Attitude, Execution, And Other Words I Haven’t Mentioned
Aug 18th, 2014 by 'holic
The game looms that emphasises the importance of a top three, not a top four finish in the Premier League. We head off for Turkey for the final qualifying round of the Champions League minus the three World Cup winning Germans, Kieran Gibbs, and Yaya Sanogo. The latter two have picked up injuries at the weekend. It happens, so let’s not go overboard on that.
What do I know about the opposition. Well for Besiktas in 2014 probably as much, or as little, as you. I have seen the names. Demba Ba, our own (once) Ozzy Ozyakup, and the manager, Slaven Bilic. I don’t watch Turkish football other than when we are over there, and that probably says more about my footballing prejudices than anything else. I don’t know the way they play. I do, however, know something of their history having been to Istanbul for our meeting with Fenerbahce thirty five years ago, and chatted football with some obliging locals.
Besiktas, it is fair to say, fall behind Fener and Galatasaray for many who do not follow Turkish football. In fact they are another big club in Turkish terms, having been champions thirteen times (ring any bells?), and Turkish cup winners on nine occasions (ok, we win on that measure). Significantly their best European campaigns have seen them reach the last eight of both the European Cup (1987) and Uefa Cup (2003). Yes, we should expect to progress, but not without one hell of a fight.
With Laurent Koscielny now expected to start the only obvious changes from the starting eleven for Arsenal on Saturday would be Nacho Monreal for Gibbs at left-back, and Olivier Giroud for Sanogo up top. Could there be others? How about Mathieu Flamini, wheeled out for the pre-match press conference, in place of either Mikel Arteta or Jack Wilshere? Maybe Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain too?
Our history in this qualifying round is reassuring. We have come through some tricky challenges. Not least last year when we went back to Fener and won the first leg 3-0 to ensure a comfortable passage. However, it wasn’t a World Cup year and we were further down the line in terms of pre-season preparation. The ‘holic pound is unusually conservative, but don’t take that as a sign of nerves. I think we are in line for another 2-1 win , as Saturday, and am happy to take the relatively meagre 15/2 or thereabouts on that scoreline.
So have a good one tomorrow, ‘holics, especially anyone who has made the trip out to Istanbul. Let’s forget the transfer window, and who we may or may not need in the coming fortnight. This qualifier is more important than anything else on the horizon for the next 24 hours at very least. Well, footballistically anyway.
Did I spell that right?
283 Responses to “Attitude, Execution, And Other Words I Haven’t Mentioned”
Top !
Second. And I’m not even in the same country…
Evening gents, and thank you. đ
From the last drinks….
Still only see brief glimpses of the game so Iâm grateful for a fab write up Holic. Gazelle like???? Iâm sure you were very dainty on those dancers. As I remind my two regularly, the older I get the better I was.
Like a few others in the bar I struggle to see how after one game we have two down with muscle problems???? I really donât get it.
BTM. Cesc canât be playing for the chavs. You must be mistaken. When his DNA kicked in he said he would never ever play for another side in the premier league.
Tuesday is a massive night for us. We need to ensure we are professional and put up a performance. There is no reason why we should not expect that.
Footballistically. Love it
Nice one, Holic.
Flamini could be useful in that atmosphere – geezer loves a scrap, innit !
“Footballistically” correct ?
Better put it through ttg’s spill chicken. đ
Evening chaps…
Team v Besiktas (in my opinion)
GK – Szczesny
RB – Debuchy
CB – Chambers
CB – Koscielny
LB – Monreal
M – Arteta, Ramsey, Rosicky
RF – Sanchez
CF – Giroud
LF – Cazorla
Wilshere and the Ox likely to be rotated and used from the start v Everton on Sat. PS – Campbell to get more game time in Turkey?
Good preview Holic.
Really simple for me. Get in, get the job done and get home.
No idea yet how I will get to watch any of it. I may be relying on updates from all sorts of media sources. I will find something somewhere hopefully. But as you said, if you finish fourth then you know what to expect. So no moaning, just do it.
Qualification spot?
Good read, as ever, ‘Holic. It is going to be a battle, but we should come out the victors.
Sad to hear the news about the death of James Alexander Gordon. The latecomers reading of the football results was a Saturday staple at Castle Ned. Another link to the past gone. Hunter Davis wrote this piece about JAG in 2000, which some may enjoy reading:
http://www.newstatesman.com/node/139119
Top ten?
Blimey. Barely mid-table. Must type faster.
Trev @111 in the previous drinks. Top work.
Rosicky an interesting call. I must try harder đ
Excellent preview.
Gregoire — good team that. I think one of Ox or Campbell would start to give some more pace down at least one flank. I think either Santi or Alexis would get a break — both played 90 minutes and neither are yet at their physical peak for the season — and start from the bench.
We may also see Flamini start, Rambo at #10, TR7 in one flank and Ox/Campbell in another.
BTW, about Chelsea: Fuck Chelsea. Fuck their egomaniac, deluded, petty little manager and his group of sordid mercenaries. All of them are equally abhorrent. No exceptions. đ
Nice preview Guvna.
I’ll bite your hand off for 2-1 to the Arsenal.
@12,
That’s what Jack Wilshere said.
Oops ! đ
Bath is Suarez ! Who knew ? đ
Steve T@8: Just one thing to add to your excellent prescription: Get in, get the job done and get home safely in one piece.
*smiles toothily* đ
‘Holic: 35 years ago!? Respect – that was the year I stared on my Arsenal journey…
I know opinions about Cesc are divided and I appreciate Steve T’s sentiment on the matter (though I don’t share it). I assumed that because we — or in fact AW — had passed over the opportunity of resigning him, that he had seen a decline in Cesc. In much the same way he has always had an uncanny knack in seeing that in most of the best players he had signed and nurtured over the years.
And whilst we can’t, and shouldn’t make any premature judgements about his likely performance for the season as a whole — especially against a team that is, well, shite — I just hope he got this one right.
Time will tell I suppose. Just can’t bear the thought of that little toad gloating in his media defined ‘astute transfer business’. I hope instead that Cesc flatters to deceive and has a stinker of a season.
3-0 — Up the Arse
Dr. F: I’m with you on starting just one of Sanchez and Santi. I’d go for Sanchez. There is going to be a lot of defensive running to be put in, for one thing, and I’d prefer to have Santi come on to replace Sanchez rather than run them both into the ground. Second, Campbell would offer both younger legs and more pace than Santi, which would better suit the counter-attacking game we are going to have to play.
2-1 to us sounds about right to me. But if they let their guard down I trust us to inflict more damage.
@ Dr F and NBN
I just feel Wenger may run with Sanchez and Cazorla for one more game – it’s such an important one after all, and he’ll probably like their continental-honed game over the Ox and Wilshere’s looser, running games from the off. Then he can rest (or at least leave on the sub’s bench) Santi and Alexis for the fevered cauldron of Goodison Pk, and drop a fresh Ox and Jack back in – and maybe even Ozil might be in contention by that point? It’s nice to have these options in our front 6 places at least.
I’d also like to see Campbell start at least once over these next 3 games – he deserves as much game time as Sanogo in my opinion, as they’re at very similar stages in their development as Arsenal players, and arguably Joel has shown more sustained pedigree at European and international level, and can play in any of the front 3 positions….
Point taken, Gregoire. Over the course of the season, a bad result at Goodison will be easier to recover from than the same in Turkey.
NBN & Gregoire, I agree with you that Campbell would be a good option tomorrow. He will provide defensive work-rate as well as a good outlet for counter-attacks.
He also has an year of experience playing in the Greek league, which has a similar kind of rabid atmosphere in the stadiums and the Olympiakos-Panathanaikos matches tend to be as feverish as Gala-Fener etc.
Rambo, as is the case recently, would be central. And I think Giroud’s understanding with the midfielders around him is moving up to the next level and I think we would have a few incisive enough movements down the middle to score.
Expect a tempo setting game from TR7 as usual.
Gregoire, agree that tomorrow’s match is way too important just to rotate for rotation’s sake (which we will need to do in the long run as NBN pointed out). However, I won’t be surprised if one of Santi or Alexis is a little short on fitness side to risk getting injured if started. Alexis particularly had put in some shift on Saturday. I think even without one of them — Alexis particularly has still some days to go to get the understanding working — we will have more than enough.
A TR7 show is what I am expecting. Big match player.
In the case of Bodrum Gooneress would “out to Istanbul” not be “up to Istanbul” to be slightly more geographically, as well as foot footballistically accurate? đ
I would be surprised if TR7 doesn’t start tomorrow. He is usually Arsene’s go to guy on European nights.
TR7 – The Tempo Setter!!
Nice preview ‘holic.
I’ll throw my lot in with the ‘2-1 to the Arsenal’ crowd as well, Besiktas are gonna have a lot of fans backing their team to the hilt in that 72k seater stadium. But I think Aaron will come good for us as he did on Saturday and at this very same stage last year đ
If the players play in the image of their manager then maybe the best title for this article would have been Bilic Bullish About Besiktas’ Biliousness. đ
http://news.arseblog.com/2014/08/bilic-bullish-about-besiktas-chances/
I am terrified about this fixture and have been since the draw. Something haunts me about the turkish teams. Here is a team that has nothing to lose, with passionate fans and a Demba Ba wanting to show Moriniho that he was wrong.
I’m hoping for a draw or better and I think that Giroud will be pivotal in this regard, lets just hope that his little flicks come off tomorrow night.
Until then….. come on you Reds.
Flambo, Rambo n Rosicky. All’s I’m sayin….
Understatement of the season award:
Following TGSTEL signing for Wolfsburg, director of sports Klaus Allofs said: “Nicklas Bendtner is a striker in his prime who was able to gain valuable international experience in his career, which wasn’t always going straight.”
Ignasi Miquel travels but Mertesacker doesn’t. Will Arsene put some faith in his squad??
Our Germans are still being rested, 8ball. Celebrating for five and a half weeks since their WC win must have really worn them out, poor souls – especially Poldi who played all of 54 minutes in Brazil. Never mind the four matches in 11 days the rest of the squad will have had (NOT including the Community service effort) before they’re expected to don a boot.
Meanwhile Bayern’s five WC Germans have all played in two German cup games, four of the five playing the whole of the second game.
If Kos comes off injured tonight questions should be asked…
Ăskar
The Germans in Germany get a winter break, our lot don’t. Plus we have a tendency to drop off a bit in spring. Need them to be fit then so I understand the caution. Don’t want Podolski to go but there seems to be interest in him, so hope that’s not why he isn’t in the squad!
And what guarantee do we have they will be fit later in the season, Mamie? They are fit NOW and we should be taking advantage of it. Or isn’t a CL qualifier important enough?
Also, Tony Kroos played a full game for Real Madrid in the Uefa Super Cup last week, and Spain doesn’t have a winter break.
Ăskar
Oskar is right. Schurrle scored yesterday for Chelsea and played more minutes then Per and Poldi combined at the WC.
Not saying that players should not get their well deserved rest, of course not. They should and its benefitial in the longer run. However you have to make a distinction.
Not all our German player played the same amount ofminutes at the WC. Poldi and Per played half a game, Ozil played every game. So, why treating them equally.
Give Ozil one on two more weeks rest, but bring Per to training earlier especially if your other CB is carrying an injury, you sold your third choice CB and not replaced him YET!
I sure do hope that Kos don’t get injured in this match. Can’t believe that we are already starting with injury Pile-up. We have not even started the season yet. We really fumbled with this whole CB situation. God help us, COYG!!!!!!
Oskar, I think per should be ready this weekend, we can’t be going to Everton with a make shift back four. Don’t want to get stuffed again this season. Even ozil should be ready for at least 25mins cameo, before we start running our so called packed midfield down the ground again.
Oskar – Shirley the issue is not whether three professional athletes could turn out and run around for 90 minutes and do a good job, of course they could. We’d have taken the BFG if needed. It is about what is most beneficial for having them fit and on form later in the season. With that in mind, unless absolutely necessary best to let them rest.
Not smart to look beyond anybody, but with a second leg at our place, I’d suggest that tonight is a manageable proposition. Everton Saturday by far the harder of the two this week. Why rush Ozil or Poldi back when Rosicky, AOC, and The Panther are all fresh and didn’t start last weekend?
Wind, I’ll echo cba in the last drinks – brilliant of you to connect Cent to the ‘Holics at the Tollie. Cheers and thanks.
Liam Brady (now we know who you’re posting under) excellent spur of the moment post @111. You, cba and others had me laughing through the day with some truly creative posts. Drinks to you all.
And yet again we have the digs regarding our World Cup players. Three things – one we don’t have a deep squad. A better squad yes, but stuffed if we lose key players for any length of time. CFC has hoarded multiple players (most now on-loan overseas) – Schurle is a top player, but lose him to injury? No problems slot in any number of stockpiled players. Two, other leagues have breaks, are far less competitive, and play fewer games over a season.
Finally, the human element. Athletes in elite sports compete at extreme levels. The stresses on the players, both psychologically and physically are enormous. It’s very easy to criticise someone watching from a distance, particularly sitting on the sofa watching it from afar. It means that very very small margins separate the exceptional performances and from those players incurring injury and becoming ill from the intense physical exertions required to compete.
Something mechanical breaks it’s simple to replace, athletes it’s the dreaded “three weeks”. Me, I’m happy where resting players.
LHTG, I understand where you are comming from. I thought the same before Kos injury, but the last week things went complicated. We are talking risks of getting injured here, right?
You’re saying we don’t want to risk players getting injured.
Playing Kos tonight is just that- he has problems with Achilles tendon and if the reports are true he may even need an operation to solve it. And don’t forget that Kos was playing in the WC too.
So why is getting back Per one week earlier then planned a bigger risk then playing injured Kos two times in four days?
And why if it was planned for Per to resume training that late and if it was clear that Vermaelen is going to be sold even from May, we didn’t get his replacement. And before someone told me that Chambers was his replacement, no he is not, he is maybe Djorou’s, or Arteta’s backup but never Vermaelen’s.
What went wrong in planning I don’t know, but it was either a bad plan or badly executed one. If you knew that Verm is going to be sold, you either buy a backup CB instantly or you call Per to resume training. If you don’t do any of that you RISK Kos getting injured for longer period.
there is a lot of valid points from both oskar and LHTG above.
oskars view – why our WC players are still on vacation, but others aren’t. fair and reasonable question….
LHTG – different competitions and the human physical element. fair and reasonable also…..
and then there there is the The Kieran Gibbs syndrome:
it usually starts with a well earned extended holiday break from the previous season, then make yourself available for the preseason O/S trip wit your mates, be available for a good solid pre season, attend all the Arsenal photo shoots, showcase the new uniform, then after less then 45 mins in the first game of a new season, simply jog off the pitch with your hand up, continue straight down the tunnel with a pulled hamstring injury and not be required for a minimum of 3 weeks.
then at the end of the week, usually each Friday as you awake, you find that AW and Ivan still consistently deposit 80,000 pounds into your nominated savings account.
During the 3weeks you play many games of FIFA14 on XBOX live linkup with jacky boy and chezza, go straight back into the 1st team squad and try to last more then 1 game in a row…..
the life of a footballer aint all bad LHTG.
Is this not on TV at all ? Highlights for the London area even (…ITV have done this at very short notice in the past…) ?
I think the constant carping about the Germans’ extended break is entirely unreasonable and unproductive. The situation in other clubs is different, either because of greater squad depth as pointed out by LHTG, winter breaks or less challenging leagues. Arsene has experience of players returning from extended WC participation having sub-standard seasons and clearly decided to give them a break.
The situation regarding TV5’s replacement (I understand he is arriving this week) is surprising and unfortunate. Either the TV5 exit happened much more quickly than expected (I think they wanted it to go to the wire, but the prospect of him going to Barca rather than Manure was too good to decline) or the deal for the replacement became complicated. Buying a suitable third choice CB with adequate talent and experience is somewhat more difficult than replacing the empty packet of muesli at the supermarket.
I actually think that Gibbs would much rather be playing.
Lurky, good valid points I agree. Especially with the situation with Kos.
However, on top of what I earlier posted without being privy to the actual state of the players, what injuries they may be carrying, their recovery profiles, any remedial work required, likely return dates of other players, it’s impossible for me to to give you the definite reasons why they are not playing tonight. I trust the medical staff and Arsene.
Aussie, fair point. Some individuals are more susceptible to injuries, others are more robust. But look at the press -Barkley, Shaw have both suffered muscular strains and are out for extended periods. Pre-season is generally a period of increasingly intense blocks, sometimes two to three a day sometimes recovery. Friendlies add an element of match-day intensity but only competitive games get’s players to the top level. Muscular injuries are always a risk during this period. Muscle strains take time to repair, as do most human tissues (as Trev will attest). Luckily for Kieran, he’s on X-thousands a week but I’m sure he’d rather be playing, unlike most of the Oilers and Chavs who collect far more for their splintered arses.
Bath, cross posted but totally agree with your post. Particularly TV’s replacement. Cheers.
Manolas as per even Guardian and Independent being reported. Well that can only be good news and the sooner he comes the better for the fixture list is tough.
Kos usually starts the season off slowly. I think he was partly to be blamed for the palace goal and he does have his moments initially but then settles down to be an absolute champion. Hence i think, Per and Chambers along with our CB number 4 which i believe will be Manolas, need to step up.
Tonight will be tough but why do i sense that if we see off the first 20 min, we will romp this game. I can foresee a thumping for the turks if and that is a big if, we do not concede in the first 20 min. Then onwards our class should prevail and i can confidently predict Sanchez’s first of many goals for us tonight.
lastly about the dna whatever his name was, he is good, will be good but comparing him to what we have is foolhardy. We have one ingredient in our players that he does not have- The players we have play for The Arsenal and he does not. End of the story.
I’d be lying if I said I am totally relaxed about tonight, but then again I am not britting shicks either (well, at least not yet!) because this is a game we really should win. Vinay suggests keeping it tight for 20 minutes, but I would say we may need to wait a little longer than that. But in any case I really do hope we just make sure their rush of adrenaline doesn’t give them anything, I expect them to do what Fenerbahce did last year and come out running like crazy from the start and that time we handled it really well and then used the space well later when they started to tire.
Turkish teams make me nervous, I am actually bricking it (compared to Lars apparently:P), not because the opposition would be deemed too strong, but because this is one of the _must succeed_ games and is going to define our season.
Also it is still a cup tie of sorts and stranger things have happened (I remember Viktoria Plzen knocking out Napoli for example).
All this media droning about that tubby little dickhead Cesc is already deeply boring. All part of the media Maureen love in that will roll and roll as long as he keeps being a complete gobby tosser and beating newly promoted sides with his Sloan Globetrotters. What an accomplishment on both counts.
Got to think though that as long as we have one of Arteta/Wilshere at the base of midfield with Ramsey the comparisons will persist. Neither is particularly big, athletic, or conventionally defensive. Both offer something similar to Cesc. I wouldn’t even think of swapping jack and Cesc. Never. Ever. Forever never.
Anyway, fuck the lot of them over there, especially Cesc and his new eye-gouging BFF.
On to the important stuff. Maybe the last trip to Turkey has me complacent, but I’m not stressed about this one. We have the return leg, so even a narrow defeat would still see us as favourites to progress with the books I reckon. Not that we will lose, but we should be clever about Saturday and getting quality on the pitch where we can. It’s not rotation for rotation’s sake to get Rosicky and AOC in the team, for example. Both are superb.
2-1 certainly a tempting tip from the host.
Forward.
We have to be calm and businesslike. No silly risks. No gung-ho shit. No panicking. Take the sting out of their initial enthusiasm. Quieten the crowd. Business-like possession. Stay solid. Defend from the front. Keep the midfield tight. Create a chance or six. Take a chance or two.
As bath quite succinctly said above…
“Create a chance or six”
would ne rather nice as it would mean we are playing in their defensive 3rd and not habingg to soak up our own defensive pressure.
and even more unique….
“Take a chance or two”
That would also be rather nice as we could actually be in a position with a 2 goal cushion instead of chasing a game or tie….
That would also be a novel idea as we could actually rest players and let our squad players have a big go.
The players/squad have once again banged on this week about what they are “going to change” or what they are ” going to do better ” this season such as:
” more mature as a team ”
” be more street smart”
Lets see some of those words actually eventuate during a competitive and complicated two legged CL tie, first leg in turkey and then home for the second leg.
EPM
I second your points re Chelsea, Jesus wept, the fawning has started from matchday 1!
“They already look ominous”, swoon F365.com. Really. One game in, against a Championship side.
Remind me not to look at a single football news outlet for the next 9 months – they all spout the same tripe, season after season. I’ll be getting my perspectives right here in this fine establishment, rather than listening to journalists line up to adore Mourinho.
Right, got my moaning out of the way – on to more pressing matters!
Can’t help feeling fairly relaxed about tonight. It comes from trusting Arsene to go there, get the job done and come back with a decent result.
Don’t want to tempt fate but we tend to do a professional job in these ties. Plus they’re exciting as hell due to their high-stakes nature.
Tough night ahead. I’d be delighted with a 2-1 win although our record away at this stage is stunningly good.wont see match live so hope those that do in this bar are happy bunnies tonight
Interesting to see Vargas to Arsenal was rubbish and he is going to QPR. Dodged a bullet there
Great preview Holic
Per should have travelled even as a backup in my eyes and Poldi has not played many minutes in Brazil either. Ozil as mentioned above played every game.
It certainly wont be a walk over tonight but I trust the boys to do well!
2:1 to the Arse sounds fair to me!
UTA!
bathgooner @ 52 spot on!
Bastian Schweinsteiger is gone for a few weeks. So much for bringing them back early. How would we react if that was Ăzil if Wenger picked him without proper rest and preseason.
Lovegood@59 – I suspect that the bar would divide along the folloiwng lines:
those saying that it was foolish of the management to play him so early;
those saying that we should have bought “a few midfielders” so that we didn’t need to rush Özil back;
some saying that it was more than just bad luck and that we must be doing something wrong to be getting all these injuries;
and finally a select few saying that for the money we’re paying them, our players have got a bit of a bloody nerve getting injured and that, like the Black Knight, they ought to be happy playing on even if several of their muscles had gone into spasm.
Just my 2p worth
Am glad that our germans are getting enough rest and fitness conditioning before they get up to speed. Reasons are obvious as stated by many above.
Having said that, this only shows we lack depth! Hopefully we sign Vermy’s replacement ASAP!.. and maybe look at left backs in case Gibbs absence is extended.
As for Besiktas, Up at ’em!
Looking forward to this one.
đ
Black Knight?!?!
It’s just a flesh wound!
đ
TR7 is traditionally Wenger’s go-to in Champion’s League games, especially against smaller teams like Besiktas. I’d love to see him tonight. His experience and directness are exactly what a game like this calls for.
I’d also like to see the Ox. Just feel he’s got something to show us this year. Maybe not a Ramsey-like step to superstardom, but a significant step up. If he stays healthy I think he will do it. And these first few weeks, before Ozil and Podolski come back, and Theo, are a good chance for him to make his case a little bit.
At work, so I’m not watching the game live today. I’ll have to catch up late tonight as I’m going out with some friends. Gonna try to stay in the dark till then.
So happy Arsenal is back!
COYG
Why do i sense Arsenal will beat the shit out of Besiktas, ok i am going overboard but i just think we will win this clinically. I hope we beat them by pace and for once i want to see ox and Sanchez on the wings and move santi to the centre.
I agree to El Puno, i mean never in a million years will i swap anyone in this team for that dna so and so. Yes call me emotional than practical but fact is i adore the players we have and not the ones who forced themselves out.
Come on Alexis, time for the spot light to shine bright on you and not the other wannabes. Aaron keep the scoring boots on buddy.
GHF @ 30, just wanted to say I really enjoyed your opening drink in the bar, along with GSD’s opener, keep it up the both of you đ
LHTG @ 41, thank you and no worries đ
Cesc is a great player. It genuinely hurt Wenger when he left. I was never too upset as he kept quiet and got his move and I understood his reasons for wanting to go.
He continued to be positive about Arsenal in interviews and on social media and, if newspaper reports are to be believed, has given a very good report of the club to some of our current players when they have asked his opinion.
That said, I think Wenger was right to refuse on the chance to resign him. We have a different team now and will be fine without him. He had his chance at Arsenal and he left for Barcelona. Now that has ended I think Wenger was right in thinking that the team has moved on and saying that we are not open to taking back players who left us after their travels abroad have fizzled out.
We are The Arsenal. We have Ozil. We have Sanchez. We have Rambo.
Cesc Who?
Super excited about these Manolas and Rabiot rumours. Get it done BIG Ivan đ
UTA
Speaking of TR7s introduction today, if you have ever wondered how he would look like with handlebar moustache… http://media.sport.cz/images/top_foto1/0188007806300356/Wf5bFZQzcVm_fs7SozOc6g/53ebb987201ffba296050200-182598.jpg?20140813211625 (this is promotional poster for czech national team for match against netherlands in Euro qualifier)
Eandy – I have to admit that I’ve never really wondered how TR7 would look with facial hair, but I couldn’t resist the temptation to have a peek.
Could you explain why anyone would bother to photoshop moustaches onto players in order to promote a game against the Netherlands?
Just askin’
đ
COYG
I suppose it is something along the Three Musketeers and that “one for all and all for one” line, basically rallying cry for people to come support their national team.
Eandy. TR7 looks by far the best of the three, and whoever thought of adding a moustache to Cech’s bicycle helmet must be smoking distinctly disagreeable. đ
Eandy – gotcha! Nothing necessarily specific to the Dutch.
Thanks.
That would be “something distinctly disagreeable.” As if clarification were desired.
Hehe agreed that TR7 looks best, as for TR with facial hair Pangloss, he used to grow quite a lot for his national side outings, looks very unfamiliar đ http://binaryapi.ap.org/0c91561e649147e8a72477c0b7c1cbd8/512x.jpg
Sod Cesc we have Rambo! đ
One question for all those involved in the “lazy Germans” debate.
Does anyone honestly believe Arsene Wenger would be voluntarily depriving himself of his best players for some imagined point of principle.
There are some short memories in here if you have forgotten some of the horrible Novembers we have suffered following international summer tournaments.
I bet AW is as annoyed as anybody at not having the Germans available, but he would rather risk two or three weeks without them than two or three months.
By the way, we did actually win without them on Saturday. đ
Trev@76, I’m not sure that line of argument is actually sustainable.
If we were to admit the argument, the next thing you know, people would be questioning the assertion that Wenger in some way thought it would be better not to “just splash out a few extra million” for Higuain. Some might even suggest that he might have preferred it if the Dutch Skunk hadn’t fcuked off to Manchester.
Surely we must all agree that AW has some kind of deeply hidden agenda, and that he prefers Arsenal not to play competitively. It must be more complex than his being paid the same amount however many matches the team plays in the season, but quite frankly, now that thought has entered my head it seems pretty darned convincing.
For what it’s worth, I agree with you and can find nothing to recommend the “we should be able to snap our fingers and have players involved in the World Cup back immediately” argument. I also accept that those with whom I don’t agree are at least as deeply attached as I am to the Arse.
Turns out that I won’t be able to watch the game tonight, good luck to the team and those that are watching; I’m off to set the recorder right now.
COYG
So, pretty much unchanged line-up, expected TR7 to start to be honest.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Debuchy, Chambers, Koscielny, Monreal, Arteta, Wilshere, Ramsey, Alexis, Cazorla, Giroud
is this game televised at all? and does anyone have a stream?
Streams Homer:) http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=273217&part=sports
Eandy the stream supplier!
đ
Eandy – many thanks. As always!
Don’t know why the “17 consecutive seasons” sounds ominous to me now.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
Hehe no problem, well I do not own a tv for a very long time by now and majority of Arsenal games is not televised here anyways:P so streams are pretty much mandatory for me if I want to follow Arsenal week in, week out đ
Is Bellerin a natural right back or left back?!
And what’s this nonsense i hear about getting SONG back on loan?
Hmmm..
Goodluck lads, COYG!!
Comeonyouriproaringreds!!!!!!
HERO:
http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/arsenals-yaya-sanogo-trolls-chelseas-cesc-fabregas-hard-on-twitter/?
Yaya KNOWS
come on guys!!
My God if I hear another person mention Cesc in relation to Arsenal I will blow a gasket. One good game and the faint of heart come out in droves saying we should have bought him, FFS we didn’t get him so let it go!!
And it’s not enough that the flocks of sheep among Arsenal fans start all this bleating, Juliet Ferrington is at it on 5live too.
Good preview, Holic.
Good luck to our lads!
come on, gunners! it’s imposing, but we have the quality.
glad kozzer is fit.
sanchez to open his account with a goal, and an assist to giroud. giroud to do the same. arsenal 2-0 besitkas. get in!
wasn’t that cheeky.
I too was a big fan of Cesc Fabregas.
Sad when he left. But leave he did. And we have Mesut Oezil. Porco – dead on. Lets all let it go.
We really should feel sorry for Cesc. for having to play for that whiney shit Mouninho and sharing the locker room with the loathesome, John Terry.
Woj getting tested early! That’s will keep him alert. A good thing!
Eandy – you are the stream master!
AFC looks a little flat here.
weather the storm, boys, weather it.
that was freaking dirty on debuchy.
Come on lads!
scruz too right about that!
C’mon ref, keep it fair.Sounds like that should have been a yellow.
good save woj!!!
Come on Wojteczku!
hey, abb. it was a trailing leg that got debuchy on his standing leg. could definitely have been a yellow.
ooooooh, almost on the break, giroud trying from the ground….damn.
Hey scruz, keep the commentary coming! My imagination getting the worst of me đ
ooooh, santi, nearly to the far post. well played.
2 good buildup plays from us.Let’s keep it flowing!
we’re getting into the game, abb. they’ve had a couple of shots and a couple of breks, but our defense has been good. we could be up or down by 1, but are matching them now.
I’m a mug – it’s on ITV – Was told unequivocally it wasn’t on telly last night – COYG!
that guy sanchez, he’s pretty good. as is our woj.
Thanks scruz!
Love our new holics, yes I’ve noticed đ
COme Onnnnnnn!
Tear them apart!!!!!
Sanchez is brilliant!
Can’t help but be so excited for our new lads, esp. Chambers. What an experience for him!
almost a beaut of a break. leads to a corner.
ooooh, nearly at the far post on a great cross by giroud. headed away by the defender, but neat move.
Alexis taking corners … WTH is he doing with those sky balls?
We’re keeping it tight.. the amount of chasing they are doing, they’ll tire in the 2nd half!
debuchy with no out ball near midfield.
let’s hope so, bb.
Scruz it really shows, we’re still really not up to speed yet, some of our players still sluggish, need a few more games before we’re at 100%.
Still we’re better than them here, we should pull through!
COme On!!!!!!!!
Chambers taking out BA…. Brilliant boy that one!
calum with the little shirt tug. careful, son. but ba goes over way too easy, there…humbug.
Ba is a cheat. Glad we never ended up with him on the team.
Chambers feeding it to him. Nice work!
Just DONT get a card for mouthing the referee!
Feed Alexis the ball.. they don’t like him too much!
chezza having a good game.
abb, agreed, we do need games to get sharp, and we’ve got them coming!
they’ve had better chances, but then they should, being at home. i’ve liked a couple of our breaks.
calum mugs ba again, gets the ball cleanly. well done, lad.
@ number37 – Lurker
I watched all of Germany’s games at the 2014 World Cup, and it is simply not true that Mertesacker only played half a game, or that Schurrle played more minutes than him and Poldi combined.
Mertesacker played full games for Germany against: Portugal; Ghana; the USA and Algeria. He then made late substitute appearances against France, Brazil and Argentina respectively.
Chambers is MASSIVE so far
Get Rosicky on!
We need to be more tenacious, our attacks are breaking down too easily!
Seems to me Besiktas is controlling the midfield.
Tho my stream is a little rough and blury, but it also looks like AS has been really good … good at losing the ball. As has Cazorla.
surely i’m mistaken?
i’d say rozza on for santi, he’s slowing play down too much.
ooooh, nearly jw. beautiful little run through the middle.
On go on Jack! đ
Where’s the depth? Noone wants to make one run into the box, Wilshere looking and looking and noone.
Yes Homer. But he’s been our only outlet so far. Cazorla, Giroud, Wilshere and Ramsey has been really poor so far.
Chambers showing again how good he is. Can’t be more happy with that signing.
kozzer definitely having to watch his achilles.
We seem to lack pace on the attack, when Alexis has the ball.. he’s often the only one up!
Get Bellerin on!
đ
that was freaking elbow!
lucky there, calum slipping at the wrong moment, ba lashes wide.
Any decent stream?anyone please
oh, aaron dinks it over the top for og and he just can’t get it on his foot.
oh, OG!
halftime. 0-0, i think we’re going to move forward in the second half. promising signs by the end of this half.
giroud should have scored there, neat ball by Aaron
Besik playing a pretty physical game. And they look out of gas.
OG – Just put it in the back of the net. No more theatrics please.
0-0 Now bring on the subs, please!
64% pass accuracy by our lads. not good. do better in the next 45.
SAG – streams here, I am watching spanish sopcast one, but I presume lot of others working aswell http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=273217&part=sports
San Antonio – the link from Eandy above will set you up.
AW likely to agree with scruz @133. I can visualize TR7 taking control of the midfield in this game.
Campbell up top, the ox to the left/right, cazorla in the middle with Giroud and Wilshere out would be ideal. Having no use for holdup-play at the moment since he can’t recieve or pass a ball.
Scruz, we need someone with pace to hit on the counter!
We’re content to be cautious though, maybe it’s the game plan, don’t lose shape and don’t concede rather than score a few.
Positives are we seem to be getting stronger with every game!
And BB @131, I should have said. đ
Can’t keep the ball, Turks hunting in packs, Santi and Giroud having mares, lets have the Ox on the left with some pace, it can only get better!
COYRs
If Alexis tires in the 2nd half, get Campbell to replace him!
Pace ! Pace! Pace!
Come on!
Grrrr… need to score a goal at least here to ease my nerves!!!
43% possession by us, think you must be right, Delia.
But we’re not behind, so we’ve a fighting chance, here!
Turks are closing us down not because of their speed but methinks it’s that tropical forest they call a pitch, the grass is long, the balls slow and doesn’t bounce!
We should be able to adapt by now and get in some reinforcements!
Hopefully we can get the job done here and now.
Giroud doing my nut. Not sure I’ll survive a full season with Giroud/Sonogo leading the line đ
#PrayForPoon
El P,
Once Theo gets back am sure Arsene would try Alexis and Campbell at some point!
đ
Realizing Arsene must hold onto subs in case of injury, he must be cautious. Maybe Santi, the first to be subbed?
C’mon, The Arsenal!
should have lashed that, aaron!
ooh, we got lucky there. one reason why we’ve been playing a bit conservative…
speaking of which, abb. mikel needing treatment. damn.
mikel coming off, not good. flamster coming in, kozzer captain?
When exactly had Alexis forgot how to play football?
Debuchy got the armband? Flamster coming on. Poor Arteta!
Thanks@ Eandy for the links
ARGH!
Another injury! đ
we’re constantly dragging defenders ONTO the ball, rather than away.
REal Physical.. .took out Alexis!
This is dire. Best midfield in the league we said. Can’t string 3-4 passes together on their half. Ăzil, where are thou.
suddenly yellow cards are flying, not good
Brilliant Alexis defending!
You mean they haven’t even started their season yet, and their’re thwarting us so easily?!
But we are fielding new players, so I must be patient!
our defense is getting sucked into those little one-twos on the touchline.
abb, our players are not moving in any kind of harmony on the offensive side. we’re doing better with collective defense.
abb, they may not have started their season, but their flopping practice is paying off.
Sounds like it scruz. What is your prescription? Ox, TR, or Campbell?
two of the three at any rate. i think tr for santi, still, and maybe ox for jack as on saturday.
Yes, sounds appetizing! đ
this looks like a MLS game.
no more than 2 passes at one time.
lots of pushing. route 1 attacking.
horrible.
WTF ref.. everythings a yellow now!
Take Wilshere off.. he’s still off pace!
oh ffs they are really milking it with those contacts
3 of our lads in the book, now. Hope their fouls earned ECCHYMOSES on their players! This is WAR!
oooooh, almost. great move down the right.
how the fuck was that a foul on nacho?
This ref is having a howler.
ecchymoses?
A fancy word for bruises! đ
lol, nurse!
Where’s the subs?
We’ll nick this one yet!
COME ON BOYS!
what’s a fancy word for cramps? ’cause besitkas is looking to start cramping up for the last 20 minutes. on comes ox for alexis.
what?? how is that a foul?
Good move!
Alexis looks a little tired… OX is on!
Wilshere? Giroud? Santi? What?!
Forgot when was the last time I saw a player having so many lost balls. Now subbed off, thankfully.
The Ox comes on for Alexis!
There is a word for cramps, it’s German and I don’t know how to spell it!
aaron gets it in the collys, but no, not a foul.
They look tired Besiktas, now is our chance
Am beginning to like Debuchy!
đ
The Besik manager is an arsehole. No wonder his players are cheapshotting divers.
rule of besitkas: touch our player, yellow card, fall down having been fouled by our player, you’re diving.
cba called it
Cow Pasture on my tv screen. đ
besitkas is trippin’ now.
come on santi, put one in.
COME ON !!!!!
They’re bloody tired!
GEt IN SANTI!
oooh, nearly. great freekick.
fucking stoopid, aaron.
Oh Aaaron đ 2 yellows!
Ah well…
damage limitation now!
fucking stoopid ref. that was a completely wrong call on aaron, ozyakup dove.
HOOOW???
Wow. Ramsey goes off after a five by the cheating Turkish punk.
how stupid was that from Ramsey
Does this Ref think he is at a poker game. All these cards!
lurky, it was a complete dive. he didn’t grab him at all.
even down to ten men i think we can nick this.
On review my last comment sounds ignorant.
Not meant to be offensive. Please, if anyone is offended, my bad there. Just my own stupidity.
corner to us. COME ON, gunners…
debuchy does a nice job on kerim, forcing the errant pass for a goalkick.
another corner to us. we can do something with this!
Nick it at the end boys… you know you CAN DO IT!
COME ON!
5 baby aspirins and 2 tums, is my medicine count, thus far!
ooooh, off the bar…
post, whatever.
finally tr7 for santi.
debuchy looks gassed.
Looking like a 0-0 game
2 mins to do something….!
How come Campbell is not playing?
bilic sent off LOL.
And BILIC goes off…!
game over. a well-earned point. what a doof for a ref, and we were relatively poor. good on debuchy, good on…well, who. kozzer?
and now down aaron and possibly mikel for the home return. at least we have aaron for everton. not sure about mikel.
hey, oskar, when is the german contingent back? đ
Good question SAG!
IF he’s not going on loan, we better play him!
I’d say this result goes in our favour.. only just!
IF anything it’ll give Ramsey a break.. he can’t play 4 games in two weeks!
gotta run, lads and abb. fun while it lasted, ox nearly gave us a winner.
here’s to happy healing for mikel!
poor game in overall, how that pasture can be called football pitch is beyond me, came close by Oxes shot, but will miss Aaron in second a lot. Given the circumstances 0-0 is positive result, not best, but still kinda okay.
The drama! Does that mean their manager has to be in the stands, next time.
A draw isn’t the worst outcome, for us. But losing Aaron is not cool.
The pitch was awful
See you scruz, as always enjoyed your company đ
Scruz, Chambers continues to show that he’s class. One mistake on a clearence that gave Ba the chance, otherwise a rock. I think back 5 did well. The rest… I don’t want to see anything like this again. 72% passing accuracy for a team that want to have the ball is not nearly OK.
We will definitely need to sign a DM. Sorry to bust some folks bubble, but we cannot rely on Arteta and flamini to play there all season. I just hope we don’t end up messing up this window that we started real good. I hope the Germans would be ready for return leg.
Vermy’s replacement couldn’t come quick enough.
That Chambers is brilliant, think we can play him as a DM!
Alexis will be linking up with Ozil for the return leg, that should be good.
OX is also getting up to speed, very good effort!
Another good game from Chambers. One mistake, early season, in a hotly contested game in Turkey, especially as it didn’t lead to a goal, I’ll be more than happy to forget. What a signing.
Wenger should have at least used Campbell and AOC on the wings. We can play Sanogo, but not Campbell, I don’t get it. Well he I the boss I guess.
Nil nil is not a disaster but not a great result. We could have done with an away goal.
2 games in. Have had to chase both games and Campbell still does not get a look in???? What does that tell you???
SAG,
My guess is Campbell isn’t well integrated well into the way we play yet, must be something Arsene didn’t like in training, anyway all speculation.
But with Sanogo out, methinks he’ll get his chance!
Now let’s take out our frustration at the toffees!!
Hopefully by the weekend, one or two of our Germans would have gotten some rest to feature in the match. We can’t keep loosing players this early in the season.
If we don’t find a defensive-minded midfielder who has enough pace to cover the flanks against counter attacks and has enough of a surge forward to effectively launch our counter-attacks we are not going to win PL or CL.
And if TR7 was fit then the decision to bring him in only for the final 4 minutes was bizarre. Especially when Santi was having an awful game. These are the types of matches Rosicky plays so well, running directly at defenders, controlling the tempo and pressing high up.
One of Santi’s worst games in Arsenal colors. And Jack needs to get his head sorted, bunch of really poor mistakes in the defensive half.
Not the worst result. One of Chambers/Kos/Debuchy man of the match for me.
Better start growing the fingernails for next Wednesday.. Besiktas are clearly dangerous and we’re still at a somewhat pre-season level.
Steve T @ 247: Given that the ‘official’ words — from the manager and the captain — about Campbell has been nothing but effusive praise about his technique, the balance between individual ability and team play, desire etc. one would guess that he is either someone we are genuinely looking to use or genuinely looking to raise the price of. Whether he gets a career in Arsenal or not he is going to have a very good — one might even say exceptional — career in football, injury permitting.
He could be carrying a minor injury, which I suspect could be the case with TR7 as in two matches where some directness and fast tempo would have helped us he has not been used.
Surprised at the negative, shortsighted reactions here….It was a tough, tough match, on a cabbage patch of a pitch, against decent opposition. We were professional, defended excellently (you never go through games without conceding the odd chance, but let’s face it, that’s all they were – the odd chance), and we got to see the less glamorous, but more defensive-minded skills of our midfield 3 (contrary to a lot of ppl, that was definitely one of Wilshere’s better recent performances in an Arsenal shirt). I even thought Alexis was fine, he’ll get the run of the ball and his match fitness up through the nxt week or so. We were just lacking that final touch (Ozil?) when the ball was bobbling around at various promising junctures. Lots of ppl salivating about Chambers – and rightly so – but I like the look of Debuchy – he looks like he’s really up for this move, he’s got an unbelievably engine, and in time, will link up really well with Ozil, Walcott and Sanchez on the right. Lots to be quietly optimistic about…
Meh always settle for a draw in games like this although a scoring draw would have been preferable – But think we will go through without to much drama.
Everton will be even harder now mind after 90mins on that pitch anyone would think they may have done that on purpose to slow our game down !
See rumours doing the rounds that Sanogo was fit but forget his passport,don’t blame him I wasnt taken with Turkey myself đ Think Giroud forgot his too lol
Pointless to keep bringing it up but we desperately need a top class Forward and DM with strength and pace if we are to really challenge this year.
On a plus point Sanchez looked more bedded in and as for Chambers he looks the best young centre half I’ve ever seen at that age at Arsenal – And I did see Gus đ
Oooff! Uncomfortable that was.
The team was too strung out over the pitch; too dribbly; too slow to get the ball moving; too inaccurate with their passing.
Did we actually have a plan of attack ? Seemed to be ‘run with it and see what happens’, or ‘get it up to Giroud’ who unfortunately had one of his worst games for us. Couldn’t shoot, pass, flick, head or hold the ball.
The Ox changed the game as soon as he came on on Saturday, and looked the most likely scorer for us tonight in an all too brief appearance.
Chambers is a genuine find. We also need to find a proper defensive midfielder at Champions League level at least. I have to say I thought on Saturday and tonight that we don’t look physically imposing enough. Too many small players who spend far too much time being brushed off the ball and finishing up on the floor.
We didn’t lose and, on a better pitch, should win at home next week.
We cannot afford to give the ball away at Everton like we did today.
The back five did quite well tonight – the attacking half of the team were, though, “a little bit the headless chickens”.
Heh! Chippy. đ
HFB needs a kick up the backside. A top striker would have scored at least one of those chances. Alexis beginning to look the business. Chambers is astonishing and Debuchy is a top RB.
Trev,
Couldn’t resist đ
Dr F. I hear what you say but I will be honest and say I have no idea what to make of him. If he is that highly thought of and fit enough to be on the bench then why not give him a run out?????
I have not seen any of tonight’s game. All I have is the numerous bits of commentary followed by the various reviews that have done nothing to alter my opinions. We are still three quality players short of challenging for the league or champions league. Less than two weeks to put it right. I just hope we have plans in place.
Gregoire @ 253: I don’t see either ‘negative’ or ‘short-sighted’ reactions at all in this bar. All I see are pragmatic, realistic assessment of the performance with cautious optimism about future. Everyone recognizes that the team will get better, much better. That doesn’t take away from what was a very poor display.
We are Arsenal supporters, not its corporate mouthpiece. If we cannot express our disappointment at the end of a poor performance — Besiktas haven’t started their domestic season at all yet — irrespective of the state of the season then we might as well give up supporting.
Debuchy MOTM for me…..as others have said the entire back 5 looked on song…speaking of Song…how’s he been?
Have they said what’s up with Arteta ?? I’ve got a horrible feeling it may be a Metatarsal, Or if it’s an Arsenal themed injury MertAtArsenal đ Boom Boom !
well – the football equivelant of watching paint dry – tedious beyond belief.
Pitch was awful, yes, but Santi absolutely anonymous. The worst I have ever seen him play. If hes not fit play TR7.
Plenty of Transfer window left – I’m pretty sure we will have to spend if we want o be there or thereabouts this season. Team still meshing tho – early days.
Rome wasn’t built in a day……..
Decent result that under difficult circumstances. 3 points on Saturday and we are flying.
Forward
#FreeManolasRabiotAndCavani
On Madrid’s bench tonight: Hames, Isco, Di Maria, Varane.
Just unfair.
what EPM said @264.
Chippy. Sadly, that was what it looked like to me as well. Regarding Arteta that is.
Our best performers are our defenders?!
Good sign, the beginning of something great perhaps!
Give the team a lil time to gel and get up to speed and i’ll bet most will be pleasantly surprised.
In the meantime, find replacements for Flamini and Arteta!
Build build build!
Do believe we have a defender in mine to replace Vermy already, for some reason deal not announced yet, mayhap Arsene pondering the best position for Chambers??!!
Now for everton! Games can’t come fast enough, need to get them under the belt quickly! Alexis got to remember he’s passing to Giroud not Messi! but he’s adapting super quick and tracks back like a champion. Would really love to see him as a centre forward instead of the wings!
They spent the money for that privilege; we have more money now and will improve our squad, without doubt.
Steve T @ 259: I will absolutely agree with you that we need a “defensive-minded physically strong, fast and technically capable” midfielder and one more top class defender to begin with to fight for PL, assuming Santi and Poldi would play at their best consistently. For CL success we will need one more genuine goalscoring forward.
About Campbell: I hope he is given a chance. However I won’t at all be surprised if he is used to make a deal for a more established name. And that would be fine as well.
Toby,
Yep I got that feeling too – He knew pretty much straight away it was not good, only plus point he hobbled off so fingers crossed it’s heavy bruising.
Gregoire @253- Agreed
Chambers was great. Debuchy too. Jack better without being excellent. Alexis just needs game time with his new teammates. It was a tough game and 0-0 is ok. Got to feel confident at home.
Oh, and the game?
Bad pitch, our team back after vacation and all in different stages of coming back to competitive games, with a few key players who have been to the world cup, and without one of our two best midfielders to get the team to click.
Sure, we could (should?) have done better, but it is harder for a team that wants to play neat triangles and speedy, precise counters, to get up to speed early in the season, than a more direct team, built more on muscle and willpower.
Especially after Ramsey’s second yellow, I’ll just nod my head at the result, if not the performance, and say “fair enough” and hope our home game doesn’t end up 2-2.
I’ve never been the one to scream for a defensive mid, I’d rather see two or even all three midfielders share that responsibility and interchange both in attack and defence, but sure, it would be great to control these kinds of games a tad more, and that is not always done by adding more creativity. Sometimes you just need to win back the ball earlier and have a bit more calm, and I can see the need for a player to step in and provide that, especially during games like today, when the neat stuff doesn’t work out (at all!).
Having that said, Chambers might well be that player. He is showing all the signs isn’t he? If I had to chose, surely I’d go for another center half to free him up for midfield duty behind Ramsey and Ăzil.
Again, not a great performance, but a hard game, very early in the season, away in Turkey. I’ll take that and a 2-1 at home.
If you are an opposition manager, who would you like your players to target from our midfield?
Lurky @ 275: Depends on what you mean ‘target’. Winding up? Provocation? Jack as he would always respond in kind, exaggeratedly, and give away fouls.
Physically press and hurry? Arteta, for once he has lost possession he cannot recover.
EL P,
Manolas and Rabiot looks good.
We could use them both immediately.
Don’t think we’ll get another striker unless we sell/loan Campbell or Sanogo.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Dr F @ 260 – that was a “very poor performance”?!! That’s an extremely naive, entitled opinion about these sort of attritional European nights, and highly unfair on a thoroughly workmanlike, professional performance (we’re not going to go and win Turkey 3-0 every year you know). Let’s not forget that Germany had to slog through unconvincing wins against the US and Algeria, alongside the big victories against Portugal and Brazil on their way to the World Cup. Sure, the magical sheen wasn’t there – but no team in the world turns it on week in and week out….Let alone on an appalling pitch, in the first week of the season, in an intimidating Turkish atmosphere….By all means, let’s be realistic about the shortcomings of some of the front-play (I echo some of the comments that Cazorla and Giroud were well off the pace), but let’s credit solid-to-good performances from the other nine.
Toby @ 274: Last year we won quite a few matches — including some key matches, Spurs away or Dortmund away — not playing in neat little triangles but responding to the situation.
We didn’t respond to the situation today. Except for the defenders we didn’t play with much tactical intelligence. We didn’t use the flank. While Giroud was having an evidently awful day with his touches and link-up play (likely one of his worst in Arsenal shirt) we didn’t attempt to use the width and try his aerial abilities. Our corners — there were a few of them — lacked planning.
We had an awful day. That is all. We are still in the dominant position in this tie, but no reason to overlook an exceptionally poor performance, which included tactical immaturity on the pitch. We will play much better in a few weeks.
While there are many legitimate cries for a new DCM – I think we are desperately short of a leading striker much more than we are at DCM considering that young Chambers is now an option to be considered there.
We just can’t conceivably go into a new season with Giroud as the leading striker. Its gone beyond all jokes at this stage. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a very useful player – but he’s not a lead striker for a club at this level.
A game of kick and rush and very little football.I suppose a nil/nil will need to suffice but this tie is far from over, losing Arteta and Rambo will not help our cause next Wednesday.
The Ref had his hands full and didn’t always get it right. Ramsey’s second yellow looked harsh,he barely touched the Besiktas player,a similar foul on Jack went unpunished.
I think we did well keeping a clean sheet with our untried back four in front of Ches, who had his moments.
A pity the Ox was not given more game time, his running with the ball made a difference and he so nearly gave us the win with his drive into the box and a curling shot which the keeper tipped on to the post.
Alexis was our most dangerous attacker down the right but he had little support in the box. Our few chances fell to Giroud who was not at the races.We need to sharpen up by the weekend otherwise our season will halt in it’s tracks before it really gets going.
COYRs
Well, here’s another take on the match as I was lucky enough to be there. That stadium is probably one of the worst I’ve ever experienced and was definitely not designed for football. Don’t be deceived by its Olympic Stadium status; the Olympics never happened here and one gets the impression that they rather gave up on finishing building it. Stuck in a godforsaken, barren and windy, no-mans-land part of Istanbul (a bit like Wembley really though I’ve never been to the new one) it’s interesting to read reports about the poor state of the pitch. Despite having the run of the part of the stand we were housed in it was impossible to actually discern that because of the running track between us and the pitch. The stadium was built for athletics not football.
I have never heard such a cacophony of sound at any football match ever and I was actually at probably the greatest Highbury night ever for the Fairs Cup Final in 1970; most probably the pinnacle for Highbury in terms of noise and atmosphere. Such was the noise, long before the match kicked off, that some of the Arsenal players were wearing headphones while warming up! At times it was difficult to concentrate on watching the game because of the shrill ear busting decibel levels â god knows what it’s like to play under such circumstances. If only we could create a percentage of something like at The Grove who knows what more we could achieve!
It was really interesting to meet so many committed Gooners who had travelled from Cyprus, Bulgaria and Russia with some few ex-pats like myself from Turkey – I don’t believe many travelled from London given the price of air tickets at the minute. A comic moment: as we got through the turnstile, we had to turn in any loose coins (into the Red Crescent box) and lighters; only to go straight to the kiosk selling food and drink in the ground to be given loose change and free lighters offered up by the staff. What was that about?
Of course, we had too many players with below par performances but, under the circumstances given how motivated these Turkish teams are by their supporters, a nil-nil draw didn’t feel such an awful result to me even though I’d had to travel most of the day to get there. I suspect we’ll see rather a different match at The Grove in the return leg. All in all, it could have gone either way but I’m confident we can finish off the job at home. It’s interesting how different things can seem when you’re actually there.
A big thank you to Arsenal for ensuring they got my tickets to me as well as to my hostess (whom I’d only ‘met’ previously on Facebook) for chauffeuring me there, providing me with accommodation and taking me for a post-match breakfast on the Bosphorous! Now, if only the Ox’s shot had rebounded into the net from the post âŠ!