By The Coach
Sure, McClaren was never a brilliant football manager and yes, a better choice could have been made in May 2006. But isn’t this typical of a nation that goes into mass denial once again?
The problem of English football is deeply rooted and has to do with an archaic footballing culture that is fostered and maintained by all, including those who are now taking to pieces poor McClaren.
All these experts and professors of football are quick to advise the eternal formula, “sack the coach and start again”. If only it were that simple!
Wait, haven’t we tried that many times before? Terry Venables, Glenn Hoddle, Sven Goran Ericsson and even Sir Alf Ramsey did not escape becoming the scapegoats for the more obvious reality that a whole nation does not want to even consider, let alone, come to terms with.
The fact is that football in England is bad! It is too physical, too square, too predictable, too English!
The mass hysteria has even reached the point of blaming it all on Wenger! Yes, unbelievable as it may sound, some gurus in England actually profess that the problems with English football emanate from having Arsene Wenger type managers in the Premiership!
“If only Arsene Wenger would try to create successful teams in the Premiership using young British rather than international talent, then…”
Wenger is not racist or anti-British! He would love to be able to build a championship winning team using available talent from England. The problem is that there is no such talent (and surely not at the same cost) to be found as could be sourced from abroad.
Looking into the problem a little deeper, the talent that can be developed into the Fabregas, the Van-Persies and the Hlebs of this world is so rare in England for a very good reason.
Young kids in England are unfortunate enough to grow up in England. By the time they learn the rules and have the British footballing values embedded into their persona it is far too late to explore and develop their natural qualities for creativity, imagination and flair on the field.
To use an analogy, it is like having Van Gough or Mozart create their beautiful work while serving in the army.
Back in early September I along with 1970’s Gooner began a series of articles that expounded on this very issue (see our posting England will probably never be a world football power again).
In our opinion the reason for this lies on the emphasis placed by the English society on several character related attributes, which in the end help to stifle any skills that a young player may possess.
These attributes, admirable as they are, concentrate more on the traditional English values of commitment, work ethos, effort and physical and mental strength.
All very important and very necessary elements in what makes a world class player.
But alas not sufficient. And they inevitably manifest themselves in all aspects of the English game.
In the way the players themselves play the game. In the way English coaches encourage their players to conduct themselves on the pitch. In their choice of strategies and tactics. And in the way the referees interpret the laws.
In fact most English players are made to look better when they are playing for their club teams which mostly consist of foreign players.
But when they have to co-exist with the rest of the England squad and line up against their club colleagues and other more skillful players in an international game they have no such “shield”
The truth is that England are really an average team who is made to look a little bit better when a few world class players emerge now and then.
England will probably never be a world football power again
Showing posts with label Arsenal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arsenal. Show all posts
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Arsenal put on the Harlem Globetrotters Show at Reading
By 1970’s Gooner
It was men against boys; only the other way round if you see what I mean. But it was not like that all the way through. Coppell went for the conservative approach packing his midfield with five men and playing only one man up front.
Arsenal started somewhat lethargically and although they were enjoying 60% of possession they could not find a way round the packed Reading defense.
Yet it could have been very different from as early as the 4th minute when Adebayor put through by Rosicky clean on goal rather casually stroked the ball round Hanemann only to see it hit the outside the right hand post and go out of play.
Reading’s defensive formation was working quite well until the 43rd minute when they won a corner! As on many occasions that is when the defensive team is most vulnerable with the commitment of players in the opposite box opening up space on the other end of the pitch.
Arsenal were in the Reading box in a flash and Hleb was squaring the ball to the on rushing Flamini to score his first goal of the season.
That spelled the end of Reading’s mental resilience. The second half was monopolised by Arsenal adding the second on 52 after a sumptuous passing movement.
First Adebayor passed to Rosicky who gave it to Fabregas who laid it back for Adebayor to score from just inside the box with the minimum of back lift and with the inside of his right boot beyond the despairing Hanemann.
Now it was cruise control and exhibition “Harlem Globetrotters” staff as Reading were reduced to just a spectator part.
The Arsenal players were more interested in putting passes together and keeping the ball for very long spells rather than going for the jugular. Just like a cat plays with a captive mouse whose fate is already beyond doubt!
Hleb got the third on 78 after Oster passed to nobody outside his area. Hleb picked it up went through one player dummied the goalkeeper, dragged the ball back to his right foot and shot into the net off the defender’s stretched leg.
Wenger’s insistence on making double substitutions at the same time rather than spacing them out disrupted the flow again just as they did in Arsenal’s last game against Manchester United.
This gave the impetus for Reading to push forward and as Arsenal relaxed a bit more they managed to score a goal after a header hit the post with Almunia already out of position trying to stop it.
Fabregas got an “intended” yellow card and misses Arsenal’s next game against Wigan at the Emirates.
But Arsenal are top of the League again. Where they belong.
Coppell: "Reading have three different ways of playing against Arsenal". Really?
It was men against boys; only the other way round if you see what I mean. But it was not like that all the way through. Coppell went for the conservative approach packing his midfield with five men and playing only one man up front.
Arsenal started somewhat lethargically and although they were enjoying 60% of possession they could not find a way round the packed Reading defense.
Yet it could have been very different from as early as the 4th minute when Adebayor put through by Rosicky clean on goal rather casually stroked the ball round Hanemann only to see it hit the outside the right hand post and go out of play.
Reading’s defensive formation was working quite well until the 43rd minute when they won a corner! As on many occasions that is when the defensive team is most vulnerable with the commitment of players in the opposite box opening up space on the other end of the pitch.
Arsenal were in the Reading box in a flash and Hleb was squaring the ball to the on rushing Flamini to score his first goal of the season.
That spelled the end of Reading’s mental resilience. The second half was monopolised by Arsenal adding the second on 52 after a sumptuous passing movement.
First Adebayor passed to Rosicky who gave it to Fabregas who laid it back for Adebayor to score from just inside the box with the minimum of back lift and with the inside of his right boot beyond the despairing Hanemann.
Now it was cruise control and exhibition “Harlem Globetrotters” staff as Reading were reduced to just a spectator part.
The Arsenal players were more interested in putting passes together and keeping the ball for very long spells rather than going for the jugular. Just like a cat plays with a captive mouse whose fate is already beyond doubt!
Hleb got the third on 78 after Oster passed to nobody outside his area. Hleb picked it up went through one player dummied the goalkeeper, dragged the ball back to his right foot and shot into the net off the defender’s stretched leg.
Wenger’s insistence on making double substitutions at the same time rather than spacing them out disrupted the flow again just as they did in Arsenal’s last game against Manchester United.
This gave the impetus for Reading to push forward and as Arsenal relaxed a bit more they managed to score a goal after a header hit the post with Almunia already out of position trying to stop it.
Fabregas got an “intended” yellow card and misses Arsenal’s next game against Wigan at the Emirates.
But Arsenal are top of the League again. Where they belong.
Coppell: "Reading have three different ways of playing against Arsenal". Really?
Friday, November 02, 2007
Wenger and Ferguson faced with interesting selection options
By 1970’s Gooner
Does a football coach select his starting eleven according to who’s available and on form? Or according to the system that is the most appropriate for the particular game coming up?
It’s usually a combination of both of course and for the Arsenal Manchester United clash at the Emirates it is intriguing to see what formations the two managers will go with.
Let’s look at the visitors first.
Ferguson’s options appear to be much more compromised than Wenger’s.
The injuries to key players such as Neville, Saha, Scholes and possibly Carrick will go a long way in dictating not only who he selects to start but more crucially which system he will deploy.
This is because in that critical area of the pitch, the midfield, he is deprived one if not two of his best midfielders. Scholes of course has been out for some time now and the additional absence of Carrick recently forced Ferguson to rely on new young recruit Anderson.
Carrick is now considered to have overcome his injury. But he has been out for the last four weeks and I am not sure that Ferguson will risk him. There is a chance of the injury recurring but more importantly there will be concerns over his match fitness.
So Ferguson may have to decide whether to stick with Anderson or bring back Fletcher who can add a bit more steel in an area where a lot of Arsenal’s play is directed form. The excellent Hargreaves of course will be the other central midfielder.
If Ferguson sticks with Anderson then he might feel that his midfield may need bolstering further and therefore ask Roonie to drop back into that area in a 4 4 1 1 come 4 5 1 formation.
In fact he may still decide to choose this system even if Fletcher is selected as he has not being playing recently and might also be rusty.
At the end of day we all know that Roonie will be playing in that hole behind the main striker. But it is how attacking minded Ferguson wants him to be that will decide whether he is more offensively or destructively oriented.
Another reason why Ferguson might be more conservative is the vulnerability of the United full backs O’Shea and Wes Brown.
Evra, who might be fit to start, has been out of action too and may lack match fitness. Ferguson therefore might want to give his full backs more protection by detailing support from the midfielders. And a 4 4 1 1 system will allow him to do that.
There is of course a price to pay and that is the forward areas of the pitch might be starved of support.
4 4 1 1 for Arsenal too?
On the other hand Wenger has even more options. He can play the same way he did against Liverpool with a 4 4 1 1 formation with Hleb just behind Adebayor.
This is risky as it will leave only Flamini as the only defensive minded midfielder. Roonie will then find a lot of space as that will be his favourite patch of the field.
In order to counter this Wenger can go for the more conservative 4 3 3 by bringing Gilberto back into the midfield along with Flamini and Fabregas.
Adebayor could then be flanked by Hleb and Rosicky. Gilberto parking himself infront of the defence countering Roonie’s threat and Fabregas and Flamini pushing forward in support as and when the occasion demands.
The second option is to bring Bendtner or Walcott on to partner Adebayor in a 4 4 2 formation.
I watched Bendtner perform very well for Denmark in the Euro qualifiers and also in the Carling Cup. His direct physical style is very effective.
I doubt whether Wenger will try this as he is yet inexperienced for such a big game. The same goes for Walcott who is much more effective coming off the bench at the moment.
This 4 3 3 formation will be my preferred option as it provides defensive cover but at the same time it allows you the use of three attacking players plus any of the midfielders who may venture forward.
Arsenal more than Manchester United have “impact” players on the bench such as Walcott, Eboue, Bendtner or Eduardo to change the game if needed.
Ed: what do you think should be the formations for the two managers? Leave your comment and your vote on the poll we have set up
Does a football coach select his starting eleven according to who’s available and on form? Or according to the system that is the most appropriate for the particular game coming up?
It’s usually a combination of both of course and for the Arsenal Manchester United clash at the Emirates it is intriguing to see what formations the two managers will go with.
Let’s look at the visitors first.
Ferguson’s options appear to be much more compromised than Wenger’s.
The injuries to key players such as Neville, Saha, Scholes and possibly Carrick will go a long way in dictating not only who he selects to start but more crucially which system he will deploy.
This is because in that critical area of the pitch, the midfield, he is deprived one if not two of his best midfielders. Scholes of course has been out for some time now and the additional absence of Carrick recently forced Ferguson to rely on new young recruit Anderson.
Carrick is now considered to have overcome his injury. But he has been out for the last four weeks and I am not sure that Ferguson will risk him. There is a chance of the injury recurring but more importantly there will be concerns over his match fitness.
So Ferguson may have to decide whether to stick with Anderson or bring back Fletcher who can add a bit more steel in an area where a lot of Arsenal’s play is directed form. The excellent Hargreaves of course will be the other central midfielder.
If Ferguson sticks with Anderson then he might feel that his midfield may need bolstering further and therefore ask Roonie to drop back into that area in a 4 4 1 1 come 4 5 1 formation.
In fact he may still decide to choose this system even if Fletcher is selected as he has not being playing recently and might also be rusty.
At the end of day we all know that Roonie will be playing in that hole behind the main striker. But it is how attacking minded Ferguson wants him to be that will decide whether he is more offensively or destructively oriented.
Another reason why Ferguson might be more conservative is the vulnerability of the United full backs O’Shea and Wes Brown.
Evra, who might be fit to start, has been out of action too and may lack match fitness. Ferguson therefore might want to give his full backs more protection by detailing support from the midfielders. And a 4 4 1 1 system will allow him to do that.
There is of course a price to pay and that is the forward areas of the pitch might be starved of support.
4 4 1 1 for Arsenal too?
On the other hand Wenger has even more options. He can play the same way he did against Liverpool with a 4 4 1 1 formation with Hleb just behind Adebayor.
This is risky as it will leave only Flamini as the only defensive minded midfielder. Roonie will then find a lot of space as that will be his favourite patch of the field.
In order to counter this Wenger can go for the more conservative 4 3 3 by bringing Gilberto back into the midfield along with Flamini and Fabregas.
Adebayor could then be flanked by Hleb and Rosicky. Gilberto parking himself infront of the defence countering Roonie’s threat and Fabregas and Flamini pushing forward in support as and when the occasion demands.
The second option is to bring Bendtner or Walcott on to partner Adebayor in a 4 4 2 formation.
I watched Bendtner perform very well for Denmark in the Euro qualifiers and also in the Carling Cup. His direct physical style is very effective.
I doubt whether Wenger will try this as he is yet inexperienced for such a big game. The same goes for Walcott who is much more effective coming off the bench at the moment.
This 4 3 3 formation will be my preferred option as it provides defensive cover but at the same time it allows you the use of three attacking players plus any of the midfielders who may venture forward.
Arsenal more than Manchester United have “impact” players on the bench such as Walcott, Eboue, Bendtner or Eduardo to change the game if needed.
Ed: what do you think should be the formations for the two managers? Leave your comment and your vote on the poll we have set up
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Gilberto and 4 3 3 for Slavia Prague
By 1970’s Gooner
Arsene Wenger has hinted that Walcott may get a start tonight against Slavia Prague. Although there is no doubt that Theo has been playing well recently I doubt whether Wenger will go for this selection.
Let’s start at the beginning.
Eduardo should be “dropped”. His performance last Saturday was disappointing to say the least.
He has not yet adapted to the pace, tight marking from behind and in your face type of English football. He could not hold the ball up front with the result that he couldn't connect with Adebayor nor bring other players into the game.
Eboue should also be dropped. He was neither decisive nor penetrative enough. Rosicky who is now fit should take his place. So far so good.
But does Wenger go for 4 4 2 again and play Adebayor and Walcott up front?
Interesting; and a combination we would all like to see at some stage. This is likely to come sooner than later.
Walcott himself revealed in one of his very recent interviews on Arsenal TV On Line that his training regime involves him playing up front through the middle.
The other option is to play a 4 4 1 1 formation with Hleb behind Adebayor. Eboue or Walcott could be the other wide midfielder.
But in my opinion Wenger should select, for obvious reasons, the formation and the players he wants to go with in the next two crucial Premier League games coming up: Liverpool away and Manchester United home.
And you wouldn’t choose to start with Walcott for these games would you? I would also not start with the underperforming Eboue for these two games either.
Which leaves as the only viable selection option for the Champions League game the 4 3 3 formation and the recall of Gilberto in the line up.
Adebayor could then be flanked by Hleb and Rosicky. Fabregas and Flamini pushing forward in support as and when the occasion demands.
This formation would be ideal for the games coming up as we need to be compact in the middle of the field and additionally have the option of bringing impact players, Walcott and Eboue, off the bench if needed.
Prediction: Arsenal Vs Slavia Prague 3-0
Arsene Wenger has hinted that Walcott may get a start tonight against Slavia Prague. Although there is no doubt that Theo has been playing well recently I doubt whether Wenger will go for this selection.
Let’s start at the beginning.
Eduardo should be “dropped”. His performance last Saturday was disappointing to say the least.
He has not yet adapted to the pace, tight marking from behind and in your face type of English football. He could not hold the ball up front with the result that he couldn't connect with Adebayor nor bring other players into the game.
Eboue should also be dropped. He was neither decisive nor penetrative enough. Rosicky who is now fit should take his place. So far so good.
But does Wenger go for 4 4 2 again and play Adebayor and Walcott up front?
Interesting; and a combination we would all like to see at some stage. This is likely to come sooner than later.
Walcott himself revealed in one of his very recent interviews on Arsenal TV On Line that his training regime involves him playing up front through the middle.
The other option is to play a 4 4 1 1 formation with Hleb behind Adebayor. Eboue or Walcott could be the other wide midfielder.
But in my opinion Wenger should select, for obvious reasons, the formation and the players he wants to go with in the next two crucial Premier League games coming up: Liverpool away and Manchester United home.
And you wouldn’t choose to start with Walcott for these games would you? I would also not start with the underperforming Eboue for these two games either.
Which leaves as the only viable selection option for the Champions League game the 4 3 3 formation and the recall of Gilberto in the line up.
Adebayor could then be flanked by Hleb and Rosicky. Fabregas and Flamini pushing forward in support as and when the occasion demands.
This formation would be ideal for the games coming up as we need to be compact in the middle of the field and additionally have the option of bringing impact players, Walcott and Eboue, off the bench if needed.
Prediction: Arsenal Vs Slavia Prague 3-0
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Wenger’s selection dilemmas coming up for the Liverpool and Manchester United games
By 1970’s Gooner
It is slightly unfortunate that Arsenal are now entering the most important series of games in their calendar without their main striker in Robin Van Persie.
It is a period where this young team will have to show its credentials against the big boys of Liverpool and Manchester United. The latter following an away game in the Champions League to Slavia Prague.
It’s not your first team players that win you trophies but your squad. But just who can adequately replace Van Persie for these games has now assumed major importance following Eduardo’s very disappointing display against Bolton.
He has not yet adapted to the pace, tight marking from behind and in your face type of English football.
He could not hold the ball up front with the result that he couldn't connect with Adebayor nor bring other players into the game. He reminds me of similar performances put in by Adebayor in his first season in this League.
Eduardo was similarly ineffective on the last occasion he was given a start which was against Blackburn away.
All this poses serious selection dilemmas for Wenger who has other options of course.
His first is to play Hleb just behind Adebayor in 4 5 1 formation with Rosicky and Eboue/Walcott as the wide midfield men.
He reverted to this when he made the inspired match winning changes against Bolton. It was also the formation that served him well at the beginning of the season. It served Hleb as well.
The second option is to bring Bendtner on to partner Adebayor in a 4 4 2 formation.
I watched Bendtner perform very well for Denmark in the Euro qualifiers and his direct physical style is at the moment more effective than Eduardo’s ball to feet approach.
The more unexpected but interesting option is to reinstall Gilberto into a three man midfield, in a 4 3 3 formation along Fabregas and Flamini.
Adebayor could then be flanked by Hleb and Rosicky. Fabregas and Flamini pushing forward in support as and when the occasion demands.
Judging by Wenger’s actions in team selection so far he is likely to give Eduardo every chance to prove himself.
He will probably select him for the Champions League game in Prague and give him the chance to show what he can do and hope he can get a goal which will prop up his confidence level.
But these types of games cannot be compared to the pressure of facing the Liverpools and Man Utds of this world.
Arsene Wenger has some serious thinking to do.
Out of the walkway and onto the motorway. Can Eduardo propel Arsenal to the title starting today against Bolton?
Are you English or Goonerish?
It is slightly unfortunate that Arsenal are now entering the most important series of games in their calendar without their main striker in Robin Van Persie.
It is a period where this young team will have to show its credentials against the big boys of Liverpool and Manchester United. The latter following an away game in the Champions League to Slavia Prague.
It’s not your first team players that win you trophies but your squad. But just who can adequately replace Van Persie for these games has now assumed major importance following Eduardo’s very disappointing display against Bolton.
He has not yet adapted to the pace, tight marking from behind and in your face type of English football.
He could not hold the ball up front with the result that he couldn't connect with Adebayor nor bring other players into the game. He reminds me of similar performances put in by Adebayor in his first season in this League.
Eduardo was similarly ineffective on the last occasion he was given a start which was against Blackburn away.
All this poses serious selection dilemmas for Wenger who has other options of course.
His first is to play Hleb just behind Adebayor in 4 5 1 formation with Rosicky and Eboue/Walcott as the wide midfield men.
He reverted to this when he made the inspired match winning changes against Bolton. It was also the formation that served him well at the beginning of the season. It served Hleb as well.
The second option is to bring Bendtner on to partner Adebayor in a 4 4 2 formation.
I watched Bendtner perform very well for Denmark in the Euro qualifiers and his direct physical style is at the moment more effective than Eduardo’s ball to feet approach.
The more unexpected but interesting option is to reinstall Gilberto into a three man midfield, in a 4 3 3 formation along Fabregas and Flamini.
Adebayor could then be flanked by Hleb and Rosicky. Fabregas and Flamini pushing forward in support as and when the occasion demands.
Judging by Wenger’s actions in team selection so far he is likely to give Eduardo every chance to prove himself.
He will probably select him for the Champions League game in Prague and give him the chance to show what he can do and hope he can get a goal which will prop up his confidence level.
But these types of games cannot be compared to the pressure of facing the Liverpools and Man Utds of this world.
Arsene Wenger has some serious thinking to do.
Out of the walkway and onto the motorway. Can Eduardo propel Arsenal to the title starting today against Bolton?
Are you English or Goonerish?
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Who Would Wenger Take From Manchester United’s Team? The Final Word
The story so far: A Man Utd site,”Absolutely United” published its thoughts on which Arsenal players would make it in the current Man Utd team. Not surprisingly very few Arsenal players were selected.
Not to be outdone "Arsenal Analysis" replied with its own combined 11. Not surprisingly very few Man Utd players made the list.
Back came the two sites with even more analysis and opinion on the matter. In between, a lot of heated opinions were exchanged between the two sets of supporters on comments left on both sites.
Following our latest reply to Absolutely United’s I Spy he regrouped and came out shooting from the hip.
This is we hope a final reply!
By Eros, Arsenal Analysis resident season ticket holder at the Emirates (North Upper Stand Row Q)
I spy,
Glad to see I gave you some food for thought which, as you admitted, required some of your time in getting back to me.
You insist on questioning my mental health which is I suppose your way of showing some kind of respect. So as you would say ‘respect’
Football is a game of opinions and everyone’s opinions are correct to himself, so as I am sure you know by now we will never find enough common ground to come to a final decision.
That’s why after today we should agree to disagree on some of the pending matters.
Wes Brown for the combined 11. Are you serious?
I can not understand how you can keep a straight face arguing that Wes Brown is worthy of a spot in this team.
You admit that he is not a natural wing back. I will also add that his contribution going forward is almost non existent.
He is also not quick enough and in my opinion can be exposed against high quality wingers.
You also say that you like Sagna as a player and you are impressed by how quickly he adapted to the English game but you seem stuck on the fact he has only played a handful of games (something I pointed out originally anyway).
Granted Sagna did not have the best of games against Sunderland but his overall performances until now have been excellent.
It is obvious that Wes Brown should not have a place in the combined Arsenal/Man Utd squad. Sagna and Eboue should be left alone to fight it out for a place in the starting line up.
Transfer flops: Fergie leads the way!
You seem to like mentioning Francis Jeffers and what a big success he was in North London and I Iet you get away with until know, but no more.
Yes Jeffers was an 8m pound flop but I wonder how much Veron, Cleberson, Djemba-Djemba and Taibi all cost.
Surely one argument that you cannot win is the transfer market success Arsene Wenger enjoyed over the years. Your net outlay on transfers this year is close to 50m whereas ours is a positive –yes positive- 8m!
Clichy is more skilful than Evra
As for the position on the opposite side of the pitch you say that Clichy has nothing that Evra has not. I’m afraid you are wrong again! Apart from a superior level of skill and technique, Clichy has time on his side.
He is only 22 and has a long career in front of him. I am not saying that Evra is old – 27? – but if we are to use your argument that right now they are virtually of equal quality then surely Clichy should get the nod because of his unlimited potential.
Ferdinand is not better than Toure
I still do not consider Ferdinand to be better than Toure, for the reasons that I pointed out in my previous post. Basically what you are trying to say is that Ferdinand looks good next to a world class player like Vidic and I agree with you.
You rightly point out that Campbell had the same effect on Rio because he used to do all the dirty work for him.
As for the goal conceded by Arsenal against Sunderland I don’t think that Toure did anything wrong, it was the full backs that in my opinion were found napping for both goals.
As Sagna was walking back to his position Toure was forced to go out the right to cover which left Jones at the back stick against Clichy, not a real contest now is it?
It’s criminal to compare Rio and Toure in terms of concentration and an insult to use the media card on me for any mistake that is picked up from TV pundits. I do have opinions of my own and as I am sure you can read I am not shy about expressing them!
Robin Van Persie’s special quality
I know we agreed to disagree about RVP and Rooney, however I want to point out a quality that makes RVP special. His form is negatively correlated to the form of the rest of the team.
When everyone else is flying Van Persie usually has a quiet game almost as if he is saving energy for more important periods of the season.
If you look at the recent results you will see Van Persie does not usually score when the team wins comfortably, however when the team needs a goal you can bet that more often than not RVP is going to come up with the goods, like he did twice this week.
Van Persie is going to score the important goals, the goals that will lift the whole of the team when they are struggling. I’m not sure Rooney has that killer instinct in him.
Glad to see you dropped the Scholes vs Cesc debate so I will take that as a victory for us Gooners! It was not a real contest anyway.
Finally you point out that some of your squad players were involved in Saturday’s game and from what I read Anderson and Pique especially never put a foot wrong.
All I would say is Wigan at home is not the most testing of games to judge your ability on.
Try and throw them in at the deep like Wenger was forced to 3 years ago when a 16 year old Cesc and a 19 year old Flamini held Lampard, Makelele and Essien to a goalless draw at the Bridge.
Can’t wait until November the 3rd when I am sure we will cross swords again.
Wonder who will have the bragging rights then?
United Versus Arsenal: The Battle Intensifies
An open letter to Manchester United fans
Who Would Wenger Take From Manchester United’s Team?
An Open Letter To Arsenal Fans
Who Would Fergie Take From Arsenal’s First Team?
Not to be outdone "Arsenal Analysis" replied with its own combined 11. Not surprisingly very few Man Utd players made the list.
Back came the two sites with even more analysis and opinion on the matter. In between, a lot of heated opinions were exchanged between the two sets of supporters on comments left on both sites.
Following our latest reply to Absolutely United’s I Spy he regrouped and came out shooting from the hip.
This is we hope a final reply!
By Eros, Arsenal Analysis resident season ticket holder at the Emirates (North Upper Stand Row Q)
I spy,
Glad to see I gave you some food for thought which, as you admitted, required some of your time in getting back to me.
You insist on questioning my mental health which is I suppose your way of showing some kind of respect. So as you would say ‘respect’
Football is a game of opinions and everyone’s opinions are correct to himself, so as I am sure you know by now we will never find enough common ground to come to a final decision.
That’s why after today we should agree to disagree on some of the pending matters.
Wes Brown for the combined 11. Are you serious?
I can not understand how you can keep a straight face arguing that Wes Brown is worthy of a spot in this team.
You admit that he is not a natural wing back. I will also add that his contribution going forward is almost non existent.
He is also not quick enough and in my opinion can be exposed against high quality wingers.
You also say that you like Sagna as a player and you are impressed by how quickly he adapted to the English game but you seem stuck on the fact he has only played a handful of games (something I pointed out originally anyway).
Granted Sagna did not have the best of games against Sunderland but his overall performances until now have been excellent.
It is obvious that Wes Brown should not have a place in the combined Arsenal/Man Utd squad. Sagna and Eboue should be left alone to fight it out for a place in the starting line up.
Transfer flops: Fergie leads the way!
You seem to like mentioning Francis Jeffers and what a big success he was in North London and I Iet you get away with until know, but no more.
Yes Jeffers was an 8m pound flop but I wonder how much Veron, Cleberson, Djemba-Djemba and Taibi all cost.
Surely one argument that you cannot win is the transfer market success Arsene Wenger enjoyed over the years. Your net outlay on transfers this year is close to 50m whereas ours is a positive –yes positive- 8m!
Clichy is more skilful than Evra
As for the position on the opposite side of the pitch you say that Clichy has nothing that Evra has not. I’m afraid you are wrong again! Apart from a superior level of skill and technique, Clichy has time on his side.
He is only 22 and has a long career in front of him. I am not saying that Evra is old – 27? – but if we are to use your argument that right now they are virtually of equal quality then surely Clichy should get the nod because of his unlimited potential.
Ferdinand is not better than Toure
I still do not consider Ferdinand to be better than Toure, for the reasons that I pointed out in my previous post. Basically what you are trying to say is that Ferdinand looks good next to a world class player like Vidic and I agree with you.
You rightly point out that Campbell had the same effect on Rio because he used to do all the dirty work for him.
As for the goal conceded by Arsenal against Sunderland I don’t think that Toure did anything wrong, it was the full backs that in my opinion were found napping for both goals.
As Sagna was walking back to his position Toure was forced to go out the right to cover which left Jones at the back stick against Clichy, not a real contest now is it?
It’s criminal to compare Rio and Toure in terms of concentration and an insult to use the media card on me for any mistake that is picked up from TV pundits. I do have opinions of my own and as I am sure you can read I am not shy about expressing them!
Robin Van Persie’s special quality
I know we agreed to disagree about RVP and Rooney, however I want to point out a quality that makes RVP special. His form is negatively correlated to the form of the rest of the team.
When everyone else is flying Van Persie usually has a quiet game almost as if he is saving energy for more important periods of the season.
If you look at the recent results you will see Van Persie does not usually score when the team wins comfortably, however when the team needs a goal you can bet that more often than not RVP is going to come up with the goods, like he did twice this week.
Van Persie is going to score the important goals, the goals that will lift the whole of the team when they are struggling. I’m not sure Rooney has that killer instinct in him.
Glad to see you dropped the Scholes vs Cesc debate so I will take that as a victory for us Gooners! It was not a real contest anyway.
Finally you point out that some of your squad players were involved in Saturday’s game and from what I read Anderson and Pique especially never put a foot wrong.
All I would say is Wigan at home is not the most testing of games to judge your ability on.
Try and throw them in at the deep like Wenger was forced to 3 years ago when a 16 year old Cesc and a 19 year old Flamini held Lampard, Makelele and Essien to a goalless draw at the Bridge.
Can’t wait until November the 3rd when I am sure we will cross swords again.
Wonder who will have the bragging rights then?
United Versus Arsenal: The Battle Intensifies
An open letter to Manchester United fans
Who Would Wenger Take From Manchester United’s Team?
An Open Letter To Arsenal Fans
Who Would Fergie Take From Arsenal’s First Team?
Saturday, October 06, 2007
An open letter to Manchester United fans
By Eros, Arsenal Analysis resident season ticket holder at the Emirates (North Upper Stand Row Q)
Dear I Spy and Manchester United fans,
Thanks for your kind words about the site, I tried to be as objective as possible when writing the article! I am glad that you agree with my original assessment that all football fans are absolutely mental (you call it how much crack did you smoke).
I have read your reply to my article and your revised selections in your open letter to Arsenal fans. To your credit you have made some adjustments to your original position. You say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and you are correct; however the fact that you felt the need to revisit your post and make adjustments to it I think says a lot! I take that as I compliment.
For all your backhanded compliments however I think that some of your arguments would embarrass ever Red Face himself! As I don’t want this to be a ding dong battle – who I’m I kidding I’d love a ding dong battle- I am only going to object to a few selections.
Even you know that however much alcohol or drugs you take Wes Brown is never going to be a better player than either Sagna or Eboue. An ok utility player an international Right Back he is definitely not! There’s no point even arguing about it.
When I originally wrote the post Evra was the back up left back in the French squad. However Clichy has now made the French squad for the upcoming internationals! I think at the expense of Evra.
So even Domenech agrees with me – I am not happy about this as I would much prefer Evra to play and Clichy to have a little rest. Since Domenech is the bees knees – you point out that he guided France to the World Cup final – who are we humans to argue with him! Clichy it is then.
You asked me how many games Arsenal lost last season; I think 9 is the answer to your question. However we did beat your United twice. I have just checked my stats and they say United conceded 27 goals last year and Arsenal 34. But making your decision solely on how many games each team lost last year is ludicrous!
Toure last season had to play with a different partner nearly every week. Gallas was injured most of the season, Djourou and Senderos were in and out of the team because of niggly injuries and Gilberto had to slot in at the back.
What you forget about Toure is that he and Campbell where the defensive partnership when Arsenal went a whole season unbeaten (something you never achieved and cannot even dream of doing), and in 2006 he was the corner stone of the record number of clean sheets that took Arsenal to the Champions League Final.
The argument that Arsenal lost more last year makes Rio a better player smacks me as an easy way out so that no real comparisons are made between the players!
Toure is quicker, better on the ball and reads the game extremely well. He rarely wastes possession and even more infrequently does he loose concentration, which is something that you really can’t say about your Rio.
On top of all that I’ve never heard that Toure missed a drugs test! And in my book you only forget about a drugs test for one reason and it’s not because you are moving house!
I will not even bother arguing about Rooney, Scholes, RVP and Cesc as none of us are able to eliminate all bias and reach a logical conclusion, so I think its best to agree to disagree on this one. However I have to point out that Cesc this year has already got 6 goals and 8 assists.
You seem to also imply that Rooney has a better ‘range’ than RVP. I’m not sure what you mean by range, but I think that Van Persie is better technically, better on the ball and can score a goal from any situation. I also think he is a better finisher.
As I have explained in my original article there are only three Manchester United players that could make it into the Arsenal team at the moment. Van De Sar, Vidic and Ronaldo.
Lastly, you never mention the depth of your squad. I wonder why.
Such is your lack of depth that Fergie relys on 13/14 players unlike Arsenal which can change any player in their starting 11 and still perform up to standard.
Even if Cesc is out both Abou Diaby and Denilson can come in and keep the team playing, what we call, Fabregas football. I think that is were Arsenal have the real advantage.
I wonder what your replacements will be to the loss of Carrick and Hargreaves.
In your open letter you say that we go overboard thinking that we are better than Brazil and you point out that we had a very disappointing year last time out. Nobody denies the disappointment, especially after the last few years where we were used to competing for something every season.
Unlike United we have not been able to compete in the transfer market. Taking into account all the players that left after 2003/04 and the refusal of Wenger to spend money until the financial future of the club was secure makes the last 2 years’ disappointments seem almost insignificant.
But you see, ever since Wenger took over we make the stars not buy them.
The signs of a team emerging were there last year, with the Carling Cup run and the results in the so called big games especially the double over your United. What the team lacked was consistency and that’s why we did not compete.
It’s too early to definitely say but there are good signs that this team is ready to challenge and fight for every point available. The difference to last time out is that now they expect to win every single game and after the start they had, try and convince them otherwise.
Surely there is going to be the odd bad result but I think this team is so strong mentally that it will not be as affected as the 03/04 team.
I have no illusions about United, I honestly think they are a good team, play entertaining football and they will be serious contenders for the title.
I disagree however with the notion that it’s United’s title to lose. You lot better be ready for a fight, I know our boys are!
Ed: This is a personal view. What is your opinion?
Who Would Wenger Take From Manchester United’s Team?
An Open Letter To Arsenal Fans
Who Would Fergie Take From Arsenal’s First Team?
Dear I Spy and Manchester United fans,
Thanks for your kind words about the site, I tried to be as objective as possible when writing the article! I am glad that you agree with my original assessment that all football fans are absolutely mental (you call it how much crack did you smoke).
I have read your reply to my article and your revised selections in your open letter to Arsenal fans. To your credit you have made some adjustments to your original position. You say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and you are correct; however the fact that you felt the need to revisit your post and make adjustments to it I think says a lot! I take that as I compliment.
For all your backhanded compliments however I think that some of your arguments would embarrass ever Red Face himself! As I don’t want this to be a ding dong battle – who I’m I kidding I’d love a ding dong battle- I am only going to object to a few selections.
Even you know that however much alcohol or drugs you take Wes Brown is never going to be a better player than either Sagna or Eboue. An ok utility player an international Right Back he is definitely not! There’s no point even arguing about it.
When I originally wrote the post Evra was the back up left back in the French squad. However Clichy has now made the French squad for the upcoming internationals! I think at the expense of Evra.
So even Domenech agrees with me – I am not happy about this as I would much prefer Evra to play and Clichy to have a little rest. Since Domenech is the bees knees – you point out that he guided France to the World Cup final – who are we humans to argue with him! Clichy it is then.
You asked me how many games Arsenal lost last season; I think 9 is the answer to your question. However we did beat your United twice. I have just checked my stats and they say United conceded 27 goals last year and Arsenal 34. But making your decision solely on how many games each team lost last year is ludicrous!
Toure last season had to play with a different partner nearly every week. Gallas was injured most of the season, Djourou and Senderos were in and out of the team because of niggly injuries and Gilberto had to slot in at the back.
What you forget about Toure is that he and Campbell where the defensive partnership when Arsenal went a whole season unbeaten (something you never achieved and cannot even dream of doing), and in 2006 he was the corner stone of the record number of clean sheets that took Arsenal to the Champions League Final.
The argument that Arsenal lost more last year makes Rio a better player smacks me as an easy way out so that no real comparisons are made between the players!
Toure is quicker, better on the ball and reads the game extremely well. He rarely wastes possession and even more infrequently does he loose concentration, which is something that you really can’t say about your Rio.
On top of all that I’ve never heard that Toure missed a drugs test! And in my book you only forget about a drugs test for one reason and it’s not because you are moving house!
I will not even bother arguing about Rooney, Scholes, RVP and Cesc as none of us are able to eliminate all bias and reach a logical conclusion, so I think its best to agree to disagree on this one. However I have to point out that Cesc this year has already got 6 goals and 8 assists.
You seem to also imply that Rooney has a better ‘range’ than RVP. I’m not sure what you mean by range, but I think that Van Persie is better technically, better on the ball and can score a goal from any situation. I also think he is a better finisher.
As I have explained in my original article there are only three Manchester United players that could make it into the Arsenal team at the moment. Van De Sar, Vidic and Ronaldo.
Lastly, you never mention the depth of your squad. I wonder why.
Such is your lack of depth that Fergie relys on 13/14 players unlike Arsenal which can change any player in their starting 11 and still perform up to standard.
Even if Cesc is out both Abou Diaby and Denilson can come in and keep the team playing, what we call, Fabregas football. I think that is were Arsenal have the real advantage.
I wonder what your replacements will be to the loss of Carrick and Hargreaves.
In your open letter you say that we go overboard thinking that we are better than Brazil and you point out that we had a very disappointing year last time out. Nobody denies the disappointment, especially after the last few years where we were used to competing for something every season.
Unlike United we have not been able to compete in the transfer market. Taking into account all the players that left after 2003/04 and the refusal of Wenger to spend money until the financial future of the club was secure makes the last 2 years’ disappointments seem almost insignificant.
But you see, ever since Wenger took over we make the stars not buy them.
The signs of a team emerging were there last year, with the Carling Cup run and the results in the so called big games especially the double over your United. What the team lacked was consistency and that’s why we did not compete.
It’s too early to definitely say but there are good signs that this team is ready to challenge and fight for every point available. The difference to last time out is that now they expect to win every single game and after the start they had, try and convince them otherwise.
Surely there is going to be the odd bad result but I think this team is so strong mentally that it will not be as affected as the 03/04 team.
I have no illusions about United, I honestly think they are a good team, play entertaining football and they will be serious contenders for the title.
I disagree however with the notion that it’s United’s title to lose. You lot better be ready for a fight, I know our boys are!
Ed: This is a personal view. What is your opinion?
Who Would Wenger Take From Manchester United’s Team?
An Open Letter To Arsenal Fans
Who Would Fergie Take From Arsenal’s First Team?
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
The young guns play the beautiful game (watch the highlights on video)
By 1970’s Gooner
One of the most satisfying aspects of last night’s performance is that the style of football played throughout all the Arsenal teams from the youth level to the first team is the same.
It is a style of football that has been labeled “beautiful” which very few teams in the world play. And this is instilled in the young guns from the moment they walk through the Academy doors.
You can watch the highlights on the video screen plus the goals and you will see what I mean.
Keep well.
Last night’s performance means that Arsenal will win trophies this year
One of the most satisfying aspects of last night’s performance is that the style of football played throughout all the Arsenal teams from the youth level to the first team is the same.
It is a style of football that has been labeled “beautiful” which very few teams in the world play. And this is instilled in the young guns from the moment they walk through the Academy doors.
You can watch the highlights on the video screen plus the goals and you will see what I mean.
Keep well.
Last night’s performance means that Arsenal will win trophies this year
Last night’s performance means that Arsenal will win trophies this year.
By 1970’s Gooner
While chatting over dinner the question was put to Arsene Wenger by some of the Arsenal directors:
“What would you do if we gave you £100m to spend on new players?” His answer was of course very revealing: “I would give it back to you”
Judging by last night’s excellent performance against Newcastle he was right.
You are only as good as your bench. This old football saying is very true in today’s highly demanding Premiership where the road to deliverance is like a marathon where every bit of each team’s components is tested to the full.
The components necessary to win trophies include not only ability, strength, determination, will and tenacity.
What is also required is a pool of players who although not usually expected to be named in the first eleven every week are nevertheless capable of performing at the highest level when they are called upon.
This is vitally important when you take into consideration injuries, loss of form, suspensions and international tournaments like the Africa Nations Cup which inevitably force managers to rely on all of their squad.
This was therefore an important match for Arsenal Football Club.
It was the litmus test that the young guns had to go through so that they could convince Wenger that there is strength in depth in this squad and that there is no need to spend any of that £100m that was offered to him by the Board.
And these young guns will be called upon on many occasions this season as the injury list will not go away and the Africa Nations Cup is slowly getting nearer.
One aspect that seems to characterize this new Arsenal side is the real strength in depth that exists in the squad. And by real I mean that this squad has quality replacements in all positions.
Take for example the forward positions. Bendtner’s wonderful performance last night culminated in another excellent headed goal for the Arsenal.
He has proved that Adebayor’s departure for a month at the Africa Nations Cup will not be that painful. The same goes for Eduardo who will need these games to acclimatise himself with English football even more by then.
Look at the wide midfield positions where along with Hleb and Rosicky there is Eboue who has shown last night that he is a wonderful and powerful winger on an equal if not higher footing than them.
He would of course fill in at right back when required. And there is young Walcott who will, with more concentration and experience, be more than a viable alternative.
Consider central midfield where Diarra is the snitch of the year at £2m! Not to mention Denilson who is fast becoming the next star after Fabregas.
Song who although played in central defence is to me a very promising central midfielder. I rather rate him in that position having watched him put in an excellent performance for Charlton away at Man Utd last season.
Look at Traore and you think that you are seeing double. So mush resemblance to a young Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy is uncanny!
There are indeed a lot of choices open to Wenger.
When I suggested in one of my preseason postings titled: “Strength in depth eases Wenger’s team selection worries for the coming season” that there was a lot of strength in depth in the squad there was a lot of negative reaction from some readers who wanted Wenger to buy big.
Now no one is complaining.
I do not need to go on. But this performance last night has convinced me that Arsenal will win trophies this season.
Please note the use of the plural.
Keep well.
While chatting over dinner the question was put to Arsene Wenger by some of the Arsenal directors:
“What would you do if we gave you £100m to spend on new players?” His answer was of course very revealing: “I would give it back to you”
Judging by last night’s excellent performance against Newcastle he was right.
You are only as good as your bench. This old football saying is very true in today’s highly demanding Premiership where the road to deliverance is like a marathon where every bit of each team’s components is tested to the full.
The components necessary to win trophies include not only ability, strength, determination, will and tenacity.
What is also required is a pool of players who although not usually expected to be named in the first eleven every week are nevertheless capable of performing at the highest level when they are called upon.
This is vitally important when you take into consideration injuries, loss of form, suspensions and international tournaments like the Africa Nations Cup which inevitably force managers to rely on all of their squad.
This was therefore an important match for Arsenal Football Club.
It was the litmus test that the young guns had to go through so that they could convince Wenger that there is strength in depth in this squad and that there is no need to spend any of that £100m that was offered to him by the Board.
And these young guns will be called upon on many occasions this season as the injury list will not go away and the Africa Nations Cup is slowly getting nearer.
One aspect that seems to characterize this new Arsenal side is the real strength in depth that exists in the squad. And by real I mean that this squad has quality replacements in all positions.
Take for example the forward positions. Bendtner’s wonderful performance last night culminated in another excellent headed goal for the Arsenal.
He has proved that Adebayor’s departure for a month at the Africa Nations Cup will not be that painful. The same goes for Eduardo who will need these games to acclimatise himself with English football even more by then.
Look at the wide midfield positions where along with Hleb and Rosicky there is Eboue who has shown last night that he is a wonderful and powerful winger on an equal if not higher footing than them.
He would of course fill in at right back when required. And there is young Walcott who will, with more concentration and experience, be more than a viable alternative.
Consider central midfield where Diarra is the snitch of the year at £2m! Not to mention Denilson who is fast becoming the next star after Fabregas.
Song who although played in central defence is to me a very promising central midfielder. I rather rate him in that position having watched him put in an excellent performance for Charlton away at Man Utd last season.
Look at Traore and you think that you are seeing double. So mush resemblance to a young Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy is uncanny!
There are indeed a lot of choices open to Wenger.
When I suggested in one of my preseason postings titled: “Strength in depth eases Wenger’s team selection worries for the coming season” that there was a lot of strength in depth in the squad there was a lot of negative reaction from some readers who wanted Wenger to buy big.
Now no one is complaining.
I do not need to go on. But this performance last night has convinced me that Arsenal will win trophies this season.
Please note the use of the plural.
Keep well.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
The glory days are coming back. Watch all 5 goals on video
By 1970’s Gooner
Awesome, fantastic, at a canter, untouchable. These are some of the eulogies that can be appropriately used to describe the performance against Derby at the Emirates.
The boys won without even breaking sweat. They were professional in their approach, played at almost the same tempo till the end and trounced Derby for five.
We are sitting on top of the League with Manchester City 3 points behind (but with a game more) followed by Liverpool with 4 points behind.
Liverpool failed to beat Birmingham who were aided greatly in their cause by ex Gunner Larson (who has improved a lot), ex Arsenal trialist Wilson Palacios,who was recommended to Steve Bruce by Wenger only last August and by Johan Djourou who was at the heart of Birmingham’s defence!
And it doesn’t stop there. Mourinholess Chelsea travel to Manchester United tomorrow. A draw will be ideal of course but frankly any result would do for us.
The strength in depth of this squad is amazing. Diaby playing out of position again as a left winger scored a stunner from outside the area, Adebayor got his first hat trick for the club and Fabregas got his customary goal with a stinker from outside the area.
Watch them all at the top of the page by clicking on the video screen.
Enjoy!
Awesome, fantastic, at a canter, untouchable. These are some of the eulogies that can be appropriately used to describe the performance against Derby at the Emirates.
The boys won without even breaking sweat. They were professional in their approach, played at almost the same tempo till the end and trounced Derby for five.
We are sitting on top of the League with Manchester City 3 points behind (but with a game more) followed by Liverpool with 4 points behind.
Liverpool failed to beat Birmingham who were aided greatly in their cause by ex Gunner Larson (who has improved a lot), ex Arsenal trialist Wilson Palacios,who was recommended to Steve Bruce by Wenger only last August and by Johan Djourou who was at the heart of Birmingham’s defence!
And it doesn’t stop there. Mourinholess Chelsea travel to Manchester United tomorrow. A draw will be ideal of course but frankly any result would do for us.
The strength in depth of this squad is amazing. Diaby playing out of position again as a left winger scored a stunner from outside the area, Adebayor got his first hat trick for the club and Fabregas got his customary goal with a stinker from outside the area.
Watch them all at the top of the page by clicking on the video screen.
Enjoy!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Let’s not get carried away
By 1970’s Gooner
This wasn’t a total performance as many pundits or even Robin Van Persie will have us believe. And I am not saying this just to be a killjoy or to sound different from all the other eulogizing journalists or blogs dedicated to Arsenal.
Yes it was a very good performance against a neat and skillful Sevilla side who were taught a lesson, as many teams who step up a league, usually are.
They paid the penalty of coming to the Emirates and playing in their usual attacking style.
This allowed a lot of space for the Arsenal creative players to roam in and display their undoubted skills. And when these skills are complimented with a shoot on target policy then danger looms.
But until Fabregas scored his deflected goal it was Sevilla who were the more attractive and forceful side (you can watch the goals by clicking on the Video window).
Ramos’s decision to rest their most important midfielder, Keita, so that another colleague could mark the “unmarkable” Fabregas deprived Sevilla the thrust they so badly needed from midfield.
It also curtailed the support to their main strikers. What is the use of playing in an offensive formation if you deprive the forwards of their supply line?
This was not really a complete performance by Arsenal although it gave promise that this feat is not far from becoming a reality!
A complete performance is when all the parts of the team function perfectly in their individual roles but also as a unit. And there were some individual performances that needed improving.
Senderos was still an accident waiting to happen and it almost happened on three occasions.
The most notable one was when he miskicked a clearance from a low cross from the right allowing the ball to run across the goal in front of Almunia. Only good fortune saved the day as the opposing forward missed his kick as well.
His positioning was again suspect. He lost his man, Kanoute, twice. His shot was saved on the one occasion and on the other he narrowly missed the header.
In attack Adebayor, who admittedly is improving in leaps and bounds with every game, still has to improve his ball skills and control. He also has to add finishing (in a consistent manner) to his other attributes of strength, forcefulness and aerial ability.
His position in the team is becoming very pivotal as his aerial strength and his ability to fend off defenders brings another dimension that was lacking before.
RVP apart from his goal was not his usual penetrative self. Also his link up play with Adebayor still needs to be honed further.
I am not nit picking; I am just trying to bring everyone back to earth.
When Gallas returns and the front two start getting it together then yes we will see a complete performance!
Now an area of Arsenal’s play I was really excited about was their defensive collectiveness. And by this I mean that the desire, positioning and defensive approach when the ball was lost was evident in all eleven players.
It was not just confined to the players at the back or the defensive midfielders. This was especially true of the excellent wide players, Hleb and Rosicky, who were not only creative going forward but doubled up pretty quickly at the back to defend against the Sevilla wing players.
It was also noticeable in Van Persie and Adebayor who were always tracking back to hurry and hassle the Sevilla midfielders often winning the ball.
The whole team played as unit. This is something that was very evident during the “untouchables” season.
Now, let’s not get carried away.
Selection dilemmas for Wenger
Fabregas is a more effective player than Scholes. The statistical analysis backs it up
This wasn’t a total performance as many pundits or even Robin Van Persie will have us believe. And I am not saying this just to be a killjoy or to sound different from all the other eulogizing journalists or blogs dedicated to Arsenal.
Yes it was a very good performance against a neat and skillful Sevilla side who were taught a lesson, as many teams who step up a league, usually are.
They paid the penalty of coming to the Emirates and playing in their usual attacking style.
This allowed a lot of space for the Arsenal creative players to roam in and display their undoubted skills. And when these skills are complimented with a shoot on target policy then danger looms.
But until Fabregas scored his deflected goal it was Sevilla who were the more attractive and forceful side (you can watch the goals by clicking on the Video window).
Ramos’s decision to rest their most important midfielder, Keita, so that another colleague could mark the “unmarkable” Fabregas deprived Sevilla the thrust they so badly needed from midfield.
It also curtailed the support to their main strikers. What is the use of playing in an offensive formation if you deprive the forwards of their supply line?
This was not really a complete performance by Arsenal although it gave promise that this feat is not far from becoming a reality!
A complete performance is when all the parts of the team function perfectly in their individual roles but also as a unit. And there were some individual performances that needed improving.
Senderos was still an accident waiting to happen and it almost happened on three occasions.
The most notable one was when he miskicked a clearance from a low cross from the right allowing the ball to run across the goal in front of Almunia. Only good fortune saved the day as the opposing forward missed his kick as well.
His positioning was again suspect. He lost his man, Kanoute, twice. His shot was saved on the one occasion and on the other he narrowly missed the header.
In attack Adebayor, who admittedly is improving in leaps and bounds with every game, still has to improve his ball skills and control. He also has to add finishing (in a consistent manner) to his other attributes of strength, forcefulness and aerial ability.
His position in the team is becoming very pivotal as his aerial strength and his ability to fend off defenders brings another dimension that was lacking before.
RVP apart from his goal was not his usual penetrative self. Also his link up play with Adebayor still needs to be honed further.
I am not nit picking; I am just trying to bring everyone back to earth.
When Gallas returns and the front two start getting it together then yes we will see a complete performance!
Now an area of Arsenal’s play I was really excited about was their defensive collectiveness. And by this I mean that the desire, positioning and defensive approach when the ball was lost was evident in all eleven players.
It was not just confined to the players at the back or the defensive midfielders. This was especially true of the excellent wide players, Hleb and Rosicky, who were not only creative going forward but doubled up pretty quickly at the back to defend against the Sevilla wing players.
It was also noticeable in Van Persie and Adebayor who were always tracking back to hurry and hassle the Sevilla midfielders often winning the ball.
The whole team played as unit. This is something that was very evident during the “untouchables” season.
Now, let’s not get carried away.
Selection dilemmas for Wenger
Fabregas is a more effective player than Scholes. The statistical analysis backs it up
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Arsenal’s weaknesses Vs Tottenham’s. Preview and Prediction
By 1970’s Gooner
You are only as good as your weakest link. And for Arsenal's last game we did unfortunately spot the weakest link in our preview. Senderos's red card nearly jeopardised a fine performance by this young, but now determined to prove everyone wrong, squad.
Arsenal’s weaknesses are today centered in two positions. In central midfield the enforced deployment of Gilberto brings with it two problems.
The first is jet lag and fatigue. He did not get back to St Albans, his home, till yesterday afternoon which does not really allow him much recovery time.
Remember he did play the full 90 minutes for Brazil against the USA last Sunday and 75 minutes on Thursday morning against Mexico in Boston.
The second problem is Gilberto’s relative lack of pace which may be exposed against Spurs’ very quick front two of Berbatov and Keane.
I am worried about this and I hope that his experience, astute positioning awareness and Toure’s cover will get us through relatively unscathed.
Arsenal’s second weakness may be a self inflicted one. For some reason Wenger has put Flamini ahead of Diaby in the pecking order.
It is bleeding obvious that Diaby is a far superior player on all counts which are too numerous to mention in this posting.
Tottenham’s weaknesses lie in defence and in the midfield areas. The absence of King and the forced deployment of the inexperienced Dawson and newcomer Kaboul leaves huge gaps at the back.
In midfield they lack a creative midfielder which Jenas clearly is not but there is also not enough penetration on the flanks.
Lennon’s absence has cost them a lot. I do not think he will start today and that leaves Melbranque and Bale to fill these positions. The first lacks quality and is not penetrative enough and the other is too young.
Conclusion
If Gilberto wakes up in time and manages to put in a decent performance aided ably by Toure then it will be another North London triumph for the Arsenal.
Prediction: 1-3 to the Arsenal
Mind games from Jol and Wenger
You are only as good as your weakest link. And for Arsenal's last game we did unfortunately spot the weakest link in our preview. Senderos's red card nearly jeopardised a fine performance by this young, but now determined to prove everyone wrong, squad.
Arsenal’s weaknesses are today centered in two positions. In central midfield the enforced deployment of Gilberto brings with it two problems.
The first is jet lag and fatigue. He did not get back to St Albans, his home, till yesterday afternoon which does not really allow him much recovery time.
Remember he did play the full 90 minutes for Brazil against the USA last Sunday and 75 minutes on Thursday morning against Mexico in Boston.
The second problem is Gilberto’s relative lack of pace which may be exposed against Spurs’ very quick front two of Berbatov and Keane.
I am worried about this and I hope that his experience, astute positioning awareness and Toure’s cover will get us through relatively unscathed.
Arsenal’s second weakness may be a self inflicted one. For some reason Wenger has put Flamini ahead of Diaby in the pecking order.
It is bleeding obvious that Diaby is a far superior player on all counts which are too numerous to mention in this posting.
Tottenham’s weaknesses lie in defence and in the midfield areas. The absence of King and the forced deployment of the inexperienced Dawson and newcomer Kaboul leaves huge gaps at the back.
In midfield they lack a creative midfielder which Jenas clearly is not but there is also not enough penetration on the flanks.
Lennon’s absence has cost them a lot. I do not think he will start today and that leaves Melbranque and Bale to fill these positions. The first lacks quality and is not penetrative enough and the other is too young.
Conclusion
If Gilberto wakes up in time and manages to put in a decent performance aided ably by Toure then it will be another North London triumph for the Arsenal.
Prediction: 1-3 to the Arsenal
Mind games from Jol and Wenger
Monday, September 10, 2007
Eduardo Da Silva explodes for Croatia. Plus the goals on video
By 1970's Gooner
Croatia beat Estonia 2-0 at home on Saturday, courtesy of two excellent goals from Eduardo da Silva. Croatia are now top in Group E with Russia and England lying second and third respectively.
Eduardo showed what he is capable of doing in front of goal which is why Wenger after all paid 10m to buy him from Dinamo Zagreb over the summer.
He hasn’t produced this type of form yet for Arsenal but judging by these two goals he is quite capable of hitting double figures this season.
As his Croatia manager and ex West Ham player Bilic, intimated to Arsene Wenger, once he gets through the initial phase-in period he will “explode”
The striker scored with an overhead kick in the 39th minute from inside the box and again from a pass from Luka Modric, another reported target of Wenger’s, in first-half stoppage-time.
This was a spectacular left-foot shot into the top right corner from the edge of the penalty area proving he can score from outside the box too.
He has now scored eight goals for Croatia in this qualifying campaign. Let’s hope he continues this scoring spree in an Arsenal shirt.
You can watch the goals at the top of the page by clicking on the video window.
Would you welcome Dein back? Most of you would!
Bad news: Gallas is out, Gilberto is in
Croatia beat Estonia 2-0 at home on Saturday, courtesy of two excellent goals from Eduardo da Silva. Croatia are now top in Group E with Russia and England lying second and third respectively.
Eduardo showed what he is capable of doing in front of goal which is why Wenger after all paid 10m to buy him from Dinamo Zagreb over the summer.
He hasn’t produced this type of form yet for Arsenal but judging by these two goals he is quite capable of hitting double figures this season.
As his Croatia manager and ex West Ham player Bilic, intimated to Arsene Wenger, once he gets through the initial phase-in period he will “explode”
The striker scored with an overhead kick in the 39th minute from inside the box and again from a pass from Luka Modric, another reported target of Wenger’s, in first-half stoppage-time.
This was a spectacular left-foot shot into the top right corner from the edge of the penalty area proving he can score from outside the box too.
He has now scored eight goals for Croatia in this qualifying campaign. Let’s hope he continues this scoring spree in an Arsenal shirt.
You can watch the goals at the top of the page by clicking on the video window.
Would you welcome Dein back? Most of you would!
Bad news: Gallas is out, Gilberto is in
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Gilberto’s international call up may leave a huge gap in Arsenal’s defence to face Spurs
By Eros and 1970's Gooner
It seems that Wenger’s decision to let Djourou go out on loan to Birmingham may come back to haunt him.
His thinking was of course admirable. The lad needed games and Premiership experience and at the time it did not look like he was going to get it at Arsenal.
Now a red card picked up by Senderos during the Portsmouth game added to Gallas’s injury two weeks ago has suddenly left the club without a recognised central defender to partner Toure.
And to add insult to injury, as it were, Gilberto has been called up by Brazil for international duty. "Surprisingly" his call up is omitted from the list of players on international duty mentioned on Arsenal’s web site.
Gilberto has proved an adequate deputy in central defence in the past and he did fill in very well when he slotted in next to Kolo Toure due to Senderos’s send off last Sunday.
But Dunga, the ex Brazil star and current Brazil coach has included Gilberto in the list of players for two international friendlies.
The first is to be played this coming Sunday 9th September in Chigaco against the USA and the Wednesday after that on the 12th September in Boston against Mexico.
Gilberto will be accompanied to the States by another two Premiership players, Alex of Chelsea and Elano of Manchester City. Julio Baptista of Real Madrid, the ex Arsenal loan player, is also in the squad.
The full call up is:
Doni, Julio Cesar, Maicon, Daniel Alves, Alex Silva, Lúcio, Juan, Alex , Kleber, Gilberto, Gilberto Silva, Mineiro, Josué Fernando, Elano, Kaká, Julio Baptista, Diego, Ronaldinho Robinho, Vagner Love, Afonso
Gilberto will probably be travelling back to the UK after the Wednesday game but of course distances being what they are he will not be back to base until Friday afternoon with the Spurs kick off the next day at 1.30 pm.
This is because Wednesday in Boston is really early hours of Thursday morning in London. Add to this the time taken to drive to the airport, flying time to London and driving time to get home at St Albans and Gilberto will probably not snuggle into his bed until Friday afternoon.
Wenger has in the past followed a policy of resting players after such long journeys due to the effects of jet lag and fatigue. Will he do it this time?
If he does select him to play will Gilberto be up to the task of performing at his best when he comes up against a Spurs forward line of Berbatov and Keene?
Another way out will be for Arsenal to request that Dunga selects Gilberto only for the first game, against the USA on the Sunday. This arrangement will give him enough time to travel back and get a proper rest before the derby game at White Hart Lane.
We are assuming of course that in the meantime no injuries are suffered either by Gilberto or indeed Toure. The latter is due to play for the Ivory Coast against Gabon in a qualifying match for the African Cup of Nations on Saturday 8th September.
If for whatever reason Wenger needs another central defender to start the Spurs game he does not really have too much choice.
It includes Hoyte who played there once before against Norwich at Carrow Road a few years back when an injury during the warm up deprived Arsenal one of its central defenders. He played well but it was newly promoted Norwich after all.
The other choice would be Sagna who although injured at the moment could be fit for the game. His height and lack of recent exposure in this position would be a concern though.
Diaby, Diarra or Denilson will be fighting for a place alongside Fabregas in the middle of the park.
England will probably never be a world football power
It seems that Wenger’s decision to let Djourou go out on loan to Birmingham may come back to haunt him.
His thinking was of course admirable. The lad needed games and Premiership experience and at the time it did not look like he was going to get it at Arsenal.
Now a red card picked up by Senderos during the Portsmouth game added to Gallas’s injury two weeks ago has suddenly left the club without a recognised central defender to partner Toure.
And to add insult to injury, as it were, Gilberto has been called up by Brazil for international duty. "Surprisingly" his call up is omitted from the list of players on international duty mentioned on Arsenal’s web site.
Gilberto has proved an adequate deputy in central defence in the past and he did fill in very well when he slotted in next to Kolo Toure due to Senderos’s send off last Sunday.
But Dunga, the ex Brazil star and current Brazil coach has included Gilberto in the list of players for two international friendlies.
The first is to be played this coming Sunday 9th September in Chigaco against the USA and the Wednesday after that on the 12th September in Boston against Mexico.
Gilberto will be accompanied to the States by another two Premiership players, Alex of Chelsea and Elano of Manchester City. Julio Baptista of Real Madrid, the ex Arsenal loan player, is also in the squad.
The full call up is:
Doni, Julio Cesar, Maicon, Daniel Alves, Alex Silva, Lúcio, Juan, Alex , Kleber, Gilberto, Gilberto Silva, Mineiro, Josué Fernando, Elano, Kaká, Julio Baptista, Diego, Ronaldinho Robinho, Vagner Love, Afonso
Gilberto will probably be travelling back to the UK after the Wednesday game but of course distances being what they are he will not be back to base until Friday afternoon with the Spurs kick off the next day at 1.30 pm.
This is because Wednesday in Boston is really early hours of Thursday morning in London. Add to this the time taken to drive to the airport, flying time to London and driving time to get home at St Albans and Gilberto will probably not snuggle into his bed until Friday afternoon.
Wenger has in the past followed a policy of resting players after such long journeys due to the effects of jet lag and fatigue. Will he do it this time?
If he does select him to play will Gilberto be up to the task of performing at his best when he comes up against a Spurs forward line of Berbatov and Keene?
Another way out will be for Arsenal to request that Dunga selects Gilberto only for the first game, against the USA on the Sunday. This arrangement will give him enough time to travel back and get a proper rest before the derby game at White Hart Lane.
We are assuming of course that in the meantime no injuries are suffered either by Gilberto or indeed Toure. The latter is due to play for the Ivory Coast against Gabon in a qualifying match for the African Cup of Nations on Saturday 8th September.
If for whatever reason Wenger needs another central defender to start the Spurs game he does not really have too much choice.
It includes Hoyte who played there once before against Norwich at Carrow Road a few years back when an injury during the warm up deprived Arsenal one of its central defenders. He played well but it was newly promoted Norwich after all.
The other choice would be Sagna who although injured at the moment could be fit for the game. His height and lack of recent exposure in this position would be a concern though.
Diaby, Diarra or Denilson will be fighting for a place alongside Fabregas in the middle of the park.
England will probably never be a world football power
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Arsenal Vs Sparta Prague: Will Arsenal shoot itself in the foot?
By 1970’s Gooner
Arsene Wenger has said that two legged ties are usually won in the first leg. This is of course a very true statement as rarely a team that accomplished an advantage from the first leg finds itself not going through.
Unless of course it shoots itself in the foot.
This can usually arise through two ways. The club “lulls” itself into a false sense of security and therefore fails to give the tie the seriousness it deserves. Or the players get stuck into that “in between” state of mind which comes from not really having to win the tie.
This is the danger for Arsenal tonight when they meet Sparta Prague at the Emirates, leading 2-0 from the first away leg.
Sparta Prague have really nothing to loose and this state of mind often liberates players and allows them to express themselves without real fear of failure. If they score the first goal then the jitters set in and it becomes anybody’s game.
On the other hand the team in the lead from the first leg may try to get through the tie without exerting itself too much as there is an important League game coming up anyway in a few days time.
This state of mind was not evident at Anfield last night as Liverpool had only a one goal advantage from the first leg which made them vulnerable if they had conceded first.
They also had quite a few, shall we call them “fringe players”, who had something to prove to Benitez. Players like Crouch, Benayoun, Leto, Hyppia and others subject to the rotation policy.
The outcome of this particular tie therefore will depend more on how Arsenal mentally approaches the game rather than the employment of any specific tactics, formation or team selection. Although these are of course significant too.
The players will have to do a professional job, play their normal game and go for the win.
Getting that first goal will be vital as the opponents heads are likely to drop after that. Overcoming a three goal deficit will be insurmountable even for above average teams (which, having watched the first leg, Sparta is not).
On the subject of team selection: Does Wenger rest some of the key players and give games to players returning to the squad?
The sports writers of the national newspapers seem to think so as some, in their “probable” starting eleven, have RVP being rested or similarly Adebayor.
Others have Gilberto rested or starting at centre back. Flamini is at right back or midfield or rested according to which paper you read. Fabregas is rested and Diaby coming in. Others have Fabregas in…..In other words they are all confused!
Wenger will have to take this game very seriously as there is the factor of complacency creeping as explained above but also the (financial) cost of failure may prove too onerous for Arsenal Football Club to bear.
So he is not likely to take too many chances and will try to keep as close to his first team selection as possible barring injuries and fitness.
The two positions he has to make decisions on are the right back and centre back.
The choice at right back is between Hoyte and Flamini and he may go for Hoyte although Flamini perfomed very well against Man City. Wenger has belief in his players and he likes to show it to them for obvious reasons.
At centre back the choice is between Senderos and Gilberto. Does he go for an experienced but unfit player or does he give Senderos his chance?
But I think we will have to wait and see what Wenger decides.
It appears however that there is more strength in depth in this squad; much more than many people think.
Prediction: Arsenal do not shoot themselves in the foot. Home win. 1-0
Sparta Prague team news: Repka is a lot better and travels to London to face Fabregas
Fabregas has added a “Peter Storey” attitude to his vast arsenal of talents
Arsene Wenger has said that two legged ties are usually won in the first leg. This is of course a very true statement as rarely a team that accomplished an advantage from the first leg finds itself not going through.
Unless of course it shoots itself in the foot.
This can usually arise through two ways. The club “lulls” itself into a false sense of security and therefore fails to give the tie the seriousness it deserves. Or the players get stuck into that “in between” state of mind which comes from not really having to win the tie.
This is the danger for Arsenal tonight when they meet Sparta Prague at the Emirates, leading 2-0 from the first away leg.
Sparta Prague have really nothing to loose and this state of mind often liberates players and allows them to express themselves without real fear of failure. If they score the first goal then the jitters set in and it becomes anybody’s game.
On the other hand the team in the lead from the first leg may try to get through the tie without exerting itself too much as there is an important League game coming up anyway in a few days time.
This state of mind was not evident at Anfield last night as Liverpool had only a one goal advantage from the first leg which made them vulnerable if they had conceded first.
They also had quite a few, shall we call them “fringe players”, who had something to prove to Benitez. Players like Crouch, Benayoun, Leto, Hyppia and others subject to the rotation policy.
The outcome of this particular tie therefore will depend more on how Arsenal mentally approaches the game rather than the employment of any specific tactics, formation or team selection. Although these are of course significant too.
The players will have to do a professional job, play their normal game and go for the win.
Getting that first goal will be vital as the opponents heads are likely to drop after that. Overcoming a three goal deficit will be insurmountable even for above average teams (which, having watched the first leg, Sparta is not).
On the subject of team selection: Does Wenger rest some of the key players and give games to players returning to the squad?
The sports writers of the national newspapers seem to think so as some, in their “probable” starting eleven, have RVP being rested or similarly Adebayor.
Others have Gilberto rested or starting at centre back. Flamini is at right back or midfield or rested according to which paper you read. Fabregas is rested and Diaby coming in. Others have Fabregas in…..In other words they are all confused!
Wenger will have to take this game very seriously as there is the factor of complacency creeping as explained above but also the (financial) cost of failure may prove too onerous for Arsenal Football Club to bear.
So he is not likely to take too many chances and will try to keep as close to his first team selection as possible barring injuries and fitness.
The two positions he has to make decisions on are the right back and centre back.
The choice at right back is between Hoyte and Flamini and he may go for Hoyte although Flamini perfomed very well against Man City. Wenger has belief in his players and he likes to show it to them for obvious reasons.
At centre back the choice is between Senderos and Gilberto. Does he go for an experienced but unfit player or does he give Senderos his chance?
But I think we will have to wait and see what Wenger decides.
It appears however that there is more strength in depth in this squad; much more than many people think.
Prediction: Arsenal do not shoot themselves in the foot. Home win. 1-0
Sparta Prague team news: Repka is a lot better and travels to London to face Fabregas
Fabregas has added a “Peter Storey” attitude to his vast arsenal of talents
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Denilson runs the show but Fabregas does it again
By 1970’s Gooner
Arsenal didn’t start well and allowed Manchester City to settle in the game in the early stages. The very late substitution during the warm up of Senderos with Gilberto was probably part of the reason.
Gilberto looked slow and kept making positional mistakes during the first half hour which put the back line under unnecessary pressure. He did however pick up the pace as the game wore on.
It seems that what we all thought was behind Wenger’s decision to let Djourou go out on loan is probably true. He is intending to use Gilberto in this position when needed.
But the turning point of the game was not the penalty miss as you may have thought but Sagna’s injury (inflicted by Flamini).
This forced Wenger to move Flamini to right back (who performed excellently) and bring Denilson on in midfield. He run the show! This boy is going to be a wonderful Arsenal player.
Prior to this Arsenal again did not really dominate the midfield the way we have been accustomed to. I pointed to this possibility in the preview of the game. When Diaby and Gilberto get fit Arsenal will revert to the levels of domination we are accustomed to.
Again Arsenal lacked width as the wide players were not that penetrative. Hleb in particular has reverted to old ways: almost always coming inside rather than going passed his player (except for the penalty)and again afraid to shoot.
Come back Eboue and Walcott. The latter mysteriously not even on the bench.
Overall it was again an anxious striven win; the goal coming at the later stages of the game to liberate all of us from what we feared will be a nil nil draw.
Let’s hope we improve when the missing players return to action.
Arsenal didn’t start well and allowed Manchester City to settle in the game in the early stages. The very late substitution during the warm up of Senderos with Gilberto was probably part of the reason.
Gilberto looked slow and kept making positional mistakes during the first half hour which put the back line under unnecessary pressure. He did however pick up the pace as the game wore on.
It seems that what we all thought was behind Wenger’s decision to let Djourou go out on loan is probably true. He is intending to use Gilberto in this position when needed.
But the turning point of the game was not the penalty miss as you may have thought but Sagna’s injury (inflicted by Flamini).
This forced Wenger to move Flamini to right back (who performed excellently) and bring Denilson on in midfield. He run the show! This boy is going to be a wonderful Arsenal player.
Prior to this Arsenal again did not really dominate the midfield the way we have been accustomed to. I pointed to this possibility in the preview of the game. When Diaby and Gilberto get fit Arsenal will revert to the levels of domination we are accustomed to.
Again Arsenal lacked width as the wide players were not that penetrative. Hleb in particular has reverted to old ways: almost always coming inside rather than going passed his player (except for the penalty)and again afraid to shoot.
Come back Eboue and Walcott. The latter mysteriously not even on the bench.
Overall it was again an anxious striven win; the goal coming at the later stages of the game to liberate all of us from what we feared will be a nil nil draw.
Let’s hope we improve when the missing players return to action.
Arsenal’s weaknesses Vs Manchester City
By 1970’s Gooner
You are only as strong as your weakest link. This is certainly very true in the highly pressured and ultra competitive Premier League where your every weakness is immediately exploited.
Arsenal will enter this encounter with some forced and maybe unforced weak links. But first some background.
Both teams are likely to field the same formation: 4 4 1 1 but one would expect that the away team’s approach to the game would be a more conservative one where the support striker is more likely to drop back into midfield so as to strategically congest this vital area of the pitch.
On the other hand Arsenal’s support striker will be inclined to do the opposite and be more attack minded. In this respect there is a real danger that this game could follow the same pattern as Arsenal’s previous encounter at Blackburn.
During that game Arsenal lost the midfield battle which meant that they could not dominate and dictate play as per usual.
And here is where we come up against Arsenal’s first weakness.
The best way to get round this problem is to have at least one strong and powerful ball winner in central midfield who would also release the ball early to the support striker or the wide midfielders so as to avoid the congested middle of the pitch.
Flamini is a willing and energetic midfielder but there is no comparison when Diaby or Gilberto are fit. Wenger, during his interview for the game on Arsenal.com, has not included Diaby in the list of players unavailable for this game (Gilberto may be on the bench due to lack of fitness).
If Diaby is indeed available then it is imperative that Wenger selects him to start. His strength and ball winning skills will go a long way in determining the outcome of this game.
If he or Gilberto do not start then expect more of the same.
The second weakness that has been very evident in all of Arsenal’s games so far is RVP’s utilization as a lone striker.
He has often been isolated and this has unbalanced the team.
He should be playing the support striker’s role where he is most effective.
If Adebayor, who is now fit, is chosen to lead the line then this will go a long way in restoring the required balance.
Senderos’s first start of the season in place of the injured Gallas is the third weakness.
He still looks prone to lapses of concentration and positional awareness; the latter being crucial to him due to his relative lack of pace.
In a way this is a correctible weakness since he is deputising for Gallas (more on the lack of central defenders in another posting).
But Arsenal’s fourth weakness doesn’t look like being corrected in the near future. At least not in the traditional way.
The wide left midfield position is now being filled by players that are not natural wingers. Although Hleb has played well in the support role behind the striker he has reverted to form when pushed to the wide areas.
The players selected to fill the wide midfield positions, probably Walcott (Eboue is injured) and Hleb may prove more significant than normal.
This is because Manchester City appears more vulnerable in the left and right back positions rather than in central defence where the excellent Richards and Dunn are likely to be hard to break down.
I would therefore prefer that Clichy is selected for the left sided position as he is far more penetrative than Hleb ever will be. At least this could be an option during the game if things do not as go as planned (Hoyte could play left back).
Another option that Wenger could consider is to try Eduardo.
Some would consider Almunia’s first start of the season as being another weakness. I beg to disagree. I consider this as a positive.
For one he will be replacing an injured and error prone goalkeeper who was solely responsible for Arsenal’s two goals conceded so far.
Otherwise Arsenal would have had the best defensive record along with today’s opponents so far.
But having watched all the pre season games I am also of the opinion that Almunia is a vastly improved keeper.
I have every confidence that he will prove to be equal to the task and assume the number one position at Arsenal. Sooner than we think.
In fact the real goalkeeping weakness for this game lies with young Schmeichel who looked unsure against Manchester United and weak on crosses.
Arsenal should use their wide midfielders and full backs going forward to by pass the congested midfield and exploit the opponent's weaknesses themselves.
If they put the full backs and goalkeeper to the test then a lot of joy is to be had.
Lehmann’s clanger hides Wenger’s and Arsenal’s sins
Walcott and Clichy should be the wide midfielders against Blackburn
Who should partner Robin Van Persie?
You are only as strong as your weakest link. This is certainly very true in the highly pressured and ultra competitive Premier League where your every weakness is immediately exploited.
Arsenal will enter this encounter with some forced and maybe unforced weak links. But first some background.
Both teams are likely to field the same formation: 4 4 1 1 but one would expect that the away team’s approach to the game would be a more conservative one where the support striker is more likely to drop back into midfield so as to strategically congest this vital area of the pitch.
On the other hand Arsenal’s support striker will be inclined to do the opposite and be more attack minded. In this respect there is a real danger that this game could follow the same pattern as Arsenal’s previous encounter at Blackburn.
During that game Arsenal lost the midfield battle which meant that they could not dominate and dictate play as per usual.
And here is where we come up against Arsenal’s first weakness.
The best way to get round this problem is to have at least one strong and powerful ball winner in central midfield who would also release the ball early to the support striker or the wide midfielders so as to avoid the congested middle of the pitch.
Flamini is a willing and energetic midfielder but there is no comparison when Diaby or Gilberto are fit. Wenger, during his interview for the game on Arsenal.com, has not included Diaby in the list of players unavailable for this game (Gilberto may be on the bench due to lack of fitness).
If Diaby is indeed available then it is imperative that Wenger selects him to start. His strength and ball winning skills will go a long way in determining the outcome of this game.
If he or Gilberto do not start then expect more of the same.
The second weakness that has been very evident in all of Arsenal’s games so far is RVP’s utilization as a lone striker. He has often been isolated and this has unbalanced the team.
He should be playing the support striker’s role where he is most effective.
If Adebayor, who is now fit, is chosen to lead the line then this will go a long way in restoring the required balance.
Senderos’s first start of the season in place of the injured Gallas is the third weakness.
He still looks prone to lapses of concentration and positional awareness; the latter being crucial to him due to his relative lack of pace.
In a way this is a correctible weakness since he is deputising for Gallas (more on the lack of central defenders in another posting).
But Arsenal’s fourth weakness doesn’t look like being corrected in the near future. At least not in the traditional way.
The wide left midfield position is now being filled by players that are not natural wingers. Although Hleb has played well in the support role behind the striker he has reverted to form when pushed to the wide areas.
The players selected to fill the wide midfield positions, probably Walcott (Eboue is injured) and Hleb may prove more significant than normal.
This is because Manchester City appears more vulnerable in the left and right back positions rather than in central defence where the excellent Richards and Dunn are likely to be hard to break down.
I would therefore prefer that Clichy is selected for the left sided position as he is far more penetrative than Hleb ever will be. At least this could be an option during the game if things do not as go as planned (Hoyte could play left back).
Another option that Wenger could consider is to try Eduardo.
Some would consider Almunia’s first start of the season as being another weakness. I beg to disagree. I consider this as a positive.
For one he will be replacing an injured and error prone goalkeeper who was solely responsible for Arsenal’s two goals conceded so far. Otherwise Arsenal would have had the best defensive record along with today’s opponents so far.
But having watched all the pre season games I am also of the opinion that Almunia is a vastly improved keeper.
I have every confidence that he will prove to be equal to the task and assume the number one position at Arsenal. Sooner than we think.
In fact the real goalkeeping weakness for this game lies with young Schmeichel who looked unsure against Manchester United and weak on crosses.
Arsenal should use their wide midfielders and full backs going forward to by pass the congested midfield and exploit the opponent's weaknesses themselves.
If they put the full backs and goalkeeper to the test then a lot of joy is to be had.
Lehmann’s clanger hides Wenger’s and Arsenal’s sins
Walcott and Clichy should be the wide midfielders against Blackburn
Who should partner Robin Van Persie?
Friday, August 24, 2007
Hi everybody... I am from honduras... n i would like to tell everyone that Wilson Palacios is one of the best players in Central America
By 1970’s Gooner
Ever since we broke the story of how close Wilson Palacios is to getting a transfer to Arsenal we have received messages and comments from Honduras itself.
They are about the player and how the fans of Olimpia, his club in Honduras, view the prospect of him playing for Arsenal.
Here are some interesting views:
"Hi everybody... I am from honduras... n i would like to tell everyone that Wilson Palacios is one of the best players in Central America.
“Many people don’t agree on your team (Arsenal) signing him up because you don’t know anything about Honduras.. and you think our level is shitty compared to that of other countries; well I would just like to tell you we DO have great players.
I think everyone knows David Suazo? Well he is Honduran and he plays for Inter Milan. We also have players like Edgar Alvarez in Roma, Julio Leon in Genoa, Carlo Costly playing in Poland, Carlos Pavon playing in the MLS for Galaxy (next to your Beckham) and a HUGE list of (other) players...
I also would like to tell you that if Arsenal DOES sign Wilson Palacion they will make a VERY GOOD decision; all you should give him is time to adapt to your team and style of playing... sign him, and you won’t regret it!”
Ed : I don’t think that Arsenal fans necessarily think that the level of football in Honduras is “not high”. I certainly have not seen any references on other sites stating such an opinion.
Another visitor to Arsenal Analysis writes that in fact Olimpia is having a bad time right now and was eliminated from the Central American champions league.
“But I think most of the people in Honduras want to see him play in a great team like Arsenal…. and make us feel proud of our players”
As it appears, Olimpia’s fans are all for Palacios signing for Arsenal. But is Arsene Wenger?
All you football fans in Honduras (and elsewhere) keep your comments coming especially your views and opinions about how good Wilson Palacios is and whether you think he will adapt to English football well.
We will be publishing a selection of your views on the site as we have just done.
Ever since we broke the story of how close Wilson Palacios is to getting a transfer to Arsenal we have received messages and comments from Honduras itself.
They are about the player and how the fans of Olimpia, his club in Honduras, view the prospect of him playing for Arsenal.Here are some interesting views:
"Hi everybody... I am from honduras... n i would like to tell everyone that Wilson Palacios is one of the best players in Central America.
“Many people don’t agree on your team (Arsenal) signing him up because you don’t know anything about Honduras.. and you think our level is shitty compared to that of other countries; well I would just like to tell you we DO have great players.
I think everyone knows David Suazo? Well he is Honduran and he plays for Inter Milan. We also have players like Edgar Alvarez in Roma, Julio Leon in Genoa, Carlo Costly playing in Poland, Carlos Pavon playing in the MLS for Galaxy (next to your Beckham) and a HUGE list of (other) players...
I also would like to tell you that if Arsenal DOES sign Wilson Palacion they will make a VERY GOOD decision; all you should give him is time to adapt to your team and style of playing... sign him, and you won’t regret it!”
Ed : I don’t think that Arsenal fans necessarily think that the level of football in Honduras is “not high”. I certainly have not seen any references on other sites stating such an opinion.
Another visitor to Arsenal Analysis writes that in fact Olimpia is having a bad time right now and was eliminated from the Central American champions league.
“But I think most of the people in Honduras want to see him play in a great team like Arsenal…. and make us feel proud of our players”
As it appears, Olimpia’s fans are all for Palacios signing for Arsenal. But is Arsene Wenger?
All you football fans in Honduras (and elsewhere) keep your comments coming especially your views and opinions about how good Wilson Palacios is and whether you think he will adapt to English football well.
We will be publishing a selection of your views on the site as we have just done.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Who should partner Robin Van Persie?
By 1970’s Gooner
For regular visitors to this site my views have been made clear. Robin Van Persie is not really a centre forward in the sense that he is not a strong physical front target man.
He is better deployed behind or next to a strong centre forward and not as a lone
striker.
I also believe that Wenger needs to sign another experienced forward. This is for both football and practical reasons.
Football reasons
The current squad consists of four forward players. Eduardo may be a goal scorer but he is not a front target man.
In a way his style of play is more like Robin’s. Playing them together will not necessarily offer them the environment they seek to score their goals.
Adebayor is a target man and so is Bendtner. Adebayor will do a good job but goals do not come that easily to him and Bendtner is not yet trusted by Wenger to start games.
Another aspect to take into account is the relative lack of experience in this area.
Robin Van Persie and Adebayor are only 23 and 22 respectively. The addition of Eduardo to the squad (aged 24) does not of course do much to increase the average age.
The practical reasons are equally important
Account has also to be taken of injury, suspensions, loss of form and the Africa Cup of Nations.
Remember what happened last season when injuries to Henry and Van Persie in particular deprived the team of its two most lethal forwards? RVP was also close to getting a second yellow card against Blackburn.
Taking into account that Adebayor will be away at the Africa Cup of Nations for about a month then it becomes obvious that the squad will lose serious depth.
Now if a premiership experienced forward with goal scoring ability was recruited (there is talk of Anelka again) then it suddenly gives a very attractive outlook indeed to this Arsenal team.
But assuming that Wenger does not recruit anyone else who should partner RVP?
To my mind it’s a straight race between Adebayor and Bendtner. Barring availability constraints I would opt for Bendtner because he is stronger and more physical than Adebayor.
In this way he provides a different option to Arsenal’s intricate but often predictable style of play. But this is my own biased view if you like!
As you may be aware, for the last week we run a poll on this site on this very question: Who should partner RVP?
In total 734 votes were cast. They would have been many more because the number of visits to the site during that period reached new heights but Google’s new poll facility kept breaking down!
The results are interesting. The player who played most in that position so far, Hleb, received the least votes with only 11%.
Obviously most of you do not think that he will be able to hold on to that position when other players get fit, as indeed was the case for the game against Blackburn.
Most votes went to Eduardo with 45%. Obviously a lot of Arsenal fans are pinning their hopes on the new recruit, trusting Wenger in his judgment.
This is so even if Eduardo did not really feature much during the pre-season and the early stages of the campaign.
The more surprising result is the close number of votes between Adebayor (23%) and Bendtner (21%). It seems that there is a lot more trust being placed on the young lad by the fans than Wenger is prepared to show.
If Wenger does not get the cheque book out then he may well find himself having to trust young Bendtner sooner than he thinks.
Who should partner RVP? Poll results:
Eduardo Da Silva 45%
Emmanuel Adebayor 23%
Nicklas Bendtner 21%
Alexander Hleb 11%
Total votes cast: 734
Thanks for your support, comments and votes!
Lehmann’s clanger hides Wenger’s and Arsenal’s sins
Bendtner should start every game. It makes more tactical sense
For regular visitors to this site my views have been made clear. Robin Van Persie is not really a centre forward in the sense that he is not a strong physical front target man.
He is better deployed behind or next to a strong centre forward and not as a lone
striker.
I also believe that Wenger needs to sign another experienced forward. This is for both football and practical reasons.
Football reasons
The current squad consists of four forward players. Eduardo may be a goal scorer but he is not a front target man.
In a way his style of play is more like Robin’s. Playing them together will not necessarily offer them the environment they seek to score their goals.
Adebayor is a target man and so is Bendtner. Adebayor will do a good job but goals do not come that easily to him and Bendtner is not yet trusted by Wenger to start games. Another aspect to take into account is the relative lack of experience in this area.
Robin Van Persie and Adebayor are only 23 and 22 respectively. The addition of Eduardo to the squad (aged 24) does not of course do much to increase the average age.
The practical reasons are equally important
Account has also to be taken of injury, suspensions, loss of form and the Africa Cup of Nations.
Remember what happened last season when injuries to Henry and Van Persie in particular deprived the team of its two most lethal forwards? RVP was also close to getting a second yellow card against Blackburn.
Taking into account that Adebayor will be away at the Africa Cup of Nations for about a month then it becomes obvious that the squad will lose serious depth.
Now if a premiership experienced forward with goal scoring ability was recruited (there is talk of Anelka again) then it suddenly gives a very attractive outlook indeed to this Arsenal team.
But assuming that Wenger does not recruit anyone else who should partner RVP?
To my mind it’s a straight race between Adebayor and Bendtner. Barring availability constraints I would opt for Bendtner because he is stronger and more physical than Adebayor.
In this way he provides a different option to Arsenal’s intricate but often predictable style of play. But this is my own biased view if you like!As you may be aware, for the last week we run a poll on this site on this very question: Who should partner RVP?
In total 734 votes were cast. They would have been many more because the number of visits to the site during that period reached new heights but Google’s new poll facility kept breaking down!
The results are interesting. The player who played most in that position so far, Hleb, received the least votes with only 11%.
Obviously most of you do not think that he will be able to hold on to that position when other players get fit, as indeed was the case for the game against Blackburn.
Most votes went to Eduardo with 45%. Obviously a lot of Arsenal fans are pinning their hopes on the new recruit, trusting Wenger in his judgment.
This is so even if Eduardo did not really feature much during the pre-season and the early stages of the campaign.
The more surprising result is the close number of votes between Adebayor (23%) and Bendtner (21%). It seems that there is a lot more trust being placed on the young lad by the fans than Wenger is prepared to show.
If Wenger does not get the cheque book out then he may well find himself having to trust young Bendtner sooner than he thinks.
Who should partner RVP? Poll results:
Eduardo Da Silva 45%
Emmanuel Adebayor 23%
Nicklas Bendtner 21%
Alexander Hleb 11%
Total votes cast: 734
Thanks for your support, comments and votes!
Lehmann’s clanger hides Wenger’s and Arsenal’s sins
Bendtner should start every game. It makes more tactical sense
Monday, August 20, 2007
Lehmann’s clanger hides Wenger’s and Arsenal’s sins
By 1970’s Gooner
Everybody would of course blame “poor” Jens Lehmann for dropping a clanger and gifting Blackburn a very fortuitous equalizer. And it certainly looked that, despite Blackburn’s resurgence in the second half, Arsenal were going to hold out for a very scrappy but morale boosting away win.
But having watched the encounter live I formed the opinion that it need not have turned out such a close and scrappy game.
Arsenal strangely enough were outfought in midfield and could not dictate play as we know they can. The result was that Fabregas was subdued and the supply to the two front men was not as often or as good as it usually is.
There are two major reasons for this.
The first has to do with the fact that due to the physical nature of the opponents, the Arsenal players, in their desire to show to everybody that they can mix it too, forgot how to play football.
Blackburn’s physical approach (especially from that prat Savage) was intended to intimidate them and put them out of their stride.
It did not succeed in intimidating them but it shifted the Arsenal’s players focus and minds away from playing the beautiful game to dishing it out themselves.
This is exactly what happened in the away game at Sparta Prague, a game I also watched live. Except on that occasion Lehmann and the post saved Arsenal.
There is another equally important reason for the loss of midfield control and it has to do with Wenger’s selection to start with Eduardo. This is because Eduardo was returning from injury and had not played in the Premiership yet.
As often happens in football, due to its zero sum characteristic and reliance on team coordination, if one or more of its parts or players is not functioning well the whole of the team suffers.
Giving him his debut in such a tough away fixture was to my mind a gamble. In fact it was a gamble Wenger need not have taken because by doing so he not only weakened the side but had to change a thus far winning formula by switching the formation from 4 4 1 1 to a straight 4 4 2.
In addition, this deprived the midfield area of the extra player it needed on various occasions which would have come from the deeper lying forward. Hleb in other words.
Loss of midfield control deprived Arsenal the usual dominance it enjoys against such teams and resulted in a scrappy and physical game which invariably suited the less technical side.
Blackburn Vs Arsenal. Predictions and betting suggestions
Walcott and Clichy should be the wide players against Blackburn
Everybody would of course blame “poor” Jens Lehmann for dropping a clanger and gifting Blackburn a very fortuitous equalizer. And it certainly looked that, despite Blackburn’s resurgence in the second half, Arsenal were going to hold out for a very scrappy but morale boosting away win.
But having watched the encounter live I formed the opinion that it need not have turned out such a close and scrappy game.
Arsenal strangely enough were outfought in midfield and could not dictate play as we know they can. The result was that Fabregas was subdued and the supply to the two front men was not as often or as good as it usually is.
There are two major reasons for this.
The first has to do with the fact that due to the physical nature of the opponents, the Arsenal players, in their desire to show to everybody that they can mix it too, forgot how to play football.
Blackburn’s physical approach (especially from that prat Savage) was intended to intimidate them and put them out of their stride. It did not succeed in intimidating them but it shifted the Arsenal’s players focus and minds away from playing the beautiful game to dishing it out themselves.
This is exactly what happened in the away game at Sparta Prague, a game I also watched live. Except on that occasion Lehmann and the post saved Arsenal.
There is another equally important reason for the loss of midfield control and it has to do with Wenger’s selection to start with Eduardo. This is because Eduardo was returning from injury and had not played in the Premiership yet.
As often happens in football, due to its zero sum characteristic and reliance on team coordination, if one or more of its parts or players is not functioning well the whole of the team suffers.
Giving him his debut in such a tough away fixture was to my mind a gamble. In fact it was a gamble Wenger need not have taken because by doing so he not only weakened the side but had to change a thus far winning formula by switching the formation from 4 4 1 1 to a straight 4 4 2.
In addition, this deprived the midfield area of the extra player it needed on various occasions which would have come from the deeper lying forward. Hleb in other words.
Loss of midfield control deprived Arsenal the usual dominance it enjoys against such teams and resulted in a scrappy and physical game which invariably suited the less technical side.
Blackburn Vs Arsenal. Predictions and betting suggestions
Walcott and Clichy should be the wide players against Blackburn
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
