By 1970’s Gooner
It’s simply not good enough. To have blown away a lead once and then to go and do it again a few days later, in the same manner is beyond belief. Don’t tell me that we need to go three up to feel safe because this is what it looks like it at the moment.
It was really pathetic, going 2-0 up in the first half and not being able to close the game out. The players thought that the game was over after the first 45 minutes. They started playing in second and third gear, not really interested enough to put the game beyond reach.
So the young squad still has a lot to learn, apparently.
Mannone
I still think that he will be a great goalkeeper for Arsenal but he was clearly at fault for their first goal. He should have pushed the ball out for a corner not bring it back into play again.
This goal started their revival and it is almost impossible to move up a gear when you’ve been in a lethargic state for a big part of the second half.
If Almunia was fit he should have been brought back into the team. 5
Sagna
Was a lot better this game. Went forward enough and his crosses were much improved resulting in Arsenal’s first goal. 7
Gallas
Looks invigorated this season and got another goal today. 7
Vermaelen
The centre back that Arsenal needed. Intelligent, physical, a good passer of the ball as well as having an eye for goal. 7
Clichy
Had an average game defensively but was not as good going forward. The quality of his crosses left a lot to be desired. 6
Song
Was having another strong game with his ability to shield the defence and make the simple passes to his forwards or Fabregas. However he tends to foul unnecessarily sometimes and it was fairly stupid of him to do so in the box giving away the penalty. 6
Fabregas
Was playing in second gear from the beginning of the game. Drifted in out of the game and generally was not the usual Cesc we all know. 5
Diaby
Has cut out the fancy stuff in recent games and this has resulted in much better performances. 6
Arshavin
Looked disinterested and like Fabregas was not in the centre of things as we have come to expect from the little Russian demon. 5
Van Persie
One of the few that played well tonight. Scored the first goal and generally led the line well. Nearly scored the winner with a header that was saved by Green in the latter stages of the game. He was however no helped a lot by the below par performances of Fabregas and Arshavin. 7
Eboue
He is a much improved player this season but I feel his inability to make the right decisions at important moments will always hamper his effectiveness. Now if Rosicky was fit or even if Eduardo was in the team we would have probably won the game. 6
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Lansbury scores two for Watford (video)
By Aries
Henri Lansbury scored two goals to help Watford to their 4 -1 thrashing of Sheffield Wednesday at Vicarage Road tonight.
He scored his first and Watford’s second on the 26th minute and rapped up the game with Warford’s fourth of the night.
You can watch all the goals on the video screen above.
Henri Lansbury scored two goals to help Watford to their 4 -1 thrashing of Sheffield Wednesday at Vicarage Road tonight.
He scored his first and Watford’s second on the 26th minute and rapped up the game with Warford’s fourth of the night.
You can watch all the goals on the video screen above.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Another route today?
By 1970's Gooner
The result of today’s game at the Emirates against Birmingham really depends on what Arsenal do rather than on how the opponents approach the game. This is generally the case when one of the teams in a game is superior and also playing at home.
Birmingham on the other hand has an added incentive today in that it is the first game under new (richer) ownership. This is bound to “encourage” the players to up their performance with the January transfer window soon approaching.
McLeish is likely to approach the game with the same tactics adopted against Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier in the season loosing in the end by one goal to nil.
They played in a defensive formation but came out more in the last 15 minutes to try and salvage a draw which they nearly did.
I was impressed with their performance on that day and that is why I think that today’s game will be won by Arsenal only if mistakes are kept to a minimum at the back and ruthlessness employed in front of goal.
If Arsenal scores an early goal then I would expect another rout of a low rank team at the Emirates. If however we allow them to get ahead first then I do not see Birmingham being as generous as Blackburn at the back.
The positive aspect about Arsenal this season, however, is the democratic approach to goal scoring. There are goals from everywhere in the team, reminiscent once again of the “total football” approach that Arsene Wenger’s style brings about.
With players like Arshavin, van Persie, Rosicky, Fabregas, Gallas and of course Vermaelen around the goal threat is very real and this bodes well when playing against lower quality opposition.
This allows a certain amount of optimism that this season we will not drop so many points against the likes of Birmingham.
If we get our defensive effectiveness right against the better teams of the League then we have a real chance for the title.
Predicted line up:
Mannone
Sagna Galas Vermaelen Gibbs
Diaby Song
Fabregas
Arshavin van Persie Rosicky
Prediction: Arsenal 3 Birmingham 0
The result of today’s game at the Emirates against Birmingham really depends on what Arsenal do rather than on how the opponents approach the game. This is generally the case when one of the teams in a game is superior and also playing at home.
Birmingham on the other hand has an added incentive today in that it is the first game under new (richer) ownership. This is bound to “encourage” the players to up their performance with the January transfer window soon approaching.
McLeish is likely to approach the game with the same tactics adopted against Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier in the season loosing in the end by one goal to nil.
They played in a defensive formation but came out more in the last 15 minutes to try and salvage a draw which they nearly did.
I was impressed with their performance on that day and that is why I think that today’s game will be won by Arsenal only if mistakes are kept to a minimum at the back and ruthlessness employed in front of goal.
If Arsenal scores an early goal then I would expect another rout of a low rank team at the Emirates. If however we allow them to get ahead first then I do not see Birmingham being as generous as Blackburn at the back.
The positive aspect about Arsenal this season, however, is the democratic approach to goal scoring. There are goals from everywhere in the team, reminiscent once again of the “total football” approach that Arsene Wenger’s style brings about.
With players like Arshavin, van Persie, Rosicky, Fabregas, Gallas and of course Vermaelen around the goal threat is very real and this bodes well when playing against lower quality opposition.
This allows a certain amount of optimism that this season we will not drop so many points against the likes of Birmingham.
If we get our defensive effectiveness right against the better teams of the League then we have a real chance for the title.
Predicted line up:
Mannone
Sagna Galas Vermaelen Gibbs
Diaby Song
Fabregas
Arshavin van Persie Rosicky
Prediction: Arsenal 3 Birmingham 0
Monday, September 28, 2009
Arsenal’s three worst players against Fulham need to shape up and soon
By 1970’s Gooner
I was as delighted as much as I was frustrated last Saturday in that uncharacteristic one nil to the Arsenal win against a very spirited Fulham side.
I was delighted that we won the game which kept us within distance of the top, especially as Chelsea dropped points. I was also pleased that the win was obtained when not playing at our best.
It’s quite funny really in that a lot of the media usually criticise Arsene Wenger’s teams for not being able to rough it, play badly and win ugly. This is exactly what Arsenal did yet this is labeled a lucky win!
Stop reading the tabloids I say and stick to blogs….
Yet I cannot but ponder on the reasons for Arsenal’s lackluster performance. This is because I feel that if we carry on playing like this we are bound to come unstuck sooner than later.
Winning ugly gets you out of jail once or maybe twice but then you simply have to revert back to your brilliant best.
A lot of the pressure that Arsenal faced against Fulham originated from within itself rather than created by Fulham’s play.
Uncharacteristic mistakes were made in the passing of the ball and the giving away of possession and free kicks in dangerous areas; way too often.
In the offensive area of the pitch Arsenal did not create much and there was not enough fluidity and slick passing as we have become accustomed.
For all the above I blame three players in particular and I hope that they get back to form pretty soon starting tomorrow in the Champions League.
3. Fabregas
Yes he did after all provide the brilliant assist for van Persie’e goal and put a few excellent passes for the forwards to score. But you must agree that the little maestro is below par when you compare him to his brilliant best.
He has been misplacing passes and lacking that dynamism and dexterity that he has shown in previous years for quite a few games now. Something is bothering him and I hope it is not Barcelona.
Nevertheless if he doesn’t tick Arsenal’s clock stops ticking. And his below par performance affected the rest of the team.
2. Arshavin
He has been out for a month after taking that silly decision to play for Russia when he was clearly injured. This showed against Fulham. He was below pace, did not get much involved and generally did not contribute enough for the cause.
Add to this the lack of penetration on the other wing from the average Bendtner and you can see that poor van Persie did not get much of a service.
We need a fit Arshavin in the side and I hope that he can get back to full fitness quite soon.
1. Diaby
What an idiot. Who does he think he is? Maradona in his hey day? This boy has to be taught to play the simple game. Win the ball and then pass it. Full stop. At this stage of his development he should concentrate to get this right.
All he did last Saturday was to give possession to the other side. He did this by passing them the ball, trying one dribble too many or and this was more dangerous, giving away silly fouls in dangerous areas outside our box.
Abu Diaby you have the potential to become an Arsenal great but you have to learn to play simple football for the team. Not for yourself.
Fabregas and Arshavin will improve I am sure. But Wenger needs to reconsider whether to keep persisting with Diaby.
I was as delighted as much as I was frustrated last Saturday in that uncharacteristic one nil to the Arsenal win against a very spirited Fulham side.
I was delighted that we won the game which kept us within distance of the top, especially as Chelsea dropped points. I was also pleased that the win was obtained when not playing at our best.
It’s quite funny really in that a lot of the media usually criticise Arsene Wenger’s teams for not being able to rough it, play badly and win ugly. This is exactly what Arsenal did yet this is labeled a lucky win!
Stop reading the tabloids I say and stick to blogs….
Yet I cannot but ponder on the reasons for Arsenal’s lackluster performance. This is because I feel that if we carry on playing like this we are bound to come unstuck sooner than later.
Winning ugly gets you out of jail once or maybe twice but then you simply have to revert back to your brilliant best.
A lot of the pressure that Arsenal faced against Fulham originated from within itself rather than created by Fulham’s play.
Uncharacteristic mistakes were made in the passing of the ball and the giving away of possession and free kicks in dangerous areas; way too often.
In the offensive area of the pitch Arsenal did not create much and there was not enough fluidity and slick passing as we have become accustomed.
For all the above I blame three players in particular and I hope that they get back to form pretty soon starting tomorrow in the Champions League.
3. Fabregas
Yes he did after all provide the brilliant assist for van Persie’e goal and put a few excellent passes for the forwards to score. But you must agree that the little maestro is below par when you compare him to his brilliant best.
He has been misplacing passes and lacking that dynamism and dexterity that he has shown in previous years for quite a few games now. Something is bothering him and I hope it is not Barcelona.
Nevertheless if he doesn’t tick Arsenal’s clock stops ticking. And his below par performance affected the rest of the team.
2. Arshavin
He has been out for a month after taking that silly decision to play for Russia when he was clearly injured. This showed against Fulham. He was below pace, did not get much involved and generally did not contribute enough for the cause.
Add to this the lack of penetration on the other wing from the average Bendtner and you can see that poor van Persie did not get much of a service.
We need a fit Arshavin in the side and I hope that he can get back to full fitness quite soon.
1. Diaby
What an idiot. Who does he think he is? Maradona in his hey day? This boy has to be taught to play the simple game. Win the ball and then pass it. Full stop. At this stage of his development he should concentrate to get this right.
All he did last Saturday was to give possession to the other side. He did this by passing them the ball, trying one dribble too many or and this was more dangerous, giving away silly fouls in dangerous areas outside our box.
Abu Diaby you have the potential to become an Arsenal great but you have to learn to play simple football for the team. Not for yourself.
Fabregas and Arshavin will improve I am sure. But Wenger needs to reconsider whether to keep persisting with Diaby.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Four reasons why Arsenal lost to Manchester City (plus player ratings)
By 1970’s Gooner
1. Heavy legs?
What a pathetic performance by the Arsenal players in the first half. They could not find each other even with short passes, their free kicks and crosses rarely got past the first defender and their heavy legs never allowed them to play in a quick tempo. Cesc Fabregas was particularly guilty.
May be they were affected by the international week that a lot of them were involved in but Manchester City had players on international duty too.
In the second half after probably a good spanking by Wenger in the dressing room but more importantly with the introduction of Rosicky the whole team were rejuvenated.
Fabregas became more efficient and went more forward to give support to van Persie, Rosicky gave added impetus to the attacks and suddenly balls were finding their intended targets.
2. No width
Wenger elected to start with Bendtner and Diaby on the flanks in a 4 3 3 formation. Diaby was abysmal, holding onto the ball when he should have been passing it and when he got round to passing it he could not find his players.
More significantly he often strayed infield thus starving the team of the width on the left hand side that he should have been providing.
Bendtner was also ineffective for most of the time on the other wing. This meant that van Persie got no meaningful crosses or penetrative passes to exploit.
3. Clichy and Diaby go awol
In the first half Diaby helped Clichy deal with the threat of Wright Philips. But in the second both were guilty of leaving that left hand side almost unguarded. Both the vital second and third goals that killed the game off came from that side.
For the second Clichy was dispossessed up the field, Diaby was nowhere to be found and Song had to rush back to cover, unsuccesfuly.
For their third Clichy was tricked by Philips who raced clear to plant the ball on Adebayor’s head.
4. Almunia lets the team down
He was slow in coming out for the high ball against Portsmouth when they scored their goal but it didn’t matter. It mattered today. He was slow to react to Richards’s header and by the time he got to it the ball had hit the post and his back.
Goals change games and this goal gave them belief and had us chasing the game committing players up front in a second half.
Still we got Rosicky back and he looks back to his old best. This is a real bonus as he can add quality and creativeness to the team.
Almunia 5
Clichy 4
Sagna 5
Vermaelen 6
Gallas 6
Song 6
Denilson 5
Fabregas 6
Diaby 4
Bendtner 5
Van Persie 6
Rosicky 7
Eduardo 5
Eboue 5
1. Heavy legs?
What a pathetic performance by the Arsenal players in the first half. They could not find each other even with short passes, their free kicks and crosses rarely got past the first defender and their heavy legs never allowed them to play in a quick tempo. Cesc Fabregas was particularly guilty.
May be they were affected by the international week that a lot of them were involved in but Manchester City had players on international duty too.
In the second half after probably a good spanking by Wenger in the dressing room but more importantly with the introduction of Rosicky the whole team were rejuvenated.
Fabregas became more efficient and went more forward to give support to van Persie, Rosicky gave added impetus to the attacks and suddenly balls were finding their intended targets.
2. No width
Wenger elected to start with Bendtner and Diaby on the flanks in a 4 3 3 formation. Diaby was abysmal, holding onto the ball when he should have been passing it and when he got round to passing it he could not find his players.
More significantly he often strayed infield thus starving the team of the width on the left hand side that he should have been providing.
Bendtner was also ineffective for most of the time on the other wing. This meant that van Persie got no meaningful crosses or penetrative passes to exploit.
3. Clichy and Diaby go awol
In the first half Diaby helped Clichy deal with the threat of Wright Philips. But in the second both were guilty of leaving that left hand side almost unguarded. Both the vital second and third goals that killed the game off came from that side.
For the second Clichy was dispossessed up the field, Diaby was nowhere to be found and Song had to rush back to cover, unsuccesfuly.
For their third Clichy was tricked by Philips who raced clear to plant the ball on Adebayor’s head.
4. Almunia lets the team down
He was slow in coming out for the high ball against Portsmouth when they scored their goal but it didn’t matter. It mattered today. He was slow to react to Richards’s header and by the time he got to it the ball had hit the post and his back.
Goals change games and this goal gave them belief and had us chasing the game committing players up front in a second half.
Still we got Rosicky back and he looks back to his old best. This is a real bonus as he can add quality and creativeness to the team.
Almunia 5
Clichy 4
Sagna 5
Vermaelen 6
Gallas 6
Song 6
Denilson 5
Fabregas 6
Diaby 4
Bendtner 5
Van Persie 6
Rosicky 7
Eduardo 5
Eboue 5
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Fabregas on the score sheet again…(video)
By 1970’s Gooner
European champions Spain secured their place at next year's World Cup finals with an easy 3-0 win over Estonia thanks to goals from Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla and Juan Manuel Mata.
Bosnia-Herzegovina was held by Turkey earlier in the evening so Spain knew a victory over Estonia would be enough to guarantee themselves top spot in Group Five.
Spain took this opportunity as they continued their 100% record in qualifying with an eighth win in eight games.
Cesc got the first goal after receiving a through ball into the area and his shot low across the goal ended in the back of the net.
He seems to have found renewed confidence in front of goal this season. This seems to be a result of increasing maturity both in terms of football but also in his physique.
He is also benefiting from the more advanced role he has assumed for Arsenal in the new 4 3 3 formation that has been adopted by Arsene Wenger this season.
European champions Spain secured their place at next year's World Cup finals with an easy 3-0 win over Estonia thanks to goals from Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla and Juan Manuel Mata.
Bosnia-Herzegovina was held by Turkey earlier in the evening so Spain knew a victory over Estonia would be enough to guarantee themselves top spot in Group Five.
Spain took this opportunity as they continued their 100% record in qualifying with an eighth win in eight games.
Cesc got the first goal after receiving a through ball into the area and his shot low across the goal ended in the back of the net.
He seems to have found renewed confidence in front of goal this season. This seems to be a result of increasing maturity both in terms of football but also in his physique.
He is also benefiting from the more advanced role he has assumed for Arsenal in the new 4 3 3 formation that has been adopted by Arsene Wenger this season.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Song is the new Vieira?
By 1970’s Gooner
Enough will be said about the demolition of Everton and the amazing six goals scored. All the players played a blinder today inclusive of Vermaelen who had a dream debut for Arsenal.
Bendtner and Denilson were exceptional to my mind but I just feel the need to highlight the world class performance that Alexandre Song put in today.
He was everywhere, tackling in front of the defence and protecting his back four, breaking up Everton’s attacks as soon as they started to develop and he distributed the ball forward with accuracy.
He was immense.
He is not Vieira in his physique but he was Vieira in his effectiveness and style of play today.
This is why Wenger decided not to buy another defensive midfielder.
Enough will be said about the demolition of Everton and the amazing six goals scored. All the players played a blinder today inclusive of Vermaelen who had a dream debut for Arsenal.
Bendtner and Denilson were exceptional to my mind but I just feel the need to highlight the world class performance that Alexandre Song put in today.
He was everywhere, tackling in front of the defence and protecting his back four, breaking up Everton’s attacks as soon as they started to develop and he distributed the ball forward with accuracy.
He was immense.
He is not Vieira in his physique but he was Vieira in his effectiveness and style of play today.
This is why Wenger decided not to buy another defensive midfielder.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Why Arsenal will continue to be amongst the top teams for years to come
By Kazeem Atanda
It has almost become a tradition for teams outside the top four to spend big in order to break the monopoly of the elite clubs. But anytime a club does, the pundits' verdict is that "Arsenal will drop out of the top zone" due to Arsene Wenger's stingy behaviour in the transfer market.
In 2005 when Everton broke into the top four, it was Liverpool and not Arsenal that eventually dropped out. And it is a fact that no team has broken the monopoly since then.
Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa all continue to spend big on new players than Arsenal every season but woefully end up finishing below the Gunners (and not even making the top four).
This summer, Manchester City's new owner has spent close to £100 m on new players that included Arsenal duo Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure.
Many observers have questioned Arsene Wenger's decision in selling these players to the Citizens believing that the Arsenal gaffer has sold fourth position to premiership rival, Manchester City.
Theses pundits have forgotten that this is not the first time that Arsenal will be selling their top stars, yet managed to finish in the top four despite parading a young and inexperienced team.
In the 2004/2005 season, without Wiltord and Kanu, Arsenal won the FA cup and finished 3rd in the league.
Losing Vieira and Edu in 2005/2006 season was one player too many, yet Arsenal reached the final of the Champions League and finished 4th in the premiership.
Pires, Reyes, Bergkamp, Campbell and Ashley Cole, all left in 2006/2007 season but it didn't stop Arsene Wenger's young guns reaching the Carling Cup final and retaining 4th position in the league.
In 2007/2008 season, the news that every Arsenal fan had been dreading for a year, talismanic captain Thierry Henry left for Barcelona while Ljumberg also left for West Ham. Yet Arsenal lost the premiership title with only a few games to go and ended in 3rd position.
Without Hleb, Flamini and Gilberto last season Arsenal were semi finalists in both the FA cup and Champions League and finished 4th in the premiership.
This summer, with only one addition, two players already gone and probably more has brought out the Cassandra’s of this world.
The only person whose absence will mar the club is Arsene Wenger, himself. He knows the club inside out and being an economist, he is a man with the air of an accountant, the dress sense of a senior civil servant and a modern business man.
Wenger's technique, character, appetite and masterpiece of the round leather game is second to none. In almost 13 years at Arsenal, he has transformed the club, created a string of superlative teams, built a glittering stadium and helped to transform the stagnant conservatism of English football.
Though Arsene knows to his bones that the game is all about glory he will never spend big to achieve it.
There are two reasons why Wenger is building his team this way. One is that he loves developing youngsters. And the second is that he hates spending money. It is not in his nature.
For those that believe Arsene Wenger's young guns will not propel Arsenal to the top four this season should wait a little.
The Gunners will be challenging for titles on all four fronts.
"Arsene knows" is a phrase that will resurface with a vengeance once more.
It has almost become a tradition for teams outside the top four to spend big in order to break the monopoly of the elite clubs. But anytime a club does, the pundits' verdict is that "Arsenal will drop out of the top zone" due to Arsene Wenger's stingy behaviour in the transfer market.
In 2005 when Everton broke into the top four, it was Liverpool and not Arsenal that eventually dropped out. And it is a fact that no team has broken the monopoly since then.
Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa all continue to spend big on new players than Arsenal every season but woefully end up finishing below the Gunners (and not even making the top four).
This summer, Manchester City's new owner has spent close to £100 m on new players that included Arsenal duo Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure.
Many observers have questioned Arsene Wenger's decision in selling these players to the Citizens believing that the Arsenal gaffer has sold fourth position to premiership rival, Manchester City.
Theses pundits have forgotten that this is not the first time that Arsenal will be selling their top stars, yet managed to finish in the top four despite parading a young and inexperienced team.
In the 2004/2005 season, without Wiltord and Kanu, Arsenal won the FA cup and finished 3rd in the league.
Losing Vieira and Edu in 2005/2006 season was one player too many, yet Arsenal reached the final of the Champions League and finished 4th in the premiership.
Pires, Reyes, Bergkamp, Campbell and Ashley Cole, all left in 2006/2007 season but it didn't stop Arsene Wenger's young guns reaching the Carling Cup final and retaining 4th position in the league.
In 2007/2008 season, the news that every Arsenal fan had been dreading for a year, talismanic captain Thierry Henry left for Barcelona while Ljumberg also left for West Ham. Yet Arsenal lost the premiership title with only a few games to go and ended in 3rd position.
Without Hleb, Flamini and Gilberto last season Arsenal were semi finalists in both the FA cup and Champions League and finished 4th in the premiership.
This summer, with only one addition, two players already gone and probably more has brought out the Cassandra’s of this world.
The only person whose absence will mar the club is Arsene Wenger, himself. He knows the club inside out and being an economist, he is a man with the air of an accountant, the dress sense of a senior civil servant and a modern business man.
Wenger's technique, character, appetite and masterpiece of the round leather game is second to none. In almost 13 years at Arsenal, he has transformed the club, created a string of superlative teams, built a glittering stadium and helped to transform the stagnant conservatism of English football.
Though Arsene knows to his bones that the game is all about glory he will never spend big to achieve it.
There are two reasons why Wenger is building his team this way. One is that he loves developing youngsters. And the second is that he hates spending money. It is not in his nature.
For those that believe Arsene Wenger's young guns will not propel Arsenal to the top four this season should wait a little.
The Gunners will be challenging for titles on all four fronts.
"Arsene knows" is a phrase that will resurface with a vengeance once more.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Video highlights and player ratings: Arsenal Vs Haladas
By 1970’s Gooner
Mannone: Did not have many things of note to do. Fluffed his clearance after a bad back pass from Ramsey when he should have kicked the ball out of his area with his left rather than the right foot. But he came out forcefully to clear a through ball. 6
Szczesny: One bad clearance when he should have stayed in his area but two very good saves, one from a free kick and the other from close range. 7
Eboue: one of the worst players in the first half. Hardly played a ball to an Arsenal player. If we can really get 8m for him then grab it and run I say. 4
Sagna: Quiet game but without mistakes. 6
Traore: Fantastic going forward, lousy in defending. Reminds me of Clichy and Ashley Cole in their earlier days where they were excellent going forward but their defensive positioning was lousy. They all had to use their pace to salvage the situation.
Cole and Clichy have turned out excellent defenders and so will Traore but how will Wenger satisfy all three current Arsenal left backs? 7
Silvestre: I am worried about his pace. This did not show today due to the opposition. 6
Toure: Still needs games to get into shape. Some clearances were shaky. 6
Djourou: Has to watch his positioning. 6
Gallas: Solid with a few very good tackles. The decision against him for the penalty was way too harsh. 7
Vermaelen: I liked his positional sense and the cultured left foot he has. He defended and also distributed well. 7
Denilson: Started every friendly game so far. I hope it is not a sign of things to come..Was, along with Ramsey, overran during the first 15 minutes when the opponents dominated. Perked up later. 6
Ramsey: One of his worst games so far. Hardly able to keep the ball or pass it to a team mate. 5
Song: Solid and getting better with his distribution. 7
Senderos: Again started in defensive midfield. Did well but I fear against Premier League opposition he will be giving too many fouls away as his lack of pace will be letting him down. This is not his position of course. 6
Wilshere: Lost on the left wing in the first half but when moved into the play makers position came into the for. This is his natural position and it is up to Wenger to decide whether to trust him there so early on in his career (like Fabregas) or bide his time. He missed two chances to score by trying to be too clever. 5
Bendtner: Increasingly looks the part. Scored two well taken goals and generally his overall play was very professional. This may be a very significant season for him and for Arsenal. I am expecting that he will rise up to fill Adebayor’s gap as I think that Wenger will not buy… 9
Eduardo: Scored two well taken goals. He is a clinical finisher and if he stays fit then he will score goals for us this season. 8
Arshavin: Was not up to his usual high standard today. Couldn’t hold the ball well nor pass it accurately. 5
Van Persie: had an average game but scored a superb penalty. 6
Man of the Match: Nicklas Bendtner
Mannone: Did not have many things of note to do. Fluffed his clearance after a bad back pass from Ramsey when he should have kicked the ball out of his area with his left rather than the right foot. But he came out forcefully to clear a through ball. 6
Szczesny: One bad clearance when he should have stayed in his area but two very good saves, one from a free kick and the other from close range. 7
Eboue: one of the worst players in the first half. Hardly played a ball to an Arsenal player. If we can really get 8m for him then grab it and run I say. 4
Sagna: Quiet game but without mistakes. 6
Traore: Fantastic going forward, lousy in defending. Reminds me of Clichy and Ashley Cole in their earlier days where they were excellent going forward but their defensive positioning was lousy. They all had to use their pace to salvage the situation.
Cole and Clichy have turned out excellent defenders and so will Traore but how will Wenger satisfy all three current Arsenal left backs? 7
Silvestre: I am worried about his pace. This did not show today due to the opposition. 6
Toure: Still needs games to get into shape. Some clearances were shaky. 6
Djourou: Has to watch his positioning. 6
Gallas: Solid with a few very good tackles. The decision against him for the penalty was way too harsh. 7
Vermaelen: I liked his positional sense and the cultured left foot he has. He defended and also distributed well. 7
Denilson: Started every friendly game so far. I hope it is not a sign of things to come..Was, along with Ramsey, overran during the first 15 minutes when the opponents dominated. Perked up later. 6
Ramsey: One of his worst games so far. Hardly able to keep the ball or pass it to a team mate. 5
Song: Solid and getting better with his distribution. 7
Senderos: Again started in defensive midfield. Did well but I fear against Premier League opposition he will be giving too many fouls away as his lack of pace will be letting him down. This is not his position of course. 6
Wilshere: Lost on the left wing in the first half but when moved into the play makers position came into the for. This is his natural position and it is up to Wenger to decide whether to trust him there so early on in his career (like Fabregas) or bide his time. He missed two chances to score by trying to be too clever. 5
Bendtner: Increasingly looks the part. Scored two well taken goals and generally his overall play was very professional. This may be a very significant season for him and for Arsenal. I am expecting that he will rise up to fill Adebayor’s gap as I think that Wenger will not buy… 9
Eduardo: Scored two well taken goals. He is a clinical finisher and if he stays fit then he will score goals for us this season. 8
Arshavin: Was not up to his usual high standard today. Couldn’t hold the ball well nor pass it accurately. 5
Van Persie: had an average game but scored a superb penalty. 6
Man of the Match: Nicklas Bendtner
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Arsenal target Melo scores a beautiful goal for Brazil (video)
By Aries
Arsenal target Felipe Melo put Brazil one up against the USA in the Confederations Cup being held in South Africa. The final score was 3-0 to Brazil.
He scored a powerful header from close range after a free kick in the seventh minute and Robinho made it 2-0 in the 20th, completing a counter attack that began when DaMarcus Beasley fumbled a short corner kick. Maicon added the third goal in the 62nd.
You can watch Melo's goal on the video screen above.
If he can score these type of goals for Arsenal then we are onto a good thing here.
Arsenal target Felipe Melo put Brazil one up against the USA in the Confederations Cup being held in South Africa. The final score was 3-0 to Brazil.
He scored a powerful header from close range after a free kick in the seventh minute and Robinho made it 2-0 in the 20th, completing a counter attack that began when DaMarcus Beasley fumbled a short corner kick. Maicon added the third goal in the 62nd.
You can watch Melo's goal on the video screen above.
If he can score these type of goals for Arsenal then we are onto a good thing here.
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