There is a slim chance he'll be fit for next weekend but its understood that Wenger is loathed to rush him back.
WG
Sunday 31 October 2010
Rumour: Fabregas out for ten days
A friend of mine who is usually reliable called this morning, strong rumour has it Fabregas is out for 7 days with a hamstring strain.
Coming up trumps!
Its not winning games 4:0 that makes you a champion, you can't get results like that every week.
Its when the ball just doesn't go in the onion bag that you are judged. West Ham played extremely well yesterday. They defended with spirit, with numbers and with their bodies.
Rob Green, much-maligned goalkeeper of Englands failed world cup effort. Played an excellent game. World class saves were common fare from him yesterday. He prevented a cricket score, no doubt about it.
Arsenal were in full pomp yesterday as the hammers let them come on to them to try and hit us on the break. In truth our posession denied them anything more than a snif.
It was an excellent team performance. Everyone played to their maximum and I was pleased to see the continued growth of certain players. Song, Chamakh, Nasri, Koscielny all continued to impress.
Song has endeavoured to become more of a complete midfielder and yesterday he weighed in with another crucial goal. Song flicked the ball out wide to Clichy with the outside of his right foot, Clichy, criticised for his crossing ability delivered the perfect ball twixt defence and 'keeper and Song completing the one-two dived and headed past Green into the net.
The crowd exploded in relief, never has a goal been so deserved. After 88mins of pressure we were patient, we kept belief and we delivered.
Great performance, one that could make our season more than any win over Citeh could.
WG
Its when the ball just doesn't go in the onion bag that you are judged. West Ham played extremely well yesterday. They defended with spirit, with numbers and with their bodies.
Rob Green, much-maligned goalkeeper of Englands failed world cup effort. Played an excellent game. World class saves were common fare from him yesterday. He prevented a cricket score, no doubt about it.
Arsenal were in full pomp yesterday as the hammers let them come on to them to try and hit us on the break. In truth our posession denied them anything more than a snif.
It was an excellent team performance. Everyone played to their maximum and I was pleased to see the continued growth of certain players. Song, Chamakh, Nasri, Koscielny all continued to impress.
Song has endeavoured to become more of a complete midfielder and yesterday he weighed in with another crucial goal. Song flicked the ball out wide to Clichy with the outside of his right foot, Clichy, criticised for his crossing ability delivered the perfect ball twixt defence and 'keeper and Song completing the one-two dived and headed past Green into the net.
The crowd exploded in relief, never has a goal been so deserved. After 88mins of pressure we were patient, we kept belief and we delivered.
Great performance, one that could make our season more than any win over Citeh could.
WG
Thursday 28 October 2010
A good dose of Geordie Charm
..only it was Arsenal that were doing the charming.
On paper 4:0 is a bit of a drubbing, in reality on the pitch Newcastle were outclassed.
Pre-match players like Peter Lovenkrands were saying that Arsenal are Barca-lite and they knew exactly what to expect and had a game plan to stop us. I don't think Newcastle really thought Wenger was being serious when he said that we were really going to go for the Carling Cup.
What we saw last night was both Walcott and Bendtner returning from Injury in their first proper run out and they showed what we've been missing at times. Bendtner's finishing yesterday was vicious. Theo demonstrated that his composure in the final third is markedly improved and I'm really pleased for the both of them. Where it leaves them in Wengers mind is anyone's guess. Can I see Wenger dropping Chamakh? No, he's been extremely effective and productive for the team. Will Bendtner return to the wing role he started last season? If so what for Walcott? Walcott will never be the target man in a 4-2-3-1 formation, he's too little and easily knocked off the ball.
Can Walcott push out Arshavin from the starting line up? I expect to see a lot more rotation from Wenger as he tries to keep key players fit for the season. Fabregas, Arshavin and Nasri will be wrapped up in cotton wool to ensure they're there at the business end of the season.
Is it crazy to say we've got too many players now?
Where's RVP going to fit in? Rosicky was awesome last night and I think should start at the weekend, but who'll drop out from the Citeh game for him?
Its crazy and I love it. We've got a stunning squad now. This isn't hyperbole, the proof is in the pudding. Last nights result was a good one and proved we have a strong squad.
A few words about Sczcesny last night. 1) He is fricking huge isn't he?! Last time I saw him was playing for Brentford on loan and he looks like he's grown a few inches since then?! Maybe it was just the performance. 2) He's brave, he dived at the feet of the Geordies and didn't flinch when pouncing on the loose ball when he could have got booted in the head. He can do the glory photo saves just as well as the "put your body where it hurts" saves. 3) Not afraid to shout at his defence, when marshalling his defence he was not afraid to open his gob and shout at the players. You can't be a good goalkeeper if you are quiet.
It was a good game for him and I hope he gets another chance in the next round. We should tie him to a chair and drip water on his head until he signs a new contract. In a year or two's time he should be really ripping down the door.
Did anyone else think he looks a bit like Frankenstein's monster? It was a discussion I had last season with a Bees fan.
WG
Wednesday 27 October 2010
Its only Ray P..I mean Henri Lansbury!
Arsene Wenger this week has been waxing lyrical about one of our very own Henri Lansbury. In my opinion one of the most understated players coming through. Without creating waves he has performed well whilst on loan and he has returned to the fold this season and Wenger has brought him into the first team fold. Wenger compares him to the Romford Pele and I can see the similarities.
Born in Enfield, London, Lansbury grew up in Potters Bar. Lansbury has been at Arsenal since 1999, joining the club as a schoolboy from the books of Norwich City. He has featured regularly for both the club's under-18 and reserve sides. He finally made his first team debut on 31 October 2007, in Arsenal's 3-0 League Cup win over Sheffield United as a substitute.
Lansbury is a complete midfielder, he fits perfectly into the Arsenal style. He has a great engine and can dictate a midfield with his passing ability and his tackling and tracking back. He can break forward with good pace, though he's not in the same league as Theo and he's got a good shot on him as us Gooners, the Hornets and the Irons can testify.
I like him a lot. His early career with us was blighted by a debilitating illness that left him lethargic, without energy. He's put that behind him in the last two seasons and he's looking very strong. We have a strong contingent of young, talented, ready for first team action midfielders. Ramsey, Denilson, Wilshire, Lansbury along with the likes of Randall and Aneke pushing to enter the fold also.
I look forward to seeing him grow further tonight.
WG
Tuesday 26 October 2010
How much do we really want the Carling Cup
I know we've been starved for silverware for years. I know that to create a "winning mentality" you need to win. I'm not daft.
Arsene Wenger is able to temper our expectations by selling us the future. A big part of this is showcasing the next big thing coming through the Arsenal ranks in the Carling Cup. Last year and the year previous we've seen such talents as Merida, Wilshire, Ramsey, Gibbs, Traore, Jay Emmanuel Thomas, Jay Simpson, Nacer Barazite, Mark Randall and Henri Lansbury to name but a few.
Allowing the youth to cut their teeth in the Carling Cup is a treble-pebble bonus for Arsene. It rests his top first-teamers and it gives much needed experience to players on the fringe of the first team and match fitness to those in the match-day benchwarmers club.
We've celebrated in the successes of our youth in this competition. We've revelled in their results against premier league opposition. We loved it. "Our kids are better than your first team" is a great chant.
So are we really that desperate to win the Carling Cup that we forget the youth this year? My opinion: Arsene Wenger will sacrifice the Carling Cup to try and succeed elsewhere. Of course he'll try to win the Carling Cup but he'll do it with youth and back it up with first teamers resting on the bench. If it doesn't happen then his targets will naturally revert to what he really wants, the Champions League and the Premier League.
Arsene Wenger isn't daft, he knows a Carling Cup win doesn't mean anything in the grand scheme. His targets are above and I'm with him. I'd rather us have a real shot at the Prem than get half our first teamers injured in a nothing game in the Carling Cup.
WG
Monday 25 October 2010
New Poll : Szczesny start on Wednesday?
New poll added to see whether Arsenal fans want to see Szczesny in between the sticks on Wednesday against Newcastle or whether they would prefer Fabianski or Almunia to get more game time.
Butterflies and hurricanes
I forced myself to watch MoTD last night. That's half an hour I will never get back.
It never surprises me how unenthusiastic how the pundits can be, we played well. Citeh were down to ten men, so what, its not our fault, it was a legitimate dismissal.
We played as a team, we moved forwards as one and pressured Citeh across the pitch.
Particularily impressive on the day the arsenal team were in full stride. I loved the combinations and the pace at which we played.
Hopefully we can kick on from this, get a result midweek and smash the hammers next weekend.
Super proud of the boys yesterday. It was a very mature, assured performance.
WG
Sunday 24 October 2010
Bakary Sagna - Poll Winner
Sagna won the poll, with 51% of the vote. 51% of fans correctly guessed that Sagna would start ahead of Eboue.
Well done 51%
WG
How to silence one's critics
Massive game today for us. It was a must-win game and we did just that. It wasn't a game marred or tainted by anything. It was a great performance. There can't be a "what if" from Citeh. Boyata had to go. I feel sorry for the lad, he's young and he'll learn from this.
Lukasz Fabianski has had much to contend with during his time in an Arsenal shirt. Today he flipped the bird at everyone, including me that ever doubted his potential. He was awesome in goal today and never looked like conceding. From the first save from Silva to the end he was switched on, tuned in and the nervous errors truly locked out.
I was in awe of his first save, I'd wager money Almunia wouldn't have stopped that. It was excellent. Saves like that are what Wenger's been seeing in training all along and I'll guarantee noone will be happier than him with the exception of Fabianski.
Todays game was everything I could have hoped for and more. It could have been four or five to the Arsenal and I loved every minute of the 93 played. I thought we fought very well and another player to do himself credit today was Denilson. He was superb sitting deep with Song and fighting in the midfield.
I think there are lots of things we can take out of the game. Djourou played superb alongside Squillaci who again did very well. Clichy played extremely well also. I think a lot can be said for confidence in the guy between the sticks. But in general it was an excellent team performance.
A great result. More to follow tomorrow when its sunk in.
WG
An air of confidence
I was in manchester last night with the mrs. There were a lot of citeh fans about talking their usual rubbish about how their youth teams have always been the best in the country.
With a few noteable exceptions, they haven't really had the same impact on the prem. They're in a process of trying to buy success and so far they've been unsuccessful.
Mancini's citeh is a compact, tactical, hard working team. They've purchased players from top top sides and they're slowly bringing it together on the pitch.
Stars like David Silva are beginning to find their feet and making an impact.
It will be a tough game to us today. Citeh will try and win the ball in the middle of the park and try and break with pace.
We need to be compact, tidy with the ball and committed. I'm excited. A win for us today is a big step forward this season. Its a must win.
We will need arshavin, nasri and fabregas today. Their top quality can win it for us.
Come on you Gooners!!
WG
Friday 22 October 2010
The importance of being idle
Sunday will see us visit the blue half of the Citeh in an away fixture that is a must-win for us.
Come sunday we will have had 4 days rest since our exertions against Shakhtar on tuesday night. We should be fresh, raring to go. It seems odd knowing we're stepping out to war again this season and young Jacky isnt going to be there. Is it really only this season that he's stepped up? He plays like a veteran. Tony Adams would have loved to have him in his team. He's confident, tough and a nightmare to play against.
Citeh will have had 2 days rest. They had a strong side out last night too with De Jong, Silva, Richards, Lescott and Adebaywhore all playing and all played the 90 with the exception of Silva who was subbed off for Yaya Toure on the 75th minute.
This is a unique time for us to catch Citeh and hit them hard. Run at them and work them and they will tire. We need to be responsible at the back and devilish in attack. Song and Diaby will really have to dig in and fight. I don't want us to come away on sunday without a win, its unthinkable and on paper, it should be an Arsenal win.
Come on you gooners, crush the wannabe's. Prove this is your year. Cesc, I know you will make them look like a mug, don't let me down.
WG
Exciting - isnt it? Champs league and Europa roundup
Looking across the performances of the english teams in the Champions league, it begs the question. Why aren't we winning the league?
ManYoo looked poor at best on Wednesday, Chelski won but I don't feel they are as strong as they used to be. Spuds, whatever way you wrap it up, you lost 4:Bale. 4:0 at half time is a right drubbing and I'm sure you only got back in contention because Inter stopped playing.
Liverpool were a joke yesterday. They are too good to go down, but they are awful at the moment. Absolutely awful. They need to rediscover some form or this time next year they really could be out of europe altogether. Watching them last night, it didnt even look like the pool. Its wierd. They look so devoid of confidence, it was a good point, but scraping a 0:0 draw isn't going to fix their problems.
Citeh did ok last night. They should have absolutely ruined that poor polish side. Seriously, Adebaywhore got a hat-trick but it should have been double figures.
All of the top 6 sides from last year don't look as good as they did perhaps with the exception of Spuds with Van Der Vaart who is an awesome player and I'd love to have him at Arsenal.
So, when considering our competition for the League and Europe, shouldn't we be topping the league? Is it a confidence thing? Is it motivation? Two weeks ago against Chelski I thought we could have got something out of it. Taking a minute to look at the rest of the league, we should be winning. We really should.
My bravest prediction ever(read:stupid): We're going to win the league.
WG
Thursday 21 October 2010
Sagna vs Eboue or Eastmond - I've added a poll!!
I've just added a poll on the website about who we think should be right back against Citeh!
Share your thoughts!
WG
Sagna back for Citeh!
Bakary Sagna is back for the weekend. Arsene Wenger has declared him fit to be in the squad.
It raises a valid question, is it fair to drop Eboue back to the bench and put Sagna in? Eboue has done well whilst deputising for him in the last 2 games.
What do you guys think?
WG
Curse that Achilles!
We've been granted the inglorious news of the continued absence of Thomas Vermaelen, the Verminator. Courtesy of the BBC.
It appears his Achilles tendon is still damaged and there is currently no date set for return. Its clear that our medical staff first diagnosed it as something much more trivial, which begs the question...what the hell do we pay them for and will they be made accountable for his continued absence?
Wenger has today defended his medical team by blaming Belgium for damaging him whilst he was in their care. Wenger has a point, but diagnosing and treating injuries is what our medical staff are there for and its not the first time I've had good cause to wonder what they are playing at...it seems like its not doctors and nurses, more like fuckwits and feebleminds.
So what to do in his absence? I think the continued improvement of all of our back four should soften the blow with Squillaci, Djourou and Koscielny all looking good. Yes they have all made mistakes, but with the exception of Djourou, the rest are rookies to the Prem and deserve a bit of slack and praise for their preformances.
I'm still mightily annoyed by it all. It always happens to us. Our players always come back in bits. Its like international Lego week, lets take them apart and send them back with broken bits.
WG
Bring on the Citeh!
Confidence is flying high in the Arsenal camp and the stronger characters in the team are demanding more from us when we go to Citeh this weekend.
It is absolutely a must-win game and with that in mind, I think Wenger will attack this game a bit differently than Birmingham and Shakhtar. He knows Citeh are powerful and their ball winners in midfield are aggressive to the point of violence (De Jong anyone?). He needs to take that away from them and the only way to do that is to stop it being a midfield battle. If it becomes a battle I feel we might lose, or if we don't we might lose a few players to injury.
Without knowing really who's fit and who isn't anyone would struggle to guess the line up, but I think it would be something like this;
|
Fabianski |
||||
| Eboue |
Squillaci Djourou |
Clichy | ||
|
Song Diaby |
||||
| Rosicky | Fabregas | Nasri | ||
|
Chamakh |
||||
That is the way I'd love to see us lining up, with Diaby and Song holding and allowing Rosicky, Fabregas and Nasri to support Chamakh and collect his knock-downs. I know Diaby doesn't like sitting, but we will need his power to protect our back 4. He'll direct the midfield to play one-touch wherever possible, moving the ball faster than we can be tackled, therefore negating the midfield of Citeh whilst maintaining posession and continuing to attack.
Rosicky, Fabregas and Nasri will be essential to the success on sunday. God help them that they don't get injured.
More to follow when I get a bit of team news.
WG
Wednesday 20 October 2010
Tomas Rosicky - Master of the one-touch game
Arsenal's forgotten man Tomas Rosicky was imperious last night. His game seemed to pass almost unnoticed by the commentators as he glided around the pitch making interceptions, creating chances and accelerating our attacks using his vision.
Without Rosicky we lack something different, his ability to control a ball at pace and ping it off one-touch to one of our players.
Last night he was awesome, his assist to Wilshire a testament to his skill and control. He displayed the best part of his game last night, his excellent workrate, determination, creativity and quality. No wonder we've missed him so much. I'd take him instead of Denilson and Diaby every game. He tackled back, he fought and created opportunities across the pitch.
Rosicky will win us games this season, I hear clammering for him to shoot, but I believe his best work is done outside the 18yrd box and I expect much from him this year.
WG
The transformation of Song - 5:1 to the Arsenal
We played extremely well last night. Better than I ever could have hoped. Shakhtar are not a bad side and they're flying up top in their league. They have quality all across the pitch and last nights result surprised me.
We absolutely bossed it. Song was revelling in the freedom afforded by the efficient, technical performance by Wilshire. Song was a real box to box midfielder last night, a really great performance from an emerging player. Song is growing game to game and his goal and assist(while both fortunate) were well deserved.
Wilshire had a bit of an off night by his standards last night, though thats not to say he wasn't still excellent, overall it was a good performance from him. He had a poor first half where he looked a bit off the pace and easily bullied by Gai and Hubschmann but in the second he fought back and took advantage when they tired.
Something worth paying serious attention to is the fact that 5 different players scored our goals. These were Song, Nasri, Fabregas, Wilshire and Chamakh. We've set a new champions league record by scoring 14 goals in the first 3 games surpassing Real Madrid's 12. I know we've not faced a top top side, but Shakhtar are no mugs as we'll find out in a few weeks time. I don't expect another scoreline like last night. That is for certain. Going forward this season we look better than ever and I think we defended well last night also.
I've said it before but Squillaci has been excellent for us already. I think his communication made Djourou settle well last night and our CB's did well. Fabianski had little to do and what he did, he did well. The goal wasn't his fault, he was unsighted until the last second. In truth I'm glad Dudu scored, he deserved it and the ovation he received. We supported him well and I'm glad he enjoyed it.
Fabregas looked a bit off the pace yesterday, I know he was still brilliant at times, but his mercurial self he was not, proof in the pudding that he needed a run out last night and I'm pleased he's got away without a knock or pull on his hammy's. His combinations with Wilshire were good and Nasri worked extremely well too.
I'm going to write something this afternoon too, no teasers yet but pop back about 5ish.
WG
Tuesday 19 October 2010
Vela, Eastmond and JET played for the reserves today
Craig Eastmond, Carlos Vela and Jay Emmanuel Thomas all played for Arsenal reserves this afternoon against West Ham with the result being 4:1 to Arsenal at London Colney.
JET scored a Hat-trick with a great performance, Vela did well before being subbed off in the 81st minute. So, its very doubtful any of these guys will even make the bench for tonight.
WG
Unfinished business, Eduardo's return
We welcome Shakhtar Donetsk to Arsenal tonight in the Champions League. A fixture that I predicted prior to the groups being drawn. It always happens you always get drawn against your old players. It just seems to happen.
Reading several articles covering interviews with Dudu and drawing from pieces I've written myself its clear to see Dudu has some unfinished business with Arsenal. But for his injury he could have really stepped up. Playing regular before his injury he was excellent. A great player but in a true testament to how an injury can disrupt your career, he was out for 18months with the injury, rehabilitation and related injuries on his return. When he was able to return to the first-team fold his path back into the starting line up was blocked by the 4-2-3-1 formation which didn't suit him at all.
Eduardo is a 30 yard, tricky striker, he'll never do anyone for pace but he'll trick you to death and get a shot on target. His composure when on goal was excellent as was his finishing 1v1. He also fitted in well into the Arsenal way of playing with the exception that he liked to take a shot once in a while.
I'm really looking forward to tonights game. I think it will be a good test for us. News is Cesc is fit and raring to go, but Wenger might save him for the weekend. With my contacts(lenses), its my understanding(guess) that Cesc will be benched and brought on when required - perhaps give him 15 minutes at the end if we are clear. That would certainly make sense with regards to the super sunday afternoon fixture against Citeh. Walcott is also set for a return though again I expect bench action with Bendtner perhaps replacing Chamakh to give him a well earned rest. The rest of the team picks itself and we should see a similar line up to the weekend, save perhaps Arshavin who may be rested.
Lets all cheer our boys on to get three points and that will really cement our qualification into the next round. I'm not concerned about qualifying really, but we need a good 3 pointer against Shakhtar to help keep us as group leaders. So come on boys, nail them 3 or 4 to 1 and our goal difference will surely benefit, although its not bad already.
Be patient, be creative and just enjoy it. We should get the points if we follow those three points. Shakhtar don't concede many so we need to be patient and keep going at them whilst being sensible at the back.
Bring on 7:45!!
WG
Monday 18 October 2010
The castigation begins in earnest! Bring on the Shakhtar!
Diminutive Jack Wilshire has become something he has never dreamed of. He is now a stick with which to hit Arsene Wenger. The lunge and resounding red card, deservedly administered is now ammunition for the tabloid toilet papers to hit back at Wenger. After all, he's been proved right and backed up by fellow professionals - can't have that now can we?
I'm not going to dwell on the red card or the challenges in the game, it detracts from what was generally a great performance and a good warm up for tomorrow's game against Shakhtar which should be quite a spectacle.
I'm looking forward to european competition again, its pleasing to be top of our group in the champs league and I hope to continue that success tomorrow night. Shakhtar are not to be discounted though. These aren't some russian farm boys on a day trip. Their squad is littered with Brazillians such as Douglas Costa(linked extensively to Chelski and ManYoo), Jadson, Willian, Ferdinandinho(currently injured with a broken leg), Alex Teixeira and Luiz Adriano. Not to mention plenty of Ukraine and other established internationals such as Tomas Hubschman, Darijo Srna, Dmytro Chyrgrynskiy (formerly of Barcelona) and our very own Eduardo. So not to be taken lightly, these are a team of experienced international players who have all played at this top level of european competition.
In terms of squad for this fixture, I've not heard anything more about injuries following the game so I'm hoping to see a similar line up to the weekend and a similar performance. We're going to need to be solid, Shakhtar are a very attacking side. Despite their record in the Champions league of scoring 4 goals in 2 games, they've not conceded at all so they are not tactically naive and know the defensive side of the game very well.
I'm really looking forward to this, as a spectacle it will be interesting to see how we line up. I fully expect Wenger to start both Diaby and Song to try and shore up the midfield. Maybe a cameo for Fabregas in the 2nd half?
I'll wait patiently (or not) for the press conference to find out the squad details.
WG
Sunday 17 October 2010
Three Musketeers and the Gap's down to five!
Arsenal took on the visit by the Brum and really they were a bit naughty. They really didn't let the Brum play at all. It was all Arsenal and really it could have been much more of a battering.
Brum opened the scoring with a soaring header by "Man Mountain Descended From Trees" Zigic who deftly flicked the ball into the far corner. A well worked goal to be honest and deserved after a great ball in. Fabianski would never have been able to save that and neither would anyone else.
Yesterday we saw more of the Arsenal that I keep babbling about. Mobility, Pace, Combinations. At the heart of this were Chamakh, Nasri and Wilshire. Its great to see how well Chamakh is settling in and I can't see anyone dislodging him at the moment. Nasri and Wilshire were frightening going forwards, Wilshire in particular dominated, no mean feat for a 18yr old. People bang on about signings, potentially we might not have seen Wilshire now if we'd signed another midfielder. Wenger is right not to stifle the likes of Wilshire, Jay Emmanuel Thomas, Lansbury and Eastmond. If they're not given a crack of the whip, how will we ever know if they are good enough? So to all those who said "If Wenger doesn't sign X then I'm not going to support them anymore!!" ... Well then I guess you missed the masterclass yesterday by the new three musketeers of Nasri, Wilshire and Chamakh...they even sound french and musketeery!
One french player to do himself little credit was Diaby again, I felt his presence in the game was an interuption to the game being played by the musketeers rather than an assistance. I saw him dribble off and moves fizzled out as players got too far ahead and marked. Diaby slows Arsenal down now, he's a good player but he's a round peg in a square hole.
One massive potential talking point was Wilshire's lunge at Zigic, it rightly earned him a red and I'm pleased Wenger and Wilshire came out and immediately identified the decision as correct and Wilshire apologised. In todays climate a bit of honesty on these things does you credit. Though in truth, Wenger couldn't defend it after his stance on violent football.
So, in summary and excellent result for us, a great team performance and it seems everyone is giving the Wookie some love, with Djourou and Song both congratulating him on a great save at the end. I just cant see that with the Waiter. His time has passed I think.
Congratulations to anyone who followed my advice and had a punt on Nasri, wish I did now!
WG
Saturday 16 October 2010
Nasri's in great form - worth a punt
Samir Nasri has been instrumental in our performances this season. He really is exactly what this Arsenal version is all about, pace, movement and releasing the ball early to Chamakh and then running on for the return. Well worth a punt if you are a betting man, Nasri to score, I'd probably have a go at Arshavin scoring too!
Its worth mentioning the success Chamakh has been as a target man. He really is what Wenger was looking for. Balls into him are rarely wasted and his distribution is exceptionally good. The ball sticks to him and when we play 4-2-3-1 we need our target man to be able to release the likes of Nasri, Arshavin, Fabregas, Wilshire and Rosicky from midfield to go forwards and create havoc which Chamakh does extremely well. Hence his great relationship with Gourcuff at Bordeaux.
With his head Chamakh is pretty good, his movement off the ball is very good. He works the opposition defence and if his finishing was a bit better he would be topping our scoring charts. Naturally some of this will improve as he learns more about the Arsenal way and is better at anticipating the balls played into him. Lets face it, where else do players muck about with the ball on the edge of the opposition area instead of having a shot. We're always looking for that cheeky through ball that makes the defence look daft.
Great team news for today, Bendtner is back and apparently in the best shape since October 2009, which can't be bad. Theo is back too so a trip on the bench for him I reckon, bring him on in the second half against tired legs. Some bad news about Koscielny - he's injured his back and is unavailable for selection. Fortunately however, Djourou has declared himself fit so at least we have two centre backs available in him and the excellent Squillaci.
I hope Wenger retains faith in Fabianski, Wookie needs games and to be honest even if he makes a howler it wont be any worse that the spanish waiter does with alarming regularity.
All said and done, I'm really confident, bring it on Brum, I'm not afraid!
WG
Friday 15 October 2010
Pushing back the tide. A brief look at the Arsenal defence.
A thought struck me earlier. How fortunate have we been this season?! We have been fielding a rookie CB partnership in Squillaci and Koscielny ever since Vermaelen got injured on 3rd Sept 2010.
Won 4, Drawn 1, Lost 2 (Chelsea and West Brom)
I think they will become really good players for us. I've been really impressed in the start they've made. They've made some mistakes, but I think its always going to happen in a new league played at an extraordinary tempo, unlike any other league in the world.
Without putting the siege mentality "everyone hates us" attitude out, I don't think credit is given for these two centre-backs. I think they're great signings. Our defensive requirements were well documented all summer and no doubt every target we talked to added a few millions onto their valuation as need determines price in all things. I'm convinced Koscielny was to be Wenger's CB backup this season, with an experienced premier league defender to come in but that didn't happen. I'm certain it wouldn't have represented value for money anyway, especially as price and experience doesn't always equate to a good player.
There is no doubt that both Squillaci and Koscielny need to improve, but they've already got all the ingredients and I'm certain Chef Wenger can cook up something special. In all this positivity there is a negative lurking and it saddens me a little. Johan Djourou. I really hoped to see something from him this season and whilst its still very early days, the brief signs I've seen are not good. His lack of form seems to stem from a never ending injury list and lack of game time. Djourou again has all the ingredients, I'm hoping he can get past his injuries and play a big part this year. He deserves a chance.
In terms of full-backs, much has been made of Clichy's form recently. I think he'll admit himself he's not at the top of his game. Potentially one of the best left backs in the world, he's got it all, pace, tenacity, an eye for a pass and he's extremely good at receiving the ball at pace and attacking. I think he's still a bit naive sometimes and gets sold by opposition players because he's a bit too keen. At 25 though he really needs to get this out of his game. The much vaunted Gibbs however is knocking on the door and whilst he shows great talent, is he any better than Clichy? Out of fairness he should be given the chance to try, he's got the potential.
Sagna is possibly the best right back we've had since Dixon, I'm consistently impressed with him. His communication is far better than any of our other players at the moment and he is a very consistent, tenacious defender who gets forward and joins in the attacks very well. He's also good at shouting at the midfield for help when he needs cover. Something Clichy lacks, he cannot be afraid to upset someone, he cannot be left to fend for himself the way he has been at times this season.
Communication is critical for a successful football side. We haven't got enough voices on the pitch and they need encouraging. Our players are still growing and maturing. Arsenal is evolving and success is coming.
Soon. I hope. Bring on the Brum!
WG
It just takes time to negotiate the revolving door.
At Arsenal we have a product, a verve, a style of our own.
I think people don't give Arsenal enough credit for that. Arsene has created a side that neutrals love to watch and countless hours of enjoyment for the fans of the club.
What disappoints me is the apparent new installation at the Emirates, our new Revolving Door Policy. In my years as an Arsenal fan, I've never seen so much transfer activity involving first team players as I have in the last 5 years.
What I have seen is that the players who have come in have impressed and appear to be the right players for the club though thats not to concede that certain players have also moved onto pastures new for varying reasons. In the last three seasons we have let go the following first-teamers(for varying reasons);
Lehmann
Gallas
Toure
Campbell (ok, 6 month wonder so maybe not fair?)
Flamini
Gilberto Silva
Hleb
Eduardo
Adebayor
Can we honestly say we have brought in better? Thats not to say the likes of Ramsey, Koscielny, Squillaci, Vermaelen, Nasri, Chamakh haven't made their mark. Certainly in time I think we may be much better off. For now, I think we are still counting the costs and tending the wounds of losing all those extremely good, world-class players.
I'd love to hear your opinions on it. I know the players left for varying reasons and many were more than valid, but if Arsenal is going to win some silverware can we afford to keep swapping out players when we need a solid core of players to reach the plateau of sustained successful performances. As much as I hate Chelski and ManYoo the core of their teams has been the same for the last 5 years, with the odd player tweak here and there but nothing like the wholesale changes we've endured.
So if we're to win something this season I think its fair to ask the question, "Is this team any better than 2008? Or 2009?". I believe it is, I think we have some exceptional talent in our squad. I just wish we could hold onto it, just for a year or two. To realise our dreams this is a must.
WG
Thursday 14 October 2010
Oh Eck! Welcoming the Brum to the Grove
This weekend sees the return of Birmingham to the Grove and the return of Alex Hleb, a player I still rate very highly. I'm so glad to be back to normal football after the international interruptions. I'm delighted to see that we have emerged relatively unscathed, albeit Sagna is injured but Eboue is a ready made replacement.
I'd like to talk briefly if I could about Alex Hleb. He's a player I've liked since he signed for us, the nimble little belorussian (sic) first strutting his stuff in front of me at Barnet in the inaugural pre-season friendly. What Hleb gave Arsenal is something we haven't replaced, whether it was always successful is another matter but he gave us dribbling at pace, mixed with an excellent workrate and a great understanding with Fabregas. Fabregas was gutted when he left for Barca.
Honestly I'd resign Hleb in a heartbeat. Wenger won't because he didn't want to lose Hleb and Hleb forced it through. I understand Hleb's choice. I wouldn't make the same choice in his position because I am an Arsenal fan through and through, Hleb isn't and never would be. He grew up in Belarus, not England and dreamt of more successful teams than us I'd wager.
In truth, I don't think Hleb fits into Arsenal 2010/11. This version is all about mobility and moving the ball about at pace. Hleb, like Diaby holds onto the ball too much for this.
So, to Saturday and the 3pm kickoff. We're looking very strong for this weekend with potentially Fabregas, Bendtner and Walcott back in the fold. In truth, unless they are all in top condition I don't expect any of them to start. I would prefer brief cameo's from the bench until they are ready for war.
Birmingham are a different side under "Big Eck!" they are more dynamic and they create a lot of chances. They're a hardworking side who will be easily mid-table this year. Hleb has stated that the "Blues are too good to go down" and I agree. There are certainly worse teams in the Prem this season.
My predo, home win for the Gooners, I even think we'll keep a cleany, so I'm plumping for a resounding 2:0 win.
Wenger to announce later who's fit and who isn't. So that could really make it interesting.
WG
Sunday 10 October 2010
Going out on a limb
These international breaks cause me much consternation. I find myself caring less about international football during qualification because I worry about the fitness of Arsenal players and their performances.
So far, I believe our players have escaped unharmed, though that's not to say that might still be the case come next saturday.
One thing our injury record shows me this season is that we are stronger in the middle of the park and going forwards than ever before.
The return of Ramsey next month will strengthen us further and cannot be discounted. He's a strong candidate for a first teamer, week in, week out. Throw in the perennial injuries to Cesc, RvP and Walcott and we may be able to happily leave Diaby and Denilson on the bench or better yet, at home.
I'm not a hater of either player. They both have attributes that would benefit any team. I just don't think they fit into the Arsenal way. They're not fast enough in the head to receive, move, release and move again. Denilson is better in this regard than Diaby. Diaby tends to try and hold on and drive forwards and try and draw players to him. Denilson is suited more to a patient controlling game like the italian league.
Arshavin, Wilshire, Nasri, Fabregas, Ramsey and Rosicky don't need a Diaby. They want someone to hold the fort and keep the back tight whilst they go and create magic.
I struggle to see where they will fit in when our midfield is fit. Honestly I don't want to see them because I think they hinder more than they help. Not for a lack of effort in some cases, but a lack of ability.
Til tomorrow
WG
So far, I believe our players have escaped unharmed, though that's not to say that might still be the case come next saturday.
One thing our injury record shows me this season is that we are stronger in the middle of the park and going forwards than ever before.
The return of Ramsey next month will strengthen us further and cannot be discounted. He's a strong candidate for a first teamer, week in, week out. Throw in the perennial injuries to Cesc, RvP and Walcott and we may be able to happily leave Diaby and Denilson on the bench or better yet, at home.
I'm not a hater of either player. They both have attributes that would benefit any team. I just don't think they fit into the Arsenal way. They're not fast enough in the head to receive, move, release and move again. Denilson is better in this regard than Diaby. Diaby tends to try and hold on and drive forwards and try and draw players to him. Denilson is suited more to a patient controlling game like the italian league.
Arshavin, Wilshire, Nasri, Fabregas, Ramsey and Rosicky don't need a Diaby. They want someone to hold the fort and keep the back tight whilst they go and create magic.
I struggle to see where they will fit in when our midfield is fit. Honestly I don't want to see them because I think they hinder more than they help. Not for a lack of effort in some cases, but a lack of ability.
Til tomorrow
WG
Friday 8 October 2010
Ma-no-no oh no Ma-no
Morning all,
Vito Mannone has reared his head via the media stating that he is unhappy at being behind Fabianski and Almunia in the pecking order at Arsenal. Its probably fair to say he should be grateful Sczcesny hasn't pipped him for 3rd choice.
I do like Mannone though, he looks fricking evil and he's a good goalie. He deserves a shot at the #1 shirt as much as Fabianski in my opinion. He rightly suggested his record when he played last season was good and whilst he did make a mistake, he made up for it with two man-of-the-match performances.
One thing with Mannone, I never once thought he'd get bullied, I didn't sit there waiting for him to do something daft and gift a goal. He assured me and I was just watching. I'd love to see him given the Carling Cup, maybe play one in one out with Sczcesny or send Sczcesny out on loan for 3 months.
Frustration was always going to set in for Mannone, he's a young keeper with a massive reputation in Italy and he's always going to want the #1 for Club as well as his Country. I feel for the lad, Wenger doesn't seem keen on Almunia anymore, so bump him down the list and move Mannone up to 2nd choice, give him a shot. You can't stiffle youth and talent forever, you'll kill it.
Fingers crossed for an injury free week for Arsenal players!
WG
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