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.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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