Santi rewarded, Alexis dip & Who get’s dropped for the Derby?

Morning all.

You may have already seen that one of the HH regulars, SYG, has written an Arsenal related book called ‘I Am Sam’.

Pain In The Arsenal have kindly reviewed the book and to read more, click HERE.

If that little taster has tempted you to buy a copy of the book, it’s available from the 10th February at Amazon Uk HERE, or Waterstones Book store HERE.

Santi Cazorla has been named Arsenals Vitality Player of the Month for the second time in a row and I’m not surprised. He’s been in superb form of late and throughout January, he scored twice and claimed four assists. Sixty percent of the votes went to our little Spaniard and the way he’s started this month, I wouldn’t bet against him making it three in a row. His stand out performance for me was against City, in fact that’s probably the best game he’s had in an Arsenal shirt.

Francis Coquelin came second in the voting with Alexis in third.

I think it’s good seeing Alexis further down the voting table, it shows that it’s not just him going about his footballing business very well and all this ‘one man team’ stuff can be well and truly forgotten. Right now we are a team and everyone is doing their job well and that’s why we are winning.Credit has to go to the manager too, he seems to have found his motivation and preparation mojo again….

Danny Welbeck is back in training and both he and Alexis should be back in the squad for the trip to WHL but what does Arsene do? Who does he drop for either or both?

I’d say just start with the team which did so well at The Etihad, with Tomas instead of the injured Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and replicate the same kind of performance we all witnessed that day. That should be enough to take all three points back to the right part of North London.

That’s it for Wednesday, have a good day folks…

110 thoughts on “Santi rewarded, Alexis dip & Who get’s dropped for the Derby?

  1. goonster says:

    No way I think we should start theo….he has a score to settle with the spurms not forgetting his record against them. Let’s relegate sanchez to the bench. He doesn’t do well in away games plus we need to protect his hamstrings. 3.0 to the arsenal. Theo OG and rambo. Come let’s mash some spuds.

  2. goonster says:

    Passengers rico?? Theo stole the ball twice from deep inside our half against villa and initiated the counter attack that both led to goals. He ll only get sharper with games. I say rest alexis and start with theo.

  3. goonster says:

    My team for the spuds….oooooospina bellerin merteshieny monreal le coq rambo santi rosicky theo and OG. Trust me this team ll trounce the spurms. Strength flair and pace.

  4. goonster says:

    Sanchez loves the emirates most of his goals and assists are at home. He’s always trying to do too much on our away days. Easily dispossessed of thr ball and dribbles way too much….unsuccessful that is. Not bashing him here but we ve looked better without him lately. The ball seem to go in every direction unlike when he plays and hugs the ball to himself. Just saying…

  5. goonster says:

    Morn scott…how’s the outback 😀 : why do I always picture you with a hat, shorts with army boots on chasing a kangaroo or fighting a giant crocodile 😀 :

  6. allezkev says:

    Morning All
    Morning Rico.
    Morning Stan, hey, you know what, that’s how I see Scott as well…
    Supping a few tinnies as well… 🙂

  7. allezkev says:

    You know what Rico, I’m with you regarding Sanchez, but only if he’s 100%.
    I wouldn’t risk him if there is any doubt, Walcott is on a roll and the Spuds will be aware and nervous about his pace.
    In fact, we might see the same team that we saw vs Villa…

  8. goonster says:

    Howdy kev my sentiments exactly since we ll be playing on the counter who better than theo to start and rip them a new one. The same team as villa but rosicky for ozil as the only exception. COYFGS.

  9. Wavy says:

    Morning all.
    For Wenger its chocolate box time! A large box at that!
    Mmmm, who shall I pick? The dark soft sultry centred one? Or the small, square hard one? Or shall I pop the long legged one into my…..! Etc etc. the defence will pretty much pick itself, the angel Gabriel will be warming the bench again this week, u less some calamity occurs. The midfield is more intriguing, a bit of Coq to start, then how about a quick Ram followed by Santi, cause I like him and he’s on form, then Ozil as he cost so much he must be good, and up me front I’ll have a bit of Giroud, because I can and Walnut as I like a bit of a crunch. Alexis is not really fit and he needs a bit of a rest, he can warm the bench too, with Gabby! Tomas will be there too, as well as Chesney, still not forgiven him, chamber and Gibbs. That’s it, now where’s the coffee creme?
    It’s all in the ganache!! We’ll see!

  10. Canadian Gooner says:

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

    I can’t see anyone making way for Welbeck. He is just back to full training this week. He wont be match fit and will be prone to re-injuring himself if thrown in at the deep end. Maybe a 10-15 minute cameo at best, when we’re two goals or more clear.

    As for Alexis, an impact sub form the bench, if and only if needed.

    Barring any injuries or tiredness, the team that started last Sunday deserve to start; they’ve earned it.

  11. rico says:

    Agree Kev, any doubt, leave Alexis out..

    Tbh, I am not fussed who starts, as long as they all put a shift in. Mind you, not Flamini, I’d rather he’s nowhere near the starting 11…

  12. rico says:

    I like that Wavy. 🙂

    Morning to you and Cg….

    Re Theo, we are against the club who put him out for a year, he’ll be nervous but I agree they’ll worry about his pace, just why 20 mins at the end would be good… 😉

  13. Adam says:

    Morning all. We are coming up against a good spurs side Saturday so the balance of the side here is critical. Same back 5 for me. Same central midfield 3 of Coq, Rambo and Santi. This is the interesting bit isn’t it! I’m playing Sanchez (if fit). Not Only has he been our player of the season so far.. but his work rate is second to none in that team. Not only could he break up some potential deep midfield play from them but with Kyle walker playing RB charging forward I know who I want exploiting the space he leaves. I’d also play Theo. Let them worry about serious pace from both wings early on. And the big man G up top.. I think we have to accept we won’t be ruling the ball in this one. So to have Theo and Alexis running off the Frenchman seems to me, the best way forward. But anyway. Enjoy your day everyone. COYG!

  14. goonster says:

    Rico theo to start.. .grrrr. agree with me for once. Gee if I didn’t know any better I ll say you have a personal vendetta against me. Agree with me for crying out loud.

  15. Canadian Gooner says:

    Rico – The best way for Theo to get over any remaining fears/misgivings about playing is to get back on the pitch and score goals against the scum that put out him out. He is no longer a boy. He has to know there are now plenty of players willing and able to take his place.

  16. AndrewH says:

    Morning rico, House. I just cannot believe that one of the first names on the team sheet, and vital at that, is ………………………………. Francis Coquelin . Just unbelievable!!

  17. edgar says:

    What are you smoking over there my fellow Goonsters !!
    This is Le Proff… Ozil wont be left out to be fair… On Sanchez I would be happy to see Theo start then make way for Alexis later on… But this is Arsene who knows. Welbeck wont make even a minute considering Proff will also want to give Rosicky some game time considering his last time goal against the Spuds, The two anchor men in the engine picks for itself.. Le Coq & Rambo automatically lead by the Mighty Santimaah ….. uprfont the silent tall french man ( olivier) will lead us… My prdiction 2-1 for Arsenal.

  18. rico says:

    Cg, you make a very good point – I just get fed up watching him ball watch from a foot or two away from an opposition player. He’s got to start putting a tackle in….

    Morning Andrew, he’s certainly well up on my starting eleven too…

  19. Rick says:

    Morning Rico and the House.
    Good post Rico and I’m with you on Alexis, if he is 100% fit he must start, if not he should go with Theo.
    It is being reported that Chuba has signed his new contract.
    Now Arsene give Hector one before others start sniffing around.

  20. Canadian Gooner says:

    Rico – I agree, but he never was much of a tackler and that wont change until he’s got his confidence back. He’ll have to quickly learn from Alexis or he will be on the bench when everyone else is fit.

  21. rico says:

    Hi Rick, thanks..

    And Hayden, when does his contract expire?

    Cg, that’s kind of my point really, against a poor Villa side he did well in fits and starts but things will be very different on Saturday lunchtime and we can’t afford passengers… Agree and with Welbeck returning and OC not far away, he’ll drop down the pecking order…

  22. Canadian Gooner says:

    Rico – Like a lot of our until recently under performing players, Theo will have to sing for his supper or become a bit player. As I said earlier, he is not a boy anymore and he has plenty of experience in all competitions. The time for potential is past, it is time for him to fulfill his promise or he will be superceded.

  23. Adam says:

    I’d be very surprised to not see Alexis starting. I can see the boss not going for Walcott. To play Ozil and Ros in behind Giroud doesn’t work for me. Too many playmakers. I think that’s why at least one out of Sanchez and Walcott will start. Depending on fitness as always.. but I’d hope both play. The way Santi is playing I could score with him behind me. And I do see this being a counter-attacking game for us. The ox would be perfect buy alas.. Saying all this. I’d fancy any of them to do the business. This game should be won by us in the middle. Can’t see them competing with our 3 . Especially as the Coq is in sparkling form.

  24. tsgh says:

    Top read…

    Hey goonie, I was awaiting your views on Cuadrado joining the chavs! hope all is well?

    Syg’s book is getting loads of publicity so fingers crossed… he buys all HH regulars a VIP box at the Ems. 🙂

  25. rico says:

    Adam, I know this is cheeky of me but we have an Adam on here and things might get confusing, do you ever use a different name?

    Totts have been good at home, didn’t they recently batter the Chavs with ease? Agree it’s likely to be an ‘on the break’ game, just hope we can defend as well as we did at the Etihad and close their players down before the danger area..

  26. joe says:

    Afternoon all, I think Theo should start on Saturday it affords him the opportunity to stick it to the sp*’rs fans.

  27. Canadian Gooner says:

    Ginge – An executive box for the Highbury House regulars would be sweet, but like most of the Arsenal transfer rumours, I’ll believe it when I see it announced on Arsenal.com. LOL

    Anyway, here’s hoping SYG’s book does well.

  28. rogerbij says:

    Great question for the day Rico – its nice to have so many options up front that its not easy to decide which one!

    My choice from mid

    — Ramsey – le coq —-
    – Alexis — Santi — Ozil –
    ———-Giroud———-

    This assumes a fully fit Alexis. If not straight swap for Walcott.
    I had to laugh at Wavy’s comment – include Ozil because he cost so much he must be good!
    Ill keep Ozil for going forward and having beautiful control and pace of the game. But god he annoys me how his general running doesnt get out of second gear. If its not going well with Ozil then sub for Walcot and he and alexis can crossover positions at will. Definitely Welbeck on the bench for me.

  29. Canadian Gooner says:

    Ginge – That dream was looking and sounding great – then you had to inject IG into it. If you had to embellish it, surely you could have been more creative and imaginative than that.

    Anyway, if IG were there, I’m sure I would be ejected for excessive, repeated and loud use of ‘strong industrial language’ (of the type that Rico would definitely NOT tolerate) as I expounded my views on what needed to done by and for our club.

    Lord knows what would happen if Silent Stan showed up?

  30. tsgh says:

    That is exactly my point Cg; most regular fans wouldn’t last 2 hours with the spin-doctor IG..:-)

    Rico- i thought Theo was working by just wearing the jersey..

    Joe- you love Theo deep down:)

  31. rogerbij says:

    Hey Tsgh, just looking at your Cuadrado comment… The guy is really good, no question. Speed and dribbling are exceptional, and he is a player who can make something from nothing. In saying that, he is a bit of a Lamborghini – really flash, but can he take the hard work in the engine room? Im not sure yet. He had a great world cup, but he is also a bit lightweight… interesting whoscored mentions his weaknesses as holding onto the ball, aerial duels and defensive contribution…
    http://www.whoscored.com/players/44868/

  32. Canadian Gooner says:

    I thought I saw Scott on here earlier. I hope he has recovered from his malady. He is becoming as elusive as a bunyip.

  33. joe says:

    TSGH
    what gave you that idea 😉
    Arsenal players are like my children I love them all the same. (well almost all of them) 🙂

  34. tsgh says:

    😀 Joe..

    Roger- Cuadrado will be the chavs Gervinho.. lol

    He is hardworking though so maybe ‘Hose’ will entertain his inconsistency.

    I am saying all of this because he signed for teh chavs as you gathered. 😉

  35. rogerbij says:

    Good call tsgh, Cuadrado could indeed = Gervinho… I wouldnt buy him even if he’s a good Gervinho. I suspect he will tear apart Hull et al, but struggle against better, more powerful teams. Strange that sometimes he covers right back or right defensive mid but is thought of as weak in defence…

  36. tsgh says:

    Roger- Cuadrado has been mentioned on here in the past but in my view he has failed to accomplish what many folks expected him to do…
    I first spotted him following the legend di Natalie at Udinese… That was when I first started taking Alexis seriously as he had just been converted to play with Di Natalie upfront..
    Juan will always be unpredictable but like most very fast players he fails to deliver consistently…
    What will help him endore with Jose is taht he works very hard off the ball similar to Iscar and willian..

  37. joe says:

    Oh and Diaby is my real favorite it’s like the child not had all the breaks (ok his had some broken bits) but he keeps trying. 🙂 you got to love those types of children. 😉

  38. tsgh says:

    Joe- Abu Dhabi is arguably the most unluckiest player in football… Zidane and Papin thought he would be a world great by the time he was 28.. well unless Diaby comes back in the next month or so and help us to the UCL trophy plus a domestic double I guessthat wont happen…

  39. rico says:

    🙂 Roger, let’s hope not…

    Adam, don’t, you are scaring me… 😉

    Ts, you been c&p’ing again, tsk… lol

    Evening all…

  40. potter says:

    Diaby may be the unluckiest but where does that leave dear Jackie boy ? Now just before his apparent return to fitness he gets in the papers again this time pictured with a shisha pipe . At least this time he did it inside a club as opposed to the street but really is he that thick that he doesn’t realise this stuff will get out . He does himself no favours. I saw a report earlier this week that he was valued at £23 million , he is going the right way about seeing the club taking the money and running.

    http://www.offthepost.info/blog/2015/02/photo-arsenal-midfielder-jack-wilshere-smoking/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+offthepost%2FTLAa+%28Off+The+Post%29

  41. scottfromoz says:

    Guys, we don’t wrestle crocs……..we have them as pets.
    Great White Sharks are in our fish ponds, and Funnel Web spiders sleep at the end of our kids beds 🙂
    Morning all.

  42. scottfromoz says:

    CG, how are you champ?
    I’m all healed up…fighting fit at present.
    I’m currently putting in some Sanchez Like performances at work as I’m in the process of taking over a new business, so by the time I get home, have a bite to eat and kiss the family goodnight, I’ve little energy left…AAS, I know lol.
    Anyway, for a month or two, this will be my life until I can give up the old job.
    Business looks the goods as I made as much in 5 hours last night as I did in 40 hours with the old joint so hopefully it continues 🙂
    Anyway, I shall return here in full cry soon enough.

  43. tsgh says:

    The ref performance last night was very appauling imo…

    Morning Rico et al btw..

    Scott, don’t forget the car you promised.. 🙂 and you still owe me for backing you with AR16 stats years back. 😉

  44. tsgh says:

    Morning Rico, the Oz man says he is as rich as AU, I am just trying to get some before he decides to buy QPR.. 🙂

    Scott, talking of Oz how’s Oz? Have you heard from him recently?

  45. tsgh says:

    😀 Rico.. I always susssed you have a motive…

    Hi Joe, I know Harry’s accountant, you won’t have to pay tax if you give me a small commission. 😉
    So when it comes to football/soccer there is not much difference between a Yank investor and an Aussie philantropist.

    Kool Scott…

  46. potter says:

    Harry’s accountant might save you tax but just think of the dog food bills , If you want to keep Rosie on side , you will have to treat her to the best of everything.

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