He's off form...but he still got two assists/Team performance

Last night was a good night. It was a good team performance against a resilient Ipswich side that knew if they kept it tight they might sneak it. It took patience, verve and sparks of individual class.

Arshavin is having a dip in form of late and much has been made of it in the media and in the blogosphere. Personallly I've been there when nothing seems to be happening for you and everything you touch on the pitch falls to dust. You just have to play through it, just like any sport and Arshavin is trying so hard, perhaps a bit too hard.

However, last night despite constant anti-Arsenal commentary on the BBC, Andrei managed to pull out two assists last night. Firstly providing a great corner for Koscielny and then excellent work to put through Cesc for the third. In terms of corners, Andrei put in about 4 of that exact same corner into the same area for Koscielny to attack and Fulop was able to get to most of them just before Koscielny but on that occasion he was slow to get off his line and Kos finished well. It was a good corner into a good area that consistently took the goalkeeper off of his line and into a dangerous area.

It was a good team performance though, Wilshire was excellent, Fabregas was commanding and battling, Bendtner looked a bit dangerous out on the wing and we were solid at the back. Though Ipswich offered very little going forward as they tried to defend their lead.

Now its all preperations for Huddersfield, another team performance required and we need to get this result first time. We cannot afford a reply this time. Our upcoming fixture list is congested enough thank you!

For now though, for a brief few minutes - Congratulations Gooners, We're in the Final.

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Fabregas, Ipswich, Wilshire
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Fabregas, Ipswich, Wilshire
Zooomr : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Fabregas, Ipswich, Wilshire
Flickr : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Fabregas, Ipswich, Wilshire

Turning the lights on at Elland Road

With the visit of Arsenal, Ken Bates was forced into investing an extra 50p in the meter to keep the floodlights on in what was a thrilling game of football.

Nasri tormented, Song battled and our defence was excellent last night. Koscielny and Djourou's job was made easier by Leeds playing tubby Billy Paynter who's as mobile as a bus, but they handled the threat well and neither of them put a foot wrong in 90mins. Both of them are seeing their stock rise at the moment with their consistent, reliable performances.

Nasri's goal was typical of him at late, everything is working for him at the moment, superlatives escape me as I search for originality, perhaps simply everything he touches turns to goals. This in stark contrast to poor Arshavin. I actually feel so sorry for him right now, we've all been there when everything you try just doesnt come off...you have to play through it and get out of the other side but its a killer. He worked so hard last night, he was even trying to win a defensive header, HIM!! ... he's only 3ft tall! (slight exaggeration).

Sagna's goal was exactly what he needed and he should do it more, a few minutes earlier he chose to put the ball across the box and Bendtner failed to get on the end of it when I think he really should have put something on it. It was an excellent, swerving powerful shot that Schmeichel should have saved, but the power beat him.

A point of frustration to me is Nik Bendtner. He's not a right winger, he never will be. He's not got the pace or the tricks in the locker to beat the left back. I know last night with the rotation Wenger didn't feel he had anyone else to put there but I would put Vela out there (he's not gone out on loan yet has he?) because he has pace and tricks to burn. In fairness to Bendtner, it was a frustrating night but he redeemed his performance somewhat with the cross for Van Persie, it was a peach and made Robins job very easy indeed.

Lets hope this is the first of many cups we continue to progress in, we need to thrash Ipswich. I didn't want to preview last nights game because I didn't want to jinx it. I'm glad I didn't. Bring on the Latics at the grove on Saturday, I can't wait!

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Billy Paynter, Ken Bates, Leeds, Nasri, Van Persie, Vela, Wenger
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Billy Paynter, Ken Bates, Leeds, Nasri, Van Persie, Vela, Wenger
Zooomr : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Billy Paynter, Ken Bates, Leeds, Nasri, Van Persie, Vela, Wenger
Flickr : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Billy Paynter, Ken Bates, Leeds, Nasri, Van Persie, Vela, Wenger

8 Personnel changes, disjointed performance - surely a coincidence?

Arsene Wenger said last night that the 8 changes he made to the first team after the game at Chelski had no effect on the game against Wigan. Its a shame for all of his money and brains he's not got a decent optician.

Diaby and Denilson had a shocker. Everyone in the stand heaved a sigh of relief when Diaby went off and Wilshire came on. We immediately looked a better side as Wilshire and Rosicky were on the same page immediately.

It was a very disjointed performance last night. It lacked pace, power, tenacity - everything that was in abundance against Chelski. When we were 2:1 up and N'Zog got himself sent off Wenger should have immediately put on Walcott and Nasri. Instead he procrastinated and thought we'd just try and see the game out only to watch Wigan equalise. I said just before they scored that if we didn't make a change soon we'd lose momentum, they'd score and then stick 10 men behind the ball. Exactly what happened. Everyone could see it coming and its disappointing to lose two points like that.

I'm not generally a fan of cheering for a player who's not on the pitch, but we all felt the same. We needed the dynamism and pace of Nasri and Walcott, so the chants began.

In terms of performances, several things were apparent last night; 1) Squillaci doesn't talk to anyone. 2) Diaby and Denilson should be sold. - Denilson isn't a central midfielder, he needs space to work and you don't get that in central midfield. Diaby is a conundrum in himself, I don't know what to do with him. He's so far away from being match fit its ridiculous he started. He was so far off the pace of the game he was practically static. When fit, he's powerful going forwards, but last night he had a shocker. 3) Bendtner isn't a right midfielder, at all, ever.

Rosicky was one of our best players last night, Chamakh was tireless in his running and fighting for the ball, Koscielny did well at times, extremely well at others and then made simple mistakes, but generally the back line defended ok...Squillaci really disappointed me last night. He's capable of much better.

Its such a mixed bag of emotions, decisions should have gone our way that didn't, but we got decisions we shouldn't have too, so I cannot complain about it. It all evens out. I just hope we don't look back at this game and realise its cost us a lot more than two points.

For now gooners, i bid you adieu.

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Chelsea, Wigan, bendtner, nasri, rosicky, walcott, wenger
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Chelsea, Wigan, bendtner, nasri, rosicky, walcott, wenger
Zooomr : Arsenal, Chelsea, Wigan, bendtner, nasri, rosicky, walcott, wenger
Flickr : Arsenal, Chelsea, Wigan, bendtner, nasri, rosicky, walcott, wenger

Daft goal, but we didnt deserve a bean.

We worked hard for 90 mins, we pressed and we probed but we didn't create much at all.

It was an excellent PL debut for Sczcesny, he was commanding and communicated well. He kept us in the game at times and did himself much credit.

Defensively, we were ok, not brilliant but mostly tidy. What annoys me is that noone twigged that the balls that Sagna and Clichy were putting in were just being batted out. It was too easy for Ferdinand and Vidic. If ManYoo wanted us to have posession outside of the box we should have put more players forward.

We never looked like gambling, Cesc was thrown on in desperation, but he is nowhere near match fit. I would rather have seen Bendtner coming on and bustling about up front. We should have thrown the sink at them. RvP was far too deep, he's not a midfielder, he's a striker.

But we didnt throw the sink, or even the fridge and I lost a few quid. Poo.

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Bendtner, Fabregas, Ferdinand, Manchester United, Sagna, Sczcesny, Vidic
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Bendtner, Fabregas, Ferdinand, Manchester United, Sagna, Sczcesny, Vidic
Zooomr : Arsenal, Bendtner, Fabregas, Ferdinand, Manchester United, Sagna, Sczcesny, Vidic
Flickr : Arsenal, Bendtner, Fabregas, Ferdinand, Manchester United, Sagna, Sczcesny, Vidic

A great time to get the monkey off your back

Super result in the snow last night. Vela frustrated and then showed his class by setting up Bendtner. Its worth mentioning Vela got past his man and delivered some quality balls into the box and generally looked very lively, but clearly not match-sharp.

Which begs the question, what can we do for players like Vela. He needs to play some games, I think we should bung him off in Jan on a 6 month loan deal to someone in the championship, he needs competitive games and he needs to do it here. It needs to be a development move for him and he needs to stay focussed on Arsenal, not be casting approving looks elsewhere in Spain etc.

I like Vela, I like the way he just picks himself up, dusts off and tries again. He offers something different but he'll never hit form playing reserve and carling cup games.

Bendtner had a decent game too last night, pushing away the lazy slurs he worked hard last night. I do wish he'd look at Chamakh's game and try and learn from it though. I still think he's a bit naive when it comes to working a defence, but I'm not bashing him for it, he's still young and has the potential if his ego will allow him to learn. Which is a big BIG question mark.

For the second game in a row I was impressed with Koscielny, I thought he was on the money last night. Tackling, jockeying and heading he was an all-action hero. He didn't leave Djourou much to do but together they did well.

Wilshire played well, setting up Vela on many occasions but the young mexican was profligate in front of goal and unfortunate, his lack of match-sharpness was so apparent last night. Wilshire continues to impressand he's definitely proving his mettle with another battling display and he clearly outshone Denilson who had a bit of a bad day at the office I felt.

Last night provided an excellent opportunity to get the home losses off of our backs and start again and a cleany wont hurt at all. Sczcesny did ok with little to do, he'll be hoping for more of the same in his next appearance to continue to see his stock rise and take the next step towards the number 1 jersey.

So whats up next, we've got the Cottagers at home. Its time for Mark Schwarzers bi-annual storming performance and a whole lot will be made of it pre-match. Importantly the players need to focus and deliver a performance. Fulham won't lie down and they'll play tight and hit us where it hurts on the counter.

For now, embrace the snow, its going to be here for a while...although not here...its just frosty at the moment here in Wigan.

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Bendtner, Chamakh, Denilson, Fulham, Koscielny, Sczcesny, Vela, Wilshire, mark schwarzer
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Bendtner, Chamakh, Denilson, Fulham, Koscielny, Sczcesny, Vela, Wilshire, mark schwarzer
Zooomr : Arsenal, Bendtner, Chamakh, Denilson, Fulham, Koscielny, Sczcesny, Vela, Wilshire, mark schwarzer
Flickr : Arsenal, Bendtner, Chamakh, Denilson, Fulham, Koscielny, Sczcesny, Vela, Wilshire, mark schwarzer

Welcoming the Pie-Eaters to the grove

Its cold outside in Wigan, bloody cold. There isn't much optimism here that they can get a result at the grove. I'm in agreement, this should be a formality game where Wenger will mix up the squad with fresh legs.

After a great result at Villa Park, Arsene will want to continue that momentum with a good win at home tomorrow night. There are plenty of squad players that need a game and I expect the squad to look something like this

Sczcesny
Sagna	Squillaci Djourou			Gibbs
	Wilshire Denilson
Walcott		Rosicky		Vela/Bendtner
		Robin Van Persie

It would be great to see Rocket Robin back on the money tomorrow night. I've put him up front but I would expect him to drop a bit deeper and interchange with Bendtner. Regardless of personnel, we should be winning tomorrow night, Wigan are not a great side and we have a lot of quality coming in that should be enough to secure the result.

I'm looking forward to seeing Sczcesny again, I think he's got all the attributes to be a good 'keeper so lets hope he shows it again.

I'll do a bit more on this game later, now I have to go defrost my car.

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Bendtner, Robin Van Persie, Wenger, Wigan
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Bendtner, Robin Van Persie, Wenger, Wigan
Zooomr : Arsenal, Bendtner, Robin Van Persie, Wenger, Wigan
Flickr : Arsenal, Bendtner, Robin Van Persie, Wenger, Wigan

What now ? Away to the Villains!

We're away at Villa park this weekend in a game where pride needs to be regained after two bad defeats. It seems we're doing a lot of pride chasing this season, disappointingly so considering the quality we have on the pitch.

To my mind its not our football thats the problem, its not the skills or the height of the players thats the problem. Its the team mentality. If Wenger can't scream at them and motivate them then they need a leader on the pitch to do it. For too long we've had players who lead by example. Leading by example doesn't make anyone buck their ideas up..it makes them think they've got a crutch to lean on when they aren't playing up to scratch.

A lot is made of our lack of a leader, but I do believe as Wenger says its a collective responsibility to communicate and support and chastise in a constructive manner. We need our players to find their voices. Bendtner has a big gob but doesn't use it to tell players where he wants the ball, if you can't be arsed to run, ask for it to feet!. Walcott is the fastest thing on two feet at the club but doesn't tell people to put it over the top or run into space screaming for it. He should work those channels all the time and kill the left back that he's playing against. But he doesnt. He drops short, plays little one twos and cuts inside.

We've got a team who play combinations, they play them blindfolded so when it doesn't work it really doesn't work and we lose to silly opponents. The maturity isnt there to be brave enough to tell the other players in the team what you want to get the best out of your game.

So what to do away to the Villains? Arshavin and Theo on the wings, Nasri through the middle with Wilshire and Song supporting. We will counter attack them with pace and try and play through them, hoping Chamakh can continue his form up front.

Hoping... thats not going to win us this league. We need to improve, now.

WG.

Technorati : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Nasri, Song, Villa, Wenger, Wilshire, walcott
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Nasri, Song, Villa, Wenger, Wilshire, walcott
Zooomr : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Nasri, Song, Villa, Wenger, Wilshire, walcott
Flickr : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Nasri, Song, Villa, Wenger, Wilshire, walcott

Rambo heads to the jungle....well...forest..

As has been widely reported Aaron "Rambo" Ramsey has joined Notts Forest until the 3rd January. This is a great move for Aaron as he will play, there will be the minimum requirement of cotton wool and then due to necessity he will get thrown in and he will get game time.

I know certain quarters are worried about the physical nature of the league, but don't forget its a league where Rambo cut his teeth and he will know all about it. Lets not discount the fact that he got his leg broken in a Premier league game which is supposedly a better quality league, so injuries happen everywhere.

JET has apparently not gone out on loan at all, I'm wondering if the naff form of Bendtner since his return is making Wenger consider giving him a more prominent role. If it was me I'd keep him...the fixtures over Christmas we will need all the fit and ready personnel we have and if you asked me to pick between Bendtner and JET I would pick Bendtner, but he needs to take a look at himself and realise he needs to perform before spouting off to the media.

Other loaned out players include Lansbury who has joined beleaguered Norwich City on emergency loan until January also. He's another player that I've watched come through the ranks and I like him a lot. I hope he uses his time to prove once again that he is Premiership Quality and if he can't get games at Arsenal I'd like to see him somewhere else.

Thats all for now folks - take care in the Snow!

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Jay Emmanuel Thomas, Lansbury, Ramsey, Wenger, bendtner
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Jay Emmanuel Thomas, Lansbury, Ramsey, Wenger, bendtner
Zooomr : Arsenal, Jay Emmanuel Thomas, Lansbury, Ramsey, Wenger, bendtner
Flickr : Arsenal, Jay Emmanuel Thomas, Lansbury, Ramsey, Wenger, bendtner

One small step..one giant leap

Arsenal take on Braga tonight in a Champions league tie that should promise much for us Arsenal fans. It should see the return to the starting line up for Wilshire, perhaps a rest for Fabregas and Chamakh with Nasri taking up the Fabregas role and a rare start for Bendtner perhaps?

This should be a game where Walcott and Rosicky (both of whom I expect to start) attempt to stake their claim for a more regular starting berth. I really really like Rosicky and I see the benefit every time he is on the pitch. Walcott has been struggling to repeat his early season form since his injury but will want to prove himself again.

Tonights opponents, humbled at the Emirates promise to be a bit wiser this time. The manager and their supporters are happy to play for a draw and have said as much in the media and on Arsenal.com. Don't be fooled, Braga know a win against us would see them cement their 3rd place and put them level on points with us in the group, albeit being 3rd due to goal difference.

Partizan have nothing but pride to play for and I don't expect them to prove tough opposition to Shakhtar. Which turns the game tonight into a Must-win....another one...as they all are from here until may.

We can't afford to drop any points here, if we win at least we've qualified, job done, play the kids in the last group game. That should be the focus tonight. Get the result we should have got in Shakhtar.

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Bendtner, Braga, Chamakh, Fabregas, Nasri, Rosicky, Shakhtar, Walcott, Wilshire
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Bendtner, Braga, Chamakh, Fabregas, Nasri, Rosicky, Shakhtar, Walcott, Wilshire
Zooomr : Arsenal, Bendtner, Braga, Chamakh, Fabregas, Nasri, Rosicky, Shakhtar, Walcott, Wilshire
Flickr : Arsenal, Bendtner, Braga, Chamakh, Fabregas, Nasri, Rosicky, Shakhtar, Walcott, Wilshire

Rambo 2010 - This time its Per...Football.

B52 - Nic Bendtner has allegedly been spouting off in the press in Denmark about his lack of first team opportunities since returning from his injury layoff. In my mind he should be thinking more about Arsenal than himself. He mismanaged his groin injury and went to the World Cup and just made it a lot worse.

Shut up, score more goals when you come on and Wenger won't be able to leave you out of the first team. Do your talking on the pitch you mug.

On a brighter note, Aaron "Rambo" Ramsey is back training and whilst he's some way from full fitness its feeling like he's on the cusp of a triumphant return in december.

I don't want to build him up as the saviour, primarily because one man doesn't make a team and being honest we are playing well at the moment. However we do look a better side with him in it than say Denilson.

I'm not bashing Denilson because I rate him too, but I think Ramsey is more of a box to box - all round midfield player. He's got the ability to be as good as Fabregas and he's got an awesome shot on him.

I look forward to his return, Song will relish having him alongside and Fabregas will love the freedom to roam and enjoy himself.

Come on Rambo, show 'em what they've been missing!

WG

Technorati : Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal, Bendtner, Rambo
Del.icio.us : Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal, Bendtner, Rambo
Zooomr : Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal, Bendtner, Rambo
Flickr : Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal, Bendtner, Rambo

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

Technorati : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Carling Cup, Chamakh, Lovenkrands, Nasri, Newcastle, Sczcesny, Walcott
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Carling Cup, Chamakh, Lovenkrands, Nasri, Newcastle, Sczcesny, Walcott
Zooomr : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Carling Cup, Chamakh, Lovenkrands, Nasri, Newcastle, Sczcesny, Walcott
Flickr : Arsenal, Arshavin, Bendtner, Carling Cup, Chamakh, Lovenkrands, Nasri, Newcastle, Sczcesny, Walcott

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

Technorati : Alex Hleb, Arsenal, Belarus, Bendtner, Birmingham, Diaby, Fabregas, Walcott
Del.icio.us : Alex Hleb, Arsenal, Belarus, Bendtner, Birmingham, Diaby, Fabregas, Walcott
Zooomr : Alex Hleb, Arsenal, Belarus, Bendtner, Birmingham, Diaby, Fabregas, Walcott
Flickr : Alex Hleb, Arsenal, Belarus, Bendtner, Birmingham, Diaby, Fabregas, Walcott