon abandoned thereafter.
The other was this season's away draw at Chelsea where a beautiful balance was struck between defence and attack. We restricted Chelsea quite adequately and were unlucky not to win the game.
Can Wenger though play the same way against Man City? Remember in the Chelsea game both Ozil and Sanchez did not start (Sanchez came on as a sub for Welbeck).
I think Wenger will start both of them but I simply do not see Ozil carrying his defensive duties when we are not in possession.
My other main worry is Mertesacker.
He was awful against Swansea. He was too slow, got caught in possession and of course with his lack of pace was vulnerable to speedy attackers taking him on.
He was also at fault, along with Xhaka, for Everton's first goal.
Which brings me on to Mustafi. Where is he? Wrenger told the press last week that he was close to being available for selection after overcoming his injury. But he was not even on the bench against Swansea, Holding was!
Now Physioroom.com has Mustafi returning on the 18th of November!
It's not that I rate Mustafi highly, he is at best an average defender who needs to improve his game. But a fit Mustafi would have got in ahead of Mertesacker.
Still I was saying the same thing before the FA Cup final and Mertesacker was probably man of the match!
I am worried about the game at Man City. I am not worried about them, their performance and form are all there for all to see. They will play the full attacking game and put pressure on the ball when they haven't got it.
I am worried about two things. One is the tactics that Wenger should employ to nullify their threats and the other is Mertesacker.
In previous seasons, in similar games, Wenger would ask his players to play their open attacking game and then get slaughtered. There have been two deviations form this.
The away win at Man City a few years back which set us on a winning run but was soon abandoned thereafter.
The other was this season's away draw at Chelsea where a beautiful balance was struck between defence and attack. We restricted Chelsea quite adequately and were unlucky not to win the game.
Can Wenger though play the same way against Man City? Remember in the Chelsea game both Ozil and Sanchez did not start (Sanchez came on as a sub for Welbeck).
I think Wenger will start both of them but I simply do not see Ozil carrying his defensive duties when we are not in possession.
My other main worry is Mertesacker.
He was awful against Swansea. He was too slow, got caught in possession and of course with his lack of pace was vulnerable to speedy attackers taking him on.
He was also at fault, along with Xhaka, for Everton's first goal.
Which brings me on to Mustafi. Where is he? Wrenger told the press last week that he was close to being available for selection after overcoming his injury. But he was not even on the bench against Swansea, Holding was!
Now Physioroom.com has Mustafi returning on the 18th of November!
It's not that I rate Mustafi highly, he is at best an average defender who needs to improve his game. But a fit Mustafi would have got in ahead of Mertesacker.
Still I was saying the same thing before the FA Cup final and Mertesacker was probably man of the match!
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Will Wenger announce Sanchez calf injury still persists?
By 1970's Gooner
It's a bit strange that Sanchez developed a cold just at the time when he was due to fly back to begin his pre season. This conveniently meant he would not be ready to start his fitness comeback for the start of the season.
He then conveniently developed a calf injury which Wenger expected to side line him for the games against Leicester and Stoke.
Sounds strange too that Coutinho developed a convenient injury which ruled him out of Liverpool's opening games against Watford and Palace. Now apparently he is ill....
I think both Wenger and Klopp are insulting our intelligence levels.
Really? They both asked to move away and both have developed these phantom injuries. At least Diego Costa was honest enough to let everyone know that he is raring to go but with a new team...
My thinking is that Sanchez and Coutinho are not likely to start next weekend. They will want to make sure that they receive no injuries by not playing, otherwise it may jeopardise their transfer, if it materialises of course.
They are likely to do this under instructions from the interested clubs putting in bids for them and of course from their agents.
Wenger's statement that Sanchez may return against Liverpool may come back to haunt him.
Sanchez is likely to return after the window shuts.
It's a bit strange that Sanchez developed a cold just at the time when he was due to fly back to begin his pre season. This conveniently meant he would not be ready to start his fitness comeback for the start of the season.
He then conveniently developed a calf injury which Wenger expected to side line him for the games against Leicester and Stoke.
Sounds strange too that Coutinho developed a convenient injury which ruled him out of Liverpool's opening games against Watford and Palace. Now apparently he is ill....
I think both Wenger and Klopp are insulting our intelligence levels.
Really? They both asked to move away and both have developed these phantom injuries. At least Diego Costa was honest enough to let everyone know that he is raring to go but with a new team...
My thinking is that Sanchez and Coutinho are not likely to start next weekend. They will want to make sure that they receive no injuries by not playing, otherwise it may jeopardise their transfer, if it materialises of course.
They are likely to do this under instructions from the interested clubs putting in bids for them and of course from their agents.
Wenger's statement that Sanchez may return against Liverpool may come back to haunt him.
Sanchez is likely to return after the window shuts.
Sunday, August 20, 2017
Arsene's unbalanced midfield needs rethinking
By 1970's Gooner
Arsene's teams in the last 10 years are unbalanced. Xhaka is not a holding midfielder neither is Ramsey. When the ball is lost in midfield there is no real barrier to stop the on coming attack. Ramsey is already too forward and Xhaka more often than not is unable to provide the defensive shield needed.
In the past there was a Gilberto an Edu or a Vieira. Now there is nothing of the sort. Look at Matic. He wins the ball and plays it simple to a team mate. This releases Pogba to be more forward thinking. Xhaka releases Ramsey but he is no Matic...
That's why Man Utd have every chance of winning the League but Wenger's Arsenal do not.
Arsene's teams in the last 10 years are unbalanced. Xhaka is not a holding midfielder neither is Ramsey. When the ball is lost in midfield there is no real barrier to stop the on coming attack. Ramsey is already too forward and Xhaka more often than not is unable to provide the defensive shield needed.
In the past there was a Gilberto an Edu or a Vieira. Now there is nothing of the sort. Look at Matic. He wins the ball and plays it simple to a team mate. This releases Pogba to be more forward thinking. Xhaka releases Ramsey but he is no Matic...
That's why Man Utd have every chance of winning the League but Wenger's Arsenal do not.
Friday, June 30, 2017
Bookies really slash the odds for Lacazette to Arsenal
By 1970's Gooner
It's beginning to look like Wenger has got his finger out and really zoomed right on to one of his main targets, Lacazette.
This he has done once he realised that Mbappe would not have joined in a million years. May be he should have realised that at the beginning and saved us and his time.
The bookies have now slashed the odds subsequent to Lyon president's comments:
“Alexandre should have left for Atletico, but that could not be done,” Aulas said.
“He wants to leave. We will discuss it in the coming weeks. If so, offers will be heard, provided they match the value of the player.
“We have not received any concrete offers for Lacazette up to now but that could happen at any moment.”
As to who might replace Lacazette the Lyon president added: “The case would obviously be the arrival of a player capable of scoring 25 to 30 goals per year. It will be a French international or a player of a very large European club.”
Skybet have now made Arsenal very strong favourites at 4/11 on to sign before the end of the transfer window, he is 11/4 to remain with Lyon.
Dortmund are second favourites behind the Gunners at 12/1, with Liverpool third in the running at 16/1.
It's beginning to look like Wenger has got his finger out and really zoomed right on to one of his main targets, Lacazette.
This he has done once he realised that Mbappe would not have joined in a million years. May be he should have realised that at the beginning and saved us and his time.
The bookies have now slashed the odds subsequent to Lyon president's comments:
“Alexandre should have left for Atletico, but that could not be done,” Aulas said.
“He wants to leave. We will discuss it in the coming weeks. If so, offers will be heard, provided they match the value of the player.
“We have not received any concrete offers for Lacazette up to now but that could happen at any moment.”
As to who might replace Lacazette the Lyon president added: “The case would obviously be the arrival of a player capable of scoring 25 to 30 goals per year. It will be a French international or a player of a very large European club.”
Skybet have now made Arsenal very strong favourites at 4/11 on to sign before the end of the transfer window, he is 11/4 to remain with Lyon.
Dortmund are second favourites behind the Gunners at 12/1, with Liverpool third in the running at 16/1.
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Is Wenger going to do a Wenger?
By 1970's Gooner
Pre season begins on the 3rd of July and not all of the first team squad will be there as many have taken part in various tournaments (or are injured).
Nevertheless Arsene Wenger has only signed one player so far (Sead kolasinac), on a free. And he has apparently been busy putting in bids for various players which is a marked improvement on previous seasons where his strategy was to wait till the last throws of the transfer window and try and get some bargains.
However no other tangible movement has taken place yet and this is worrying especially when, in comparison, Manchester City, United and Liverpool have signed and are signing players and Chelsea is getting near too.
We also have to take into account that Wenger has three times as much work to do on the transfer front as other managers which is bound to slow him down even further.
Firstly he has to make sure that Ozil, the Ox and Sanchez's futures are at the Emirates which is by no means an easy feat, especially for the latter player.
Secondly he has to get in players, either to replace any of the above who may be leaving and also bring in a new centre forward that was so glaringly missing last season. This has to be a marquee signing as it will give the message both to the fans and to other key players that we are back in business.
Thirdly he has to get rid of all the dead wood that is lying around (or players wanting to leave) and eating at the available money left for transfers and salaries. Players like Jenkinson, Debuchy, Ospina, Gibbs and Perez.
So you can see that I am getting worried that Wenger may do a Wenger and try and do everything himself and thus get really bogged down with all these players to shift and bring in.
Don't believe that the recent recruitments on the contractual end will actually be of that much help. He calls the shots, don't be fooled, and more importantly he has to make the decisions on the transfers and only then the support staff will kick into action.
And we all know that decision making on transfers is not his forte and procrastination tends to be the norm. Remember all those signings he has been making on the last day of the windows?
In one occasion it was six players... And do you remember how desperately short we were at the back for the first game of last season? If he had acted quicker and got in reinforcements we may have even got a draw against Liverpool (instead of shipping four) and actually made the top 4.....
This is going to be, probably, the most important transfer window of the last decade as we have to get Arsenal back on track challenging for the title and playing in the CL again thus returning to the elite of the Premier League and European football.
Pre season begins on the 3rd of July and not all of the first team squad will be there as many have taken part in various tournaments (or are injured).
Nevertheless Arsene Wenger has only signed one player so far (Sead kolasinac), on a free. And he has apparently been busy putting in bids for various players which is a marked improvement on previous seasons where his strategy was to wait till the last throws of the transfer window and try and get some bargains.
However no other tangible movement has taken place yet and this is worrying especially when, in comparison, Manchester City, United and Liverpool have signed and are signing players and Chelsea is getting near too.
We also have to take into account that Wenger has three times as much work to do on the transfer front as other managers which is bound to slow him down even further.
Firstly he has to make sure that Ozil, the Ox and Sanchez's futures are at the Emirates which is by no means an easy feat, especially for the latter player.
Secondly he has to get in players, either to replace any of the above who may be leaving and also bring in a new centre forward that was so glaringly missing last season. This has to be a marquee signing as it will give the message both to the fans and to other key players that we are back in business.
Thirdly he has to get rid of all the dead wood that is lying around (or players wanting to leave) and eating at the available money left for transfers and salaries. Players like Jenkinson, Debuchy, Ospina, Gibbs and Perez.
So you can see that I am getting worried that Wenger may do a Wenger and try and do everything himself and thus get really bogged down with all these players to shift and bring in.
Don't believe that the recent recruitments on the contractual end will actually be of that much help. He calls the shots, don't be fooled, and more importantly he has to make the decisions on the transfers and only then the support staff will kick into action.
And we all know that decision making on transfers is not his forte and procrastination tends to be the norm. Remember all those signings he has been making on the last day of the windows?
In one occasion it was six players... And do you remember how desperately short we were at the back for the first game of last season? If he had acted quicker and got in reinforcements we may have even got a draw against Liverpool (instead of shipping four) and actually made the top 4.....
This is going to be, probably, the most important transfer window of the last decade as we have to get Arsenal back on track challenging for the title and playing in the CL again thus returning to the elite of the Premier League and European football.
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Don't believe the papers! Formation, line up and prediction for the derby
By 1970's Gooner
Everybody is expecting Arsenal to loose the game against Spurs tomorrow . This is typical of the flimsy and shallow journalists who have imited knowledge of football and always go with the trend.
Like when they were asked to predict who will finish in the top 4. They always choose the four who are at that time ahead of the others.
Or predicting the team sitting at the top as the likely PL winner at the end of the season.
Or predicting the current bottom 3 to go down only to change it when the bottom 3 actually change names.
They cannot in fact analyse thoroughly and make a bold prediction based on their supposedly deep knowledge of the game.
The papers have also decided to be pro Spurs because they want and need an exciting run in for the title so their papers can increase sales and keep them at their jobs.
So I would not advise you to loose hope or faith about this game. Consider the following:
- The Arsenal players always raise their game for this encounter. They have done so too against Man City in the semi final. Note: Everyone was predicting a Man City win last week, remember?
The papers were also predicting against us for last season's derby but we were about to prove them horribly wrong when Coquelin got himself sent off.
- This is a derby game and by definition the chances of winning and loosing are evened out.
- The three man defence and the two central midfielders in a 3 4 2 1 system has helped solidify Arsenal's defence and provide a basis for more offensive players to do their job.
It also means that dozy Ozil can be a bit more forward thus not so much needing to do defensive work concentrating on the more creative aspects of his game.
This is the line up:
Cech
Gabriel Koscienly Holding
Ox Xhaka Coquelin Monreal
Ozil Sanchez
Giroud
I have chosen Coquelin and Giroud ahead of Ramsey and Welbeck to start as they have a more muscular approach to their game something that will be needed tomorrow.
Prediction: I predict a riot!
Everybody is expecting Arsenal to loose the game against Spurs tomorrow . This is typical of the flimsy and shallow journalists who have imited knowledge of football and always go with the trend.
Like when they were asked to predict who will finish in the top 4. They always choose the four who are at that time ahead of the others.
Or predicting the team sitting at the top as the likely PL winner at the end of the season.
Or predicting the current bottom 3 to go down only to change it when the bottom 3 actually change names.
They cannot in fact analyse thoroughly and make a bold prediction based on their supposedly deep knowledge of the game.
The papers have also decided to be pro Spurs because they want and need an exciting run in for the title so their papers can increase sales and keep them at their jobs.
So I would not advise you to loose hope or faith about this game. Consider the following:
- The Arsenal players always raise their game for this encounter. They have done so too against Man City in the semi final. Note: Everyone was predicting a Man City win last week, remember?
The papers were also predicting against us for last season's derby but we were about to prove them horribly wrong when Coquelin got himself sent off.
- This is a derby game and by definition the chances of winning and loosing are evened out.
- The three man defence and the two central midfielders in a 3 4 2 1 system has helped solidify Arsenal's defence and provide a basis for more offensive players to do their job.
It also means that dozy Ozil can be a bit more forward thus not so much needing to do defensive work concentrating on the more creative aspects of his game.
This is the line up:
Cech
Gabriel Koscienly Holding
Ox Xhaka Coquelin Monreal
Ozil Sanchez
Giroud
I have chosen Coquelin and Giroud ahead of Ramsey and Welbeck to start as they have a more muscular approach to their game something that will be needed tomorrow.
Prediction: I predict a riot!
Monday, March 13, 2017
The three criteria for supporting Wenger's stay at Arsenal
By 1970's Gooner
I have been very critical of the team's performance over the last few years just as many, many other fans have been.
The same story repeating itself. Many small technical players, afraid of tough challenges, no leaders on the pitch and playing tiki taka football in a light Barca version, but lacking a Xavi, an Iniesta or indeed a Messi to pull it off.
Beginning the season on a high then reaching a dead end by midseason, getting knocked out of the League Cup the CL and more often than not the FA Cup. And then when the pressure is eased we see a late flourish to get the 4th spot.
Obviously Wenger's teams in the last 10 years lacked mental fortitude as indicated by disastrous defeats at home when the title challenge was getting hot. Defeats such as against Swansea last season and Watford this...
The most important however is not only Wenger's approach. It is the Board's.
They set the targets for the manager and if they show him that they are very happy with finishing in the CL positions every year and nothing else then you shouldn't really expect a different outcome....
Its like offering your employees bonuses not necessarily to be top performers but to achieve just above average results. What do you think they will do?
So it's not only Wenger that has to change his ways but crucially the Board.
Here are the three criteria therefore that should keep Wenger at the helm:
- Achieve a CL spot (so that we can attract top players)
- Win the FA Cup
If the above are achieved then
- The Board at the end of the season announces that for another renewal of Wenger's contract the title or a real challenge for the title has to be delivered. They should also make available the funds needed to achieve this.
I personally doubt if any of the above will be achieved. Fourth spot is more achievable but there is a real contest between 5 teams for the three spots available and on current form it looks like touch and go.
To win the FA Cup is even more difficult with Man City, Spurs and one of Chelsea or Man Utd the other competitors. Just looking at our results against the top 5 will tell you that we have performed abysmally against the big teams. This is not likely to change in my opinion. Remember the team lacks mental fortitude...
And lastly do you really believe that the Board or Wenger will change their ways?
I have been very critical of the team's performance over the last few years just as many, many other fans have been.
The same story repeating itself. Many small technical players, afraid of tough challenges, no leaders on the pitch and playing tiki taka football in a light Barca version, but lacking a Xavi, an Iniesta or indeed a Messi to pull it off.
Beginning the season on a high then reaching a dead end by midseason, getting knocked out of the League Cup the CL and more often than not the FA Cup. And then when the pressure is eased we see a late flourish to get the 4th spot.
Obviously Wenger's teams in the last 10 years lacked mental fortitude as indicated by disastrous defeats at home when the title challenge was getting hot. Defeats such as against Swansea last season and Watford this...
When Wenger was given a three year contract I was hoping that he will set things right, buy the right players and use the three years to build and hone a title winning team. He has instead continued doing those same things that he did before.
The most important however is not only Wenger's approach. It is the Board's.
They set the targets for the manager and if they show him that they are very happy with finishing in the CL positions every year and nothing else then you shouldn't really expect a different outcome....
Its like offering your employees bonuses not necessarily to be top performers but to achieve just above average results. What do you think they will do?
So it's not only Wenger that has to change his ways but crucially the Board.
Here are the three criteria therefore that should keep Wenger at the helm:
- Achieve a CL spot (so that we can attract top players)
- Win the FA Cup
If the above are achieved then
- The Board at the end of the season announces that for another renewal of Wenger's contract the title or a real challenge for the title has to be delivered. They should also make available the funds needed to achieve this.
I personally doubt if any of the above will be achieved. Fourth spot is more achievable but there is a real contest between 5 teams for the three spots available and on current form it looks like touch and go.
To win the FA Cup is even more difficult with Man City, Spurs and one of Chelsea or Man Utd the other competitors. Just looking at our results against the top 5 will tell you that we have performed abysmally against the big teams. This is not likely to change in my opinion. Remember the team lacks mental fortitude...
And lastly do you really believe that the Board or Wenger will change their ways?
Tuesday, January 03, 2017
Arsenal's tiredness to be dealt with and transition counter attacking the new way
By 1970's Gooner
I was very pleased and encouraged by the Arsenal players' performance against Crystal Palace. They moved the ball about very quickly, hunted the opponents all over the pitch and counter attacked with pace and venom (hence the scorpion kick...).
The urgency shown was something that was distinctly missing from previous recent performances with the known negative results.
However this will be difficult to replicate against Bournemouth as this game comes only 50 hours since the final whistle of the Palace game.
I watched the Sunderland vs Liverpool game and it was obvious that Liverpool looked tired and off the pace which allowed Sunderland to gain a good foothold in the game.
Consider the following:
The Arsenal players looked tired against Everton on the Tuesday after having played Stoke three days before on a Saturday (a game which came four days after the away Basle game).
They again looked even more tired, especially in the second half against Man City, a game played five days later on a Sunday.
Taking this into account I would expect that for a game coming after about a day and a half since the last one that jadedness will be a major factor affecting the players performance.
Arsene Wenger will therefore have to introduce fresh legs but at the same time keeping the core important players so as to avoid disrupting the rhythm of the team.
Lets start with the undroppables.
In defence Cech, Koscienly, Monreal (as Gibbs is injured and not ready yet) and Bellerin.
The major decision here is whether to keep Gabriel or bring Mustafi in. I think Wenger will play Gabriel so as to keep the same defence, who have not conceded in 2 games, together but also to make sure that Mustafi is fully recovered from his hamstring.
In midfield Xhaka with his excellent performance against Palace should keep his place. Elneny is away and I fully expect that Coquelin will come in.
Iwobi will definitely keep his place as Ozil is still ill but also because he was instrumental in moving the ball in transition quickly and accurately to the on running forward players. He also scored. Funny that I am not worried about Ozil's absence....
On the wing I don't see Walcott making a comeback as he has been out for a few weeks and in any case I don't think he has been declared fit yet.
Sanchez is undroppable full stop and so is Giroud. There is therefore only one other place left and this will be between Ramsey, the Ox and Perez. The latter two have a better chance to start as they are faster and more fit than Ramsey who is only coming back from an injury.
The boss will want to select a pacy winger as our counter attacking has been a feature that has worked well recently. Perez did well vs Palace but he is very one footed and since he cannot play on the left, as Sanchez operates so well from there, I can't see him starting. The Ox will also bring fresh legs in the team.
This is the probable starting 11:
Cech
Bellerin Koscienly Gabriel Monreal
Coquelin Xhaka
Ox Iwobi Sanchez
Giroud
Prediction: Bournemouth 0 Arsenal 1
I was very pleased and encouraged by the Arsenal players' performance against Crystal Palace. They moved the ball about very quickly, hunted the opponents all over the pitch and counter attacked with pace and venom (hence the scorpion kick...).
The urgency shown was something that was distinctly missing from previous recent performances with the known negative results.
However this will be difficult to replicate against Bournemouth as this game comes only 50 hours since the final whistle of the Palace game.
I watched the Sunderland vs Liverpool game and it was obvious that Liverpool looked tired and off the pace which allowed Sunderland to gain a good foothold in the game.
Consider the following:
The Arsenal players looked tired against Everton on the Tuesday after having played Stoke three days before on a Saturday (a game which came four days after the away Basle game).
They again looked even more tired, especially in the second half against Man City, a game played five days later on a Sunday.
Taking this into account I would expect that for a game coming after about a day and a half since the last one that jadedness will be a major factor affecting the players performance.
Arsene Wenger will therefore have to introduce fresh legs but at the same time keeping the core important players so as to avoid disrupting the rhythm of the team.
Lets start with the undroppables.
In defence Cech, Koscienly, Monreal (as Gibbs is injured and not ready yet) and Bellerin.
The major decision here is whether to keep Gabriel or bring Mustafi in. I think Wenger will play Gabriel so as to keep the same defence, who have not conceded in 2 games, together but also to make sure that Mustafi is fully recovered from his hamstring.
In midfield Xhaka with his excellent performance against Palace should keep his place. Elneny is away and I fully expect that Coquelin will come in.
Iwobi will definitely keep his place as Ozil is still ill but also because he was instrumental in moving the ball in transition quickly and accurately to the on running forward players. He also scored. Funny that I am not worried about Ozil's absence....
On the wing I don't see Walcott making a comeback as he has been out for a few weeks and in any case I don't think he has been declared fit yet.
Sanchez is undroppable full stop and so is Giroud. There is therefore only one other place left and this will be between Ramsey, the Ox and Perez. The latter two have a better chance to start as they are faster and more fit than Ramsey who is only coming back from an injury.
The boss will want to select a pacy winger as our counter attacking has been a feature that has worked well recently. Perez did well vs Palace but he is very one footed and since he cannot play on the left, as Sanchez operates so well from there, I can't see him starting. The Ox will also bring fresh legs in the team.
This is the probable starting 11:
Cech
Bellerin Koscienly Gabriel Monreal
Coquelin Xhaka
Ox Iwobi Sanchez
Giroud
Prediction: Bournemouth 0 Arsenal 1
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