Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Finger Ready For The Panic Button

Braga 2 Arsenal 0

I'm angry, but this is definitely a hangover from the disaster on Saturday. The goals were sloppy and it was amazing that we get caught on the counter-attack, at nil-nil, with ten men.

'How is it amazing?,' you say.

Well why is everyone pushing forward when all we need is a draw and we've been reduced to ten men because of Eboue's injury? I mean surely, when you don't 100% need to win with ten men, you should be defending. And it was only a long ball too! And why the fuck is our backline at the halfway line when we don't need to score!?

The Vela yellow card was ludicrous. It was a stonewall penalty and the ref, who was right in front of it, books him for diving. If we get that penalty and convert it the match is over. However that isn't an excuse for what happened after. We needed to be solid and it never looked like happening.

I want to pick out one player for criticism (a rollicking). Nicklas Bendtner bitched and moaned to the media about not getting his place in the team. Then when Wenger picks him, he does nothing. He was shite and looked like a man who has made up his mind on his future. He's a pathetic excuse for a professional footballer if thinks he can walk into this team. I mean, for fucksake, Chamakh came on and did more in twenty minutes than Bendtner did seventy! How can he expect to play in front of a player that actually looks bothered?

Villa away is a match that doesn't necessarily define our season but another defeat would be castastrophic for confidence. There's a lot of work to be done until then though so get cracking Arsene!

Monday, November 22, 2010

You're Killing Us.

It's turning into a bit of a cycle. One minute I start thinking 'we can actually do this', then the team commits the most heinous of sins and loses to the unmentionables.

It's amazing, though, how much ability is there in this group of players, not the forever-tomorrow potential that the Boss loves so much but actual clear-as-day, right-here-right-now ability. Nasri, Fabregas, Arshavin, Van Persie... these are all world-class performers, not legends of the game by any means yet, but players who would make it into any matchday squad in the world. How can these players turn up and capitulate like that to 'them'?

I have an opinion but, like it or not, there is no definitive answer.

This team has developed technically and physically over the past three years. The core group of players Wenger wanted has been kept and these have been supplemented with some astute purchases on the transfer market.

If this were a team of machines, we'd win the league every year. But it isn't, and like all-things human, there's the mental factor as well. And it has weighed this team down for years.

Wenger harps on about it all the time, this 'mental strength' we must show and how he believes the players have it.

No they don't.

That is a lie the Boss tells all the time.

And I call it a lie because there's no way in hell that genius of a man would delude himself into thinking that. He's just protecting his players and I admire him for it, even if it does grind my gears at times.

And in reality, the team collapses. Regularly. It's not something that's going to go away overnight and we'll probably still be talking about it at the end of the season. But mental weakness is taking away from this team's success and if it's not dealt with we'll be stuck in this limbo, between first and fifth, for five more years and I don't want that, I want this team to achieve what it is capable of.

This is Wenger's biggest challenge ever. In the past the mental strength was there with the likes of Adams, Keown, Henry and Vieira. But no one has showed they can provide it in this team. And I don't know who will.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Arsenal Winning Me Over.... And I'm Loving It.

Everton 1 Arsenal 2

This match right here was it. It was a championship-winning performance. 100% of what Arsenal fans deserve. Every single player on the pitch showed what they're made of today.

They showed pride in the great Arsenal jersey. Commitment to the cause. Everything you want from your team.

This is the proudest I've been all season! They really were tremendous. Sagna and Fabregas scored excellent goals. Song was having a nightmare with his passing but he never once stopped running. And Arshavin had one of the hardest-working games of his Arsenal career.

I know what I said about this team not having the fight but two games later I'm singing their praises. Does that make me hypocritical? No it makes me a football fan.

But it is only two games. It's a good response from the team but they could just as easily collapse again. But I believe we can continue this.

C'mon The Arsenal!!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

No Way In Hell.

Arsenal 0 Newcastle 1

That was our worst performance in years. Forget West Brom because we had one player perform on that day. But today, there was no one. And Fabregas lead the shit brigade that was this Arsenal team.

They were useless. Couldn't pass. Couldn't shoot. Couldn't defend. Not one Arsenal player did anything of note in the whole game. Our best moment was Walcott hitting the crossbar from an impossible angle, after that there wasn't one decent chance created.

The goal was an indictment of the Arsenal defense. Fabianski comes out when there is no need and the defenders stare with their tongues out as Carroll jumps unmarked and ploughs the ball into the empty net.

Wenger brought on Arshavin and Van Persie to try and save things but the problems we had couldn't be solved with strikers. Our midfield was a joke. Song and Fabregas gave the ball away time and again. Wilshere, god love him, was physically out of his depth and kept quiet throughout. But the worry at the moment is Fabregas. Last week against West Ham he was poor and today he was even worse. Every pass forward he made was wrong. In truth Wenger should have showed some bottle and taken him off. For anyone. Even Djourou would have made a better go of it. He was truely that bad.

I'm not going to pull the wool over anyone's eyes and say:

'It was only one match.'

'We're still in it.'

We're not, it's over, we're out. Unless Chelsea and Manchester United implode, I mean literally collapse inwards, we will not win the league. The most we'll get is third. And even that will be a struggle if Man City find form.

It's a sad moment in our history. We have a team of players more concerned with their next club or their next international friendly than playing for Arsenal. Our players and Wenger failed us today.

The Toon.

Newcastle will come today with one thing in mind: spoil. I'd be surprised if Andy Caroll is partnered by Ameobi today because Newcastle will leave themselves very open in midfield. So I expect a five-man midfield from them with the likes of Alan Smith and Joey barton asked to 'disrupt' our passing movements.

But, in reality, there isn't much they'll be able to do if we come out and play with full commitment. Fabregas will dominate and the likes of Walcott and Nasri will support him and should rip their backline to shreads.

I say 'should' because there is an uncertainty about how this team will come out and play. In our last two games, we've been average at best and if we don't lift the performances, a long day is in store. But I think with Fabregas back in the side, it's unlikely to happen.

Next on my agenda is the Van Persie call-up. It's a farce and I'm fuming about it. The Dutch coach, Van Marwijk, says he talked to our striker and then decided to call him up. If this is the truth then what the fuck is Van Persie playing at? He's been out for over two months while on our wage-bill and he has the cuntishness to declare himself fit for a pointless friendly. For me, it's the height of disrespect for Arsenal Football Club and he really should know better.

In other news, I read a few headlines about Wenger's 'affair' with some French rapper and that there was a club statement over it. In truth, I don't really care about it. The one thing I would say is that it's a shit excuse for a bad performance today.

I like the sound of 3-0. It's a pretty recurrent scoreline in this fixture and I think Walcott will continue his good run of goalscoring. Chelsea play Liverpool at Anfield today and despite their horrendous form the Scousers might pull one out of the bag. So, by tonight, there could possibly be only two points between us and Chelsea despite their far superior start to the season. Sound!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Gael Gaffe Again In Poor Arsenal Showing.

Shakhtar 2 Arsenal 1

Well we learned a few things in this game. And rather than go through the details of the match, I thought I'd give my thoughts on tonight's team.

First of all, there was no leaders in the team tonight. In the second half, when we were looking for the equaliser, the players' passing was awful. Away from home in the Champions League, the team lacks a certain amount of composure without Fabregas. We've seen it before (Porto away last season) and as much as we like to think that we have enough attacking players to cope without him for a few games, the reality is different. Nasri, nor Wilshere, are ready to do it yet and Rosicky really shouldn't be wearing the armband.

The lack of a replacement for Song is a serious concern. Perhaps the boss reckons Diaby could do it but fitness and consistency are two things he hasn't been blessed with in recent seasons so he's unreliable for this role. Eastmond is very young and has very little experience at this level. And you can't count on an inexperienced player in one of the most crucial positions on the pitch.

Gael Clichy ruined all the good work he did at the weekend as regards the supporters' faith in him. The mistake for Shakhtar's winner was so basic. All he has to do is knock it out for the throw and instead he does nothing, lets Srna rob the ball and Eduardo did the rest. Gibbs must be kicking himself that he's out injured when there's a massive opportunity to bench the Frenchman.

The one positive from tonight was Walcott's goal. It really was a beautiful goal as he raced away from inside his on half to roll the ball home from 20 yards. He's looking very sharp and Arshavin must be worried for his place on the team.

We play Newcastle at the weekend and hopefully we'll have one of Song or Fabregas in the team just to consolidate things. As for CL qualification, we'll definitely qualify in top spot. The only thing that's left to be decided is whether we do it away in Braga or at home against Belgrade.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

A Step Forward At Eastlands

Manchester City 0 Arsenal 3

This was a convincing win regardless of the circumstances. We showed exactly why we're a top four side in this match. The sending-off certainly did City no favours, but the win cannot be diminished for it.

Our record in these games is pretty sub-standard. When it comes to the biggest games we normally choke. But that didn't happen Sunday.

Every man put in a solid performance on top of the spectacular ones of Nasri and Fabianski. Fabregas gave his typical 8/10 display which kept the team ticking and would've have gotten on the score-sheet only for Hart's penalty save. The backline showed some jitters at times but dealt well with most of the situations put before them.

All the goals had quality in them. Nasri's one involved a terrific one-two with Arshavin topped by a smashing finish. Song's goal was the killer blow as he pounced on a loose ball in the area to power the ball into the top corner ('I'm actually Ronaldinho' Fever does something constructive for once). The third was my favorite as Nasri slid a beautiful, disguised pass into Bendtner and he raced into the box and placed his shot inch-perfect into the far bottom-corner beyond Joe Hart.

Things mightn't have been so rosy had it not been for Fabianski's performance in goal. He produced two terrific saves, one at 0-0 and the other at 1-0, from Silva who can count himself unlucky not to have found the net because both shots were terrific.

It was a great win and it will boost belief within the squad because it's been ages since we've taken the scalp of a big team. Up next is Newcastle in the Carling Cup. Momentum is crucial as we head into our worst month of the season so a win is important to keep spirits high. I'd expect Walcott and Bendtner to start in what should be a decent team with perhaps the likes of Lansbury and JET also getting games. Newcastle have nothing to lose so they'll probably come out and play. All in all, I think that if everyone does their job on the night we'll win.

But you can never quite tell with this team.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Light-Blue Chelsea

Tomorrow at Eastlands, we play the second-biggest game of our season so far and I don't think anyone is disillusioned by the size of the task.

City have a very impressive team, with a lot of very good players. I'm not sure if they have anyone in the same bracket as Fabregas or a bothered Arshavin (the rest of our 'worldies' won't be playing) but nevertheless they're a solid outfit.

Andy Johnson and James Milner, provided they're playing, could terrorise our fullbacks, Clichy in particular. If Squillaci or Djourou play on the ball too long, they'll be robbed by a seriously in-form Tevez and that can't happen if we're going to win.

I think that their front three will be De Silva, Tevez and Adebayor though. De Silva was very impressive when he came on against Blackpool and Adebayor is flying high after his hat-trick on Thursday with Tevez an automatic starter.

Their midfield nearly plays like a back-three. Toure, De Jong and Barry will do little more than sit and defend. Their back-four is anyone's guess really.

So there is a lot to deal with in that team. It's the exact same situation that we had to deal with at Stamford Bridge: a big physical team that can score goals. The main differences between that match and this one is that we're down Wilshere and Koscielny but we have Fabregas, Walcott and Bendtner back.

Our captain and Theo will be instrumental. We didn't have Cesc's... pure awesomeness, to be frank, against Chelsea nor did we have Walcott's pace on the wing. Those two things could very easily win us the match tomorrow. But other things will also have to be in place for that to happen.

A solid foundation in midfield is crucial. Alex Song and Nasri will have to be disciplined. And I'm more than confident that they will perform. I don't think Diaby will start because Arsene did say last week that he isn't 100% right since his recent knocks to the ankle.

Last year, we had a nightmare getting back in numbers and if we fail at that again, we'll lose. Walcott and Arshavin will have to support their fullbacks when we don't have the ball and Fabregas will have to work back consistently too.

I think that over-defensive tactics on City's part will see us control the game and win. If Mancini decides to let his side come out and play then we'll still score on the break.

I'm feeling really confident about this game and I can see us winning by two goals. I know our record in these fixtures is awful but I feel a change coming. So I'll say 0-2 with Walcott to open the scoring.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Back In The Saddle.

Arsenal 2 Birmingham City 1

It may not have been an evisceration of the Birmingham defence but it wasn't a grind either. Arsenal were comfortable. The only worry was that it wasn't reflected in the scoreline.

Birmingham's goal came from a situation similar to the one I highlighted yesterday. Zigic pulled off Djourou and onto Clichy. Fahey's ball was precise and Zigic made no mistake with the header, placing it inside the far bottom-corner.

I have to say I was disappointed with Djourou in the concession of that goal. He let Zigic get away from him and when the ball was played in, he didn't have a clue where the giant striker got to. I'll put it down to rustiness this time.

You might have started to worry after that but the Arsenal response was rapid. A one-two between Chamakh and Wilshere saw the ball spill in the box. The Morrocan got to it before Dann, contact was made and the penalty given. Up stepped Nasri and he made no mistake, sending Foster the wrong way.

The winner came right after half-time. A lovely combination between Wilshere and Song allowed the former to pop the ball into Chamakh's path. Carr pulled out of the challenge and the striker kept his composure as he skipped past a defender's challenge and the keeper's dive, to slide the ball home. There wasn't much else in the form of chances afterwards but there was, of course, the big talking point.

Wilshere deserved his red. It was a miss-timed and nasty challenge. It's not his first bad one of this season and it will unlikely be his last. Other than that, he was fantastic. I have no problem with him showing a bit of bite in challenges but it was unnecessary this time. And when you consider all the injuries we have, it's a suspension we could do without.

There's a few more players that I'd like to mention too. Chamakh was excellent and made a big impact on the game. It was nice to see Bendtner back too. And while Fabianski had very little to do in the line of shots, he commanded his box with confidence and authority.

Midweek, we'll see the emotional return of Eduardo to the Emirates. Shakhtar are a decent outfit so we should be in for a good game. A win would all but guarantee qualification so hopefully we'll get that and a few good goals too.

Friday, October 15, 2010

The Soft Centre is Debatable. The Lack of a Winning Mentality is Not.

During his press conference ahead of the Birmingham game, Wenger was questioned over comments made by former Arsenal player, Peter Storey, and current club-captain Cesc Fabregas.

Storey thinks that Arsenal's midfield is a bit soft, the boss (of course) reckons otherwise. So let's look at it through untinted glasses for a moment. When Wenger has everyone fit, I think he picks Song, Wilshere and Fabregas as his trio in the centre. Some might argue for Diaby but he's inconsistent and therefore unreliable. Fabregas takes crap from NO one so he's not soft. Wilshere held his own against one of the biggest (if not the biggest) and THE meanest midfield in the Premier League last time out so he's not soft. And when Song gets over his 'I'm actually Ronaldinho' fever, he'll be solid too.

However, he is a slight liability at the moment. He's no Michael Essien or Gilberto Silva. Then again, he's still young and finding his way in the footballing world so there is no saying he won't get there. I think that if Storey was talking specifically about this position, then we are a bit soft.

Fabregas says we don't have a winning mentality, the boss says his quotes were 'misinterpreted'. Either way it's hard to argue with the running version in the media. The last four or five games against Manchester United and Chelsea back it up. The collapse at the end of last season adds further evidence.

But one cup, ONE cup would change everything. Be it Carling, F.A. or one of the big two, would bring the required mentality and end the continuous droning of 'five years without a trophy'.

Tomorrow, we entertain Birmingham, a team whose best qualities lie in their defense. There won't be any free-flowing football of the kind that West Brom played. But one thing is for certain, this team knows how to defend. They've only kept two clean sheets all season but it's early days yet and they're more than capable of a shut-out at the Emirates tomorrow afternoon.

Walcott and Bendtner return to the squad and will probably start on the bench. Koscielny and Sagna have joined the party in the treatment room so Djourou and Eboue will start unless the boss chances Song back there in his current state. The rest of the team should remain unchanged from the one that lost to Chelsea.

I'm finding this one tough to call. Jerome probably won't make it for the Blues so Zigic will make his first Premier League start. He has no pace but his height could cause nightmares if he's allowed isolate himself with a fullback in the box (cringe). But the lack of pace means no speedy counter-attacks down the middle of the pitch for them.

I think we'll win. There's too much quality up front for us not to score a couple of goals. Plus, there has to be a reaction from the last two league defeats. 3-0 with Chamakh to open the scoring.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Well That Was Depressing

Chelsea 2 Arsenal 0

I can't say I'm disappointed with the performance. Every player in a red and white shirt gave 100%. The disappointment lies in the reality of this team's prospects for the season.

We won't win the league. Not because this team is useless but because Chelsea are exceptional. Similar failings to last season might see them fall short in the CL, but their team is designed for Premier League domination.

I think that in the last two league games, we've seen this team's two major flaws: inconsistency against the lower teams and a lack of a clinical edge in the big matches. We should of been one-up inside 5 minutes today but Koscielny somehow conspired to head over from two yards. That would've changed everything.

What else can I say? There were of course the positives of Wilshere holding his own against a powerful Chelsea midfield and Fabianski looked really confident between the sticks. Once we get our big players fit, we can really give the cups (Champions League included) a good go. But the Premier League looks out of this team's reach.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

I Really Hate Chelsea.

So it's Judgement Day tomorrow and I'm feeling a bit angry.

"At what?", you might ask.

My simple answer: injuries! How are we supposed to kick the stuffing out of Chelsea without our top three players and one of our most in-form (before his injury) in Theo Walcott?

Fabregas has the slimmest of chances of playing but it does appear unlikely that the boss will risk him. He's obviously a big loss but I think that Nasri and Wilshere can compensate for it. So, in my opinion, the biggest loss of them all is, and has been, Vermaelen.

Where's he gone? The Verminator has literally disappeared off the face of the planet. His small Achilles injury has turned to almost 'Van Persieous' proportions. He makes such a difference when he plays and we missed him badly last weekend (the second West Brom goal wouldn't have happened if he was there).

But enough of injuries, Wenger can't control them. What he can control is the team he picks tomorrow. Fabianski will start in goal and to be honest I don't feel that worried. His confidence is at an all-time high so there isn't really anymore you could hope for, regarding his mental condition going into the game.

Because of the injury situation, the back-four picks itself. None of the recent defensive performances would be good enough against Drogba and co. so there'll have to be a drastic improvement. Either that or Chelsea's attack will have to have a performance similar our's, last Saturday.

The three Wenger picks in midfield are crucial. They'll have to be disciplined and protest the defense. That means that Song will have to 'cop the fuck on' and stop getting ahead of the ball. Diaby will probably play along side him and he also needs to up his game. A lot will be decided on how well Nasri plays at the point of the trio. He could easily give Mikel a roasting if Chelsea don't choke the space.

The front three should be Wilshere, Arshavin and Chamakh. If Jack does play on the wing, he's in for a tough time tracking Ashley Cole. Andrey will do his usual thing: nothing for 90% of the game and probably score. Our big guy up front will put in his usual shift (and a half) and will hopefully cause Terry and Alex enough problems for us to get a goal or two.

I'm really nervous about the game. The players didn't care enough last weekend and I refuse to accept a win against Partizan Belgrade as evidence that their attitudes have changed. If it has, we can win. If it hasn't, we'll be steamrolled.

I'm calling a win because I love Arsenal and hate Chelsea. I really hate Chelsea.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

League Title Slipping Away

Arsenal 2 W.B.A. 3: A Disgrace.

Arsenal's title chances took a massive blow today as West Brom humiliated the Gunners at The Emirates Stadium. Goals from Odemwingie, Jara and Thomas handed West Brom the win as Nasri fired in Arsenal's consolations.

There's no debating it and the 'blogosphere' can talk this team up as blindly as they like but there's too much dead weight in this squad. In my opinion their was one world-class player out there today. One man who cared. One man who wanted to close the gap on Chelsea. His name was Samir Nasri, and the rest were awful.

Forget about midweek, we can lose that game and still qualify for the knockouts comfortably. But if Arsenal lose at Stamford Bridge, then we can forget about the league title this season.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

The 'Jose Mourinho' Factor

What is it? Its what Mourinho has a tendency to do at every club he's at. He creates a 'siege-mentality' around the club which fuels his teams. 'Decisions constantly go against us', 'no one wants us to succeed', these are the kind of things that are said to the media. It's exactly what he did at Chelsea and his teams thrived in the mission to prove their apparent doubters wrong, winning two league titles.

At his next club, Inter Milan, he simply made himself the most hated man in Italian football. His players again responded on the pitch. They won the league in Mourinho's first season and then, in the following one, won an unprecedented treble. It was another masterstroke by the intelligent yet extremely narcissistic manager.

I think that this season, Arsene Wenger has used this technique more than ever. In the past few weeks, Wenger has been attacked from all angles and by all manner of people. Managers, former referees and washed-up pundits have all stepped up to have their own digs at Le Boss for his opinions on tackles and (a lack of) protection from referees. The reaction by gunners fans everywhere has been fantastic. Everyone has rallied behind Wenger in his defense. Blogs everywhere have went about dismantling the attacks of Allardyce and Coyle in impressive fashion. But you'd have to wonder what the players make of it all?

Surely some of them listen to the news and read the papers so they all must have found out how their manager has been criticized in the weeks gone by. So, could you call the results against Blackburn, Bolton and Braga a showing of allegiance to Wenger and his beliefs? I'd like to think so and I hope it continues.

Another man has also been in the media limelight: Cesc Fabregas. He's has had his commitment to the cause doubted and he and the players have responded in the right manner. The way he played against Braga showed how much he still loves the club and how much he wants to succeed here. The statement from Clichy mid-week showed that the squad also believes this.

While the latter isn't an example of the Mourinho Factor, it could still have the same effect on the team. A mental resilience that was lacking last season in the big games could be instilled through the adversary we've faced so far. Perhaps the cirumstances weren't right for this young team to succeed last season. There wasn't a major issue for the boys to respond to early enough in the season. The response when Ramsey was scythed down was admirable but we had already lost twice to Man United and Chelsea by then.

We won't really know where the team is mentally until the final whistle blows in the match against Chelsea. But there are small signs starting to show that this team is ready to lift trophies.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Arsenal Begin To Hit Full Flow

Arsenal 4 Bolton 1

There were a lot of positives to take from the match yesterday. We cruised to a comfortable victory with a lot of individuals putting in encouraging displays. But I want to get the negatives out of the way first.

The referee, Stuart Atwell, had a nightmare. He missed an awful lot of incidents yesterday, one of which cost Bolton their best centre-back, and just seemed completely out of his depth. And even without Cahill's sending off, Bolton could have very easily finished the game with even less than 10 men. How Kevin Davies stayed on the field after consecutive, late challenges on Rosicky and Wilshere is beyond me. He only got booked for the second one which could very easily have been a red on its own.

Then in the second half he missed a foul by Song on the edge of the Arsenal penalty area. Not to be harsh on Song or anything, but it was a blatant trip. Then the ball came to Chamakh on the sideline and he flicked a beautiful pass through the legs of Cahill and onto Arshavin, getting clattered by the Bolton player in the process. A tackle from behind is a red card so, in my opinion there was no debate. However, it shouldn't have happened because it should have been a free-kick to Bolton.

The worst one of all though was Robinson's foul on Diaby. It was an horrendous challenge. Over the ball, studs up and right into Diaby's leg. If Diaby hadn't managed to get his weight off his leg, it would have snapped. And Atwell didn't even dish out a booking. Idiot.

Anyway to the positives of the match. First of all I want to mention and really hard working performance by Arshavin. He was constantly moving along Bolton's backline and gave them a torrid time. Chamakh grew into the game as it progressed and scored with a powerful header. Almunia had the jitters at times with a few back passes but looked okay after that. Squillaci gave a good account of himself but probably needs a couple of more games to get into the full swing of things. His partner Koscielny had one bad header back to Almunia that lead to the goal but apart from that was pretty good. Fabregas wasn't his brilliant best but set up three goals and some other good chances all the same. Song had the unusual role of driving forward from midfield and scored an excellent goal.

My man of the match would have to go to Rosicky. He was on fire and covered the whole pitch despite being picked on the right of the front three. His pass to Arshavin early on was world-class and I think that he is getting back to his world-class best. He's had an electric start to the season and I hope that this isn't a false dawn and that his form continues like this. Because if it does he'll be impossible to keep out of the side.

Next up is the Portuguese side Braga in the Champions League. They knocked out Celtic and Sevilla in the qualifiers so they obviously have some pedigree. Our next game after that is Sunderland away in the league. Last season we went there with a major interlull hangover having lost Van Persie for 5 months and with Bendtner also out, had no one to spearhead the attack.

Anyway it's Braga next and a win would build the foundations for qualification to the next stage. Hopefully Diaby's injury isn't serious and no one else picked up any injuries this weekend.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Different Day, Same Old S***

Wenger did his press conference today so before the Bolton preview lets start with some injury news. Over the course of the international break, two of our players collected injuries while it was announced that Van Persie would be out for six weeks with the ankle injury he picked up against Blackburn. Walcott got a similar injury to the Dutchman and consequently will be out for a similar period of time while Vermaelen picked up a small achilles injury that should see him return for Wednesday's Champions League fixture against Braga.

I have to mention Van Persie. He's injured again and a lot of people are becoming frustrated with the time he has spent on the sidelines. Some have even said he should be sold and another, more reliable striker brought in. I think that's knee-jerk reaction but I also think it has come to the stage, with Robin, where we can't build the team around him. In my opinion, he is, on a technical level, the best striker in the world. His touch is second to none and there isn't a more graceful player in world football. But you can't rely on his fitness holding up and the stats back that up. Robin has yet to start 30 Premier League games in one season and the most starts he's ever had in all competitions for a full season is 38. That's all he's mustered since he signed with the gunners back in 2004 and it makes for sad reading. I do, however, have a theory on how he could increase the amount of games he plays for us.

When you look past his latest injury and study the others, you have to say a lot of them have come while he's on international duty. I don't know why that happens but you only need to look to last season to find the one that left out for half a year. It makes me think that he should retire from international football but I doubt it will happen anytime soon.

Anyway, on to the Bolton game. With Bendtner also out injured, Chamakh will continue up front.
Wenger has also confirmed that Squillaci will make his full debut at the back in place of TV5. And with Kevin Davies in close attendance, I'm sure he'll learn a lot about the Premier League this weekend. Walcott's injury presents a good opportunity for Rosicky to stake his claim as a place on the bench seems more likely for the fit again Samir Nasri. Denilson and Djourou are also in contention for the squad.

Looking at Bolton, they have more than enough to cause a few headaches for us. Davies will certainly test out our brand new, if temporary, central defensive partnership. Martin Petrov down the wings could cause a few nightmares as well. Sagna should hold his own against him but its been a while since Clichy has put a good winger in his back pocket so he'll probably operate there. Saying that, Bolton will come to defend and will look to the two aforementioned players to relieve pressure on the backline and to counter-attack.

Last season, Owen Coyle's teams certainly made us work for our points and he's no stranger to getting results against us in his Burnley days. But I fully expect a home win. Obviously we'll have the usual jitters at the back from set-pieces but we normally dominate possession at home so those Bolton threats should be rare and far between. I'm thinking 2, maybe even 3-0, with Fabregas to get off the mark for the season.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Arsenal Come Through Blackburn Test

Blackburn 1 Arsenal 2

So it wasn't as comfortable as my first impressions might have suggested but Arsenal battled through a competitive encounter at Ewood Park to take top spot in the Premier League. Andrey Arshavin's sweet finish early in the second half was enough to secure the win.

The first half was particularly tough with Blackburn arguably walking down the tunnel at half-time on top. They gave everything in the first 45 minutes to try and disrupt Arsenal and it worked. Blackburn and particularly Samba seriously threatened from set-pieces culminating in Fabregas clearing a Ryan Nelson header off the line. But we were also dangerous and were unlucky not to take the lead when Diaby's goal-bound shot deflected off of a Blackburn defender and Robinson's shin and was then cleared. We took the lead on 20 minutes. Van Persie slipped a lovely ball into Walcott on the inside-right and he made no mistake as he buried a low shot across Paul Robinson that nestled in the bottom, left-hand corner.

Then, a disastrous six-minute period around the half-hour mark saw us lose the lead and the talismatic Van Persie. The goal came first as Christopher Samba came storming out of defence to slip a ball down the left wing to El-Hadji Diouf. Koscielny came across to cover but was completely out-muscled by Diouf who then squared to his namesake, and Man United loanee, Mame Biram Diouf to tuck home. This was followed by Van Persie limping off after earlier sustaining a knock in a challenge with Phil Jones. Arsene Wenger explained after the match that it appeared to be a twisted ankle and if it was, he would be out for 10 days. The international break couldn't come at a more advantageous time for us.

Chamakh came on and took up the task of marking Samba when he came forward for corners and throw-ins. I have to say I was very impressed with how effectively he dealt with him. Everytime a ball came into the box, Chamakh simply grappled with Samba, not allowing him to jump, which made it much easier for everyone else to clear the ball.

The second half seemed to breeze by once we grabbed the goal five minutes in. And what a lovely goal it was. Some neat build-up play released Sagna down the wing. He cut the ball back to Fabregas who blasted the ball off of Walcott. It broke to Arshavin, he made no mistake.

As the game progressed, Blackburn tired and Arsenal took control. A David Dunn shot that Almunia gathered is the only chance I can remember for the home side in the second period. Sam Allardyce's side did launch a few balls into the box towards the end but we just about managed to deal with them. Wilshere, a 82nd minute substitute for Arshavin, did have a wonderful opportunity to add a third in injury time but he lost his footing at the crucial time.

Overall I'm satisfied with the three points. We battled hard and always looked threatening despite losing Van Persie after half an hour. My one concern was how we struggled at times to clear out lines. We had a bit of luck defending some of the set-pieces but every team needs that at Ewood Park. I think that as we approach the international break we can be very satisfied with our haul from our three games and in the transfer market. Walcott was brilliant again and Almunia had a decent game in goals too. Hopefully the international break won't disturb us to much and we can continue on where we left off when the players return.

In other news we go to White Hart Lane in the third round of the Carling Cup so hopefully the young lads can give a better account of themselves than the last team we sent there in the tournament.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Bolton Mk II

Tomorrow Arsenal face Sam Allardyce's Blackburn at Ewood Park in the first test of the team's resilience this season. Blackburn is always a tough place to go but I do feel if we take an early lead, the test will dissolve into a canter and a 4-goal, drubbing to the Gunners.

So in reality the match will only pose problems if the team starts slowly and allow Blackburn to get on the front foot early on. Play with the same tempo as we did against Blackpool and I can't see anything other than our first away win in the league this season.

However as confident as I am, I'd be very surprised if Blackburn didn't overpower us from a set-piece at least once. And if the referee doesn't do his job we could be in for a long day at the office. What went on from Blackburn corners last year was a joke to say the least and I can't imagine such a refereeing screw-up happening again this time.

Moving on to team selection, the defense picks itself with Koscielny coming back in and Song moving back into midfield. After that its hard to know what Wenger will do because he really is spoilt for choice going forward. Walcott, Arshavin, Rosicky, Eboue, Fabregas, Van Persie and Chamakh will be competing and there isn't really a reason not to start any of them. Going on merit from the last game, I feel Rosicky and Walcott deserve a place. The manager has already said that Fabregas and Van Persie are fully fit so expect one to start at either Chamakh or Arshavin's expense.

So as long we play our game and remain fully focused we'll win this game. The alternative really isn't worth thinking about.

Champions League Draw and Ivan Gazidis

So the draw for the group stages of the Champion's League was made yesterday and it was quite favorable for Arsenal. With respect to the other teams in the group, this really was a plum draw. No long treks to Moscow, no Real Madrid and we don't play against Partizan or Shakhtar, away from home, deep into the winter months (albeit we face the latter away at the beginning of November). Of course, the big news about the draw is the fact that Eduardo will return to the Emirates which will make for an emotional night for all involved.

But there is a concern going forward into these games. After 5 of the 6 games, we go away from home in the Premier League. In those fixtures we face Sunderland, Chelsea, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Manchester United. It really is an unbelievable run of games but then again it's all a part of being a big team.

The only consolation about these fixtures is that, apart from Sunderland and Aston Villa, we face teams who are also involved in Europe. So when we face those teams it really will be a test of squads. As long as we go into those Premier League matches with the spine of the team fit, we can expect some very positive results.

Something else that I found interesting to come out of the ceremony in Monaco was Ivan Gazidis' interview on ATVO. He spoke briefly about the draw and the current state of the squad. He felt the squad was stronger than last year's and he also stressed how we've added 'some experience and steel' to the squad. Now, I do appreciate the fact that Gazidis will always sing the team's praises in every interview he does but the word 'steel' has stuck in my mind. It makes me think that Wenger's main objective over the summer was to toughen up the team and the way he has talked about the new signings is evidence of this. Tomorrow's game at Ewood Park will tell us if he has managed to do so.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Easy Pickings

Whilst I appreciate that, in top-flight football, each team must be treated with respect, surely Arsenal can't look at anything less than three points today against Blackpool.

The points accumulated against the 'smaller' teams will form the foundation of our campaign. If we beat them comfortably and handsomely, it'll go a long way to a sucessful season. Struggle against them and drop valuble points, and Arsenal will struggle to make the top four.

Our next five games are against teams that either finished around the bottom half of the table or were promoted last season. After those, the team travels to Stamford Bridge. 16 points is the only acceptable tally to travel there with.

Blackpool will bring lots of energy and endeavor to the pitch today. Why wouldn't they? They're flying high after their 4-0 triumph at Wigan and come to the Emirates with nothing to lose. So firstly today we have to match their work-rate, then it should be a simple task of imposing our game on them and squeezing the life and, hopefully, a few goals out of them too.

As I finish writing the team has just been released. With Song partnering Vermaelen at the back and the irratic Diaby protecting them, Blackpool might just fancy their chances of grabbing a goal today. The frontline looks good with Rosicky and Walcott coming in for Nasri and Eboue. I'm disappointed that Arshavin has kept his place on the team considering his poor showing at Anfield. Hopefully Fabregas and Van Persie will only come on for match-minutes and not a match-winner!

I think 4-0 to the Arsenal is a realistic score although it could very easily be more.

Friday, July 23, 2010

The Role of The Striker

Eduardo Da Silva signed for Shakhtar Donetsk two days ago from Arsenal. He was the only striker at the club in the mould of a 'box player'. A player who specializes in finishing any oppurtunities that might present themselves in and around the penalty area. Arsene Wenger went on record as saying he wasn't in the market for another forward. This has made me wonder about the role of the striker in the present game.

If you look at the biggest teams in world football, their strikers perform several roles for them, sometimes not even including scoring the bulk of the goals. The perfect example would be Van Persie. He plays what some gunners called a 'false nine'. He would drop off the front into midfield and help the likes of Song and Fabregas in controlling possession. While we all know that Van Persie could easily score over 20 goals in a season, Wenger doesn't see this as his primary role. In fact I remember at the start of last season, when Van Persie had yet to get into his stride, the boss said it wasn't a concern because he was making goals.

Torres, while he scores nearly all Liverpool's goals, performs other roles as well. They play counter-attacking football and he's crucial to them in this. When opposition attacks break down he will run the flanks and provide an outlet for his team-mates. When Liverpool don't have the ball he will chase down and force defenders into kicking the ball long. Tevez also does this at Manchester City. That sort of work is what's expected of strikers nowadays.

In the present game, midfield is seen as the crucial area of the pitch to control, and the style of forwards in the modern game is reflective of this. They work backlines and supplement midfielders or simply run around, closing down the opposition. One thing that's for certain though, is that a striker can't simply be on the end of attacking moves, they have to be in the middle of them too.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Goodbye Eduardo and The Daily Mail Wind-Up

So Eduardo has left us for pastures anew and I suppose you can't help but wonder what might of been if he hadn't suffered the trauma, mentally as well as physically, of that tackle from Martin Taylor.

Before I move on to what it means for the squad I must mention the The Daily Mail's cruel and not very classy take on the transfer. Sure you can say his time at Arsenal was ill-fated but, in my opinion, to call Eduardo a flop is inaccurate and to compare him to the likes of Baptista (who was just plain lazy) is a disgrace.

Anyway, where does the Arsenal frontline go from here? I had hoped, that this could open a door for Jay Simpson to return to the squad because he is a goal-poacher. He's not necessarily in the Eduardo mould but he certainly knows where the goal is. But unfortunately if he was in Wenger's plans he would have been on the plane to Austria since Eduardo's transfer had been sanctioned by then.

With Eduardo gone, we have striking options consisting of RVP, Chamakh, Bendtner, Vela, JET, Walcott (maybe) and Arshavin (emergency). Looking at those you have to ask yourself: 'unless RVP stays fit, who's going to get us 25+ goals this season?'

Chamakh is unknown and its unfair to expect anymore than maybe 15 goals in the season from him. A tally most of us would be satisfied with. Bendtner certainly has the confidence and did target a high tally last year but injury ended that ambition. He has the potential but consistency might be a problem. Vela seems to play his best on the international stage but I still expect big things from him and I think we have the right to expect him to deliver because the fact is Vela has had an easy ride at Arsenal so far .But whether his potential will be fulfilled as a striker or a winger remains to be seen.

Potential tallies and individual prospects aside, the one thing about the frontline that bothers me is the lack of a 'fox in the box', a player in the mould of Kevin Philips or Filippo Inzaghi. But maybe I'm old fashioned in my youth! I think I'll discuss the role of the striker tomorrow maybe. But who do you think will supply the goals this season?

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Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Biggest Game of The PRE-Season... So Far

Okay so tonight the team will continue it's preparation for Anfield and the rest of the season, playing SK Sturm Graz. The opposition at this particular time is irrelevant really so as long as the Austrians play fair we should see some more goals from our side.

A 27-man squad travelled to Austria and of that six have just returned for pre-season and I don't think they'll get a lot of game time. There are, of course, another five in the squad that will find this game, and the following one next Tuesday, crucial to their chances of making the squad for the Liverpool game. Frimpong, Lansbury, JET, Henderson and Nordtveit all need to perform well if their to have any chance, this season, of being involved in Premier League action. I'm sure they'll all make it into the Carling Cup squad but, injuries and new signings permitting, only 2-3 will make it to proper first-team action. If, hypothetically, the boss made no new signings this close season then the three that were chosen would be for positions that cover is thin for in the squad. So if we went by this hypothesis then you would feel that Nordtveit and Frimpong would get in as cover for the centre-backs and Song respectively. However, the third player who would get in, if there is one, is unclear. So how would you pick one of them?

Well, going by positions each can play they're all pretty much even. All of them are comfortable across midfield. Although JET has been known to play up front too, that position is arguably the most competitive in the squad. They are all very accomplished on the ball as well so you can't separate them here either.

The only way you would separate the young men is by footballing experience. JET and Lansbury are ahead of Henderson in that department having went out on loan spells to championship sides last season. At the moment I'm thinking Lansbury, but not by much.

So do you agree or am I completely wrong with my assessment? Let me know your opinion.


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Tuesday, July 20, 2010

The New Season: Can Football redeem itself?

As the new season approaches, all fans look forward, with increasing anticipation, to their team's first kick-off. But this season has a little bit more importance than most seasons. Why? Well simply because of what happened at the World Cup and last season in general.

The World Cup, in simple terms, was awful. The top players were awful, the refereeing was awful and out of the 32 teams that qualified only three (Spain, Argentina and Germany) went out to attack and pass the ball with purpose.

Last season as a whole in the EPL was sub-standard too. Chelsea won it on experience and efficiency in front of goal. Arsenal most of the time faced walls of defenders when playing. And that was the major concern: how most teams looked to defend deep with ten men and rely on set-pieces or mistakes to score.

So, after what happened last year, football, in my opinion, is facing a crisis. Your typical team nowadays is a negative one that uses dirty or rough-house tactics. I think this is mainly because of the pressure put on managers. They know that its win at all costs or face the sack. Their inhibited by a fear of losing and afraid of being extravagant. So incidents like what happened to Ramsey and Eduardo are seen as collateral damage in their eyes.

So I've asked the question can football redeem itself? Can it renounce the cynicism that it has been afflicted by? Or will matches like the World Cup Final become the norm, where players foul, dive and wave imaginary yellow cards in an attempt to gain the edge in the match?

To be honest I don't think it can this season. I see free-flowing, attacking teams like Arsenal in the minority, fighting against the anti-footballing sides of managers like Sam Allardyce and Tony Pulis.

If football is to become 'the purist's game' again then quite simply an entertaining team has to win the league and the lesser lights of the 'Wengerball' way in the league like West Brom and maybe Blackpool need to stay up.

So what does everyone else think?
Do you agree or do you have a different view? I'd love to hear from either way.

N.B. I won't be this negative when talking about Arsenal but I will try to be realistic.