Marouane Chamakh - form is temporary...

..Class is permanent. There has been much media commentary about his "Tiredness" and indeed the player himself has admitted that his early season exploits have dulled his edge and left him tired.

I really rate Chamakh, I think he's a really good player and he will only get better with us. I hope the physio's are working him really hard to get his stamina and conditioning up to scratch so he is ready for the forthcoming games.

Chamakh played an awful amount of games at the start of the season, what with us and games for Morocco he's played a lot of football. The Premier League is played at a ferocious pace compared to the French leagues and its no surprise he's feeling the strain, especially as his game is largely based on work-rate and movement.

As it stands, I'm yet to be convinced that Bendtner is a better player and whilst Chamakh is a bit off form at the moment, I am expecting a Arshavin-esque comeback. We will need him in the run in and it will be great for him to be part of that.

Come on Chamakh, play this weekend and remind us why you're such an asset to Arsenal.

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Carling Cup, Chamakh
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Carling Cup, Chamakh
Zooomr : Arsenal, Carling Cup, Chamakh
Flickr : Arsenal, Carling Cup, Chamakh

Chamakh could be the key that unlocks ManYoo

Marouane Chamakh has certainly justified his ridiculous transfer fee of £0 since his departure from Bordeaux into our esteemed ranks.

Chamakh is a spiky, hard-working striker not often found in todays game. He's skillful and he is extremely intelligent at working the opposition defence and creating space for himself and others. His partnership with RvP so far has not been on Song, but there is clearly an understanding and this will only grow stronger.

He's tough too, when fouled he just brushes himself off and gets on with it. He fights for the team at every opportunity and its rare he doesn't have an impact when he plays.

I really think he's create a lot of space in between Vidic and Ferdinand tonight and RvP and Nasri will tear through it and score. I really think we will win and I'd have my money on it.

WG

Technorati : Chamakh, Ferdinand, Manchester United, RvP, Vidic
Del.icio.us : Chamakh, Ferdinand, Manchester United, RvP, Vidic
Zooomr : Chamakh, Ferdinand, Manchester United, RvP, Vidic
Flickr : Chamakh, Ferdinand, Manchester United, RvP, Vidic

Fabianski to face late fitness test - could be goals-a-plenty!

Seems like Fabianski has got his priorities all wrong and got himself injured just before this crunch game tonight. Selfish little bugger.

Needless to say I hope he's fit, I like Sczcesny but I'm not sure he's ready for a game like tonight, but then saying that, how will we ever know he's ready until he steps up and plays. Its a big game tonight and we need big performances to get a result. We can't rely on them slipping up. Our 'A' game has to be in force tonight.

I'm hoping to see the following players take the field tonight;

Fabianski
Sagna	Squillaci Djourou			Clichy
	Song Fabregas/Wilshire
Nasri		Robin Van Persie		Arshavin
		Chamakh

RvP will be crucial tonight. It will be his link-play and creativity that will release Chamakh against the ManYoo defence, that will send the on-fire Nasri through to burn a hole in the net and for cheeky little Arshavin to dart into the box and bang one in. RvP will be the artist, ensuring that Fabregas doesn't need to play if he isn't quite fit.

This is a game that will mean much in the title race, it removes that game that ManYoo have in hand and makes us top of the table by right and not default.

It takes us one full step closer, when the challengers are making baby steps. Am I excited, yes I definitely am. Can we win? Yes we can, but its about belief and performance.

WG

p.s. I'd put a punt on Nasri, he's still hotter than a playboy bunny on the pitch.

Technorati : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski, Manchester United, Nasri, Robin van Persie, Wilshire, fabregas, injury
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski, Manchester United, Nasri, Robin van Persie, Wilshire, fabregas, injury
Zooomr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski, Manchester United, Nasri, Robin van Persie, Wilshire, fabregas, injury
Flickr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski, Manchester United, Nasri, Robin van Persie, Wilshire, fabregas, injury

How wierd is this season?

I was sitting watching the traditional Match of the Day last night and it struck me again how wierd this football season is.

I watched the fortunate Blackpool beat Stoke 1:0, Newcastle beat Liverpool 3:1, Everton drawing 0:0 with Wigan and Villa beating West Brom 2:1

Today there are more games which on the league's current unpredictable form will no doubt throw up some more surprises.

I don't recall a league being so unpredictable even with a World Cup hangover, it just doesnt make sense..Form means nothing this season. Everyone fancies getting a result wherever they travel.

Which is why I'd suggest you guys putting your money on Arsenal on monday. I expect Chamakh to show the ManYoo defence what a real striker is all about. Ferdinand once said Adebayor was the best striker he'd played against, a lesson is to be had I think. Chamakh is twice the player Adebayor is.

I'm really confident guys, I hope you are too

Full lineup and pre-match analysis tomorrow

WG

Technorati : Adebayor, Arsenal, Chamakh, Ferdinand, Manchester United, World cup
Del.icio.us : Adebayor, Arsenal, Chamakh, Ferdinand, Manchester United, World cup
Zooomr : Adebayor, Arsenal, Chamakh, Ferdinand, Manchester United, World cup
Flickr : Adebayor, Arsenal, Chamakh, Ferdinand, Manchester United, World cup

Super Nasri carries Arsenal forward

Nasri was superb last night. He was at the core of everything good that went on the game last night. I felt for Chamakh, it just wasn't his night, everything was a yard too far in front of him or hit to him a bit hard or just caught him unawares. Games like that happen to a striker and hopefully he'll save a few goals for ManYoo next week.

Arshavin looked exhausted again, I wonder if we need to create a fitness regime for him or keep him back a bit in training to stop him from becoming so tired. It can't be good that he struggles to play 90 mins after 4 days rest. He was another player who didn't have a good day at the office, but again I'm hopeful he's saving himself for monday.

Denilson is a quandrary that I'm struggling to see light at the end of the tunnel for. He's a solid player, but he needs games to get match fit. That was never more obvious than last night but when he puts in performances like last night who's going to give him 90mins? I wonder with the dearth of central midfielders that we have now whether he will go in Jan or the Summer. If it was me, I'd try and get him a short term loan somewhere from Jan to the end of the season and see how he does. He's capable of being a good player but he's struggling for form.

Walcott showed the best bits of his game last night, he took players on down the line and attacked the space behind the defenders with pace and verve. He showed his quality with a great placed finish. The question is of course, can he do it regularly. He took advantage of tiring legs from Partizan and tore them apart. I don't deny his quality, but his consistency will be criticised, perhaps unfairly due to injuries and he's still so very young.

In truth I'm pleased we qualified, I'm not bothered that we're going to face a good side, you have to face them sometime to win. If we're good enough we'll do just that.

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Arshavin, Chamakh, Nasri, Walcott
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Arshavin, Chamakh, Nasri, Walcott
Zooomr : Arsenal, Arshavin, Chamakh, Nasri, Walcott
Flickr : Arsenal, Arshavin, Chamakh, Nasri, Walcott

Craving success at the Grove

Today Fulham visit us at the grove on a thawing saturday. We've been hot on our travels and the Carling Cup game against Wigan should have banished any home jitters.

Arshavin has really hit into form in the last few games and we will need him today. Fulham set themselves up like any Mark Hughes side, they're tight, in your face and attack in numbers. We will need the magic of Arshavin, Nasri and RvP to create chances for Chamakh and bury their own goals themselves.

This is another home game where we need to bury the demons of games past and I'm looking forward to it. I expect the squad to look something like this;

Fabianski
Sagna	Koscielny Djourou			Gibbs
	Wilshire Song
Nasri		Robin Van Persie		Arshavin
		Chamakh

Playing RvP behind Chamakh is something that Wenger has alluded to and I think it might be given a shot today. Robin was on fire on tuesday creating chances all over the place. His skill at dead-balls will be a massive asset, especially today.

I'm really looking forward to this. I think we're going to trash them today and I'm excited.

As usual put your cash on Nasri to score, he's so hot he's practically magma in front of goal at the moment.

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fulham, Mark Hughes, Nasri, Robin Van Persie, Wenger.
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fulham, Mark Hughes, Nasri, Robin Van Persie, Wenger.
Zooomr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fulham, Mark Hughes, Nasri, Robin Van Persie, Wenger.
Flickr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fulham, Mark Hughes, Nasri, Robin Van Persie, Wenger.

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

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

Unbeaten on Merseyside since 2007

The thing about Arsenal this season is that I'm still not sure which Arsenal will turn up to a game. Wednesdays performance against Wolves was awesome, it was a committed, determined performance and we aquitted ourselves very well against the physical threat of Wolves.

I didn't feel concerned pre-Everton. I really rate them as a side (they always start the season badly (poor pre-season?) ) and David Moyes continues to work tiny miracles on a half-shoestring budget but I felt if we took the intensity from Wednesday to the table then it would be us feasting on the sunday roast by 4pm.

Things conspired against me to post the above pre-match. No excuses about the game however, I watched it and I was pleased to see that intensity again. The determination stemming from Fab4 set the marker for our performance. We were in control for the 90 minutes and it was disappointing to concede that goal in the dying minutes. Albeit a scrappy goal, I felt we didnt really help ourselves by not keeping the ball and clearing our lines better.

All in all though an excellent away performance against a top side. Lets not fool ourselves, Everton aren't rubbish and will be around the top 6 by the end of the season. Chamakh played well yesterday, his movement constantly keeping Jagielka and Heitinga on their toes. Great goal by Sagna (66-1, might have a quid on him for the next game, these things seem to go in sequences) to beat Howard at his near post and his first goal for two years.

Great news with Chelski getting done by the Mackems!! I had a feeling the ascendency was with the Mackems pre-match so I had a couple of quid on sunderland to beat chelsea at 17-1. Result.

I'll be posting something this afternoon about Aaron Ramsey and his reintegration this month.

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Chamakh, Chelsea, Everton, Fabregas, Sunderland, Wolves
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Chamakh, Chelsea, Everton, Fabregas, Sunderland, Wolves
Zooomr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Chelsea, Everton, Fabregas, Sunderland, Wolves
Flickr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Chelsea, Everton, Fabregas, Sunderland, Wolves

Taking it in and giving it back with gusto.

As I mentioned the other day, Chamakh and Fabianski have been absolutely vilified in the media and across the blogosphere for their under-par performances. Sure they didn't have the best games, but one game does not a crap player make.

I am delighted, absolutely chuffed to bits that both players had an absolutely barnstorming performance last night. There really is no better way to shut up those with spring loaded knee-jerk reactions than to prove them utterly wrong.

Chamakh and Fabianski, I salute you. We are seeing a stronger Fabianski, he seems better able to deal with the criticism and deliver in games when needed. For all you doom-mongers, watch the game. Chamakh once again proved he is top class. He's a complete different type of player than we have ever had before, he's mobile, his work-rate is exceptional and his concentration is top notch.

Football isn't just about matches, its about players. Its about performances and personalities. Its about watching players grow and prove you right when you show belief in them. Its a talking point in a bar or in the stands. Its standing up for your players when others do them a disservice.

Football is more than a game. Its life. The Arsenal players are like our extended family and we should look after them like they are our own.

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski
Zooomr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski
Flickr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski

Entering the Den of Wolves!

Wolves tonight in a away game that in the past has left us with a difficult task. Wolves have been performing well of late with a loss to Chelski, then a win against Citeh and a loss to ManYoo that could well have been a win for Wolves.

This season, Wolves are playing more expansive attacking football than last year. It has seeing them concede a goal in every game this season. Something which will assist us greatly tonight I feel. Marcus Hahnemann of Wolves has said they're in great form at the moment and fancy their chances.

Arsenal never really get started in a game until they have their first goal and with Wolves having previous in letting goals in, it should lend well to an Arsenal win. Especially when we're hurting from losing at the weekend.

Tweeting on twitter, Wilshire has been saying Sunday was just a bad day and the players are focussed on getting a result tonight. I'm hoping the squad will look something like this;

Fabianski
Sagna	Squillaci Djourou			Clichy
	Wilshire Song
Arshavin		Fabregas		Nasri
		Chamakh

People in certain quarters are criticising Chamakh for his performance at the weekend. Personally I feel his form has been excellent for us this season and one game doesn't make him a bad player. It was a bad day at the office, move on. I expect him to start tonight and I think he will score.

I'm hoping for a resounding win tonight, I'd like Citeh to get a result against ManYoo or at least get a draw and Chelski to draw or lose to take us closer to the top of the table.

I'll not be able to see the game as I'm in Manchester watching the hilarious Jason Manford so I expect him to be commenting on the game being a diehard Citeh fan. I'll attempt to heckle him without mercy if the opportunity presents itself.

Come on Arsenal!

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Chamakh, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Wilshire
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Chamakh, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Wilshire
Zooomr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Wilshire
Flickr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Wilshire

Thrown to the Wolves - Arsenal bite back.

Arsenal, on the back of two losses, face Wolves on Wednesday night. After the disappointment of losing to Newcastle in the Premier League we travel knowing that there can be no second chances this week. We will need to be vicious, efficient, powerful.

What can be taken from the last two games? Wilshire continues to grow in stature and performance. He was awesome at the weekend. Fabregas will feel he has something to prove after two lacklustre performances in the last two Premier League matches. RvP made his return, though he is a country mile off fitness and Chamakh proved that the run of constant games is taking its toll, he's exhausted and needs a rest.

So what is in store for tomorrow night? I hope that the boys take on board the obvious points from the weekend. We did not penetrate enough or convert our chances. This cannot happen tomorrow. We need to put down another marker and stamp on Wolves. I don't want it to be a war, I really don't want to see any of our players get injured. I want a fast, mobile, efficient performance. Its about time Rosicky got another game to be honest. Perhaps rest Fabregas and play Rosicky in that role?

I really think Fabianski will have a great game tomorrow night. He's shown character in the past when criticised and I see no reason why we won't see that again.

Come on you Gunners, go up there and give 'em a whoopin!

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabregas, Newcastle, Premier League, Robin Van Persie, Rosicky, Wilshire, Wolves
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabregas, Newcastle, Premier League, Robin Van Persie, Rosicky, Wilshire, Wolves
Zooomr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabregas, Newcastle, Premier League, Robin Van Persie, Rosicky, Wilshire, Wolves
Flickr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabregas, Newcastle, Premier League, Robin Van Persie, Rosicky, Wilshire, Wolves

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

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

Technorati : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski, Fabregas, Gai, Hubschmann, Nasri, Shakhtar, Song, Wilshire
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski, Fabregas, Gai, Hubschmann, Nasri, Shakhtar, Song, Wilshire
Zooomr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski, Fabregas, Gai, Hubschmann, Nasri, Shakhtar, Song, Wilshire
Flickr : Arsenal, Chamakh, Fabianski, Fabregas, Gai, Hubschmann, Nasri, Shakhtar, Song, Wilshire

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

Technorati : Arsenal, Birmingham, Chamakh, Diaby, Nasri, Three Musketeers, Wenger, Wilshire
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Birmingham, Chamakh, Diaby, Nasri, Three Musketeers, Wenger, Wilshire
Zooomr : Arsenal, Birmingham, Chamakh, Diaby, Nasri, Three Musketeers, Wenger, Wilshire
Flickr : Arsenal, Birmingham, Chamakh, Diaby, Nasri, Three Musketeers, Wenger, Wilshire

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

Bolton dreams, Spud-i-like and bragging about Braga

What a catch up this has been. Firstly, lets hit the results;

Bolton (A) 1:4

Braga (H) 6:0

Sunderland (A) 1:1

Spuds (A) 1:4

Frankly, I'll take those results with a smile, with the exception of Sunderland we have consistently outplayed and outscored our opponents. From what I have seen from the available highlights it appears we're looking very fluid at the moment. Squillaci seems to have fitted in well, as with Koscielny.

Jack Wilshire is back to his effective best, busying himself about creating chances and enjoying himself, its great to see and even if we lost Fab4 to his Barca DNA then I think with Wilshire and Rambo we've got two guys that can step up.

I think Chamakh deserves a mention, he's led the line well for us this season already and he's a very strong asset in the air. Vela also seems to be finishing better, but again I'm relying on highlights here guys.

So, looking forwards to this arvo and West Brom, it should be a walkthrough game this, play it by numbers and the result will follow. I hope the players put down another marker and score heavily again, goal difference is important and its a fear factor too. Noone wants to get done 4-5 to nil, so it will be a physic mind trick to them, I'd always back us to open up a team thats playing defensive this season..I think we have so many options that we can get past their parked buses.

Anyway, I'll end this now and look forward to the West Brom game. Predo, 4:0 to the Arsenal

WG

Debut's delight - Liverpool 1:1 Arsenal

As predicted in my last post, I did get rather innebriated and therefore was unable to write this post yesterday. Mainly because I couldn't remain conscious for any real length of time.

However, I will muddle through this now.

Firstly, yesterday we saw Premier League debut's for Kozza and Chamakh...I think they played really well, Chamakh was a bit isolated but he worked really hard and forced the error from Reina, 100% effort from the first second til the last, I was impressed by him and I think we'll see a lot of good things from him this year. The Adebayor comparisons being made I think don't do him as much credit as I'd like as I can see there is much more to his game than being a tall striker..His workrate is excellent and his movement is very intelligent, always looking to pull the defenders about. I really think he will do well for us this year.

Our second debutant, Koscielny was awesome yesterday. I think he was swift across the ground, composed when required and fitted in well with the rest of the defence and even lost his composure when the rest of the defence did - what a team player!!

Humour aside, it was a good point to take home yesterday. Starting the season away from home against a top half side is harsh and we did well. Almunia did nothing to change my mind on his future, his performance perfectly summed up the best and worst of his game in equal measure. The best, his diving saves and bar-tipping action was all on display and he saved well. The worst, his positioning and handling of crosses was there for all to see..the Liverpool goal was bad positioning mixed with sloth-like reactions that I struggle to forgive.

If we haven't signed another 'keeper by next Saturday then I would hope Wenger sticks Fabianski in, Almunia looked lost at times and I think his head is elsewhere...probably in his "happy place". Fabianski whilst not showering himself in gold, I think is a greater prospect and I think Almunia knows it.

So, lets bring on the Tangerines on Saturday and give them a spanking to show them what life in the prem is all about...we need a result similar to Chelski's lesson to West Brom, we're at home and its my birthday..I want to see a cracker!

I'll put up a post midweek, previewing the game and mulling over the transfer guff.

Til then gooners!

WG

Technorati : Almunia, Arsenal, Chamakh, Chelsea, Fabianski, Koscielny, Liverpool, West Bromwich Albion
Del.icio.us : Almunia, Arsenal, Chamakh, Chelsea, Fabianski, Koscielny, Liverpool, West Bromwich Albion
Zooomr : Almunia, Arsenal, Chamakh, Chelsea, Fabianski, Koscielny, Liverpool, West Bromwich Albion
Flickr : Almunia, Arsenal, Chamakh, Chelsea, Fabianski, Koscielny, Liverpool, West Bromwich Albion

A piece of silver and a cartful of gold!

This weekend saw the inaugural Emirates Cup at the Emirates stadium. Featuring Arsenal, Lyon, AC Milan and Celtic (of all teams) it would provide showstopping, half paced pre-season excitement.

The one thing I love about the Emirates cup is that it does give us a bit of an insight into how the likes of Wilshire, Frimpong et al might cope against world class players. Naturally the pace of the game makes it a bit easier, but teams like AC Meeeeeelan play at a slow, deliberate pace and Arsenal were more than a match for them. Wilshire has again been one of the stars of the Tournament and I can see him getting more involvement in the first team this year.

Frimpong for me, I'm struggling to see what the fuss is about. Yes he's strong, he puts himself about the midfield and harries and wins the ball. His passing is poor by Arsenal standards and his persistent harrying and kicking would be punished more severely in a Premier League or Champions League encounter. Yes he's a good talent, but he is miles from first team squad material.

That said however, I did enjoy his performances and along with the rest of the squad I believe the cup achieved what was required; 1) to bring in a full capacity crowd to watch the new players in action, 2) to acclimatise the new players to the Emirates, 3) to give a increased level of pre-season competition above and beyond whats been played so far and 4) to give the players a bit of a boost pre-season by winning a trophy - even if its practically meaningless.

Koscielny (Kozza) looked to be a good player over both games. I think he can be a bit eager, but he's fast, has good anticipation and he is indeed a fighter. I think Djourou is a better player, but time will tell on his fitness.

Chamakh did well also, I felt at times he needed someone to be closer to him to benefit from his knock-downs and flicks, take a note Theo, get near him and you will score goals, get back in the England fold and be a better, more confident player for it.

I intend to do a piece soon about centre-backs and the revelation by Arsene that we no longer need midfield reinforcements.

Til then, sleep tight Gooners!

WG

Technorati : AC Milan, Celtic, Chamakh, Emirates, Frimpong, Lyon, Wilshire
Del.icio.us : AC Milan, Celtic, Chamakh, Emirates, Frimpong, Lyon, Wilshire
Zooomr : AC Milan, Celtic, Chamakh, Emirates, Frimpong, Lyon, Wilshire
Flickr : AC Milan, Celtic, Chamakh, Emirates, Frimpong, Lyon, Wilshire

Affirmation? A formation...? Meh.

...apologies, its an awful title for the article.

Onwards gentle reader, to the crux of the article. Namely Formations, the way Arsenal should line up next season. With regards to football, its formations, combinations, personalities and evil machinations that make up matches.

Everyone who plays Football Manager, or its bastard love-child Championship Manager (I know you people are out there....cross over from the dark side, its warm and we have cookies!!) will know their favourite formation. I tend to adjust my formation, tweak if you will, for each opponent. whilst taking into account squad availability and balance and its clear that Arsene does this to a point.

Arsenal, for the majority of last season played 4-3-2-1, with Song dropping off the two central midfielders to cover when we were under pressure. It provides 5 bodies across the middle of the park when we are without the ball and 5 to defend when attacking (leaving Song and our defence to cover).

I believe that the Striker absences (much mentioned by all) caused us serious problems last season. Not necessarily for the absent goals but the extra pressure it put on Arshavin and other players to step up and save us in games. I'm not convinced that the battering Arshavin took trying to play the lone front man didn't have an effect on him when the run in began, he looked exhaused in the last 5 games of the season.

The one problem with 4-3-2-1 is that you sacrifice a striker for a holding midfielder, so you lose a bit up front, you can't pressure as high up the pitch and you rely on your midfield stemming the tide. Against a mid-table side I think it worked well, against the top sides we didn't ask enough questions. We fought, we never surrendered but we certainly never played the Arsene way and didn't once stamp any authority on the games.

I don't argue at all with 4-3-2-1 when we are playing away against the top sides. To go all out would be foolish (although unexpected) and we would stand a chance of nicking a result on the counter. Playing away at Bolton, Blackburn and other places very close to my current home doesn't warrant this kind of security. We need to get our fear factor back. We need to go out and annihalate a few teams this season and I think we could achieve this by going 4-2-4. This would consist of Nasri and Arsha on the flanks, RVP and Chamakh in the middle, Fab4 and Song in the middle and a stern word with Clichy and Sagna to be a bit more disciplined to keep the home fires burning.

When teams park the bus and trying to get at us, we should not be afraid of them. We can't molly-coddle our defence in games like this. We always seem to lose to a crappy set piece...so don't give them the chance. Play 4-2-4, play for 80 mins in their half and make them make the mistakes. Trust me, a few teams will stop thinking about "Getting up them" if they're worried about getting smashed 4 or 5 to nil. Remember, the best form of defence is attack and with the versatility of players we have we could turn it into 4-2-3-1, 4-3-2-1 or even 4-5-1 if we wanted to defend a decent lead but we have to get one first.

Certainly modifying formations during a game will provide a tactical surprise if nothing else, if a player pops up where the opposition don't expect, that will give him at least a few seconds head start on anyone trying to mark him.

Just a few thoughts on a Wednesday.

WG

Technorati : Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Arshavin, Blackburn, Bolton, Chamakh, Formations, Nasri, Van Persie
Del.icio.us : Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Arshavin, Blackburn, Bolton, Chamakh, Formations, Nasri, Van Persie
Zooomr : Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Arshavin, Blackburn, Bolton, Chamakh, Formations, Nasri, Van Persie
Flickr : Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Arshavin, Blackburn, Bolton, Chamakh, Formations, Nasri, Van Persie