Three Points But No More Injuries The Target For Arsenal
Apr 24th, 2009 by 'holic
Middlesbrough at home. Not normally a fixture you would pick out months in advance and say, ‘I have to be there’. A whole bunch of Gooners that I enjoy spending time with are there on Sunday, so I will hopefully avoid the Marathon crowds and take up my place in the pub nice and early!
You would have looked at this game a short while ago and earmarked it as a home banker. Things have changed. We are now looking at climbing to third place rather than reclaiming the final Champions League berth, but we are doing so as injuries start to bite again. The opponents, currently in the relegation zone, are desperate for points and not likely to be pulling out of any challenges.
According to Le Boss at his press conference we may welcome back Almunia, Djourou, and Adebayor. The loss of van Persie, who will also miss the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, is without question a significant blow.
Manuel, I would imagine, is a shoe-in to don the ‘keepers gloves. There must be a temptation though to persist with the central pairing that has struggled in the last two games and keep Djourou fresh for Old Trafford, or maybe even put him in and rest Toure? The last thing we need is another injury to a central defender before next Wednesday.
In the forward positions I would love to see Eduardo start alongside one of the big men, probably Bendtner. If Song was considered too tired to play Chelsea last week he too should sit out another weekend. Nasri, Diaby, Fabregas, and Arshavin could get the nod in the middle, saving much of Walcott’s energy for Wednesday unless needed as an impact sub in the last half hour.
Boro have been stubborn opponents in the past and of course Aliadiere will be looking for his customary goal against us. How strange it is that he seems to come to life only against his former club. Time will be wasted, feet will be left in, and yet still I am looking forward to it in a warped sense. Both teams really could do with the points, and that should add to the tension and the atmosphere, thus raising the spectacle.
The ‘holic pound has found a home on 3-1 to the Arsenal, offered at a best of twelves. Ticket holders who agree should not wait to punt on a miserable nines with Ladbrokes at the Grove.
A final word for Gooners, a number of whom have gone up in my estimation for a variety of reasons this week. From the one who sorted me out with a ticket for Wembley, to the star who has got me a ticket for Old Trafford next week. From those who made the midweek journey to Anfield and made the atmosphere special, to those who appeared here afterwards and enjoyed some splendid debate in the drinks. You are all great people. Thank you.
Have a great weekend ‘holics. I certainly intend to!
19 Responses to “Three Points But No More Injuries The Target For Arsenal”
I think RVP may be a blessing in disguise. He can now adopt
his 4-5-1 without forcing RVP out wide. Either Diaby or Nasri can
play behind Ade the other taking the wide left role. This is for Trafford of course.
I agree with your recommendations for Boro, I would not be completely surprised to see Ramsey feature at some stage. I think Eddy needs at least 30 mins before Trafford. I can see him coming on late and making the difference.
COME ON THE GUNNERS
That’s a very interesting take on the game ‘Holic. Unfortunately I believe we still have to watch our back even when aiming for 3rd place. We’re 8 points ahead of Villa with 5 games to go but we have to play CSKA London and ManU whereas Villa has 5 relatively easy games to play. We can’t afford not to win any one of the 3 “easy” games remaining.
I feel for Silvestre who obviously is on the wane, had an injury-plagued year and suddenly had to fill in for the most intense games of the season. I reckon he will do much better against Boro than against Pool. Let’s hope so anyway.
I’ve started dipping into the spirits from this side of the pond and I’ll indulge with some Colorado Bourbon tonight. I confess I really enjoy it. Quitty smoking does that to you I’ve been told.
Well, injuries seem to have dictated so much of how we play and who we actually send out on the pitch. I am not really one for ‘what ifs’ but I just can not help wondering what may have been if we had just had a tad more luck on that front.
I hope to see Eduardo back on Sunday. I have found it strange that he has been on the bench for the last 2 games but has not even made a cameo. I also think Theo will start having sat out most of the match at Anfield.
I will be pleased to see Almunia back. Fabianski has shown for me that he can be a top keeper, but he lacks consitancy at the moment and we need some experience back.
I agree with Matt about 4th spot. We must make sure that we do not drop any points against the lesser teams that we have left to play. Let’s secure 4th and then think about CSKA Fulham.
I predict a convincing victory for those rip roaring Gunners. Arshavin will still be on fire. Let’s be honest, if he can do that against Liverpool then I guess Boro must be considering how many pairs of clean undercrackers to bring with them!!!.
A cheeky little glass of Merlot Shiraz form the Kuyen Central Valley if you don’t mind holic? Might even indulge in a nice bit of cheese to go with it as it’s Friday.
Keep the faith.
I fear a nil-nil shut out. Cannot see Boro’ being gung ho and going for goal – they’ll be looking to try and leave with a point, so I think we need the width. Arshavin is a must start (where else will he play?), and I think the key is quick breaks and getting in behind the likes of Huth (if he’s playing) because no team that comes to the Grove with defence on their mind ever seems to give away anything through the middle.
Their hope will be their set plays, so our defence will need to be sharper than they were against the mugsmashers.
Still think we’ll win it – if we score early there will be a hatful up for grabs – but if we leave it late it will be a tense finish.
Cheers ‘holic. A bowl of pumpkin juice laced with essence if you please.
I think the early goal is key, Snail. If it is 0-0 at the half I think we are in for a tense second 45. I have a feeling we’ll get it, but then again I had a feeling we would win at Anfield.
How the hell do you get the juice off this huge pumpkin with a tiny juicer?
sorry to do ‘ollie’s job holic’ – 2nd paragraph, 2nd line “ar” = “at”
nice write up. let’s hope the holic pound is all good, i fancy a win
come on u gooners!
All sub-editors are welcome, typical, as long as you don’t send an invoice!
What I can’t work out is why I need one more when I write sober 😉
I’d REALLY like to see Eduardo feature today. He’s one of our best in front of goal with the half chance AND he’s a gutsy little guy, never afraid to get back and make killer tackles.
If Djourou is fit, I think he needs a game before Tuesday and Kolo needs a rest before Tuesday. I really hope Silvestre won’t feature on Tuesday. That would be a really tough mental one for him.
Enjoy the came, ‘Holic and all you Gooners. Looking forward to your write up tomorrow, ‘Holic. At least there will be neither altitude sickness or pepperoniless pepperoni pizza to confront at Le Grove.
Tsk, tsk, Snail, no quiz game television audience call for you this week? Is that what’s causing the irritable bowel and 0-0 forecast? Good fart should clear it.
‘ Early morning, Guinness, barman please.
I had no idea you were a medical man, BtM.
Bit quiet for a Saturday night?????
Sorry Steve,
Early night preparing for this early Sunday morning. I’m just letting the London Marathon runners get out of the way before heading for the train at nine.
An almond croissant and pint of Tetleys should settle the stomach for the onslaught to come!
Yesterdays results have pretty much cemented fourth place for us, so I am anticipating an even weaker side to be put out now. Anything could happen. I’ll stick with th e prediction though. An early goal will still settle the nerves if and when it arrives.
For the very young can I commend this excellent Amy Lawrence piece this morning.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/apr/26/arsenal-manchester-united-champions-league
above amy lawrence piece is a nice walk down memory lane … remember them all like they were yesterday!
probably the changes in the “game” have somewhat diffused the brawls of days old … i think keown vs van nistelrooy was still one of the funniest and craziest? for me
cannot wait for wednesday!
any team news ahead of the match today?
come on you gunners!
Great result for the Gooners today against a hapless Midds’boro who seem destined for life in the Championship. Two very well taken goals from our captain Cesc, which will be a great confidence booster as we lead up to Wednesday’s game.
I also want to acknowledge the sterling efforts of a few players who have been on the receiving end of more than their fair share of criticism. I personally thought Eboue, Denilson and Bendtner were fantastic throughout their time on the pitch (although Eboue was playing so far up the pitch I thought he was attacking midfielder than rightback….such was the freedom he had).
4th place is ours 🙂
And whilst we’re on the subject….I’ve just been thinking about some of the famous dog-fights between Arsenal and Manchester United. Also, if I may be allowed ‘holic, the link below might bring back a few memories….my blood still runs cold everytime I hear the names Denis Irwin and Brian McClair….grrh!!!!!!!!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1083793/Tension-arguments-battles-pizza-Past-clashes-Manchester-United-v-Arsenal.html
What a game for Nasri!!!! Absolutely brilliant in center midfield, this was a formation that worked for me. If you want to play 4 – 5 – 1 you better have fast attacking wingers like Arshavin and Walcott.
I thought a lot of our players had good games today: Eboue, Arshavin, Fabregas and Gibbs but for me Nasri was a revelation in that position. He read the game perfectly and his range of passing is brilliant, he controls the tempo and breaks up attacks through interceptions. If Adebayor brings his A-game then I think we have a good shot at the title next year with this team.
What a beautiful day to enjoy that match at the Grove. Hope you had a great time ‘holic. I’ll have a couple of ice cold Peroni when you are ready.
Cheers.
I agree with a lot of the above. A well managed game and one that we crusied our way through. Nasri was tremendous in a more holding position. Not only did he win his fair share of tackles but his distribution was superb.
Don is spot on about Bendtner, Eboue and especially Denilson. I have vented my frustration at those who seem so take every opportunity available to have a go at him. Today he again had a top game. He does so much of his work off the ball that I guess that TV camera’s do not actually pick that up. If you actually go and watch him, then those who slate him might actually realise how much he actually does for the team.
The only bad news is the injury to Silvestre. We could do with him fit for Wednesday, even if it is just to add something to the bench.
Yep a good result!
I thought all the players did well but especially Nasri, Denilson, Bendtner, Eboue and Cesc who seems much more effective playing a little deeper and making runs from there. A bit of luck that the first goal wasn’t ruled off-side but what the heck some you get and some you don’t.
Well done to everyone.
I’ve gotta be honest and eat some pie, of the humble variety, that is.
I was convinced Nasri is best suited to the wing, making runs behind the defence and either providing a decent cross, or cutting in and shooting. However, it seems Le Boss has worked his magic again, and found a new, and successful, role for Samir. He looked quality against ‘Boro. The way he read the game and made intelligent interceptions/passes/runs, was a joy to behold. Well done Samir, and very well done AW, again.