Boro Away, And The 'Holic Pound Is…
Dec 12th, 2008 by 'holic
Flying visit time, with apologies. I know several people now insist on knowing where the ‘holic pound is going so they can have a punt on the direct opposite!
I am attaching a couple of conditions to this one. I am expecting Johan Djourou to fill one of the two central defensive positions, and quite frankly I’m not concerned which of the liabilities, be it Gallas or Silvestre, partners him. Secondly, I am expecting Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor up top. No 4-5-1 for ‘Boro please Arsene.
I think both of those conditions will be met. There is a third hope I suspect will not. For the last two summers I, and others, have heard the story from within the Grove that Abou Diaby is set to be the partner for Cesc in central midfield. Then he has missed the start of both seasons and it hasn’t happened.
Last season Flamini came good and it didn’t matter. This time around, for whatever reasons, Denilson and Song have not proven to be the answer. It’s time we found out if Diaby is the answer. Can he shield the most suspect defence we have endured in the Wenger years? Can he assert himself on those who would try to pressure and kick Cesc out of his game? We need to find out before the January transfer window is out.
Now, assuming conditions one and two are satisfied I am going to be bullish. I have had a bad Friday and Saturday cannot be as bad. I’ll take us to win 2-1, allowing for the customary concession from a set piece, but also relying on the form that Robin van Persie has displayed this last fortnight. With all the match reports concentrating on Ebouegate last weekend we forgot to praise van Persie for being unquestionably the man of the match. Keep it up please Robin.
Those of you who have got back from Porto and are facing another tortuous journey deserve a performance. I hope you get it. Have a great weekend ‘holics.
11 Responses to “Boro Away, And The 'Holic Pound Is…”
I’ll have a hot toddy please, ‘holic
Best wishes to the management too
Time to roll up those sleeves and to be counted. I agree with you and would love to see Diaby given a chance. For me Song, at the moment just is not good enough. Will he ever be??? Time will tell, but my gut feeling says no.
We need to be strong and committed. Achieve that and Boro could crumble. We also need to be more pacey and play wider.
The firts game of the weekend. Good opportunity to lay down a marker.
Up the Gunners. Here’s to a better Saturday.
I wouldn’t put even 2p on Diaby coming good this season. Except for a big performance in Istanbul, he has shown that even though brimming with talent, he just doesn’t have the appetite to work hard and fight, the two prerequisites for success on English top-flight football. Maybe he’ll grow up next season.
I hope you and Mrs. `holic have a very good weekend.
Hope things are going well for yourself and management ‘Holic.
On the question of Diaby, I would rather he be given a chance in the centre of midfield rather than played on the left. If the latter is AW’s preferred position then I don’t see a long term future for him at the club. Let him try and the centre – but I agree with holic it is unlikely to happen this match.
Steve T, we will struggle to play with much width without Walcott and Nasri. This match should allow Sagna and Clichy overlap more than they did against Chelsea.
What’s the bet on Aliadiere scoring??
I think that time may show Song’s best position to be in the centre of the defence beside JD20. His ability to head cross balls and straight high balls is unmatched by anyone else in the squad. He breaks well from defence to set up new moves.
Arsene said after the Porto game that we lost too many balls in mid-field. It’s not his style to say that Alex was the main offender. Gallas and Silvestre will be ancient memories at this time next year. It’s time to try other central defence options. Johann and Song is a pairing I’d like to see given an extended run. A back four of;
Sagna, Djourou, Song, Clichy
is stronger than most other options available at the moment.
I’d like to see Diaby have an extended run beside Cesc and Denilson. Trouble is, he’s SO injury prone. If he can’t establish imself this season, I don’t think he ever will. Time and tide and all that…..
Tomorrow is another must win. I’m feeling good for 3-0 to the Gunners.
Diaby’s single problem for me is his concentration. Otherwise he could be a great player. I’d certainly like to see Wenger show him more patience because this is something he could work to overcome over time.
I think a 2-1 victory against the Boro’.
Song is another proposition altogether. In short, I’m not convinced he is real Arsenal material but I think it is completely right that Wenger gives him maybe another season to prove himself in the starting line up. We should know for sure come the end of this season.
have a good day holic and best wishes to the management.
see you at the tollie next week
Hope all is well mr ‘holic.
Well done ‘holic. Hope you have the improved day you require!
cheers
Snail
I’ll pour a drink for Sir ‘holic today, and cross a few fingers.