Come in number 2! Chance to open up the gap….

Morning all..

Well well, who’d have thought it. The MLS season has closed for a while and Thierry Henry has come home to keep up his fitness levels. Yes ok Thierry, I believe you. Not!

I bet he’s keeping his hopes up for another chance to score us a goal or two at the soonest opportunity which I believe could be January 1st.

How lovely for him though and for all the players, not only those who were at the club when he was in his prime, but for those others who never had the privilege of watching him strut his stuff. Ok he might not be as lightening quick, but class is permanent and he just oozes that.

Just hope that number 2 shirt doesn’t cause him any problems!

True Legend.....
True Legend…..

Shame he’s not on the bench for today, at ten years younger of course…..

Let’s have a look at the history between the two clubs who will be battling for 3 points today at The Emirates::

  • Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 18 home league matches against Southampton. That run stretches back to a 1-0 top-flight defeat on 21 November 1987 when Danny Wallace got the only goal.
  • Three of the last four meetings between the sides have ended in draws.

Form.

Arsenal

  • Victory would give the Gunners five successive home league wins for the first time since April 2012.
  • The 1-0 defeat at Manchester United was the first time Arsenal had failed to score in a Premier League game since 16 April, when they drew 0-0 with Everton.
  • The last time the Gunners failed to score in consecutive league games was in the opening two matches of the 2012-13 season, which they drew 0-0 against Sunderland and then Stoke.

Southampton

  • Arsenal’s defeat by Manchester United means Saints now possess the longest current unbeaten run (eight games) in the Premier League.
  • This is their best start to a top-flight season. They are two points better off than at this stage of the 1983-84 campaign, when they eventually finished second.
  • They had 17 points fewer at this point last season, and had conceded 24 more goals (29 in total).
  • Southampton have faced fewer shots on target than any other side in the Premier League this season (31).
  • Saints have conceded six or more goals in six different Premier League games – the last two of which have been away at Arsenal (in September 2012 and May 2003).

One defeat in 11 top-flight games, and only two in all competitions!

That’s pretty impressive from Southampton I’d say.

We’ve only lost two – both to be fair were unlucky losses but they are done and dusted, time to move on and start another good run and get the confidence back. Not that the players have any reason to have let their confidence drop in my opinion.

Blips happen and that’s all Old Trafford was, a blip.

Good news today is the return of Theo Walcott and clearly, Arsene Wenger is thrilled to have his winger back in the squad:

He is one of the players who goes behind [the defence] without the ball. Strikers who get behind the defenders is a very important quality and Theo has that quality.

Of course you miss a player like Theo Walcott. Theo had a good start to the season, he scored goals, he provided chances and had assists. He can always give you a different option in the game and that is of course vital.

I actually think Theo had an average start to the season, he was far from firing on all cylinders but I hope to see a very different player on his return and what we need is the kind of football we saw him play against Tottenham last season. We all know what he can do, he just doesn’t do it often enough. Well now he’s got a real fight on his hands to get a start in the side and there’s nothing better than that to bring out the best in a player.

Whether he starts today remains to be seen, I strongly suspect he’ll start on the bench for this fixture against his old side.

The bad news is Mathieu Flamini won’t play today, he’s banned for one match having totted up five yellow cards since the start of the season.

Everyone else, apart from Oxlade-Chamberlain, Podolski, Diaby, Sanogo and Ryo are fit and healthy and ready to go.

And ready to go they must be. Today will be tough, Southampton are’t sat 3rd in the league without reason. They have strong, determined players with a very organised and disciplined defensive ethic.

They’ll also have Clyne and Shaw racing down the flanks so Gibbs and Sagna will have to be at their best. Wanyama and Schneiderlin, will no doubt be out to stifle our midfield and if they succeed, we need to find another way and that will surely be where Walcott and his pace could bring rewards, or Gnabry, if Wenger opts for him to start.

But – for all they have, we can better it. We have a wealth of flair and experience all over the pitch and when they click together, well we know what they can do.

Southampton will be up for this game but so will our players and we should have more than enough quality to get all three points and open up a bigger gap between them and us.

Our opposition are 3rd for a reason, but then we are top for a reason too…..

COYRRG’s

That’s it from me for another day….

 

 

0 thoughts on “Come in number 2! Chance to open up the gap….

  1. Scott from Oz says:

    Morning Rico……all.
    Great game coming up.
    Lets hope the boys give the crowd something to cheer about and they respond.
    Lets also hope Everton roll Liverpool and Citeh draw with Spuds.

  2. rico says:

    Morning Scott..

    Should be a cracker, really surprised this one hasn’t been changed for Sky Sports/BT Sport here in the UK..

  3. kene says:

    I have a feeling Walcott will start. .. Arsenal will win, goals from Giroud, Ozil and Walcott…. Morning Rico,Morning all…

  4. rico says:

    Morning Kene, Theo may very well start but I think AW hinted about being cautions with him as he’s not had any reserve games to warm up in…

    If he does start, will be interesting to see who makes way.

  5. rico says:

    AW on strikers in Jan:

    Look I am not against it but it is always difficult in the middle of the season. If somebody is doing well somewhere the clubs do not necessarily want to sell him. They can wait until the end of the season. Most of the time it is because we didn’t find the right player.

    If we lose Giroud we have nobody with body weight up front apart from Bendtner. I think he has the level but at the moment he doesn’t get enough games. And as well, in his head, is he here? Has he planned to go?

  6. Adam says:

    Morning Rico and all.
    Bendtner hasn’t been ‘here’ for some time I think. Body weight is not a problem for him though.
    Wenger simply has to buy in January surely to make up for the lack of striker activity in the summer. He may well have to pay through the nose and that will stick in his throat.

  7. BrainwashedKev says:

    Grumpy Jnr, I am eating my breakfast…

    Football today, no work… 😉

    You going, or is it the Hawley Arms again today? 😛

  8. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning all, nice post Rico, as a stats hater i was supprised by how many stats you posted 🙂 Theo i would guess would start on the bench seeing how he’s match fitness is questionable, but i would expect Gnabry to start and he will be the one to make way for your favourite striker 🙂 That little blip you were talking about was not a blip it is the usual when we come up against United we lacked passion we never turn up and you could see our legs wobbling that’s called no bottle and if we are to challenge for honors that side of our game has to go. Against Chelsea our bums squeeked and against the Mancs we shit ourselves hopefully against Southampton and after a good rest some may have got their bottle back. If Theo should start count how many challenges he makes, also how many defenders he actually takes on, he for me is one of life’s bottlers. But what am i saying he is like Bruce’s, he’s your favourite 🙂 But still a blinding read.

  9. Marinello says:

    Morning all,
    Good positive post Rico.
    Re AW on Strikers in Jan: Bendtner certainly has the body weight, but not the passion….
    Southampton are a good organised side who on their day are capable of beating anyone, but I could say that about half the teams in the league this year.
    I fancy a 2-1 to us.

  10. Adam says:

    I think the loss against MU was due to an unfortunate sequence of events coupled with our lack of a quality striking alternative.

  11. tsgh says:

    Yessssss proper footie is back!

    Lets smash the saints 4-1 please… Arteta and OG12 have a goal somewhere.

    Good read btw and excellent stats… did it come from wiki by any chance? 😛

    Hello Rico and all HHers

  12. BrainwashedKev says:

    Theo to start wouldn’t be a total shock IMHO.

    Training is quite competitive at AFC, so players are quite up to speed and prepared for games…

  13. Adam says:

    Wath. I hear you re: Lewandowski. It would be nice but I always get the impression that Wenger wants to avoid upsetting the balance of the rest of the team. But, for me? Oh yes. In a heartbeat.

  14. Marinello says:

    BrainwashedKev: I was in the Hawley Arms last Sunday after a picking up a mirror from Camden Market. Hadn’t been in there for a couple of years.

  15. rico says:

    I think so too Adam.

    Thanks Ts – no, I always use the BBC, as you know, it helps to fill the post on days when ‘I have a life’ and don’t have too much time for writing 😉

  16. rico says:

    Thanks Marinello..

    I can’t see him starting either Kev, 20 mins off the bench when Saints are worn out having chased the ball 😉

    Agree again re Remy Adam, mind you, we had all summer to sort a striker out and we ended up scrabbling around for Ba. Shocking really but then I know you know that…

  17. tsgh says:

    Hi Adam, I think his ‘non-existing case’ my have been a problem; You may have found yourself chained to the clock ready as a protest though. 😛

  18. BrainwashedKev says:

    Marinello, not been in there myself mate, but I know Wath pops in there from time to time…

    He likes to pop in, have a pint or two and proceed to have a good old moan… 😉

  19. HenryB says:

    Hi Guys

    Is there a game on today?

    Yipee! Back to real football at last. We all have to jump through hoops for bloody Septic Blatter — Boo!

    Good Post, Rico. 🙂

  20. Marinello says:

    Kev, ha ha.
    There are a few memorabilia bits in there about Amy Winehouse, maybe that makes Wath feel a bit depressed and sets him off on one…
    Great place Camden Market, where you can rub shoulders with Gentry, film luvvies, artists, musicians and thieves all in 5 minutes….

  21. Scott from Oz says:

    So we have plenty of results we hope for, but one we really want 🙂
    Our defensive stats stack up well against Sotons if you deduct the simply mistaken penalties, as well as one v Villa when one down and chasing a goal.
    I reckon we are bloody great defensively…shame a few refs haven’t agreed lol

  22. Marinello says:

    Ouch SP!
    Maybe Arsene will surprise us late in January with a signing, I can’t see it though. Well apart from Henry warming the bench then coming on for 10 minutes at the end of a game….

  23. W.A.T.H says:

    Adam, In a heartbeat mate… Pay him a 10mil signing on fee and then pay him “reasonable” wages… hardly going to upset the apple cart and the bloke is pure quality as we all know and have seen.

    Marinello, hope your well mate…! It’s been a while. Don’t you get brainwashed by Grandad Kev he gets all crotchity when Grannie don’t do his 2 eggs on toast for brekkie..!

  24. Marinello says:

    All good over here too WATH. Busy at work, and just generally enjoying life in general. Both my sons are settled and doing okay, although one still lives with me….. but he does his share of the chores, so I can’t complain.

  25. W.A.T.H says:

    c2h… Yes mate they have a very stingy defence I agree… up until now that is… i don’t know why I just fancy us to bang in a few goals even though I think it will be a very tight game.

    Glad all well Marinello, keep your son on his toes mate make sure he looks after his Dad properly..!

  26. W.A.T.H says:

    What they want and what they get 2 different things… Tomas is ours end of story, he’ll get a new contract as well I reckon looks as if he wants to go into coaching as well…! A top man to have around I say.

  27. rico says:

    Rosicky is rubbing his hands together with glee just thinking about the prospect of playing for Big Sam…

    Not, no chance….

    What a beautiful day here in the Uk, sun shining and birds are attacking our grapevine and getting drunk on the grapes 😉

  28. Marinello says:

    Just logging off to do chores and a food shop.
    I agree Rico, Rosicky is a class player, in some ways he reminds me of Hleb in the way that he goes at players but still manages to create space and rarely give the ball way.
    Maybe set up a little bird feeder with seeds in a tree, that might keep them off your vines.
    Have a good day everyone, I’ll be back on later.
    Take care now.
    Marinello.

  29. rico says:

    C2h, yes, big Sam 😉

    Thanks Gdna…

    I’m hoping Dutchgooner comes along soon with his links, don’t want to miss this one….

  30. W.A.T.H says:

    Cheers Marinello, take it easy….!

    The game is “streaming” on Al Jezeera 10 if that helps or makes any sense…?

  31. tsgh says:

    Mirrales and Witsel Weasel are dirty players.

    Mikel Arteta since joining the Gunners, Arsenal have won 63.4% of their PL games with Arteta startin; impressive.

  32. tsgh says:

    No C2H, I don’t go to the Erms often enough these days. I have only been us to watch an u-21 match.

    I have some BVB fans turning up to my yard to watch BVB vs Munchen later… they are bring some german sausages.

  33. rico says:

    And I’m sure he said he didn’t rate Sissoko Ts, even though he scored two goals for France in the week…

    What a numpty, Sakho scored the goals…

  34. tsgh says:

    On the prospect of Benzema joining his France team-mate Olivier Giroud at the Emirates, Wenger said: “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

    I will be very surprised if AW bought Benzema…

  35. tsgh says:

    I agree there, Macca is far better and was a more consistent player even with his injuries; RM great too…

    Another pundit I can’t stand is Calamity James. Considering he was a ‘flapping’ goalie himself he likes to diss our goalies a lot…

  36. rico says:

    Team in full: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Arteta, Ramsey, Wilshere, Ozil, Cazorla, Giroud

    Subs: Fabianski, Vermaelen, Monreal, Rosicky, Walcott, Gnabry, Bendtner

  37. devilgunner says:

    ahhhh!!!! matchday at last. its in the air. I can smell it.

    Good afternoon Lady, Sir, Gentlemen and LAdies.

    line up………Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Arteta, Ramsey, Wilshere, Ozil, Cazorla, Giroud

    Substitutes: Fabianski, Vermaelen, Monreal, Rosicky, Walcott, Gnabry, Bendtner

  38. tsgh says:

    “That’s the sign of a good striker, you miss one, you miss two, you miss three…” Michael Owen wisdom. lol. dear oh dear

  39. tsgh says:

    Dev- your boy Kruse is keeping out De Jong out of the M’Gladbach starting XI.

    He is a bit on the short side but he could be an alternative midfielder/striker; a younger Poldi if you like…

  40. tsgh says:

    We should be aiming to double the Saints goal conceded tally this afternoon.

    They press very high up the pitch like Swansea so I would have like TR07 to start the game but I guess he is being kept fresh for OM on Tuesday in the CL…

    COYRRRs

  41. tsgh says:

    C2H- Sokratis and Koray Gunter will do ok; I like Hummels as a player but defensively he can be erratic without Subotic next to him;

    The Bavarians are missing Ribery too so…

  42. tsgh says:

    ha ha ha true C2H… he is definitely going to start in place of Ribery instead of Shaqiri.

    BVB are sitting third too so not looking good if we lose…

    Still, Arsenal comes first.. a goal from my fave players Arteta, one of CB, Ramsey and OG12..

  43. tsgh says:

    You playing the devils’ advocate again? 😛

    I will take an Arsenal win…

    I would like Reus with us so, if BVB finish 3rd, one of Gundogan and Reus will be sold as they sold the mozart to us…

  44. AndrewH says:

    Afternoon, agree rico, bench looking stronger considering no Flamini. What a nice surprise having an Int break without any further injuries. Now come on…

  45. tsgh says:

    C2H not quite, because as they say all roads lead to Rome. Gotze was born in Bavaria; he was never a yellow and Black…

    JW is a WHU fan so you never know …

  46. tsgh says:

    Piszcek has been put in the squad after being out for over 6 months with injury… only 30 minutes played midweek after coming back… desperate measures…

  47. tsgh says:

    Dear oh dear; it looks like B-something will be coming on..

    We can’t seem to play from the back at all… we are going long

  48. tsgh says:

    JW is looking good but you are right at 3:25; look shaw is having an easy afternoon because JW is moving all over the place… Sagna doing a 2 man job again

  49. tsgh says:

    What a goal? lucky one maybe… but the persistence from OG12 paid off… top class striker imho…

    The goal reminds me of Arshavin goal in 2011

  50. devilgunner says:

    had that been my keeper I would not have allowed him near the dressing room to talk. I would have sent him out to sit in the centre circle to reflect on it.

  51. tsgh says:

    True OG12 very under rated imo…

    AW needs to ‘sure up’ the flanks… otherwise it will be a long afternoon.

  52. agirlagunner says:

    Hi, STV, GInge, Scott! rico, I forgot my password. 😳 How is everyone? We need two more goals. Our midfield has not at all impressed.

  53. devilgunner says:

    I would put Monreal on and push Gibbs forward.

    Arteta needs to brush up.

    tbh…..S’oton are not bad. they are trying to put us under pressure and play well.

    their keeper is a good un. that was a class howler however the shadow of Abbiati was hanging over him and he farted big time. Otherwise I like him.

    Giroud is class. full stop. another striker needs to be a quality back up. Bent anyone? for me yes.

  54. tsgh says:

    ha ha Agag.

    Scott, its the coaching that has made the difference imo…

    Ok; 45 minutes gone; not a good performance especially playing at home but still winning… they should tire in the 2nd half.

    OG12 has already cover 1.21 km more than both of our wingers… shocking to say the least.

    Arteta 97% pass success; 3 tackles; 81% success rate.

  55. tsgh says:

    I like Bent too Dev.. his stats are better than Higuain. lol

    Dev- I think Arteta can’t push up because our back 5 is getting moved all over the place to cover the wings when they break.. AW needs to change things on the wings…

  56. tsgh says:

    Schnerderlein is better than Podga and amongst the most under rated PIVOTE’s in the world.imho

    Our CM’s are just there today to cover our wingers instead of creating unfortunately…

    Our no.10 should be sitting next to Wanyama and cancelling him out.

  57. agirlagunner says:

    rico, you can listen to the match on the dotcom. My link crashed, and I remembered I got virus the last time I kept on clicking on those links, so I haven’t reloaded it.

    Hiya, Dev. how are you?

    Where is that Dutch when you need him?? 😛

    Gdna, the ref’s having a mare, too. 😕

  58. tsgh says:

    Drop either of JW and SC19 and Ozil and RAmsey will come on fire…

    Tactically we are being pulled all over the place..

    Credit to the saints though; they are a very strong team imo..

    Hi Dna

  59. rico says:

    I’m on chrome Ah…

    agag, streams give me a virus too, i will try .com but don’t you have to be a member?

    I’ll have to wait until midnight to watch 🙁

  60. devilgunner says:

    We need another. otherwise we will live on edge till the final whistle.

    I am afraid…..

    ……….that Chezzer might have a Boruc touch of sun

    ……….that Kozzer might have one of his moments of madness

    ………that Per might slip up awkwardly.

    we need another one to settle our nerves.

  61. Scott from Oz says:

    A very solid performance v a very good side.
    On an Arsenal FB page, can you believe the most commented on topic was about the quiet crowd?
    It does my head in.
    I just said i had not noticed as i was busy watching the game!
    Now, of course i noticed, but geez…..great result should be the conversation piece.

  62. agirlagunner says:

    We really do need to buy Lewandowski in January, rico. 😀

    Ginge, 😛 I’d really be happy to see Poldi back though. Yay!

  63. Scott from Oz says:

    Ginge, the thing is i honestly never noticed until this guy posted, then spent the best part of 90 minutes discussing it.
    Game, anyone haha.

  64. stevepalmer1 says:

    Evening all, 3 pts very pleasing result but a goalkeeping error and a pulled shirt penalty hardly convincing but a wins a win. we will struggle big time against the so called big teams but if we keep scraping wins off of the not so good it should keep us in our usual top 4 spot. Can this team win the league i seriously doubt it but who knows the top teams are not having it all their own way so miracals could happen. I was impressed Theo actually made a pass but his shooting is still dreadful 🙂

  65. rico says:

    Spot on Scott. I could hear them on my stream. Couldn’t see the game but could hear the fans 😉

    We do agag, we do….

  66. rico says:

    You are a right old grump these days Sp 😉

    I’m off to get an early dinner, catch up later..

    If anyone departs, night to you and have a good evening 😉

  67. devilgunner says:

    Good Sir Steve.

    I feel that AW was respecting the saints with his eyes open today. he knew of their danger and all in all played the game really well. What I did not like were his late subs plus the players getting knocks.

    Yes it might be important to go through the CL but I prefer AW to focus on the EPL. That would really ram it down the journos throats.

    Today I felt that S Robson was a tad miserable as usual.

  68. Adam says:

    Just back from the game and enjoying a 38 year old vintage claret. Yes I have a smoking jacket and cravat on too.

    As to the game? A very professional second half performance after Southampton did well in the first half. They play a pressing game with a high line and Wanyama is a filthy bastard but strong and powerful. We should have bought him I think.
    But the one big question that lingers is how the fcuk is Clattenberg a PL referee? He really is a cretinous Onanist of the first order.
    By the way, I loved the way Giroud gave back a bit of stick. A very nice result from one of the better teams we have faced so far tho season.

  69. Adam says:

    Hi Dev. We were all quite amused as Boruc booted the ball into touch on a few occasions before deciding that Plank was his pantomime role of the day. He got some fearful stick after that for the whole game.
    I was surprised to how physical Southampton were.

  70. devilgunner says:

    yes I am at home Rico.

    enjoying myself in the warmth of my kitchen with a plate of soup in front of me, sided by some RUM and some dark chocolate.

    SLURP

  71. devilgunner says:

    I dont think Gingy is a happy chappy today.

    BVB are 0-2 down.

    told you BVB were going to loose today mate.

    unless they do a Schalke and from 2-0 up they end up 3-3.

  72. rico says:

    🙂 devil, enjoy both….

    That bad Adam, I haven’t seen it yet, probably only get to see the highlights now…

  73. Joaqum Moreira says:

    Bayern is must stronger then BVB
    Our performance was poor today but we have a crucial match next tueesday.

  74. devilgunner says:

    I dont think that poor should be the exact word.

    remember………the saints played a good game and it was not one sided. they are a British styled team who use Arsenal style well. and they were in the game.

    lets say it was a professional day at the office.

    had we scored those two balls which came off the posts instead of a gift and a penalty we would have been raving about a good performance.

    yes our level was a bit lower than usual but then we made the most of what we had in front us.

  75. tsgh says:

    Night all…

    Dev- BVB’s season is over; if AW does not win a trophy I will be more cheesed off than DNA. 😛

    Still can’t complain; I will be telling those empty pots down the shite lane…to mind the gap.

  76. potter says:

    Just home , Southampton were very physical and Clattenburg very weak , but they were closing us down very quickly. Giroud is fast becoming the most important player on the pitch, he leads from the front and defensively is massive. Interestingly we have let in one goal in the last 3 league matches , liverpool , man utd and now Southampton. and that goal was conceeded when Per was not on the pitch.

  77. allezkev says:

    Thought today’s game was a very good test of our ability to bounce back from a disappointment.
    Southampton were very well organised, technical and dangerous.
    But our defence was resolute, and I love our midfield, they wizz the ball around like a pinball.
    Giroud had a great great game.
    A well earned 3 points…

  78. Scott from Oz says:

    Well said Kev.
    How goes it bud?
    I reckon it was a great performance.
    Job done with no real cause for concern.

  79. allezkev says:

    Hi Scott, I’m good mate…
    That move that finished with Wilshere hitting the post was quality…
    There is a definate confidence about this team Digger.
    At no time, despite some impressive approach play from Southampton, did I think we would concede…
    Kozzer and BFG were so so good.
    Gibbo and Sagna were superb…
    Top top class all round IMHO.

  80. Scott from Oz says:

    Agreed Kev.
    A few guys guys were a little quiet, but we can not expect them to perform every week.
    Good to see others takingup the slack.
    I though Jack had his best game for a long time.
    The back 4…….well, they may end up one of best ever defensive units….if we can keep Sagna 🙂

  81. ozgunner says:

    job done, good work lads. Ozil very quite again. Flam back next game and if Arteta is injured, we’re going to need him.

  82. Scott from Oz says:

    Oz, good to see when Ozil and Aaron are quiet we can still produce the goods….i love it.
    We have a TEAM.
    A very solid unit.

  83. devilgunner says:

    Good Morning Lady, Sir, Gentlemen and Ladies.

    Good feeling to wake up having increased the lead with two more points.

    Good job all around yesterday. As you said, both of Kev and Scott….the defence were superb.

    However AW must start working on the future as well. SAgna must be tied to a contract however lets not forget the fact that he is 30. So we may need a new full back to cover. And Jenks should be given more time. Bellerin is still young hence that is why he is sent out on loan. I do not think that AW will buy a new right back if Sagna leaves. He will stick to Jenks and Bellerin. And I cannot say I disagree. Yes we might have the odd hiccup in the first half of next season however both of them will be solid and competitive.

    The most important are BFG and Kozzer partnership. If they stay strong the defence will remain strong.

    Gibbs and Nacho seem to have a great understanding between them when they play together and they provide a good level of solidity. If I were AW I would refrain from buying another winger and put Gibbs there and buy another left back to cover Monreal. I always enjoy it when both are playing together.

  84. Scott from Oz says:

    Agreed Devil, especially on Gibbs and Nacho.
    We are brilliant on the left with them both playing.
    How goes it mate?

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