Experiment At Old Trafford? Forget It.
Apr 11th, 2008 by 'holic
I’m seeing some wonderful ideas about the Arsenal line-up at Old Trafford on Sunday. I have to say but for one small fact I would even be tempted to go with some of the wilder ones myself. Hands up though, who remembers Sunday, 25th February, 2001?
In the wake of a Champions League draw at home to Lyons we travelled north with a few injury scares. Arsene opted to go with a back four of all different nationalities and, according to some, no common language in which they could all communicate. Two left-backs featured, with a young Ashley Cole playing behind Silvinho.
Most disastrous of the pairings was that of Gilles Grimandi and Igor Stepanovs in place of the injured Adams and Keown. The BBC noted ‘ Arsene Wenger unveiled an ultra-attacking strategy’ that was ‘an open invitation for Ferguson’s side to exploit’.
Thirty-seven minutes in we were 5-1 down and ended up losing 6-1. It was a new, and painful experience for Wenger’s Arsenal. The closest we have come to repeating it was sending a squad team up to the same ground in the FA Cup this season, and taking another fearful beating.
For those reasons I think it is a safe bet that Arsene will start with the side that started the second-half at Anfield. Gilberto will replace Flamini because of his experience. I don’t expect to see Robin van Persie, complete with two bandaged thighs, being asked to put in ninety minutes. We may see him in the last twenty minutes again.
It is said that during the half-time interval at Old Trafford that fateful day in 2001 the players saw, for the only time, Wenger dishing out the hairdryer treatment. He was reportedly incandescent with rage. Those who think he may take a chance by starting the likes of Alex Song and Theo Walcott would do well to consider the result that day.
Me? Well I would change things, in all honesty. It’s well known I am a supporter of Senderos, but I really do not see the point in him playing on Sunday against a side that will have pace and power as their biggest attacking weapons. Toure and Gallas should be trusted in the centre of the defence.
I would also have risked Song in the centre of midfield, and given him the additional responsibility of being the third central defender at set pieces with responsibility for dealing with any aerial threat.
Because I would have paired Gallas and Toure at the back, Eboue would have been my right-back and I would have promoted Theo Walcott, with an instruction to both he and Hleb to have a real go at them, and provide support for Adebayor.
There I go again. Wasting time and space on what I would do. I’ve told you what the team will be and if you are looking for old Mr rose-tinteds to predict an Arsenal win, then for once you will be disappointed.
Yes, I can imagine a day where United get nervous, don’t play well, and we for once get the rub of the green and any dubious refereeing decisions. I wouldn’t be too surprised if we did nick the points, but logic is screaming at me that is not the likeliest outcome. I will be having a little punt on a 1-1 draw. Whilst that scoreline would confirm the end of our season, it would also drive a coach and horses through United’s title challenge. They need the win as much, if not more than us. Let’s frustrate them, shall we?
8 Responses to “Experiment At Old Trafford? Forget It.”
I think we’re due some luck, and I HOPE the players realise that it’s their careers and reputations on the line. Wenger might be taking the criticism, but it’s the players and team that are actually being trashed and ridiculed. They may be young but now they have to fight for their manager, their fans, and their club.
Come on you Gunners!!!
Experiment??? What on earth for? It’s unlikely but we can still win the league.!! Put the strongest (fittest side out!) Van persie and Walcott to come on in the second half.
Don’t matter what side goes out – Man U rested several big boys mid week and came off a good result. OT is tough at the best of times and Adebayor and the other pylon will do well just to get a touch. Midfield is mediocre right now – a draw would be a good result a win a miracle
Creativity has gone and do not be surprised if the pitch is soaked beforte the game.
we won there last year stop talking like a ***** peter smith
I am not that hopeful either. I would just love us to win there but the morale and the injuries make it a tall order. if we had sagna and flam, our best two players of the season then I would give us a real fighting chance.
Sorry, but Senderos must be dropped and I feel sold in the summer too. We need to replace him. he is not quite up to Arsenal standard. I like the guy but thats the harsh truth. Theo should come in. this is last chance saloon.
its all drab everywhere isnt it!!um tired of the dissapointment i really am…i mus be crazy to still be seething from our ultimate downfall,i told you so’s jus ring everywhere and you have to say the media got us spot on we have fallen aprt jus likr they said all that talk bout how we gon fight till the end jus has to stop…um tired with all these players coming out and talking bout how they gon fight when its only Flam with the bite out there and we gon lose HIM in the summer….
WE ARE JUS SO PATHETIC IT HURTS….
Doomers.
Almunia,Eboue,Toure,Gallas,Clichy,- Song -Walcott,Gilberto,Fabregas,Hleb,
Adebayor.
Lehmann
Hoyte
Senderos
RvP
Traore
KEEP THE FAITH, BOYS!
WE ARE JUS SO PATHETIC IT HURTS….
You are with statements like that. If you read and belived the media
in November we were the best team in the world.