By 1970’s Gooner
We have seen it all seen it before.
During the pre season Arsene signs a few unknown, usually French or French speaking, players with immense potential.
During their debut season, they show that they are stars in the making but unfortunately the whole team implodes when the business part of the season descends upon them.
I say the whole team because the rest of the players are mostly all foreign and young.
And as soon as one of the players reaches maturity and actually achieves that star status that was predicted he wants off because he realises that he will probably miss out during his prime years on those trophies and titles that he feels he richly deserves.
Fabregas and Nasri this year, van Persie will be next and Wilshere in a few years time.
We also all know as well that what is needed for this squad to achieve anything is not only height as Mr Wenger seems to believe but British height and British experience. And these I feel are the important parts of the missing jigsaw.
This is an English League and it is played in a slightly different way than on the continent. This is very evident in defence. You need a goalie who will be comfortable in coming for crosses especially from dead ball situations.
Equally you need defenders who can get physical if required as well as deal with the high balls into the box. Sadly we have been missing all these.
Midfielders too, both central and wide. They need to be tenacious in their tackling as well as be prepared to track back and help their full backs. Something that Nasri and Arshavin often failed to do last season.
Brad Friedel is American but he has been playing in the Premier League for the last decade. His goalkeeping skills have been twigged to fit in and respond to the rigours of the highly demanding Premier league.
Would not Sczezny benefit alongside a so experienced goalie as Friedel? Who being 40 would provide the experience, maturity and stability that a young goalie surely needs.
Yet it is Redknap who has snapped him up not Arsene Wenger.
This looks like another gross error that was committed a few years back when Edwin van de Sar was available and willing to join Arsenal from Fulham on a free!!!!
That was in 2005. we haven’t won anything since 2005.
In midfield Scott Parker looks to be on his way to Tottenham rather than Arsenal. Granted he is 30 but he has a few years left in him. Enough to provide that British steel that we need in our midfield.
Yet once again Redknap is stealing a march on us.
Our patience is running out. It is obvious what Arsenal need to make that step forward.
But it is Redknap who is doing all the deals that Arsene Wenger should be….
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Monday, June 06, 2011
Why is Redknap doing all the deals that Wenger should be?
By 1970’s Gooner
We have seen it all seen it before.
During the pre season Arsene signs a few unknown, usually French or French speaking, players with immense potential.
During their debut season, they show that they are stars in the making but unfortunately the whole team implodes when the business part of the season descends upon them.
I say the whole team because the rest of the players are mostly all foreign and young.
And as soon as one of the players reaches maturity and actually achieves that star status that was predicted he wants off because he realises that he will probably miss out during his prime years on those trophies and titles that he feels he richly deserves.
Fabregas and Nasri this year, van Persie will be next and Wilshere in a few years time.
We also all know as well that what is needed for this squad to achieve anything is not only height as Mr Wenger seems to believe but British height and British experience. And these I feel are the important parts of the missing jigsaw.
This is an English League and it is played in a slightly different way than on the continent. This is very evident in defence. You need a goalie who will be comfortable in coming for crosses especially from dead ball situations.
Equally you need defenders who can get physical if required as well as deal with the high balls into the box. Sadly we have been missing all these.
Midfielders too, both central and wide. They need to be tenacious in their tackling as well as be prepared to track back and help their full backs. Something that Nasri and Arshavin often failed to do last season.
Brad Friedel is American but he has been playing in the Premier League for the last decade. His goalkeeping skills have been twigged to fit in and respond to the rigours of the highly demanding Premier league.
Would not Sczezny benefit alongside a so experienced goalie as Friedel? Who being 40 would provide the experience, maturity and stability that a young goalie surely needs.
Yet it is Redknap who has snapped him up not Arsene Wenger.
This looks like another gross error that was committed a few years back when Edwin van de Sar was available and willing to join Arsenal from Fulham on a free!!!!
That was in 2005. we haven’t won anything since 2005.
In midfield Scott Parker looks to be on his way to Tottenham rather than Arsenal. Granted he is 30 but he has a few years left in him. Enough to provide that British steel that we need in our midfield.
Yet once again Redknap is stealing a march on us.
Our patience is running out. It is obvious what Arsenal need to make that step forward.
But it is Redknap who is doing all the deals that Arsene Wenger should be….
We have seen it all seen it before.
During the pre season Arsene signs a few unknown, usually French or French speaking, players with immense potential.
During their debut season, they show that they are stars in the making but unfortunately the whole team implodes when the business part of the season descends upon them.
I say the whole team because the rest of the players are mostly all foreign and young.
And as soon as one of the players reaches maturity and actually achieves that star status that was predicted he wants off because he realises that he will probably miss out during his prime years on those trophies and titles that he feels he richly deserves.
Fabregas and Nasri this year, van Persie will be next and Wilshere in a few years time.
We also all know as well that what is needed for this squad to achieve anything is not only height as Mr Wenger seems to believe but British height and British experience. And these I feel are the important parts of the missing jigsaw.
This is an English League and it is played in a slightly different way than on the continent. This is very evident in defence. You need a goalie who will be comfortable in coming for crosses especially from dead ball situations.
Equally you need defenders who can get physical if required as well as deal with the high balls into the box. Sadly we have been missing all these.
Midfielders too, both central and wide. They need to be tenacious in their tackling as well as be prepared to track back and help their full backs. Something that Nasri and Arshavin often failed to do last season.
Brad Friedel is American but he has been playing in the Premier League for the last decade. His goalkeeping skills have been twigged to fit in and respond to the rigours of the highly demanding Premier league.
Would not Sczezny benefit alongside a so experienced goalie as Friedel? Who being 40 would provide the experience, maturity and stability that a young goalie surely needs.
Yet it is Redknap who has snapped him up not Arsene Wenger.
This looks like another gross error that was committed a few years back when Edwin van de Sar was available and willing to join Arsenal from Fulham on a free!!!!
That was in 2005. we haven’t won anything since 2005.
In midfield Scott Parker looks to be on his way to Tottenham rather than Arsenal. Granted he is 30 but he has a few years left in him. Enough to provide that British steel that we need in our midfield.
Yet once again Redknap is stealing a march on us.
Our patience is running out. It is obvious what Arsenal need to make that step forward.
But it is Redknap who is doing all the deals that Arsene Wenger should be….
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Really Wenger has only himself to blame
By 1970’s Gooner
Arsene Wenger put out a weakened team against Wigan away right after that ground breaking win against Chelsea at the Emirates. The result was a draw after Squillaci put through his own net.
Instead of playing his strongest team in order to capitalise on that marvelous win against one of the big four and keep the pressure on Manchester United he underestimated the opponents and dropped two very valuable points.
This game at the Hawthorns was equally badly judged. It came after a horrendous three or so weeks where we failed to beat Sunderland at home, gave that goal to Birmingham to lose the Carling Cup final and capitulated to a rampant Barcelona with no shots on goal (even when one of our players attempted one he got sent off for it).
Again his selections for that game which included two unfit players returning from injuries contributed to that dismal performance, the worst performance by an Arsenan team under Wenger (the second worse was the FA Cup final win against Manchester United in 2005).
In all honesty a win at West Brom would have restored the very badly shaken moral that has been so obvious recently among the young Arsenal players. So one would have thought the manager would have played his strongest team.
But what does he do? He starts in the heart of our midfield with Aaron Ramsey. Aaron Ramsey who has been out of Premier League action for 9 or so months and who only had handful of games for Notts Forest and Cardiff!
Don’t get me wrong. Ramsey is an exceptional talent but to expect a 19 year old together with Wilshere, another 19 year old alongside a rusty, unreliable Denilson, (another youngster) to run your midfield in an away ground where your opponents are fighting for their survival with a hostile crowd behind them is amazingly incredulous and stretching our patience to the out most reaches of our ever diminishing universe of hope.
And who made the mistake for the first goal? Ramsey not being match fit jumped before the ball arrived from the corner. Almunia failed to come for it and we are one nil down.
Ramsey was ineffective throughout, could not make an impact and missed the easiest of opportunities to equalize. Enough said about him, it wasn’t his fault he was picked to start.
Denilson was abysmall. He has been pretty awful every time he played this season. Why on earth did he start with him? Get Eboue in there and bring Nasri in the middle to provide the creativity that Cesc will eventually bring when he returns. And start with Bendtner on the wing from the beginning for Christ’s sake.
All is not lost yet.
The international break is coming to our aid, fortunately. Cesc and Walcott are due to return and Djourou and Cszesney will get closer to their comebacks.
Manchester United will drop points that’s for sure. They are not playing well and their coming titanic battles with Chelsea are bound to weaken them.
But Wenger has to get his act together. Get some moral back to the players for f****s sake.
And PICK THE RIGHT TEAM
Arsene Wenger put out a weakened team against Wigan away right after that ground breaking win against Chelsea at the Emirates. The result was a draw after Squillaci put through his own net.
Instead of playing his strongest team in order to capitalise on that marvelous win against one of the big four and keep the pressure on Manchester United he underestimated the opponents and dropped two very valuable points.
This game at the Hawthorns was equally badly judged. It came after a horrendous three or so weeks where we failed to beat Sunderland at home, gave that goal to Birmingham to lose the Carling Cup final and capitulated to a rampant Barcelona with no shots on goal (even when one of our players attempted one he got sent off for it).
Again his selections for that game which included two unfit players returning from injuries contributed to that dismal performance, the worst performance by an Arsenan team under Wenger (the second worse was the FA Cup final win against Manchester United in 2005).
In all honesty a win at West Brom would have restored the very badly shaken moral that has been so obvious recently among the young Arsenal players. So one would have thought the manager would have played his strongest team.
But what does he do? He starts in the heart of our midfield with Aaron Ramsey. Aaron Ramsey who has been out of Premier League action for 9 or so months and who only had handful of games for Notts Forest and Cardiff!
Don’t get me wrong. Ramsey is an exceptional talent but to expect a 19 year old together with Wilshere, another 19 year old alongside a rusty, unreliable Denilson, (another youngster) to run your midfield in an away ground where your opponents are fighting for their survival with a hostile crowd behind them is amazingly incredulous and stretching our patience to the out most reaches of our ever diminishing universe of hope.
And who made the mistake for the first goal? Ramsey not being match fit jumped before the ball arrived from the corner. Almunia failed to come for it and we are one nil down.
Ramsey was ineffective throughout, could not make an impact and missed the easiest of opportunities to equalize. Enough said about him, it wasn’t his fault he was picked to start.
Denilson was abysmall. He has been pretty awful every time he played this season. Why on earth did he start with him? Get Eboue in there and bring Nasri in the middle to provide the creativity that Cesc will eventually bring when he returns. And start with Bendtner on the wing from the beginning for Christ’s sake.
All is not lost yet.
The international break is coming to our aid, fortunately. Cesc and Walcott are due to return and Djourou and Cszesney will get closer to their comebacks.
Manchester United will drop points that’s for sure. They are not playing well and their coming titanic battles with Chelsea are bound to weaken them.
But Wenger has to get his act together. Get some moral back to the players for f****s sake.
And PICK THE RIGHT TEAM
Sunday, March 13, 2011
An open letter to the Arsenal players
By 1970’s Gooner
It was I think Harold Wilson, the Labour leader and Prime Minister back in the 60’s and 70’s that coined the phrase: “A week is a long time in politics”. And the same is so very true of the world of football.
You’ve all had a very difficult 15 days. The last minute defeat in the Carling Cup Final, Champions League elimination and now the defeat at Manchester United in the FA Cup.
The only game where one can say that you were truly beaten was at the hands of the best team in the world, Barcelona.
A team that you matched and beat at the Emirates in that epic first leg. A victory that made everyone all over the globe put Arsenal Football Club up there as one of the best teams in the world.
And in my opinion if Fabregas and van Persie were fit for the return leg it would have been a different story…
Do you think that Manchester United or Chelsea would have escaped the Neu Camp without a comprehensive drubbing? They would have certainly been handed a severe beating.
Your performance at Old Trafford suffered due to low moral and fatigue, coming so soon after the game at Barcelona.
Yet without playing at your best you still created enough chances to have won the game. It’s no coincidence that man of the match was Edwin van der Sar! If it weren’t for his fantastic saves a different story would have unfolded.
You now have an opportunity to write history for Arsenal Football Club. Only three points behind in the League and with one game in hand.
You have a week to rest your weary legs and more significantly, your souls.
Regroup, dust yourselves off and get going again. You owe it to Arsenal Football Club, the manager, the fans and to your selves.
Manchester United are still involved in the FA Cup and the Champions League and their long list of fixtures are bound to take their toll.
The League title is there for the taking. Win the next game at West Brom and the title race is back on again. The last 15 days will then be forgotten.
And you will then come to realise that “a week is a very long time in football”
It was I think Harold Wilson, the Labour leader and Prime Minister back in the 60’s and 70’s that coined the phrase: “A week is a long time in politics”. And the same is so very true of the world of football.
You’ve all had a very difficult 15 days. The last minute defeat in the Carling Cup Final, Champions League elimination and now the defeat at Manchester United in the FA Cup.
The only game where one can say that you were truly beaten was at the hands of the best team in the world, Barcelona.
A team that you matched and beat at the Emirates in that epic first leg. A victory that made everyone all over the globe put Arsenal Football Club up there as one of the best teams in the world.
And in my opinion if Fabregas and van Persie were fit for the return leg it would have been a different story…
Do you think that Manchester United or Chelsea would have escaped the Neu Camp without a comprehensive drubbing? They would have certainly been handed a severe beating.
Your performance at Old Trafford suffered due to low moral and fatigue, coming so soon after the game at Barcelona.
Yet without playing at your best you still created enough chances to have won the game. It’s no coincidence that man of the match was Edwin van der Sar! If it weren’t for his fantastic saves a different story would have unfolded.
You now have an opportunity to write history for Arsenal Football Club. Only three points behind in the League and with one game in hand.
You have a week to rest your weary legs and more significantly, your souls.
Regroup, dust yourselves off and get going again. You owe it to Arsenal Football Club, the manager, the fans and to your selves.
Manchester United are still involved in the FA Cup and the Champions League and their long list of fixtures are bound to take their toll.
The League title is there for the taking. Win the next game at West Brom and the title race is back on again. The last 15 days will then be forgotten.
And you will then come to realise that “a week is a very long time in football”
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Wenger’s choices prove him wrong at Barca
By 1970’s Gooner
Granted, the Barcelona we saw last night were from another planet. But Arsene Wenger’s choices of personnel were proved ill advised and aggravated what was already a very difficult football game for Arsenal.
Firstly to play Fabregas and van Persie when both were so obviously unfit substantially reduced the effectiveness of the whole team.
Cesc who tweaked his hamstring again was unable to offer that important outlet from defence to attack. He could not hold the ball at all nor find van Persie or even Nasri up front.
This meant that young Wilshere was left pretty much alone to carry out this function something he performed admirably under very difficult conditions. This boy will be a truly world class player in a few years.
Van Persie was another disappointment. He was unable to hold the ball in the few occasions he was provided it. He also lost his cool, probably out of frustration, and got booked which eventually led to his crazy dismissal.
And if this wasn’t enough the decision to start with Rosicky was also wrong in my opinion. He has been below par all this season and was unable to provide adequate defensive cover for Sagna nor an outlet for Sagna to pass the ball to.
The absence of Walcott proved a major weakness for Arsenal. Not only Rosicky proved inadequate but the very significant outlet of chipping the ball over the Barca hunting packs to the speed machine that is Walcott was not available.
This had troubled them in the previous encounters between the two teams and also relieved the defence of the continuous pressure that they found themselves. Alas this was not available.
Better to have played Bendtner there who has the physical presence to hold off opponents and to physically defend the space. He would have been much more effective than Rosicky.
I was impressed once again, though, by Djourou and Koscienly. They are both improving game by game and under difficult circumstances performed quite well. I don’t think that we need to buy any more central defenders especially with a fit Vermaelen around.
I don’t mind the defeat. It’s the manner with which this came about. I need say no more.
The important thing is that moral has to be restored and quickly because the Premier League title is there for the taking. Can the players find the mental strength to do it?
It’s up to you Mr Wenger.
Granted, the Barcelona we saw last night were from another planet. But Arsene Wenger’s choices of personnel were proved ill advised and aggravated what was already a very difficult football game for Arsenal.
Firstly to play Fabregas and van Persie when both were so obviously unfit substantially reduced the effectiveness of the whole team.
Cesc who tweaked his hamstring again was unable to offer that important outlet from defence to attack. He could not hold the ball at all nor find van Persie or even Nasri up front.
This meant that young Wilshere was left pretty much alone to carry out this function something he performed admirably under very difficult conditions. This boy will be a truly world class player in a few years.
Van Persie was another disappointment. He was unable to hold the ball in the few occasions he was provided it. He also lost his cool, probably out of frustration, and got booked which eventually led to his crazy dismissal.
And if this wasn’t enough the decision to start with Rosicky was also wrong in my opinion. He has been below par all this season and was unable to provide adequate defensive cover for Sagna nor an outlet for Sagna to pass the ball to.
The absence of Walcott proved a major weakness for Arsenal. Not only Rosicky proved inadequate but the very significant outlet of chipping the ball over the Barca hunting packs to the speed machine that is Walcott was not available.
This had troubled them in the previous encounters between the two teams and also relieved the defence of the continuous pressure that they found themselves. Alas this was not available.
Better to have played Bendtner there who has the physical presence to hold off opponents and to physically defend the space. He would have been much more effective than Rosicky.
I was impressed once again, though, by Djourou and Koscienly. They are both improving game by game and under difficult circumstances performed quite well. I don’t think that we need to buy any more central defenders especially with a fit Vermaelen around.
I don’t mind the defeat. It’s the manner with which this came about. I need say no more.
The important thing is that moral has to be restored and quickly because the Premier League title is there for the taking. Can the players find the mental strength to do it?
It’s up to you Mr Wenger.
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Player analysis and ratings Vs Birmingham
By 1970’s Gooner
In the end it was a much easier win than any one could have imagined. As I wrote prior to the match we needed to score more than one goal and/or play Djourou. Both happened and it was a pleasure to be able to really enjoy an Arsenal game with both feet up without getting too nervous.
I feel so much secure when Djourou is in the starting eleven. I have been going on about him, I know, but I do really feel that he has been a revelation this year. He is big, tall and is defending very well. When Vermaelen returns they will be a perfect partnership which will provide the defensive security which can propel us to the title.
Fabiansky is slowly but surely becoming a pair of safe hands. His shot stopping has always been good but now he is learning to deal with the high balls and this is even more pleasing. Examples of both were in evidence against Brum. 8
Sagna
Had a solid game combining with Walcott very well. His crosses however need improving as very few made it beyond the first defender. 6
Clichy
A good defensive and attacking display today. He often got forward putting some very good crosses. 7
Djourou
Excellent. See above. 9
Koscienly
Had a good game without mistakes. He is a no nonsense defender who is not afraid to boot the ball out to row Z if he has to and I like that. I think he will grow much better when he gets more used to the Premier League. 6
Wilshere
I keep saying to myself “he is only 19 today this boy”. He has blossomed so much its unbelievable. He is mature, skillful but also possesses that British grit and strength. This combination of attributes are pretty rare. Missed a sitter. 7
Fabregas
He is not yet at his top best from a long lay off but even his second best is pretty enough for most teams in this League. He was at the heart of everything good today and had a hand in all three goals. 9
Song
He was dominant in the middle of the park battling it out with Bowyer and Co without too much trouble. He is immense in this Arsenal team providing that defensive cover that we need. And he gets forward too though today he kept more at his defensive duties.8
Nasri
What a player he is turning out to be. Now he is maturing, he is 23, he is so much more effective. He knows when to pass and more importantly when to shoot. What a goal he scored today. By dropping his shoulders he put the defender off balance and then unleashed a shot to Foster’s right hand side. 9
Walcott
He is a much more effective winger this season. He is able to pick his cut backs and his crosses well, something he was not that good at last season. He is also getting among the goals. His pace and trickery, which he has learned to use to good effect, troubled Birmingham’s defenders no end today. 7
Van Persie
He is getting back to match fitness now and the more he does that the more effective he becomes. He needs a few more games to get to his best but like Cesc even at his second best he is a very effective player.
He also combines well with Cesc and Nasri which adds to the overall team built up and performance. Chamakh is more of a front target man whereas van Persie often drops back to get involved in the play.
Scored the free kick (through the gap that Cesc left in the wall) but also missed a few sitters! He will get better as the season progresses which will help the team in the run in for the title. 8
Man of the Match: Cesc Fabregas
In the end it was a much easier win than any one could have imagined. As I wrote prior to the match we needed to score more than one goal and/or play Djourou. Both happened and it was a pleasure to be able to really enjoy an Arsenal game with both feet up without getting too nervous.
I feel so much secure when Djourou is in the starting eleven. I have been going on about him, I know, but I do really feel that he has been a revelation this year. He is big, tall and is defending very well. When Vermaelen returns they will be a perfect partnership which will provide the defensive security which can propel us to the title.
Fabiansky is slowly but surely becoming a pair of safe hands. His shot stopping has always been good but now he is learning to deal with the high balls and this is even more pleasing. Examples of both were in evidence against Brum. 8
Sagna
Had a solid game combining with Walcott very well. His crosses however need improving as very few made it beyond the first defender. 6
Clichy
A good defensive and attacking display today. He often got forward putting some very good crosses. 7
Djourou
Excellent. See above. 9
Koscienly
Had a good game without mistakes. He is a no nonsense defender who is not afraid to boot the ball out to row Z if he has to and I like that. I think he will grow much better when he gets more used to the Premier League. 6
Wilshere
I keep saying to myself “he is only 19 today this boy”. He has blossomed so much its unbelievable. He is mature, skillful but also possesses that British grit and strength. This combination of attributes are pretty rare. Missed a sitter. 7
Fabregas
He is not yet at his top best from a long lay off but even his second best is pretty enough for most teams in this League. He was at the heart of everything good today and had a hand in all three goals. 9
Song
He was dominant in the middle of the park battling it out with Bowyer and Co without too much trouble. He is immense in this Arsenal team providing that defensive cover that we need. And he gets forward too though today he kept more at his defensive duties.8
Nasri
What a player he is turning out to be. Now he is maturing, he is 23, he is so much more effective. He knows when to pass and more importantly when to shoot. What a goal he scored today. By dropping his shoulders he put the defender off balance and then unleashed a shot to Foster’s right hand side. 9
Walcott
He is a much more effective winger this season. He is able to pick his cut backs and his crosses well, something he was not that good at last season. He is also getting among the goals. His pace and trickery, which he has learned to use to good effect, troubled Birmingham’s defenders no end today. 7
Van Persie
He is getting back to match fitness now and the more he does that the more effective he becomes. He needs a few more games to get to his best but like Cesc even at his second best he is a very effective player.
He also combines well with Cesc and Nasri which adds to the overall team built up and performance. Chamakh is more of a front target man whereas van Persie often drops back to get involved in the play.
Scored the free kick (through the gap that Cesc left in the wall) but also missed a few sitters! He will get better as the season progresses which will help the team in the run in for the title. 8
Man of the Match: Cesc Fabregas
Friday, December 31, 2010
Can Arsenal’s defence survive the last 10 minutes at Birmingham?
By 1970’s Gooner
We have seen it often enough especially at away games. We dominate the game, miss a lot of chances, score and then we think that it will be enough to win the game. This gets dangerous when we score the goal(s) in the first half as we tend to slack off and just try to play a neutral game.
A recent example of course was at Wigan where we came out in the second half thinking that the game was won. It also happened against Tottenham and at Sunderland if you remember.
And I believe the probability of it happening again against Birmingham tomorrow is high. I can see us playing our usual game and scoring. But Birmingham have a good record when coming from behind as they showed against Manchester United and Tottenham.
They have two ingredients that allow them to be successful at this.
The first is that they have players who are gritty and determined, fighting till the last whistle. The second is that they have Zigic who, as he did against Man Utd, can come on the later stages of the game and use his aerial power to good effect.
And we have seen how awful we are defensively in the high ball game.
That is why I am posing the question in the title above. Can we hold out in the last 10 minutes?
We can improve our chances of succeeding in two ways. One is to be ahead by two more goals than the opposition.
The other is to play Djourou.
We have seen it often enough especially at away games. We dominate the game, miss a lot of chances, score and then we think that it will be enough to win the game. This gets dangerous when we score the goal(s) in the first half as we tend to slack off and just try to play a neutral game.
A recent example of course was at Wigan where we came out in the second half thinking that the game was won. It also happened against Tottenham and at Sunderland if you remember.
And I believe the probability of it happening again against Birmingham tomorrow is high. I can see us playing our usual game and scoring. But Birmingham have a good record when coming from behind as they showed against Manchester United and Tottenham.
They have two ingredients that allow them to be successful at this.
The first is that they have players who are gritty and determined, fighting till the last whistle. The second is that they have Zigic who, as he did against Man Utd, can come on the later stages of the game and use his aerial power to good effect.
And we have seen how awful we are defensively in the high ball game.
That is why I am posing the question in the title above. Can we hold out in the last 10 minutes?
We can improve our chances of succeeding in two ways. One is to be ahead by two more goals than the opposition.
The other is to play Djourou.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wenger priming his stars for a sprint run in
By 1970’s Gooner
All is not lost yet. We were very close to the three points which would have been achieved with our second 11 and then everybody would have been praising our “strength in depth”.
But we were done by a combination of bad refereeing, too many changes and defensive lapses.
The referee gave Wigan a non existent penalty as there was no contact on the player who in any case was clearly outside the area! And to top it all a clear handball from Nasri’s free kick inside the area was completely ignored. Sickening really when you consider that Fabregas’s similar handball was punished.
But I feel the real reason for dropping the two points were the many changes made by Wenger. Most of the players looked rusty and could not play together as a unit. Just like the away games at Shacktar Donetsk and Braga.
Wenger should have made changes to rest players but not as many. In my opinion Djourou should be starting every game even if there are two days between games. I don’t think he would have scored that own goal….You don’t see Ferguson resting Vidic and Ferdinand too often do you?
Arshavin had a big impact on the game but he is useless defending and tracking back. Eboue needed that support but he often was no where to be seen.
Diaby, Denilson and Rosicky found it difficult to jell.
Wenger should have kept the spine of the team intact. Fabianski, yes. Djourou in the centre of the defense. Song in the middle of the park to provide strength and penetration and van Persie in attack.
Wigan would have had no chance with these players starting.
Still Wenger knows that we are only half way through yet. There is a long way to go and his aim is to prime his key players so that they are fresh enough to be able to put in a sprint on the run in.
Manchester United are not really playing that well this season. They are certainly not playing better than us.
Chelsea are struggling to find form and I don’t see them putting in a run to catch up the lost ground. They will drop more points as they find that their narrow home win against Bolton proves to be a false dawn.
Manchester City are blowing hot and cold and they don’t look capable to put in a consistent run.
And don’t forget we have home games to come against the Manchester teams.
Arsenal though can do it. We have most of our key players back (van Persie, Fabregas and Walcott) and when Vermaelen returns (to play alongside Djourou) no one will be able to catch us.
And this draw at Wigan would be long forgotten….
All is not lost yet. We were very close to the three points which would have been achieved with our second 11 and then everybody would have been praising our “strength in depth”.
But we were done by a combination of bad refereeing, too many changes and defensive lapses.
The referee gave Wigan a non existent penalty as there was no contact on the player who in any case was clearly outside the area! And to top it all a clear handball from Nasri’s free kick inside the area was completely ignored. Sickening really when you consider that Fabregas’s similar handball was punished.
But I feel the real reason for dropping the two points were the many changes made by Wenger. Most of the players looked rusty and could not play together as a unit. Just like the away games at Shacktar Donetsk and Braga.
Wenger should have made changes to rest players but not as many. In my opinion Djourou should be starting every game even if there are two days between games. I don’t think he would have scored that own goal….You don’t see Ferguson resting Vidic and Ferdinand too often do you?
Arshavin had a big impact on the game but he is useless defending and tracking back. Eboue needed that support but he often was no where to be seen.
Diaby, Denilson and Rosicky found it difficult to jell.
Wenger should have kept the spine of the team intact. Fabianski, yes. Djourou in the centre of the defense. Song in the middle of the park to provide strength and penetration and van Persie in attack.
Wigan would have had no chance with these players starting.
Still Wenger knows that we are only half way through yet. There is a long way to go and his aim is to prime his key players so that they are fresh enough to be able to put in a sprint on the run in.
Manchester United are not really playing that well this season. They are certainly not playing better than us.
Chelsea are struggling to find form and I don’t see them putting in a run to catch up the lost ground. They will drop more points as they find that their narrow home win against Bolton proves to be a false dawn.
Manchester City are blowing hot and cold and they don’t look capable to put in a consistent run.
And don’t forget we have home games to come against the Manchester teams.
Arsenal though can do it. We have most of our key players back (van Persie, Fabregas and Walcott) and when Vermaelen returns (to play alongside Djourou) no one will be able to catch us.
And this draw at Wigan would be long forgotten….
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Three reasons why Arsenal’s title chances are still alive and kicking
By 1970’s Gooner
Yes it was a dreadful performance. A performance that was littered with mistakes, inaccurate passing but above all not enough mental strength to counteract a difficult opponent on his own ground.
Chamach looked tired, Arshavin only lasted a half and Nasri was lost on the wing. Rosicky had his most ineffectual game and Wilshere kept making mistakes. The defence especially our full backs did well and on the whole Squillacy and Konscienly played much better than I thought they would.
But as is often the case we need to score at least two goals to win a game and sadly we were awful in that respect.
We lacked a leader in midfield to take the initiative and when Nasri drifted in the middle in the second half we looked more in control. But our “impact substitutes” of Fabregas, van Persie and Walcott added nothing in attack and so the game drifted to a sad end.
Let’s not duel too much on this defeat. We can and I predict we will put in a new run of wins together like we did after the Chelsea defeat to be genuine challengers. Some of you may be having severe doubts about our title potential but please consider the following:
1. Our current table position has been achieved without three very significant first team players
Fabregas (from the beginning of the season and also recently), van Persie (from the beginning of the season) and Vermaelen (for about the last three months).
I think that if all three were fit enough to start the game against Man Utd we would not have lost the game and judging by Utd’s average display we most probably have won it.
As these players are coming back to fitness I expect that we will soon be a team full of quality, creativeness and defensive stability.
2. We have played the other three major title contenders away already
Please take note of this. We will be facing Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City at home (I don’t consider Spurs as having the stamina and consistency to last the course).
And I believe we can beat them all. None of them are playing particularly well but more importantly we will be playing them with our full compliment of players. And when we do that we have every chance of winning those games .
3. We have found a pair of safe hands!
Bye bye Almunia thank you for your services. In young Szczesny and Fabianski we now have a pair of sound goalkeepers who we feel we can trust to keep us in games by making vital saves, like Szczesny did last night.
So stop the gloom and doom please. This team ain’t finished yet…..
Yes it was a dreadful performance. A performance that was littered with mistakes, inaccurate passing but above all not enough mental strength to counteract a difficult opponent on his own ground.
Chamach looked tired, Arshavin only lasted a half and Nasri was lost on the wing. Rosicky had his most ineffectual game and Wilshere kept making mistakes. The defence especially our full backs did well and on the whole Squillacy and Konscienly played much better than I thought they would.
But as is often the case we need to score at least two goals to win a game and sadly we were awful in that respect.
We lacked a leader in midfield to take the initiative and when Nasri drifted in the middle in the second half we looked more in control. But our “impact substitutes” of Fabregas, van Persie and Walcott added nothing in attack and so the game drifted to a sad end.
Let’s not duel too much on this defeat. We can and I predict we will put in a new run of wins together like we did after the Chelsea defeat to be genuine challengers. Some of you may be having severe doubts about our title potential but please consider the following:
1. Our current table position has been achieved without three very significant first team players
Fabregas (from the beginning of the season and also recently), van Persie (from the beginning of the season) and Vermaelen (for about the last three months).
I think that if all three were fit enough to start the game against Man Utd we would not have lost the game and judging by Utd’s average display we most probably have won it.
As these players are coming back to fitness I expect that we will soon be a team full of quality, creativeness and defensive stability.
2. We have played the other three major title contenders away already
Please take note of this. We will be facing Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City at home (I don’t consider Spurs as having the stamina and consistency to last the course).
And I believe we can beat them all. None of them are playing particularly well but more importantly we will be playing them with our full compliment of players. And when we do that we have every chance of winning those games .
3. We have found a pair of safe hands!
Bye bye Almunia thank you for your services. In young Szczesny and Fabianski we now have a pair of sound goalkeepers who we feel we can trust to keep us in games by making vital saves, like Szczesny did last night.
So stop the gloom and doom please. This team ain’t finished yet…..
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Player analysis and ratings Vs Villa
By 1970’s Gooner
Another nail biting game for us poor Arsenal supporters. It felt that Villa where going to do to us what Spurs managed last week. And Villa were a far worse team than Spurs. They were awful in the first half and it was our own profligacy and sluggishness in front of goal that kept the score at 2- 0.
If it wasn’t for an outstanding Arshavin we would have gone in at 0-0. But he took his goal very well and then Nasri managed to score a difficult goal after missing an open goal a few minutes before.
Our defending was again poor and we allowed them to score two goals and get back in the game. If it were Manchester United going into a two goal lead the game would have finished 7-1….
Fabianski
Did not have much to do and what he did he did well. Could not be faulted for their goals. He was unsighted for the first one and the referee had a shocker of a decision judging Carew as not interfering. Absolute rubbish. 7
Sagna
Had a good game and also provided forward thrust. He is a very consistent and effective defender. 7
Clichy
Played very well and kept Ashley Young mostly quiet unlike in their last encounter when Young had the better of him. Clichy was however returning from a long absence at that time and lots of people forget that. 7
Koscienly
He needs more time to get used to the tempo and long ball tactics of the Premier League. He is not the commanding centre half that we need. He may develop into one but he is not at the moment. 6
Squillaci
At least he has more experience and does not take too many chances as he often decides to whack the ball up field if needed. However both of the Villa goals especially the second one were from players who should never have been allowed to aim for goal. The first came from a weak header out of defence and the second one the scorer was a few yards from goal without anyone near him. 6
Song
As solid as ever. He is reliable and consistent in his performances. The first name on the team sheet. 8
Wilshere
Had a much much better game today than at Braga. What a player he is turning out to be. At such a young age to be able to play with so much maturity and skill is amazing. It’s like watching Fabregas when he started playing for the first team. And what a vital goal he scored. 8
Nasri
What a mature and significant player he is turning out to be for Arsenal Football Club. He can be a play maker a scorer as well as track back and defend. Scored with a marvelous shot on the volley. 8
Arshavin
My man of the match. He was back to his best today, weaving his magic and holding the ball up very well bringing players into the game. Scored the first with a typical run and shot that is his trade mark. I hope that he kicks on from here and has another great season. 9
Rosicky
Had a good game getting involved in a lot of good moves and providing that wonderful Fabregas like through ball to Chamakh for the third goal. He is a more direct midfielder who turns with the ball and dribbles past players which is what we need from midfield. 7
Chamakh
Wenger will have a decision to make when RVP is fit and ready to play. Chamakh had a very good game holding the ball well under pressure, scoring the vital third goal and setting up the fourth. An excellent all round performance. 9
Another nail biting game for us poor Arsenal supporters. It felt that Villa where going to do to us what Spurs managed last week. And Villa were a far worse team than Spurs. They were awful in the first half and it was our own profligacy and sluggishness in front of goal that kept the score at 2- 0.
If it wasn’t for an outstanding Arshavin we would have gone in at 0-0. But he took his goal very well and then Nasri managed to score a difficult goal after missing an open goal a few minutes before.
Our defending was again poor and we allowed them to score two goals and get back in the game. If it were Manchester United going into a two goal lead the game would have finished 7-1….
Fabianski
Did not have much to do and what he did he did well. Could not be faulted for their goals. He was unsighted for the first one and the referee had a shocker of a decision judging Carew as not interfering. Absolute rubbish. 7
Sagna
Had a good game and also provided forward thrust. He is a very consistent and effective defender. 7
Clichy
Played very well and kept Ashley Young mostly quiet unlike in their last encounter when Young had the better of him. Clichy was however returning from a long absence at that time and lots of people forget that. 7
Koscienly
He needs more time to get used to the tempo and long ball tactics of the Premier League. He is not the commanding centre half that we need. He may develop into one but he is not at the moment. 6
Squillaci
At least he has more experience and does not take too many chances as he often decides to whack the ball up field if needed. However both of the Villa goals especially the second one were from players who should never have been allowed to aim for goal. The first came from a weak header out of defence and the second one the scorer was a few yards from goal without anyone near him. 6
Song
As solid as ever. He is reliable and consistent in his performances. The first name on the team sheet. 8
Wilshere
Had a much much better game today than at Braga. What a player he is turning out to be. At such a young age to be able to play with so much maturity and skill is amazing. It’s like watching Fabregas when he started playing for the first team. And what a vital goal he scored. 8
Nasri
What a mature and significant player he is turning out to be for Arsenal Football Club. He can be a play maker a scorer as well as track back and defend. Scored with a marvelous shot on the volley. 8
Arshavin
My man of the match. He was back to his best today, weaving his magic and holding the ball up very well bringing players into the game. Scored the first with a typical run and shot that is his trade mark. I hope that he kicks on from here and has another great season. 9
Rosicky
Had a good game getting involved in a lot of good moves and providing that wonderful Fabregas like through ball to Chamakh for the third goal. He is a more direct midfielder who turns with the ball and dribbles past players which is what we need from midfield. 7
Chamakh
Wenger will have a decision to make when RVP is fit and ready to play. Chamakh had a very good game holding the ball well under pressure, scoring the vital third goal and setting up the fourth. An excellent all round performance. 9
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