Group H Secure, But Gallas And Gibbs Are A Worry
Nov 24th, 2009 by 'holic
There are evenings watching Arsenal where you think you have seen the game before. That’s not a criticism by the way. As someone else might have typed, if you are tired of watching the football Arsenal played for much of this game, then you are tired of life itself.
Without a doubt the biggest plus, however, was the result itself. As Cesc Fabregas was quick to point out afterwards, we now have the luxury of resting key players for the final group trip to Greece. That may not delight Liege who have a mathematical chance of snatching second place in the group, but frankly they had their chances in two matches against us. After scoring twice in the opening five minutes of the first game in Belgium they contrived to go another three hours without hitting the target.
Of course they had their opportunities. Whilst Arsenal played their high tempo, pass and move, out and out attacking football from the off they once again showed some vulnerability when it occasionally broke down. The woodwork denied the Belgians in each half, and a penalty could have been awarded against a groggy Gallas, although in fairness we probably warranted a similar award at the other end.
The goals were no more than the Gunners deserved for an opening half of fast, largely accurate passing, although the first from Samir Nasri came courtesy of a defender’s slip. The second on the stroke of half-time signalled a welcome return for Denilson. His twenty yarder moved and dipped wildly on a breezy night and left an otherwise competent ‘keeper completely bamboozled.
Not surprisingly the performance was a little more ‘controlled’, shall we say, after the break. Generally speaking though, the front five, ably supported by the rampaging Song, did enough to suggest we may have something to offer to the bigger contest coming up on Sunday.
Still we lack a real physical presence at the spearhead because Vela brings no more (or indeed less) to the side than Eduardo in this regard. However the quick passing and chance creation that was perhaps lacking on Saturday was better demonstrated against Standard, and that will need to be taken forward to the coming weekend.
Standard themselves were busy, if limited, opponents. They did try to close down space for around an hour, but as legs tired chasing shadows they started looking to slow the hosts down. Carcela-Gonzalez showed the impetuousness of youth when earning a needless red card that could cost his side dear on matchday six.
Still a concern for Arsenal is the defence, and the injuries suffered by both William Gallas and the returning Kieran Gibbs tonight will be a real worry over the coming days. The likely replacements would need to produce a step change in performance to keep our next visitors at bay. That is for another blog, however.
(Update. Gibbs is confirmed as having broken his foot, although Arsene thinks Gallas will recover. So take your pick from Traore, Silvestre, or Eboue for left-back on Sunday.)
For now it is a case of appreciating the recovery from Saturday’s result at the Stadium of Light, enjoying the early winning of Group H, and counting my winnings from backing Paul Merson to say ‘Oh, wivout a doubt‘ over twenty times as Sky’s resident pundit at the Grove. I remember when his vocabulary wasn’t that impressive.
21 Responses to “Group H Secure, But Gallas And Gibbs Are A Worry”
Lucozade please, ‘holic
damn, just missed the first drink!
Jack please ‘Holic! Left back is a real worry for sunday!
Lucozade…
Lucozade…
Oh, there it is. Didn’t know the management had ordered any ๐
Unlucky, Saffie.
I’ll be wanting Kir Royale again in no time. I hope.
I’m sure Merse had some facial hair on Saturday – must have decided that wasn’t the look for him.
Concerned about left back for Sunday, wivout a doubt.
Fin, you just stole my left back joke! Would dearly like it back, although not as much as a real left back…
If Eboue is “the pass master”, surely Song must be “the dribble master”. I love this team. At times, I can curse most of them, but a team this full of characters that stand out and still look harmonious and can double for each other, it’s just a joy. Glad to have Denilson back as well!
Oh oh oh oh! New idea, let’s play 3-4-3 against Chelsea instead of putting out a sub-par left back and just outscore them. Not a serious suggestion but it does have it’s merits at least in my fantasies.
I’ll go for a Kir Royale as well, haven’t had one in years.
…no! Make that a French 75. I’ll drink everything Hemingway might have had, especially when it’s made out of Gin and Champagne (at the same time!). Make one for yourself as well bartender! You’re worth it.
Silvestre for me at left back. That is assuming Willy makes it. We have had bugger all luck with injuries yet again. What the hell do we have to do? Have a squd of 40 plus?????? Drives me nuts.
Qulaifcation sorted so that is more than a plus. However, we could be facing a Chavs side at the weekend with as many out a we have available. Good to see Denilson back though.
Keep the faith.
Big surprise to come home, switch on a see Denilson on the field. He brings a beautiful solidity to the midfield and I thought he had a near perfect game. I can’t add one jot to your post ‘Holic other than to express surprise that the game went on to 93 minutes contributing to Gibbs injury. I don’t recall 3 minutes worth of stoppage.
Denilson and Eduardo share a mutual six sense so I expect Arsenal’s number 9 to feature in place of Vela on Sunday. Theo was pacey rather than inspiring when he came on, and on this basis, won’t oust Nasri for a Sunday start. Rosicky on the other hand pushed himself right into contention. Am I the only Gooner who thinks AA’s press is bigger than his contribution? I’m pleased we’ve got him. Just wish he’s really get out of the blocks for once.
Some stupendous stuff tonight. I have to say that included one heart stopping moment when they hit the post and I felt another Sunderland moment coming on. Happily that passed.
I don’t think we have the physical presence for a home win on Sunday. I sincerely hope I’m wrong. I was once apparently, can’t remember when. Come on the little lads. A hot totty for me please, barman.
flamini for me. at left back that is. oh
Nicely done ‘Holic. Noticeable also tonight was how much time Vela spent on the left while Arsh drifted central. A precursor to the weekend? (if Vela is to start that is). Perhaps the Mexican offers a little more inventiveness from wider areas than Eddie if, say,Wenger thinks the Arsh is a better substitute for Robin at the crux of the forward three. Maybe……
or maybe I know shit. ๐
Just got back from a night out on the p#ss in The Hague so I gotta be careful what I drink, I’ll have a double vodka please sir. hic.
Spot on blog ‘holic, good result, but yet again unfortunate outcome, injury wise .
I can’t believe I’m typing this, but I hope AW opts for Sylvestre over Traore, for Sundays match.
Against Sunderland Traore, seemed out of his depth and left a gapping hole in the defence.
On a positiive note Nasri looked good as did Rosicky and loop de loop goal scorer Denilson.
Well, I better hit the sack, but before I go I’ll have one more vodka shot please, I’m gonna have a hang over anyway. Cheers!!!
Some good drinking there. Thanks all.
Morning ‘holic.
Last night’s win was a good team response to the disappointment of last weekend’s result. Wenger might be feeling better……although probably more than cancelled out by the injuries. I can see Willy Gallas being nursed back to fitness (hopefully). Clearly we have somewhat of a dilemma at LB – although Clichy is about 7-10 days back to full fitness I believe. Though in the meantime, personally, I would trust Eboue more than Silvestre. That said, Silvestre was presumably bought for this kind of nightmare situation at LB so I guess the position is his in prep’ for Sunday.
Being positive – why shouldn’t we, we have an excellent squad – great to see Denilson back as it was also encouraging to see both Rosicky and Nasri seemingly respond positively to Wengers press ‘outburst, following the Sunderland game.
Looking ahead to Sunday……..Keep on believing ๐
C’mon you Gooners! [or, as the US ESPN commentators are a fan of saying – C’MON MAN!]
I got one question, ‘Holic. Who the hell is our physio-in-chief at Hertfordshire? For the love of all things holy, I could have done a better job keeping these boys healthy over the past four years than whoever’s in charge. And I’d only cost Silent Stan a few kegs of Stella (if that is even kegged).
Seriously, we have to stay healthy to challenge, else AW needs to spend some transfer kitty to build up our squad for some quality cover.
Lucozade… what a load of metrosexual rubbish! Warm Guinness, please barkeep!!
“I canโt add one jot to your post โHolic other than to express surprise that the game went on to 93 minutes contributing to Gibbs injury. I donโt recall 3 minutes worth of stoppage.”
Someone got sent-off! Then add in subs and such, it must have been about 3 minutes.
Have no problem with Traore at LB. He was solid against Sunderland and had a reasonable season at Pompy. Scared of Gallas being out, I remember Silvestre and Senderos playing Drogba in the past- would prefer Song to be his replacement if needs must and Denilson dropping back.
A whisky to warm my insides please.
Another marvelous performance. I saw it with a non-fan friend and I was reminded how beautiful our team is to watch.
We’re back to being much closer to a league winning team. Denilson and Song form the partnership that will take us there, even more so if Denilson shoots more often. When they play together they really boss the midfield. I thought we were excellent in aggressivity, we pressured them really high and they never were able to replicate their performance from the first game.
Vela and Walcott showed how promising they are. I wish Vela would have buried a goal instead of hitting the post, that would have been great for his progress. Walcott took a bit to get in the game but after that he was imperial in his torture of the defense. Both are goint to be major trump cards in our future with their faculty of stressing and stretching the opposite defense. All in all both had a terrific game considering it was their first opportunity in a long long time.
For the Chelsea game, IMHO Fabregas, Nasri, Song and Denilson are undisputed starters. Arshavin is almost one too but for his lack of consistency he should feel nothing is granted. Rosicky and Merida should provide some competition.
I’m sorry for Gibbs really. I hope he will recover quickly. That said I have no qualms with either Traore or Silvestre. They’re not as good but not far behind either, it’s not like Gibbs is the finished article yet. I don’t think Eboue would do a good job on the left side.
As for Gallas, if he’s not fit we should not play Senderos. I am a huge fan of big Phil but it would be horribly unfair (and dnagerous) to give him his first opportunity against Drogba. But then if you look at his and Silvestre’s performance against Liverpool there is not too much to be worried about either of them playing.
Can our squad handle the absolute assault of football that is about to be shoved up their arses???
assuming we get thru to the CC semi, we will be playing every weekend and every wednesday (except for dec 23) for the next 6 weeks!
not too many tricky fixtures in there. Only real worries wud be chelsea this sunday in the league and then citeh and the semi final in the CC.
One wud assume we need to take all 21 points on offer in that period to have a chance!
Ill have some more Jack pls barman! and i am drinking to a joyous festive season to all things Arsenal!!
cant wait for sunday…
assuming we get thru to the CC semi, we will be playing every weekend and every wednesday (except for dec 23) for the next 6 weeks!
If we weren’t, we wouldn’t be successful. These boys can cope. Maybe. Hopefully. ๐
These boys CAN cope, ‘Holic.
Happy Thanksgiving, all. Couple of days off here and a whean of turkey. Quite nice, gobble, gobble.
Hello All,
For Sunday how about dropping Song back to partner Vermalean and moving Gallas (assuming he has fully recovered) to the left back position where he has very successfully played before? Gallas would certainly give more confidence that Sylvestre playing at left back.
I think this would give us a very strong back line with Denilson playing just in front of the back four to provide even more cover.
This approach would also allow Wenger to accommodate another creative player further up the pitch giving us the best of both defence and attack.
dharg,
Song is playing at a level unmatched by most in his his mid-field role at the moment. He, Cesc and Denilson can be THE perfect mid-field platform. Moving him for Sunday would leave a big hole there, undermine one of the key strengths of the team and probably not accomplish much in defence. It may happen if Diaby is fit, but it would be my third choice behind Sivestre and Traore coming in for Willie and Gibbsy.
Tension beginning to build. Come on, Willie. Get fit!