Let's Stick With Carlos Please Arsene
Feb 20th, 2009 by 'holic
It’s preview time. A rare treat these days to have a Saturday three o’clock kick-off to look forward too, although that presents its own problems as this piece is having to be done ahead of the Friday interviews and press conferences.
I can cut back considerably on what I write about this weekend’s game as you can hear me give my opinion, for what it’s worth, on the usually excellent Arseblog arsecast. To put it bluntly, whilst I have a lot of respect for Jones and Cisse up front, if we cannot pass our way around the Sunderland midfield we don’t deserve to make up ground on those above us.
The news that Eduardo is out for a couple of weeks has put a minor damper on an otherwise good week as far as the football is concerned. Robin van Persie must be expected to return alongside Nicklas Bendtner, who sounded a damn sight less brash in his televised post-match interview on Monday than the Daily Mail would have us believe he was acting beforehand.
The midfield quartet will be interesting. Andrey Arshavin “will be involvedโ according to his manager. I think most expect him to make an appearance from the bench when we are three up after an hour. There is almost a horrible inevitability about Eboue, Denilson, Song, and Nasri, starting. I would keep Carlos Vela on the left after his excellent contribution against Cardiff and switch Samir Nasri to the right, from where he can whip crosses in with his stronger right foot. This would enable the Russian to feature for half an hour in a central role after the break. What do I know, eh?
The ‘holic pound is being prepared for an ambitious punt on a 4-1 scoreline. Confidence must have flowed back into the squad after the FA Cup triumph, and I am expecting a similar fast-passing performance this weekend. After the fortunate sharing of the spoils at the Stadium of Light back in October we need to show Niall Quinn and his boys what the ‘real’ Arsenal are about.
For once, those with tickets should not be freezing your extremities off. Ten degrees is forecast so while you might not be breaking out the barbecue, a pint or two in the pub beer garden will not be unpleasant. Here’s hoping all ‘holics have a great weekend, and that my optimism is not misplaced.
Now, thinking about that Sunderland midfield has reminded me, I haven’t watched this weeks ‘Nature’s Great Events’ yet, so it’s on with the iPlayer for me now, to watch these cumbersome, fat old grizzlies.
Take care all.
26 Responses to “Let's Stick With Carlos Please Arsene”
Well, thanks, mfra, I’ll have the first drink then.
Irish coffee please.
itโs own problems
Oh, not you, ‘holic! Well, it’s a bit early for a blog, you’re forgiven ๐
I’ll have the same, if you’re in the chair, Ollie.
Pedant ๐
Thanks Ollie.
I have a good feeling about this one despite the Eduardo setback. I think when the team has collective confidence we will see Denilson and Nasri start to purr. Not sure about Song.
Totally agree about Vela, lets start him.
Does anyone else think Bendtner deserves a start? If Eduardo was fit I’d like to see Nicky and him upfront with Robin on the right flank, vela on the left and Samir and Denilson in the centre (only at home though).
I was so sick when I heard Eduardo was out again, I just hope he doesn’t keep having Diaby style, sporadic injuries. I was getting very excited about the possibility of picking an attacking midfield from Cesc, Theo, Diaby, Arshavin, Vela, Rosicky, Nasri…Wow!
Allow me to digress. Just read the redfaced/nosed saying his rd can sweep all four /five trophies. Well to begin it would be a miracle if he were to do it . He already had one miracle in 1999.To get it again would be out of this world and to begin with as we all know he was already dead and about to be buried then.
Me thinks it aint going to happen. For starters Arsenal were the only one standing between them in 1999 in the domestic scene. Assuming they can win all the prizes at home it would really be bonkers if can do it in Europe.
In the cl there are many teams capable of beating them .I can’t wait for Mourino to repeat his Porto act and shut up the red faced .
Yes he has a balanced team very strong in defence.
I am hoping Mourino do us alla favour .
If Wenger plays Eboue I think I’ll walk out.
As much as I hate to admit it, I feel Eboue will start ahead of Vela. Wenger’s always preferred Eboue, apparently because he offers us defensive capabilities, particularly more so as Nasri doesn’t seem to track back and defend well.
But who knows? As long as we get a result, i.e. win, I won’t complain. I am looking forward to seeing AK47 (Arshavin’s quirky nickname I saw on another blog) in action. I only know of his abilities through some limited EURO viewing and the Uefa Cup Final so I’d like to see what the hype is about.
Ha. Only Eboue could have ruinned his good start against spurs by beieng sent off for just being a tw*t.
I can’t believe how patient Wenger has been with him. He must be about 1000 times better in training otherwise it just doesn’t make sense.
Yes no Eboue anymore
this would be starting 11
We must also start giving young Jack some time on the pitch
Almunia
Sagna Toure Gallas Clichy
Nasari Denilson Song Vela
RVP NIC
To come on at some time Arshavin Wiltshire Ramsey
When Eboue is announced in the startign line up ahead of Arshavin and Vela, there will be groans all around the Emirates. What does Arsene see in this player? If Monday is anything to go by, then Vela should definitely start ahead of Eboue. He provides more creativity, movement and has an eye for goal.
As much as I loved watching Vela play against Cardiff (this is an understatement actually), I wouldn’t be too disheartened if he’s not playing tomorrow. League games, they area a competely different kettle of fish from cup games.
By the way, expect 10 parked buses tomorrow!
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/39Ugly-will-do-against-beautiful.5001346.jp
I cannot see any reason for starting with a different 11 to the one ‘keith’ drew up above, unless Arshavin is 100% ready to start, which I doubt. I really don’t know why ‘holic’ describes this midfield as “a horrible inevitability” – it is inevitable because it is the best we have got fit at the moment and it looked top-drawer on Monday night. I wish our supporters would get over their prejudices about Song; he has put in some very good performances recently and he is fine, in the right midfield group i.e. not one made up of Eboue, Diaby, Denilson & Song.
It’s not just the decent two up front. There is Carlos Edwards who is sure to ask questions of Nasri.
I think that’s where the game is lost or won.
So the starting XI tomorrow will probably be:
Almunia
Sagna-Gallas-Toure-Clichy
Eboue-Song-Denilson-Nasri
RvP-Bendtner
I really want Arshavin to start, but unless AW is being sly, it doesn’t seem like the Russian is quite ready. Let’s hope, at the very least, Arshavin gets a good 25-30 minutes or action. Of course, Eduardo starting was a surprise on Monday…
Either way, we are perfectly capable of beating Sunderland with that line-up. Let’s hope the moment carries over.
Anyone else think that RvP and Bendtner are a good strike partnership? I’m not sure Niklas is one of our top two strikers, but I like the way he links up with van Persie. They seem to have an understanding of where the other one is on the pitch. I can remember a Bendtner-RvP plays that led to goals (Hull, 4th v. Cardiff), and plenty of opportunities that led to quality scoring chances.
No reason at all why we should not record a good victory tomorrow. No excuses accepted this time.
I hope Vela starts but just can not see it. I would also like to see Nasri get more a chance central. His probing can make all the difference.
Bring it on.
the only answer to Eboue’s favourite is sexual favours!
Of course they link well, Owen. Bendtner is not as fluid as Adebayor who takes himself too far away from the box.
With Bendtner, Van Persie can use him as a pivot or more left and add Nasri to form a triangle.
Ho ho ho
I tell you, here cometh the winds of change.
I am still on you side, no need for me to abandon you in the thick of battle.
I have the Owl as my left man and the golden-haired as my rightman. Still I could have the diminutive Mexican as my left man. Boy, am I spoiled for choice! I will leave my Viking warrior and Danish delight to lead my forward attack.
They sought to kick me on the mandibles when I was down. They even put a chain around my neck and dragged me around at the Eastlands. Most of all, they refused to acknowledge my effort when under their evil spell at the Stadium of Light.
Effort, they will experience; Retribution they will be served in full measure; Fury they will feel; Revenge is a dish best served cold! I will have my vengeance!
Better stick with me, for the journey has just began…
I loved your bit about Usmanov during the podcast. Uncertainty is not a sound feeling for anyone on the pitch, Arsene included. Gazidis just made known he is seeking to clear the situation with Usmanov. Can’t wait for this to happen as soon as possible because if we end the season as I hope we will with all our new signings Usmanov could be tempted by a hostile takeover. What a dreadful cloud on our first CL title would that be!
“We always go to Italy and win”, don’t loose the faith Holic!
Plain beaujolais for me today, the good bottle’s for tomorrow.
The quality of the drinks is high, I see. Let’s hope the boys give us a display again today and make writing it up a pleasure.
Sorry if my words sounded like a blast at Song and Denilson, aj. I’m more concerned about the likelihood of Eboue starting while Vela and Arshavin are getting splinters on the bench. I’m actually not as downbeat as most about what Song and Denilson have achieved as individuals this season. Having said that they would not be a pairing I would like to see used with any regularity. Either of them with one of the more creative players would be good for me.
Messiah, keep your powder dry until May ๐
Have to agree ‘holic. These next 7 games are all winnable. We do need to get at least 18 points to close the gap. What i find encouraging is the squad beginning to come to its full strength (Cesc a little further away, maybe), but with this comes the jostle and competition for places. This is always a good thing as the majority(!) of players want to actually play week-in, week-out, which normally improves performances and focus when on the pitch, and it can also find out those players who are only in it for the money (i’ll let you choose any names), so you can sell them on.
Tip: Paddy Power offering Arsenal at 5/2 to finish 4th. I think that is a decent bet.
The Eboue “situation” would be much improved if
a) The player was genuinely contrite and understood the consequences of his actions
b) Arsene would stop raking up the problem with such drivel as “He has been punished, he has learnt from that, he is still a young player and he is a talented player.โ
At 25 he’s not young, he has a modicum of talent that he generally fails to utilise and has had ample opportunity to learn from past mistakes but is either incapable or unwilling to do so.
So Arsene, time to shut up and dispatch him to the bench only to be used when absolutely necessary – i.e. never.
Other than that, with spring in the air and the prospect of more and more attacking options to come when our “new signings” are fit again, it’s hard not to feel just a tad optimistic.
Just don’t let us down today lads . . . .
Oh, they just did.
Presumably it will snow tomorrow and we can go back to our winter of discontent.
That might be a bit harsh as I didn’t go or bother hunting down a stream.
The possession/shots ratio looked all too familiar though.
Song and Den seem to have shored up the defensive side of midfield but creative they are not.
Until we see the return of Cesc, Arsene surely has to gamble on Arshavin or Nasri in the middle and Vela must play wide.
The Owl seems to have had a good debut but the fact that Wishere wasn’t even on the bench speaks volumes; not least as the wretched Eboue was tossed on as a potential saviour.
Someone really does need to learn a lesson.