Morning all,
3-0 and cruising, Darren Bent came on and pulled one back for Fulham – why oh why did I get so nervous?
There was still thirteen minutes of normal time left and I feared the worst.
Crazy isn’t it but I guess that over the last couple of seasons, we have conceded so many goals so easily, I dreaded that happening again yesterday and that 4-4 3-3 against Fulham last year lives on in my memory..
But not yesterday, we stayed calm, organised and very solid at the back. I know some will say ‘it’s only Fulham’ but we are a club in the papers every day for getting things wrong, yesterday we got it right.
Last weekend we conceded three goals with a little help from the ref, yesterday we scored three without the help of anyone, other than players in yellow and blue.
Not even Howard Webbs additional four minutes at the end of normal time could prevent us from coming away from Craven Cottage with all three points which were utterly and wholeheartedly deserved.
Bents goal was a disappointing one to concede, the defence didn’t seem to really pick up any one player, especially Carl Jenkinson who had drifted into the centre leaving the Fulham forward plenty of time and space to slot home. Szczesny could have maybe done better too but he did so many things right, let’s forgive him just this once.
The first goal was ours. Olivier Giroud intercepted a Aaron Ramsey shot and finished well. Having been guilty of not being more alert in front of goal in Turkey, he certainly showed that can be a predator in front of goal when he wants to. Don’t get me wrong, I still want to see a Rooney, Suarez kind of signing to push him further. Giroud alone will not take us through an entire season and we need better than him, not some old has been or hopeful…
The goal scorers….
We made it 2-0 just before half-time, Theo Walcott broke down the right hand side and fired a shot on goal. Fulhams stand in keeper, Stockdale could only parry the ball back into the penalty area and there was Lukas Podolski who fired his placed shot into the top left hand-side of the net. Stunning strike. Giroud should have all but put the game to bed before the players went in for a cup of tea but he seemed caught in two minds and his shot rolled into touch.
Just after the break, Adel Taarabt, who was Fulhams main threat in the first half, didn’t hesitate to take a shot and his opportunity could have easily found the bottom right hand-side of the net, but Wojciech Szczesny’s got down early and tipped the chance around the post.
Two will do just nicely thank you…..
Then in the 68th minute, Walcott was involved again when his pass found Santi Cazorla on the left. The little maestro held the ball up before laying off to Podolski. The German nabbed his second of the match with a perfectly place shot across the goal and into the far corner of the net..
Man of the Match – again, well done Aaron….
We had other chances during the game, either their keeper saved well, or we lacked a bit of fire in our shot…
As mentioned earlier, Bent pulled one back for the home side, but in the end, three goals to the good guys was enough….
There was a moment in the match which I think ensured that yesterday was going to be our day.
1-0 down and Fulhams Adel Taarabt fired in a low shot across the very wet and skiddy surface, Szczesny turned the ball away but it fell to Damien Duff. The Pole was straight up and onto his feet and saved the second shot well and the danger was over….
Had that gone in, who knows. It didn’t and it was our day……
I thought that was a class performance by all yesterday. Santi Cazorla showed that he’s back and in top form, Theo caused many problems but couldn’t get on the score-sheet, Giroud and Podolski scored great goals, the defence were solid for most of the match and many others gave everything for the entire time they were on the pitch.
But the player of the day was again Aaron Ramsey, he really was everywhere……
Now let’s batter the Turks, get the signings done and dusted and then get ready for the neighbours…..
Talking of the Turks, Arsene Wenger has said that we will make no signings before Tuesday and if true, that will give us less than a week to secure any signings, in fact just six days. Surely this has to suggest that any deals are virtually in place, we just need to be in the Champions League proper first.
Juan Mata, Yohan Cabaye and Angel Di Maria are the players making the headlines today. The Mirror believe that Mata will now be an option with Chelsea having signed William and Cabaye was again missing from the Newcastle side yesterday. Rumour is he’s refusing to play in a hope to force a move through. Whether that transpires to be to Arsenal or PSG remains to be seen…
Good old Marca, the newspaper, or should I say mouthpiece for Real Madrid report that we have already offered 30 million euros for Di Maria…
That’s your daily gossip done and dusted….
Have a good one all….
Hellooooooooooooo
4-4 was against Newcastle
Good Morning Rico, ts, kt, syg, dg and the rest of the gang
Great post and what a lovely day 🙂 i think we played really well yesterday and got the result we all wanted. I think I am like you rico and no matter how many goals we score i am never comfortable until the final whistle. There have been so many occasions where we have drawn a game from a very strong position. Newcastle 4-4 was the worst i guess.
I think ramsey was brilliant yesterday and so was walcot, he created quite a few chances and its a shame he wasnt on the socring sheet but he is playing well and thats encouraging.
Now the big question is who will play mid week against fenerbache as although we are in the driving seat but the tie has not won yet. Our players are already tired and we dont have anyone to rotate!!! we cant afford to lose our CL qualifier but if we play the same team mid week they will be really really tired against the scums….. I do hope we announce quality signings before the scums game.
Lets see and pray AW does the right thing. But today, lets celebrate our win and watch scums beaten by the swans 🙂
off to do some grocerry, will be back in a couple of hours….
Morning all. Fantastic result.
Ramsey man of the match again. If he keeps this up and he will be PFA player of the year.
Cabaye and Di Maria appear like coming off…
Has no one thought of a “Clive Allen situation” whereby Suarez joins Arsenal via Real Madrid ?
On the downside there’s one for Ginge here. The idiot that he keeps “bulling up”
https://twitter.com/Matt_Law_SM/status/371391878782287873
https://twitter.com/Matt_Law_SM/status/371393181482749952
Post two twitters Rico – I go into moderation….
Same with website links …. mmmmm
http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/arsenals-frimpong-pimps-his-ride-projects-picture-strangling-man-citys-nasri-from-door-lights/#.Uhkq8XyVu_M.twitter
Ah yes, but we did draw with Fulham last season, Arteta missed a late pen, 3-3 maybe?
Morning Syg, sorry about the comments going into moderation, darn w/p…
Good morning all,
A good summary of yesterdays game and all the rumours. I didn’t even have to troll the other sides making up stories like CoF… 😛
If Di Maria does not want to come this way, why don’t we go for Andre Ayew of OM. He can play behind the striker like his dad Abedi Pele and on both flanks. He is very good in the air too.
Ag, like you I am hoping TR07 and Ramsey get rested for the swampies on Sunday.
The best pal midfield duo of Frimps and JW plus SC19 in midfield will be excellent. I will also rest OG12 for the weekend and play Poldi. Serge or Ryo could do with a chance on the flanks.
morning Syg,
He does not help himself does he… another JET in the making. Both made the grade before JW who was a WHU fan but is now an Arsenal and England starter the the other 2 are modelling their lifestyle on MTV cribs….
Nice game report Rico, Fulham were made to look toothless although a lot of people expected them to make it a realy tough one. Arsenal away but they had this game under complete control. Players manager and club under the spotlight for many reasons but they all pulled together to make the doubters wrong. Arsenals Squad it has to be said is thin nobody has denied that, the manager has stated time and time again that he will be active. In his own words he has stated that the window doesn’t start for us till the last ten days, whether we think that is right or wrong doesn’t realy matter, we should all know by now that Wenger will not be rushed he does things late for whatever reasons so it shouldn’t come as a supprise. Looking at some of the players we have been linked with and the ones we know he has bid on makes me feel that the reported 70 million we are supposed to have in the kitty will be spent. Wenger has shown us that at the moment he is willing to spend at least 40 million for a striker he has made a bid of around 10 mill for Cabeye so he expects to spend at least 50 mil. He has said that he will be looking to bring in at least 3 players so add on another 10mill and he also said maybe more so another ten mill that works out about 70 mill. we have one game on Tuesday which if we win brings in another 30 mil so give or take a player we could be spending 100mill. knowing Wenger and how he likes a deal he could buy a 2 for one price from one club so would probably save a few mill so i am expecting about 80 90 mill spend up roll on the 2nd. 🙂
We need to win Fenerbache. Not lose a goal and be on tenterhooks for the rest of the game.
In life, you go in there bang ’em hard and get out of there. Job done. Onto the next one.
I wouldn’t piss about playing half a side.
If we go 2-0 up. fine.
Wenger has bollocksed up in the past playing half a side, He should learn from his mistakes.
Chelsea sign Samuel Eto’o as part of Willian deal. Fee £2m. Deals almost finalised.
Rico, we all kow you love Ramsey, but gee whiz, it is getting a bit monotonous 🙂
Morning guys.
Sounds like i missed one hell of a game.
Aaron motm.
Podolski 2 goals.
Damn…..
Rico, did you get that pic. up i sent you??
Morning Ag, catch you after the grocery shopping..
They won’t need Rooney then Ts..
Thanks Sp, glad you liked a post for once 😉
morning Scott, did you catch any sharks? lol
Ramsey was immense. Him and TR07 tried hard to win the ball back and formed triangles around SC19 to be effective offensively…
I was really concerned with the experience of Sidweel/Parker and Berbatov filling in-between the gaps but playing TR07 as a part of the defensive duo was a master stroke imho.
The pundits voted Ramsey motm Scott, I’d have given it to either Podolski, Ches or Santi myself. Possibly Ches as his double save kept the score at 1-0 and with it, we grew in confidence…
Err, I replied to the photo yesterday Scott, too much fresh air, or too many beers?? 😉
I see Tim Krul is again being linked to us…
I get to watch a replay in an hour or two, so am looking forward to that.
Rico, i have a had a few mates tell me it could have gone to any one of a number of players, so i will watch and make a call….just winding you up 🙂
Sorry Rico, i did get that email but though you meant you would put it up on HH.
Not a good idea??
I thought the BFG was excellent yesterday he deserved a shout for MotM but I guess an AFC CB or goalie can’t win one so…. On observation, I think he plays far better when he plays on the LHS of the CB duo instead of the RHS.
Rico, I think you may have underestimated how Ramsey’s tactical awareness cut down all the true balls to Berbatov. Last season Berbatov caused us some much trouble with the midfield trio of JW/MA08 and SC19.
Arsenal linked to Mata…hmm; before this week he was being linked to only Man U until someone spied on HH again… lol
Good read rico.its amazing how much hype ramsey is getting right now.i thought BFG Santi and Sagna were better but thats not to say he had a poor game.he was very good.funny enough last year when he was getting abused he had better games than yesterday’s for example city and everton away albeit on the wing.
I know Scott, i’m used to it, I have broad shoulders 😉
I need to check a few things re the photo…
Ts, please, I’m not saying Ramsey didn’t have a great game and I was fully aware of what he did yesterday… I just think at 1-0 Ches double save was crucial.
Is there anyone in the league better than santi at footwork?…his spatial awareness and close control in tight areas is phenomenal.even across europe i can only think of messi and iniesta.he was absolutely phenomenal yesterday but he doesn’t get much plaudits because we expect that from him.
He will announce Flamini and some chap fetus and that will be it.
Also give sagna anything he wants.that man is a warrior and a move to CB will extend his career.our very own Lillian Thuram.I love the guy.
Good post rico,
Good win from the lads yesterday. There were lots of good plays by our midfielders. There were intelligent, quick, sleek and incisive in their passes. That’s arsenal best midfield combo(Cazorla, Rosicky, Ramsey). TIme and time again we cut them open and could have won by a large margin(6-7goals) if we had taken our chances. It’s high time Cazorla starts playing as the CAM since he’s gotten a yr’s experience in the EPL. Rosicky very good in the pivot. I knew he will be ok with the pivot cause he plays there for his national team. Good to see podolski back thought he had a pretty good pre-season. Still not convince about Scesny. Though did a double save but still shouldn’t have punched the save in the path of the attacker and sloppy goalkeeping for the goal
All in all a good win. Little biz to take care of on tuesday before the enemies come on sunday.
Rico, i know 🙂
hi
Hi rico don’t know if my previous post went into spam or there is a bermuda triangle in HH
Schalke can have poldi minus that left peg…its too damn good to rent out 😉
I know Rico… honest. lol
I agree with you Kt,about Sagna. The only RB in EPL history to be voted best RB more than once bar Gary Neville.
His Mrs loves the Arsenal too, what more can we ask for… lol
Thanks Kt, I thought Santi was immense too, as you say, his footwork was stunning, even had Hanson and Arry drooling 😉
Morning All…
Mata to Arsenal???
I think we have more chance of signing Suarez tbh….
Cabaye looks as if he could force his move through to Arsenal, maybe a slight increase on the fee, or maybe some ‘add-ons’ to sweeten up the Magpies…
Di Maria looks more likely than Benzema, that’s if we can take Benzema’s agents recent comments on face value?
So did RvP’s wife, look what happened there….
Morning Kev, Mata’s a nice thought though… 😉
Kt, I agree SC19 is phenomenon but he needs to do the same against bigger and better opposition. Bosque does not even trust him in big games for Spain. Mata is preferred instead because Mata turns up on bigger occasions imho…
Some people may not rate Poldi but as I always say and was shown yesterday, he scores and wins us more points than any player in our team.
Danish, if we get 3/4 top players, Flamoney would slip in and no-one would really complain too much…
Let us not forget Rosickys footwork either 🙂
Signing Flamini on a short-term deal makes sense to me…
We know what he can bring to the squad, and versatility is his main strength, allied to his work-ethic and non-stop style…
Yeah, no doubt the 29 year old version will be different from the player who walked-out on us some 5 years ago, but why not use him, after all he used us!!!
Quit pro quo.,,,,
Hiya Ginge.
Santi was fantastic last season and should be better the time around.
Mata would be a fantastic signing as well.
Yeah Rico, a very nice thought, but unfortunately I fear that’s all he’ll remain…
Nice post btw…
Morning Kev, long time…
Benzema to Arsenal won’t happen imo as he does not really get on with OG12 so I hear.
Rico,Yes Judas’s wife and her father and mother all claimed to be gooners but money talks…
As in all walks of life. Lots do just that they may not fancy but if the pay and benefits make up for it people do not complain.
Good post rico,
Currently the best arsenal midfield combo is Cazorla, Rosicky and Ramsey. They covered spaces, intelligent with their movement, quick in interchange, incisive in their passes and very sleek in maneuvering their way pass the fulham players. Rosicky was very good in the pivot so also was Cazorla in the AM
Still not convinced by Szeszny though he made a double save, in the first place he shouldn’t have pushed the ball to the on rushing fulham attacker and was sloppy for the goal conceded
Podolski did very well as I thought he had a pretty good pre-season.
All in all a good performance by the lads. Small bit of biz to take care of on tuesday before the enemy comes calling on sunday
Same here Kev, Jose won’t do us any favours…
Thanks re the post, makes a change to have a good performance to write about, long may that remain. It won’t though if the right players aren’t signed…
You mentioning Thuram = how CBs should play. He went a whole season without a yellow card once… pure class another AW conversion from midfield to RB and then CB finally.
Ginge, if the money is high enough and the agents ‘bung’ is high enough, then it could happen…
I don’t know anything about any personal differences they may have, to me finance is always the over riding consideration in these matters…
I keep on losing comments Rico, am I going into spam?
And there goes another one…. 🙁
Thanks emma, poor Ches 😉
I still want Begovic though…
Does anyone know about Bremen’s RB, Selasi. A Czech with Ethiopian heritage and a very very good RB… he could be coming this way. A friend who gets me BVB 09 tickets told me one of our scouts attended the game on friday. It can’t be anyone from BVB he was watching so I think he may be the one…
What one Kev?
ts i think wenger moving santi down the middle yesterday may have been in part preparation for the arrival of di maria.
last season when santi started out as our no.10 he began very well before teams figured him out and marked him out of the game.this was not helped by having walcott and poldi as part of our front 3 who are not the most creative.also with arteta being marked out of big games and jack not impressing between them he was hung out to dry.
Wenger has found a solution.in di maria we have an excellent dribbler who is very creative to assist santi in such games.when santi drops deep di maria can tuck into that role;when he pushes up di maria can maintain width just as well.
Also with jack/ramsey/rosicky possible candidates for that pivot role in such games when santi drops deep one of them can push up like we did yesterday.that setup was so fluid that the likes of sidwell were overwhelmed by it.this will make santi so much harder to mark since he has the freedom to move all over with his teammates intrechanging with him.
Team chemistry is vital for this system to work and we have that now.it was evident yesterday how well we played 1 touch passes.money can’t buy that.
The ‘Newcastle Chronicle’ state London sources suggest #Arsenal’s 2nd Yohan Cabaye bid will be just £13m. #hardball (via @JamesBurn89)
I see Pardew blaming the draw v west ham on Cabaye’s absence. I think Cabaye will have to force his way out as I doubt arsenal will be willing to pay beyond £13-14m pounds. I don’t see him breaking our transfer records instead Wenger will pull out of the deal
hi rico where are my posts going. Looks like it’s lost in translation when i post it
tsgh
What were you smoking when you saw Bac playing in the middle ? I agree about the Thuram analogy though
Got to pop off for an hour or two…
Catch you all later, night Scott…
Morning all.
Good win yesterday and hope for more of the same on Tuesday.
Tuesday is actually the right time to rotate players but as things stand we dont really have that luxury.Arsene should learn not to let these things happen again.
Emma, both Poldi and Walcot didnt do that well in pre-season,even they were outshined by our younger bloods -Eisfield,Zelalem,Olsson and Gnabry.
Can we throw in a cheeky bid for Torres assuming Mourinho won’t bite our hand
Kt- i think Arteta will walk into the team when fit especially if TV is still being benched. If and when we get Cabaye he will do Ramsey’s job so well too and actually the team will have someone who is excellent at set-plays…
I agree the system worked yesterday but I believe it is more to do with Poldi’s natural tendency to occupy the inside left position i.e no.10 when we have the ball. The 2nd goal i.e Poldi’s first is a typical example.
The system will not work against the spuddies because of Walker imo. We can’t afford to allow Soldado,Lennon and Walker to gang up on our LB. On the other hand Capoue actually has very good movement occupying the diagonal areas. That is why I want Ramsey rested for Sunday too.
🙂 Karim. PG tea rolled in drawing paper.
https://twitter.com/chelseafc/status/371573836749103104
Good Morning to the Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.
Rico – Nice summary of the game.
It is heartening to see such a wide selection of players chosen as MotM by previous posters. I think the team played very well considering the atrocious conditions. It’s very difficult to weight the passes correctly when the pitch is sodden. We were having more than usual picked off. Still, the team hung together and all put in a great effort.
He has only played twice for his national team and still he will be granted a WP. Then you wonder why arsenal find it difficult securing WP
Emma- Torres to AFC will make Agag and Dev very excited.
Agag may have to sell some of her expensive shoes and come to the UK to see Torres in the red of north london.
SYG – I agree regarding starting a ‘half team’ against Fenerbache. We need to put out a full strength team and race out of the blocks. If we get two or more goals up, we can bring on some of the kids.
We all want to beat Scum, but assuring ECL qualification is essential.
Emma, re work permit, the argument is that if a young player like the Yanited twins play for a top Fifa 10 team (nation) then a case can be made that in a year or 2 he will be selected for that nation. On the other hand if you play for Costa Rica or Columbia (even though 3rd)then the expectation is that at 20 years old you should be at least be playing for your country if you are good enough. Not fair but….
RUBÉN JIMÉNEZ 08/25/2013
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Gareth Bale’s move to Real Madrid is bad news for Di María, whose place is under direct threat by the Welshman. So much so, that Europe’s biggest teams are lying in wait to swoop for a coveted player who would be unsellable under normal circumstances.
Wenger’s Arsenal is willing bring out the big guns to sign the Argentinean. The London club is willing to pay over €30 million for Di María to move to London before the transfer window closes. The team has not seen much success in England recently and needs to achieve results. In order to do so, the Gunners are prepared to splash some cash to secure a marquee summer signing. Ángel di María is the chosen one.
Real Madrid would be happy to seal the deal. Despite the fact that the club’s initial posture was that the Argentinean winger was not for sale, Gareth Bale’s arrival might squeeze him out of the door. An offer as significant as Arsenal’s is hefty enough for the club to consider accepting, cashing in on one of the most highly valued players on the market.
In addition to paying €30 million for the player, the Gunners are also willing to shell out the same sum for Swansea’s Spanish attacking midfielder Michu.
I think this season wenger will be smarter with how he uses his midfielders.in big games i can see arteta being left out due to how easily he gets marked out.yesterday sidwell would follow santi deep into our half only for ramsey/rosicky to burst in behind to overload that zone.against big sides it can work so long as you have tactically astute players with discipline.poldi is also an interesting option to have too.
ts- That’s not fair. They shouldn’t be denying players to be signed by EPL clubs but for championship teams I will understand
hahaha 30m michu . I pass
hahaha 30m michu. I pass
I would love it if Cabaye’s situation turned out to be similar to Wiltord and Arteta’s by forcing their moves to us. As time goes on NUFC may accept a £2m increase to please all parties. The geordies can then pick up some bargains from spain or France last minute…
hi testing if my post is going thru
Offski for now as there is issue when send a post
emma – I am not sure despite the obvious need Wenger is looking for a striker at all. CB or Goalkeeper for that matter. Again the claim was made this weekend “we’re good enough” He really is a worry because you know he believes it. All these midfield links, why? Hopefully come end of window he will have brought the right combination, hopefully.
Scott – The fishing had to be very good to pass-up on the Fulham game?
Ts am beginning to think cabaye may prove to be a smart buy…time will tell i think.
also the reason am so desperate for di maria is that we do not possess a single speed dribbler in the squad.such a player would really help against teams that sit deep and compact forcing us to commit more men forward.this will prevent us from sucker punch counter attacks.
Good Afternoon Lady, Sir, Gentlemen and Ladies.
Nice match report Rico. And two good photos. Where do you manage to get them Rico. 😉
Seems as if Cabaye is off to PSG.
We wait and see.
Mourinho got Willian and maybe rooney? Maybe that will free up Mata and Torres. I would like them both, although I feel better with Shrek.
CG, it was crap haha.
No, i had a great time.
The fishing was very tough work, but the company and scenery was first class.
Crusing around in the boat watching Kangaroos 20 yards away, eagles crusing around…..just magic.
A few more trout would have been nice though 🙂
and another one in – Tottenham have agreed to sign defender Vlad Chiriches, and Steaua Bucharest’s general manager Mihai Stoica has confirmed – wow they are signing some quality this year
Good afternoon rico and all.
Nice win yesterday. Theo is maturing before our eyes, midfield was extra-fluid and, can we sell Poldi now?
I doubt mourinho will sell mata to us.he unlike some of our fans rates the players we have based on ability.he knows mata would be a hit with us.however i want di maria more.his skillset will make us much more dangerous and unpredictable imho.an attack of santi theo and di maria behind any striker would be a joy to behold.
Scott – Sounds like a very scenic but expensive fish supper.
CH the fluidity of that midfield was mind boggling at times.i loved how santi would drop taking his marker with him deep rosicky would push up to take that space.santi is so good he plays 1-2s with himself 🙂 to beat his marker then we would counter the hell out of them.Martin jol said that fluidity was too much for them and that we have one of the best midfield 3’s in the country.
ktr7 I saw a bit of Real last year, 20 odd videos and really can’t say this Di Maria guy stood out in any one of them – What was his goal tally? Half a dozen maybe same for assists? 25/30m???
kt, Jol should realise that arsenal’s strength lies in its midfield. The fluidity was due to the players in it. santi, mozart and aaron are all very good at movements.
Oz di mari had an injury that saw him lose form.irregardless he was always 1st choice for mourinho at madrid and that says a lot.when he is on form trust me there are few better wide players in the world.
he played every game i saw mate. I can clearly see why they are spending serious money on that side of the park. IMO Time will tell no doubt. If he doesn’t move, he’s set for bench life there
Gibbs might just turn out to be one hell of a fullback. Always on the move and, he gets into good attacking positions.
You have to consider oz at madrid the whole team revolves around Ronaldo.the rest of the attackers have their game inhibited to allow him to flourish.you can even see he scores more than their strikers because of this.mourinho tasked him with more defensive responsibility to counter balance ronaldo’s free spirit on the opposite wing.if he comes wenger would give him more creative burden and he’ll flourish under him.he works his a** off everytime he plays and would be a very good addition.
The spuddies have offered 12 million for Eriksen.
Good morning HH, oz, Di Maria would walk in our starting 11, that shows how poor our starting 11 is. We need 4 signings that is at SC19 level or better and Di Maria would b 1.
hi GunnerDNA alright?
also madrid don’t necessarily need bale.Fiorentino perez got his ego hurt when neymar rejected them.he wants a trophy signing to appease the fans.bale is now hugely marketable and madrid want to fully exploit this potential he has.
agree on both those points ktr7
Devil, Eriksen would do me.
He is an Asprsenal player all over.
CG….a lovely soup, though 🙂
Again lots of positives yesterday.The true test of our potential for this season starts next Sunday.
Mertersacker did have a very sound game, but unfortunately was caught ball watching yet again for the Fulham goal. This weakness in his game has cost us quite a few goals since he joined.
Kt- re Cabaye I personally rate him higher than MF in all departments.
I would want Di Maria too Oz.If you cast your mind back to the Hig saga,I said on here that AW would rather pay £30m for Di Maria than Hig.
ts, if AW get Cabaye who is he going to replace?
Eriksen will add nothing to our game imo.I would prefer De Jong of Ajax.
Eriksen is good but he has been ‘a potential’ great for too long imo…
I prefer Toby too.He can play RB,CB and DM.
Hi Ginge, hope you thoroughly enjoyed the game yesterday?
DNA,because of Juve,Barca,Bvb,BM and Psg football has gone back to early 90’s style play under Saachi where you need more Ramseys and Cabayes than Makele IMHO.
He will cover all midfield positions from RW to no.10 imo
I would love to see a MF with Flamini, Cabaye and SC19 for some games.
Damn Ginge, disagreeing with me again 🙂
If i was to compare attributes between bale and di maria…
Bale has better shooting technique.he also is very strong and quick which allows him to go on mazy runs at full throttle and to shoot without breaking a stride.he also takes better freekicks.
Di maria is better at dribbling in close quarters whereby speed isn’t required.he has got more trickery too.he is also way more creative which was showed by him executing 18 successful throughballs in la liga 2nd to only cesc and iniesta at 20.he also has a better workrate especially defensively.
Di maria is a fantastic player and would instantly become one of our best if he were to join.
Cabaye close to sign for PSG
Hulk – totts?
ts, I agree but if things don’t work you need a plan b which makes u less predictable, that’s why i’m still puzzled why MF is still at Everton, to win the PL you can’t be 1 dimensional.
Hi bruv,I thoroughly did Ch.
the midfield was very much like Juves last night.Both TR07 and AR16 made sure SC19 can be effective by filling in the gaps.
I know my next comment will loss a few people off but there is no wonder we conceded when JW came on as the DM and we could not get out of our own half…
ts, playing JW as a DM will never work, which DM loves to dribble?
😛 no Scott how can I?
I just think Eriksen is very weak and young for what we need.He is not better than what we have in CAM imho
DNA Sahin,Podga,Emre Gundigan all like to dribble but no when not to.
Jw can’t really play no.10 either with SC19 in the squad.catch 22 imo
at least I am not the only one who thought that when Jack came on we went to sea.
I noticed it immediately that in midfield we dropped our tempo and fluidity.
Ginge you are right.
That is why I was livid when Perez was not given a working permit……..because he passes the ball intelligently and does not dribble much.
What do we do with our talented Jack? He is neither here nor there at the moment.
ts, those player mentioned aren’t DM, they are all asked to play there. imo
Jack will come good guys…if ramsey could so can jack without a doubt.its a nice problem to have and am sure wenger knows best on how to utilize him.
Ts, instead of bringing on JW yesterday it should have been Fellani to protect the lead because the game was basically won. AW is running a big risk because the transfer market closes in 1 week and the ceiling for this squad is 4th place no trophy.
Ginge – It looks like Ramsey is finding himself and his position. Jack is still searching and still trying too hard to impress rather than looking for where he can contribute to the team. If he could just relax and focus on the ‘team’ game.
When he gets the ball his first impulse is to dribble towards goal and lose the ball, when a simple pass to a teammate would have been far more effective. He is like one of the Young Guns trying to show they deserve to be included due to their solo not team effort. He has so much potential, but he needs to learn to harness it.
also few teams play with that mythical ‘DM’ anymore.its all about all round midfielders that have the intelligence to defend and attack.Wenger passed on Gustavo for that reason.contrary to what the media made us to believe we never even bid for him.we’ll not purchase one imho and thats why the only 2 midfielders that we have actually bid for that we know of are bender and cabaye.they fit that mould.buying a specialist DM will affect our fluidity in midfield and wenger will not allow that to happen.
I m with you Dev re Perez.
DNA,I agree with you on a DM but I repeat MF overs less defensively imo irrespective of his height.
Note even SC19 played DM for club and country.
3 managers with about 90 years experience all think Jw for now can only play Dm.
Also In Jw first season he played DM.Song did what AR16 did and was slated by the press for being tactical inept.
Pep said there were a dozen JW at Barca and then bought Song 😉
I am not criticizing JW as I rate him but I think the hype has gone to his head.
The difference between JW and AR post injury is that one was rusty and mentally scared with tactical awareness whilst the other has it all but just maybe the lack of proper coaches at AFc at youth level made JW miss what he should be taught at 13 to 17.
ktr7 – Some thoughtful points there. It will be interesting to see how Capoue fits in and performs for the Tiny Totts.
Back to Jack. He reminds me a lot of Theo from a few ago. Charging into blind alleys, losing the ball and trying to be the star; in part because of all the hype. He relaxed, settled down and started to make intelligent choices. Let’s hope Jack has a similar epiphany.
Ginge……..maybe the lack of proper coaches at AFc at youth level made JW miss what he should be taught at 13 to 17.
Now why did I smile at that????
That should be – …Theo from a few YEARS ago…
What we need is a physically commanding midfielder in the mould of diaby/yaya who can both defend and attack.we don’t need a DM in the Gustavo mould imho.
In the top 7 teams of the premier league i’d say only Lucas leiva can be classed as a DM.SAF never played with a DM during his reign at MUFC.madrid/barca/dortmund/bayern all CL semi finalists don’t have one.Juve Serie A champs don’t have one;pirlo plays in front of the defence.Busquets for Barca is a totally unique player to brand him as a DM.all you need are midfielders that can take responsibility in both ends of the pitch working well together like we did at fulham.
Ditto- Cg.
Aw has converted more players positions than any other manager imo.
Even Pires was not a winger before he joined us.
Carlos Vela and Nasri all wanted to play centrally whilst with us but guess what none of their current managers play them centrally.
That was for you Dev. 😛
And you are right buddy.
Johann cruyff once said football is a simple game but the hardest thing to do is to play simple football.This applies to jack.he has tons of ability without a shred of a doubt…that run in the 2nd half clearly shows that…i even think he has tree trunks for thighs to be able to do that.what he needs is to find the right equilibrium between when to pass and when to dribble.under wenger he will learn that and he will become a top class player when he does.Right now he seems to want to make a Roy of the Rovers impact everytime he has the ball.the hype has gotten to him and its the manager’s job to curb that enthusiasm.in time am sure he will and will be a great player for us.
Jack will come good??
Come on guys, the player is already good, he’s better than good, don’t know what he’s doing wrong in some fans eyes…
Afternoon all…
I’m off for the day. Have a great day and I’ll catch you all tomorrow.
Keep the Faith!
Kt, Fellaini is that man…
Rico fans have very high expectations from jack.they expect him to operate at the santi level of performance.right now he is a very good player.all he needs is a few adjustments to his game to make him top notch.
Casillas has been benched again…surely worth a cheeky bid 😉 Diego Lopez must be really good in training for him to keep out the great iker.
Night Cg…
How can he Kt, Santi has 4/5 years on Jack. Seriously, I don’t get why some are criticising him…
I agree Rico and KT.
But the fact remains that when he came on we dropped a couple of notches yesterday.
Yes he has tonnes of ability………..the problem is that he is not surrounded by players who can guide him, rather its players like him who are on the learning curve all the time.
Jenks, Theo, Aaron, Gibbs etc are still learning. He does not have a Keane, PV, Petit type who can be his minder and protect him besides tutor him.
Jack and Aaron are learning all the time.
And that’s Wengers fault Devil, I said the other day that play jack alongside a bigger/better player and we’d see the best of him. But someone said we shouldn’t be signing players to babysit Jack..
It’s not about that, it’s about having proper balance in the squad and imho, our midfield hasn’t got that right balance. If it did, the opposition wouldn’t get through the middle with the kind of ease they do.
Thats what hype does rico.Wenger needs to protect him imho.fans forget this will only be his 3rd senior season after missing a whole one through injury.we also forget how young he is.i really believe by the end of the season he’ll prove a lot of fans wrong.
dev i agree on the learning curve.thats why players like santi and rosicky are vitally important to the development of the likes of jack.however the likes of jack are no minnows.he has already made a century of appearances at th club and i believe soon he will reach that level that we want him to reach.
Tbh Kt, I know I don’t read many other Arsenal blogs, but what I have, only here by a few, is Jack being criticised and I really don’t get why.
He is doing nothing wrong imho….
Also, I think he has nothing to prove…
Later Cg,
Hi Rico,I know you claim not to consider stats but MF averages less than 2 successful tackles a match.
AR16 averages just over 4 but this season he is averaging over 5 successful tackles per match.Highest in Europe…some the maths tell me something.
Makele was under 5’6 and defined what the earlier noughties Dm should play like.
JW is good for keep the ball, go forward, win faults, etc, but unbalanced the team when lost the ball.
Benzema is out of our radar. We need another CF.
I’d like Kissling.
Fellanni would be a nice improve.
Cesar is away from Benfica.
Vareal (Porto) West Ham? He is a good player and he can plays on the right or on the left wings.
Ts, you are right, stats mean nothing to me. I have watched Fellaini and I think he’d be the prefect player for our midfield. Big, strong and no nonsense.
Just what we need in midfield, he would give us what Diaby could if he was fit.
Most fans I know think the same…..
JM, I’m not sure we have heard the last of Rooney or Suarez…
Big Sam said he will not be signing any more players unless he sells, and he didn’t want to sell …
rico fans always need a scapegoat.it used to be theo and ramsey…now its jack’s turn it seems.i criticized him for his positional play against napoli and from then on he has slowly improved on that aspect and am happy with his progress.am excited to see what the season holds for him.
ts i think if diaby were capable of staying fit and giving that sort of Anfield performance 7/10 games he would be perfect for us.unfortunately in the current market such players are very rare and all we can hope for is if cabaye comes in he does the job.if diaby contributes anything it will be just a bonus.
I still think Suarez is our no.1 target no matter what Wenger and the media say.if we don’t get him maybe we’ll go in for Rooney.its that or bust in that department.
Maybe Kt but it shouldn’t always mean it’s a players fault. I blame the ones responsible for not having the balance right or, as in Ramseys case, when he was playing on the wings and he was average, it was AW’s fault…
Personally, I don’t believe either Villa, Fulham or Fenerbache have really been that good. Next Sunday we will see just how good we are… Or not which is my fear…
That’s another worry Kt, like you, I think AW wants Rooney or Suarez, but if both clubs won’t sell, or another club gets them, what who will Wenger turn to?
We can’t afford to sign some young hopeful or a player who has played in some french b side, even Michu would be a better option…
Kev, Gtid and emma – i am so sorry, just found your comments 🙁 🙁
Its not always a player’s fault but jack was responsible that day.since then he has steadily improved and as a result you’ve not heard me complain a lot.he is improving game by game and am happy for him.
Ramsey playing on the wings was a crucial part to his development.out there he improved his 1st touch and most importantly learnt when to dribble and when to pass.it was part of the learning curve and you can see he is much improved now.if there is one thing that jack struggles with is finding that equilibrium between when to dribble and when to pass.he tends to overdribble and lose the ball which leads to us getting countered.once he gets that right and fine tune his positioning he’ll be ace.
Michu isn’t really an upgrade though…but i get what you mean.
I didn’t mean Napoli Kt 😉
Was really referring to this season, and like you say, people forget how young he is in playing terms. I think AW encourages players to use their feet, we should get back to the quick passing at pace, we’d be much more of a threat then…
You could be right about Ramsey on a learning curve, but that could have seriously backfired on AW, the fans got on his back big time..
He too would benefit from having Fellaini alongside him… 🙂
That’s desperation speaking Kt 😉
Or Benteke, although Syg would be mortified….
Ts, do u think we can win the PL with our current MF?
rico thats what i loved about our play yesterday.it was quick decisive and direct which in part was due to our midfield.if we had a physical beast to mix it up depending on the fixture we’d be golden.
With MF we could Gdna 😉
We’ve been saying that for a while Kt, the bit about having a physical beast 🙁
Why on earth does AW not think the same….
I agree rico, but it seems only the supporters and ex-players think we need a player like MF, i’m trying to figure out what is AW motive for this season, because being so lame in the transfer window its 1 more season without a trophy….imo
I’d love to know what his plans are between now and midnight on the 2nd Sept Gdna.. He keeps talking big but still no news….
Shocking really…
Got to walk Fido now the rain has stopped, back shortly…
Rico,contrary to what many may believe,Ramsey was a winger at Cardiff.Even when he went back on loan post his injury he played inside right.
Personally I thought he did an effective job on the rhs at the.He helped a young an inexperienced CJ25 defensively.
In my view the way most English fans see football is the reason why our national team is cack.
Most European players can adapt and play in a few positions.
Even Poldi can play lb,lw,st and no.10.Ramsey and the Benders can play rb,Cam,and dm.Fellaini can play in lots of positions too…
In regards to Fellaini some pundits may believe what they believe but the fact is other top teams with ‘ambition’ are not interested in him.Even if AW is clueless and stubborn other top managers are not keen on him.There must be a reason… 😉
Suarez will be our first target but now, we have, maybe, 5% of chances in him.
Benzema the same. Higuain 0%. Michu is aplayer completely different. Besides, we must think in a player who didn’t player yet in the Champions League and a player with a diifferent characterits of Giroud (my opininon). Gourcrouff, for instance, is a good player but similar to Giroud.
And we need more 3 players.
I’m waiting to c who the players r who AW claimed want to c afc in the CL before they join.
JM we will not get LS07
A very good game report.
Manure want Fellaini Ts.. Can’t comment on how good AR was at Cardiff as I have to admit not to ever watching them play… I’m surprised you were watching them back then. 😉
Gdna, don’t put a bet on that, there’s a reason it’s all gone very quiet 😉
Thanks Hb…
We will not buy any big or marquee player.
Why are we still waiting for our first major buy? Some will say its only AW fault but I blame both board and Wenger.AW because he is easily manipulated by the corporate powers.
Do I think we can win the league?Yes and No.I do not believe the board truly want trophies. 😉
Hi all,
Watching Man City play, Dseko reminds me of RVP. Think we missed a trick with him.
But AW says he only wants to sign top top players Ts, surely you are not suggesting our manager is lying?
Soldado has scored a penalty.
The spuddies should have had another but a horrendous decision by the ref saw the spuddies being awarded a free kick outside the penalty area when the foul was in the area.
This time the ref awarded a penalty.
bradlop, anything is yet possible 😉
Another 3 points heading their way then Devil…
is not a penalty. the ref probably blow the fisrt fault outsidfe área. Faults? They are teams protect by the referrees.
Cardiff are drawing with City 1-1…
Afternoon, nice one Rico,
Great win yesterday..
We still waiting for that top top signing..
De Maria would be good start, don’t fancy benzema he is samiliar to our Giroud.. Unless the old wizard Wenger transform him into a van persi..
If our midfield of rambo, TR07 and santi, outmanouver the totts capoue, pouliniho and dembley and our defence hold firm to their lennon, townsend and soldado then we will win thelleague. 🙂
Mind you the swans are really giving them a game..
shitty 1-2 down. lol
Thanks Judge, lot of if’s in there 😉
Hope Kos is back for Sunday..
🙂 Devil
3-1 😛
And we thought we couldn’t defend set pieces…
Wonder if Pellgrini will try and sign Begovic…. 😉
Cardiff 3-1 up;
WEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Regarding Jack, I think Wenger needs to try him on the wing cutting in like Cazorla. He has a similar skill set.
If he plays centre we need a dominating box to box and a high line to work with his type of play
Just like Brady used to…..
Cardiff 3 city 1… And arsenal are in crisis without spending any dime??
3-2…
shitty pull one back.
time up REEEEFFFFFF
Sorry about your earlier comment Gtid, don’t know why it went into spam…
Just watching Clichy, he’s back to how he was when he played for us, either that or he doesn’t trust Hart any more…
whissstllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! 🙂
Ifs and buts rico, it’s the arsenal way,
Honestly we could have done with one of their midfielders .. or vertongen, or lloris or..
lot of or’s 🙂
fair play to Cardiff.. Great result..
What a fantastic result for Cardiff…
Always is Judge, if only we’d signed xyz. Never happens though does it and until that changes, we’ll always be left chasing the leading pack….
Medel.superb
It’s alright Rico.
I can’t imagine the criticism towards Arsenal if we spent like man city in this transfer window and lose to teams like cardiff
please can anyone explain what the word CRISIS means
I can Gtid 😉
Seriously, I don’t think there would be, not if that same money was spent in the right places and on really good proven players…
Gtid, the difference is that we have been doing it consistently without spending nothing and selling our best players..
Arsenal Devil …
I’d actually like to know how it feels as a fan to spend what City have and lose to Cardiff 😉
Or so as rico said.. You give yourself a realistic chance, when it doesn’t go your way, then you can blame the ref, pitch, weather, the fans at the Emirates.. etc..
Alright, so what the media really wants to see us do is splash some cash even if we still fail to win trophies
had it been just 1-0 one can say it was a fluke. I mean you pepper their goal and it does not go in. But to concede 3 and one of them is comically induced by your own players takes the biscuit. Yes by all means spend spend spend but do not go and concede 3 goals to Cardiff. lol
Interesting point Gtid…
Pellegrini.lol
But some already use those excuses Judge, one man in particular..
No Gtid, fans want us to spend money and truly challenge for trophies. Do we really give a toot about what the media say or want?
Dinner calls…..
But i know if we actually spend, we’ll end the our trophy drought.
We should beat spurs comfortably since we know where their goals come from..lol
View From A Blue
@ viewfromablue
8m
And is Samir Nasri the least creative
creative midfielder around? Loves a
sideways, simple, unthreatening pass. Try
to show some guile, lad.
yes, but look at the neighbours. They have a strong midfield, a strong defence, a good gk, very accuracy in attack and a good, balanced and enought squad.
And the referees are with them
Just watched a team that have spent around 90 mill this window lose to a newly promoted side, moneys not everything is it
Hiya,
@JM Spurs have not scred a single goal from open play yet.
@Ts: Hopefully Cabaye. He’s new Van Bommel.
Transfer pics: Cabaye, RB(Some one unknown to me and half the world), Some winger/Striker combo, Flamini.
Oh and Diaby..lol
By the end of TW we’d have spent lesser than Cardiff not that I’m complaining.
P.S. saw the happiness on Cardiff owner’s face? He paid for that.
@ Rico,
Totts are diving cheating team. And Townsend is even bigger diver than Bale. And in midweek Chavs handled the ball twice in penalty area and Villians were still not awarded penalties.
Finally, my rant is over. Feeling better.lol
Not in the bank it’s not Sp 😉
Haven’t seen them play S2S, so can’t comment..
Marca being used to get Manu and others interested to bid for Di Maria — i would love him as our cam– i think he would be great in that position as well as wing. amazing touch and eye. and good long shot
Cynic 🙂
We know Real don’t like doing business with us Nt, especially after the Higuain fiasco… Although AW said yesterday he wasn’t a ‘special target’…
Me Sp, not sure why you would think that 😉
Rico, i think there are not many teams who DO like doing business with us. but in the end, its only money that counts- and it would have been nice to attract some top players by spending earlier in the window… —–we will see if Arsene can pull off a genius move by being frustratingly patient…
as you have said in the past…last chance saloon for Wenger.. same for me…my opinion will be made in the next week or so..
failure or success in the window will be down to Arsene… nobody else, and definitely no excuses..
I think you are right Nt, for some reason, what that reason is goodness only knows… Like you, I hope AW makes the right signings before the end of the window and we have a squad capable of challenging, and lasting the season ahead….
If AW doesn’t, I think the fans will make it very very difficult for him….
I see Man Utd are going to make one last effort to try and get Cesc…
They won’t give up until the window shuts
I’m off for the night now, chickens need shutting up and stuff..
Catch you all tomorrow, have a good one…
Night all….
Hayley Wright @HayleyWright 24 Aug
Since he joined the Premier League, Podolski is the most clinical finisher in the division scoring with 37% of his shots – props
LFC: Brendan Rodgers speaking tonight about our ambitions for 2013-14: #LFC pic.twitter.com/XQylKePKhJ”
@LFC: Brendan Rodgers speaking tonight about our ambitions for 2013-14: #LFC pic.twitter.com/aY02Lc0B0v” “Never accept 2nd best” – “Top 4”
Idiots. Just idiots.
Details
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BRA9w9bCQAA25nn.jpg
Impressive stat, Hayley, but I still don’t rate him. Impressive game yesterday, if he maintains that form I’ll be delighted to be proven wrong.
Don’t know what your problem is Martin the guy’s a class act.
I don’
t have a problem rico, only an opinion. I reckon my opinion is shared by Wenger. Anyway, like you, I love Arsenal and want all of our players to succeed, and would be delighted if Podolski was one of them.
Wilshere is no santi despite age difference; so one footed it’s not funny. Registered less than 5 assists last season; still loses the ball quite easily; thru balls hardly come off…and does he score? It’s not about hating wilshere; at this stage, he’s average till he shows what the hype transpires to on the pitch. The question is, are we going to bear with Wilshere – as a first 11 – for 3 more years WITHOUT buying top MF players and hoping he comes good.
Frankly a slight improvement on what he did last season wouldn’t help us win trophies/ compete. For what it’s worth the stats shows we won more without Wilshere last season.
oz, do u hear AW comments after winning two games? He need to stop believing in his own hype, because according to stats Martinez and Laudrup won more than him in the last 8 years. Its about STATS
Good Morning Lady, Sir, Gentlemen and LAdies.
Seems as if this week NB will finally be going. Good.
The discussion between us and Crystal Palace are ongoing and if CP meet the demands NB will become the new CP Icon.
Seems as if AFC want 2.6 million and all structural expenses for lifting NB out of the Ems with a T-crane after widening the open air space in the stadium’s roof for NB’s head to be able to pass through.
The building contractor wanted to widen it more since he is afraid that by the time everything is agreed NB’s head would have grown slightly bigger and they would have to do everyting again from scratch.
Now off to work a bit.
will come on laterzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
😀 Dev… a crane for TGSTEL
Breen-Turner the talkshite football correspondent claims Real Madrid have responded ‘favourably’ to Arsenal’s approach for Angel di Maria, with Bale’s arrival at the Bernabeu expected to lead to the Argentine’s departure this summer.
Joe Kinnear on Cabaye: “We’ve told Arsenal our terms, the ball is in their court.” Kinnear tells Arsenal that only a bid of £15m up front with £5m in add-ons for Yohan Cabaye will be accepted
Cabaye’s representatives were in London last night talking with Arsenal. Deal very close. £16m fee
phew morning btw
Reported Arsenal target Jesus Gamez was lucky to still be on last night. Fouls Neymar, then headbutts him.
Morning Ts and all…
Just been adding that Cabaye story to the post – reckon that will be done soon… Annoyingly…
John Cross @johncrossmirror 1h
Most interesting take on Cardiff win? Former Man City coach David Platt saying if Mancini was still there then Joe Hart wouldn’t be. I heard Man U fancied Hart, R Madrid wanted De Gea.
Hart makes Almunia look good these days…
🙂 he has been poor for a bit but all young keepers go from patches so…
He’s not that young 😉
New one up now…