Arsenal lacked composure, a tall centre back and width (Ratings)

By 1970’s Gooner

They also had several players vastly underperforming.

Remember the home game against Dortmund. The Arsenal players started very nervously. They couldn’t get their passing game going, their usual fluency was not apparent and they hardly created anything of substance until the last minute of the first half. In the second things got better.

Something similar happened against Man Utd but the difference was that United were not going to let their lead slip. They had to win the game to get back into the title race. They were very combative as they always are against Arsenal and it worked.

Secondly Arsenal missed their leader in defence. It’s difficult to say if he would have got to RVP’s header but his domineering presence and combativeness would have gone some way to reducing the nervousness in the rest of the team.

But the most striking aspect in Arsenal’s play was the lack of width and Ozil’s absence as an influence on the game.

Playing Ramsey on the wing was never going to work. Not only did he look tired he offered no penetration.

You can’t put square pegs in round holes.

Gnabry came on and he created so much down the right wing in the few minutes he was on than Arsenal created the whole game before! Thank God Walcott is coming back after the break because we can’t go on without pace and penetration on the wings.

Ozil was a nonentity. He has been so in the last few games but Wenger never rests him or substitutes him. He provided nothing, nothing. Cazorla the same.

In conclusion we got done because United wanted the game more than us, were more combative, we missed Mertesacker, key players did not perform and had no width.

But we will be back make no mistake about it.

Szczesny 7

Sagna 6

Vermaelen 5

Koscienly 6

Gibbs 5

Flamini 5 (Wilshere 6)

Arteta 5 (Bendtner 3)

Ramsey 4

Cazorla 4 (Gnabry 7)

Ozil 4

Giroud 5

Koscienly added to injury list but important player returns right after the break

By 1970’s Gooner

Unfortunately Koscienly has a calf problem which he picked up in training with France last Tuesday and will probably miss the team’s forthcoming fixtures against Australia on Friday and Finland on Tuesday.

The short term seriousness of the injury has led to the last minute call up of 18 year old Zouma who may well be the subject of a transfer bid from Arsenal, Man Utd and Man City in the next transfer window.

It is now touch and go if Koscienly will make it for Arsenal’s next game against Norwich on the 19^th of this month. The natural replacement will be Vermaelen who is of course away on international duty with Belgium.

Let’s hope he comes through those games unscathed. If he doesn’t not even Sagna can deputise as he is out injured with a hamstring until the 26^th.

The problem is that Vermaelen has not had a full PL competitive game yet and this may jeopardise his match fitness. But at least the games for Belgium will go a long way for mitigating this.

He will have to of course play alongside Mertesacker and hopefully he will strike a good understanding with the big German (unlike last season when the distances between them were far too long).

But there are good news on the injury front. Cazorla is likely to return and available for selection for the game against Norwich (Sanogo too).

Rosicky’s return is not sure yet as he has withdrawn from international duty with the Czech squad. It is likely that he also may be available for this game.

Cazorla’s and possibly Rosicky’s return will give Wenger some relief and more options. Let’s hope that on this occasion he adds some width to the team that was so clearly lacking against WBA.

Let’s also hope that no more Arsenal players get knocks during the international break.

Here is Arsenal’s current injury list:

Rosicky Calf/Shin Injury (no return date)

Sagna Hamstring Injury (26th Oct 13)

Walcott Abdominal Strain (26th Oct 13)
Cazorla Ankle/Foot Injury (19th Oct 13)
Sanogo Back Injury (19th Oct 13)
Podolski Hamstring Injury (26th Oct 13)
Oxlade-Chamberlain Knee Injury (10th Nov 13)
Diaby ACL Knee Injury (no return date)

Lack of width and Clarke's tactics stifle Arsenal

By 1970's Gooner

Arsenal played without a recognised winger against Napoli and played them off the park. But that was then. Ozil had a blinder but was not able to repeat it against WBA. Ramsey had a blinder but not against WBA. And the big difference was that Rosicky started against the Italians.

Rosicky is able to change the speed of the game with his forward runs and incisive passes.

He did so when he came on at the Hawthorns. Wilshere who is very uncomfortable playing on the wing came inside more and as a result got the goal and set Giroud up beautifully for a chance to win the game.

As a result of Arsenal's lack of width their play was mainly directed through the middle.

One would have thought that the full backs would have bombed forward as they usually do for Arsene Wenger's teams. But neither Jenkinson nor Gibbs showed up at the other end often enough.

Jenkinson had a very average game and so did Gibbs. Just about everybody had an average game bar Szczesny.

So, added to the off day had by all in the Arsenal team, came Clarke's tactics which were concentrated on blocking Arsenal's thrusts through the centre of the park by crowding that area realising that the threat from the wings was weak.

They worked hard and deserved their point which could have been three if old boy Anelka had taken one of three very good chances that came his way.

Arsenal will be firing again after the international break when Cazorla, Walcott and Sagna come back.

A point away today will prove to be a point gained come the end of the season.

Wenger’s change of tactics this season is working wonders

By 1970’s Gooner

Arsene Wenger seems to have hit upon a set of simple tactics that are working wonders.

Arsenal used to press teams high up the pitch playing a high line and forcing the opponents to cede possession in the dangerous areas.

Once the ball was under control then possession football would come into play squeezing the opponent in their half.

We used to end up being champions in the possession stats but runners up in the winning stakes.

This season the tactic seems to be to allow the opposition the ball, retreat into two banks of four and suck the other team in. Once the ball is won back the midfield and wing players spring into action utilising their speed, mainly of Walcott’s.

It reminds me of the championship winning sides which included the likes of Overmars, Bergkamp, Anelka, Pires and Henry.

The tactic has been employed especially when we have gone one nil up. Remember the Fulham, Sunderland and Spurs games in particular.

That's why the possession figures so far this season have been low by Arsenal's
standards. Look at the stats below:

Villa 58%

Fulham 54%

Spurs 43%
Sunderland 68%
Stoke 50%
Swansey 41%

But it is working!

 

Which of the youngsters impressed and who can replace Walcott on Saturday?

By 1970's Gooner

I saw the whole match last night and was very impressed with the overall performance of the youngsters.

Wenger seems to have learned his lesson from past years when he would start with 8 or 9 youngsters thus losing cohesiveness and experience. The whole of our defence were all seasoned players who were able to provide a solid basis for the youngsters to perform.

The youngster who didn't impress was Gnabry!

He kept giving the ball away and looked selfish in taking shots rather than playing a simple pass to a team mate as he correctly did for his debut against Stoke. I feared he would miss the penalty for to take a successful penalty you need humility an attribute he lacked last night.

On the other hand Ryo was much more effective and mature in his play and if there was a straight choice between them to start on Saturday then he would get the nod.

Hayden has the built and technical ability and he looked a good prospect. He needs games of course but he did well in the middle of the park.

I expected more from Eisfeld as his performances last season in the same competition impressed me. Last night he did not shine and had a lot of misplaced passes. He did however get into the correct position for the goal which he took clinically.

The youngster that really impressed however was the substitute Bellerin. He came on in the 95th minute for Arteta and for the remaining 25 minutes he run Arsenal's midfield! What a game he had. He was able to receive the ball, turn and pass further up the field rather than sideways.

He was the main reason that Arsenal was just as threatening as the opponents during this important period of extra time. He also had two shots one of which the keeper had to scramble to save to his right.

Just like Fabregas he is a Barcelona academy kid....

Now who will start against Swansey?

Neither of Gnabry or Ryo and not only because they will be exhausted from last night!

Ozil, Giroud and Wilshere will be the front three.

The midfield will be Arteta, Flamini and Ramsey the Rambo.

The Three Options for Replacing Walcott

By 1970’s Gooner

When things were beginning to look up on the field and we started getting some players back from injury Walcott’s abdominals give in. This comes at a time when the other close alternative, The Ox, is also on the treatment table needing another 5 to 6 weeks before he comes back.

So ignoring the League Cup encounter with West Brom what alternatives has Wenger got?

In my opinion there are three.

Gnabry

He had a decent game against Stoke. He looked assured for his age and relative inexperience and impressed me more with his tracking back and defensive capabilities rather than his forward runs. I think he will improve the more games he plays. But should Wenger risk playing him in very important games against Swansea, Napoli and West Brom?

Ryo Miyaichi

I watched him play enough times when he was on loan to Bolton and he impressed me enough. He was good at going forward with pace but he was mature and experienced enough to track back and defend. Above all he was able to keep the ball and bring other players in the game.

But I also watched him during Arsenal’s pre season games this summer and he didn’t play so well. Again he needs games but I am not sure he will get them. He is a more hardened and experienced player than Gnabry however.

Wenger seems to have preferred Gnabry to start against Stoke so if it was a straight choice then we more or less know the outcome.

But there is a third way.

Wilshere

Yes why not play Wilshere on the left wing and Ozil on the other (or vice versa if you like). Arteta would come into midfield alongside Flamini with Ramsey the Rambo completing the trio. Ramsey could play a little further up behind Giroud.

This arrangement has its weakness that you will have a left footed player playing on the right wing and also you will miss the pace that a genuine winger would provide for the team.

On the other hand Gnabry’s (or Miyaichy’s) pace cannot really be compared to Walcott’s can it?

You will also need to keep at least one wide player wide so as to stretch the opponents and open the pitch up.

But what you really gain is more experience and nous which will come from fielding two players who are not rookies.

I would go for the Wilshere option.

Arsenal’s squad is thin and unbalanced

By 1970’s Gooner

The most important characteristics to look for when assessing a squad is the following:

- the quality of the players

- the cover in each position

- the age structure in order to ensure that there is a number of younger and promising players who could eventually make it into the first team.

Have a look at the first team players on Arsenal’s books. The squad looks thin and unbalanced.

What is easily realisable is that there is a plethora of good quality midfielders but not enough strikers or defenders.

Let’s look at the squad:

Goalkeepers

Enough numbers (2) but they are both relatively young and inexperienced. They are promising however so they need to be complimented by an experienced goalkeeper who will either start games or provide competition for places.

Recommendation – Buy experienced goalkeeper

Right backs

There are two and they compliment each other well. Sagna is an experienced defender who is covered by Jenkinson who is an up and coming young right back of good quality.

Recommendation: No need to buy

Left backs

The same as for the right backs can be said for this position. There are two very good defenders. Nancho Monreal is the more experienced one and Gibbs is developing into an exciting left back with attacking capabilities.

Recommendation: No need to buy unless Monreal’s back injury is more long term (like Vermaelen’s)

Centre backs

The quality of the available centre backs has proved to be very good as the results of the last 10 games show (second best defence and the best away defence of the League).

However there are two major problems with these positions. 

The first is that there are only three experienced centre backs for the two available positions (Koscienly, Mertesacker and Vermaelen). So there is a need to add another and also of course there is Vermaelen’s long term injury (out for 3 months which makes the available centre backs as only two).

Yes I agree that Sagna will be a revelation at centre back if called upon (he has the heading ability and the defensive nous) but there is still the problem that we will only have 3 centre backs to cover for 2 positions. It will also leave the right back position with only one player available.

It is therefore vital to increase the available centre backs to four and to cover for possible injuries in this significant position.

Recommendation: Buy another centre back irrespective of Sagna’s availability and recall the decision to send Coquelin on loan to Freiburg so that he could cover at right back if need be (he proved very capable last season and I would trust him in this position).

Midfielders

A large number with good quality are available in these positions. Central midfielders of the likes of Arteta, Ramsey (I think he will be irreplaceable this season), Wilshere, Rosicky and if need be Cazorla and the Ox means that the midfield will be Arsenal’s high powered engine room for the coming season.

On the wings there is Walcott, Podolski, Cazorla and The Ox. No need to add there although you could say that a left sided out and out winger could balance the team much more.

Recommendation: On balance no need to add

Strikers

Which strikers? There is only one as far as I am concerned and that is Oliver Giroud. He will improve no end this his second season. But you can’t rely on only one out and out striker.

Sanogo is young and unproven. Gervinho, Chamack and Park are on their way out and would not have featured anyway.

Podolski and Walcott filled in last season but in my opinion they are either not ready or up to it to play in that position with the effectiveness required.

Recommendation: BUY BUY BUY

Wenger raises expectations for a star signing

 By 1970' s Gooner

It used to be that Arsenal did not buy the stars but made them. Do you remember? Arsene Wenger used to brag about it. But only a few days ago he made an exremely surprising statement. He said that we are now in position to buy the stars!

Not only has he changed his strategy he has raised expectations by making bids for 25m (Higuain) and 35 m (Suarez) for two players that are cosidered as stars! And as if this was not enough he announced that Arsenal want to buy Rooney and can afford his wages!

Forgetting the Rooney bid as a tactical non starter (he made it to make a point to prospective incoming players that Arsenal are in the market for the big boys) he is now running the danger that he may end up with nothing.

Real have agreed terms to sell Higuain to Napoli for 37m and then they may probably use the money to buy Suarez from Liverpool!

Arsenal and Arsene will be left with mud on their face.

And we will be sweating our squeaky bums for another tight finish for 4th spot again.

Higuain and the fixture list means Arsenal are gunning for the title

By 1970’s Gooner


Higuain’s transfer to Arsenal marks a definite statement of intent. At the reported 25m this is a deal that signifies Arsene’s will to go for the title in possibly his last season at the club. Just like Alec Ferguson went out and bought a 29 year old RVP to make sure he retired with a big bang.

Higuain is a typical Wenger buy bar one item on his check list.

He is 25 so he has a resale value.
He is a goal scorer with a goal to game ratio closing on 0.57 (good goal scorers are usually at 0.5).
He is fast and versatile, able to play in various forward positions.

The only thing that is not typical of a Wenger buy is the transfer fee and his salary both which will break Arsenal’s previous ceilings.

The positives of last season’s performance to take forward are:

The squad now has good depth in quality with more additions to come.
The three additions of last season, Cazorla, Giroud and Monreal have had a very good year and will be far more effective this.
Wilshere will, hopefully, have a full season ahead of him.
Arsenal had the second best defence in the League (and the best away defence)!

And then there is the fixture list.

When I looked at it I was overwhelmed with a feeling of optimism and confidence. This is because nearly all the fixtures looked realistically winnable to my eyes! If we can beat Spurs at home in the third game then we are on the way.

We will probably be top of the League or very near it by Christmas! Mark my words we are gunning for the title!



Aug 17: Aston Villa (h)

Aug 24: Fulham (a)

Aug 31: Tottenham Hotspur (h)

SEPTEMBER

Sep 14: Sunderland (a)

Sep 21: Stoke City (h)

Sep 28: Swansea City (a)

OCTOBER

Oct 5: West Bromwich Albion (a)

Oct 19: Norwich City (h)

Oct 26: Crystal Palace (a)

NOVEMBER

Nov 2: Liverpool (h)

Nov 9: Manchester United (a)

Nov 23: Southampton (h)

Nov 30: Cardiff City (a)

DECEMBER

Dec 3: Hull City (h)

Dec 7: Everton (h)

Dec 14: Manchester City (a)

Dec 21: Chelsea (h)

Dec 26: West Ham United (a)

Dec 28: Newcastle United (a)

JANUARY

Jan 1: Cardiff City (h)

Jan 11: Aston Villa (a)

Jan 18: Fulham (h)

Jan 28: Southampton (a)


Odds for the title: 11/1

Arsenal are now favourites to land Jovetic. Fiorentina’s owner decides against Juventus

By 1970’s Gooner

Arsene Wenger did hint that he will be proactive in the transfer market and it seems that he has been doing his homework.

Arsenal have tabled a bid of €28million, 1 million below the asking price by Fiorentina’s owner Diego Della Valle. Wenger who has long been an admirer of the Montenegro striker looks like he will get his man as Fiorentina have decided that no way will they sell their hottest property to a main rival in Italy.

Fiorentina have only days ago been piped to the Champions League qualifying spot by Milan and now have to sell Jovetic who wants to move to a team playing in the CL. Although Juventus are ready to splash the cash to bolster their front line Arsenal are now considered favourites.

Reports in Italy suggest that owner Diego Della Valle would be willing to accept a slightly lower fee (around €29million) for his star man if he were to move abroad and Jovetic himself has described the Premier League as the strongest League in the world.

Part 1 of the four part tranfer plan now looks set to be completed. Arsenal will have two main strikers in Giroud and Jotevic (who can play on the wing too).

Part 2 is to get a defensive midfielder in and Part 3 will be to bolster the central defensive options.

Part 4 is considered to be a new experienced goalkeeper. I personally do not think that Wenger will go for this as he is set to allow one more year to both the Polish goalkeepers to blossom.