By 1970’s Gooner
Yes there are a lot of injured and absent players form Arsenal’s potentially most important game of the season.
There is Gallas missing from defence. Campbell is feared to be suffering from a hamstring strain and/or fatigue, Song and Fabregas are missing from central midfield and Arshavin from the offensive players. Van Persie is a long term absentee of course.
As a result most of the debate among Arsenal fans centres on the possible line up in the key positions where players are or could be missing.
Will Campbell play now that Song is out or will Wenger throw Silvestre in? Will Walcott start or will he be used as an impact substitute?
To my mind it’s what formation and tactics Arsene employs not who starts that will prove important in Barcelona.
Barcelona dominated possession for three quarters of the game at the Emirates and if we are to emerge victorious in Barcelona we simply have to stop them playing by denying them possession.
This is the single most important aim that has to be achieved if Arsenal are to have a chance.
And for this to be achieved in an Arsenal way (i.e not kicking the opponents to death as some other premier League opponents do against us) Wenger has to employ tactics that will thwart the opponent’s midfield and deny them the freedom to pass the ball around.
This can be achieved by adopting a more conservative approach especially in the first half because if Barcelona score first then it’s most probably game over.
A more conservative approach implies changing the formation from a 4 3 3 we have come to enjoy in the Premier League to a 4 5 1.
4 5 1 as played by the Arsenal will and should not be a defensive formation where players just stay behind the ball and defend.
4 5 1 will make life very difficult for Xavi to weave his magic and also deny space to their full backs when they try to roam forward as they did at the Emirates.
Two more things also have to happen.
Nasri who will be deployed centrally should not play as far forward as Fabregas did in the first leg. He should instead, when Arsenal are without the ball, drop back into the middle and mark Xavi denying him the space.
Bendtner should also not forget his defensive duties form the front. Indeed Arsenal should mark Barcelona’s defenders tightly when they have the ball and force them to distribute long rather than short (to Xavi for example). Arsenal will then have a much better chance to win the ball back.
Once all these are achieved then Wenger will begin to think about match winning substitutions. It is important not to play all your hands right from the beginning because if something goes wrong then there will not be a lot of room for maneuver left.
Walcott should therefore stay on the bench.
Almunia
Sagna Campbell Vermaelen Clichy
Eboue Nasri Diaby Denilson Rosicky
Bendtner
Subs: Fabianski, Traore, Silvestre, Merida, Eastmond, Eduardo, Walcott (to come on for Sagna, Eboue goes to right back)
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Greedy Wenger dents Arsenal’s title hopes
By 1970’s Gooner
I was very interested to see what Wenger had in mind when I saw Arsenal’s team sheet containing Rosicky and Walcott.
It was obvious that they were not going to be up to the physical approach that Birmingham have been renowned for this season.
And so it proved to be. Walcott was very quiet and Rosicky coming back form an injury lay off was pretty ineffective. He was almost at walking pace for most of the game!
The effect of this selection was that Arsenal had no width with which to stretch the game which inevitably meant that most of the play had to come through the middle.
But hell, that is where we were at our weakest. Especially against Bowyer and Ferguson who were both very combative indeed.
Song’s inevitable move to centre back (he had a fine game) meant that Denilson and Diaby had to act as the defensive shield. Neither did.
Denilson was not strong enough and Diaby was more forward minded than Fabregas even!
The lack of width and crosses also meant that Bendtner was not supplied the balls with which to do any damage.
It wasn’t until the two most obvious substitutions were made that we immediately began looking like we could score. And we did.
Arshavin and Nasri should have started the game. If they had we would have probably ran out winners from the first half.
What an earth was Arsene Wenger thinking of?
The answer is obvious. He was greedy enough to think that this Arsenal team could actually win the double! The Premiership and the Champions League.
That is why he rested these two players and Eboue as well. He intends to play them on Wednesday at the Emirates.
But surely the most important game is always the next one.
Wenger should have played his strongest team, get the win against Birmingham, keep us in the title race and then with confidence high go into the game against Barcelona.
But now it has backfired.
It seems that it is Chelsea who have benefited from getting knocked out of the Champions League.
Not us…
I was very interested to see what Wenger had in mind when I saw Arsenal’s team sheet containing Rosicky and Walcott.
It was obvious that they were not going to be up to the physical approach that Birmingham have been renowned for this season.
And so it proved to be. Walcott was very quiet and Rosicky coming back form an injury lay off was pretty ineffective. He was almost at walking pace for most of the game!
The effect of this selection was that Arsenal had no width with which to stretch the game which inevitably meant that most of the play had to come through the middle.
But hell, that is where we were at our weakest. Especially against Bowyer and Ferguson who were both very combative indeed.
Song’s inevitable move to centre back (he had a fine game) meant that Denilson and Diaby had to act as the defensive shield. Neither did.
Denilson was not strong enough and Diaby was more forward minded than Fabregas even!
The lack of width and crosses also meant that Bendtner was not supplied the balls with which to do any damage.
It wasn’t until the two most obvious substitutions were made that we immediately began looking like we could score. And we did.
Arshavin and Nasri should have started the game. If they had we would have probably ran out winners from the first half.
What an earth was Arsene Wenger thinking of?
The answer is obvious. He was greedy enough to think that this Arsenal team could actually win the double! The Premiership and the Champions League.
That is why he rested these two players and Eboue as well. He intends to play them on Wednesday at the Emirates.
But surely the most important game is always the next one.
Wenger should have played his strongest team, get the win against Birmingham, keep us in the title race and then with confidence high go into the game against Barcelona.
But now it has backfired.
It seems that it is Chelsea who have benefited from getting knocked out of the Champions League.
Not us…
Sunday, February 07, 2010
We’ve had enough Mr Wenger (and Mr Hill Wood)
By 1970’s Gooner
There’s something that either Mr Wenger or the Board are not telling us.
It has been patently obvious that the team needed a few more players of stature, experience and strength to transform it from very good to great.
The Board keeps coming out with statements that the money is there for Arsene to spend. Yet we see no real investment in the team. The only signings are those that are desperately needed to keep the team going. Not the ones that will have added more quality options.
Signings like Arshavin’s when the team really needed a player to help it make the Champions League places. That was last year.
This season it was Vermaelen. But again really desperately needed as Toure was on his way out.
Good signings but the absolute minimum.
And again this policy on living on a shoestring was repeated when van Persie and Bendtner got injured. NO SIGNINGS.
Except Sol Campel’s when Wenger realised that if either Gallas or Vermaelen got injured his only other real option was Silvestre! Another signing on a shoestring...
The result of this policy of stinginess is that when a first team player is out then there is a huge gap in quality and experience left to fill as the rest of the squad is littered with rookies or old has beens.
Examples are aplenty.
Song goes to the ACN and Denilson has to fill in...
Diaby gets injured and Ramsey has to fill in...
Van Persie and Bendtner are out Eduardo and Arshavin have to fill in....
Clichy and Gibbs are out young Traore has to fill in....
If either Gallas or Vermaelen get injured it will be Sol Campel or Silvestre, God forbid...
If Fabregas gets injured it will be young Ramsey...
Almunia is bad enough but if he got injured or dropped it will be the untried Fabiansky...
If the money was really there and Wenger chose to ignore it then I would call it CRIMINAL. For all that this team needs is a few signings that would have complemented this exciting pool of young players.
If the money is not there, which is what I suspect, then the Board should come out and tell us straight and proper.
There’s something that either Mr Wenger or the Board are not telling us.
It has been patently obvious that the team needed a few more players of stature, experience and strength to transform it from very good to great.
The Board keeps coming out with statements that the money is there for Arsene to spend. Yet we see no real investment in the team. The only signings are those that are desperately needed to keep the team going. Not the ones that will have added more quality options.
Signings like Arshavin’s when the team really needed a player to help it make the Champions League places. That was last year.
This season it was Vermaelen. But again really desperately needed as Toure was on his way out.
Good signings but the absolute minimum.
And again this policy on living on a shoestring was repeated when van Persie and Bendtner got injured. NO SIGNINGS.
Except Sol Campel’s when Wenger realised that if either Gallas or Vermaelen got injured his only other real option was Silvestre! Another signing on a shoestring...
The result of this policy of stinginess is that when a first team player is out then there is a huge gap in quality and experience left to fill as the rest of the squad is littered with rookies or old has beens.
Examples are aplenty.
Song goes to the ACN and Denilson has to fill in...
Diaby gets injured and Ramsey has to fill in...
Van Persie and Bendtner are out Eduardo and Arshavin have to fill in....
Clichy and Gibbs are out young Traore has to fill in....
If either Gallas or Vermaelen get injured it will be Sol Campel or Silvestre, God forbid...
If Fabregas gets injured it will be young Ramsey...
Almunia is bad enough but if he got injured or dropped it will be the untried Fabiansky...
If the money was really there and Wenger chose to ignore it then I would call it CRIMINAL. For all that this team needs is a few signings that would have complemented this exciting pool of young players.
If the money is not there, which is what I suspect, then the Board should come out and tell us straight and proper.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Player Ratings Vs Man Utd
By 1970’s Gooner
Almunia: Poor today and a continuous liability 2
Sagna : Steady as you go but nothing more. At least he is consistent. 5
Clichy: Decision making not his forte 3
Gallas: Tried his best, as usual 6
Vermaelen: And we thought his inclusion would have given us the edge. Strong performance and a goal, again 7
Denilson: A kid among men 3
Fabregas: Tried but surrounded by mediocrity, 6
Song: A solid performance, 5
Nasri: Ineffective and often failed to track back, 4
Rosicky: Uninterested? 3
Arshavin: Eager but selfish, 4
Eboue: Made a difference going forward, 6
Walcott: Used his pace to good effect but not enough time to have an impact, 5
Bendtner: Out of touch, needs games 4
Almunia: Poor today and a continuous liability 2
Sagna : Steady as you go but nothing more. At least he is consistent. 5
Clichy: Decision making not his forte 3
Gallas: Tried his best, as usual 6
Vermaelen: And we thought his inclusion would have given us the edge. Strong performance and a goal, again 7
Denilson: A kid among men 3
Fabregas: Tried but surrounded by mediocrity, 6
Song: A solid performance, 5
Nasri: Ineffective and often failed to track back, 4
Rosicky: Uninterested? 3
Arshavin: Eager but selfish, 4
Eboue: Made a difference going forward, 6
Walcott: Used his pace to good effect but not enough time to have an impact, 5
Bendtner: Out of touch, needs games 4
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Arsenal’s vast room for improvement augurs well for the Premier League title
By 1970’s Gooner
When Arsene Wenger sold Patrick Vieira every single pundit wrote Arsenal’s chances for honours off.
Cesc and the rest got to the Champions League Final.
When Arsene Wenger moved Thiery Henry on every single pundit dismissed Arsenal’s chances again.
Yet Cesc and the rest topped the League in the first few months of that season and if it wasn’t for Eduardo’s horrific injury would have gone on to seriously challenge for the title.
This goes to show that this bunch of players that Arsene has put together have the capability to make up for the loss of significant players and still produce scintillating and high quality football.
This trend is being repeated again this season where this squad has had to put up with key players missing and still came up trumps. The run of recent results have so eloquently proved everyone wrong.
Players missing include:
- Arsenal’s top scorer (when he got injured) Robin van Persie and his young but very promising understudy Nicklas Bendtner.
Arsenal have relied on the diminutive Andrei Arshavin who never played centre forward before and on Eduardo who is still trying to find his feet after being out of action for so long.
- First team choice left back Gael Clichy and also his understudy Kieran Gibbs.
Arsenal had to make do with the third choice left back Armand Traore.
- First team choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia as well as his understudy Lukasz Fabianski.
In stepped the third choice rooky keeper Vito Mannone.
- Fantastic midfielder Alex Song away on Africa Nations Cup duty.
He has been replaced by Denilson and when not available, youngster Aaron Ramsey as well as rooky midfielder Creig Eastmond who made his full League debut only last week away to Bolton of all places.
- Samir Nasri and Theo Walcott have been away injured for most of the season so far.
Arsenal found the resources to replace them with Eduardo and Rosicky.
Yet despite all these players missing Arsenal are now sitting top of the League (albeit with a game played more than Chelsea).
The conclusion that can be drawn is that there is still quite a substantial room for even more improvement in this team. And I believe that when this happens Arsenal will be unstoppable.
Let’s look into how this can come about.
Bendtner’s return
When Bendtner comes back Arsenal will gain a double benefit. A player that will play in his natural position who will add height and strength up front. This will give Arsenal the variety that has been missing in its forward play.
Up to now the ball has been played to the forward’s feet on the ground by building form the back. This is Arsenal’s usual way of playing of course.
But Bendtner’s height and strength will provide another option. It will also add height when defending corners and dead ball situations.
The other benefit will be the release of Arshavin and Eduardo to play in their natural positions. The effect of this should not be underestimated as these players will become more efficient and also provide Wenger with more options.
Bendtner is penciled in for the game at Aston Villa next week…
Clichy’s return
Granted he was rather rusty against Bolton and should be partly blamed for the first goal conceded.
Yet we all know Gael’s quality and what he brings to this team. Now he is back the defence will be that much more solid. And we will need that with the difficult games coming up.
Can’t wait for Alex Song
If Cameroon go all the way in the Africa Nations Cup then he Song will not be back till mid February. Yet when he does come back Arsenal’s performances and defensive midfield capability for the latter part of the season will be so much more on solid ground.
Theo back on track
Walcott’s comeback (and eventually Nasri’s return in two weeks) will add more options for Wenger in the wide midfield positions as well as provide a much needed rest for Eduardo, Rosicky and even Arshavin who is carrying an injury.
Theo’s return in particular will add pace in the forward positions which has been missing of late.
Now all Arsenal have to do is stay top or in touch with the top after the completion of the next four games: Aston Villa away, Manchester United home, Chelsea away and Liverpool home.
It’s a tall order by all accounts but if it can be achieved then we will be well on our way for the Premier League title.
When Arsene Wenger sold Patrick Vieira every single pundit wrote Arsenal’s chances for honours off.
Cesc and the rest got to the Champions League Final.
When Arsene Wenger moved Thiery Henry on every single pundit dismissed Arsenal’s chances again.
Yet Cesc and the rest topped the League in the first few months of that season and if it wasn’t for Eduardo’s horrific injury would have gone on to seriously challenge for the title.
This goes to show that this bunch of players that Arsene has put together have the capability to make up for the loss of significant players and still produce scintillating and high quality football.
This trend is being repeated again this season where this squad has had to put up with key players missing and still came up trumps. The run of recent results have so eloquently proved everyone wrong.
Players missing include:
- Arsenal’s top scorer (when he got injured) Robin van Persie and his young but very promising understudy Nicklas Bendtner.
Arsenal have relied on the diminutive Andrei Arshavin who never played centre forward before and on Eduardo who is still trying to find his feet after being out of action for so long.
- First team choice left back Gael Clichy and also his understudy Kieran Gibbs.
Arsenal had to make do with the third choice left back Armand Traore.
- First team choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia as well as his understudy Lukasz Fabianski.
In stepped the third choice rooky keeper Vito Mannone.
- Fantastic midfielder Alex Song away on Africa Nations Cup duty.
He has been replaced by Denilson and when not available, youngster Aaron Ramsey as well as rooky midfielder Creig Eastmond who made his full League debut only last week away to Bolton of all places.
- Samir Nasri and Theo Walcott have been away injured for most of the season so far.
Arsenal found the resources to replace them with Eduardo and Rosicky.
Yet despite all these players missing Arsenal are now sitting top of the League (albeit with a game played more than Chelsea).
The conclusion that can be drawn is that there is still quite a substantial room for even more improvement in this team. And I believe that when this happens Arsenal will be unstoppable.
Let’s look into how this can come about.
Bendtner’s return
When Bendtner comes back Arsenal will gain a double benefit. A player that will play in his natural position who will add height and strength up front. This will give Arsenal the variety that has been missing in its forward play.
Up to now the ball has been played to the forward’s feet on the ground by building form the back. This is Arsenal’s usual way of playing of course.
But Bendtner’s height and strength will provide another option. It will also add height when defending corners and dead ball situations.
The other benefit will be the release of Arshavin and Eduardo to play in their natural positions. The effect of this should not be underestimated as these players will become more efficient and also provide Wenger with more options.
Bendtner is penciled in for the game at Aston Villa next week…
Clichy’s return
Granted he was rather rusty against Bolton and should be partly blamed for the first goal conceded.
Yet we all know Gael’s quality and what he brings to this team. Now he is back the defence will be that much more solid. And we will need that with the difficult games coming up.
Can’t wait for Alex Song
If Cameroon go all the way in the Africa Nations Cup then he Song will not be back till mid February. Yet when he does come back Arsenal’s performances and defensive midfield capability for the latter part of the season will be so much more on solid ground.
Theo back on track
Walcott’s comeback (and eventually Nasri’s return in two weeks) will add more options for Wenger in the wide midfield positions as well as provide a much needed rest for Eduardo, Rosicky and even Arshavin who is carrying an injury.
Theo’s return in particular will add pace in the forward positions which has been missing of late.
Now all Arsenal have to do is stay top or in touch with the top after the completion of the next four games: Aston Villa away, Manchester United home, Chelsea away and Liverpool home.
It’s a tall order by all accounts but if it can be achieved then we will be well on our way for the Premier League title.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Arshavin: “Cesc was the conductor”
By Aries
Andrei Arshavin has hailed once again Fabregas’s fantastic performance against Bolton at the Reebok after Arsenal’s 2-0 victory. He described Fabregas as a conductor.
“Cesc was back in operation. He competently conducted the team and managed to score a goal” he said on his personal web site.
He also thought that it was Arsenal’s team performance that carried them through to final victory but that the pitch didn’t help.
“Today we played quite a hard match. These victories are needed, they are important for the team. I think that today we won thanks to a team game for Arsenal. We tried to combine, but the field was difficult. It interfered with our play”
Arshavin also admitted that his defensive performance was not up to scratch.
“We changed the scheme of the game today. My task was to play left field. I was not able to fully help out in the defense but thanks to the guys who corrected my flaws”
What is important now to Andrei is to win the next game against Bolton which will set the team up nicely for the crucial next four games which include Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.
“But the task is not yet complete, because in the matches against Bolton we want to have 6 points.
If after two days we will be able once again to beat this team, we'll have a good chance on the eve of crucial four matches for Arsenal” he said.
Andrei Arshavin has hailed once again Fabregas’s fantastic performance against Bolton at the Reebok after Arsenal’s 2-0 victory. He described Fabregas as a conductor.
“Cesc was back in operation. He competently conducted the team and managed to score a goal” he said on his personal web site.
He also thought that it was Arsenal’s team performance that carried them through to final victory but that the pitch didn’t help.
“Today we played quite a hard match. These victories are needed, they are important for the team. I think that today we won thanks to a team game for Arsenal. We tried to combine, but the field was difficult. It interfered with our play”
Arshavin also admitted that his defensive performance was not up to scratch.
“We changed the scheme of the game today. My task was to play left field. I was not able to fully help out in the defense but thanks to the guys who corrected my flaws”
What is important now to Andrei is to win the next game against Bolton which will set the team up nicely for the crucial next four games which include Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.
“But the task is not yet complete, because in the matches against Bolton we want to have 6 points.
If after two days we will be able once again to beat this team, we'll have a good chance on the eve of crucial four matches for Arsenal” he said.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Arsenal freeze in the snow. Player Analysis and Ratings Vs Everton
By 1970’s Gooner
It was the first game without Song and against decent opposition who recognised that Arsenal’s key weaknesses were in midfield and at left back.
Everton’s tactics were spot on. They did not show respect and took the game to Arsenal by pressing up field whenever Gallas and Vermaelen had the ball.
Poor people couldn’t find an outlet to pass to as there was no Song who is very good at shielding the ball, turning and passing forward.
There was of course no Fabregas who in his own clever way can take the ball and go forward with it.
And there was no tall centre forward to offer the long ball outlet either.
There was instead Ramsey, Denilson and Diaby. Ramsey has been hyped up recently as the next Fabregas but of course he is not. He was outplayed today and failed in his playmaking duties.
Denilson is Denilson and Diaby failed to take hold of the game (apart from his assist for the late equaliser).
So whenever the ball eventually found one of our midfielders they were quickly pressured by Everton’s midfield which was augmented by Cahill dropping back to add assistance.
As Arsenal’s midfield lacked creativity so did the forwards.
Eduardo although a little bit better today still looked out of place, Arshavin was trying his best but had no support to play with and Nasri kept coming inside to help with the playmaking.
In my opinion Ramsey should have been rested today and Nasri brought into the middle to add some creativity. As Rosicky was not 100% ready Vela, who had a decent game at West Ham, should have started on the wing.
Almunia
Keeps making mistakes like when he came out for a cross which eluded him only for the header to be cleared by Gallas in front of goal. Or when he came out of his goal unnecessarily in the second half knocking poor Traore out.
And for their second goal he could have stayed on his feet for longer instead of going to ground thus offering the opportunity to Pienar to chip him. 5
Sagna
Had a decent game and got forward a lot in the second half. His performances are at least consistent. 6
Traore
Had one of his worst games. Donavan had the better of him and generally he couldn’t take the correct positions and often found himself on the back foot. 4
Vermaelen
Another steady performance. God knows what will happen if he gets injured or suspened. Silvestre is a liability and Senderos hasn’t played at all yet! 6
Gallas
Another strong performance. He stationed himself in the opponent’s area late in the game to try and get the equaliser. He wasn’t really to blame for Everton’s first goal as Osman ran unchallenged into the area. Someone from the midfield or the front players should have picked his run up. 6
Denilson
He played his usual game, retrieving and passing. He was however outmuscled on occasion. The good thing about him is that he is getting amongst the goals and this is a good sign for the future. 6
Ramsey
Too much is expected of him and the poor lad is still learning the game. Everton’s tight pressing in midfield did not allow him to perform as well as he can. 5
Diaby
He should have taken the game by the horns today but he didn’t really. His only good moment was the vital equaliser he created. Otherwise he was outplayed in midfield loosing the ball too often. 5
Nasri
The only creative player on the pitch and he did try to make things happen by coming inside. 6
Rosicky
I have to partly fault him for his wrong pass to an opponent which led to Everton’s second goal. The correct pass should have been to Sagna on the right who was free but he chose otherwise.
However he was there to score the equaliser and I think his quality and experience will be vital in the coming games. 6
Arshavin
Was fairly inefficient today but had no support really. 5
Eduardo
Getting better but still not good enough. The problem is that he is not a winger and as Nasri likes to come inside the pitch gets narrow for Arsenal.
This is mitigated by the full backs coming forward but this is dangerous as too many men are committed up field and there is bunching up in the opponent’s area. 5
With Manchester United dropping points the bitter pill of our draw is a little bit easier to swallow.
If we can hang in there with the leaders until Song, Fabregas and Bendtner return along with a new signing (hopefully) then we have a chance.
It was the first game without Song and against decent opposition who recognised that Arsenal’s key weaknesses were in midfield and at left back.
Everton’s tactics were spot on. They did not show respect and took the game to Arsenal by pressing up field whenever Gallas and Vermaelen had the ball.
Poor people couldn’t find an outlet to pass to as there was no Song who is very good at shielding the ball, turning and passing forward.
There was of course no Fabregas who in his own clever way can take the ball and go forward with it.
And there was no tall centre forward to offer the long ball outlet either.
There was instead Ramsey, Denilson and Diaby. Ramsey has been hyped up recently as the next Fabregas but of course he is not. He was outplayed today and failed in his playmaking duties.
Denilson is Denilson and Diaby failed to take hold of the game (apart from his assist for the late equaliser).
So whenever the ball eventually found one of our midfielders they were quickly pressured by Everton’s midfield which was augmented by Cahill dropping back to add assistance.
As Arsenal’s midfield lacked creativity so did the forwards.
Eduardo although a little bit better today still looked out of place, Arshavin was trying his best but had no support to play with and Nasri kept coming inside to help with the playmaking.
In my opinion Ramsey should have been rested today and Nasri brought into the middle to add some creativity. As Rosicky was not 100% ready Vela, who had a decent game at West Ham, should have started on the wing.
Almunia
Keeps making mistakes like when he came out for a cross which eluded him only for the header to be cleared by Gallas in front of goal. Or when he came out of his goal unnecessarily in the second half knocking poor Traore out.
And for their second goal he could have stayed on his feet for longer instead of going to ground thus offering the opportunity to Pienar to chip him. 5
Sagna
Had a decent game and got forward a lot in the second half. His performances are at least consistent. 6
Traore
Had one of his worst games. Donavan had the better of him and generally he couldn’t take the correct positions and often found himself on the back foot. 4
Vermaelen
Another steady performance. God knows what will happen if he gets injured or suspened. Silvestre is a liability and Senderos hasn’t played at all yet! 6
Gallas
Another strong performance. He stationed himself in the opponent’s area late in the game to try and get the equaliser. He wasn’t really to blame for Everton’s first goal as Osman ran unchallenged into the area. Someone from the midfield or the front players should have picked his run up. 6
Denilson
He played his usual game, retrieving and passing. He was however outmuscled on occasion. The good thing about him is that he is getting amongst the goals and this is a good sign for the future. 6
Ramsey
Too much is expected of him and the poor lad is still learning the game. Everton’s tight pressing in midfield did not allow him to perform as well as he can. 5
Diaby
He should have taken the game by the horns today but he didn’t really. His only good moment was the vital equaliser he created. Otherwise he was outplayed in midfield loosing the ball too often. 5
Nasri
The only creative player on the pitch and he did try to make things happen by coming inside. 6
Rosicky
I have to partly fault him for his wrong pass to an opponent which led to Everton’s second goal. The correct pass should have been to Sagna on the right who was free but he chose otherwise.
However he was there to score the equaliser and I think his quality and experience will be vital in the coming games. 6
Arshavin
Was fairly inefficient today but had no support really. 5
Eduardo
Getting better but still not good enough. The problem is that he is not a winger and as Nasri likes to come inside the pitch gets narrow for Arsenal.
This is mitigated by the full backs coming forward but this is dangerous as too many men are committed up field and there is bunching up in the opponent’s area. 5
With Manchester United dropping points the bitter pill of our draw is a little bit easier to swallow.
If we can hang in there with the leaders until Song, Fabregas and Bendtner return along with a new signing (hopefully) then we have a chance.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Player Analysis and Ratings Vs Villa
By 1970’s Gooner
It was a game Arsenal needed to win so as to finally take advantage of Chelsea’s indifferent form as of late. And the boys looked hungry and determined to get all three points.
It wasn’t until Wenger made two significant substitutions that Arsenal began to pass the ball quicker and in more penetrative positions.
Fabregas who replaced Denilson added trickery and more incisive passing. He added the goals of course…
But the other substitution was also important in my mind. For a start Walcott replaced Eduardo who was again disappointingly ineffective.
Walcott also added width which stretched the pitch as he drew on to him Villa’s left back. This left more room for Fabregas and Diaby to roam.
Almunia
Didn’t have much to do and on the occasion he had to he managed to palm the ball away from Agbolanhor as he was close to turning it in five mnutes from the end. 7
Sagna
Kept Downing quiet and also went forward combining well with Nasri. He looks fresher than a few games ago when he looked in need of rest. 7
Traore
I was very relieved when the news came out that he was fit enough to return to the left back position. Silvestre is a real liability as a left back (and as a central defender too).
I would much prefer Sagna to play left back and Eboue brought in at right back if the need arises again.
Traore looks the part now. He is strong, fast and tenacious and what a marvelous cross field ball he made to Walcott which resulted in Arsenal’s second goal.
Wenger will really have a big problem when Clichy and Gibbs return. 7
Gallas
He looks rejuvenated with Vermaelen partnering him rather than Toure. He is stronger and much more determined in the challenges this season. He nearly scored today but Friedle saved from close range. 7
Vermaelen
He wasn’t going to let Agbolnahor or any of the Villa forwards get the better of him. You could sense that all game personified by the chase against Agbolanhor from which he came out a winner. 8
Song
Another strong performance from Arsenal’s anchor. Dominated midfield with his strength, close control and tenacity. His passing however was not up to his usual standards giving the ball away too often. 6.5
Diaby
He has managed to dispel that part of his game that got us all so frustrated last season. That which saw him hold onto the ball too long, draw too many defenders on him and then lose it.
Now he is far more sensible. He wins the ball and then if he doesn’t see the space to exploit he passes short to a team mate. Simple football means great performances and this is what we got today from this awesome football player.
He also scored a wonderful third to cap a fantastic performance. 9
Denilson
He is another that got us all debating last season as to his footballing abilities. But at 21 he has improved so much this season chipping in with vital goals (eg vs Hull) and becoming much more efficient in his ball retrieving and passing. 6
Fabregas
Enough said. He was magnificent today for 28 minutes scoring two great goals. He is a much more direct and efficient player this season. He knows when to pass, when to shoot and which positions to take… 10
Eduardo
Another disappointing performance from Eduardo. He gets into very dangerous positions but fails to convert. He did it against Hull when he turned into the box beating his man with only the goalie to beat. He repeated almost the same move today with the same outcome.
I believe that he is still afraid of picking another injury which makes him rush his shots or be reluctant to go for 50 50 balls. Unless he shakes this fear off he will never be the same player again.
I think he should be dropped for the next game and Walcott (or even Eboue) brought in on the flank. 4
Arshavin
Had a better second half. He was meeting the ball far more effectively in the second half something which he was failing to do in the first.
Villa compressed the space around him so he had litle room to manouvre.
He also suffered due to Fabregas’s absence in the first half as Cesc is able to play him in far more easily than Song, Denilson or Diaby. 5
Nasri
He was more of a peripheral player today which is strange as with the absence of Fabregas from midfield he should have been doing more of the playmaking. 6
Walcott
Provided much needed width when he came on and he looked fresh and more with it today than in his previous outings. Of course he can do that much better when he comes off the bench with the opponents tired.
Once he recovers his fitness he will have a very important role to play this season. Provided the assist for Fabregas to score the second with a very precise pass into his path. 8
Man of the Match: Cesc Fabregas
It was a game Arsenal needed to win so as to finally take advantage of Chelsea’s indifferent form as of late. And the boys looked hungry and determined to get all three points.
It wasn’t until Wenger made two significant substitutions that Arsenal began to pass the ball quicker and in more penetrative positions.
Fabregas who replaced Denilson added trickery and more incisive passing. He added the goals of course…
But the other substitution was also important in my mind. For a start Walcott replaced Eduardo who was again disappointingly ineffective.
Walcott also added width which stretched the pitch as he drew on to him Villa’s left back. This left more room for Fabregas and Diaby to roam.
Almunia
Didn’t have much to do and on the occasion he had to he managed to palm the ball away from Agbolanhor as he was close to turning it in five mnutes from the end. 7
Sagna
Kept Downing quiet and also went forward combining well with Nasri. He looks fresher than a few games ago when he looked in need of rest. 7
Traore
I was very relieved when the news came out that he was fit enough to return to the left back position. Silvestre is a real liability as a left back (and as a central defender too).
I would much prefer Sagna to play left back and Eboue brought in at right back if the need arises again.
Traore looks the part now. He is strong, fast and tenacious and what a marvelous cross field ball he made to Walcott which resulted in Arsenal’s second goal.
Wenger will really have a big problem when Clichy and Gibbs return. 7
Gallas
He looks rejuvenated with Vermaelen partnering him rather than Toure. He is stronger and much more determined in the challenges this season. He nearly scored today but Friedle saved from close range. 7
Vermaelen
He wasn’t going to let Agbolnahor or any of the Villa forwards get the better of him. You could sense that all game personified by the chase against Agbolanhor from which he came out a winner. 8
Song
Another strong performance from Arsenal’s anchor. Dominated midfield with his strength, close control and tenacity. His passing however was not up to his usual standards giving the ball away too often. 6.5
Diaby
He has managed to dispel that part of his game that got us all so frustrated last season. That which saw him hold onto the ball too long, draw too many defenders on him and then lose it.
Now he is far more sensible. He wins the ball and then if he doesn’t see the space to exploit he passes short to a team mate. Simple football means great performances and this is what we got today from this awesome football player.
He also scored a wonderful third to cap a fantastic performance. 9
Denilson
He is another that got us all debating last season as to his footballing abilities. But at 21 he has improved so much this season chipping in with vital goals (eg vs Hull) and becoming much more efficient in his ball retrieving and passing. 6
Fabregas
Enough said. He was magnificent today for 28 minutes scoring two great goals. He is a much more direct and efficient player this season. He knows when to pass, when to shoot and which positions to take… 10
Eduardo
Another disappointing performance from Eduardo. He gets into very dangerous positions but fails to convert. He did it against Hull when he turned into the box beating his man with only the goalie to beat. He repeated almost the same move today with the same outcome.
I believe that he is still afraid of picking another injury which makes him rush his shots or be reluctant to go for 50 50 balls. Unless he shakes this fear off he will never be the same player again.
I think he should be dropped for the next game and Walcott (or even Eboue) brought in on the flank. 4
Arshavin
Had a better second half. He was meeting the ball far more effectively in the second half something which he was failing to do in the first.
Villa compressed the space around him so he had litle room to manouvre.
He also suffered due to Fabregas’s absence in the first half as Cesc is able to play him in far more easily than Song, Denilson or Diaby. 5
Nasri
He was more of a peripheral player today which is strange as with the absence of Fabregas from midfield he should have been doing more of the playmaking. 6
Walcott
Provided much needed width when he came on and he looked fresh and more with it today than in his previous outings. Of course he can do that much better when he comes off the bench with the opponents tired.
Once he recovers his fitness he will have a very important role to play this season. Provided the assist for Fabregas to score the second with a very precise pass into his path. 8
Man of the Match: Cesc Fabregas
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Wenger’s switch of half time talk wasn’t the only one that inspired Arsenal’s win at Anfield
By 1970’s Gooner
It was a game of two halves really. In the first Arsenal played well under par with Liverpool playing more forcefully and closing the space in midfield very well, not allowing room for Fabregas and Co to weave their magic. They created chances, scoring just before the interval.
In the second half Arsenal played more as a team, managing to put passes together in the more advanced positions and getting more forward on Sagna’s side. The own goal did wonders for the confidence as much as it dented Liverpool’s.
But besides the half time dressing room hysterics by Wenger what actually worked equally well on the pitch was the switch of positions in the second half between Nasri and Walcott.
This switch created more space on the right as Nasri tended to come inside more rather than hug the touch line. I think this should not be overlooked.
It was Nasri who drifted inwards and crossed low to a position where the ball should be put: Between the goalkeeper and the central defenders. I do not think that Walcott would have done that. Not the way he was playing tonight.
What also worked in this move was Walcott’s presence in the middle of the box forcing the mistake by Johnson for the own goal. He drifted in the middle from the left as Arshavin himself drifted back into midfield to collect the ball and pass it to Fabregas.
Wenger’s inspired switch also did the trick again for Arsenal’s winner.
It was Walcott’s presence in the middle of the box challenging for Fabregas’s cross which put the defender under pressure thus allowing the ball to travel to the little Russian demon.
Arshavin had momentarily stayed leftish as Walcott found himself in the centre forward position anticipating Fabregas’s cross who had found space on the right hand side of the pitch, again.
Something which would not have occurred had Walcott not made the switch with Nasri in the first place.
And the rest is history as they say…
It was a game of two halves really. In the first Arsenal played well under par with Liverpool playing more forcefully and closing the space in midfield very well, not allowing room for Fabregas and Co to weave their magic. They created chances, scoring just before the interval.
In the second half Arsenal played more as a team, managing to put passes together in the more advanced positions and getting more forward on Sagna’s side. The own goal did wonders for the confidence as much as it dented Liverpool’s.
But besides the half time dressing room hysterics by Wenger what actually worked equally well on the pitch was the switch of positions in the second half between Nasri and Walcott.
This switch created more space on the right as Nasri tended to come inside more rather than hug the touch line. I think this should not be overlooked.
It was Nasri who drifted inwards and crossed low to a position where the ball should be put: Between the goalkeeper and the central defenders. I do not think that Walcott would have done that. Not the way he was playing tonight.
What also worked in this move was Walcott’s presence in the middle of the box forcing the mistake by Johnson for the own goal. He drifted in the middle from the left as Arshavin himself drifted back into midfield to collect the ball and pass it to Fabregas.
Wenger’s inspired switch also did the trick again for Arsenal’s winner.
It was Walcott’s presence in the middle of the box challenging for Fabregas’s cross which put the defender under pressure thus allowing the ball to travel to the little Russian demon.
Arshavin had momentarily stayed leftish as Walcott found himself in the centre forward position anticipating Fabregas’s cross who had found space on the right hand side of the pitch, again.
Something which would not have occurred had Walcott not made the switch with Nasri in the first place.
And the rest is history as they say…
Thursday, December 03, 2009
How Arsenal could play without Song, van Persie and Walcott and still beat Stoke
By 1970’s Gooner
If Arsenal are to have a good chance of beating Stoke (yes Stoke at the Emirates) then two team selections will prove vital.
The first one has to do with whom to play in the front man position.
Will Wenger continue to be stubborn and insist that Eduardo is the front man to make up for van Persie’s loss?
He made the choice to play Eduardo against Sunderland and the boy was awful.
Wenger insisted to play him again against Chelsea when it was so obvious that if he couldn’t cut it against Sunderland’s central defenders he certainly wasn’t going to cut it against Terry and Calvalho.
Again Eduardo was awful.
Wenger has two options. The first one is to select the only other available player that can play in that position and that is Arshavin. In my opinion he would hold the ball under pressure much better than Eduardo has done up to now.
The unfortunate thing is that Walcott will not be available as he could have taken up Arshavin’s position on one of the wings.
In this case then Eduardo or even Eboue could be moved to one of the wide midfield positions. The other would probably be filled by Nasri who was rested in midweek and has shown improving form since coming back from his injury.
If Wenger sticks to his guns and goes for 4 3 3 then I hope that he keeps Ramsey on the bench as he didn’t have a good game against Manchester City and brings Eboue in the middle.
Almunia
Sagna Gallas Vermaelen, Traore
Eboue Fabregas Denilson
Nasri Arshavin Eduardo
Wenger’s other option would be to change formation and play 4 4 2 by giving Eduardo support in the front by playing Arshavin next to him.
This is to my mind a more viable option when taking into account the type of players left standing in the Arsenal squad.
This switch would also solve Wenger’s other major selection problem for Saturday.
Song’s forced absence could prove as big a problem as van Persie’s and by playing 4 4 2 instead of 4 3 3 does away with the need to play two more defensive midfielders.
In this case Denilson and Fabregas will be the two central midfielders with Fabregas assuming his old familiar role of the deep lying midfield playmaker.
In a 4 4 2 formation my team selection would therefore be as follows:
Almunia
Sagna Gallas Vermaelen, Traore
Eboue Fabregas Denilson Nasri
Eduardo Arshavin
I would go for 4 4 2.
If Arsenal are to have a good chance of beating Stoke (yes Stoke at the Emirates) then two team selections will prove vital.
The first one has to do with whom to play in the front man position.
Will Wenger continue to be stubborn and insist that Eduardo is the front man to make up for van Persie’s loss?
He made the choice to play Eduardo against Sunderland and the boy was awful.
Wenger insisted to play him again against Chelsea when it was so obvious that if he couldn’t cut it against Sunderland’s central defenders he certainly wasn’t going to cut it against Terry and Calvalho.
Again Eduardo was awful.
Wenger has two options. The first one is to select the only other available player that can play in that position and that is Arshavin. In my opinion he would hold the ball under pressure much better than Eduardo has done up to now.
The unfortunate thing is that Walcott will not be available as he could have taken up Arshavin’s position on one of the wings.
In this case then Eduardo or even Eboue could be moved to one of the wide midfield positions. The other would probably be filled by Nasri who was rested in midweek and has shown improving form since coming back from his injury.
If Wenger sticks to his guns and goes for 4 3 3 then I hope that he keeps Ramsey on the bench as he didn’t have a good game against Manchester City and brings Eboue in the middle.
Almunia
Sagna Gallas Vermaelen, Traore
Eboue Fabregas Denilson
Nasri Arshavin Eduardo
Wenger’s other option would be to change formation and play 4 4 2 by giving Eduardo support in the front by playing Arshavin next to him.
This is to my mind a more viable option when taking into account the type of players left standing in the Arsenal squad.
This switch would also solve Wenger’s other major selection problem for Saturday.
Song’s forced absence could prove as big a problem as van Persie’s and by playing 4 4 2 instead of 4 3 3 does away with the need to play two more defensive midfielders.
In this case Denilson and Fabregas will be the two central midfielders with Fabregas assuming his old familiar role of the deep lying midfield playmaker.
In a 4 4 2 formation my team selection would therefore be as follows:
Almunia
Sagna Gallas Vermaelen, Traore
Eboue Fabregas Denilson Nasri
Eduardo Arshavin
I would go for 4 4 2.
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