Roll On Sunday After Groundhogs Roam Wild At The Grove
Jul 31st, 2010 by 'holic
Day one at the Grove. A real mixed bag, no matter which team you were following. The two games shared something of a common theme. A dominant team established an advantage, but didn’t kill the game off and paid the penalty when the substitutions kicked in and equalisers were surrendered tamely.
As far as Arsenal were concerned there was much to admire in the opening 75 minutes or so. There was more than a hint of 4-4-2 to the starting formation, although Arsenal being Arsenal there was much flexibility in the set-up. Nasri and Wilshire were the main beneficiaries, although there were encouraging signs of an understanding developing between Chamakh and Arshavin.
Indeed it was the little Russian who teed up his strike partner for the opening goal after holding off the unmistakable Gattuso. The goal was a deserved one. Milan’s only threats had come from the returning Flamini who obviously was pumped up for the game.
The other new boy looks to be improving too. Regulars will know I have had reservations about Koscielny in the early friendlies, but he took the opportunity to give a much more assured and confident display today. In fact that is not entirely unlike Vermaelen last summer who blossomed when it mattered, not before.
The second-half substitutions changed the nature of things. The introduction of Walcott for the out-of-sorts Rosicky had us back with a 4-3-3 for the main part. Early on Theo caused Milan all sorts of problems, but when Chamakh was removed he switched to the centre, and the initiative was surrendered.
The leveller, when it came, was not an untypical goal for Arsenal to concede, and was frustrating for exactly that reason. A set piece again allowed a side who should have been dead and buried back in. Pato was allowed to get the slightest of touches to a Seedorf free-kick from the left and the ball crept inside the far post.
Randall’s glaring double miss was balanced by Zambrotta’s super strike against the bar as the game drew to a conclusion. The points system means both sides now trail Lyon and Celtic by a point after the Scots came from two down to draw the opening game.
That will make tomorrow an exciting day, and I am looking forward to being there. I had tickets sorted to take the management’s nephew before getting the offer of a bit of entertainment tomorrow, so stepson and grandson are taking my original tickets in the West Upper.
The nine year old is absolutely thrilled to be seeing Milan and Arsenal in one day. Like his Dad said, even he didn’t get an opportunity like that as a lad. Hopefully the atmosphere, and a sparkling Arsenal performance (perleeeease?) will make a lasting impression. You can tell Grandad is really keen to get him hooked!
Have a good one, wherever you are watching, ‘holics. Let’s hope we don’t concede too many set pieces, eh?
82 Responses to “Roll On Sunday After Groundhogs Roam Wild At The Grove”
as usual can’t defend,where was that signing of the season when pato headed in.
Let me top that glass up for you, fella. It’s half-empty.
not quite in the same mould as Malcolm Macdonald
but superchamakh really impressed today and worked really hard as did all the lads.Even Theo was never seen trotting.
Sucker goal but sadly not surprising,as soon as the free kick was given my personal doomometer went ballistic.
Anyhow i’m not first but thirsty but still take your time pouring out a lovely pint of Guinness
Good appraisal of the match ‘holic. Looking forward to being there tomorrow myself.
“too bad” Koscielny isn’t supposed to man mark every Milan player. There were 9 other outfield players there with marking jobs and he didn’t lose the man he was marking. Kind of makes your dour statement rediculous and moot.
Immensely frustrating. I know it’s only a friendly, but only a fool would ignore our continued weakness at set-pieces. The worst part of it was that I just knew Milan would score when Sagna conceded the free-kick, and so it proved. As ever, we failed to convert numerous chances, and it was this horrible feeling of deja-vu that, for me anyway, has overshadowed the excellent performances of Chamakh and Koscielny. To be honest, and I’m not trying to be overly pessimistic, I feel that no matter who we buy in defence between now and the end of the window, we will still encounter big problems in this area during the season. The problem isn’t an individual one, in my opinion, but rather one of coaching.
Nevertheless, it would also be foolish to ignore the many positives from the game. As mentioned, the new boys were outstanding, Chamakh’s team-play was absolutely superb, and his goal, set up by a game Arshavin, was delightful. Hugely promising from him. Koscielny was purposeful, aggressive, quick, and very confident on the ball; again, like Chamakh, very encouraging indeed. Fabianski had a good game, Frimpong didn’t look out of place (watch out, Denilson) and Nasri looks set to have a great season. I still don’t think Wilshere is quite ready to start regularly, though.
Overall, then, excellent performance, but as I said, a horrible sense of deja-vu.
I thought that both new signings looked excellent, still early days but they seem to look like astute signings.
Thank you Arsene. Thank you. Stick that in your pie hole Barcelona.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/emirates-cup/wenger-only-fabregas-can-clear-the-air-?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+arsenal-news+%28News+Feed%29
Great comments, Chris R.
Indeed 433, and good to see you too.
Not a bad performance today considering the players that didn’t start.
On first viewing Koscielny looked the part – he’ll have bigger tests in the weeks to come and Chamakh looks like he can give us something different.
Still seem to have the same old weakness though at set pieces (interestingly how on the Aresnal web site blames the lack of organisation on the goalkeeper but then says he didn’t do anything wrong!)
fill me half glass up ‘Holic. I’ll have a Budvar. 🙂
Perhaps it’s the joyful presence of my son which tinted my glasses but I thought we did very well, the new signings slotted in perfectly and considering the number of missing starters our first team will scare anyone in the league. If that’s our B/C team the future is very bright indeed.
And the more I look at Nasri the more I think he will be our super-Pires.
I just felt sorry for Randall, the kids have so few chances to shine and today wasn’t his day.
Very impressed with Chamakh and Koscielny today!!
Koscielny was the real plus point of the day, very aggresive in the tackle has a real fighters attitude and reads the game very well. I know its only his first proper game but all the early signs are very positive indeed!
I think if we sign a defender like mertesaker who is a real beast of a defender (a bit on the slow side, i know) but who will be ideal against the likes of Stoke, Blackburn, Bolton etc who pump balls long into the box and a new keeper i yhink the title will be ours come may!!
Some of the younger players like Wilshire and Frimpong have really come on and add a real edge to our squad!
I have a good feeling about this season and I can’t wait for the season to start……………………..
‘Holic, Evenin Sir,
See i told ya, relax about Kos(spelling mistake), i know that boy is gonna make mama proud! I know you’ve noticed he’s a smart defender. Not sure how many of those are going around but am hopeful. Do you think Wenger will move Djourou to DM permanent and bring in 2 CBs? One can only hope.
..oh and i took your advise about that hangover cure….. and i concluded – just steer clear of alcohol (until next weekend).
mmmmm…. Water?
Hi di ho Holic’s
Unfortuanatly I didn’t get to see the game in it’s entirity, but what I did see looked promising (behalf from the equaliser, %$6$#5) The new lads looked OK and I saw Chamakh make a few very tasty touches.
I don’t put too much stock into friendly pre-season games, I see them for what they are, just a chance to shake off the rustiness and try some new players, tactics and formations, still, I hope I get to see a bit more of the game tomorrow.
Just in case I haven’t mentioned it before, I absolutly LOOOOVE this seasons shirt, it’s a proper gunner shirt after years of feeble imitations.
Pint of Cider please sir, pop it next to this half full glass.
Cheers.
ps @4 Eggy? Is that you geezer??
Hey goonerette, haven’t I seen you somewhere else today 😉
Spot on about the shirt, H2H. They had a close-up of some kids wearing it on the box, and it looked right, you know.
Sorry, I missed Eggy. We haven’t been introduced, but welcome.
Good one Holic.
Kos looks good. His anticipation is great. Chamakh will be world class.
Nasri and Wishere look like this is gonna be their year, I’ve been really impressed with both since that Barnet game.
About the goal, it was a horrible mistake by Djourou (who looked awful today) and Vermaelen – JD half jumped for the ball and missed it and TV lost his man who scored.
One more thing – Theo Walcott is not a good enough player for Arsenal. He’s more Usain Bolt than a footballer. The cross he crossed for AA should have been to Nasri and every person around saw that.
Lots of positives from today and the same old negative.
Just bring in a keeper Arsene!
Considering who was missing today a decent and reasonably assured performance I thought. Nice movement on and off the ball and unless I’m mistaken it looked like some were playing for places.
That drag back and pass into the box from Chamakh in the 2nd half just lovely. He seems to roam a lot which would be a good thing and is bigger than I thought.
Credit where due….Fabianski had a solid match.
Defense seemed to be playing far too high up the pitch more than once no?
Highlight of the game….the shirt….thank **** for a proper Arsenal home shirt for the first time in how long? It’s so nice to look at a glance and be certain it’s us.
Goals tomorrow please….
Nothing to do with today’s game, but…
Ol’ twitchy getting his excuses in early
I particularly like the way he complains about having a congested fixture list due to the Champions League qualifiers. Well, what the fuck did you expect you stupid muppet?
Anyway, leaving stupid muppets aside, I have to say that today both calmed and worried me. We still haven’t sorted the set pieces and it was a stupid and needless free-kick to give away. On the plus side, Chamakh and Koscielny showed some true potential and I particularly like the way Chamakh defends from the front and really puts pressure on the other team and as a consequence, we won the ball back very high up the pitch a few times today. I’d like to see more of that during the season.
And Frimpong is a joy to watch, I’m not convinced he’s quite ready for the Premier League yet but he is a diamond in the rough and games like this will only do him good. It would be brilliant if we could ease him into the team during the season.
Now, if we could only sign that defender…
A half-full glass of Hobgoblin, please!
Well this looks like a friendly watering hole, pleased to meet you all!
Can i make an observation on the game today that i feel is kina important and hasn’t come up in conversation yet? When we get the ball into wide areas, most typically on the right, we piss about way too much with passing and tricks, instead of just crossing the damn thing. Whoever runs there, Nasri, Walcott, Eboue, Sagna or whoever, just run stop turn, turn, turn and turn again, pass 5 yards, pass again, turnturnturn then cross under pressure to nobody because theyve all bloody given up and become static. If they cross the damn thing first time when they have space and the forwrds are running into the box we might bloody score one or 2.
We need some serious coaching on crossing and defending set pieces. I’m sure Wenger is aware of this. He gotta bloody be!
Thanks.
Stongest spliff please.. i mean malt cheers squire
I’d just like to add,. apart from that i thought we were fantastic and im very positive overall =;
Thanks Viejo, and welcome.
I do like a chuckle 😉
A good day out for me and the prodigal. A first look at the new boys. Kos is quick. He is very much a cultured footballer, very assured on the ball. The complete opposite to say Terry. I’m just saying that’s all. He looks like a new breed of defender and that makes two in the centre for Arsenal. When Arsene was instrumental in introducing the P4 and Manu partnership in front of the back four it was revolutionary and imitated. I think he is onto something with TV, Kos and Nord. They are not thugs, but quick enough to address situations.
Cham looked assured and his finish was deft. He draws defenders which means more space for others.
Jack was tigerish and creative, but faded in the second half. I would have no hesitation in throwing him in against PL opposition.
Fab didn’t really have too much to do and the goal was down to poor organisation so no blame. Near the end he made a good save which will help his confidence.
Interesting point – Flamini was booed every touch…
My take on today? Promising stuff. A few tweaks and you just never know…
A nice fun day out with the kids but I have to agree with a lot of the above. It was the same old basic errors that cost us. I would not be that bothered if it was not so repetitive. Arsenal can not defend a set piece??? You don’t say.
Thought both new boys looked good. Both played well and Chamakh showed some great touches up front. Kos looked assured at the back and read the game well. I also thought that Arshavin had a decent game and actually put some effort in at times. Something I have not always been used to.
Fabianski did okay but just does not inspire me with confidence at all. We need a new keeper and he needs a season on loan to actually play some games.
Lots of positives for me. All of the negatives seem to be the same negatives we have been moaning about for the last 2 seasons. With a month to go I so hope we address them. I really really do.
Those going on Sunday enjoy.
Keep the faith.
I think that the second midfielder in the 433 is a difficult one to impress in. Everyone seems to hate Denilson and I somewhat understand why, but he does a lot of subtle things (e.g. interceptions, short passing, and ball retention) very well.
Flashing forward to today, I’ve read in several forums that people were disappointed with Wilshere and he was playing that second midfield position. I was actually quite impressed with he and Frimpong. Wilshere ran all day and played some really good balls. Our top 4 midfielders were out today and we still dominated the midfield against a top European side tht was playing Seedorf and Gattuso. Our teenagers outplayed their international stars.
Chamakh looked a lot like RVP to me today. Lots of intelligent runs, a great first touch, and some crafty playmaking. I can’t wait for the real games to start!
Kos reminds me of Kolo aka 2003/04.
Chamakh is everyting Adebayor is not., tracks back, good positional sense, does not get caught off side ect.
Frimpong might be the suprise of the season and Kos could be the DM that we have been looking for since the Flamster left.
Either way, we still need a Seaman and we still need a Adams, Bould, Keown at the heart of the defence.
Frimpong impressed, but not as a sole dm because he drifts about/attacks players kinda thing so leaves space open. Denilson watches the play and intercepts etc and Song is almost perfect dm. imo roughly
In a way then we didnt play with a proper dm today. Pong was assigned but but didnt obey. Wilshere did great in cm and Nasri too.
I thought Pato was dangerous for them, he dropped off and to the wings and he brought others into play+threatened a little bit.
Flamini was excellent, played with aggression and skill and would have him back in an instant.
Gattuso was intelligent but head spinning a bit. how he carries on i dont know. he was shown up a fair few times incl arshavin assist.
Seedorf was the same, positionally great, just out done by our mobility.
Thats what i thought anyway.
Double this time please keep.
Evening Holic, Holics!
I’m literally in a barn in the woods, so no viewing for me, but thanks for the run down! I don’t think I’ll sleep well until a keeper is signed, sorry to say, but everything else sounds really bright! With Cesc n rvp back, should be a fun run out this year. Pint o plain, good man, and anything viejo our war strategist wants to top off with! The bar looks freshly cleaned, mr holic!
Can someone help me out on Frimpong vs Craig Eastmond?
Eastmond broke through last season, now he’s nowhere to be seen, and Frimpong is breaking through in the same position. Was Frimpong out on loan? Is Eastmond currently injured? What’s the story?
“Almunia will play tomorrow. Fabianski did well today, you can’t fault him for the goal and he did everything else well. The only thing is there wasn’t much command on the free kick [which led to the goal]. From the outside it looked as if no-one took charge of the organisation and that’s a little bit down to goalkeeper. But overall he had a good game.”
Hehehehehe. I still like Fabianski though. Poor chap
Not having seen the game, it sounds from your descriptions that the new players are bringing a certain element of excitement back into the team. Maybe we can use Frimpong et al., so as not to get worn down like last year by the time April and May come around.
Is the bar still open then, oh great news!
@433- last season i believe frimpong suffered a few calf injuries at the wrong times allowing Eastmond to step up. Coquelin i think slipped in form too. and yeah, Eastmond is currently injured tho will be back any day.
Almunia in goal then eh? hopefully to attract a buyer.
I enjoyed the game and there were many positives in this ‘meaningless friendly’. Chamakh and Koscielny both look to be tremendous signings with talent and a first class attitude – only time will show us how good they really are.
Frimpong and Wilshere both impressed but their inexperience showed at times with Wilshere often holding on to the ball too long or taking the wrong option but I have no doubt he will be brilliant for us one day.
I thought Theo looked a lot better than he did at the end of last season and I hope he continues to improve. He needs to work consistently hard and play when he hasn’t got the ball as well as when he has. He looked a bit lost in the central attacking role though.
Nasri was full of running and very tenacious, providing he can stay fit he should do well this season.
Verm was his usual self and one day will be a great captain.
Fabianski seems to have escaped criticism but I thought his one mistake of the day was at the set piece when they scored – he started to come, hesitated, started to go back again and was in no-man’s-land as the ball went into the net. Would he have been able to save it if he had stayed on his line? We’ll never know, but I felt he was at fault although he wasn’t the only one, there were loads of other Arsenal players there and perhaps the ball should have been headed clear.
Djourour looked completely out of sorts which isn’t surprising considering the injuries and the amount of football missed and maybe he was also at fault for the goal conceded. To consider him as one of our centre backs may be premature because from the number of games he has had we don’t know if he is going to be any good or not – only time will tell and in the mean time a new signing in that position would be most welcome.
All in all a very enjoyable game with lots of positives and some regular first teamers still to return to action. I can’t wait!
“Theo caused Milan all sorts of problems” familar statement, all problems except end product.
We would not win anything if Denilson, Diaby and Walcott are constantly playing.
Morning ‘holic.
Dj’g commitments meant I didn’t see yesterday’s game but have since seen the goals/read the after match reports. Have to say, overall….am very impressed. The new boys are clearly easing their influence into the team. Merits well for the new season. Also, Arshavin looks rejuvenated, working harder, now with more Premiership experience under his belt.
A great shame that the last 20 minutes took the gloss off what should’ve been an Arsenal victory ~ we really have to learn to more aggressively defend our turf on dead ball situations (we seem to routinely allow ourselves to be bossed) ~ sort it out Le Prof!!!!
NB. Over to you Denilson, Diaby and Walcott. You’ve had plenty opportunity to prove your worth. IMO….all three could well be in the last chance saloon!!
I need a strong coffee for me please barman ….ooh that’s nice!!!! 🙂
@35- Diaby is one of the best players in the premier league where there are way too many over rated players.
He’s a magnificent player.
@37
Yes, on his day. Unfortunately there are not enough of them. Wonderfully technicaly gifted player. I’d dearly love Diaby to suceed at Arsenal.
On a commercial note I think yesterday was an outstanding success for Arsenal. Take my example: two tickets, souvenir programmes, The Armoury, food and drinks. I was into £120 before I knew what hit me!
If say 60,000 people spent on average £50 (it’s probably a lot more) per person then that a handsome revenue (not profit).
Ultimately I’m happy to contribute to a new Keeps 😉
Oh and those personalised floor tiles are a classy touch.
@37 Snir. Daiby one of the best players in the league?????? Can you tell me where you get your rose tinted glasses from? I would love a pair. Diaby flatters to deceive. He has moments when he looks a top player. Then he has others when is first touch is a pass, his vision becomes extremely limited and his discipline goes completely out of the window. That is assuming he has not tweaked a toe nail and is out for 6 weeks.
I am convinced that Diaby can be a player if he can address these issues. But one of the best in the league?????? Sadly he is a very long way from being that.
This is a very big season for the likes of Diaby. He is one of many that needs to really step up to the plate.
I know it’s very early days but Kos seriously reminded me of a young Laurent Blanc he looks very very cultured and not afraid of a tackle when needs be, Chamakh didn’t dissapoint either he was as hard working as I hoped he’d be but also more skillful than I thought so good signs, The keeper still dosent inspire any confidence in the players ahead of him and we still need the extra defender but all in all a good day yesterday,
Diaby is shitty, Denilson is worse than shit.
Walcock – you’re on the wrong page mate. Why don’t you take yourself over to Le Groan – you can find plenty of Anti Arsenal fans there.
Cock right enough.
Thanks, Viejo.
@Steve T – You know what, agreed. Let me rephrase myself.
Diaby is one of the players with the most potential in the EPL (we saw some last year) and I think that it wasn’t for that tackle in 06 he would be where Song is today.
There aren’t a lot of players I like watching like I like watching Diaby.
Walcott on the other hand is horrible, not a player for Arsenal and you could see that today, he could have set up 5 goals but his decision making and crossing are awful. It looks as if he just wants to get rid of the ball so people won’t say he gets dispossessed. He should never be in the starting 11.
I agree with you that he’s inconsistent (Diaby), but I prefer remembering his good performances rather than his bad ones cause I know there’s something to work from, the potential is there, it just needs to come out just like Song.
Decent performance, let’s not forget that Celtic have begun their competitive season already. Still, we should not have let them back into the game like that. Every Arsenal player on the pitch started to chase goals instead of keeping the ball and taking the sting out of the opponents. Clichy was a massive positive today, as was Wilshere.
After an hour of almost total domination it was a pretty weak last 25 minutes, but as I mentioned earlier, I don’t put too much stock into pre season friendlies, although I did think Almunia gave a pretty decent showing.
Why does Almunia reserve his best performances ONLY to those occasions when his back’s to the wall. Today he was at his best. Shame he doesn’t show it enough. Nevertheless, a well deserved victory.
Snir.
I think this is a massive season for Theo, he’s been with us for a while now and can no longer hide behind the promising talent tag, as they say in the US, it’s time to shit or get off the pot.
I do however think you’re being a bit harsh in your assesment of his performance today, he showed some good things, yet I tend to agree that sometimes his decision making/last ball could be vastly improved.
In a few weeks time it starts for real, lets hope he can step up and fulfil his potential.
Ballentines for me please bar keep, I feel like downing a scotch.
Cheers.
Evening Holics.
H2h and Snir, you’re both right and everyone knows it but we’re hoping/praying it will just one day – very soon – click into place and all these wayward crosses find a target because you know he’ll be deadly if he improves that one aspect. Maybe Chamack, who thrives off decent crosses, will eventually get so frustrated with the service he’ll have a strong word with theo and force an improvement. Ojala!
I’m not sure Theo should be starting. We’ll probably see Nasri move out to the right once Cesc is back, tho i prefer to see him in cm.
A Guiness to fill a whole please barkeep.
Arshavin impressed in the middle when he swapped with Jack. I guess it was just cos Jack was tired but Arshavin didnt get a touch until he came inside and then made some superb passes and fought well for the ball. Good man!
Could you imagine being a Celtic supporter?..they are dire…scoreline flattered.
Almunia – just do that all the time eh?
Walcott….for all the things he create his just can’t pass the ball. Is time running out? I hope not.
Wilshere nearly breaking the crossbar…lovely.
and I just can’t type today….whoops
AW on Arsenal.com
On whether the players who played in midfield have changed his thinking ahead of the new season…
“A little bit because at the start of the season I was not convinced that Wilshere and Frimpong could be central midfielders, defensively. There is a little bit more competition than we expected there to be. We were considering even maybe going on the market for a midfielder. We will not do that now.”
It looks like Frimpong has impressed so much he’s gonna be Song’s backup instead of Eastmond or a new signing, and I’m pretty good with that, I love the guy.
It doesn’t look like were done in the transfer market though. Although AW still has his usual silence about who he’s looking at:
“We still need a centre half of course. We are still short number wise. Just number wise. [We need] at least one.”
“Out we had enough players out – we lost a few players. In, ideally we still want one or two players.”
“I would not like to come out on names because it raises the price straight away by 50 per cent.”
http://www.arsenal.com/news/emirates-cup/-wilshere-and-frimpong-give-us-more-options-
It seems Wenger is aware of how good Almunia plays when put under pressure for his job. He was quite good that season while battling with Jens. A bit of competition with Fabianski, or someone else should Wenger decide to buy, will do Almunia good. He knows the #1 jersey isn’t a guarantee, and I think he’ll fight for it.
Almunia had a decent game today. But let’s not get carried away. It was a pub side in a friendly. He is a nicebloke who has always given 100%, but he just is not good enough. If we are serious about mounting a real title challenge then a new keeper and centre back of real quality are required. I also still feel we need another holding player. It broke my heart when I watched Gilberto do so well for Brazil, and I think how easily we let him go.
Snir, Diaby had had potential for the last 5 seasons. Time is running out. This is a massive year for several players that have been our “next generation.”
Hello ‘holics. Monday night UK time for a report.
Just got in…
Stunning day. Thank you Arsenal.
It’s meant to be ironic right? – Walcock? But coming on here and spouting shit shit shit is just, well…cock. Put some meat on your arguments and stop being so facile.
I take it you’re on half term right?
Steve – I think it’s more than potential last season… He was really a key figure last year and broke through (not as much as Song but still) and you could see flashes of that potential being fulfilled.
I love the guy and I know he’ll be big this year (as opposed to what I think about Denilson).
People who are after Walcott before the season even started should do well to remember that Thierry Henry wasn’t even yet a benchwarmer at Juventus at the age Theo is today and the exact same critics were made about him at the time at Monaco. And Walcott had his development delayed with his shoulder injuries too. It certainly will take a few seasons before he reaches his potential and there’s nothing wrong about that.
It has been a lovely week-end really, the games were early here and there is no better way to start the day than seeing Arsenal perform well, I was on a cloud for 2 days. It’s going to be very hard to have to wait for 2 more weeks…
Matt, it’s not as if I’m after Theo, I just don’t rate him highly, that’s it so to be honest I just don’t expect much from him.
@Snir: I’m just saying you would not have rated TH differently at the same age.
@Matt – I’m not too sure, cause I rate players who aren’t established yet from flashes I see – For example Frimpong – Flashes of strength, Diaby – Those beautiful turns, Wilshere – He’s way better than I rated him before the Barnet game and I’m shocked with what he’s become.
But Theo, apart from speed I can’t really see any strength in his game. His dribbling is predictable, his crossing is awful, his decision making is horrible (when to drill, float or curl a cross, when to pass, when to go 1 v 1, when to shoot), the only way he impresses me is speed, and with all due respect, I’m not the track and field team.
Morning @Snir
I share your frustration with the end product many times, but yesterday there were a few great crosses that needed someone attacking them, and at least one decent cut back that was well defended. Yes, there were also some horribly over hit ones.
However, just to play Devil’s advocate; it most cases it was Theo’s speed and positioning (as well as nice passes) that made the opportunities. A variation on the “got to be there to miss them” theme.
An enjoyable day … really like the potential of Frimpong, and the immediate reality of Wilshere.
Just a cafe solo, muy fuerte, por favor senor….
@Snir: I’m sure about TH, I followed him at the time like most in France and remember perfectly the buzz he generated and the following backlash when many started to claim he would never deliver in words similar to yours today.
Then you could barely chose a worse day for your overly negative assessment considering Walcott had 2 assists, a very skillful one to Vela and a very smart one to Nasri.
@ Snir. Wilshire joined Arsenal at age 9. Good football has been drilled into him since that age. We all know the kind of coaching available to kids in england anyway.
Just as Matt said even when TH14 joined Arsenal older than Theo now if i remember right, he had a few disastrious seasons .
You all need to relax and give Theo a chance, even if for nothing else, for moments like Arsenal vs Barcelona at home.
I would give him a ten year contract just to deliver 2 moments like that each year.
Snir. Must admit I think you are being over harsh on Theo. And what games are you talking about with Diaby. I remember him coming on in a cup game at Upton Park and having a big affect. Do not remember anything else that stands out and smacks me in the face.
@Steve: I remember that one http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xc6mp4_q0g2jijliv10_auto
Certainly Diaby is expected to be more consistent this season and if he is he could well make the difference. Him and others (Nasri, Denilson, NB52…) are reaching that age when young footballers
hatch, like Song last year, I have a lot of hope that 2-3 of them will make the jump (Nasri seems intent on doing so).
morning
just a few thoughts about the wekend games – theo had one good cross all weekend for the vela goal v celtic the rest were wayward and combined with bad decision making! Not sure what wenger sees inhim but thats why im sitting 33 rows back and not in his seat!
Wilshere and frimpong both had good games – strong in the tackle and good technique – loved the double flying volleys jack – worth the ticket price just for that!
Almoonia and fabanski didnt get too much to do but almoonia did make some good saves – still we all get very nervous when the balls in our box -so to speak- theyre both not very commanding and im sure this nervousness transfers to the back four!
Still like to see akinfeev or lloris – rather than wait three more years for chesney- weve got the money havent we?
Just one other thing – enjoyed the pre match craic at phibbers on holloway road good banter with the celtic fans although i thought arsenals support was a bit on the quiet side – perhaps we ve only got one song!
Ps. Did anyone else notice eboues little two step backward run he does as he comes on to the pitch – hed better not trip up when he does it ill piss myself laughing!
Forgot to mention one thing about the two games: did anyone else think Vela looked a lot more confident and maybe even physically stronger than before? I certainly did, and I was pleasantly surprised by it.
Lars – we saw him warming up on Sat and I thought whoa! I know you’re Mexican and all that, but you’re putting one too many tacos away. He has definately bulked up.
On another note it was lovely to see the old Tick Tock back in its rightfull place well played Gazidis ! Now go and sign another centre half and Keeper and your work is done for this summer 🙂
Down in Devon for a week but went to the Grove on Saturday for the AC Milan game.
Koss very impressive, as many have said already, and Chamakhattack integrated in very tight situations as though he had been playing with the same team mates for years.
I followed the U18s a lot when Arsenal TV was running and he looks to be fulfilling his promise very nicely. Very Alex Song like.
Think back to Alex Song 2 years ago, and imagine the same amount of improvement coming from Frimpong in the next 2 years. In the fashionable 4-2-3-1 now used by many of the best sides, what a combination they would be.
Theo looks more thoughtful to me, if not yet the perfect player. He has though, missed about half his time at Arsenal out through injury, so there is a case to say that his developmental age ismore like 19 than 21. Give the lad a chance ‘cos he has pace that simply cannot be coached. Think back to Barca at home?
Some say 5 players out and only 2 in so far etc.etc.
What if Wilshere and Frimpong were 2 brand new purchases – how excited would everyone be?
This is surely the point of a youth development system. The squad is enlarged by promotion and not always by buying.
A Devon coiderrr for me please ‘Holic.
Nice balanced positive post Uncle Trev 😉 couldn’t agree more on your sentiments regarding PingPong and Jacky.
Trev: “What if Wilshere and Frimpong were 2 brand new purchases – how excited would everyone be?”
I have to say that’s a very good point you make there.
Afternoon Holic & Holic`s
After proof that watching paint dry was more preferable to watching the first half of the first game between AC and Lyon just heaped more anticipation onto the game I really came to see.
I hopped to see the two new boys start but this was not the case. We came flying out the blocks with a early Vela goal which was followed by some pretty football until Sagna doubled his goal tally at Arsenal with a nice low hard shoot just before half time. Which left me and my son happy.
The second half you would have to say was a bit of a mix bag of 25 minutes of some good football and awful defending even thou you would have to say with a stronger team ?
Plus points were 70 minutes of good showing by Theo followed by what he normally dose. He could have or should have finished off the game by scoring and setting up a very easy chance but pulled it back to no one.
Frimpong had a great game, alot of potential there me thinks. Wilshere also had a good showing for a lad so young again the boss needs to get him playing regular like he did with Cesc.
The new number 6 had a great game on Saturday but on Sunday made 2 mistakes which in the premier league or CL would have been punished. Still not sure Arsene would be to happy to start him at Liverpool I think he needs time to adjust.
Well guys, obviously I want Theo to do well since he’s an Arsenal player, but let’s just say out of Diaby, Denilson, Nasri, Theo, Vela – I expect Nasri and Diaby to break through the most this year.
Who picked up on Chamack trying to build up psychic connections with the other players, always the assister, by touching heads?
Wilshere will be like a fantastic new signing, and if Frimpong continues his progress, so could he. Flappy didn`t play probably to keep him fresh for the trip to Anfield, and I have to admit to half wanting Almunia to balls-up just to prod AW into buying a new keeper.
Viejo, ,..who are you?!