By The Coach (who is really a crypto West Ham fan!)
Bilic is an ex-West Ham great who has proven to have Wenger-like qualities in building up teams that are young and exciting and most of all effective.
He can be the new Wenger of the Premiership and I am sure he would jump at the chance to coach a Premiership team especially at his old stamping ground, Upton Park.
The West Ham Board should recognise opportunities when they arise and find a way to make them happen.
I was totally impressed with Bilic's ability to bring together young talent and shape a team that can play good football and most of all a team that is capable of beating anyone.
The style of football that Croatia displayed at Wembley the other night is indeed the football that West Ham were known for but sadly now only seen in glimpses.
It wasn’t that long ago when Sir Trevor Brooking et al and even before him when the Great Bobby Moore was the captain that West Ham were admired for the way they played the beautiful game.
Bilic is the man and the Board should be clever enough to see and grasp this opportunity to transform West Ham into a power in football again. It won't happen overnight, but Bilic more than Curbishley knows how to achieve it.
The most Curbishley can manage is to use his old and trusted methods to just keep West Ham away from trouble. But is this enough?
Having been a West Ham admirer for so many years, I think it is time the club moved on. It is time to show a little more ambition.
England will probably never be a world football power again
West Ham Don’t Need a Director of Football but a New Manager
Showing posts with label Arsene wenger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arsene wenger. Show all posts
Friday, November 23, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
McClaren and Wenger blamed for England’s failure: A nation in denial
By The Coach
Sure, McClaren was never a brilliant football manager and yes, a better choice could have been made in May 2006. But isn’t this typical of a nation that goes into mass denial once again?
The problem of English football is deeply rooted and has to do with an archaic footballing culture that is fostered and maintained by all, including those who are now taking to pieces poor McClaren.
All these experts and professors of football are quick to advise the eternal formula, “sack the coach and start again”. If only it were that simple!
Wait, haven’t we tried that many times before? Terry Venables, Glenn Hoddle, Sven Goran Ericsson and even Sir Alf Ramsey did not escape becoming the scapegoats for the more obvious reality that a whole nation does not want to even consider, let alone, come to terms with.
The fact is that football in England is bad! It is too physical, too square, too predictable, too English!
The mass hysteria has even reached the point of blaming it all on Wenger! Yes, unbelievable as it may sound, some gurus in England actually profess that the problems with English football emanate from having Arsene Wenger type managers in the Premiership!
“If only Arsene Wenger would try to create successful teams in the Premiership using young British rather than international talent, then…”
Wenger is not racist or anti-British! He would love to be able to build a championship winning team using available talent from England. The problem is that there is no such talent (and surely not at the same cost) to be found as could be sourced from abroad.
Looking into the problem a little deeper, the talent that can be developed into the Fabregas, the Van-Persies and the Hlebs of this world is so rare in England for a very good reason.
Young kids in England are unfortunate enough to grow up in England. By the time they learn the rules and have the British footballing values embedded into their persona it is far too late to explore and develop their natural qualities for creativity, imagination and flair on the field.
To use an analogy, it is like having Van Gough or Mozart create their beautiful work while serving in the army.
Back in early September I along with 1970’s Gooner began a series of articles that expounded on this very issue (see our posting England will probably never be a world football power again).
In our opinion the reason for this lies on the emphasis placed by the English society on several character related attributes, which in the end help to stifle any skills that a young player may possess.
These attributes, admirable as they are, concentrate more on the traditional English values of commitment, work ethos, effort and physical and mental strength.
All very important and very necessary elements in what makes a world class player.
But alas not sufficient. And they inevitably manifest themselves in all aspects of the English game.
In the way the players themselves play the game. In the way English coaches encourage their players to conduct themselves on the pitch. In their choice of strategies and tactics. And in the way the referees interpret the laws.
In fact most English players are made to look better when they are playing for their club teams which mostly consist of foreign players.
But when they have to co-exist with the rest of the England squad and line up against their club colleagues and other more skillful players in an international game they have no such “shield”
The truth is that England are really an average team who is made to look a little bit better when a few world class players emerge now and then.
England will probably never be a world football power again
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
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
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?
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
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
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Blackburn Vs Arsenal. Predictions and betting suggestions
By Aries (Arsenal Analysis odds analyser) and 1970’s Gooner
Trying to arrive at a reasonable prediction for this game is a tough task. This is because there are still unknowns about both teams.
Arsenal’s line up is still to be decided with a doubt about Eduardo’s fitness and the pending decision by Wenger whether he should start him even if he is fit. This is because Eduardo’s inclusion is likely to mean a shift for Hleb to one of the wide positions.
Wenger may be loath to do that as it will mean changing a winning formula. Also he may not want to give Eduardo his first Premiership game at such a difficult away encounter especially coming after injury without proper training behind him.
Blackburn have a doubt about McCarthy but if he is unfit they still have Roberts to pair with new boy Santa Cruz. The real question however is what strategy and formation will Hughes deploy for this game. This decision will dictate whether he plays with one man up front or with two.
The fact that they got hammered last season home and away by playing the rather brave more attacking approach suggests to me that he will approach this game the same way in that FA Cup victory last season at Ewood Park. Conservatively.
Although Arsenal are a superior side, they had a relatively hard game away in Prague. They will be the more technical side on the day but Blackburn are a tough side.
Prediction by Aries:
Draw, 1-1
I fancy half time : draw, full time: draw
I also fancy Arsenal to score a penalty which is good value at 5/1.
This is because Blackburn will be defending a lot and with Arsenal’s intricate passing in the penalty area mistimed challenges are more than likely. Remember Arsenal were awarded a penalty against Fulham and had a clear penalty decision not given.
Prediction by 1970’s Gooner:
If Wenger sticks to the same formation Away win,0-1. Flamini could ghost through.
Best Odds at time of writing
Arsenal to win : 14/11 Pinnacle
Draw: 23/10 Paddy Power
Blackburn to win : 5/2 Coral
Score: 1-1 6/1 Blue Square
Away win 0-1 7/1 Stan James, Ladbrokes
Half time: Draw and full time: Draw 4/1 Extrabet, Stan James
Flamini to score first or last goal : 28/1 Bet 365
Arsenal to score a penalty: 5/1 Bet 365
Good luck!
Underrated Flamini can do a job at Blackburn
Walcott and Clichy should be the wide players against Blackburn
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Underrated Flamini can do a job at Blackburn
By Eros, Arsenal Analysis resident season ticket holder at the Emirates
Mathieu Flamini has seen his luck change almost overnight. He was on the brink of quitting Arsenal during the summer due to his frustration of not getting enough games and slipping down the pecking order of the midfielders’ hierarchy at Arsenal.
How fortunes change. Injuries to other midfielders Diaby and young Denilson along with Gilberto Silva’s forced absence to Copa America duty for Brazil have opened the road for him to show to boss Arsene Wenger that he is more than capable of holding his own.
He has impressed during the two pre season tournaments that Arsenal won. And he has carried that into the first two competitive games of the season.
He put in a very strong performance in Prague and similarly against Fulham, a game I watched from the Emirates North Bank (I’ve changed stand if you’ve been following my posts. I am now at North Upper Stand Row Q).
Watching a game at the stadium as opposed to watching it from the couch gives you a more representative and hands-on view.
I talked to a lot of people that watched that game on the television and they all thought that Flamini was the weak link in our midfield. I had a very different view from high up at the north bank.
I thought he was fantastic; he run himself in to the ground as you would expect from Matty, but most importantly he covered both full backs very well when they ventured forward. Which they often did.
He did the same constantly filling the space up when Cesc was beginning to make those runs from the midfield trying to take advantage of the high defensive line that Fulham were playing.
He even made the built up himself playing a lovely ball to Rosicky at the beginning of the second half releasing him one on one with Fulham’s goalkeeper of the day, Warner.
It looks like Wenger will have to rely on Flamini for some time to come. Gilberto has only now returned from his lay off and will need a few weeks to get back to fitness. Diaby is injured and has withdrawn from a deserved call up for the France national squad.
Flamini’s intenion is of course to continue giving sterling performances so as to present Mr Wenger with a selection headache when the other contenders return.
Starting with Blackburn away. I can see him scoring.
Ed:Watch the goal he scored last season against Blackburn at the Emirates (6-2)on the video screen.
Walcott and Clichy should be the wide players against Blackburn
Hleb is top scorer, Robin needs a Batman and Fabregas is the real captain
Mathieu Flamini has seen his luck change almost overnight. He was on the brink of quitting Arsenal during the summer due to his frustration of not getting enough games and slipping down the pecking order of the midfielders’ hierarchy at Arsenal.
How fortunes change. Injuries to other midfielders Diaby and young Denilson along with Gilberto Silva’s forced absence to Copa America duty for Brazil have opened the road for him to show to boss Arsene Wenger that he is more than capable of holding his own.
He has impressed during the two pre season tournaments that Arsenal won. And he has carried that into the first two competitive games of the season. He put in a very strong performance in Prague and similarly against Fulham, a game I watched from the Emirates North Bank (I’ve changed stand if you’ve been following my posts. I am now at North Upper Stand Row Q).
Watching a game at the stadium as opposed to watching it from the couch gives you a more representative and hands-on view.
I talked to a lot of people that watched that game on the television and they all thought that Flamini was the weak link in our midfield. I had a very different view from high up at the north bank.
I thought he was fantastic; he run himself in to the ground as you would expect from Matty, but most importantly he covered both full backs very well when they ventured forward. Which they often did.
He did the same constantly filling the space up when Cesc was beginning to make those runs from the midfield trying to take advantage of the high defensive line that Fulham were playing.
He even made the built up himself playing a lovely ball to Rosicky at the beginning of the second half releasing him one on one with Fulham’s goalkeeper of the day, Warner.
It looks like Wenger will have to rely on Flamini for some time to come. Gilberto has only now returned from his lay off and will need a few weeks to get back to fitness. Diaby is injured and has withdrawn from a deserved call up for the France national squad.
Flamini’s intenion is of course to continue giving sterling performances so as to present Mr Wenger with a selection headache when the other contenders return.
Starting with Blackburn away. I can see him scoring.
Ed:Watch the goal he scored last season against Blackburn at the Emirates (6-2)on the video screen.
Walcott and Clichy should be the wide players against Blackburn
Hleb is top scorer, Robin needs a Batman and Fabregas is the real captain
Walcott and Clichy should be the wide players against Blackburn
By 1970's Gooner
This away fixture at Blackburn is the equivalent of a real fitness test for this young but maturing Arsenal side.
All the football pundits are expecting Arsenal to return to their old ways. Their first away fixture in the North with rain gushing down, a partisan crowd and an opponent prepared to stick it up your nose. This is where titles are won or lost.
And there is some merit in this logic.
Yes they battled hard against a physical Ajax in the Amsterdam tournament but that was a friendly after all;
Yes they came back to beat Fulham at the death; but Fulham surprisingly didn’t park the Fulham Broadway bus in front of them and it was a home game after all, in nice London summerish weather.
Yes they had to man the barricades against an intimidating Sparta and Tomas Repka in Prague which indicated that they are up for the physical type of games; but having watched the game live, Sparta did not produce the quality of football as say Blackburn could pose on Sunday.
So if Wenger’s babes can also pass this test then the football world will really sit up and take notice.
Hell, the players themselves will sit up and take notice!
So if you are Mr Wenger and you realise the enormous up side potential that an away win at Blackburn at this juncture will give to this side how should you approach this game?
I say this because injuries to Eboue, Rosicky, Diaby and Eduardo are likely to deprive the team of key players especially its wings. Without wings no one can fly. And fly is what Arsenal need to do if they are to have a chance of winning this game.
How Wenger decides to replace the loss of Eboue and Rosicky will, more than any other decision he makes for this game, go a long way in deciding its outcome. And there are two reasons for this.
The first is the need to have penetrating wide midfielders as this will be the only way to bypass what is likely to be a congested midfield; made even more congested by Hleb’s insistence to drop deeper than he should. May be on Wenger’s orders.
The second reason is that Blackburn themselves look likely to play with two wingers who like to go forward. The dangerous Pedersen and old boy Bentley. Exploitation of the spaces left behind them may prove their Achilles heel.
One way to (partly) solve the winger’s crisis is to change the formation and play 4 4 2 by bringing Bendtner or Eduardo in to partner RVP. The result will be that Hleb will move to one of the wide midfield positions.
But I don’t think that Wenger will want to change a winning team’s formation. And as he has said, Eduardo will probably be deployed from the bench. Bendtner he considers not yet ready to start.
The only viable solutions available to my mind are to play Clichy as a left sided midfielder with Hoyte brought in at left or right back.
Clichy impressed during pre season when he was tried in this position and also showed, during these first two competitive games, how dangerous he is going forward.
For the other wide midfield position the choice is between Denilson, who is now fit, and Walcott.
Walcott impressed when he came on against Fulham and he will be adding real penetration, an ingredient necessary if Arsenal are to exploit the wide areas.
The rest of the team picks itself.
Hleb is top scorer, Robin needs a Batman and Fabregas is the real captain
Fabregas has added a “Peter Storey” attitude to his vast arsenal of talents
This away fixture at Blackburn is the equivalent of a real fitness test for this young but maturing Arsenal side.
All the football pundits are expecting Arsenal to return to their old ways. Their first away fixture in the North with rain gushing down, a partisan crowd and an opponent prepared to stick it up your nose. This is where titles are won or lost.
And there is some merit in this logic.
Yes they battled hard against a physical Ajax in the Amsterdam tournament but that was a friendly after all;
Yes they came back to beat Fulham at the death; but Fulham surprisingly didn’t park the Fulham Broadway bus in front of them and it was a home game after all, in nice London summerish weather.
Yes they had to man the barricades against an intimidating Sparta and Tomas Repka in Prague which indicated that they are up for the physical type of games; but having watched the game live, Sparta did not produce the quality of football as say Blackburn could pose on Sunday.
So if Wenger’s babes can also pass this test then the football world will really sit up and take notice. Hell, the players themselves will sit up and take notice!
So if you are Mr Wenger and you realise the enormous up side potential that an away win at Blackburn at this juncture will give to this side how should you approach this game?
I say this because injuries to Eboue, Rosicky, Diaby and Eduardo are likely to deprive the team of key players especially its wings. Without wings no one can fly. And fly is what Arsenal need to do if they are to have a chance of winning this game.
How Wenger decides to replace the loss of Eboue and Rosicky will, more than any other decision he makes for this game, go a long way in deciding its outcome. And there are two reasons for this.
The first is the need to have penetrating wide midfielders as this will be the only way to bypass what is likely to be a congested midfield; made even more congested by Hleb’s insistence to drop deeper than he should. May be on Wenger’s orders.
The second reason is that Blackburn themselves look likely to play with two wingers who like to go forward. The dangerous Pedersen and old boy Bentley. Exploitation of the spaces left behind them may prove their Achilles heel.
One way to (partly) solve the winger’s crisis is to change the formation and play 4 4 2 by bringing Bendtner or Eduardo in to partner RVP. The result will be that Hleb will move to one of the wide midfield positions.
But I don’t think that Wenger will want to change a winning team’s formation. And as he has said, Eduardo will probably be deployed from the bench. Bendtner he considers not yet ready to start.
The only viable solutions available to my mind are to play Clichy as a left sided midfielder with Hoyte brought in at left or right back. Clichy impressed during pre season when he was tried in this position and also showed, during these first two competitive games, how dangerous he is going forward.
For the other wide midfield position the choice is between Denilson, who is now fit, and Walcott.
Walcott impressed when he came on against Fulham and he will be adding real penetration, an ingredient necessary if Arsenal are to exploit the wide areas.
The rest of the team picks itself.
Hleb is top scorer, Robin needs a Batman and Fabregas is the real captain
Fabregas has added a “Peter Storey” attitude to his vast arsenal of talents
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Line up considerations for Arsenal plus prediction
By 1970’s Gooner
Arsenal have won all four of their matches against Sparta, each of which has come in the Champions League group stage.
Two seasons ago, a half-fit Henry marked his return from a six-week absence through injury to supply Arsenal’s goals in a 2-0 win in the group stage match in Prague, breaking Ian Wright’s club scoring record in the process.
The striking aspect of that game was the conservative approach adopted by Wenger who appeared to give a little bit too much respect to the opponents than was merited.
The system adopted was a rather timid 4 5 1 with the lone striker more often than not left isolated. It wasn’t until Henry was unleashed from the bench that the whole team was liberated.
Arsenal won their home fixture 3-0 with goals from Henry and two from RVP.
How Arsenal will play
I can see Wenger adopting a conservative approach again as this has served him well in the head to head counters with Sparta Prague. In addition this is an away tie and there is always the home game to come at, hopefully, fortress Emirates where things could be put right if need be.
There is also the need to accustom the players in treating this first European game in the manner that will be followed in the away games of the Champions League competition proper.
So a 4 5 1 formation is likely to be adopted
Judging by Hleb’s performance and crucial goal he scored against Fulham he will again play the withdrawn role behind RVP. Only this time he will be instructed to stick to that and not venture too much back into midfield crowding out playmaker Fabregas.
Rosicky and Eboue are likely to be trusted on the wings again although the latter was rather subdued against Fulham. However his defensive background will come in handy if Arsenal have to defend a lead late on in the game.
Diaby and Denilson have not travelled due to ankle problems. The players to travel include the same 16 which were picked to face Fulham, plus full backs Justin Hoyte and Armand Traore. The players on the bench against Fulham were Almunia, Senderos, Song, Walcott and Bendtner.
It is a pity that Diaby in particular could not participate as it is this type of players that have the qualities needed to protect the defence in those difficult European or indeed Premiership away games.
Nevertheless, according to our resident season ticket holder at the Emirates, Flamini put in a very strong performance against Fulham and the same will be required of him again.
Bendtner will probably be on the bench and ready to come on late in the game if need be. I can see him scoring if he comes on. He nearly did against Fulham.
Prediction
I don’t see many goals in this game as both teams will not want to risk too much lest they concede; especially the home team.
Arsenal will also be thinking about the difficult away encounter with Blackburn on Sunday, so if they go a goal up they will probably not break leather to add to it.
Away win. 1 - 0
Best odds at time of writing this post:
Arsenal win : 5/6 Bet 365
Draw : 5/2 Paddy Power
Sparta win : 19/5 Expect.com
Arsenal win 1-0 : 11/2 Bet 365, Better, Betdirect, Sporting Odds, Blue Square
Bendtner to score the first or last goal: 7/1 Skybet, Extra bet, Stan James
Hleb to score first goal : 14/1 VC Bet
Hleb to score last goal : 12/1 Bet Fred, Stan James
Part I: Sparta’s manager fears Rosicky
Arsenal have won all four of their matches against Sparta, each of which has come in the Champions League group stage.
Two seasons ago, a half-fit Henry marked his return from a six-week absence through injury to supply Arsenal’s goals in a 2-0 win in the group stage match in Prague, breaking Ian Wright’s club scoring record in the process.
The striking aspect of that game was the conservative approach adopted by Wenger who appeared to give a little bit too much respect to the opponents than was merited. The system adopted was a rather timid 4 5 1 with the lone striker more often than not left isolated. It wasn’t until Henry was unleashed from the bench that the whole team was liberated.
Arsenal won their home fixture 3-0 with goals from Henry and two from RVP.
How Arsenal will play
I can see Wenger adopting a conservative approach again as this has served him well in the head to head counters with Sparta Prague. In addition this is an away tie and there is always the home game to come at, hopefully, fortress Emirates where things could be put right if need be.
There is also the need to accustom the players in treating this first European game in the manner that will be followed in the away games of the Champions League competition proper.
So a 4 5 1 formation is likely to be adopted
Judging by Hleb’s performance and crucial goal he scored against Fulham he will again play the withdrawn role behind RVP. Only this time he will be instructed to stick to that and not venture too much back into midfield crowding out playmaker Fabregas.
Rosicky and Eboue are likely to be trusted on the wings again although the latter was rather subdued against Fulham. However his defensive background will come in handy if Arsenal have to defend a lead late on in the game.
Diaby and Denilson have not travelled due to ankle problems. The players to travel include the same 16 which were picked to face Fulham, plus full backs Justin Hoyte and Armand Traore. The players on the bench against Fulham were Almunia, Senderos, Song, Walcott and Bendtner.
It is a pity that Diaby in particular could not participate as it is this type of players that have the qualities needed to protect the defence in those difficult European or indeed Premiership away games.
Nevertheless, according to our resident season ticket holder at the Emirates, Flamini put in a very strong performance against Fulham and the same will be required of him again. Bendtner will probably be on the bench and ready to come on late in the game if need be. I can see him scoring if he comes on. He nearly did against Fulham.
Prediction
I don’t see many goals in this game as both teams will not want to risk too much lest they concede; especially the home team.
Arsenal will also be thinking about the difficult away encounter with Blackburn on Sunday, so if they go a goal up they will probably not break leather to add to it.
Away win. 1 - 0
Best odds at time of writing this post:
Arsenal win : 5/6 Bet 365
Draw : 5/2 Paddy Power
Sparta win : 19/5 Expect.com
Arsenal win 1-0 : 11/2 Bet 365, Better, Betdirect, Sporting Odds, Blue Square
Bendtner to score the first or last goal: 7/1 Skybet, Extra bet, Stan James
Hleb to score first goal : 14/1 VC Bet
Hleb to score last goal : 12/1 Bet Fred, Stan James
Part I: Sparta’s manager fears Rosicky
Palacios has called home and he is alright. He has impressed Wenger and the medical people
By 1970's Gooner
After reporting that neither Wilson Palacios ‘s parents or his club, Olimpia, could confirm his whereabouts, the Honduran Newspaper “Tiempo”, has now been informed by Palacios’s father that he is alright and living in London Colney!
His father, Eulogio, was relieved to hear from him at last. His son who sounded well and lighthearted confirmed to him that he has been having a trial at Arsenal and that he has been able to satisfy the medical and fitness requirements. He will learn in the next few days whether he is kept on.
Wilson for the last 30 days has been traveling around Europe trying his luck with various clubs leaving a big gap in his home side’s line up as he is considered their top player.
His travels took him first to Serbian club Red Star Belgrade where he impressed but the deal was not concluded as their offer for the player was dismissed by Olimpia’s President, Osman Madrid, as way below his valuation of the player.
There were also rumours that Italian club Cagliary was interested but again Olimpia’s president denied there was anything in it.
Palacios next traveled to France and had a trial with Monaco but they seemed unable to take him on as the quota for foreign players has already been exhausted.
Wenger has been impressed
According to his father, Wilson has made a very good impression on Wenger who was quite happy with him. Apparently Palacios has understood that he is earmarked to replace Ljumberg as they are similar players.
The financial side of the deal has not yet been discussed but the whole thing may be finalized in the next few days.
His father said:
“this is not important for us, what I want is that my son continues playing in England. The probabilities of remaining are great.”
The Honduran Newspaper has even given the Arsenal shirt numbers that Palacios could choose from!
These are indeed numbers which have not yet been allocated:
8, 12, 14, 18 and 23.
Palacios labeled the “magician” is considered one of the national team’s best players.
He is 23 years old and a right midfield player who can also play in defence.
He is most remembered for scoring a goal from the half-way line against Marathón in the final minutes of a game in 2006. You can watch it on the video window.
Wilson Palacios Fact File
Date of birth July 29, 1984 (age 23)
Place of birth La Ceiba, Honduras
Playing position Midfielder
Current club Olimpia
Appearances 102
Goals 10
Preview of Sparta Prague Vs Arsenal. Part I: Sparta’s manager fears Rosicky
Spurs fly like a bee and sting like a butterfly!
After reporting that neither Wilson Palacios ‘s parents or his club, Olimpia, could confirm his whereabouts, the Honduran Newspaper “Tiempo”, has now been informed by Palacios’s father that he is alright and living in London Colney!
His father, Eulogio, was relieved to hear from him at last. His son who sounded well and lighthearted confirmed to him that he has been having a trial at Arsenal and that he has been able to satisfy the medical and fitness requirements. He will learn in the next few days whether he is kept on.
Wilson for the last 30 days has been traveling around Europe trying his luck with various clubs leaving a big gap in his home side’s line up as he is considered their top player.His travels took him first to Serbian club Red Star Belgrade where he impressed but the deal was not concluded as their offer for the player was dismissed by Olimpia’s President, Osman Madrid, as way below his valuation of the player.
There were also rumours that Italian club Cagliary was interested but again Olimpia’s president denied there was anything in it.
Palacios next traveled to France and had a trial with Monaco but they seemed unable to take him on as the quota for foreign players has already been exhausted.
Wenger has been impressed
According to his father, Wilson has made a very good impression on Wenger who was quite happy with him. Apparently Palacios has understood that he is earmarked to replace Ljumberg as they are similar players.
The financial side of the deal has not yet been discussed but the whole thing may be finalized in the next few days.
His father said:
“this is not important for us, what I want is that my son continues playing in England. The probabilities of remaining are great.”
The Honduran Newspaper has even given the Arsenal shirt numbers that Palacios could choose from!
These are indeed numbers which have not yet been allocated:
8, 12, 14, 18 and 23.
Palacios labeled the “magician” is considered one of the national team’s best players.
He is 23 years old and a right midfield player who can also play in defence.
He is most remembered for scoring a goal from the half-way line against Marathón in the final minutes of a game in 2006. You can watch it on the video window.
Wilson Palacios Fact File
Date of birth July 29, 1984 (age 23)
Place of birth La Ceiba, Honduras
Playing position Midfielder
Current club Olimpia
Appearances 102
Goals 10
Preview of Sparta Prague Vs Arsenal. Part I: Sparta’s manager fears Rosicky
Spurs fly like a bee and sting like a butterfly!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Neither club nor family can confirm that Wilson Palacios is training with Arsenal
By 1970's Gooner
According to The News of the World Arsenal are giving a trial to Honduran international Wilson Palacios.
However according to Honduran Newspaper “Tiempo” no one from the player’s club, Olimpia, or his family, when contacted, could confirm that Palacios is on trial at Arsenal.
What is true however is that the player, for the last 30 days, has been travelling around Europe trying his luck with various clubs leaving a big gap in his home side’s line up as he is considered their top player.
Palacios labeled the “magician” is also considered one of the national team’s best players.
He is 23 years old and a right midfield player who can also play in defence.
He is most remembered for scoring a goal from the half-way line against Marathón in the final minutes of a game in 2006. You can watch it on the video window.
On the playing side of things it’s difficult to see where such a player would fit in Arsenal’s current squad.
He is after all a right sided midfielder and currently Eboue, Walcott, Hleb and Rosicky could fill that slot. If Arsene will go into the transfer market for a wide midfielder it would probably be for a left sided one.
Palacios’s travels took him first to Serbian club Red Star Belgrade where he impressed. However, the deal was not concluded as their offer for the player was dismissed by Olimpia’s President, Osman Madrid, as way below his valuation of the player.
There were also rumours that Italian club Cagliary were interested but again the club’s president denied the rumours.
Palacios next traveled to France and had a trial with Monaco. This would be just before jumping over to London Colney; if he is indeed with Arsenal.
Wilson Palacios Fact File
Date of birth: July 29, 1984 (age 23)
Place of birth: La Ceiba, Honduras
Playing position: Midfielder
Current club: Olimpia
Appearances: 102
Goals: 10
Bendtner should start every game. It makes more tactical sense
Back to back for Manchester United?
According to The News of the World Arsenal are giving a trial to Honduran international Wilson Palacios.
However according to Honduran Newspaper “Tiempo” no one from the player’s club, Olimpia, or his family, when contacted, could confirm that Palacios is on trial at Arsenal.
What is true however is that the player, for the last 30 days, has been travelling around Europe trying his luck with various clubs leaving a big gap in his home side’s line up as he is considered their top player.
Palacios labeled the “magician” is also considered one of the national team’s best players.
He is 23 years old and a right midfield player who can also play in defence.
He is most remembered for scoring a goal from the half-way line against Marathón in the final minutes of a game in 2006. You can watch it on the video window.
On the playing side of things it’s difficult to see where such a player would fit in Arsenal’s current squad.
He is after all a right sided midfielder and currently Eboue, Walcott, Hleb and Rosicky could fill that slot. If Arsene will go into the transfer market for a wide midfielder it would probably be for a left sided one.
Palacios’s travels took him first to Serbian club Red Star Belgrade where he impressed. However, the deal was not concluded as their offer for the player was dismissed by Olimpia’s President, Osman Madrid, as way below his valuation of the player.
There were also rumours that Italian club Cagliary were interested but again the club’s president denied the rumours.
Palacios next traveled to France and had a trial with Monaco. This would be just before jumping over to London Colney; if he is indeed with Arsenal.
Wilson Palacios Fact File
Date of birth: July 29, 1984 (age 23)
Place of birth: La Ceiba, Honduras
Playing position: Midfielder
Current club: Olimpia
Appearances: 102
Goals: 10
Bendtner should start every game. It makes more tactical sense
Back to back for Manchester United?
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Arsenal Vs Fulham: Line up considerations
By 1970's Gooner
Arsenal’s line up for the first game of the season against Fulham is not yet that clear. Nor is Fulham’s.
Arsenal are giving a late fitness test to Eduardo who therefore looks likely to start if he passes it and partner Van Persie up front.
But if he doesn’t then Wenger is faced with a very interesting choice between rookie Bendtner and more experienced Hleb. Both have impressed during the pre season and both will to my mind do an excellent job.
If he chooses Bendtner then the likely formation will be a straight 4 4 2 with Bendtner the front man.
If however Hleb gets the nod then the formation is more likely to be 4 4 1 1 with Van Persie the front man and Hleb playing just off him as he did so well against good opposition in the pre season tournaments.
He showed that his skills in close ball control and dribbling can be very effective when playing off a front man.
More importantly however these are the skills that will come in very useful when trying to unlock defenses, as I suspect Arsenal will be trying to do against Fulham.
For a preview of the game see my posting “Preview of Arsenal Vs Fulham. Breaking up packed defenses is hard to do”
The other consideration is who to play on the left side of the midfield. The choice is between Rosicky and Hleb (if Eduardo passes the fitness test). Wenger may opt for Hleb as he has impressed lately and has shown that he is returning to form. He even scored a goal.
Rosicky on the other hand looked subdued during the pre season which may count against him.
In the absence of Silva this is a perfect opportunity for Wenger to pair Fabregas with the excellent Diaby. If Diaby is fit that is as he had a slight knock on the knee which kept him out for the Ajax game. If he is not available then Flamini will most probably get the nod.
For the rest of the positions it looks straight forward with the interest focusing on the Sagna Eboue combination on the right side. Will they repeat the very good performance they put in against Ajax under the pressure of a football league game?
Fulham
Fulham will be missing their best player Jimmy Bullard, who has been out for nearly a year.
Antti Niemi who will play in goal has thwarted Arsenal before with excellent displays when he used to keep goals for Southampton.
New signing Aaron Hughes looks like he will be missing due to injury (ankle). Also centre-backs Philippe Christanval (knee) and Ian Pearce (ankle) are rated doubtful for the match.
In the center of defence Bocanegra could therefore be paired with Zat Knight.
Also new signings Chris Baird and Paul Konchesky look likely to make their debuts at right and left back.
It’s difficult to guess what Sanchez will choose for midfield as he has signed a few players. Lee Cook may play on the left, and American Dempsey on the right wing. Alexei Smertin and Steve Davies ex Aston Villa look to get the nod to start in the centre of midfield.
In attack, Brian McBride the new captain could be paired with new boy Diomansy Kamara but David Healy and Buazza who was only signed two days ago are in consideration.
“Preview of Arsenal Vs Fulham. Breaking up packed defenses is hard to do”
Arsenal’s line up for the first game of the season against Fulham is not yet that clear. Nor is Fulham’s.
Arsenal are giving a late fitness test to Eduardo who therefore looks likely to start if he passes it and partner Van Persie up front.
But if he doesn’t then Wenger is faced with a very interesting choice between rookie Bendtner and more experienced Hleb. Both have impressed during the pre season and both will to my mind do an excellent job.
If he chooses Bendtner then the likely formation will be a straight 4 4 2 with Bendtner the front man.
If however Hleb gets the nod then the formation is more likely to be 4 4 1 1 with Van Persie the front man and Hleb playing just off him as he did so well against good opposition in the pre season tournaments.
He showed that his skills in close ball control and dribbling can be very effective when playing off a front man.
More importantly however these are the skills that will come in very useful when trying to unlock defenses, as I suspect Arsenal will be trying to do against Fulham.
For a preview of the game see my posting “Preview of Arsenal Vs Fulham. Breaking up packed defenses is hard to do”
The other consideration is who to play on the left side of the midfield. The choice is between Rosicky and Hleb (if Eduardo passes the fitness test). Wenger may opt for Hleb as he has impressed lately and has shown that he is returning to form. He even scored a goal.
Rosicky on the other hand looked subdued during the pre season which may count against him.
In the absence of Silva this is a perfect opportunity for Wenger to pair Fabregas with the excellent Diaby. If Diaby is fit that is as he had a slight knock on the knee which kept him out for the Ajax game. If he is not available then Flamini will most probably get the nod.
For the rest of the positions it looks straight forward with the interest focusing on the Sagna Eboue combination on the right side. Will they repeat the very good performance they put in against Ajax under the pressure of a football league game?
Fulham
Fulham will be missing their best player Jimmy Bullard, who has been out for nearly a year.
Antti Niemi who will play in goal has thwarted Arsenal before with excellent displays when he used to keep goals for Southampton.
New signing Aaron Hughes looks like he will be missing due to injury (ankle). Also centre-backs Philippe Christanval (knee) and Ian Pearce (ankle) are rated doubtful for the match.
In the center of defence Bocanegra could therefore be paired with Zat Knight.
Also new signings Chris Baird and Paul Konchesky look likely to make their debuts at right and left back.
It’s difficult to guess what Sanchez will choose for midfield as he has signed a few players. Lee Cook may play on the left, and American Dempsey on the right wing. Alexei Smertin and Steve Davies ex Aston Villa look to get the nod to start in the centre of midfield.
In attack, Brian McBride the new captain could be paired with new boy Diomansy Kamara but David Healy and Buazza who was only signed two days ago are in consideration.
“Preview of Arsenal Vs Fulham. Breaking up packed defenses is hard to do”
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Ajax Vs Arsenal. Interesting choices for Wenger’s team selection
By 1970's Gooner
With only days remaining for the opening game of the new season and no more friendlies scheduled I would expect that Wenger will field what his starting eleven will be for the Fulham game tonight (against Ajax in the Amsterdam Tournament).
This will give them a last outing before the curtain opener and the opportunity to jell together under the pressure of an important game in front of a large crowd and very capable opponents.
Eboue has impressed with his performances in both tournaments and he seems to me to have done more than enough to be starting tonight. This means that Wenger has to make a decision for the right back position between Hoyte and Sagna.
Sagna’s performances have impressed me. After only two appearances he settled in very well and formed a very effective pairing with Eboue when they played together. I think he will get the nod over Hoyte.
Assuming Clichy plays at left back then for the other wide midfield position there are two possibilities. Rosicky and Hleb. I would go for Hleb as he has looked much sharper recently albeit in a different position.
Wenger could of course play Hleb just behind Van Persie where he was very effective in his last game. And Eduardo could be tried on the left wing which would be an interesting choice.
As far as the attack is concerned the question is who Wenger would pick to partner Robin Van Persie. He will most probably go for Eduardo. He did after all score a goal in the last game and you don’t put your new 8.5m signing on the bench do you?
But to me Bendtner’s performances so far have impressed me. And his linking with Van Persie was very good; much better than Eduardo’s.
In addition Van Persie is much more effective playing off a strong front man rather than leading the line. And this was very evident last season when Henry was around and now with Bendtner in the friendlies. When Adebayor returns he will most probably be the front man so where would Eduardo play then?
The rest of the team picks itself I would think, with Lehman in goal and Toure with Gallas in central defence. In the absence of Gilberto Silva a central midfield pairing of Fabregas and the excellent Diaby looks very likely.
With only days remaining for the opening game of the new season and no more friendlies scheduled I would expect that Wenger will field what his starting eleven will be for the Fulham game tonight (against Ajax in the Amsterdam Tournament).
This will give them a last outing before the curtain opener and the opportunity to jell together under the pressure of an important game in front of a large crowd and very capable opponents.
Eboue has impressed with his performances in both tournaments and he seems to me to have done more than enough to be starting tonight. This means that Wenger has to make a decision for the right back position between Hoyte and Sagna.
Sagna’s performances have impressed me. After only two appearances he settled in very well and formed a very effective pairing with Eboue when they played together. I think he will get the nod over Hoyte.
Assuming Clichy plays at left back then for the other wide midfield position there are two possibilities. Rosicky and Hleb. I would go for Hleb as he has looked much sharper recently albeit in a different position.
Wenger could of course play Hleb just behind Van Persie where he was very effective in his last game. And Eduardo could be tried on the left wing which would be an interesting choice.
As far as the attack is concerned the question is who Wenger would pick to partner Robin Van Persie. He will most probably go for Eduardo. He did after all score a goal in the last game and you don’t put your new 8.5m signing on the bench do you?
But to me Bendtner’s performances so far have impressed me. And his linking with Van Persie was very good; much better than Eduardo’s.
In addition Van Persie is much more effective playing off a strong front man rather than leading the line. And this was very evident last season when Henry was around and now with Bendtner in the friendlies. When Adebayor returns he will most probably be the front man so where would Eduardo play then?
The rest of the team picks itself I would think, with Lehman in goal and Toure with Gallas in central defence. In the absence of Gilberto Silva a central midfield pairing of Fabregas and the excellent Diaby looks very likely.
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