Arsenal’s movement, Liverpool’s long balls and Adebayor’s hunger

By 1970’s Gooner

There are a lot of press columns (and blog postings) written about this intriguing encounter at Anfield where the League’s two remaining unbeaten teams lock horns.

There are also a lot of comparisons being drawn between the two sets of players and the respective styles of football.

There is one attribute however that Arsenal have got in abundance which Liverpool seem to lack. And that is movement off the ball.

There has been wonderment and bewilderment as to how and why Cesc Fabregas can get so much time on the ball and dictate the flow of the game so masterly.

This has been the norm in nearly all the Arsenal games so far; even if the opposing manager had detailed one of his more forceful (hatchet) men to man mark the boy wonder.




And the reason for this of course, beyond the boy’s obvious technique and skills, is that there is so much movement around him from the rest of the Arsenal players.

So much that when he looks up to see where he will next pass the ball he has so many options it almost becomes impossible to stop him.

It is this continuous movement around the pitch that Arsenal do so well, drawing players out of position, exploiting the gaps thus created and eventually tiring the opponents so much that a goal is almost always scored in the last 15 minutes of games.

And above all this is what is very likely to tip the balance in deciding the winner at Anfield today.

To do that of course Arsenal have to be able to defend well especially the inevitable long balls that are likely to be employed by Benitez; especially if Crouch is selected. This is what served Liverpool well the last time they met Arsenal at home winning 4-1.

Arsenal were no that bothered with this tactic during their game against Bolton last time out even if Kevin Davies got at the end of most thumps up the field!

Granted, Anelka was not there to pick up the pieces but the Arsenal defence with Gallas back is now much better at dealing with these kind of tactics. Wenger might however select Diaby in the starting 11 so as to add some height in the team especially at set pieces.

It’s as well to defend well but who can score the goals at the other end? The encouraging aspect for Arsenal this season is of course that the sources for goals have come from the midfielders as well as the forwards.

One forward not in the goals recently is Adebayor.



He has failed to score in the last five games he played. In fact he has not scored since his hat trick against Derby.

There is nothing that spurs a player’s hunger on than competition for places. And with all the praise going to Walcott recently he will want to make a mark today.

He can after all ran the 100 meters faster than him: 11.41 seconds against Theo’s 11.48 !


Arsenal can storm to victory by exploiting Liverpool’s weaknesses

Wenger's dilemma:Who should partner Adebayor against Liverpool?

Gallas is fit again

By 1970’s Gooner

There are good news for Arsenal coming out of the France camp prior to their next Wednesday’s crucial game against Lithuania at Beaujoire.

Domenech is set to make some changes from the team that started in their 6-0 thrashing of the Faroe Islands last Saturday and there are mixed fortunes for the Arsenal players.

Sagna is expected to be rested with Diarra taking his place; but the good news for Arsenal is that Gallas is considered fit enough to claim a place in the team at the expense of Manchester United’s Patrice Evra on the left side of the defence.

He has been out of action since August 19th when Arsenal played a 1-1 draw against Blackburn at Ewood Park.

His recovery period at that time was put at six to eight weeks with a return expected by the beginning of October.

Gallas has been participating in the training sessions and the “in house” games being played at Clairefontaine since a week ago and has been raring to go.

Domenech knows that experience will be vital in France’s next two games which they have to win to have any chance of qualifying for the finals in Austria and Switzerland.

Let’s hope that Gallas and the other Arsenal players come out of next Wednesday’s game unscathed.

According to L’Equipe Florent Malouda is expected to be reinstated in the starting 11 after he was rested due to a knee problem. He will take Rothen’s place.



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Sagna “We are young and gifted” But keep your hair on please!

First was Hleb, then Fabregas followed by Adebayor now its Van Persie…..

Fabregas, Clichy and Gilberto shine as Arsenal click into gear to thump Spurs. L'Equipe: Gallas trains lightly

By Eros, Arsenal Analysis resident season ticket holder at the Emirates (North Upper Stand Row Q)

I know it’s wrong as it’s too early but I am getting very excited by the prospect of what this team can achieve THIS year. Some passages of play against Portsmouth were a joy to watch.

When our forwards begin to get it together even more, then we are due a very big score soon, very soon. Spurs beware.

First the team ratings vs. Portsmouth

Manuel Almunia

He was not tested very often but commanded his area well, hugely improved from the player that played against Man U a couple of seasons ago, but still needs to improve his handling.

Although 1970’s Gooner does not agree with me, I am not convinced he is number one material. He is a very competent number two - 6

Mathieu Flamini

If you read this blog on a regular basis you will know how highly I think of Mattie! He is the Joker in our pack; he can cover any position requested of him with ease, and was superb once again yesterday.

He kept Taylor very quiet and joined in to help Hleb going forward. A bit naïve at times especially in the second half when we were a man down; he was often the most advanced player on the pitch!! – 7

Kolo Toure

Excellent display by the skipper for the day, throwing his body around to block any attempt on goal.

He changes his style of play when Gallas is not in the team, curbing his attacking instincts so that he makes sure that the defensive line is solid. He is solid– 7

Philippe Senderos

Played well until the sending off dealing comfortably with anything Pompey threw at us. Should have scored with a header at the beginning of the second half. If he had he would more than likely have not been sent off.

A bit harsh on Big Phil but he was out of position (one of his weaknesses) and the challenge was clumsy. He was the last man however and the letter of the law says he had to go. - 5

Gael Clichy

Started the game slow but got up to speed quickly. I have watched almost every home game Clichy has played for us and I am still amazed by his fitness levels.

The guy never stops running. Defenders have to realise that if you dwell on the ball when he is around you are going to concede a goal – is that the third goal we score like that this year? -

Once more he pinched the ball – after losing it on the left wing – passed to Cesc who played in Van Persie for the penalty. Made one mistake all game, being too far forward to stop the cross to Kanu for the goal.

Comfortable defensively and excellent going forward, I doubt we’ll see a better ball all season from the one that he put on Diaby’s head! – 8

Alex Hleb

Started the game brightly and under obvious instructions to play the early ball in to take advantage of the space created by Adebayor and showed he can add this type of play to his arsenal.

As usual his close control was excellent and made defenders look silly! Faded away in the second half which was understandable because of his illness – 6

Gilberto Silva

It’s amazing how much difference he makes to the team, everyone looks calmer, more assured and infinitely better when he is around (especially Cesc next to him).

His positional awareness is second to none and makes it almost impossible for opposition midfielders to find space to play.

Muntari was almost anonymous and he starved Utaka and Kanu of any decent service.

I always think that he speeds our game up significantly making us dangerous on the counter attack.

Also covered very competently as a centre back after the sending off – 8


Cesc Fabregas

No words can describe the young Spaniard maestro, now the complete player!

Excellent movement on and off the ball, sublime distribution.
He is now always looking for the goal.
No one can live with him in this sort of mood.
Man of the match - 9

Tomas Rosicky

One of the best games for the Czech in the Arsenal colours. Valuable outlet in the second half when we were a man down and scored the all-important 3rd goal.

He is starting to settle in his new left wing role and looking more dangerous every game. If only he could stay fit… -7

Robin Van Persie

Different player since he missed the penalty against City, badly needs a goal to boost his confidence. Worked tirelessly but never looked threatening. International break will do him a world of good – 5

Emmanuel Adebayor

Run himself into the ground as usual, and scored a very confident penalty, his link up play however was shocking. If Henry was playing with him he would have had an earful.

Needs to improve his passing and start finding RVP, Cesc, Hleb and Rosicky consistently when they make runs for him. – 6


Gilberto may be missing for the derby!

The bad news for the Spurs game is that Gilberto may not be available as Brazil called him up for more meaningless friendlies in the States, unbelievable, meaning that there are two spots up for grabs for the derby! Centre back and central midfielder.

Gallas is also doubtful. He might be back depending on how well he responds to the treatment he is receiving.

The French sports newspaper L'Equipe is reporting that Gallas did not participate in the training session but had very light training with some floor exercises yesterday, Thursday. It's considered highly unlikely that he will make it for the Italy game on Saturday.

However I have a feeling that Domenech out of spite towards Wenger is going to use a half fit Galas maybe for the Scotland game making him almost certainly unavailable for the next couple of weeks.

The good news for us is that some of our players have not been called up. Flamini, Clichy, Almunia and Denilson are not with their national squads so they have a few days off and should be well rested for the big game next week.

Flamini especially deserves it having played every minute of every game so far this season.

The players that have been called up on international duty are as follows:

Eduardo
Croatia v Estonia, September 8, Andorra v Croatia, September 12

William Gallas, Bacary Sagna
Italy v France, September 8, France v Scotland, September 12

Philippe Senderos
Switzerland v Chilie, September 7, Switzerland v Japan, September 11

Jens Lehmann
Wales v Germany, September 8, Germany v Romania, September 12

Tomas Rosicky
San Marino v Czech Republic, September 8, Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland, September 12

Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue
Gabon v Ivory Coast, September 8

Theo Walcott
Montenegro Under-21 v England Under-21, September 7, Bulgaria v England Under-21, September 11

Abou Diaby
France Under-21's v Wales Under-21, September 7, Malta Under-21's v France Under-21s, September 12

Gilberto Silva
USA Vs Brazil, September 9th (Chicago), Brazil Vs Mexico, September 12th (Boston)

Enjoy your international week, if you can.


Gilberto’s international call up may leave a huge gap in Arsenal’s defence to face Spurs

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

Sagna in London for talks. Martins at £13m also Arsenal bound?

Some good news at last.

The Independent reports that Bakari Sagna was due last night in London to talk terms after Arsenal agreed terms with Auxerre.

The fee is believed to be in the region of £7.5m. Apparently Sagna will sign a five-year contract and his wages will be about £25,000 a week.

Wenger may be interested in buying additional cover when Eboue will be away at the Africa Nations Cup. This will be an expensive cover at £7.5m and judging by how frugal Wenger is with Arsenal’s cash this may not be the only reason why Sagna is interesting him.

There is a possibility that Wenger will “promote from within” with Eboue being pushed forward to the right midfield position. This may mean that Wenger will not sign another wide player.

It is also reported that Arsenal may trigger the buy out clause in Martins’s contract with Newcastle which is set at £13m. Apparently Newcastle are resigned to losing him as he is dissatisfied with his current 60,000 a week package (he wants parity with Owen who is on 100,000 a week!). I am not sure if Wenger and the Board will actually go that far and agree to this compensation package.

However Martins has pace and given the opportunities he will get you goals. But he is also relatively young at 23 (next October if his birth certificate is to be believed) and I don’t really see him as a centre forward. He is more a winger or an inside forward playing off the centre forward.

Nevertheless if these reports are true then it seems that Wenger will not go for the traditional centre forward but opt for short and pacy front men (like Eduardo Da Silva) who will offer more options and flexibility.

If these two transfers actually go through then I feel that they will go a long way to ease the fears of many Arsenal fans that the team is lagging behind their main rivals in the transfer market.

Will they ease Gallas’s fears though?

An open letter to Gallas: Shut the hell up or get out.

Dear William,

We all read your comments on your personal web site (with the help of translators). And to be truthful there is a lot of merit in what you are saying.

We are all concerned about the future of Arsenal Football Club and especially that of Wenger who has said he will not at the moment commit himself to the club beyond the end of his current contract.

We are all concerned that other clubs are sniffing around to poach some of our best players, like Fabregas, especially now they have sensed that we are vulnerable after our talisman and greatest player moved on.

We are all also concerned with the relative lack of activity in the transfer market especially when our rivals are breaking the bank to recruit the best players around.

Liverpool splashed out a total of 40m so far, Manchester United close to 50m and counting and Chelsea are now opening their vast purse with a bid for Malouda for 14m and still counting. And Wenger still persists with recruiting young and unknown players no one has ever heard off. Total outlay so far a miserly 10m! Hell even Spurs have spent more than Arsenal!

We are all concerned that the team, although showing great promise, is still littered with relatively inexperienced young players who exhibit all those annoying characteristics of being brilliant one game and distinctly lacking the next.

We do of course understand that at this stage of your career you would want to play in a team challenging for the top both domestically and in the European competitions. And you may feel that this Arsenal team may not get there in time for you. I disagree with you but what matters is what you think.

And you are right to want to meet with Wenger next Wednesday to discuss his plans for the future and how we are going to challenge for the top and not for third place again. We would all want to do that. You can of course.

What we don’t understand is why you would want to go public with such hurtful comments which serve no purpose but to destabilise even further the players and Arsenal Football Club.

What we don’t understand is why the hell couldn’t you wait to meet with Wenger first before spouting your mouth out.

And then if you find you are not satisfied ask for a transfer and get the hell out.

Best regards and good luck with your new employers.


1970’s Gooner