An Air Of Expectation
Aug 15th, 2014 by 'holic
Knocking on a wee bit I may be, but there is something about the start of this season that has me regressing, and in a good way. When was the last time the buzz was this strong? I cannot honestly say but it is most certainly what some would label ‘a while’.
A World Cup summer means there hasn’t been much of a break for the best players, or indeed the best clubs. Yet in that time Arsenal have done some excellent business and although we are probably in need of another couple of additions to strengthen our title claims further there is a look of quality and depth in the squad. If you haven’t already you can hear more of my thoughts on this week’s excellent Arsecast, which also features the always chatty and excellent Philippe Auclair.
That Laurent Koscielny is expected to be fit has eased the only nagging doubt about the starting eleven for the visit of Crystal Palace. With Per Mertesacker and his World Cup winning colleagues ruled out it is important that the Kos is able to line up alongside Calum Chambers in the heart of the defence.
Trickiest selection headache for Arsene is in midfield. Even without Mesut Ozil there is some real quality fighting for essentially three places. I would imagine if all are fit then Arsene will go with the Community Shield winning trio of Mikel Arteta holding, Aaron Ramsey from box to box, and Jack Wilshire at the pointed end.
Rambo aside, I am most looking forward to see a likely starting attacking trio of Alexis Sanchez, Olivier Giroud, and Santi Cazorla. There is a potentially amazing blend of pace, trickery, and strength in that combination. Of course Alexis has to get used to his new team mates but there were signs at Wembley last week that we have a really hardworking talent who will support Mathieu Debuchy as well as pose defenders serious problems when we are going forward.
What sort of state Palace arrive in is anyones guess. The eleventh hour departure of Tony Pulis could work both ways. Most of the preparation will have been done by Thursday night, and it may dawn on the visitors that they are now auditioning for a new gaffer. Similarly they may feel rudderless. Think what you will of Pulis, and I will never forget him for his behaviour post Rambo’s broken leg and subsequently, he performed something of a miracle keeping Palace up last season. As Liverpool discovered, hilariously to many, the South Londoners were no pushover come the end of the season.
The first ‘holic pound of the new season (I don’t count Rambo to score last week. It was inevitable) is punted on a positive outcome, not surprisingly to you I’m sure. Our recent history on opening day isn’t good, I know, but I am going for a complete reversal of that trend. To get any value at all I’m on 5-0 to the Gunners at 28/1. That’s more than double the ludicrously short odds on winning 4 or less to nil.
To those who are going it looks as though the forecast is for a warm and sunny August Saturday afternoon. Perfect for lazing in the pub garden with a half pint or two of something refreshing beforehand. I’ll see some of you there. The first day of any seaon always starts with a great sense of expectation. It doesn’t always end so but there is something in the air, a better atmosphere it seems. Let’s get of to a flier and maintain that positivity.
A reminder for Fantasy League enthusiasts The Goonerholic FPL has now been set up for the coming season, so please feel free to join us for a bit of fun at http://fantasy.premierleague.com. The code for joining the league is 1429286-330554.
Have a good one ‘holics.
254 Responses to “An Air Of Expectation”
Evening all
The man! π
Holic
Lovely preview. 3-0 to us is my guess
I posted this to Joe and the other commenters just after the cut- off
Enjoy tomorrow Gooners!
Joe
My daughter got married on the day of the first game at the Emirates against Villaβ¦β¦.to a Tottenham fan. There was a sweepstake on how many anti Tottenham jokes I made in my speech. Nobody got as high as fifteen which was the actual total. One a minute.
I felt I had to be there particularly as I paid for it.
I was invited to a wedding on the day we played Leeds I the Final in 1972. I turned it down saying I was buying an engagement ring. Expensive way of excusing yourself from a wedding! I never got a ticket either .
Good luck Joe you will be there in spirit!
Not worth posting before reading fro Fourth place.
Oh yes it is.
COYG
Like a tropheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Oh bum
Nice one Holic.
Will be in the Elizabethan in body but the Tollington in spirit.
Coast to a 3 nil lead within the hour and then get the subs on!
Hey boys and ghouls, are you ready to raise the dead?
Fine preview, Guvna. Looking forward to a nice day out.
COYGs
Looks like a good decision to post-before-reading. Sorry Baff.
Nice preview Guvnor, I share your optimism for the season to come and for tomorrow’s result, but I’m not as gung ho about the score. A nice, uneventful, 2-0 will be enough for me.
COYG
It is very rainy here in deepest Shropshire. Rust on the Zimmer and difficult to get the incontinence pants dry, nearly lost them in the long grass when a sharp gust of wind caught them. Just thought you would like to know. Looking forward to tomorrow and another season of massive excitement. I have a dream…
Hi Holic and Everyone,
Whats the code of GoonerHolc fantasy premier league?
i wish to join it.
Thanks.
*sighs* and so it begins again… The Long Road to Victory. Common You Gooners!!!
Hello to everyone and especially Goonerholic.
I’ve been reading this blog for ten years. This is the first time I’ve posted. I’ll have to start by thanking the man himself for creating and maintaining by far my favourite Arsenal site. As much as regular drinkers will sometimes remind you how much this place is loved it is worth remembering all those people out there who do not contribute but for whom this place feels like online home for Arsenal- there are a lot of Silent Stans out there who appreciate this place like no other. Thankyou Guv’nor.
To the rest of you- same goes really… Even when there is no new post I will come here and read every comment and check out all the linked articles and generally revel in the quality and spirit of the debate and the class of the people conducting it. Too many of you to start naming names but there are many here now and over the years who have enriched my life and my support of Arsenal in both good times and bad. So, again, thankyou all.
On the eve of the new season I am extremely positive about what lies ahead. We have been working on something big at this club for over a decade now. I think it will be as many years again before we are truly able to assess and contextualise the scale of the achievement. It has not been easy but with last year’s FA Cup and the signings of Ozil and Sanchez we are on target to put ourselves back at the top-tier of modern football, having safeguarded the future of the club, and I expect us to remain there for a long, long time.
We may win everything this year- we may win nothing but football is cyclical and as we wind down the last cycle I look forwards with passion and pride to the adventures this new cycle offers the club and ,by extension, all of us. It will be an honour, a privilege and a pleasure to see this one through with all the wonderful arsenal fans who congregate here.
So, please fasten your seatbelts, hold on tight and remember- the louder you scream the faster we’ll go…
Great post to break your duck Goonersaurus’ Stunt Double.
Here’s hoping you’re right. Know what? You just might be.
COYG
So called arsenal blogs such as this joined the media attack on arsenal the last years rather than fight back arsenal can now do without
GSD.
Strong post. Welcome to the bar.
A round on my tab, if you please.
Is it rocks? Or bacon? Perhaps it is little children…
Does anyone actually know what trolls eat?
@ Pangloss, thankyou and I certainly hope so. You are undoubtedly one of the too many to name whose posts I always enjoy- I might just start replying to some of them!
Relegation spot?
Didn’t really think you would be able to drink those four pints quite that fast, maestro. π
GSD. You are right on so many accounts. Just glad to have you here and glad to know that you can see that stuff as clearly as anybody.
Great preview H. I think you are spot on about expectation levels.
I must say that I’m with you on a big score, but I’m going for 6. If we come out all guns blazing then Palace could be like rabbits in the headlights.
For those at the TB I will be there in spirit. Enjoy the day.
DSD, welcome to the finest virtual bar in this or any other land. Auspicious first post. Don’t wait 10 years for the next.
‘Holic, I will be very content if the ‘Holic pound lands successfully. I suspect we’ll either squeak through with a nervous 1-0 or hit a hatful, and nothing in between. Hard to know which Palace will turn up. They will be playing for a temporary gaffer they know is leaving so it will be a faux audition for his replacement. Who knows what that will mean?
And props to the barman.
For another well put post, and propagating the most prolific pub.
Im tipping areteta for a monster season. Just a feeling. Subjective, irrational, and fairly iffy. If AW sorts he central defender situation, then look out.
Football starts TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!
GSD. Welcome. Beer on the bar.
Will?????? I have no idea what you are on about.
And if only the metro had an ounce of credibility???
http://metro.co.uk/2014/08/15/arsenal-line-up-transfer-moves-for-edinson-cavani-marco-reus-and-sami-khedira-4833473/
Tim Sherwood, second favorite to be new Palace manager! They don’t deserve that.
Fine first post GSD. Welcome to the bar. Look forward to more. Highland Park 18yo on the bar for you.
Ned. DSD???????
You spend too much time looking at stats. You should concentrate on the letters a bit more???
π
When Goonerholic and Steve T. predict 5-0 and 6-0 scores we have definite proof the world is ending. π
And to echo some of the sentiment of GSD’s post:
Major shout out to the denizens of the pub. Even the ones with whom i disagree. All valuable contributors and i cherish the fact that the barman lets me in the front door.
Virtual bar. Real friends.
Cheers all. Heres to a great season.
My fav bottle of Tully – on the bar.
Thanks for all the rounds everyone. I do feel like I’m mixing my drinks a bit though. After all that beer the Highland Park could’ve been Bell’s for all I knew. Much more of this and I’ll be joining in with the outrageous predictions.
I think I’d better stick with 3-0 to the Arsenal (Sanogo hat-trick, of course (wink))
The season starts now with the Guv’nor’s first preview – full of optimism of good times to come. A truly realistic appraisal un-tainted by the pre-view pints. The squad is undoubtedly stronger than this time last year and hopefully with 1 or 2 more to close the gaps that still remain.
With no Antony Taylor to spoil the show on Saturday, I think a 3-0 victory will leave us all with a lasting smile.
Lovely first drink GSD, hope you are still standing after all the drinks put on the bar for you and look forward to regular posts from you in the future.
To all the regulars, look forward to reading the best quality comments to be found on anywhere and most of all to ‘holic for running this fine establishment and all that entails.
Steve T @ 25…..I’ll have some of what they are smoking π Have a great holiday.
To all those congregating under the Tolly Brolly, I’m green with envy – have a great drink or 2 or…..
PS, h2h – don’t forget to set the alarm π
GSD – excellent first post. A taxi ride home for you after all those drinks!
NBN – Sherwood to Palace has a certain symmetry to it as I’m predicting Pubis to replace Pochettino sometime in December…
Lot’s of optimism here today/tonight. Hoping Arsene carried the hand brake to Brazil and left it on a beach. I’m going with 4-0 with a Rambo brace, a tap in for Giroud, and a stunning volley for the new guy, Alexis.
Gunnersaurus Stunt Double,
A kind and humbling first post, sir.
Don’t be a stranger in this strangest of places !
Nice post, Holic – here we go again ! π
ECG – have to think that Pubis must be licking his chops and is in line to take over from FatSam the Hutt at Upton Park. Rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic as it sails to Olympic Park.
Speaking of Olympic Park: given Hammers supporters favorite song, wouldn’t that be an appropriate site for the Michael Jackson statue?
So… Basically GSD said everything I would have said. Dear patrons, thank you all for all your opinions over the years. Thank you as well holic for running such a fine establishment.
One of my rituals before every Arsenal game is to come here, read the post and then the drinks. Then I like to return the next day and read what was said during the game and afterwards. Then I wait and wait for Holic to post again.
I never leave a post, but maybe it is because of english not being my native tongue. I will try more often this time and trow my hat into the ring.
I have a funny feeling this season that everything might just click….. I hope that feeling remains in til spring. Cheers all. Come on you rip roaring reds. 3-0 to the Arsenal, Alexis with his first.
Glass half full – Welcome and excellent post! Your English seems as good, if not better, than most in this splendid bar, especially those holics from up North. π
Bayonne – Using “Pubis” “liking his chops” and “FatSam” all in one sentence!?!? Thanks for ruining my dinner! π
GHF. It is great to hear from you too, in your perfect English. Don’t be a stranger. π
Gunnersaurus Stunt Double , an excellent first post. A glass of 2005 Chateau Lascombes Margaux for you. This is the best football blog — not just Arsenal — out there. We are doubly privileged: to support the best team in the world and to be welcome in the best football establishment in the virtual world.
GHF : a glass of that excellent Bordeaux (@39) for you as well. There are many in this site — including myself — who didn’t say their first words in English.
A relentless thumping would be a great start to the campaign, however I think the team will draw back a bit in the shell if early goals are scored and there will be some precautionary rotations. The CL qualifiers have always seen us triumph, but Arsene would definitely like to start with as fresh a first eleven he can in a couple of days time in Istanbul.
That said, it is not inconceivable that the second string — Campbell and Sanogo, particularly — take the opportunity to make their cases and score a few in their sub appearances. That would be the best outcome: a thumping with significant contributions from the bench.
Per retires from international football: http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28813330 .
A great career for Germany, 100+ caps and a World Cup medal.
“The World Cup in Brazil was a golden conclusion,” Mertesacker said. He added in an interview to be published on Saturday that he “wanted to be the one to determine the end of this chapter”.
Finally,
“I want to win the league with Arsenal and also take a shot at the Champions League,” he said.
…
So we will now have both our captain and vice-captain untroubled by the busy and bizarre international schedule.
On the plane. ..
London here I come. π
Very Insightful article :-
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140815/wenger-world-cup-could-be-a-leveller
βIf you don’t give players enough holiday or enough build-up in their preparation and play them straight away, they get injured.
βIn Fifaβs rules you have to give four weeksβ holiday to the players,β he said.
#43, thanks for the link. Even more reason to think Wenger will name the same side that played City last week. I expect Sanogo to start over Giroud. He doesn’t look fit yet to start.
COYR’s.
Hello holics,
Excitement is definitely in the air as the new season begins. It just feels different this time around. I cannot wait to see Alexis blend with Rambo, Santi, Ozil, Jack and Giroud. That’s a tasty looking attacking line up
Add Theo, Poldi, Chambo, Campbell and Sanogo. That is some serious depth there
However I still think we are missing a striker of caliber up front. Against smaller teams we will come through, but against the bigger teams the test will be really tough. Especially there will only be a couple of goal scoring opportunities in these kind of fixtures, and only the most talented of players grab them
Anyway, I hope we get off to a good start in the league
A drink to start the season
Cheers
GSD and GHF, welcome and thank you. Very humbling. It’s the lot posting around you who make this place.
Cheers all.
They will run, run, run. They will play, play, play. We will sing, sing, sing. We wil shout, shout, shout…
2 cans of Red Bull for you GSD. You might need it when you get tired from all the drinking. Bur calm down people. You know as Arsenal fans, there’s always scepticism for optimism. Or maybe its just me. We didn’t see that Villa match coming did we?. We’re all up for this one gooners. 3-1 to the gunners. Common GOons. Let the blood start flowing…
Welcome to the new holics, fine debut posts gents.
Yep, I’m in town, on the tube, Holloway bound.
EXCITED.
Morning all,
Good stuff H2H !
None of my money going on it but I’m with the 5-0 win. This season feels GOOD ! π
most buzzing indeed, excited as hell for the day and the season. I’ve got family to take to the airport at the very wrong time, and so will be on media lockdown until Saturday evening, local time. COYR!!
gsd and ghf, welcome.
slipped in to you ropey just now, too. enjoy the game and the day, pints of aecht schlenkerla or London pride on the bar for all who’d like.
Optimism is going at an all time high here! Can we blame anyone?!
It feels good and thus it is!
We’re better set up to have a good run for as long as i care to remember! Come on let’s show them how it’s done!
Icing on the cake would be Fabianski keeps a clean sheet against Man U and Bony gets a brace in addition to us winning by a comfortable margin of course! (would have no complaints about 5-0!)
Lastly, the ever Mourinho, when asked if he felt under pressure to deliver, Mourinho replied: βWhy? Some managers have 10 years to win something.β
Says something that before we even start the dour one is feeling the heat and worried about us.
It does indeed have a special feel to it this season!
Have a good one everyone.
π
Loving the positivity here — even more so than usual! And I share it of course.
See that toad at the bus stop is up to his usual tricks, berating AW etc. — which is of course good to hear, he’s clocked us as a real contender this season.
Greek Gooner (or anyone else): I’m holidaying in Crete at the moment and would be grateful if you could let me know which Greek channel is showing the game.
I’ll be there with my son. My missus has even said that ‘now Arsenal are good again, she might even join us’!!! Something has most definitely changed….
Enjoy it everyone!
Did someone say new season – happy days let’s get it on, And welcome to all the new contributors to the best bar in town. I’m going 3-1 π Have a great day all.
Up The Arse.
Morning all.
Sunny day, classy new signings, new kit, new determination off the park, classy new drinkers in the bar, widespread optimism.
Let’s go Arsenal!
Smash up the Palace. The Sans Culottes and Decembrists had nothing on us!
Woke up early, excited and frightened at the same time. Thinking about starting 11, possible formations. Why he didnt bought a backup defender. Cant eat. Is Kos going to make it? If not, we have no height, they are going to kill us from corners. Hmmm, if they manage to get a corner that’s it. Because they won’t. We are going to smash them for sure! Early goal is crucial. But, what if they score first, we are doomed…. No we are not ffs, Arsene knows… he just knows…off to have some proper breakfast.
Arsenal first day of the season. Yuppieeeeee!!!!!!
GSD and GHF, lovely introductions to the bar. Thank you both.
All you guys …. just wanted to understand why nearly all and sundry think Chelsea will win PL … think we have bought very well and except hot the CB position, we are well covered in all other positions … am I missing anything here wrt to Chelsea squad
First one in the Tollie….
What do I win?
π
AL, it’s the safe prediction. They threw it away last season and would have finished higher and probably won it with a reliable striker. The pundits all think Costa is the answer to that problem. Maureen has a track record of winning.
Meanwhile we now have a reputation of being unable to sustain a challenge and $hitteh, despite the expenditure, are still regarded as flaky.
Chav$ki will definitely be one of the teams we have to beat this season if we are going to win the thing.
Pint of Guinness, H2H….incoming around 3pm.
howdy
its a two flask day today
no homemade
nope
top shelf
wet and windy too
the weathers bad as well
π
can’t fuckin wait
now
come on de fuck fellas
ordered a poundin’
it’s a poundin’ i’m wantin’
have a goodun everyone
now
COME ON YOU RIP ROARIN’!!!!!!!!!!!!
YEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Come on, Fabianski, you silly old bugger!
BG …. nothing will give me more pleasure than spanking” the special whatever ” , even more so ifwe can do that at the stupid bridge – any takers !!!!
Hello, everyone.
A warm welcome to the new drinkers.
Too excited to think straight.
Up The Arse!
Niklas Bendtner has gone to Wolfsburg, which is interesting only because they used to have a coach called Wolfgang Wolf.
That could be the only manager-club name relationship to outdo
Arsenal Wenger !
FACT !!
Get In! YEahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Swansea 1 up!
ManUre 0-1 !!! π
Hehe Trev,
Different way to say it but same results π
YES!
Would that be a van Hole in the defence ? π
luis van woman aka moyes 2.0…bweheheheh
If this carries on, it’ll be all ‘balls’ at half-time. π
May i remind those who have forgotten : http://www.espnfc.com/story/875555/luca-toni-bayern-boss-louis-van-gaal-showed-us-his-balls
It seems some players are still scarred by it… π
Yannited all at sea against Swansea under their 3rd manager since Ferguson retired a few short months ago. As a matter of fact if you look at the bench they have a brain trust comprised of Giggs and Van Gall but the team’s performance in the first half closely resembled their performances under Moyes.
Hi everyone.
Holic, Lovely preview, very fitting. I see you have strengthened your own squad HERE, with 2 new holics π Good to have you fellas on our team xx
2-1 Swansea!
ManUre surely continuing from where they stopped last season. Happy days.
Frank, when they showed Van Gaal’s expression after Swansea’s 1st goal, I thought of ‘arry. Happy days, indeed! But Harry muttered, too. Sort of cuddly, in an odd way. π
Abb, I am not watching the match live.
But I can imagine why your thoughts went to ‘arry, for, save the Otter head, you could say there is a resemblance between van Haal and the Auld Twitch.
Agent Fabianski has taken down United, good work!
Frank βΊ
Excellent start! Man U 1 Swansea 2 π
HAHAHHA!
Happy Times!
π
Yannited bottom of the table. Long may it continue.
Soon to be calls around Old Trafford to bring back Moyes.
If i am not mistaken, it’s the Swans first ever win at old T..
Van Gaaaaaaaa…. picking up where Moyes left.
Setting Records on the very first match!
π
Now the trolley dash begins in Manchester.
Glad to have you in fine form for the new season Holic, you are right – we have every reason to feel positive for the coming season.
Hello again fellow drinkers
Starting to get nervous again – if Van de Gullible can allow his wunnerful team to start so well (I didn’t mention AV last season did I), then what can we expect the best from a headless Palace
COYG
Btw I recommend wiziwig.tv as a good starting point for all stream-seekers like me
What a goal by McGeady. Good lord.
Am not watching it live but Leicester have equalized!
Exciting season it will be!
Come on Arsene sign a CB and then move Chambers to DM and we’re set to go! The other teams are just finding their range and we have pretty much kept our main core intact!
π
The day is getting even better. Red card Tots
Noble you dick
Dignified crowd forming at the bar …. π
Re: Abb @76. Interesting to see you didn’t include Steve Bruce in the candidates for most cuddly manager. π
8ball, You are a mind reader! When I saw Steve in the tunnel, felt the urge to give him a hug π
Lucky lucky Spuds…
Still another half to go though.
Abb. I wasn’t really thinking you would but each to her own. π
Before the moment passes, well done to Swansea!
Sticks out a gangly leg, a la Mertesacker, nicking it from their forward and plays a simple ball into midfield…
Picks up the ball from midfield, dribbles pass two players ala Alexis, trips but still manages to cross it into the box..
Had a great time seeing and speaking to the ‘holics in the Tollie via Skype just moments ago. I’m proper buzzing for our game to start. Up the Arse.
Well in Cent. A natural finisher- it sometimes looks like you’re not even trying…
Anyone know what’s going on with Jenks? He’s not even on the bench.
Up The Arse indeed!
Well in Cent!
Great lay off there GSD!
It’s going to be a great season, me feels it in ze bones!
π
Oh and the atmosphere in the Tollie is crazy.
Loaned to West Ham Saurus
Thanks gents, it’s easy to score goals when you have great teammates behind you.
Jenko picked up a little injury in his first game for Fat Sam’s Mob.
Always good when a new signing fits right into the beautiful attacking style favoured by the Guv…
Let’s just hope it’s not beginner’s luck.
Afternoon everybody!
Here’s to a great start into a promising new season π
Going to town to watch in the pub so have a good one and see you later.
And it’s Aarseenaaaal, Arsenal FC…..
Cheers Cent.
I knew he’d gone Datsyuk- I was just looking forwards to his celebration after the winning goal against the Spuds deflected in off his arse!
Oh well, do you think anyone will take that bet for the return fixture?
Heading to the pub to watch the match. Breakfast beers all around for those on the west coast!
COYG!!!
Trust Fat Sam to mess things up…
West Ham 0-0 Tottenham
A supporter runs onto the pitch and takes the free-kick! You shouldn’t laugh, but you have to. His effort is actually better than Christian Eriksen’s eventual shot.
—–
The masses are fed up.. gotta take the kicks now too?!!
π
Arsenal team to play Palace: Szczesny, Debuchy, Koscielny, Chambers, Gibbs, Arteta, Wilshere, Ramsey, Alexis, Cazorla, Sanogo
Arsenal subs: Martinez, Monreal, Coquelin, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Campbell, Giroud
Getting ready to get my yayas out …
aww jaysus ‘ holics
balls aching excitement
one flask down
one manc down
palace cunts
fuckin ell
COME ON FELLAS !!!!!!!!!!
more tea vicar?
don’t mind if i do
wish i was there
THE ARSENAL
OHHH FUCKIN YESSSS!!!!!!!!!! π
HURRY UP HURRY THE FUCK UP
Sanogo to open his account today.
Fcuk.
Totally undeserved for Tots, but that’s football. Hate to say it but, Pochetino is a serious upgrade at the coaching position for them.
lurky, they will still find a way to bottle it…they always do.
enjoy the bar, folks, I’m on my way out in a few. GUNNERS!
H2H in the pub 5 hours before kick off??? Outstanding behaviour.
ABB@94. Very sweet of you. You can give me a hug anytime you want.
Sanogo starts? Are Palace really that shit???
Enjoy boys and girls. I’m off into Dijon to try and convince some bar that what they really want to watch is the Mighty Arsenal.
Oh, group selfie before some of you leave. On the count of 3! π
STFU Carra.. yer full of shite..!
Up The ARSE!
π
Cheers, Abb!
Goodluck, Steve T.
Decent first 11 for Palace. Its going to be a good game.
Come on Arsenal!
U P T H E A R S E N A L
Bloody WordPress substitues a single dpace for multiple spaces. I’ll have to go all cba
U P
T H E
A R S E N A L
COME ON!
Cheers Centy! Skype was a great idea. Good for you π
Their goalie is suspect.. have some shots at him!
COME ONNNNNN!
Bollocks!
Still can’t defend set pieces. Oh dear.
Fuck. Groundhogs day.
Here we go again … ?
Bullied all over the pitch. What a surprise.
Hard to know which team is playing without a Manager.
If we have more communication and less pedestrian passing, there is no reason we can’t trash them…
Get in
KOZZA!!!
Kosser!!!
Now, trash ’em please, lads…
Come on you reds!
Thank god for the boss.
I love this team… if the strikers don’t score, well a defender will just have to do it π
2nd half… throttle them!!
π
Alexis first assist?!?!
Disappointed with some things about 1st half.
We are not passing fast enough up front and Sanogo cant control passes received
Rule 1 – defending a corner – someone should be on the line – Bouldie out?
Its clear that Palace are tiring -COYReddddsss
Don’t like how Arteta- Wilshere-Ramsey is functioning. They might look good against teams that tends to play, but vs sides that defend with 2 banks of four we need a double pivot.
On other hand I like our new right side, Debuchy and Alexis will form a tremendous partnership, that I am certain of. Alexis didn’t have the best game so far, but he has plenty of creativity and interesting ideas. He will come good once he improves his language and understanding with other players.
Come on you gooners!
It’s in games like this Ozil subtle passes in-between the lines slowly kills our opponents.
Gibbs … ?
Hope no injury.
Theres nothing at all going down the left.
We look a little out of balance.
Hamstring, Homer, according to blogs.
Too nervous now. C’mon Arsenal!
It’s always like this with Cazorla to the left. I think we should put him in the middle, Wilshere out for the Ox or Campbell.
Oh no.
Thanks ab.
Speed and directness from Ox now aswell. Cazorla finding the pockets that Wilshere didn’t.
Grrrr.. time wasting !!!!
COME ON!!!!!!!
That cross by Monreal, what a beautiful curve it had to it …
we’ve got to win this .. come on guys!!
Get there!
Get the fuck in
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Frickin goal! WE WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GET IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
π
and that’s the WJ!
RAMSEY!!!
King Aaron!!!!!
FOCK YEEAHHHHH!
Yes!
Three precious points.
CHambers Brilliant!
Alexis is only at 70% but WOW already!
Ramsey carrying on where he left off.. Giroud is just too Physically imposing to leave out!
Brilliant hard fought result from a team that’s not firing on all cylinders yet!
NOw whose turn is it? Besiktas???!
Bring it on…just bring it on!
π
The clock is running on the first drink to complain that Palace are crap and we should have stuffed them by lots.
There’s only one thing wrong with that argument. Try to work out what it is.
Hint: Ask Louis van Gaal.
1 down 37 to go.
COYG
Aaron. Fooking. Ramsey.
Hells yeah!!!!!! N
So happy to say that Debuchy is a huge, huge signing and definitely an upgrade on Sagna.
Alexis was little nervous but he will be great, the quality is evident.
And Chambers is a masterstroke from Arsene, great talent and future Arsenal legend.
Now off to Turkey and another tough game, even more important than this one.
Anyone know if out german trio will be back for the Besiktas match?
With Gibbs in doubt, we definitely need some reinforcements!
Hard work that and i doubt we will pass the ball that badly or slowly again this season so a right nice touch grabbing all 3 points π
Now to get pissed and laugh at the Manc cunts
Up The Arse.
Lurky,
You’re right, the three signings are a masterstroke by Arsene!
I’d say give the team 2 more weeks before we can get some proper understanding and fitness out of them.
Today’s game wasn’t the best or anywhere near there but its evident that the longer they play the better they get!
Alexis-Oxil-Santi looks to be a good partnership. Wilshere will have to get quicker or release the ball faster, there’s definitely competition in the midfield now!
Good times are coming!
π
Tough tough game, impressed by our resilience. Gotta give credit to Palace, especially Chamakh ran his ass off.
Debuchy and Chambers are huge signings and Alexis, albeit bit rusty already has shown what a player he is going to be for us.
On the downside, this had to be one of the worst games for Santi in Arsenal shirt, nothing came off for him today, but that sort of thing happens and I am sure he is still going to play major part for us this year.
Sanchez was a total beast today!
He’s heading for great things here.
GT,
Yes he is! Excellent passes and brilliant control, methinks he got the assist too for Kos.
Just not that match fit yet, a few more games and his pace will improve and he’ll be running rings round ’em!
Now let’s get that CB signed so we can quit worrying about injuries!
π
BB@171: At most we might see Per on the bench would be my guess. But most likely all, especially Ozil, of them would not be available before Besiktas home. Arsene had said he doesn’t want to hurry them back.
Lurky@170: Chambers is more Kos than Per I think. Same type of ball-playing pressing defender and I agree with you a great talent.
Nacho looked rather good coming off the bench. A rest in between seasons and a good pre-season preparation definitely helped him.
Jack really needs to improve the decision making about when to hold on to the ball and when to release. Couldn’t quite execute on some very clever ideas today.
Sanogo looked a bit overwhelmed and showed some poor first touches. Had a fine moment when he won the tackle, turned around, dribbled past only to shoot wide. The hold-up and link-up play needs to improve quickly if he is to cover fro Giroud adequately.
ordered a poundin’
got a quarter poundin’
but
pointsizpointsizpoints
UP THE ARSE
mad
sky?
in a collection of 3 cunts
wankin about in suits
pokin at big touch screens
two are called jamie
not even a real name
jamie
twats
.
BB — I thought Alexis had a rather poor passing game. Superb close control — even though will need a while to get used to the biting tackles — and much needed directness, a good delivery for the first goal and some creative ideas on both flanks, but I think it would take a while to get used to our passing patterns and his new team mates. The tenacity and the willingness to work hard on the pitch were admirable, the quality on the ball will shine through all the more because of those.
Not a sky subscriber myself, but your brilliant summary, cba@178, really shows me what I’m missing.
Be careful, Murdoch’s mob will be out to get you.
COYG
Kudos to everyone who kepts their heads when we were down.
To those who didn’t; you guys need to calm down a bit more. Football is a game of 90 minutes + injury time and not a single one of those minutes is less-important so it doesn’t really matter when you score so long as you outscore your opponents at the end of the day you win.
Good win, but boy we had to work for that. Wiltshire needs to stop hugging the damn ball. That’s why he gets injured all the time.COYG!!!!
Alexis did his Neymar routine early on in the first half; mesmerizing footwork! His thighs are awesome, too π
@DocFaust
On Alexis’ poor passing, i’ll put it down to the lack of fitness and understanding with the others. My guess is he’ll improve exponentially in the next few weeks. He’s still finding his feet, he may be trying too hard.. his shot at goal from the free kick as an example.
About our germans, Arsene just had this to say:
“The Champions League qualifier is massive game for us next week against Besiktas, we have a short time to recover. Normally the German players would not play in that game. We will have to see on Sunday but only in case of emergency.”
Am thinking maybe someone(Gibbs?!) picked up a knock or something….
Ditto BB
Dr F, spot on about Alexis.
Is this even legal?!! : http://metro.co.uk/2014/08/16/alexis-sanchez-shows-off-with-incredible-chest-control-in-arsenal-win-over-crystal-palace-4835348/
π
SAG@182: It is Wilshere, or is that a sarcastic renaming? π
Cent@181: The commentary team for the NBC Sports Coverage here in US had Lee Dixon, they seem to have been sitting very close to the crowd because you can overhear some very salty comments — the typical ones that are expected in a football match — over the commentary. For those like us who watch the match remotely I guess jotting down whatever comes to our mind and post them in the internet is a way of vicariously participating in the live matchday experience. Not disagreeing with you that we should stay positive all throughout the match, but football can bring out the worst instincts …
Unfortunate for Gibbo is he has suffered an injury. Hopefully out for only a couple of weeks at most.
Flamini’s absence from the bench — and Coquelin in his place — was rather odd unless Flamini is injured too. We might need him away at Istanbul.
I think Ox, TR7, Nacho and maybe Giroud will start on Tuesday from today’s bench. In place of Alexis, Jack, Gibbo and Sanogo.
Cent@186: Thanks. Once Theo is fit and we have him and Alexis on two flanks with either Ozil or Santi feeding them and Rambo ghosting in for the second ball …
Keep them all fit Arsenal. π
So… Moyes beat Swansea 4-1 but Van Gaal loses 2-1.. this means that
Van Gaal is an infinitesimally better manager!!
π
Hello ‘holic – great to see the official previews again. So off we go again….use all 90(95) minutes each week and take it one week at a time, yet so glad to see three points instead of one to get us started. This squad is so very close to being right up at the top – let’s get behind them from wherever we are.
Favourite moments today; Ramsey being a bit off his game but still busting a lung to be where it mattered throughout and Sanchez looking like he might become the dominant force in the league before the leaves fall from the trees. He’s that good and looks like he relishes the role.
I do think that we look to at last have that fraction more muscle, spark and urgency throughout the team and in a game of minute differences it could take us a long way this season (although I believe more importantly we’re heading into a golden period).
COYR
Dr F, of course football brings out the worst in us all, I just think if nothing else experience should have taught us to stay a bit more calmer during games. I’m no saint(no pun intended) myself but saying things like “hard to know which team is playing without a manager” because we went one down with about 60 minutes remaining? That’s a cheap unwarranted shot in my honest opinion.
Oxfordshire battlecruiser decloaking off port bow…
Plays long ball from just over halfway to chest of…
(Lurks away)
Yuck! : http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/row-zed/eeeeeeuuuuw-bird-just-poo-ashley-4059081
π
Any truth to the Rabiot rumours? Could he be another Chambers masterstroke? Exciting times!
On another note, this may account for Cazorla’s wayward passing in the later stages(tongue in cheek of course) : https://vine.co/v/M3K7DIdlmZ5
π
loads can get the two ton
i for one am not one
That was a sobering reality check on the pre-season optimism. But at least the three points were secured, and the second half performance improved on the first. Kos looked in some discomfort as he left the field at the end of the game. Not a good sign.
Lob to the far post for Rambo to finish…..
Boom.
Thanks for the assist, Impec. Lobbly Jobbly.
Hopefully Besiktas are a bit shit.
We look like we have a week or two before really being in shape but that is the reality for most top teams.
Palace were boring, we will play better against teams that at least try to play some football.
We are merely supporters of The Arsenal, so I don’t understand why anyone is being berated for feeling a little uncomfortable today, especially after the positivity that the bar and the Guv exuded leading up to this game.
It was a lot closer than many of us imagined. Yes, we got the result we all expected, but it didn’t look like that was going to be the case. And shit, I found it difficult to watch, for periods.
Do I still think we’re utter class? That AW is the best manager this League has ever seen? That we’re in with a shout? That our signings this summer have been, ahem, fucking awesome?
Yes, but, please, allow us to be mere supporters and share some of the frustrations at losing the odd ball here and there and maybe, even slightly disappointed that some of our best players, were maybe not at their best.
Isn’t that what watching a game is all about, the groans, the joy when you get the winner, in injury time?
In 40 years of watching Arsenal, I’m not sure that I’ve ever been really that calm. I feel alive watching Arsenal and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Doc Faustas @188, Yea that was an error in my spelling, but he really needs to stop hugging the damn ball. He needs to stay injury free this season.
The fluency of our passing game was not what you would expect, but it is easy to understand why.
Being that this is the first time we have won our league opening match in the last 5 years, and that we are the only home team that secured 3 points in the today, I wouldn’t take away anything from today’s performance.
The team can only improve with the return of the Germans and Theo. I am still very optimistic about this season.
SanAntonioGooner,
Agree with you on Wilshere, he seems sluggish and slow but then it appears that he was sick!
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140816/boss-on-ramsey-alexis-jack-and-palace
I have only seen odd sections of the game and with no commentary. I have also read various reports. 3 points is 3 points. We are a work in progress that will hopefully continue to develop.
What today did do was to highlight areas of obvious weakness. Today demonstrated for me yet again that we need to sign a striker. Sanago may go on to become a top player but he isn’t anywhere near it yet. If Giroud picks up a long term injury we have real issues. Issues that were all too apparent last season as well. The thought of getting others to fill in doesn’t work for me.
I think we also have to be careful with how we treat and play Chambers. I’m sure that we will bring on more cover at the back. Otherwise we will be relying on the talents of a raw 19 year old and be risking burnout.
Today was a wake up call. A good 3 points and something definitely to build on.
I hope the Tollie brigade are in fine spirits and enjoying the day.
Matt 203, I’m not trying to berate anyone for feeling a little uncomfortable about the game, sorry if it appeared that way.
I’m actually all shades of uncomfortable during our games, all I’m just saying is let’s not start questioning our manager, players quality and the tea lady everytime we concede a goal.
To be fair to Wilshere I didn’t think he was any better or any worse than anyone else on the pitch as a team we were slow and lethargic and Palace to be fair left no space to work in (Fucking boring to watch but quite effective). Titles are not won in August/September but can be lost so an important 3 points. Always better to finish all guns blazing than to start that way but fade after Easter,
Onwards to Toffee Land.
Nice finish NBN. I see you are already on top form for the season.
Happy for the 3 points. Let’s get another win in Turkey midweek. COYG!!
Steve T: Agree with your assessment — I really hope that Sanagoo has it in him to become something special, but I thought he was a little peripheral today.
I think of the 3 positions people talk about us needing to reinforce, central midfield is the least, and up front, the most deserving of our attention.
Followed by a central defender (as good as Chambers was today, and I thought he was), that position is to important to make do with what we have.
An upgrade or someone as good as Giroud (clearly AW doesn’t think Campbell is), is required for us to win the League and the Champions League — which is of course, totally feasible.
Good morning “holic (and Holics) from a gloriously sunny Auckland,NZ.
And quite a morning its been – starting with the comedic genius of Manchester United – and ending with a never-in-doubt result at The New Home Of Football.
75% possession for the good guys sounds good, but with Palace’s anti football ten-behind- the- ball tactics we didnt really create too much.
I think a lot of teams will play this way against us at the Ems this season,so we might have to get used to this type of scrappy win.
Ultimately the result is all that counts, and as long as we hae a certain Master Ramsy as our get out of jail free card, we could a long way this season.
Flashes of genius from a clearly semi fit Sanchez, but Chambers looking like a legend in the making.
Thank God (or someone) real football has returned to fill our every waking moment.
H2H – sorry about your dog,man.
GSD – welcome!
“Holic – thanks for you continued high quality presence on the web, and for this immaculately clean bar!
Drink of choice for all.
Top of the table chums!!!
Cent: Agree with that my friend — good to know your feeling what I’m feeling, even though we’re a continent apart!
Back from the game and relief is the main emotion. I was very unimpressed with our performance but as others have said the points are what matter. Palace were well organised, huge and played with spirit and determination. They were hard to break down but we scored from two set pieces which surprised me.
Don’t want to strike too negative a note but both Sanogo and Cazorla were very poor. There were very positive things said about Sanogo here last night but if he plays many games this season we will not stand a chance of winning the league. I feel sorry for the lad but then I think he is playing centre forward for the Arsenal. Why should I feel sorry for him? Cazorla looked way off the pace, his passing was largely awful and he should have been replaced by the Ox . As it happened Jack took a knock so we needed him to stay on.
Our three new lads did well without setting the place in fire. Debuchy is likely to be better offensively than Sagna, Chambers has an old head on young shoulders but will almost inevitably have a dip in form and Sanchez ( who is much shorter than I imagined) did some great things but needs to adjust to his new life. I am confident he will.
I felt Ramsey was the most likely to grab a winner and God Bless him he did. Three points that may be very valuable at the end of the season
Oh yeah before I forget, Arteta was an outstanding leader today.
Chamberlain was also a great game changer to have on the bench, when needed.
Good longevity required to see out a tough game overall today.
Well done!!!
Just back from the game…What an exciting atmosphere! My first opening season game. Was not an easy game and at 1-1 I thought Palace deserved a draw, but we got through in the end.
Chambers: MOTM for me…he got us out of trouble many times, and his decision making and effort were very mature. A wonderful signing from Wenger.
Debuchy: He looks like he’s been playing for Arsenal for years. Fits seamlessly into the team. Not missing Sagna at all, for me, though Sagna worked tirelessly for us and I only wish him well. But Debuchy fits right in.
Sanchez: Amazing ball control, some wayward passes, sometimes too tricky on the ball, but, whenever he got the ball, you looked to see what will happen. He is going to be great for us!
Though it was not the thrashing maybe we wanted, I thought we were ok with defence in general, especially Chambers, and that leads me to believe we may not cave in so badly in the big games.
Not sure what to think of our set pieces. We wasted 2 corners (positioning?) and Palace scored on their first one…something to think about…
Come on you Gunners!!
Cheers, Matt.
On the ferry back to Dover well done Arsenal by the sound of things it was a rather tough encounter but remember folks it’s not a race it’s a marathon and we won!
Bring on Beskitas!
As for the centre forward issue I’ve got a sneaky feeling the reason we haven’t signed a DM or CH at this point is Wenger is keeping his funds back in case Cavani comes on the Market, Which is a possibility if PSG go big in the coming week on the likes of Maria. If he Dosent I expect we will strengthen in those positions and leave the forward till next summer. To be truthful there’s defo a shortage of top quality forwards about at the mo.
The big problem for me re strikers is that we have adopted a system where we only play one up front. For that one there is no hiding place. It’s not like playing in midfield or at the back where you have others that can bail you out. That is why I feel sorry for Sanago in a way. If he is the one then we will struggle in my opinion. I desperately want him to succeed but I think he has a long way to go yet.
Couldn’t agree more Steve and that’s why I think Wenger wants Cavani – He can play the lone role and would love to be a focal point, Wengers comments at the World Cup about him convinced me he wants him. Wanting him and signing him are two different things mind π Sanogo an option from the bench but that’s about it at this moment in his career.
Cent@193: Agreed whole-heartedly.
Cavani would be an amazing signing. That said I will be very surprised if we can pull that off.
For me, Sanogo needs to go out on loan. He needs to go somewhere where he can play every game. Where he can develop and build up his confidence. I think at the moment he struggles at this level. I don’t think that playing the odd game and spending lots of time on the bench will do him any favours at all.
Steve
I agree with you about Sanogo. He needs to play regularly ( preferably in the Premier League) and preferably not in a one upfront situation . This system isolates and exposes him. His best games ( and we are talking relatively here!) were when he played in a two with Giroud.
A guy in the row in front of me spent years telling me that Bendtner was going to be great and we just didn’t understand him. I just thought he was a lump with a poor first touch and no pace who didn’t work hard enough. I hear the support for Sanogo from good judges in this bar but I just see the rawest of raw strikers with no finishing composure , who is only effective because he is strong. You see Sanchez and he oozes class even if it isn’t all working for him. You can just tell he can play. I don’t have that feeling about Sanogo- in fact nothing like it. If you are going to polish a young striking gem look at Akpom who has much more class.
It is being reported that Manolas is having a medical at Arsenal which suggests a fee has been agreed. I recall he was part of an impressive Greek defence in the World Cup and is young with sell on value. We need another quality defender to avoid over stretching the highly promising Calum Chambers.
I suspect that as Gibbs went off he will be likely to be out for some time
based on past history. I thought Nacho did well today and Flamini can deputise in extremis but we are short of numbers in defence.
If he joins I wish him well. I believe he is our second Greek senior player after Tavlaridis
I really don’t understand what is all this fuss about Sanogo. Give the boy a rest. Yes he was anonimous for the majority of the game, but so were many others in the squad.
Did he make some disastrous mistakes? Did he missed an open goal three times? He missed a penalty maybe?
Don’t forget that we are talking Pulls Palace here, no matter that he is not their manager now. They are a decent side, with good strategy and game plan. They have some really tough and tall footballers and many good teams will struggle against them. And many good strikers will too.
Sanogo is not a striker that can lead you the line against parked bus defences, that is clear. At least he can’t on his own. In 4-4-2 formation, maybe. But, against teams that play high defensive line and teams that will try to attack us he could be very useful, mainly because of his decent speed and strength.
Anyway tell me three backup strikers that are better then him in the league. Torres? Soldado? Chicharito?
Fabianski situation all the way. Fabianski was imperial against United today, for the Swans. Not a single mistake. Yet, he was not good for Arsenal according to many. Why? Because of 2-3 bad matches three years ago? He is a quality keeper and he is going to prove that this year.
How many mistakes and crazy passes did Woj made earlier against Palace that went unpunished? In fact after one of them we conceided a corner and a goal from that corner. I like the boy, he has some personality, but he is going to cost us and is going to cost us big, unless someone tell him to stop acting childish and play safe.
“Did you ever pick yer feet in Poughkeepsie?”
Good sense from Lurky at 229.
Calum Chambers – best on ground.
He looked cool, calm and confident and completely at home in the pressure.
Debuchy a close second. Very tidy player indeed. Not once did I see him cross a ball into the fullbacks backside or legs.
Nice for a change.
Palace parked the bus completely and defended their line with good purpose and plan, but you always got the feeling our quality would get us through, even if not exciting.
I actually thought AW got it spot on today as it was palace.
He put out a side that should be strong enough for palace and it was, and now we will have a good fresh side for the CL tie in a few days, plus we still have players to return.
Areas for improvement.
– unfortunately jack for the same reasons as always.
– gibbs to play more than half a game in a row….
Yeah I think Wenger has earned some faith from us as regards his development of raw talent. Even if you’re convinced Sanogo is shit I think the boss deserves the benefit of our doubts, for the time being at least.
Lurky, agreed.
The thing with players like Sanogo is that they don’t have flair(it’s the same with Ramsey) and so their moves don’t look pretty that’s why people think someone like Akpom(who’s got flair but is not yet at Sanogo’s level) is ahead of him.
The main reason people didn’t notice Ramsey’s improvement the season before last is because he wasn’t scoring goals yet, but he was all over the pitch covering every blade of grass and tackling like a beast. Immediately the goals started flowing it added a bit of gloss to his performances. Watch out, the moment Ramsey goes five or six games without scoring people will say he has lost form.
Many fans will rate a player like Toni Kroos, for example, ahead of Ramsey but over the last couple of seasons Aaron has produced more end product than him and will do the same again this season if he stays fit.
Staying with the Ramsey and Kroos example, Kroos has a shot technique that looks way more pleasing to the eye and will consistently hit a sweet shot that will almost go in in every single game he plays but he never really scores those shots, meanwhile Ramsey with his ugly shot technique that looks like the ball is stuck under his leg is consistently scoring once in three games and if you’re watching him for the first time and saw him drag a shot off target you will almost want to ban him from taking shots from outside the six-yard box.
It was the same reason why “pundits” rated(some still do) the likes of Aaron Lennon, Ashley Young, Stewart Downing and Adam Jonhson ahead of Our own very Theo earlier in their careers.
Put simply, the flair guys make hitting the cross-bar look more pleasing to the eye than the Bambi on Ice guys make scoring goals, so if you don’t look at the scoreboard you won’t know Bambi and clan won the game.
Have we all come down to Earth safely? Three points represents our best start to a season for years, so that was good. Can’t think of much else that was though.
If we play as poorly on Tuesday let’s hope we can the result within limits we can recover from. Which we should since Besiktas isn’t really in our league.
But then neither is Palace.
Bring back the Germans!
Γskar
…and buy some more of them … Reus and Khedira, eg.
Γskar
Cent & Lurky, excellent discussion!
Cent, to further stress your point — though I find Rambo’s playing style aesthetically pleasing enough — I think in current form there is not a single better box-to-box in the European football than Rambo.
A footballer’s performance can be seen through multiple perspectives: individual flair and style, tactical awareness, the moments of individual excellence to change a game, and IMHO, most importantly, suitability to a playing style and the cohesiveness in a given role within the context of the team.
Rambo as a box-to-box is a perfect player for Arsenal. He has become — and I am sure it is not accident, a lot of effort has been put by him and by the team management towards this goal — as close to irreplaceable as possible.
Giroud — who continues to be underestimated and under-appreciated — has over the course of last season becoming close to that kind of player. Not one with eye-catching individual ability but a seamless perfect player for what we are trying to do on the field. If he had scored a few goals in those big matches last season his performance — which was central to our moderate success — would have earned more applause. Even then last season he has I think as good a record (if not better than) as Cavani or Higuain both playing in slower and physically weaker leagues.
It is that aspect where I think Sanogo has a distance to go. The goal-scoring part is less concerning as once he starts scoring he would find that confidence to be more aggressive and certain. But it is the link-up play and the understanding with the midfield players buzzing around him that needs to improve if he is be a viable understudy to Giroud. In the sense that we can play him a few matches in absence of Giroud without changing our game plan too much.
The transfer window is not over yet, and I think even in the scope of the team that we already have, Arsene will continue some tactical tinkering to come up with another formation that we can reliably start with in absence of Giroud. Within the context of the game we will be more adaptable and will definitely bring in more directness and pace with Theo and Alexis and Ox, but even as an alternative starting formation we need to find another way of playing when Giroud doesn’t start. We will probably try a few variations before finalizing on that, but currently our game relies too much on the hold-up and link-up play of Giroud.
Watching MU v. Swansea this morning I was surprised to see Gomis come on for Swansea, not having realized they signed him this summer. Wouldn’t he fit in with Arsenal pretty well?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BafΓ©timbi_Gomis
Our problem last night was not sanogo up front.
It was a very simple problem and one we have seen many many times in the last few seasons.
Jack wilshire and mikel arteta are both too slow, small and similar in skills when they are paired together.
They are both ok on their own, but a midfield with both of them puts the handbrake on our go forward. Add to that cazorla on the left, we also know that never works well. We can only grind out a result which they did.
As soon as jack was replaced by ox, the game changed immediately and we had some go forward and always looked to score.
There will be plenty on here who will remind us all how great jack will be one day, but we have seen that display many many times over without sanogo.
Lets not sweep over jack and blame sanogo please.
It was right there for all to see.
Jack is nowhere near a world class midfielder…..and should not be in the same midfield as arteta if we wish to have a fast attacking game.
Palace easily and methodically stopped the distribution and fast flow of ball from wilshire and artetta.
When we do play that combination, we should expect our forwards to be starved of quality balls and to have no choice but grind out a result.
AW got it right, as we have bigger games then palace and jack should be able to handle our palace type games to give the no 1 midfield combination a rest for the big games.
Jack will simply be a decent hard working fill in player.
Agree Oskar – eleven of ’em would be good.
Seriously though, Howedes looks gettable.
Lurky knows.
And Dr F knows.
And Jackie boy is not too slow. Bollocks. Thats what the silly ian wright was blabbering on NBCSN. Rubbish. Hes just grumpy.
And Arteta had s fine game.
First game. 3 points. Plenty to work on.
All good.
Cheers.
Well homer – ” jacky boy” is certainly not too fast…
He is however fast at giving the ball away and falling over to the ground constantly..
Sounds to me like ian wright knows…..
Cent. I think you will find many in here who have been singing Rambo’s praises for some time now. Granted others elsewhere may not have got it.
Lurky. I don’t think anyone is having a go at Sanago. I think everyone wants to see him develop into a top Arsenal player. He just isn’t anywhere near that level at the moment. So, how do we help him get to that level??? Well, I don’t think we do it by playing him in fits and starts and in games like that. I asked the question a week or so but I will ask it again. If Giroud picks up an injury and is out for 3 months is everyone happy that our back up strikers are good enough to mount a title challenge??? If you are then fine. In my humble opinion I think we are a long way short.
Steve, don’t forget about Theo! π
Not worried about Sanogo, either. He’s going to be a handful.
Kos’s goal should be contender for goal of the week. Brilliant in timing and in execution. And his sliding tackle, preceding Palace’s goal, would make any baseball player, envious! π
As for Jack, slow is not an adjective I would link to him. A bit stubborn about holding onto the ball too long, yes. Surely that aspect of his game, could improve. Give him credit for playing after being ill
(Gastrointestinal upset never pleasant as it tends to linger …)
What back-up strikers, Steve T? We only have Sanogo, when Theo is unfit and we cannot (should not) be backing Theo to stay fit all season.
I’m still hoping for another attacking midfielder, either Reus or Di Maria, or Cavani or any of the many others we’ve been linked to.
Or we could try Jack as a striker. Stop laughing. He’s a tricky bugga and could bag us a heap of penalties with all the fouls against him that he gets.
It’ll never happen of course, and anyway he’s too valuable in midfield. Sorry Aussie I have to disagree with you about Jack. He’s a genius going through a poor patch, a future captain of Arsenal and England, and he’ll come good later this year.
Γskar
@243: I will give whoever it is whether Campbell or Sanogo my trust to lead the line. Let them prove to us they are worth the cannon in their chest in that 3 months course. Just like Ramsey and Mert did.
And if Wenger brings Cavani or any other battle proven world class striker, I would be also happy. The more the merrier :).
Methinks all we need is a CB, preferably one that can play in left back position too. Versatile players are crucial for cover.
As for the lack of strikers, well Alexis can double up once Theo comes on for us, and the only reason Campbell hasn’t played yet is probably because he still has not gotten enough time to gel with the team. Can see no reason why he’s here otherwise if not to get a chance. If this is not the case then Arsene, would have sold or loaned him out!(might still happen but i doubt it!)
So i’ll wager we’ll only get Vermaelen’s replacement and no one else, right or wrong, if history is to judge then Arsene likes to give his players a chance.(How about giving us a good full season Diaby!)
Of course I could be wrong and we buy DMs, Strikers and CBs (and i would be glad if we did!) but I don’t think that’s in the works!
Just love the diverse opinions and analysis in this bar!
Every single one of us are professing our thoughts so that we can actually aspire to be contenders this season in more than one competition!
Up The Arse!
π
Oskar and Abb – the slow reference to jack is not in comparison to a sprinter for straight line sprint speed.
The slow comment is purely in relation to his role to distribute the ball around at speed and give us some zip and skill and strength and possession in midfield. His decision making and vision is slow and he too often loses possession in the most dangerous of positions and from hard won balls.
If his poor showing yesterday was based on being sick, then i suggest AW is being very protective and kind to the lad because i doubt very much he would be playing if he was that sick…
I understand completely Oskar that I am in a minority, but he does seem to receive a lot of positive expectation type press for both arsenal and England but has in fact produced very little for both..
Alongside Mikel is not a flattering combination for either of them.
We were clearly in the market last summer for a top class striker. Remember the Higuain cock up ? Remember the Suarez shambles ??? So what had changed in the last 12 months to say we don’t now need a striker?? I would suggest nothing. I would suggest that if anything it has shown that we need one even more.
As for Jack, this is a massive season for him. Like it or not but he has not really progressed. That may be down to injuries or it may be other things but he needs to up his game. AW said that he has been ill and that may have affected his performance. For me Jack holds on to the ball too long. He needs to release it earlier. This is one of the reasons he keeps getting clumped.
Abb. I hear what you say about Theo but I’m not a fan of playing players out of position unless it’s really necessary.
Steve T,
Top Class Striker – Alexis Sanchez. That’s what has changed, the reason he’s not playing in that position is because he’s replacing Theo currently. Don’t really see him playing on the flanks with Ozil and Theo comes back…That’s my 2 cents anyway.
We were in for one and we got one.
Now if we get another that would be ideal, but just don’t see that happening. Can we get better personnel upfront.. yes.. are we going to get Cavani or any 50m striker? Methinks not unfortunately.
Don’t see Alexis or Giroud getting benched unless they are injured and don’t think any top class striker would sign for us to Sit on the bench..!
π
What a difference a goal makes… All smiles here now.
Was frustrating and basically a pretty shit performance for 88 minutes. For the umpteenth time we struggled to even gets shots let alone goals against a de facto Pulis side that defended narrow and deep. Then Ramsey did it again and everything looked rosy and we can chalk that one up to early season rust I guess. 3 points so important given our extra games over the next two weeks, both before two tricky away games.
Sonogo completely stunk for an hour, terrible stuff. By my count he had the ball under control once in that time and then proceeded to lash a tame shot wide from distance when Cazorla was well placed. I hope the kid makes it, all Arsenal fans do, but he looks a million miles away from ready at the moment.
We really could do with an extra striker. As long as we are playing one up-front, putting a winger like Alexis or The Panther in the lone strikers role will be asking a lot of them. We will have no physicality in our attack and teams can do the old tactic of just giving us the flanks to cross from all day.
Roll on Besiktas. Hopefully AW will find a way to rest a few, Everton looks a tough nut next weekend. BIG Ivan better get busy to.
Forward
bit me nails down to the elbow
full season o this
herself and the rest
already decided how best
to avoid me twice a week
house a state
anyone want a cold cod and chips?
it’s on the leftermost window ledge
feckin bucketin down
its in styrofoam so all good
i’m a generous man
yes i am
she calls them
a shitebag supper
“yes love i am dribbling and wobbling”
“am 5 hours late”
“but look what i brung ye”
Anti-football as played by Crystal Palace, with a weakfish referee is very difficult to beat. The lads did well in the circumstances. Certainly room for improvement, as both the boss and team acknowledged. No way we were going to score 5 or 6 (much as I’d loved it) and I’m delighted with the result, especially with a very, very late winner.
Oh, Sonogo what a debate, what a debate. He’s a handful, physical and a nuisance but is far away from a goal scoring threat at present. Bambi on ice is the perfect analogy. Potential in spades but is very much a work in progress. No way to rely on him for goals if OG is crocked at present. Let’s see what happens in the next two weeks – qualifiers, late transfers -those will determine who stays, loans and who gets transferred.
Well that was emotional. Pissed off and frustrating for 90 minutes and then brighton joy for the rest of the day. For me 90 minutes for the team and important three points, next game please.
Regarding Sanogo, lest give the guy a break, season opener in front of an expecting home crowd, in a game he probably didnt think he would be playing. His performance was not helped by the stray passes from midfield and Palace see meΓ° to have two men on the player in possesion for the whole game.
This is a big season for Jack and I think everyone knows that, Jack included. I actually think that he will blossom when Γzil returns when defenders will have to guard Γzil, Alexis (i want to call him sanchez) and the Welsh Jesus…. This might free Jack considerably. Remember we are the same lot that wanted Ramsey sold 2-3 years ago.
Anyway, have a great day and thank you for the warm welcomes. This will now become my new ritual, arguing at the bar before and after games…. See you lot on tuesday.
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Well in BB@244.
Good morning all.
Dr F, agreed. But, just a little but π , Ramsey always looks to me like he is going to fall over everytime he sprints, a perfect example was when he pulled off little flick in-between two Benfica players on his way to assisting our first goal he looked like he would fall over but as usual he managed to get there way before the Benfica player who seemed more comfortable and even had enough time to settle down, pick his spot and assist Sanogo.
Steve T @240, you’re right, I had others elsewhere in mind more than I had people in here.
Oskar, heh @ Jack as a striker. Trust me, the moment he gets in the opposition Box the Refs will stop calling those fouls for him. Anyway, that if he doesn’t lose the ball before he gets there, his decision making in tight spaces needs serious work. I expect Arsene to play him on the wings at some point this season like he did with Ramsey earlier.
Ambydex @ 243, Nice one.
LHTG, agree with you on Palace’ tactics, I think the main problem we had yesterday was NOT jack’s decision making, NOT Cazorla’s wayward passes or Sanogo upfront, the main problem was Palace’ 9 men behind the ball always approach and their kick every thing on sight policy, if you add those to teammates who are just getting to know each other on our part, early season rustiness as well as Speroni’s time-wasting which he started even before they scored(Arsene said he made it look like a work of art) you have the perfect recipe to a dull game in which Arsenal will never quite look they’ve got going.