4-4-2? And 125, The Numbers game For Arsenal
Aug 19th, 2011 by 'holic
A lot to get through this evening, so a good place to start the Liverpool preview is what I said on Talking Heads yesterday.
I am still convinced that the best chance we have of getting something out of tomorrow is to play to our strengths, in other words use the wide players and let an inexperienced midfield concentrate on denying Liverpool the time and space to make life uncomfortable for us. I know we are highly unlikely to change the formation that seems to be surviving the Fabregas era, but would too many disagree with going 4-4-2 tomorrow? Walcott plus one pumping crosses in for van Persie and either Chamakh or Bendtner to fight for. Is that too obvious and simple a solution? Probably.
As important as looking to maximise our attacking threat is preserving what has made us defensively sound, thus far. With Gibbs, Traore, and Djourou ruled out the temptation to move Vermaelen to left-back and slot Squillaci alongside Koscielny must surely be avoided? Liverpool have an interesting looking pairing of Carroll and Suarez, and between them they are equipped to exploit any weakness in our back line. That probably means an outing for Carl Jenkinson at left-back, not ideal you might say, but surely the lesser of two evils?
For all that so many Arsenal supporters are understandably nervous about the shape we are in, I am so looking forward to taking my seat tomorrow. We have the making of a quality side out, with four of what would be the first-choice back five playing. Ahead of them Ramsey, Arshavin, Walcott, and van Persie are quality players all. That we should have more to support them is obviously not in doubt, but I hope those who are at the game tomorrow will get behind the kids who will make up the numbers. We will have at least three raw youngsters given a chance to show what they are about against a major rival for a top four berth. Frustration off the pitch will soon transmit to inexperienced lads. I’m sure the bulk of the support will appreciate that.
The possibility of an appearance for Samir Nasri raises the question of supporter reaction another notch. Again I would hope that the chants that surfaced at Newcastle are not repeated. I agree more than you would imagine with the sentiment, but it really will not help our cause tomorrow to offer anything other than silent condemnation, should he play.
The ‘holic pound, unusually, will be ventured on the first goalscorer for the second weekend running. One goal may just settle this game so I am going with the player who may have most opportunities. The new skipper will be at the head of the queue to take free-kicks and penalties, as well as being the focal point of the attack. I’m on Robin van Persie, available at 9/2 with all the major bookies. I still don’t like the bet, but it has value if you are anticipating a low-scoring affair.
I’m looking forward to meeting a number of ‘holics for the first time tomorrow, and a number of established friends at the start of another new season. I’m being challenged by my new neighbour to be less ‘volatile’ this season. We shall see. I suspect I will be one of the least volatile people in the ground if it all goes pear-shaped tomorrow!
The Arsenal 125 Exhibition
I was fortunate enough to be at the launch of the Arsenal 125 exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery just off Sloane Square last night (Thursday).
The photographs on display were centred around a select few players, a number of shots of generations of supporters, and some fine views of the red action section at the Grove, including the one I tweeted last night and copy below.
Who would have thought I would see a good mate plastered across the back wall of the exhibition? And no, it isn’t Lewis Hamilton or Theo Walcott (sorry Tottz!).
The short film by Ridley Scott Associates provided an atmospheric look back at three matches last season. Unfortunately the results get progressively worse, but the film is one of those that evokes all of the emotions, and made all the more enjoyable to me as I recognised a couple of the central characters from days out in the dim and distant past.
Now if you want to follow in my footsteps you will have to be quick. The exhibition runs until Tuesday, from 10am until 6pm, and entry is FREE. That is such astonishing value for money I am surprised Arsene himself wasn’t there last night!
Have a great weekend, ‘holics.
255 Responses to “4-4-2? And 125, The Numbers game For Arsenal”
Get in
Completely agree with you holic that Na$ri has lost me in terms of support, but if he plays tomorrow and puts on an Arsenal shirt then we have no choice but to cheer him on. Everyone always says a player is never bigger than the team and that goes both ways.
or should I say works on many levels.
Drink first, read later. Eh, ‘Holic?
Saturday sees the visit of King Kenute and his eclectic collection of footballing scouser misfits to North London. Scraped platinum clean, by a swift swoosh of George Gillette’s shaving brush, of the stubble and Hicks-ups of the Benitez years of fiasco, these Reds are now less deeply in the red.
Indeed, under their new owners, they appear to have money to burn on the field – while auld ancient Anfield crumbles around them – and plans for a new stadium in Stanley Park grow mouldy and fester with Tom Werner’s bunions under his bed sheets – while their new owner watches baseball and plays with his John Henry.
This season will be Liverpool’s sixth season without silver and their 120th without a new stadium or state-of-the-art training facility. They’re on their third manager in a trophy-less five year run and they’ve spun Rafa to Roy and Roy to Ken faster than a Merseyside hooker turning tricks on a frosty Friday night. During Arsene’s tenure in London, they’ve burned through no fewer than five managers in their pursuit of one who Knows Best.
Sadly for them, there is only ONE Arsene Wenger.
Their new owners, Fenway Sports Group, are very familiar with trophy-less seasons and should feel comfortably at home in Anfield Rest Home. FSG’s other pet project is The Boston Redsox – who famously endured the “Curse of the Bambino” trophy drought that lasted for 86 years! Will King Kenute be around in 2092, I wonder, still trying to push the waves of progress back down the Mersey by buying kippers at exorbitant prices?
Tomorrow will see a dazzling array of his 20 – 30 million pound purchases, no doubt tearing into Arsenal with typical Liverpuddlian gusto in the hope of another 98th minute penalty to salvage another point in stadium splendour of which they can only dream.
For Arsenal and Arsene, tomorrow seems like a day of two fairy tales. Like Old Mother Hubbard’s, departures and injuries have caused the Emirates cupboard to be barer than I can ever remember. On the other hand, Arsene has done something of a Rumplestiltskin, spinning straw into gold that promises to be reinvested into a giant beanstalk of talent for the coming season (!). The magic beans won’t yield before tomorrow though and the only green shoots that our band of visiting holics are likely to see are the teenagers who are probable starters for the first time tomorrow.
Assuming Rosicky is croop and Ryo gets his visa in time, I expect to see:
Sczezsney
Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Jenkinson
Ramsey, Frimpong, Arshavin
Walcott, Van Persie, Miyachi
Subs from: Fabianski, Squillacci, Lansbury, Bendtner, Chamberlain
It won’t be a surprise to see both Lansbury (when Russia’s finest haircut runs out of puff) and Alex the OC (for Ryo) feature. With six teenagers, four of whom are starting for the first time, it’s impossible to pretend that this will be a stroll in the park for The Gunners.
Nevertheless, the BtM crystal ball, against all odds, is forecasting a clean sheet, a home win, and One Nil To The Arsenal! There’s a huge burden on Ramsey and Frimpong in the mid-field and the entire team will need to show the competitive, defensive spirit demonstrated against the Udinese.
We can do this BUT please, BBB, no “Spend some f*cking money” chants. The club has got the message and chanters will simply undermine the team, perpetrate anti-Arsene vitriol and cultivate the mass feeling on unhealthy discontent in which much of the gutter media is currently glorying. Yes, I mean you and your like, Gareth LeCunt, you disgrace.
Enjoy the match and the post-game frolics at the Tolly!
What ever we think we have to put our differences of opinion concerning current lack of transfer activity beyond us & get behind who ever is selected, even if this includes nasri.
We are up SHxx creek without a paddle.
Please tomorrow NO BOOS ( I know its difficult) only CHEERS.
There will be some nervous new boys out there & they deserve our HELP
WE are THE 12th MAN
bergkamp’s team is spot on but i think we’ll risk traore at left back as he has a late fitness test. arshavin and vp in the hole with theo and ryo on the wings…… can not wait !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheers Holic for the preview. I expect your wager to pay! And point well taken about Nasri- I have to admit, with all that’s gone down (supposedly), I still wish he would stay. I liked his effort and aggression, to be honest.
Anyways, Guinness please, before the rest of lads stumble in!
I have it on good account that the Zico wallet is flush full of Scots fivers just gasping for some frsh air – enjoy one for me while you’re at it lads.
What a treat. Slow day at work winding down and up pops a Holic and BtM double feature. All that is missing is a tall cold one please barman. Although BtM I am pretty sure Eboue won’t make the bench. I know what you meant though (AOC).
You are not with us BtM? 🙁
There’s a mean looking person with a scarf in that photo, ‘holic! ;D
Right, off to bed shortly, see some of you tomorrow if I don’t forget to wake up!
i think we should keep eboue’s chant “you’ve only come to see eboue”
I’m already deep into a bottle of red, so hold the beer for me.
Here’s for a good result, hopefully a win, tomorrow!
The temptation to play Squillacci? That’s a good one, I must say.
Reposting from last thread I agree with:
– Lars that Nasri will play (the training pictures, bits about his “commitment and fantastic spirit” point to it).
– Iceman that Armand Traore will play on the left (he’s been training yesterday)
Our team shouldn’t be too shabby for a paper-thin team then:
An invicible defense:
Woj
Sagna, Kos, Vermy, Traore
A solid midfield:
Frimpong
Nasri – Ramsey
Our best attack:
Walcott – RvP – Arshavin.
N-0 to the Ar-se-nal!!!!
UP THE ARSE!
I 2nd (or 3rd) the team that Bergkamp picked.
I would love to see the new 17 year old introduced at some point on the wing, to see what he can do!
Also, I am REALLY excited to see what Arshavin can do in the middle as the play-maker/attacking midfield player, playing behind the main striker. I don’t know why Arsene is so hesitant to play him there……time will well I guess.
Looks good, Matt. What if everyone chanted, ‘Sign, you fucking Na-nanannanana-nasri, sign!!!!!’ and then he scores a brace and tells Man City to fuck off?
Apparently I’m already drunk.
Does anyone think Lansbury might make the bench and maybe play?
@PIK: I’m getting plastered too, keep posting in the old thread. It’s way too early here to be in that state.
100 years ago: Arsenal 2 – 2 Liverpool
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=br5fIuCFsxo
100 years later: Arsenal 4 – 0 Liverpool
Better believe it 😉
I’d be good with Nasri bagging a late winner and then doing his cruciate.
Big match for sure – but here’s the scenario. If we win we go into the away match in Italy on a buzz. One game at a time, we’re going to sign two big names next week – my cat said so.
I wish I was able to attend the game….get behind the team – this dark dark week could be the beginning of a new era – let’s not rule it out just yet.
Did everyone see the Dein interview? Interesting stuff….especially the comment about too much money chasing too little talent.
Poor ol Chamack, I hope he is not reading this and awaiting a mention on probable team sheets.No way will he play Nasri tomorrow despite what he says, too much of a risk with the money involved. Looking forward to seeing King Kenny with his “what the fuck just happened ” face that he has been stuck with since the wind blew the wrong way one May in 1989..
@Tim: please no! Either we sell him and pocket the money or he stays and plays. If he gets injured we’ll have to pay his salary for a year without him playing and then he’ll leave on a free. Clearly the worst option.
@matt….good point…wasn’t thinking — should have read injured in his first match for City….
Risk of stating the obvious but the next 3 games and 12 days of transfers could set the tone for our club for the next few seasons. Sounds like an overstatement perhaps but it’s true. I think with backs against the wall the effort and a shard of luck will see us undefeated over the 3 games. Last year is was us hitting the bar/post week in week out – so far it was Udinese and more from Liverpool to follow.
Come on you reds…sick with nerves but oddly excited.
My fantasy arsenal v liverbirds shez sag ver kos traore ox ram frim na$ wall van.bring on Arsh when the kids get tierd:)
ARSENAL BLOODY ARSENAL….jog on Durham…
First time for me and Master Fin at a Category A game (stingy Dad that I am) – looking forward to it. We will need to cope with Carroll better than we did last season (as a Newcastle player) but COYRRG.
Personally with stweart downing preferring the right wing but then cuttinside onto his left foot i think a right footed left back would serve uswell. but i would go for koscielny.allowing us to bring the height of miquel.in to the middle to contain carroll leaving tv5 to deal with suarez. play arshqvin ib the hole behind rvp with chamberlain on the left flank. not sure i would even have nasri on the bench but if i did i would bring him on when we are 5 up with 5.to go then take him off and replace him with squillaci or fabianski.
I just hope there is no booing and just more support.
The team needs it, we are at home.This is the Arsenal.
i had a lot of liverpool fans in my ear at work today,,,lets hope the lads can ensure i go to work monday with a spring in my step,,,,frimpong will make sure of that i hope!!!!!!!!!!!!
According to sky we are about to sign another player. we are in advanced talks to sign 16-year-old peruvian starlet Andy Polo (aka La Joya – `the Jewel`). He`s a striker and very speedy. So in the pub tomorrow fellow Gooners, when someone asks why Arsenal arn`t signing players, you can tell them otherwise.
I absolutely agree with going 4-4-2 tomorrow. It would be the best way to get experience on the field while possibly adding some defensive stability.
Fin…enjoy with your son.
Boys – all have a good time in the Tollie
Personally, I’ve got a little golf tournament in the morning, followed by plenty of jamon, and then hopefully back in time to find a channel over htere with the game on. I’ll truly be envious of the beers that you’ll be getting in.
PiK – you’re back! Good man, and just in time to replenish the GT, please. Ollie has been overindulging.
Arsh does play in the hole (calm down Wolfie) for Russia, so why on earth is Arsene so reluctant to play him there? Tomorrow’s selection is almost as interesting as the game.
Great stuff. A pint for whoever is around.
Offended society lady: “Sir, you are drunk!”
Winston Churchill: “True, madam. But in the morning I shall be sober, and you will still be ugly”
“Sp*rs close in on signing Lasanna Diarra”
You couldn’t make it up. Maybe they’ll try and tempt Staplecunt out of retirement?
It was Lady Astor, Catalan 😉
Fin, come and say hello. You know where 😉
Holic, you are a mine of information! Enjoy the game tomorrow. And the “socialising”.
May be shouted down for this one but am I the only one who thinks playing Squillaci is less of a risk then Jenkinson at LB? Yes, seb has looked a bit shaky to put it mildly but he is still an experienced, international defender, surely makes more sense to put him in at CB, move TV across to LB than risk a young lad who has only played 8 games or so in league one prior to this season?
Anyway, whatever the team still think we’ll grind out a result tomorrow, and expecting Arshavin to have a real say if he get the chance
Cheers
Nice one ‘holic and a tip of the hat to BtMl.
I still think we should play Nasri, he’s obviously not the flavour of the month, but he could supply the creative spark that we’ve missed in our first two outings.
I’m, all in favour of keeping the Kos TV axis, but I think playing an inexperienced right back out of position would be a grave mistake, can’t Sagna switch sides?.
It will never happen, but I’d go with ‘holics 442;
Sczezsney
Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Jenkinson
Walcott Ramsey, Nasri, Arshavin
Van Persie,Bendtner
Subs from: Fabianski, Squillacci, Lansbury,Frimpong, Chamberlain, Myachi, Chamakh.
Hit em early and hard and later bring on Frimpong to close things up.
Great post ‘holic.
Echo the sentiments of all those who are up for some positive support at the Mothership. Didn’t much like the negativity at SJP, it was in the grand scheme of things pretty minimal but so badly overplayed in the media afterwards. Let’s not do that again, because I think the point was made, and nothing good can come of turning against our own right now.
Personally looking forward to:
1) Any kind of win.
2) A clean sheet for Wozzer if he can bag that.
3) No injuries to the remaining first teamers, or anyone we can get a few bob for afterwards.
4) At least a couple of rousing choruses of “There’s only one Arsene Wenger” cos the fella’s had a completely rubbish week at the office, and I can’t believe for a second that it’s all his fault – must be time now to get behind the man in recognition of all the many brilliant things he’s done for the club (whilst crossing fingers that he’s got something amazing up his sleeve before the transfer window closes)
5) A bit of 4-4-2 cos I’m feeling completely retro tonight, and it feels good
Up the Arse. And all together now (to the tune of The Conga…)
Let’s all have a sing song
We’ve got Emmanuel Frimpong
La la la laaa, La la la laaa…
(rinse & repeat)
*gets coat for second time in evening – shakes head and sighs*
Will do my best ‘holic, there is a great deal of blogging royalty around tomorrow so I’ve heard !
Good evening sir. Look forward to raising a pint of plain with you tomorrow.
You’re over with the big man, aj? Brilliant. Looking forward to it even more now 😉
Lovely post Holic. Good to see BtM having a good crack too.
Ollie, zico, tabs/Wolfgang, Trev???, others??? See you, you know where tomorrow.
Gunner do my best to enjoy it come what may. Hoping to catch a first glimpse on the field of O2TC and/or Ryo.
A win would be a real result tomorrow. 1-0 sounds do-able to me.
Come on the Fat-L’Arses.
COYRRRs!!!
Everything you write about getting behind the players is right. I also am right behind Robin as captain. Yeah I hope we win-but in all honesty I don’t think we are remotely strong enough-would love to be proved wrong.
I hope the Board will all be watching-and not turning away dreaming of the money they are making by selling our best players and saving by playing a team of kids. We should reserve our feelings about them until after the game.
Squillaci instead of Jenkinson at LB? Christ, I need a drink after that one!
First time for my daughter at a category A game too.
Would have been good to put some faces to the regular names, but she’s only 7 so seems unlikely.
Hopefully another time.
Enjoy, all those who are going. Only positive support from us tomorrow – whoever, whatever. 😉
Hey TS, you sneaked in while I was typing.
May have to send PHW instead tomorrow, 😉
One to settle the nerves ??
@Catalan/33: Don’t tell cousin op since he hates Twitchy as much as us but I dare say that the stalker will brilliantly improve their team with our 2 exes. My money is on them finishing ahead of Pool again.
Wish a lot of fun to all who are going with their kids. Should be fun!
Great post ‘Holic .
Just an echo of the words above , I sense that tomorrow will be the Dawn of a new age .
A packed Ems roaring on the boys in red to glorious victory against the odds – shades of Farca at home last season .
Let’s belt out our support for Arsene – show him that Gareth LeCunt really is just a fuckstick minority . Gareth’s in with the plebs now , so if you see him tomorrow keep kicking the fucker until he promises never to come back .
No booing , no SSFM , no anti-Nasri stuff , just full on full-blooded support for our Arsenal , and the lads will see us home .
Rambo showing Henderson who’s the real 20m player , Kos taming the pony-tailed jessie , Suarez verminated , Jenks downing Downing , Frimpers bouncing Adam all over the Park , and our speed merchants exposing Carragher as the useless cheating ponderous most overrated player that ever (dis)graced the Premiership .
All capped off when RVP , on sealing his hat trick , takes his shirt off , walks up to Reina , goes to force the shirt on the graceless twat and then tells him not to worry , he won’t force the shirt on him cos he lacks the class to ever wear it . Just as Reina is recovering from this humiliation he is approached by Schez , who runs the full length of the pitch just to knee him in the nadgers .
I hate Liverpool . Come on Arsenal . Right is on our side .
Now what time we kicking off in the Tollie chaps ? 9.30 anyone ? 🙂
Enjoy yourself tomorrow fellow ‘holics.
Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. (that’s basically a free pass to do whatever.;P )
Are you coming to the game TaBS? That would be great.
Pub about 11 for me, then a bit of a session afterwards I expect.
H2H, looking forward to the day you visit 😉
Certainly am . See you at 11 ‘Holic ! Look out for the Chap in his 49 game commemorative Speedoes 🙂
Cheers mate.
Luckily I’m in the know about the “where” to go. Unfortunatly having the bar doesn’t give me much of a window to get away.
But when I can make it, you guys will be the first to know.
One from me lads to whet your whistles and get your vocal chords ready to cheer on the mighty gunners.
First 3 points of the season.
Mata to Chelsea? So disappointed. He was willing to join and we dithered. Why does this keep on happening?!
Oh well, 10 more days to the transfer window, I still have a feeling we’ll sign at least 2 more players.
Tabs, if we do sign Kaka, not only would I be the happiest man alive but you should get a statue of yourself built outside this bar!
Diego (the Brazilian) anyone?
If we do sign M’vila it can only mean one thing. Arsenal going back to 2 hard nosed DM (like Gilberton Silva and PV) with JW in the hole.
Would very much like to see AA23 in the hole, and either AOC or Ryo on Flanagan who is a horrible defender.
Our House,was our castle and our keep Our House, in the middle of our street..
Might hold you to that Snir 🙂
That’s madness Noel.
😀
H2H , do you reckon Noel has been at the CMC ?
Here’s one for you, Snir:
http://www.footybunker.com/top-quality-winger-will-sign-for-arsenal-if-they-qualify-for-champions-league
and a mess(i) is not allowed………
Teacher comes to break it up, back of the head with a plastic cup..
Good for him if he has, tabs, as long as he’s left something in there for the rest of us, no problembo.
Welcome to the house of fun.
Yeah I saw that, H2H.
Ollie, you know better than everybody here. Is Hazard really THAT good or is it just media hype?
(To be honest I wouldn’t mind if we don’t sign someone to play in the hole, change a formation and let Jack have control of the team).
Jack 😳
Just for Arsenal…It must be love love, LOVE, nothing more nothing less, Love is the best
Wheres the HT…all bound for moo moo land…ha ha.. Arsenal bloody Arsenal..
Some say that Tomorrow (is just another day) but I hope the players can go One Step Beyond their best In The City to insure none of us suffer a Grey Day.
I think I’ll Shut Up now before I become an Embarassment.
Tabs – You can count on it mate 🙂 .
I love 7:45 a.m KO. Just love it.
Does anyone know if Special1TV is coming back and if so, when?
H2H, Pure Class my man…
I think you just took out the whole greatest hits there H2H 🙂
I’ve got my baggy trousers on so I’m off to bed .
Pints on the Bar fellas .
Here in good ‘ol California, we’ll be watchin’ at 4:fucking45 am. Woohoo!!! I hope Ryo goes to town on the ‘Mugsmashers’ (ala Bloggs)!
Enjoy the Grove, Mr. Holic. Consider my Nasri chant, if he plays! 😉
Oh, and make mine a Racer 5. Thanks TABS!
PiK – Where exactly in CA are you? I’m coming to CA in September, to San Diego on the 16th of September – We play Blackburn away that weekend, we should watch it, open our own little “Tollie”!
Oh that would be brilliant! I’m further north, near San Francisco (I’m from Oakland, if that means anything), so probably too far away unless you head this way. You should get some nice weather down there this time of year!
Raiders fan?
The worlds throwing stones .. Wenger built the emirates…love it.
Oh man, yeah the Raiders are my team…. talk about loving to hate and hating to love. The Warriors I follow more in basketball, at least they always suck and always will, so there’s not too much stress. It’s Bloody Arsenal that keeps me up at night though, EVEN IN THE SUMMER!!!
We gave you Richard Seymour, you ain’t as bad as you were in previous seasons :).
Anyway, drop me an email at snir_geuli@hotmail.com, we’ll continue this “forbidden” NFL talk and arrange the opening of the Oakland Tollington! 🙂
Will do. “The Oakland Tollington”, nice….
Come on Arsenal!!!
Off to watch Fever Pitch again to get myself worked up for the match 🙂
Wow wots that smell,,, arghh yes. The stench of fear!!!
Cusop – Fuck off to where you came from. You know, that place where we won the league more times than you did.
Changing the formution is a good decision and wenger to changing moderned football.sir kbo2 kbo2 bauchi-nigeria.
@pik ever venture to maggy mcgearys? I went a year ago while on vacation w my management and met w an old friend from LA… We beat Sunderland 2-0 if I remember correctly… Anyhow I consider myself an honorary SF Gooner considering I carry my frequent drink card in my wallet. Although I do belong to Arsenal America I’ve got a little tyke which may keep me from some trips to a (not very) local tollie if my own. But, I’ve been trying unsuccefully to start a supporters group in my area.
@snir there is a San Diego supporters group that gets together so I’m sure you won’t have a problem finding a place to watch the match…. However, I am about an hour away and I know I don’t comment much but if you’d like to drop me a line I’d meet w you and gladly watch…let me know and I’ll shoot you an email.
That said I’m up for a 1-0 arsenal victory w our stifling defense and wicked keeper.
An open question to all.., when does Jacky boy get the #4 shirt?
I’d be glad to drink with you, mate (is it just me or is this your first time posting?).
Jack is getting 7, not 4 😉
And Aaron’s getting 8 🙂
tabs @ #48,
Great post mate 🙂
Agree re: Pee Pee Reina. First, force the shirt over his head, then get Woj to kick him really hard in the orchestra’s. Then, get WS to walk on his nether regions in a pair of JC stilettos. Then leave the remains to TGLM for a grand final of Hardinso Endit! Hoping to see WS in full battle dress today. If he can’t make it, you’ll do.
As zico would say, come thirsty…. but 9:30???? Fair play to you. Beats my adventures earlier this week.
Laters….
Trev @ #46
Would be great to see PHW today. Tell him to watch his mouth though in front of the children 😉
Enjoy the game, hout yourself hoarse, don’t frighten your daughter 😉
‘Holic, Ollie,
How are your respective STs this morning? 😉
Whoever plays today, I echo the sentiments of many above – get behind the team! Yes, even Nasri if he plays. Or, at least, don’t boo him.
Whatever we think of the transfer dealings, let’s at least show the boys on the pitch that we are behind them.
Up the Arse!
Well said Lars. Goes withgout saying from my perspective. Enjoy the game with The Viking Massive today. Have an early, boilk inducing pint on my tab 🙂
Sorry, that should be The Gooner Viking Massive – Stockholm Chapter 😉
TS heh 🙂 – what time you about ? Should I look out for any distinguishing features ? Aiming for about 11 15 here .
Had a mare after the Villa game trying to find the ‘Holics
Well said Lars@91
TS, cheers! Aiming to be at the pub about an hour before kick-off, so plenty of time to down the first pint before it all starts off.
tabs,
Normally, it the ‘back garden’ under he brollies (heh!), Tollington Road side. I think…. 😉
I’ll do my best to get there for a pre-match slurp. Defo, post match.
i think playing Nasri anywhere near this game is a mistake we already have divisions in support and if this was to go a goal to the enemy early on i could see repeats of the chamts from past weeks,and as said this will be hard on the new youngsters and lets remember this is not the players faults,although the Nasri matter is a little different.
Oh, and I hope you all have a great day at the Tollie/Emirates, would have been great to be able to join you.
Get in!!!
Get in there ‘holic, keep up the positivity. Agreed that few of our new boys lack big league experience but surely they have the talent. With fire in their belly, the cannon will take them FORWARD.
@ Btm
Interesting how Arsenal’s six year trophy-less run is mentioned in the press all the time yet there is no mention of the fact that Liverpool haven’t won a trophy for five years, Totteringham have won one League cup in 20 years not to mention all the others who haven’t won a trophy at all (Stoke etc…)
Good Luck today Arsenal
I would like to see Arshavin in the hole today – He’ll be our match- winner.
Come on you reds! We’ll stuff em today, rambo to walcott all day long and watch him destroy em! @kevnal, the reason our drought is mentioned so much is that we are a big club with real aspirations not a mickeymouse outfit or a horrible little shithole of a club who are doing there best god bless em to recreate what we’ve got only there using the unwanted leftovers. ARSENAL…BLOODY ARSENAL…its great to be a Gooner
Morning Holic and Holics, cant wait for this one now!
Let’s get behind the lads even thou Nasri might be on the pitch. Today if he does play will be to our assets, booing him wont do us any favours as Holic mentioned himself and everyone else for that matter.
I would also like to see Arshavin in the middle with Ryo on the left. Haven’t seen much of this lad and I know this game is not exactly a perfect one for a start and his debut to the EPL but then he looks like he has few tricks up his sleeve I hope.
Enjoy your day holics! Have a drink on me in the Tolly!
I hope to join you one fine day myself for few cheeky ones!
Now come on you Rip Roaring Never Boring Gooners!
CoMonUreds!
OH ARSENAL WE LOVE YOU.
@if you don’t want then leave: 4:30am n off to Maggie’s now! Come on Arsenal! Time to tell the world to shut the f up!
COME ON ARSENAL!
The Grove is rocking today! Just what we need with our rotten luck…
Get well soon Kos
This is getting spooky – wot’s Arsene done to so annoy the football gods?
Slight rethink re 111 – with the loss of Gibbs, Djourou, Song, Geranamo and now kos, plus – the well documented on these pages – body snatching of chamakh – EVEN the football gods are telling AW ‘take the pressure off yourself my son and strengthen the squad’
ps The Arsenal to nick it still
Ureds!
Can we please keep Nasri?
Getting there, youngsters outstanding so far.
UTA!
Growing in confidence on the pitch
COYRRR
Not a bad first half at all, considering how thin of a squad we have.
I have to say Frimpong needs to cool down I don’t want to see him being sent off. Overall he is doing very well indeed!
All three young lads are doing very for now let’s keep it up lads!
Walcott and Arshavin need to work harder, looks like the only way is through the middle. Frimpong and Nasri exposed this and almost got rewarded.
I will say this and I will probably regret saying this but why the fuck are we selling Nasri?
One other thing I have noticed we no longer posses our passing skills, something tells me it’s a different game plan.
We need to calm down a bit as well…….
Come on you RIP ROARING NEVER BORING GOONERS!
Joshua I feel the same
Hope Koscielny is ok though
note that mugs have more possession but we have more control in the middle,
Rambo has so little time to spread ball ‘cos they are blocking him out, so Pongpong doing well as distributor
Jenks did not lose his cool after wrong booking
We just need more from front 3
COYRRR
on me ‘olideez – currently drinking spanish dessert whine and enjoyin watchin the ‘eart in The Arse …
Ureds!
support sounds mighty fine on tele – looks like a lot of empty seats thou – a bit of adversity sorting out the wheat from the coporate/tourist chaff?
Brilliant 12th man
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!!!
Cap.
I meant crap.
we’re better this season with ten – fact – at the time of writing
CoMonUUUUUReeeeeeeeeeeeddddSSSSSSSSSS!
Brilliant support indeed, badly needed now 🙁
Let’s soak the pressure and nick it on the counter.
UTA!
Just great!
Suarez was offside but that’s beside the point!
The shittiest of goals 🙁 Damn the football gods!
Bendy to save the day?
COYR!!!
Needless red card and an own goal.
Yep the football season is back.
Hello everyone! And comeon the Arsenal.
I’m fuming now I will not write anything negative, however we are not looking great do we now?
no mas!
Jeeesus…
Poor undeserved result at the worst moment. Damn it!
I thought we looked pretty good until Frimpong was sent off (and I thought he was excellent up until that point).
Jeckinson looked good as did Miquel.
Not all bad news — as long as we make a fair few signings within the next few weeks or so.
AW, can you please, I’m fucking begging, please sign someone to liven up that offense??
No Song or Frimpong for United. Only god knows the team sheet for that game.
our luck will turn.
Cmon U REDS!
That second goal was very painful to watch!
Frimpong needs to take a fucking chill pill! We dropped and made mistakes as Steve T would say…
Whats is new?
First half decent then we took this defending stance in the second, dest dence is attack as we all now but that never happened!
*best defence is attack my keyboard had too many carlings
I’m honestly concerned at this point, we look way too thin
The lads that played done as well if not possibly better than we could have imagined,And in Frimpong we have another IT player, But I’m sorry that we are in this shape at this stage of the new season is a Fucking scandal and serious questions need to be asked of what the fuck is happening,
Bad result but…..em well frimpong was great up until the sending off, thought he bossed the midfield. Ramsey looks like he is not ready to lead the creative aspects of the team. Nasri was ok, could not say he didnt at least make the effort. RVP has had no service and theo was elsewhere today for some reason. The nature of the 1st was typical of our luck at the moment, if you look at it there was nothing in it up until the sending off and this is a good base to work on for Arsene and as you said Matt so long as the signings are made it is not all bad news. Chin up Gooners, the good news is coming!!
There are lots of positives to be had from this game that should have been 0-0 (2 off sides in penalty area not given)
Jenks, Miguel , Pongpong, that new player called Nasri, CZCZ, TV, Kos(is it trapped nerve?)
What everyone needs now are signings signings signings (and as was just said on 5 sport )- its for AW to demonstrate that belatedly , he has got them in the bag .
If he doesnt deliver, then all hell will break loose in his direction, and he will start looking at PSG as an escape route….
We were second best even with 11 men.
Spend some money.
Now.
I wasn’t concerned at all with Liverpool when we were eleven against eleven, but it’s our attack that looks so stale.
1 Goal in 3 games. 2 if you wanna count Ramsey’s.
Tell me honestly Le boss has not lost a good portion of the plot along with the players respect and the fans support.
We cannot continue to do the same things and expect different results. I would like to see some adult players added to the squad but the management seems to think differently.
Last season was better than this and if you will recall last season sucked. Now, I dare you prop me back up and give me some hope for the future.
SG@145 + 1
A fantastic effort from those on the pitch, bar walcott they all played well. But this is not a premiership side and whatever happened during the summer has contributed to a right royal fuck up. Hope the booing was a minority and not directed at the players. If chelski sign Mata I will be severly pissed off. No hiding place for the managment today..
Not sure how some can say there were some positives, there was none from what I have witnessed.
We were bare all over we didn’t pass the ball we only had few chances when few had the guts to burst down the middle other than that come on.
Perhaps save the youngsters for Carling Cup but the the fucking league!
There was offside on the first goal but hey shit happens I suppose!
Oh well, shit happens.
But there are no defensive midfielders for the Manure game.
And defenders,Miquel instead of Squillaci ?
I don’t understand that.
More media frenzy from tomorrow…. that’s exactly what I’m looking forward too…
The media frenzy means nothing.They can say whatever they want.
It is not looking good right now.But yes there is a long way to go yet.
Fukerty!fukerty!fuk!fuk!fukerty!fuk!fuk!fukerty!fuk!-Fuk!fuk!fukerty!fuk! -fuk!fuk!fuk! – fuk!fuk! – fuk!fuk!fuk!-Fuk! How the fukertyfukfukfuk did it get to this?
How can AA still get a game with performances like that?
He enters the last year of his contract at the end of this season but we really really should be looking to move him on. Lansbury over the fat umpa loompa all day long. Four goals at Anfield or not, fuck him.
Anyone still want to come on here and tell us we should wait ’til 1 sept to see what the manager does in the transfer window. Its a fucking joke!
No ambition. No leadership on pitch or at boardroom level. And no belief in the stands.
Nasri and Cesc both questioned the ambition of the club and with Van P into his final year at the end of this season signings now I don’t think will change the view that the management and the board have fallen asleep at the wheel and now we are in bother.
No signings now can play in Italy and I don’t think any signings now will be good enough to contribute anything meaningful against Manure at Old Toilet. But let’s wait ’til 1st Sept yeah?
This whole situation could and should have been avoided.
Fucking hell.
Oy. If Frimpong isn’t sent off, it’s a 0-0 draw and the third clean sheet to start the season. Which is a result I gladly would’ve taken.
Let’s give credit to the fresh youngsters. Frimpong was solid, sans cards. Jenkinson played well above himself, I must say. Miquel seemed to be a bit nervous at times, but he was decent most of the day as well (Squllaci wouldn’t have been an upgrade). Lansbury didn’t look out of place when he came on. And because he only became #1 in December, I’ll add Sczezny–assertive play again.
Let’s not give credit to a few others. Arshavin looked every bit the mercurial individual we know him to be. I’m not quite sure what Theo Walcott was doing today, but it was poor all around.
Finally, Vermaelen was a rock against Carroll, who seemed to get frustrated towards the end of the first half.
The Mata-to-Chelsea thing, well, looks like a huge missed opportunity. Cesc and Nasri were always leaving, and Arsenal failed to even make a formal bid for the player that probably could’ve best mitigated that loss. Mata’s “top quality.” Instead, Arsenal have 1 point in two matches, and Mata’s moving to Chelsea for less than Arsenal will get in return for Nasri’s last contract year.
I’d be a bit more upbeat for the Udinese game with Song and Gervinho in the side, but Koscielny’s injury really troubles me there. Udinese showed attacking quality in the Emirates, and Miquel or Squillaci aren’t going to cut it.
Up The Arse!
Arshavin, at least he can string passes together and go past players. Walcott should not be starting at the moment, time for oxo umbro chamberpot to get a game..
But as Wenger said, he’ll make the signings when we need em? Hmmm, do we need them now Arsene?
Tell me this, how can we pay GBP12m for a player that played at League one level last season but won’t seemingly pay GBP15-17m for defenders with England caps that have p’ship experience?
It’s bullshit.
Wenger is the highest paid Manager in the prem. It’s been 42 years since we haven’t scored in our 1st 2 League games. How much worse does it have to get? Oh I forgot, let’s wait until Sept 1 and judge Arsene then.
I know let’s positive here bla bla bla
As much as I would to sing We Are The Best…
I can’t well there is no point in making a fool out of yourself is there? We look so thin and many of you will agree me that defending Arsene and the rest is quite frankly pointless.
We NEED TO SPEND! If it wasn’t for Nasri today we would be even thinner today despite we lost the game anyhow.
I will regret saying this perhaps I will, but instead of selling Nasri, Bendy sell Walcott and Arshavin they seem to know nothing about wing attack!
echoing what’s been said, but… very toothless attack. walcott can’t control the ball at all and nobody has the killer pass. we NEED someone, hopefully a few someone. why weren’t these things sorted out at least a month ago? this is horrible.
I agree Arthur. Arshavin can take a slow train back to St. Petersburg for all I give a rat’s arse. Bendtner is a better option than Chamakh right now–unless there’s a better option coming in before Sept. 1, why sell him? He’ll certainly get playing time on this roster the way it stands now.
Yes, Arsenal need to spend. Particularly on orthopedic doctors and pain killers. But Eden Hazard, Willian and Phil Jagielka would all look pretty good right about now.
Please, Arsene. I’ve tried to defend you to the masses calling for your head. But, at this point, I will not stand in front of an axe swinging in your direction. If there are no £15M+ signings by Monday (over the age of 19, please), I think he may have lost the supporters altogether.
The sad thing is I think we will struggle to get 6th this season…form what I have seen today and rest of it to hit us there is no other option but pray whatever god you believe in.
First lost game of the season not bad we all know that but the warning signs are there and as much as I would love these to be temp they are certainly looking long term issues.
Ramsey is a good player but he didn’t have a clue today we Jack as much as we needed Cesc to stay. No one commanding midfield no one…
Okay rant over….for now still fuming though
Spen please spend please spend please!
*we need Jack
*Spend please
Snir do you fancy a stiff drink? Or anyone else?
If so, Barmen make the doubles please!
Well, it’s hard to look at our team right now and say we’re not in a mess.
By my reckoning, if nasri moves this week we go to Old Trafford with two available centre midfielders (Ramsey and Lansbury) and no holding players.
I was at the game today and take my hat off to the crowd. There were nervous spells, but on the whole they got fully behind the team. I also take my hat off to some of the players – TV5 was am absolute rock all day, Frimpong (cards aside) looked an absolutely class addition, ready for regular action and Jenkinson absolutely worked his nuts off in a way we’ve not seen many of our first XI do in recent years.
On the downside, Arshavin was absolutely woeful, the bench looked positively anorexic, we can’t appear to keep anyone fit and I can’t believe Frimpong wasn’t warned to be careful this afternoon, both before the game and at half time – two really daft bookings there.
There remains the basis for an absolutely class side here – a spine of Wos, Kos, TV5, Song, Wilshere and RVP is, in my eyes, good enough to win the league. But we’re asking way too much if they’re going to be surrounded by wantaways and debutants. I also think Ramsey looks like he needs a rest already – too much being placed on that young man’s shoulders right now.
Finally, the game also confirmed that samir nasri cannot play the cesc role. Class player, but he was out of position all afternoon and doesn’t have the passing range. Anyway, it’s too late for him to stay now, and frankly he must be glad to be getting out of what is looking like a bit of a mess.
A quick word for Liverpool. I suspect that we’ll find ourselves keeping a close eye on them this season as I suspect that fourth may be as good as it gets for us while we rebuild. I thought they looked largely pedestrian today for a side that has had so much dough splashed. Suarez is, of course, quality, but the other new signings looked distinctly average and I have no idea why meireles is behind henderson for a spot.
The thought also occurred today that if Jenkinson, Frimpong and Miquel had been signed for £10m each this summer then I think today we might have seen that as value, whereas if Carroll had emerged from our youth team he’d be taking far more stick for a very limp performance.
Anyway, on and up – a midweek resut will lift some of the gloom and I guess we all just have to hope that signings are imminent. I don’t like to imagine what the atmosphere might do if we head into Sept with this squad.
Sad , really sad .
To recapilulate , we go from bad to worst , the bests have left , the so and so have nowhere to go and stay .
If by wednesday we lost against the italian side and the next weekend against Man utd , then that is the season .
If AW keep things as is , this very young team will need an another 3 years to florish .
Well, er, um…
What is there to say? Fuck it, the llama are arranging a five-a-side to lift me spirits.
I’ll be back later. C’mon PHW.
Let’s hope that Song goes in at CB and Frimpong can show much of the same against the Italians (with the exception of the cards of course).
Theo needs to improve on what I saw today, or more to the point perhaps AW needs to start playing him through the middle and have an alternative to the 4-3-3 formation that hasn’t won us any trophies and is too pedestrian at times. A switch to 4-4-2 from time to time wouldn’t do us any harm I think.
I wrote in July (once the fixtures were released) that due to the precarious start we had been handed it would be advisable to sign players before the season started so as to approach the season as strong as possible and provide a real show of intent to fans and opposition alike. I also made the point if we waited til 1st Sept we could be out of champs lge and have 1 point from our opening 3 games before the transfer window closes.
Piss poor way to run the club. Really is. I’ll say it again, if you have a leaking roof why wait til it starts pissing down with rain before you fix it.
Six percent price rises and no suitable investment in the team. Stop taking the piss out of people that would give their left testicle to represent/work/play for the club.
Great effort but very sad result.
If Wenger doesn’t buy before September 1st , I think this should be his last season. May be it’s the alcohol which is making me say this, but fuck it!
First goal was down to bad luck, as my girlfriend kept pointing out but I can’t seem to shake the feeling that there’s too much inexperience in this squad
A strong whiskey please, Barman
Not sure were to start, but here goes.
I was pretty surprised when I saw todays line up, but that had more to do with the fact that it contained 10 of the 11 players I had avocated yesterday (@37)
The player that I did not select was Frimpong, who I believe has the potential, but not yet the nous to play in that position at this level and definetly not against one of the better teams in the league. That said I thought he did admirably, but his inexperience shone through as he made too many reckless challenges on a surface worstened by the downpour.
Before he was dismissed I thought the defence dealt with the ‘pool threat well and looked to be growing in confidence. Miguel looked nervous after replacing the unfortunate Kos, but got better as the game progressed and TV was massive, our best player on the pitch by a country mile. (I still think he should be captain) Woj controlled the area and made all the right decisions and made an excellent reflex save from Carroll. Sagna was his usual solid self and Jenkinson did remarkably well.
Nasri had a good outing, not completly match fit, but whatever has or will happen, it would be harsh to say that he didn’t do his best when he pulled the shirt on. Ramsey is not the same player when Jack is not by his side and Arshavin, as always, blows hot and cold. Theo is not and never will be a winger, his decision making is not as quick as his pace and he can’t really cross a ball.
RvP cut a forlorn solitary figure in the centre who got absolutly no service bar an Arshavin cross which somehow pee pee managed to keep out.
Inspite of all our obvious weakness’, I still thought we were very much in it until Fred saw red. The opening goal was unfortunate to say the least, it was the only way they were going to beat Woj and it was the kind of own goal that only we seem to concede. Once again the footballing gods decending down to add insult to injury and chuck egg on our faces.
Their second came when we had nine men on the field, well 8 and a half, as Nasri’s lack of match fitness had reduced him to walking pace. A few passes that cut us open leaving Suarez to slot in. That for me was the elephant spunk icing on a cake made of shit and mucus, the final whistle went and I turned the tv off.
I therefore missed whatever crowd reaction followed, but up until then I thought the home support was magnificent, through everything they really did try and lift the team, unfortunatly today was not our day The downside of this result will be the expected trial by internet so I think I’ll retreat for a while until the inevitable shit storm dies down.(I probably won’t though)
Wednesdays game, if possible, has now taken on even greater importance. Mr Wenger certainly has his work cut out for him, this is a must win game now. The snipers have taken up position in the book depositry and on the grassy knoll, I’d suggest that it’s not a good idea to take a drive in an open convertable.
I’ll have a vodka shot raised to our friends who i hope can enjoy the day out regardless of the defeat.
Cheers.
Going to the udinese match on wednesday and it’s looking like a big big game I shudder to think what might happen if we lose that one and go out of the champions league
Let me start by saying that the final score was flattering for Liverpool. Admittedly we weren’t bossing the game but neither were Liverpool, even after the red to Frimpong (who was a mammoth till the 2nd yellow), I thought we would hold on for a 0-0. But as with our shitty luck this summer we contrived to concede another freak (own) goal.
What was really disappointing today was the performance in the attacking third from both the flanks. Arshavin kept losing the ball while Walcott was nowhere to be seen (he ain’t no winger anyways).
A word about the present squad state :It is absolutely unacceptable is that there is not a modicum of evidence that we have progressed as a team from last season. That is all I ask for, some progress from last year but on the contrary we seem to have regressed beyond repair.
Right now if someone offered 4th I think everyone would bite his hand off.
It is imperative that we finish in the top four this season, because we are back to square one and need another rebuilding job after this season’s transfer activity,which would take atleast one season.
We also need to get behind this team like we did today, because they sure need it. Also I know I might get slated for this but there is only one manager who I am confident can extricate us from this mess, and he is the same who created this fucking mess in the first place.
I agree N7 Gooner @ 166- we do have the foundations of a solid spine, what we need now is for Arsene to SSFM and put amend this situation fast.
Get Jack and the rest of the squad from the infirmary quick please.
A Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster for me please barman.
UTA
@Holloway2Holland
Dude you seem pretty sanguine about it. From my seat in front of the computer we sucked. We did not defend or go forward as a cohesive unit. We did not have the right personnel,formation or attitude to win this game.
This is a repeat of last season. How may Vodkas will I have to raise until failure makes perfect sense?
@Holloway2Holland
Well at least you had the good sense to turn the damn thing off. I’m torturing myself watching the replay as if somehow we might win it on further review.
I’m reluctant to go over old ground but the close season has clearly been a disaster.The Fabregas situation ,I believe, could and should have been resolved weeks ago.That money invested where everyone agrees it should be CB ( probably 2) and at least one midfielder and an offensive player, players who could push for a starting position.
However we now find ourselves teetering on the edge of a precipice.
Walcott not up to it,the defence painfully thin and a toothless attack.Ramsey may be a good player in the making but it is too much for him to carry the team at his age. Arshavin as has been mentioned is am impact player, he just will not produce for 90 mins week in week out.
On the bench we have two forwards , one we are trying to unload to Porto or Stoke the other we intend to keep, so who do we bring on late when we need a goal….
I read some of our transfer targets are now waiting to see how our game with Udinese turns out before commiting themselves, shouldn’t they already be with us to help decide how that game goes.
What will the mood be like next week when we are out of europe and having lost to manure.
Even if we make some significant signings next week,fingers crossed all round, and we go on to have a decent season it will not excuse the mess we have allowed ourselves to get into.
Wegner in my mind is a god ,he has taken us from being a good premiership team to being a good european club,but I now fear we could start slipping back down the hill.
There were some positives today TV probably the best player on the pitch,Frimpong was ok until the impetuosity of youth caught up with him, the keeper is good enough and Jenkinson and MIguel were ok,but not good enough yet for a top four team.
I still have faith in Weger but we need to see him act now!!!
leftcoastgooner
I bleed red and white, but I learned many moons ago, that getting too wound up by situations that I have no control over is an exercise in futility.
Win or lose, top four or bottom of the pile, I’ll always be an Arsenal supporter come what may, ofcourse i want us to win and be the best etc, etc, but as we well know that is just not possible all the time.
We’ve had the honour and pleasure of living in an era when we have had possibly the greatest manager the club has ever had at the helm, unfortunatly he has lately become a victim of his own success, expectation levels are enormous. Now saying that, I too am baffled and slightly miffed about how we have gone about our (lack of) business this summer, still, me getting pissed about it and spouting bile is hardly going to make things better is it?
Que sera, sera, my friend.
Vodka shot?
Who knew that the summer’s non transfer news malaise would look so appealing after 2 league games. At least Chelsea are losing…..
Well what’s left to say – apart from great points made above.
Really really really proud of the young lads who started/got subbed on today.
The few who booed Nasri when the line up was announced clearly hadn’t go hold of this news:
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/872958-samir-nasri-ready-to-stay-at-arsenal-after-man-city-transfer-collapses?
Hard to know what to make of it all really 😕
If he plays against Udinesse on Wednesday then he’ll be with us until at least December.
H2H I could live with that – and I’d even take back all the horrible things I said about him…!
@H2H
Good advice dude,
I’ll take it with a chaser. Cheers and… bottoms up.
Well, I’m always a doom and gloom man, but surprisingly I thought for the majority of the game and the players we had out there, I’m not so devastated….yes we got unlucky with the OG and Frimpong needed to calm down, but some of those youngsters showed up our established stars for the floaters they have become, I’m not convinced Wenger is the man to take us forward….and I have not been for close to three years and I’ve never lied about that.
But…………
……I do think with three additions and some more in the xmas present window we could still be a dangerous team, Theo and Arsh need pressure on them and for Andre at least I think some pressure may just start to be exerted with the emergence of so many youngsters who could certainly do no worse than him.
I’m not sad or disappointed as truthfully it always felt like good luck would be the factor in the game and today we just ran out of it
Q: Is behindthe8ballbutnotnasri still behindthe8ballbutnotnasri?
H2H, I applaud you. Many very good points. Things are looking pretty grim right now, but it is also important to try and keep our heads cool. We need players, no doubt about that, but a) we can not do anything about it no matter how much we whine about it and b) we don’t actually know who to blame. The club as a whole is guilty, yes, but is it Arsene or Gazidis or the board or a combination of the three?
Wednesday is ridiculously important for the direction the season will take. But then we will have Song, Frimpong and Gervinho back. We will have RvP up top. And we may even have Nasri, I seriously don’t think he would have played today if there wasn’t a rather good chance that he’ll be with us for at least until December.
Also have to say that from what I could hear on the telly at the pub it sounded as if the crowd really did their part.
Snowy
Lets get behind him I say he teh best there was on a field today!
it pains me to come on this blog and keep on making the same points . poor poor game today and really only szcz and tv can take any credit.
jenkinson and miguel not awful considering but only ok.
frimpong a headless chicken. he did try but could have gone for either of those tackles on their own.
AA – what a waste. who wanted to play him in the cesc role ?
nasri was good but we know he doesnt want to be her
walcott – have said it many times before. he is a PRETENDER. clueless. thinks he is god’s gift but almost never does it.
RVP – anonymous. should never ever be captain. give to it to TV FFS
bendtner – numpty
ramsey. the boy has talent but will be long long time before he can be relied upon.
i agree with who said we will do well to get 6th. can’t see us beating spurs or lpool. we will see next w/e how far behind united we are
depression. time for a drink
Evening all. I’m sorry to say it, but I thought we looked utterly toothless in the attack, aside from Nasri. Our defensive frailties of the past have been well discussed, but I fear Cesc’s departure is having a massive hit on the current squad, both as player and captain. It’s not simply that Cesc was an outstanding player, but I think our squad has been thin for awhile and his skill helped smooth over the obviousness of it. With the mass exodus this summer, then Cesc, with little to show for it, we were hardly pleasant to watch, let alone dangerous. I don’t think anyone would put a pound on the starting 11 today winning the league, let alone the Champions League. I understand we were thinned out by injuries, but it’s been years since we haven’t been. I know I’m not saying anything that hasn’t been said, but I saw for the first time today the real potential of collapse with this team if confidence isn’t restored AND supported through more skill. I seriously felt after today’s match that one or two players of even the highest skill may not be enough to regain the momentum lost. Unfortunately, in this summer of our great leap forward, we have slid further back, and the management’s actions or non-actions are currently completely baffling to me. I love Arsene more than any coach on the planet, but our inactivity or ability to complete important signings is getting seriously dangerous.
Whiskeys all around, barman. Sorry for the monologue.
Up the Gunners.
idka
Please get yourself down The Ems before you post stuff like that on an Arsenal blog. OK?
Frimpong was immense today. You can’t gauge that from behind a keyboard.
TS, he looks a real bright light for this season, no? Even on television, his fire and conviction were a breath of fresh air.
PiK @189 – wow, I’m glad you added that. If you hadn’t, I’d never thought you were a supporter.
IDKA @ 187 – boss, any more negative and you will be the Emperor (from the Empire…Star Wars, get it?)
‘Holics, I NEVER thought I’d be the one to say this, but here goes:
Everyone needs to CALM THE FUCK DOWN!!!
I wish we were in a better position, but here we are. Before I talk about today’s game, let’s look at where we are. Injuries, youthful exuberance, bad decisions (players – Song/Gervinho, I’m looking at you), and bad luck have us at the point where we really need to weather the first five league games and qualify for CL.
If we can get 8 points out of 15, we will be in good shape. You can’t win the league before January, we just need to make sure we aren’t out of it by that time.
I am SO PROUD of our young Gunners. Weere we watching the same game today? Who can fault Frimpong? Yes, he was rash – but he GOT STUCK IN (how many times over the past 5 seasons have we said we wanted that quality?) Ramsey gave good effort. Jenkinson (my god), he was busing his arse all over the park. TV5 was massive. Miquel did a fabulous job considering the circumstances. I can’t believe anyone is placing the OG in the same category as previous cock-ups.
The OG was the sort of cock-up that my old coach would just look at and say, “Boys, I’ll never yell at you for effort-mistakes.” and leave it at that.
And good lord, how good was Chezzer? I have so much confidence in the lad – and all you supporters damn-well better, too. The makeshift backline played a high line almost perfectly. By the time Suarez sprang the offside trap, we had long been down to, effectively, 8.5 outfielders. What more do you guys want?
Let’s keep Bender (Damn you Arsene, can’t you bring the boy in for more than 10 minutes, WTF?), get Gervinho back, play Theo THROUGH THE MIDDLE, change out of this predictable 4-3-3, and see what happens (of course we need signings, goes without saying…)
Out problems are down to Arsene and the Board. Period. Anyone slating the boys on the pitch (even Arshavin, RvP, and Theo) neds sortin’ out. After the lack of effort I’ve seen over the past five seasons, I’ll take this batch of youngsters, hands down – even if we finish 6th.
That is all.
Good word, TS. Glad to see some sensibles are still around. I want that boy playing every weekend.
I might go buy his shirt. He’s real Arsenal. Him and Jack. And Ramsey.
A bit drunk and emotional, so will avoid making any great pronouncements until tomorrow. Other than;
Great to hear that Frimpers did well until being over enthusiastic. He’ll learn. As someone said earlier, he has “IT”.
N7 @ 166 – I agree with everything
H2@H @ 177 – I agree with everything.
Thanks for posting on my behalf!
TS – how was the get-together??
Lonestar – have the GT Rollers risen abovethe Maurauders??
CG, good to hear from you, boss.
The Marauders ain’t doing no maraudin’. We’ll save the raping and pillaging for later this year.
It’s not where you start…it’s where you finish.
UTA
Lonestar – what you said too! 🙂
Lonestar – I see we are developing our own private league! 😉
Anytime. Anyplace, CG 😀
Hey all and welcome to the new/old season!
Ok, I didn’t manage to catch the game today but I have read every imaginable blog, report and comment that I can muster the patience to read and, to be honest, I think that we may have a much bigger problem than everybody realises.
Let me expand on that…
For the past six seasons we were left wanting whenever the going got tough. We knew that we needed a couple or three “top, top quality” and EXPERIENCED players if we were to progress. Since then we have lost Cesc (8 years EXPERIENCE and our best player by far), we are losing Nasri who is obviously close to becoming a “top, top player”, we have lost Clichy who, in reality, knew exactly when to screw up for maximum effect but who also had experience.
We have so far managed to NOT sell Squillaci, Arshavin, Denilson (sorry but on loan just isn’t the right message for other lazy bastards, sorry, players who think that the paypacket justifies the selection), Chamakh (seriously, does ANYBODY think that he was even worth the free?!). Not totally surprising when you consider that none of them are actually any good and NONE would get a game at any other top 6 premiership club. Do we really think that they give a crap about collecting their wages for training when the alternative is probably somewhere like Birmingham or even West Brom?!
On top of all this, after many of the usual promises and media sidesteps, from Wenger, we have signed a bunch of kids and one vaguely experienced player in Gervinho who in all likelihood looks like becoming a quality act. Is he in Cesc’s class? Obviously not, so we cannot consider him by any means a replacement for anybody with the exception of Wenger playing Theo up front.
So, my point…
The squad is so effing thin and inexperienced that we had ONE defender on the bench today who, with exactly ZERO premiership games under his belt, does not demonstrate strength in depth of the defensive area of the squad. Ok, we have injuries in defence, but to who? Djourou who cannot seriously be relied upon given his injury record and, to be honest, is a decent player at best at the moment. Ok, a run without injury may well see a much better player emerge but we are the ARSENAL…We do not have the time to wait until an injury-ridden career suddenly gets magically put back together and repackaged as the new Sol Campbell…We need the new Sol Campbell NOW!!!}
And which other defenders are injured right now? Oh yes, that’s right, Kieran Gibbs! A player who was clearly a distant second best to Clichy last season, who makes Darren Anderton look like a reliable first name on the team sheet and is, quite frankly, not that great at defending. Again, we may see a different player emerge should he actually stay off the treatment table for more than 2 games in a row, but we do not have the time to wait for that wondrous day. How good did Enrique look today…How much did he cost? 6 MILLION! Six poxy million. Now, that may sound churlish until you consider that, should the media be believed, we sold Clichy to Citeh for MORE! We could have had Enrique and money in the bank!
Now then, midfield…
Assuming that we all agree that losing our best player was as inevitable as it was bad for the team, we can assume that Wenger had a fair idea of that too. So, obviously, looking for his replacement was top priority in the close season and Wenger lined up a bunch of targets and they all simply fell through…All of them…That’s right…EVERY SINGLE ONE!
Come on guys…The player ARE out there and, as the Chelseas and Citehs of this world constantly demonstrate, they all have a price. SO EFFING PAY IT! Ticket price rises to the most expensive in the country and we STILL cannot compete in the transfer market…I simply do not believe that is the case. Frankly, I am starting to think that the board are happy to watch the club eat itself now that they have all made their obsene profits from their share sales to Stan and will happily laud themselves to all and sundry once we fail to qualify for Europe either this season or next.
So, back to midfield…Cesc gone, Nasri going either now or in January and ZERO players brought in that are ready to play in the first team. Jack injured, Song suspended for being as thick as shite as usual and Rosicky, SHOCK HORROR, injured! Leaving us with Frimpong (clearly learning his thick as shit trade from Song with aplomb) and with ZERO starts in the premiership under his belt, Ramsey who, again, may well become everything that we hope and expect from him, but it is still early days and he is not quite “there” yet and Samir Nasri who is all but out of the club and thank heavens he didn’t leave already because then we are looking at Lansbury starting in central midfield!
Up front, well, in the front 3 that Wenger continues to hammer away at even though it is clear it does not work as we cannot put the likes of Arshavin out on the wing and expect him to earn his salary and apart from buying another bunch of kids and a Frenchman who cannot help but get himself sent off in his first game (sounds familiar…and familiar…and familiar!!!) we have RVP, another constant injury worry, Theo who cannot seem to get a game up front no matter how obvious it is to the entire world that is his best position, Chamakh who is simply nowhere near good enough to play for the Arsenal and Bendtner who, shock of the day, came off the bench to play on the wing AGAIN!
Ok, i have wailed on for long enough…
Let me put it simply…
When we are without Djourou, Gibbs and Rosicky (all as injury prone as any players I can remember in all my years of supporting the Mighty Gunners), Song who spends far too much time being stupid to not spend vast amounts of the season suspended and their replacements are Miquel, Jenkinson, Nasri and Frimpong we are in big BIG trouble.
In reality, we need players who get in the team AHEAD of the likes of Djourou, Gibbs, Rosicky, Song and Frimpong (and others who will no doubt play predictably badly enough this season to required summary execution in the centre circle at half-time whilst Wenger’s post match conference will talk about how there aren’t any better players out there) not worry about who will replace them when they are, AS USUAL, injured or suspended.
I love the club and I hate this team. I guess that is ok if you are content to settle for possible Europa League qualification or even if you don’t really care that much about the game. The trouble is, I, like so many others here and all over the world, find my entire day or sometimes even days affected for the worse by the general stress of being an Arsenal fan at the moment. Maybe I should do what I said at the end of last season and walk away from the game for a season or two (if they sell Fabregas for less than 40m was the “cutoff” point!), but we all know that is impossible and not to say impractical.
Seriously folks, we are in big trouble and we need at least 5 players to even think of getting out of it…Will Wenger buy anything like that many?
WILL HE ARSE!
This is going to be a painful, long and brutal season. I predict that Wenger will go at the end of it (and not right about now which would probably be best for all concerned), Nasri will go for free after agreeing a deal in January, we will lose to Udinese this week, we will fail to qualify for next season Champinos League altogether and will see RVP, Jack, Ramsey and others leave as soon as they can get out of the door.
Just doomin’ and gloomin’?!
I truly hope so. I just don’t think so.
LOOOOONG RANT OFF/
PiK & Lonestar – Cheers. It looked like a new star was born from where I was sitting. Frimpong has visibly grown in confidence just from the Udinese match until today. His Adams-esque gesture to lift the team and the crowd after that mazy run and bullet shot that had Pee Pee scrabbling across his goal was the highlight of the match for me. Yes he’s raw and needs a quiet word on controlling himself but he has every chance to be as a big a teenage sensation as LJW, IMO.
Dr.C – It was real fun. Tabs, zico, ‘Holic and Ollie all very good company and en forme. We were all on the way to getting pished by the time I left @ 6PM. I think tabs and zico are off in search of TGLM tonight being foot loose and fancy free. I think we spotted them going past the Tollie at one point 😉
PS: No-one denies the significant issues that we’re facing right now, they’re plain for all to see. This is the time that supporters can make a massive difference to what happens on the field. Let’s see where we are at the end of the window having played Udinese again and Manure.
UTA!
First off, some very good posts from H2H above.
I was there today and will gladly share in the praise for the crowd. In the circumstances I thought we were great. Thank you very much from me and my sore throat.
H2H has written a good write up of proceedings above, and one from Slash too.
Individually, it was a bit of a mixed bag.
Woj, Sagna were excellent, and Jenkinson grew into a pretty amazing first start for a lad who was playing for Eastbourne Borough one year ago.
Vermaelen was simply different class – a magnificent performance.
Miquel did really well after a slightly nervy start.
Nasri was brilliant at times, and for a guy supposedly imminently about to move on, could not be faulted for effort one bit.
Consequently, he was very well treated by the fans. It will be a huge loss if he cannot be persuaded to stay.
Frimpong, again for a first start, grew from a nervy beginning into a performance that had you drooling to see him tearing up the place in one or two years time.
The others were average. RvP had absolutely no service and wasn’t helped even by Bendtner when he appeared in a possible last last last chance saloon. Our £52,000 per week, best striker in the world, still could not push himself into anything faster than an amble. Sorry mate, but it was poor.
Arshavin and Walcott, I am sorry to say, were not average.
They were both awful. Unaware of what was around them – neither of them able to beat his man, and constantly running into trouble and causing no threat whatsoever.
High hopes and pride at half time, turned to resigned defeat by full time, as the sqaud was once again found lack . . . . . . .
I hate to say this after a decimated squad put up a spirited display for the first half of the game, but the state of our squad at the moment is disgraceful.
As Arsene himslef said yesterday, ‘you can question my decisions, but you cannot question my loyalty’.
And neither do we. We all honestly recognise what he has done for the club, but the current state of affairs should never have been allowed to arise.
It is not fair on the fans. It is not fair on the players being asked to do jobs they are not ready for, without the necessary experience to look up to.
And it will be very sad if this current mess is what Arsene is remembered for.
It may not even be his fault, and he would be too loyal to say so anyway.
But come on Arsenal, this needs sorting, and fast, before the rest the potentially great players we have (TV5, Woj, Jack, RvP, Sagna – and even possibly the Frimpongs and Koscielnys) want away too.
Hi TS – didn’t make it to the Tollie with daughter in the rain. Trust you had a good one and a slightly less eventful journey home 😉
Winston, your analysi, my friend, is quite myopic … not at all up to the character of your namesake.
I had to stop reading your drivel about 3/4 down, because – well, you’ve lost the plot about as much as Wenger.
Trev, I hear you mate. Thanks for doing your part in the seats.
I repeat what I said earlier, this sad state of affairs must lie squarely at Wenger’s and the Board’s feet.
You couldn’t have gotten the club in this bad a state unless you were trying to do so…if the club’s shares were publicly traded, I’d believe the board were shorting…
For once I’m optimistic and no bugger even notices 🙁
Lonestar – being a people person and definitely not a finance person, I’m not entirely sure what ‘shorting’ is.
I could, howaever, well believe that they are ‘snorting’, if they can’t see the mess that has developed here. Please keep an extra vigilant watch on that CMC 😉
Sorry draped –
agree with you actually. We were saying in the stadium at half time, that whatever the result, they had shown some real fight, and that has to be a good place to start.
Then luck took it’s turn and, at the moment, if it wasn’t for bad luck we wouldn’t have any luck at all.
I thought the crowd got behind the team today, a really good atmosphere. There were some positives as others have spoken of, but we still desperately need to SSFM.
Trev
I’m normally the first to consider suicide when watching our matches lately, but today was not one of those times, those lads were bloody immense and I’d rather have a Frimpong getting occasional reds than a whole squad with no fight, They did us proud today and like you say without bad luck we’d be stuffed for any bloody luck, Seriously it is kind of funny 😉
Winstons Myth
Quite a rant from someone who didn’t even watch the game.
Cheers for slating half the team. I think you’ll find that one or two of those you heap scorn on today actually did turn up, which is evidently more than can be said for you.
I cannot see any point in attacking the likes of Jenkinson and Frimpong off the back of their performances today. They were making their full debuts, they worked hard and they showed promise.
There are things wrong at the club, but none of them will be solved by calling a promising teenager “thick as shit” or by asking “how good did Enrique look today” when you didn’t even watch the match. From where I was sat he looked bang average by the way – no better than Clichy was and painfully right footed, which is always a great asset in a left back.
Clearly, there are issues at the club right now, but we’re three games deep in the new season and so far we’ve lost one, drawn won and won one. It ain’t great and the squad looks thin, but it’s not the apocalypse either, so do try to nut up a bit.
Apologies for the rant, I hate to argue with a fellow gooner. I suspect we all need some cheering up this evening, so try to track down the shot Frimpong had late in the first half and his subsequent efforts to gee up the team/crowd and have a drink on me.
Well said N 7 – pint on Lars’ tab, sir 😉
So proud of the lads yet so disappointed that they’ve been called upon to save the day.
Our squad shouldn’t be THIS thin.
Aye aye n7 well said!
Totally agree with Lonestar, we take the piss out of out the Scousers with the old ‘calm down calm down’ but it’s us lot that need to CALM THE FUCK DOWN.
If I think about what’s pissed me off the most the last couple of seasons it’s been a lack of desire and mental strength by young men earning a couple of million quid a year. Denilson jogging in reverse gear watching Shrek streak past him to score – great example.
My first full season going to Highbury we finished mid-table and were flirting with relegation. Morrow, Hillier, McGoldrick, fuck me they were shit but they TRIED. I think with the exception of AA – and I agree with all of his harshest critics on here today – our boys really tried today, as they did with Udinese. Sagna on the left, Jenkinson on the right, they put everything into it today.
SSFM…ok…but how much M have the Scousers just FS? In Henderson, Downing and Carroll they’ve spunked about seventy million quid.
Now am I happy with the way we have(n’t) conducted our biz so far? No
of course not. But fuck me people it ain’t THAT bad…seriously…
Cannot fault (most) of the players today but…
It feels like we are now witnessing the end of the Wenger era.
Question is, will he jump before he’s pushed?
Oh and for those people discussing vodka shots, it’s 5pm in NYC so I am at this very moment enjoying a Karlsson’s Gold with a touch of cracked black pepper in it. Best vodka on earth.
Up the Arse!
Doubt he’ll jump. If he does go, who could come in and replace him? Ancelotti and Benitez are available, but would they do any better than Arsene?
I wish he would stop coming out with the sort of stuff he came out with today when asked whether he will now invest in the squad, it’s getting beyond a joke now:
“You can spend money and have a bad team”
Seriously some people really really need to chill out a bit.
The issues are well documented and glaringly obvious. I’m sure we all hope they will be fixed soon. We should get worked up when they are definitely NOT fixed, but not before.
Anyone whose heart did not soar today at the sight of our committed young debutants (and Nasri) playing their socks off needs to sit down, take a very deep breath and pour themselves a massive drink. And think again.
And if that’s not working, hey, look over there – some lovely kittens, aah, aren’t they lovely:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-gKfYy5wWc&playnext=1&list=PLF8E23204351FDBD6
Still not feeling better? No? Then try this:
http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/sport/sport-headlines/adebayor-to-repay-arsenal-by-signing-for-spurs-201108184212/
It’s ONE game out of 38. We were playing against a stinky, bin-dipping wall of frankly hysterical transfer spending (who, for all it cost ‘em, were mostly looking seriously average), with 8 of our squad injured or suspended. And if we’d been a bit luckier, we’d have got a point.
Fully admit that a fat pile of cash in the bank cannot score a goal. But at least we have some cash.
Life could be so very much worse.
@the beast 217
No idea who would replace him. Guess if he’s being pushed they’ll wait until next summer.
But you are correct, he’s becoming increasingly more and more part of the lunatic fringe every time he opens his mouth. Full of contradictions and stubbornly refusing change his approach.
Cheers, NewYorkG.
CALM DOWN. CALM Down. Calm Down. calm down.
Barca must be destroyed.
That is all.
NYG
I think I know where you are coming from unfortunately some can not see past their front doors sitting comfortably in their lounges it seems ok to do so!
Cam someone please pinpoint positives from this game? And at the same time enlighten me ???
Snowy have been overdoing the cabinet?
how come there is no one here on a bad afternoon, evening?
Okay people, it’s late, I am on my smart arse phone, and I have had FAR too much to drink, but really, some people are having a go at Frimpong?
Amazing…..
Helloooooooooooooooo???????????????
zico
Never a go at Frimpong why tell me why ? He did very well I thought but certain individuals are crazy!
Ok maybe isn’t late….but I did have my first drink at 11am 😉
Zico i have had loads my self but its BLOODY ARSENAL
TS @ 200 – tabs (and Wolfgang) was left to his own “devices” 😀
Holic – hope you made your train 😉
Hey Arthur, chill mate, leagues aint won in August 😉
There’s lots to be positiv about, not least the Brunette currently serving….
AtG, for a positive spin, try my post, supra at 192.
Barca must be destroyed.
Trev @ 206, by using “shorting,” I am referring to “short sellers.”
Folks who bet on a stock’s decline, and sometimes make sure the decline is manefest.
Barca must be destroyed.
Zico too right…..
It aint a sprint for sure! Chin up I suppose Gonner 4 life!
On the other hand I don’t share the same thoughts Dr Z?
Up and away we go……..
WHERE DOES IT TAKES US ONLY ZICO KNOWS………
Is Izicoinexile broadcasting live from the Tollie?
I seriously love Frimpong and he seems one of those Woj types (who had a debut against UTD at Old Trafford) – Nothing fazes him.
He was by far the MOM till he got sent off.
But(!), aren’t you worried that in 180 minutes we never looked like scoring?
AtG @ 223 – always! I like to think of it as part of my job really…
As for the positives – well, there are many posts above that describe in full, but for me the highlights were:
Frimpong: was absolutely great. Am sad a bit of over-enthusiasm got in the way and got him the boot, but from where I was sat he was really getting stuck in, time after time, and I absolutely love his commitment. And his skill on the ball too. If he were 6 inches taller and could stare opponents into a coma, people would be calling him the new Vieira. But there is still time for that to happen (apart from the growing taller obviously…)
Jenkinson: Nervy start but the boy done good. Looks solid, nice awareness, and very accurate passes for the most part. Liked the fact he doesn’t try anything too fancy. Very early for him but considering he’s had no experience of the premier league I was impressed he didn’t brick himself in what was probably a big pressure game for him.
Miquel: looks very mature and was a BIG surprise for me today. Looked like he was getting in the way of their play a lot. It was an early pressure substitution and I think he acquitted himself very well indeed.
TV and Wozzer: were both just immense. There was one LOVELY save in the first half from the Wozzmeister and I thought TV was pretty much faultless the whole game. Could be almost like a new signing. 😉
These guys really held it together and until Frimpong was sent off I thought the bin-dippers really didn’t get much of a game of it, and a point was in the bag.
Considering we’ve pretty much all been bemoaning our defensive frailties, they did a grand job. Would still like at least one reinforcement this transfer window if only to cope with potential injuries, but they did really well.
And Nasri – for all I have berated you – I am so glad you turned up today because you were pretty much the only one from the class of 2010 that did. Maybe you do have some class after all – just get rid of the crook that is your agent and I’ll be properly happy.
Anyway – surely it’s time for more videos of kittens or something??? I need to be in a happy place, heck we all do, so a round of Guinnesses with some added kitten video chasers for all please barkeep 🙂
LG
Good reflection indeed… that is why i come here all the time…as for our team………
Seeing is believing……
Ok many beers later and I still love. Arsenal. Frimpong is the future.loved the heart shown today
Snowy
I have seen the game myself and I have also seen what happened to us…………..WE LOST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
to add at home as well….
now I have had few drinks in me now but I still truly believe we will struggle against Swansea ane the rest just remember what I said just now!
We should have created more against such a weak team.
AtG @ 239 – I know we lost and I hate that. But you did ask for positives, and until Frimpong was sent off I really didn’t think we would lose. Least of all on what the video evidence turns out to be two dodgy goals.
I won’t go into the negatives because there aren’t enough kitten videos on YouTube to revive me from that if I dwell on it… 🙂
Anyway, I stand by my belief that the youngsters did a good job. They were certainly better than I was expecting, very mature in a pressure game even if it was at home. I’m looking forward to more good things from them (and something better from the senior members of the squad as well).
Snowy – I agree completely that our youngsters made us proud, but (!) don’t you think it’s a problem that we haven’t created enough in the 3 matches we played so far?
We never looked like scoring today (and you know what I mean, RvP’s shot doesn’t mean we looked like scoring, when we look like scoring we glide through the pitch threatening on every attack), at Newcastle or against Udinese (apart from Theo’s goal and chance, and again 2 chances a game is not Arsenal football).
Something must change. Be it a change in formation, personnel or whatever needs to be done, but something HAS to change.
Snir a pint for you my friend!
I’m pretty gutted about the result, specially for the youngsters who I thought were magnificent. On the other hand the crowd was simply exceptional from start to finish. It felt really good, like our club is back. Maybe a tough patch behind a give-it-all team is what we need after all.
The front 3 were very poor but rather than faulting the players (Arshavin was dreadful in particular but he ran more than I remember him ever doing) I really agree that we should revert to whatever the modern form of 442 is called. We move to 433 to accommodate TH14 then Cesc and yes the style is easier on the eyes but we need 2 strikers, one alone, however good he is, won’t do the job.
Holics
This is the last place I will look for knocking my own team down…
Now for the positives despite the young lads?
Yes they did well all of THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Did we loose the game? Yes we did. Why is that?
Because we had teenagers in the EPL fixture and who’s fault is that?
Sure Holic and TS are the ones to blame now right?
Apologies…. Holic and TS ……
I was only testing the crowd 🙂
Matt – I agree.
I’m gonna say something unconventional here but I really think that if Jack can curb his defensive instinct a bit he’ll be great for DB’s role.
That way AW can get 2 DM’s in Song and Frimpong/M’vila to act like PV and Gilberto Silva and beef up the midfield with 2 strong DM’s and two wingers to support the fullbacks.
I don’t really see anyone (!) in this squad that can make chances apart from Jack and if it means we need to change the formation to have more strength in the middle of the park, so be it.
If it means giving Jack the DB role, so be it. Not a lot of people thought Cesc can play in the Cesc role before AW made that change, he used to play a lot deeper and it worked.
Jack would thrive in the DB role (as opposed to the Cesc role which is a role that helps the defense more cause the wingers are much more high up the pitch).
ATG – Cheers mate, I’ll have what you’re having.
#244 Matt “it felt really good, like our club is back”.
Now I wasn’t at the game but watching both today and against Udinese from afar, it just felt that the bloody-minded goonerishness I used to love before I left London seemed to be back. Ooh to be etc…
I can take us losing all day long so long as the team give 200%.
Up the Arse!
Snir @ 242 – yep I definitely think it’s a big big problem. Somehow we’ve gone from being the masters of midfield last term (even in the games without Cesc) to the creators of zilch. We most certainly didn’t look very much like scoring today (apart from that great effort from Frimpong – did I mention I thought the youngsters were good today 😉 ) or at Newcastle.
Since we know RvP has goals in him, I can only assume the biggest issue was that service was weak at best and non-existent at worst, because we really didn’t control midfield in the way we have been able to in the past.
I love Ramsey to bits, but I do wonder that without LJW with him, he looks a bit overwhelmed??
And I thought Theo had a seriously poor game today. Wherever his and Chamack’s mojos are hiding I really want them to be found.
I might be being unfair, because now I think about it there were a couple of breaks today that looked a bit tasty but they fizzled.
I started the close season thinking all we needed was to bolster defence and replace Cesc and/or Nasri. Now I’m wondering whether the loss of Cesc leaves a bigger hole that I thought it would, and we should focus the more limited resources we have than our skanky rivals on that.
Snowy – My 247 is my response to your 249.
We CAN’T find a replacement for Cesc so we need to change the formation which was built for him. If we don’t create as much, the best solution is to limit the other team’s chances as well so 2 DM’s would help with that and let Jack have the attacking burden on him (and no, I don’t think it’s too much for him, he is by far the best midfielder in the country).
>>>>>>>>>>>>> new post.
Snir @ 250 – yes – if there were a better or even equivalent Cesc than Cesc, Barca would already have had whoever that was, so in effect the man is irreplaceable as things currently stand. And I don’t know if it’s feasible to create a Cesc v 2.0 from Jack or anyone else, because if it were that easy everyone would be trying to do it, and I don’t think they are.
Jack in a DB role with Song/Frimpong playing PV/GS roles – I confess I really don’t know…Snir it’s too late for those kinds of questions – it’s been a long and emotional day here in London !!!!
amazing. “we all gave 200%”. er, we didn’t aa, th, rvp were all clueless and nowhere to be seen at leats in terms of impact on the game. it has come to something that we were pleased with a debut because he passed well – he (cj) is a professional footballer ffs.
and as for “we lost because we had teenagers in epl” – isn’t this the sort of thing we pride ourselves on. lets see how old the united team is tomorrow night. wee lost because a number of the team don’t play as a team and some of these and the rest just haven’t got the quality. can we stop screaming for TH to be played through the middle, or anywhere a all. he has been with us for 6 years and has one flash every 20 games or so – the rest is just preening, look at me the bpy wonder, running down blind alleys mediocrity. and finally, someone now wants nb52 to be played for longer !!
instead of saying how well we did considering, why aren’t we asking how we ever got in this position. AW is myopic and arrogant. that is why. making rvp – a fine fine player – captain says it all. is this the mean you would look to . yesterday says it all
Ok, ok…
I have calmed down!
Still think that we are a mile away fom anthing like a top four squad and still think that players getting needless red cards for needless challenges when the squad is already at its bares bones represents “thick” behaviour, but, well, there you go.
As for getting to the match, hard from PERU! Bit of a trek!!!!!
Will be watching the transfer news very closely this week and I hope that there is some much more encouraging news.
Thanks for “calming me down”!