Hey all,
I got into London about a week ago, and due to the packing and etc, I didn't quite have time to write about the last two games against Dortmund and Chelsea.
First of all, It is important to note that the last two fixtures in which we have lost have definitely been the sternest tests to date, and the following month is one that instills a bit of fear to me, and most probably to most Arsenal fans. For the record, we have Liverpool (H), Dortmund (A), Manchester United (A), and Southampton (H). In order to qualify for the next phase of the Champion's League, a win over BVB is crucial, and Wenger will have to be smart with resting his players if we are to progress while simultaneously maintaining a high spot in the league. Despite having lost the games against Dortmund and Chelsea, I feel like the way we are playing as a team is top notch. Individual errors cost us the Chelsea and Dortmund games and as the season progresses and players begin to find a winning mentality, these will be minimised. Which brings us to the game this weekend.
While every game in the EPL is a crucial three points, this one coming up is even more so. Liverpool, like Arsenal have had a relatively easy run until now, and have also had what we could call a dream run, as they try to scamper up the hill, where the current king (Arsenal) resides. At the moment, Liverpool are on par with Chelsea on 20 points, while Arsenal sit just above them on 22 points. This means that the result of this game will determine who sits on the throne as the next matchweek approaches. It is entirely possible that either of the top three teams at the moment will be on top come the end of the weekend.
It's fair to say that this, like many other games, is a MUST WIN game.
Unfortunately for us, Arsenal still have a number of key players still stuck in the injury room with Walcott, Gnabry, Flamini, Poldi, Oxlade and Diaby still out. Liverpool will be missing Enrique and Aspas but will be buoyed by the return of Coutinho.
Given the blossoming Sturridge/Suarez partnership (Oh how I wish we had signed him), who have together scored 14 goals in the league alone, Koscielny and Mertesacker will have to be on their toes. Gibbs and Sagna will also have to put in a hard shift and make sure they track back properly to cover Liverpool's wide players, especially as Suarez enjoys forays down the wings.
The biggest concern for me is the counter attacking threat that Liverpool pose. Arsenal have a real problem of bringing up defenders for corners, and then not being able to run back in time to prevent a goal. It's something that Bouldy and Wenger really have to fix up, because it will ultimately result in us leaking goals in, and possibly losing games.
It'll be good to have Arteta back to provide cover for the defense, although Arsenal will still miss having Flamini's physical and audible presence. Arteta will really have to dig deep and drop back readily, even when we have possession.
I expect Rosicky and Cazorla to start on the wings and hopefully provide some much needed width into our game. Liverpool will probably line up with three centre backs, so it will be important for our wingers to exploit Liverpool's formation.
This game will be won or lost depending on how organised Arsenal are. The slightest error could let Suarez or Sturridge in and finding the back of the net. That said, Arsenal should be able to dominate the midfield battle with Arteta, Ramsey and Ozil in the centre three.
I would like to see Arsenal play an intense pressing game almost like the way that Dortmund played against us. Giroud will have to put in a lot of work to pressure Liverpool's centre backs into making errors.
My line up: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesascker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Rosicky, Arteta, Ramsey, Ozil, Cazorla, Giroud
If it were a lighter game, I would suggest taking Ramsey off for a rest given that he's played almost every game this season, but his tenacity and hard-working attitude will be needed in this game.
Score prediction: 3-2
It will be a tough game, but if Arteta can hold the back four together and Arsenal are organised and dominate possession, I don't see us losing tomorrow's match.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Thursday, October 17, 2013
In Defence of Vermaelen, Norwich (H) Expected Lineups
Good evening all you 5 people who have read this blog!
This comment isn't necessarily a bad thing. We all know the Vermaelen before last season as a goal scoring, tough tackling, steely terminator like machine of a player - form and leadership that culminated in being given the captain's armband after the departure of the douchebag. Yet it seemed that the pressure got to him and his form slipped last season leaving the path wide open for Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny to form their impenetrable wall.
But all is not over for Vermaelen.
It is reassuring for both him and supporters that it is not his form keeping him out of the 1st XI but the solidarity and good form of the Mertesacker/Kosc partnership. In fact, when Vermaelen has played (not that he's played much), he seemed quite comfortable on the ball and steadier than in the past season at the heart of defense. It would break my heart to see the Verminator leave to another club, and in my opinion would do the squad and Verm himself some good with squad rotation. Of course I'm not advocating dropping either Mert//Kosc for long periods of time given their current form, but I think that against the weaker teams coming up in the league (Norwich, Crystal Palace), it could be good to see TV5 running out for 60 odd minutes. The other option is to play him as a DM, as cover for Flamini (Who is on 4 yellow cards and one away from suspension). If anything, Flamini has proven to Wenger that the team plays better as a unit with someone more defensively minded in that gap giving shelter to the back four - a position that Vermaelen could easily adapt to.
And now, back to the EPL after a long and arduous round of internationals. Arsenal face Norwich City this Saturday at the Emirates before Champs League in midweek against Dortmund. In the matches against Norwich since their promotion, there have been 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. While Arsenal sit atop the Premier League table, Norwich sit in the relegation zone with 7 points in 7 games. A win is an absolute must to hold on to that #1 spot with pressure amounting from Chelsea and Liverpool.
Norwich have no major injury concerns with only Elliot Bennett on the sidelines. Pilkington is expected to return on this fixture, which will bolster the Norwich attack. Arsenal on the other hand are missing Sagna, Podolski, AOC and of course Diaby. There is, though, a major injury boost for Arsenal as Cazorla, Walcott, Rosicky, Sanogo and Ozil are all expected to be fit for the fixture.
I think that it is important to play Cazorla and Walcott but not so much that they strain themselves in the process - considering that they are just coming back from injury, I expect them to play 60 and 30 minutes respectively.
My lineup for the game v Norwich
Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Flamini, Ramsey, Ozil, Gnabry,Cazorla Wilshere, Giroud
*UPDATE*
Arsene has spoken - Walcott is out for another 2 weeks and Cazorla is not yet match fit. Wilshere will probably play at LW and be subbed off for Cazorla/Rosicky
**
I expect that if the game is managed properly and the players turn up, this should be a relatively simple game to win, but everything must be executed properly. Expect some intricate play between Cazorla and Ozil and some direct running from Gnabry and Walcott if he plays. I predict a relatively easy 3-1 win to the good.
Reports have been going around this week that Thomas Vermaelen has been hinting at a January departure should he not regain form enough to displace either Mertesacker or Koscielny in the CB spots. He has been quoted as saying:
Of course, if you are reading this blog, you will no doubt have already read others commenting on how good old TV5's comments are simply a critical assessment of the situation he is in. I too will concur with these smart smart non-media swayed bloggers. As the World Cup swings back in 2014, Vermaelen will be 28, to turn 29 in November. The chances are that with a burgeoning Belgian national team, this will be the last world cup that Vermaelen will likely participate in, and in a team that has a steady chance of making it far (Look at the names on that teamsheet: Courtois, Mignolet, Kompany, Vertonghen, De Bruyne, Fellaini, Hazard, Witsel, Lukaku, Benteke to say the least). So, I don't read any more into his comments than that he would really like to play in the world cup in 2014 and that if Kosc and Per keep him out of the starting lineup he'll consider looking for playing time somewhere else."I'll have to think about that when it's necessary. January is still a few months ahead. Of course, never playing will not be the ideal situation for me to go to the World Cup, that's for sure," he told the Daily Mail. "People ask me if I panic because I'm not playing a lot but I'm not."I have spoken to the manager but it will remain private between us. Things can happen in a split second and change my situation. That can happen tomorrow or next weekend. In that case, we will speak differently in January. I have to be ready for that."
This comment isn't necessarily a bad thing. We all know the Vermaelen before last season as a goal scoring, tough tackling, steely terminator like machine of a player - form and leadership that culminated in being given the captain's armband after the departure of the douchebag. Yet it seemed that the pressure got to him and his form slipped last season leaving the path wide open for Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny to form their impenetrable wall.
But all is not over for Vermaelen.
It is reassuring for both him and supporters that it is not his form keeping him out of the 1st XI but the solidarity and good form of the Mertesacker/Kosc partnership. In fact, when Vermaelen has played (not that he's played much), he seemed quite comfortable on the ball and steadier than in the past season at the heart of defense. It would break my heart to see the Verminator leave to another club, and in my opinion would do the squad and Verm himself some good with squad rotation. Of course I'm not advocating dropping either Mert//Kosc for long periods of time given their current form, but I think that against the weaker teams coming up in the league (Norwich, Crystal Palace), it could be good to see TV5 running out for 60 odd minutes. The other option is to play him as a DM, as cover for Flamini (Who is on 4 yellow cards and one away from suspension). If anything, Flamini has proven to Wenger that the team plays better as a unit with someone more defensively minded in that gap giving shelter to the back four - a position that Vermaelen could easily adapt to.
And now, back to the EPL after a long and arduous round of internationals. Arsenal face Norwich City this Saturday at the Emirates before Champs League in midweek against Dortmund. In the matches against Norwich since their promotion, there have been 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. While Arsenal sit atop the Premier League table, Norwich sit in the relegation zone with 7 points in 7 games. A win is an absolute must to hold on to that #1 spot with pressure amounting from Chelsea and Liverpool.
Norwich have no major injury concerns with only Elliot Bennett on the sidelines. Pilkington is expected to return on this fixture, which will bolster the Norwich attack. Arsenal on the other hand are missing Sagna, Podolski, AOC and of course Diaby. There is, though, a major injury boost for Arsenal as Cazorla, Walcott, Rosicky, Sanogo and Ozil are all expected to be fit for the fixture.
I think that it is important to play Cazorla and Walcott but not so much that they strain themselves in the process - considering that they are just coming back from injury, I expect them to play 60 and 30 minutes respectively.
My lineup for the game v Norwich
Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Flamini, Ramsey, Ozil, Gnabry,
*UPDATE*
Arsene has spoken - Walcott is out for another 2 weeks and Cazorla is not yet match fit. Wilshere will probably play at LW and be subbed off for Cazorla/Rosicky
**
I expect that if the game is managed properly and the players turn up, this should be a relatively simple game to win, but everything must be executed properly. Expect some intricate play between Cazorla and Ozil and some direct running from Gnabry and Walcott if he plays. I predict a relatively easy 3-1 win to the good.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Lessons from QPR
Evening folks,
Being an Arsenal supporter is a bit like doing a nude run - there is always a feeling of exhilaration and excitement but sometimes you question why you are doing what you are doing as you start to feel some sort of embarrassment. This week was the embarrassing part. And despite not winning by more than three goals - which would have been magnificent (and normally expected against the last placed team) - I have to say that I am relieved to have come away with three points against QPR, no matter how scrappy the goal was. The game provided some interesting talking points...
The RB position is our strongest
I was a bit surprised that Sagna made the starting lineup in truth, given how well Jenkinson was performing previously. But I do think that it was the right thing to do, not necessarily because Sagna is better than Jenkinson, but because Jenkinson had played almost every single game of the season so far and deserved a break. It's interesting to note that Sagna played as though he was never out injured - that is how good he is - and it's quite clear as to why he's considered one of the best right backs in the world. At the moment, the RB position is the strongest in the Arsenal squad, and I expect that Wenger will rotate Sagna and Jenkinson in that position to limit injuries.
We need a good back up keeper
On the issue of the defense, I think it's quite evident that Arsenal need a new backup for Szczesny. Someone who is experienced and willing to play backup. At the moment, Mannone is a bit Almuniaesque and Fabianski is, well, Flappy-hand-ski. Julio Cesar made some glorious saves for QPR today (although he spilled a lot of shots) and kept them in the game right to the death. He is the kind of keeper we need as backup, while Szczesny continues to develop into a world-class talent.
Cazorla and Podolski need a break
Both of these players were below their usual best in the past three games. I still hold that Podolski plays better with Gibbs, but I think that both players needed a break. Unfortunately I don't think it will be coming any time soon given that Manchester United is next week. Personally I would like to see Arsha playing in the #10 role as an understudy for Cazorla.
As we go into midweek against Reading, I'm hoping for a big morale boosting win (as usual), because it's Manchester United next, and I would give my left nut to beat them good.
Being an Arsenal supporter is a bit like doing a nude run - there is always a feeling of exhilaration and excitement but sometimes you question why you are doing what you are doing as you start to feel some sort of embarrassment. This week was the embarrassing part. And despite not winning by more than three goals - which would have been magnificent (and normally expected against the last placed team) - I have to say that I am relieved to have come away with three points against QPR, no matter how scrappy the goal was. The game provided some interesting talking points...
The RB position is our strongest
I was a bit surprised that Sagna made the starting lineup in truth, given how well Jenkinson was performing previously. But I do think that it was the right thing to do, not necessarily because Sagna is better than Jenkinson, but because Jenkinson had played almost every single game of the season so far and deserved a break. It's interesting to note that Sagna played as though he was never out injured - that is how good he is - and it's quite clear as to why he's considered one of the best right backs in the world. At the moment, the RB position is the strongest in the Arsenal squad, and I expect that Wenger will rotate Sagna and Jenkinson in that position to limit injuries.
We need a good back up keeper
On the issue of the defense, I think it's quite evident that Arsenal need a new backup for Szczesny. Someone who is experienced and willing to play backup. At the moment, Mannone is a bit Almuniaesque and Fabianski is, well, Flappy-hand-ski. Julio Cesar made some glorious saves for QPR today (although he spilled a lot of shots) and kept them in the game right to the death. He is the kind of keeper we need as backup, while Szczesny continues to develop into a world-class talent.
Cazorla and Podolski need a break
Both of these players were below their usual best in the past three games. I still hold that Podolski plays better with Gibbs, but I think that both players needed a break. Unfortunately I don't think it will be coming any time soon given that Manchester United is next week. Personally I would like to see Arsha playing in the #10 role as an understudy for Cazorla.
As we go into midweek against Reading, I'm hoping for a big morale boosting win (as usual), because it's Manchester United next, and I would give my left nut to beat them good.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
What's on your mind Arsene?
 |
| Arsene Wenger vs Stan Kroenke? copyright Kevin Quigley |
I'll leave you to decide.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Gunners sha(l)ky... but reasons why we can bounce back
Sorry for the horrible pun, but I feel that unless I make light out of Arsenal's current situation, I'm going to have to crawl into my bed and cry for the next 12 hours.
Chances are that if you are reading this blog, you've already read all about this morning's match and how shitty it was - so I'm going to spare you the details. So instead of looking back, I'm going to look at how I think Arsenal can improve in the coming games against QPR and Reading.
1. Kieran Gibbs
It's clear that Arsenal is missing Kieran Gibbs hugely - Santos is just not good enough at LB (that was a huge understatement). Before Gibbs was injured, the left wing was Arsenal's most potent attacking side with the Poldi-Gibbs combination working very well. This could be seen in the games against Southampton and Liverpool.
Since Gibbs' injury in the West Ham game, Podolski has also been out of form. Coincidence? I think not. The fact is, no matter how good Santos is going forwards with his tricky Brazilian runs, he doesn't link up play with Podolski well enough, nor does he provide adequate cover on the left when the opposition have the ball.
I think AW said that Gibbs' is closest to being back, so my prediction is that once he is back in the squad, Podolski's play and form will also improve markedly as a result of that link-up.
2. Sagna, Frimpong and Wilshere's return to fitness
A positive that could be taken from this week is that Sagna, Frimmy and Jack all played 90 minutes on monday in the under-21s match. While I don't expect any of them to start against QPR (although maybe against Reading), I think that their return is certainly a boost in both a physical and psychological sense to the squad. Jack is looking as good as ever despite being out for 14? months and it will be interesting to see if Wenger plays him as a substitute.
I don't think Sagna will make the starting line up in place of Jenkinson, but I wonder if AW will play him at CB as he did in one of the u21 games. Either way, Sagna returning provides much needed depth in the defense and hopefully confidence.
Frimpong? theres about a 1% chance that he will start or be a used substitute, but who doesn't love a good Frimmy Fact here and there. Should boost morale.
3. Please. Please. PLEASE do not start Gervinho
As much as I like the guy, he is so incredibly frustrating. His play doesn't exactly fit the way the rest of the team plays and his lack of vision and will to run almost always ends up with us losing possession. He doesn't play well on the wing and he is ridiculously inconsistent in the middle (omg Schalke). Not only that, but for a guy with such a big forehead, he isn't exactly the best in the air. I think that Giroud is a much more complete player in the CF position and really needs to start games and bully his way through the opposition defenses.
4. Gnabry!
The teenager was probably Arsenal's brightest spark in the last two matches but didn't really have much time to showcase what he had to offer. While I don't think that he is fit enough to play the whole 90 minutes, I think he should be given the Theo super-sub role. It seems like AW is fast-tracking him into the first team - so expect him to make more appearances off the bench and perhaps some goals/assists from him.
So my line up against QPR provided Gibbs is fit would be:
-----------Mannone------------
--------Mert------TV5---------
CJ25---------------------Gibbs
--------LeCoq--Arteta---------
------------Cazorla-------------
-----Ramsey------------Poldi--
-------------Giroud------------
Ramsey is offset a bit because I don't think he can play strictly as a winger, but more like a RAM. I feel that this is his best position (he can't play box to box). The reason he doesn't need to play as a conventional winger is that Jenkinson is more than capable of putting in crosses and attacking down the line. Despite this, Ramsey should have some responsibility in defending the right flank.
The formation kinda lends itself to being a bit more fluid and switching to a 3-5-2, where Poldi would play up front with Giroud, CJ25 would move into the RW, Ramsey would play at the tip of the midfield and Cazorla in the LW. Fluidity is good and mixes up things especially against teams like QPR, who will focus on defending.
Anyway. Hopefully QPR and Reading turn out to be big confidence boosting wins for Arsenal before we go and play Man U - We will need a good run into the game. That is all.
Adios
Chances are that if you are reading this blog, you've already read all about this morning's match and how shitty it was - so I'm going to spare you the details. So instead of looking back, I'm going to look at how I think Arsenal can improve in the coming games against QPR and Reading.
1. Kieran Gibbs
It's clear that Arsenal is missing Kieran Gibbs hugely - Santos is just not good enough at LB (that was a huge understatement). Before Gibbs was injured, the left wing was Arsenal's most potent attacking side with the Poldi-Gibbs combination working very well. This could be seen in the games against Southampton and Liverpool.
Since Gibbs' injury in the West Ham game, Podolski has also been out of form. Coincidence? I think not. The fact is, no matter how good Santos is going forwards with his tricky Brazilian runs, he doesn't link up play with Podolski well enough, nor does he provide adequate cover on the left when the opposition have the ball.
I think AW said that Gibbs' is closest to being back, so my prediction is that once he is back in the squad, Podolski's play and form will also improve markedly as a result of that link-up.
2. Sagna, Frimpong and Wilshere's return to fitness
A positive that could be taken from this week is that Sagna, Frimmy and Jack all played 90 minutes on monday in the under-21s match. While I don't expect any of them to start against QPR (although maybe against Reading), I think that their return is certainly a boost in both a physical and psychological sense to the squad. Jack is looking as good as ever despite being out for 14? months and it will be interesting to see if Wenger plays him as a substitute.
I don't think Sagna will make the starting line up in place of Jenkinson, but I wonder if AW will play him at CB as he did in one of the u21 games. Either way, Sagna returning provides much needed depth in the defense and hopefully confidence.
Frimpong? theres about a 1% chance that he will start or be a used substitute, but who doesn't love a good Frimmy Fact here and there. Should boost morale.
3. Please. Please. PLEASE do not start Gervinho
As much as I like the guy, he is so incredibly frustrating. His play doesn't exactly fit the way the rest of the team plays and his lack of vision and will to run almost always ends up with us losing possession. He doesn't play well on the wing and he is ridiculously inconsistent in the middle (omg Schalke). Not only that, but for a guy with such a big forehead, he isn't exactly the best in the air. I think that Giroud is a much more complete player in the CF position and really needs to start games and bully his way through the opposition defenses.
4. Gnabry!
The teenager was probably Arsenal's brightest spark in the last two matches but didn't really have much time to showcase what he had to offer. While I don't think that he is fit enough to play the whole 90 minutes, I think he should be given the Theo super-sub role. It seems like AW is fast-tracking him into the first team - so expect him to make more appearances off the bench and perhaps some goals/assists from him.
So my line up against QPR provided Gibbs is fit would be:
-----------Mannone------------
--------Mert------TV5---------
CJ25---------------------Gibbs
--------LeCoq--Arteta---------
------------Cazorla-------------
-----Ramsey------------Poldi--
-------------Giroud------------
Ramsey is offset a bit because I don't think he can play strictly as a winger, but more like a RAM. I feel that this is his best position (he can't play box to box). The reason he doesn't need to play as a conventional winger is that Jenkinson is more than capable of putting in crosses and attacking down the line. Despite this, Ramsey should have some responsibility in defending the right flank.
The formation kinda lends itself to being a bit more fluid and switching to a 3-5-2, where Poldi would play up front with Giroud, CJ25 would move into the RW, Ramsey would play at the tip of the midfield and Cazorla in the LW. Fluidity is good and mixes up things especially against teams like QPR, who will focus on defending.
Anyway. Hopefully QPR and Reading turn out to be big confidence boosting wins for Arsenal before we go and play Man U - We will need a good run into the game. That is all.
Adios
hey hey hey
Hi all,
So I decided that instead of incessant commenting on other blogs, I might as well make my own blog to vent rage/disgust/happiness/love regarding all things Arsenal... (Also as another way to procrastinate from studying for finals haha...)
So I decided that instead of incessant commenting on other blogs, I might as well make my own blog to vent rage/disgust/happiness/love regarding all things Arsenal... (Also as another way to procrastinate from studying for finals haha...)
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