Lay off Bellerin Le Tiss! Five Star Performance?

Morning all.

I’ve always had a lot of respect for Matt Le Tissier both as a footballer and pundit but yesterday, I was quite surprised about something he said. Disappointed too.

When talking about the stunning finish by Hector Bellerin he said that the strike was something you’d expect from 20 goal a season striker, not a makeshift right back.

What about Hector Bellerin at right back is makeshift?

Absolutely nothing – in fact I’d go so far to say that give him a couple of years and he could be one of the best right backs in the world of football. I know some fans might disagree with my bold statement but he just grows in stature each game. At this rate, Debuchy will struggle to get back in the side when he’s fit.

I didn’t think any one player stood out yesterday and I mean that in a good way, they all did their job well and to be honest, at times it looked like our boys were simply enjoying a training session. Villa really were dire, they clearly are side low in confidence and lacking any self belief.

We took advantage and along the way, did our goals scored tally the world of good.

Our first was good, a lovely ball from Ozil to Giroud and the big Frenchman did the rest.

Half time came and went and the goals came….

Theo, who was having a quiet game, did well in the middle of the park, played the ball to Giroud who then turned provider with a perfectly weighted ball through to Ozil. Our little German passed the ball into the back of the net, just inside the far post. Precision at its best.

Next up was Theo. A burst in from the left, an exchange of passes with Santi, one touch, one shot and goal. Super stuff, clinical stuff! Ok, we all know that pass from Santi wasn’t for him but he took it, he wanted a goal and made sure he got one.

Then the Emirates fans were stunned, no, not by Villa but by Anthony Taylor who awarded us a penalty after Substitute Akpom had been tripped by the Villa keeper. Santi blasted it straight down the middle and at their keeper. Could he save it, no he couldn’t! 4-0.

Finally, Hector Bellerin struck the sweetest of strikes from just outside the area and in off the far post. Like with Ozil, precision was the key….

5-0 was flattering to Villa, it really was. Santi hit the post, Giroud hit the crossbar, Akpom had a couple of good chances which with more playing time, he’ll convert and Ozil on another day could have had a hat-trick……

Our little German walked away with the Sky Sports man of the match award. Well I guess they had to choose one…..

Only one criticism – we need to shoot more on sight and stop trying to play the ball into the back of the net. Be more ruthless and had we been yesterday, we may have crept into double figures and into the top four….

Now for a trip across town to batter the neighbours, and wouldn’t that be something special…..

Transfer deadline day today and Arsene Wenger was in the office around 8.30, I still hope he has something up his sleeve before 11pm arrives…

Have a good one all….

188 thoughts on “Lay off Bellerin Le Tiss! Five Star Performance?

  1. AndrewH says:

    Morning, good report rico. When Ozil was awarded MOTM I thought ‘What!’
    But then it was such a good all-round display it was hard to single anyone out. I thought maybe Santi again, but with Ozil being involved in both first two goals, that would probably be unfair. So well done Ozil, all four defenders, Coq tidy again, in fact everyone.

  2. rico says:

    Thanks Andrew, clean sheets are good aren’t they, it’s about time we looked more organised at the back. I think Ches has a lot to do with things…. Or no Ches should I say….

  3. AndrewH says:

    I agree, meant to include praise for Ospina. I was hoping he would be tested once we had game won. He had two saves to make in the game and he did them admirably. He looks extremely calm. Will be tested more but at the moment he’s making the correct decisions when to come for the ball and when to stay back. That’s what always worries me about Sir Ches. A corners Ospina looked small but then he always caught the ball from taller players. Tidy.

  4. rico says:

    Can’t see Ches coming back any time soon if things stay the same and we don’t leak goals, looks like Ches is the new FA Cup keeper although I’d prefer Martinez….

  5. tsgh says:

    Totally agree Wath re Le Tissier… I think he double talks quite often when he is commenting about AFC and any of our players…
    Now AW should go and get Morgan or Jedinak for the DM…
    Good read btw Rico…

  6. Canadian Gooner says:

    Good Morning to The Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.

    All in all, a very good show yesterday. A few errant passes and dribbles into cul-de-sacs, but considering the number of players returning from injury and a few Young Guns, that can be excused.

    So much for the one man team that so many of our critics have been braying about. Five goals from five different players should put that canard to rest.

  7. Wavy says:

    It seems we have come a long way in a very short time, since most of us were calling for zee ‘ed of Arsenez Wengerrė! Why? The defence of our goal has been tightened, so tight that ne’er a drop of water could squeeze by them! It’s a collective effort though. At long last the penny has dropped if your front players allow the opposition defenders to pick their passes we are always under unnecessary pressure. However, someone has had the good sense to recognize our former failings and taught, sorry coached the whole team how to defend collectively.
    The last couple of games we have been behind in the stats for ball possession, does it matter, no it doesn’t, as the results prove. Tikka tappa is all very well but as we saw from Villa yesterday having the ball is one thing doing something positive with it is a completely different ball game!
    Who ever is responsible for the changes made to our playing style has to be applauded, and loudly at that! So, thanks Arsene for listening to Bould and Jonker? And the players who complained, whoever, it matters not! I think we are getting our Arsenal back! At least I hope so!

  8. AndrewH says:

    The worse case rico, of not shooting was Giroud in front of goal, having just already scored, laying off a reverse pass, that went nowhere!

  9. AndrewH says:

    Wavy, is it too simplistic to think that Sanchez, one of the most skilful players in the league, showed his work effort which showed up how Arsenal forwards, maybe excepting Welbeck, didn’t put same amount in. It just looked so obvious every game after he arrived.

  10. rico says:

    Morning Cg, I’m sure the media darlings will soon think of something else to be critical of… Just why I take little notice of what they write or say….

  11. Snaparse says:

    Nice read Rico and a very good performance from the boys….. Like you said no one player stood out they were all fantastic but the real challenge is coming soon(no not spurs as I think they are sh*t… Lol) hope the boys keep the level up.. . Nice debate on coq also shame I couldn’t post but I just want to say he like the rest of the team has been performing well so let’s enjoy it while we can and hope we go as far in the cups…

  12. rico says:

    Wavy, something certainly seems to have changed, if they can continue such good performances next weekend, we might start believing a lot more…

    Andrew, Ozil is another who faffed up in front of goal….

  13. Canadian Gooner says:

    Rico – “media darlings” you say. Dolts, donkeys, dunces, dunderheads maybe, but darlings only to themselves. Do I detect a large dose of tongue in cheek irony?

  14. rico says:

    Thanks Snap, not sure why you couldn’t comment yesterday… Morgan for me too, although he’s a not the tallest but he’s very good and without him, Southampton are a different team imo.

  15. Canadian Gooner says:

    Ozil and Walcott may be physically fit, but it will take a little longer for them to regain their match fitness. Giroud is also a bit rusty after his suspension. However, the indications from yesterday are positive. A few more games together should see them back to their best.

  16. TotallyRelaxedKev says:

    Good post Rico…
    Yeah Ozil was behind a lot of our best play yesterday…
    But it’s all based around our strong core of Ospina, BFG/Koz, Le Coq, Giroud…

    I took your advice Scott… 😉

  17. Wavy says:

    Andrew H, our. Improved performances are probably down to a whole load of different factors, Sanchez and his work ethic has had a major effect on the lazy and dilatory players. Yes he has ‘made them wake up and play for 100% of the game’! Having had so many quality players injured for so long has had a seriously detrimental effect on our play too. Introducing some of the quality youngsters to the first team and keeping them in the squad has improved self esteem and performance! (About time too!)
    So many factors have co-incided and have cllectively contributed to our overall improved performances and results. No one thing has changed the improvements but many factors have seemingly arrived simultaneously, and hurrah I say for that!

  18. Canadian Gooner says:

    What’s this, has Kev spawned another alter ego? They’ll be making a movie about him and multiple personalities – The Many Faces of Kev the Gooner.

  19. rico says:

    Snap, they sure have been a surprise…

    Agree Cg, re Ozil and Walcott. As long as they keep on scoring though eh, especially next weekend…

  20. Snaparse says:

    Totally agree with you wavy can’t really say one thing is responsible for our form lately it’s a combination of so many things as you rightly pointed out…. Long may it continue and arsene really deserves some credit too even though he always puts himself in a tight spot

  21. Snaparse says:

    Been really impressed with monreal….. He has been criticised most times even though it really isn’t his fault…. Glad he is proving his worth think he has been our best defender for a month and is well ahead of Gibbs as the first choice for now….. Good to have such competition as it shows other that they are dispensable…

  22. Canadian Gooner says:

    Snap – I think having real competition in almost all positions and with more players returning from injury has the slackers playing for their suppers. Not before time.

  23. Canadian Gooner says:

    Rico – Le Coq looks promising and certainly puts in the effort. I’m just worried he is going to mistime one of his signature slide tackles and get himself sent off.

    It would be great if we could get the likes of Schneiderlin to mentor and play alongside him or Ramsey.

  24. TotallyRelaxedKev says:

    Rico, I bloody missed MotD, but I’ve seen the goals online and it was a great exhibition of passing, movement and finishing…

    CG, yep, I am really enjoying this present phase of the season, our football is just as we’ve been desperate to see…

    When the team play, as they’re presently playing, then how can you be anything but content, and totally relaxed of course. 🙂

  25. tsgh says:

    AH- that keown comment echo’s my views on our recent performance.
    I have always alluded to the view that we do not need a proper DM so far as AR16 is in form and fit. The issue is he can’t play the whole 40+ important games in the 3 competitions we/AW take seriously. In my view the only player with the tactical nous to do what AR16 offers to the whole team is La Mozart but can’t do it 2 times a week either.

    That was why last summer I thought Gonalon or Kramer would be useful and I also rate Jedinak.

    Winning requires a team effort as we all agree but to me AR16 is doing what PV04 did for us all those years ago having very slow DM like Edu and Petite next to him.
    The issue is when we have JW back in the box to box role holding on to the ball and not holding his position…

    Ps. Arteta’s stats for his last game was better than Le Coq last match even though he came off injured.

  26. Canadian Gooner says:

    Kev – I can’t argue with you there.

    I’m cautiously optimistic for this season. In the meantime I’ll enjoy our team’s sublime current play.

  27. TotallyRelaxedKev says:

    Yeah, good points Wavy, it’s defo a combination of a lot of things.
    The influence of Sanchez.
    The calmness of Ospina.
    The Defensive discipline of Coquelin and it seems Ramsey.
    Many players coming back from injury. Whilst Wenger and his coaching staff refining his new approach this season, pointed out by Coach.
    And the form of Monreal, a player that Adam bigged up to me ages ago…

    But I’d still sign Schneiderlin.
    You strengthen your squad, imo, when you are doing well and from a position of strength, not when your struggling…

  28. rico says:

    At least Taylor was on our side yesterday Cg, Coq could easily have been booked…

    That’s a shame Kev, at least you have seen the goals though, all good too….

  29. tsgh says:

    Cg- Spot on at 1:24 imo;
    JM made a similar comment earlier…

    I like Le Coq and have always liked him and demanded why Aw had not given him a chance but I think he can’t be hailed as the next libero or catenaccio when he has played all his recent games next to arguably the best (tactical) players in the squad TR07 and 2nd best AR16.

    It all sounds like history is repeating itself as in Flamini’s debate last season…

  30. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Good Afternoon Brandies and Bucks.

    Nice match report Boss. And you can take anything which I write for your posts Lady. Feel free to include it. No need to ask permission.

    I agree with Wath…….Le Piss has been on the Le Tiss. I have always respected Le Piss as a player and he should definitely played for us back in the 80’s/90’s. However Bellerin is not a makeshift right back, but a footballing right back. I have a hunch that had he been taller he would have made a good CB as well.

    I like the adjectives you attribute to yourself Kev. However, situations like this do not make me relaxed at all. Because we all know what this team is capable of. And honestly, 5th place is no reflection of the abilities of this team. I still think that had we been more intelligent tactically we would have 3 to 5 more points than we have.

    Would we buy another player??? Imo we should. However it must be someone who is tactically intelligent and a good reader of the game not someone who just fills in as a body and with the first sniff of the ball neglects his position, as Ginge rightly points out with Jack.

  31. Canadian Gooner says:

    I’m off for the night. Hopefully I’ll awake to a surprise from Arsene with some positive news on the transfer front.

    Have a great day everyone as we count down to humiliating the noisy neighbors away at Shite Heart Lane.

  32. TotallyRelaxedKev says:

    The thing is Ginge, it’s all well and good Rosicky and Ramsey being intelligent and tactically aware, but there are times, especially in the beatpit of English football, when you need a bit of physicality, not brainless, but controlled physicality, and Coquelin brings us that quality.
    He is improving at a rate of knots that I never thought possible. And despite a few hairy moments, has escaped unscathed.

    Every team needs its water carrier and Coq is our cocker in that dept….

  33. Marinello says:

    Hi Rico and all you Gooners,

    Good read Rico and good points made about the match yesterday from Canadian Gooner.
    I went to it, Villa were very poor. Just after half time for 5 minutes, Villa appeared to want to try and score, but after that Arsenal were never really under the cosh.
    Ospina is very calm and 2 of his throw outs led to goals. I like the fact that at corners he catches the ball, less of the punching I say. He was called on a couple of times and did very well. Hope Wenger stays with him for a run of games.

    The whole team played as a unit and supported each other.

    Next up, Spurs. any predictions on this match? Wavy, Kev?

  34. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Imo..AW should have gone for Mings who can play as a CB and a LB. However with Nacho able to play as a LB/LW and CB, Gibbs able to play LB/LW that area is well stocked. And with Chambers becoming a CB as well then when Debuchy is fit it would be impossible to fit them in. And considering that Jenks is to come back in the summer (if not sold) then we have ample bodies for the defensive department.

    Jose Luis Gaya (LB) is mentioned. However unless AW sees Gibbs as a future LW or is planning to release NAcho in the summer than that is all paper talk.

    But as Kev rightly said……you strengthen when you are going through a good patch not when you are down.

  35. TotallyRelaxedKev says:

    Too early for me Marknello, but it won’t bd a walk in the park as the Spuds are a team that can turn it on, on any given day.
    Spuds 5-2 Chavs remember!

  36. TotallyRelaxedKev says:

    Hi Coach, Wenger may also have one eye on who he has coming through from the Academy…

    Last summer none of us imagined Bellerin, Coquelin and if he stays Akpom as being members of our squad.
    Well not to the degree that they presently are!

  37. Bt62 Gooner says:

    Ts, i’m sure you saw this stat, Villa are the lowest goal scorers in all the English Leagues with 11.

    Rico, i nice post to read, hope next Sunday’s is as easy to write…..I’ll go with Sarasota Kev’s view.

    Afternoon all…..

  38. Wavy says:

    No idea about next game at shite hart lane. On present form we should win but……? If we can keep yet another clean sheet then 2-0 to the goon guys! If we can’t 1-2 to us. I can’t see us losing, not unless we go back to our default lazy playing!
    As for Totally Relaxed Kev in Cab’s view we’ll have to wait and see what his crystal ball discerns through the black fug of diesel exhaust smoke!

  39. tsgh says:

    Kev- totally agree with your view above; I hope you are not overlooking the fact that AR16 makes the most tackles whenever he starts for us?

    Bt- Indeed I saw that; they haven’t scored in 8 games… I am beginning to believe Syg’s view on Benteke was right after all.. lol

  40. Wavy says:

    Sorry didn’t see your 5-2 comment too busy rewriting my iPad infested post. The corrections take ages to make……..sos a rato!!
    Just to add to prediction corner, we could just as easily win 5-2 at the lane as lose by the same score! Better go for an honours even outcome, 5-5! How would that sound?

  41. Bt62 Gooner says:

    Ts, 91 other teams have scored more, pretty damning indictment of Villa….

    Have you managed to read any of SYG’s book?

  42. TotallyRelaxedKev says:

    Ginge, there are tackles and, there are tackles that change the feel of a game, that can win your team the upper hand, Coq does those…
    No doubt that Ramsey tackles, I actually discussed this (really) with Adam 3 seasons ago when I sat next to him in the Arsenal vs Everyon game…
    But despite the undoubted qualities of Rosicky and Ramsey, qualities that you point out Ginge, Coq gives us a balance in that vital area of the pitch.
    Just like BFG…. 😛

  43. Bt62 Gooner says:

    Rico, winning that one with a polished professional performance and certain people, will be getting a crick in the neck….

  44. tsgh says:

    Lol kev.you know I rate the bfg; if you recall in his first season with us when co- bloggers on here said AW should have gone for Cahill I defended him…
    My views on his this season is that he will get exposed playing next to debuchy and chambers due to their starting positions when we do not have the ball…
    In my view, if we compare the BFG’s performances next to Young bellerin as compared to the aforementioned you may notice he performed better.
    I agree with you on how well le coq is playing though. I just belief his 2 partners in midfield are making his joke very easy…

  45. tsgh says:

    Bt- I haven’t read his latest book yet.. I am awaiting my copy. 😉

    Apologies for typos etc… posting from phone as I am unable to post from works’ laptop since HM’s network is barring Lady rico’s adverts on the site… lol

  46. Wavy says:

    Noo T’s its my iPad that has a quirk for Sarasota! If it doubts that I have. Written the next word in a sentence correctly it inserts such absurdities as Sarasota! Sadly the pad doesn’t do context assessment before inserting a word of its choice!!

  47. TotallyRelaxedKev says:

    BT, busy’ish mate, it comes in fits n starts…

    Er, work that is…

    First bit sounded a bit dodgy…
    Sorry Rico.., 😉

  48. TotallyRelaxedKev says:

    Florida?

    Unfortunately not Ginge…

    But it’s a nice thought… 🙂

    Wavy, all that technical jargon has given me a head ache… 🙂

  49. TotallyRelaxedKev says:

    Gaya, the 19 year old left-back at Valencia, and hottest young defensive ‘thing’ in La Liga, has a buy-out clause of around £13.5 million…

    Arsenal are sniffing around but haven’t made a move as Real Madrid are interested.

    But with the Spanish Jan’ Window closed, Wenger can move without fear of Real gazzumping him…

    By the summer his price will rocket, so I wonder, if Wenger is trying to bring in the player, whilst his fee is still reasonable?

  50. Rick says:

    Afternoon Rico and the House.
    It’s a cold day down south Rico but a slight improvement on last week.
    Still having trouble with key board its very slow.
    Tonights youth cup game is off pitch frozen.

  51. tsgh says:

    I wonder what is happening to the Benders’? Lars was poor against BVB last weekend and his brother did make the bench for BVB…

    Oddly Kevin was not in the squad at all… I wonder if rumours that he has told BVB to sell him is true…

  52. Rick says:

    Rico very good post and good to see you shooting down Tiss and defending Bellerin. I am feeling pretty pleased that you are all now seeing in the lad something I saw 3years ago(March 2013)
    In my very last visit to Underhill (with Son in law) I watched our U21 team beat Man U 2-1 On that day Isaac played at no 10 Conor Henderson no 11 Le Coq played the same role as what he is playing now and our right back was hector Bellerin. It was agreat team game which we won 2-1 and with the score 1-1 in the 88th min Bellerin scored the winner with a stunning shot.
    Ginge Man U tv were there that night and I think that some where there will be a vidio of the game .Any chance you can find it and show a link
    If there is you will all see why I rate both Bellerin and Hayden so highly.

  53. TotallyRelaxedKev says:

    German TW closes at 17.00…

    Andre Schurrle still not been transferred…
    Hope it falls through…

  54. tsgh says:

    I just read that serge will join bvb next summer with Reus joining us if they go down.Apparently RM wanted to swap khedira for him but Sami refused…

  55. rico says:

    Evening folks…

    Thanks Rick, I think Hector is a super young player and for any who suggested he couldn’t defend, well I beg to differ.

  56. tsgh says:

    Would it not be funny if Gabriel signed by Arsenal 6 months after Vermaelen was sold makes his debut for Arsenal before Vermaelen debuts for Barcelona

  57. Snaparse says:

    Hi ts your Ghanaian mates are doing well so far in the afcon must say toure really sucks as a holding midfielder or is it just me?

  58. tsgh says:

    Raphael Honigstein lobbed in German Bundesliga’s Fanzone
    @honigstein 5 hours ago

    Is Marco Reus really available for £20m in the summer? Yes, he is because he’s got a release clause. Bayern Munich very naughtily revealed this number and Dortmund never denied it. However, they were obviously incredibly angry with Bayern. I’d be surprised if he came to the Premier League. All signs lead to Real Madrid.

  59. TotallyRelaxedKev says:

    Digger, the name was with you in mind…

    I almost went with GrolshedKev, in honour of our 1st piss up… 😉

  60. TotallyRelaxedKev says:

    No Ginge, Schurrle joined Wolfsburg for £24m (sounds an exaggerated sum to me) and Cuadrado has joined the Chavs for £27m…

    I suspect some fiddling with the figures in both those deals, to comply with FFP..,

  61. Micko says:

    I thought that was where he lived rico !

    Warm flat beer just about sums up transfer deadline day doesn’t it .

    On a seperate note that Ian Beale is a real catch isn’t he.

  62. Joe says:

    No new players on transfer deadline day yuk!
    But it would just like us to sign someone late and not announce it till early hours of Tuesday ok even I don’t believe that one.

  63. Joe says:

    But like I said earlier in the week we have bought 7 new players this season most for the present a few for the future. Plus 3 players that are new to the first team from within the club or brought back from being on loan.
    10 players to integrate in to the first team that looks like a difficult task.

  64. TotallyRelaxedKev says:

    We could have done with another striker, but it seems that Wenger is gonna go with Akpom and see if he signs a deal…

  65. tsgh says:

    kev- just read your post re Schurle and Cuadrado… Another player we scouted for 4 years and allowed to go else where…

    Snap- frimpong is in Russia…

  66. tsgh says:

    Jim White just announced AW has made himself a pre-bed horlicks drink… lol;
    I guess no last minute Arshavin type deal this year…

    Adebawhore is rumoured to be joining fat sam…:-)

  67. TotallyRelaxedKev says:

    11 points behind Chelsea…

    No games in hand…

    It’s probably too much to expect the Chavs to drop so many points and Arsenal need to go on an unbelievable winning run anyway…

    15 games to go…

    Finishing in the top three is probably the most we can expect…
    But the team is finally looking, albeit late in the day, like it can compete…
    That’s progress of a sort…

  68. TotallyRelaxedKev says:

    When I say Stratford, I mean the Olympic stadium, not Westfield Shopping Centre ( just in case Agag is reading 😉 )

  69. tsgh says:

    If they lose to the shitty and Man Ure and we manage a draw at least whilst maintaining a similar ran of 2 years ago we might finish 2nd at least…

  70. Adam says:

    Morning Rico. We just went for a long walk in the snow with a stop for an English breakfast. I think I’ll have a lie down for an hour. 🙂

  71. TotallyRelaxedKev says:

    Two inches of snow.
    That’ll mean the end of the world in Britain.
    Industry will grind to a halt..
    Nothing will work.

    Everywhere else it’s business as usual.

  72. Joe says:

    Morning all, cold but no snow seems Akpom has signed a 4 and half year contract according to the mirror good news if true.
    Here it is nearly 9.30 and we haven’t been linked to any new players 🙂

  73. TotallyRelaxedKev says:

    Absolutely, I’m in bed by 7pm every evening and up at the crack of dawn (not) 😀

    Morning Rico, Adam, Coach, Joe

  74. TotallyRelaxedKev says:

    That’ll be great news on Akpom if true…
    Now for confirmation on AFC.com plus positive news on Coq signing…

  75. TotallyRelaxedKev says:

    Rico, I’m only going on what Joe said that the Mirror reported…

    I read it and apparently Akpom has agreed, but not actually signed

  76. scottfromoz says:

    In all honesty, when over there, I had an evening on the ales with Kev, an afternoon on the ales with Ginge, then a feed and ales with Kev, Adam, Lee and Rocky and I’ll never forget those times.
    How good would it be to get as many Housers there at once as possible???
    Maybe one day.

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