Koscielny - Poll results

I posted a poll last week about Laurent Koscielny - Is Koscielny now considered "GOOD ENOUGH" for Arsenal.

The results of the poll are as follows;

A total of 190 votes were received

Yes = 150 (78%)

No = 2 (1%)

Not Yet = 36 (18%)

Not in a million years = 2 (1%)

With Kozzer's recent goal-scoring form also adding to his fine defensive performances it seems Gooners everywhere are realising his ability and potential. Good on the lad, I've been impressed with him, his desire and workrate.

Keep it up lad!

WG

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Fortunate to escape a replay - Squillaci is a goon.

All teams need luck to be successful. Yesterday we were very lucky. Huddersfield pressed well and deserved their goal.

To Sebastien Squillaci, what an absolute Goon. I can't tell you how frustrating that decision by Squillaci was. He was always going to get carded for that and 8 times out of 10 it will be a red. It was arguably the most cynical, blatant professional foul I've seen in ages.

The positive, he's suspended for 3 games. Lets hope Djourou and Koscielny can keep up their good form.

Wenger's gamble on Nasri got found out and now we are without the mercurial French wizard for at least 3 weeks, with the possibility of him missing the first leg of Barca a strong one. Arsene has said that he wanted to play Rosicky in his place but he was still too week following illness. A reasonable gamble and not one to be blamed (unless there was prior indications that his hamstring was fatigued and at risk). I feel for Nasri and hope that his recovery is speedy and he can make it back for Barca.

The important thing to remember is that we avoided a replay that we couldn't afford. Now we need to focus on our next game and work on getting our key players fit. I wonder how far off Vermaelen is?

WG

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Staking a claim, right through scumbag Terry's face...

In big games like last night it needs a collective team performance to get a positive result. Last night we got that. Many are pointing to the waning star of Chelsea as a reason for the victory. I think that does Arsenal a disservice and we have much to be proud of,.

I'm loathed to pick out individual performances from such a fantastic team effort, but here are some that stood out for me.

- Wilshire, Young Jack excelled last night. Showing a maturity above his years he was no over-awed by the occasion and excelled in his role. Up against the likes of Fat Frank and Essien he played extremely well and its worth noting that the central midfield of Chelsea were very poor last night. Even swapping Mikel for Ramires did not inspire an insipid performance, no doubt they were hampered by the bustling of Wilshire, Fabregas and Song.

- Song, A great performance by the guy that Wenger said lacked the engine to be a central midfielder (no doubt kidology to make him work harder in training). He was snapping at heels from the first whistle to the last and covered every blade of grass. He's not perfect, but his goal was well taken and his performance deserves noting. His contribution in keeping Chelsea's midfield quiet was significant.

- Fabregas, Back to his mercurial best, if not trying a bit hard at times, it was a great game to have him for, his dynamism, drive and vision was a constant thorn to Chelsea and he deserved the applause he got when Wenger brought him off early to an ovation. Excellent performance from the skipper.

- Djourou & Koscielny, Both played extremely well last night to shackle the Drog. Both showed the best and worst of their games. Koscielny wandered once or twice into midfield and got caught when Chelsea broke, Djourou's timing of headers and runs with opponents was a bit hit and miss but between them an excellent performance.

- Theo, always a threat last night. Cashley was in trouble as soon as he got that stupid booking for kicking the ball away. Theo went past him time and time again and put in crosses (mostly poor) and had a shot on target which forced an excellent save from Cech. Theo's vision to put Cesc through clean on goal was excellent and he showed great composure to score his goal. Another performance showing the best and worst of a young professional who is clearly improving and showed that in abundance last night.

So, in summary and excellent performance all round. Not one player did poorly and will have much to be happy with today. Next game is paramount however, you're only as good as your last game and we need to go to the DW up 'ere in Wigan tomorrow night and get a result.

I'll see you there in the cold and rain Gooners, its a shame Cesc is suspended, he'd have ruined Hendry Thomas and Diame.

WG.

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We fought them across every green blade

Talk is cheap, hyperbole for the media. Before this match both sides were firing shots, some of ours were friendly fire, intended to inspire and stoke up our players. Should we have needed motivation for tonights match, it was in no short supply.

Tonight was a massively professional performance by a team wanting to banish some mental demons. Across the park there were some great performances. I don't want to analyse it today, this is best served with a clear head and deployed thought.

Needless to say I'm delighted, our midfield and attach terrorised Chelsea and Koscielny and Djourou shackled the Drog.

For now, its a great night and we're back in second place at the happy end of the Prem once again.

WG

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Why Wenger will never spend 20million on a defender, or a keeper

This post is really born from some comments on my posts so I thought I'd create a whole post from my responses to it.

Fans are getting frustrated because they don't see us competing in the transfer market with the likes of Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Man Citeh. They want a marquee signing and I can understand why. People look at the signings of Squillaci and Koscielny in the summer and pound their fists together and ask why didn't we spend real hard cash and replace Gallas, Senderos and Toure?

Wenger doesn't buy ready-made players, with a few rare exceptions he wants to make them.

I don't think Squillaci and Koscielny are bad defenders. Its their first season in the premier league and its only Koscielny's 2nd season in top flight football. Koscielny wasn't bought to start every game, he and Squillaci were bought to supplement Vermaelen and Djourou and both be brought into the Premier League slowly, circumstances however have seen them play a lot more than expected. I can tell you now, Wenger never meant for them to be the first choice pairing for this season.

Koscielny is one of the best 1v1 defenders in the premiership, yes their partnership is vulnerable but it is still young in terms of games.

Now I WISH Wenger would spend twenty million on a Goalkeeper, or a defender, or sod it both!! But he will never do that. He's a coach first and a manager second. He wants to make talent, not buy it.

Thats why Henry was a great player, thats why he helped an aging Arsenal defence play on for year after year.

I certainly feel your frustrations, but we're building a great side and I'd rather be positive than negative, that just leads to the dark side.

Hang on in there gooners, we're on the cusp of greatness.

WG

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Finding our achilles heel

Arsenal have been without Thomas Vermaelen for over three months now. Whilst I don't think we have mistreated his injury, it seems there has been an initial problem with the diagnosis and this has stalled his recovery.

I fix computer systems, your first diagnosis has to be correct, you cant keep buying parts and throwing bits at a computer until it starts working. Therefore your diagnosis team has to be pretty hot.

Whilst we have the best team of coaches and doctors about to rehabilitate our players from injuries it seems the initial diagnosis seems to be causing problems as it seems injuries seem to get worse before they get better every single time.

I know I'm making a crass generalisation and I'm probably way off the mark, but its my perception and opinion and I'm standing by it.

We're missing Vermaelen's desire and focus. He brings a bit of leadership at the back and a bit more power than we have at the moment (though its worth mentioning Koscielny is growing game to game and looks a great buy).

With Vermaelen back, with Fabregas back, with RvP back we look like a side with great strength in depth with options to vary our formations and change the way we play with more fluidity and quality.

There's hope, keep the faith, we're still in the hunt and the PL trophy just got painted with a big fat target. So focus boys, we're not interested in ManYoo now. Its the league that matters.

WG

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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

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Lift up rug and sweep....furiously.

I've considered it, even written it but I have no intention of publishing my review of this weekends game. I just don't want to talk about it. My post was full of vitriol and not for anyone's eyes but my own. I've since rediscovered my centre and I'm at peace.

Tomorrow then, away to Braga. Clichy, Arshavin and Van Persie all miss the trip to Portugal in a game where we need all 3 points. Clichy has a back injury, Arshavin is knackered and Van Persie is still chasing full fitness. I would suggest however that it might be better for RvP to travel and play 30 mins or a half against Braga unless he is injured?

We're still short of the likes of Almunia, Diaby and the luckless Vermaelen due to their respective injuries so we will probably see a starting eleven similar to what started on Saturday. I hope Vermaelen recovers soon, I feel we're missing that communicator, that leader at the back hugely.

I would like it, I really, really would if Djourou started instead of Koscielny, he's in much better form. I'm restraining myself from saying anything unnecessary here, we all know what happened at the weekend.

I expect a much improved defensive performance tomorrow night. My ideal squad for tomorrow is below, tell me what you think

Fabianski
Sagna	Squillaci Djourou			Gibbs
	Wilshire Song
Nasri		Fabregas		Rosicky
		Chamakh

So, ignoring the results at the weekend lets all get behind our boys and support them. We can win tomorrow night and continue our march out of the group stage.

WG

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Has Arsene's biggest mystery been solved?

Tackling the mystery of the leaky back four - I'm of the firm belief that our defence this year is miles better than what we've had for the last 5 years.

In Vermaelen, Squillaci, Koscielny and Djourou we have 4 players who know how to communicate with each other. Thats a great start. There are no big ego's in our new look defence. We have 4 centre backs that consistently put their bodies in the way and fight for Arsenal.

Squillaci has consistently demonstrated his ability and his leadership skills. He's been awesome for Arsenal so far this season. You're only ever as good as your last game but he deserves considerable credit for his seamless integration into the PL and into Arsenal. He's a great communicator and it speaks volumes that we've been keeping clean-sheets - not discounting the performances of Fabianski but it helps when his defence are talking to each other.

Koscielny seems to be growing every game as he adapts, he's quick across the ground and is excellent in a 1v1 situation. His ability to read the game is commendable and he certainly got Sczcesny off the hook last week. He seems able to slot in alongside any player and its his adaptability in this regard that stands out.

Djourou is also getting back to the match fitness and delivering the performances I expect from him. He's a good defender, good in the air and fast on his feet. Anyone who knocks him for letting Tevez past him is one banana short of a fist-(ing). Tevez is one of the best in the world and that time he beat Djourou, but he didn't score. Djourou needs games to get his rythym but he's impressing on his journey to get there.

I don't need to talk about Vermaelen, we know what we get from him. Committed, tough, determined performer who doesn't give less than 100%. He doesn't take any prisoners but he's fair and professional.

Because our centre-backs are performing to a good standard, Clichy and Sagna look more relaxed, you can see it in their body language as they move about the field. This has aided in their performances and both have been receiving credit recently.

Put behind these players a keeper who is a good shot stopper, someone who is brave and talented and we have all the ingredients for a decent title challenge. I'm still confident that we have what it takes to win the PL. When Vermaelen is fit he will slot in with Squillaci and they will dominate. I can't wait to see it. Expect a whole lot more clean sheets.

WG.

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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

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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

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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

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Onto Arsenal

Well, thats bloody annoying! Koscielny signs. This causes me a problem. He was listed on the Transfer-linked section on Arsenal.com. So now do we pay more attention to it as its produced a legitimate transfer after gossiping about it?

I don't know and that annoys me. A lot. I much preferred when I could easily say I will believe it when I see it on Arsenal.com. Now what the hell am I supposed to think?

As transfer rumours go, We're linked with Tasci, Jagielka and millions others. As with Koscielny I think it will be a bit unexpected. However, Wenger has said there is a need for more experience, perhaps a more established premier league defender would fit the bill, but certainly not his transfer budget I think. Especially as Koscielny cost more than Wenger wanted to spend (apparently 10m) when we initially (if sources are to be believed) went in at 4.5m.

So, I wonder, with the mooted transfer cost of Chamakh being in the region of £15m (I'm assuming this is wages and bonuses) how much is left in the infamously tight, padlocked petty cash kitty of Arsene Wenger. Certainly much has been made of the profits made by Arsenal PLC but how much heads towards team development I wouldn't like to assume.

Food for thought, certainly I think we'll see more activity on this front from Arsenal this week before next weekends annual friendly at Barnet. We know Wenger likes to get his transfers in before pre-season.

So...lets hope for progress on this front soon!!

WG