Boro – Banana Skin, Or Ripe for Picking?
Feb 13th, 2015 by 'holic
“At least we will not have the excuse to be surprised because they beat Manchester City in a convincing way. That is a good warning for us. In the Championship, any team that plays at the top is a danger for any Premier League team. They are well organised, play good football with good pace, and they are very creative.”
Well, I guess that means we are not underestimating the challenge that Middlesbrough will offer on Sunday. Arsene’s assessment is a welcome sign of just how seriously we are taking the defence of our trophy.
The Gunners treatment room is again full to bursting. Aaron Ramsey has reclaimed his spot with a hamstring strain, and Alexis Sanchez isn’t expected to vacate the treatment table after Upson’s assault on him on Tuesday night. Long term absentees Mathieu Debuchy, Mikel Arteta, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, and Abou Diaby are all still out.
Jack Wilshere has returned to training, so don’t be surprised to see him on the bench. Wojciech Szczesny returns between the sticks as the cup goalkeeper and an impressive performance would not do his chances of reclaiming the number one slot any harm.
Arsene hinted that January signing Gabriel could make his debut in a back four that may also include Hector Bellerin, Per Mertesacker, and Nacho Monreal.
Francis Coquelin should continue to anchor the midfield with Tomas Rosicky slotting into the box to box role vacated by Ramsey, and Santi Cazorla as the creator in chief.
Perm any two from Theo Walcott, Danny Welbeck,ย and Mesut Ozilย to start in wide positions. Allย have been given free reign to come inside in support of Olivier Giroud and that could be the key to unlocking Boro’s impressive defence.
The Teesiders took Liverpool to a penalty shoot-out in the COCup this season as well as beating City at the Etihad in this competition. Their manager, Aitor Karanka,ย is quietly confident of an upset.
“It’s going to be a massive game, everyone at the club expects we can beat them, but if we go there and think it is going to be easy, or another game we can beat them without playing our best, we can make a mistake.”
The ‘holic Pound
I’m backing the holders to be well-prepared for the counter-attacking style that got the visitors through the challenge of Manchester City. Looking at the odds I am drawn to a favourite (though rarely successful) prediction of mine this season, 2-1 to the hosts is 15/2 with Paddy Power. I’m on it.
The Week Ahead
With no midweek fixture I’m delighted to see the issue of a new book, I Am Sam, by James Durose-Rayner. There will be a review published next week as soon as I can get through 485 pages of what promises to be a cracking read.
That’s it for now. I look forward to seeing some of you on Sunday. As ever, have a good one ‘holics.
158 Responses to “Boro – Banana Skin, Or Ripe for Picking?”
ooh hello
Shut that door…
Oh, seems like a nice boy…
look at the muck on here
Yup, cba@4; no quality at all.
Unlike the post; nice preview Guv’nor. As ever, I will be happy with any sort of win.
COYG
Evening all. ๐
Miserablesborough.
It’s a dump.
Lets dump them out the cup. Any which way. ๐
2-1, Holic? You’re making me nervous. We’d better play better than we did last Tuesday. I’m sure we will.
Oh Holic, 2-1 sounds lovely. Aitor’s facial expression gave it away a bit. He is relishing taking on the Arsenal. A mixture of pride and awe.
The Beauty of the FA Cup xx
Evening all
Nice preview sir.
Hopefully Boro will be more focussed on promotion than the FA Cup. That said, I would hope that we would have far too much for any championship side.
BTM. Spot on. Needs to be much much better than the last two performances.
Zico. Again , spot on. Boro is one of the biggest toilets I have ever visited.
I’m very nervous about this match…incredibly nervous. Boro are very likely to be back next season as a Premiership side and Karanka is developing a very good reputation as a bright young manager.
Tuesday did not improve my confidence as I thought it was dire in the second half. I suspect we might see Chambers and Gibbs in the side so the back four will be very different.that makes us vulnerable.And Ches will be back.
I expect Coquelin and Rosicky to play behind Cazorla, Ozil and Walcott with Welbeck or Giroud upfront.
Of course we should win but sadly Im not getting the vibe that we will
I prefer to leave my prediction till after the event. This Arsenal team’s second-half near capitulation to Leicester after threatening to run away with it in part 1 has me totally confused.
Interesting to see how Sir Ches approaches the match. Will he be a lion looking to dominate his area, or a nervous rabbit looking over his shoulder at OspinO? And will Gabriel prove himself an Arsangel?
Wishing and hoping … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-ISaYrLLG8
รskar
Thanks H.
2-0. A defender to score 1. Giroud the other.
I’d love to call it a prediction. But it’s a complete guess…
UTA
like people who deconstruct music
suck out the urgency and joy
endlessly ron the managering
can really claw at ye
.
anyhoo
.
UP THE ARSENAL
nice when it’s light on the ground
๐
or
fuck off ya big dollop
of bitter sobriety
.
eithers good
.
๐
.
๐
.
๐
cba, you da man! ๐
‘hol
.
THE ARSENAL
.
what it’s all afuckinbout
.
cheers big man
.
when i’m back on the gargle
i will buy you a jar
and
half a scotch egg
.
i’m not made o bastard money
.
๐
Karanka is a former Mourinho sidekick, which may explain the Jose-esque quote in the post about Middlesboro not thinking they just had to turn up to win, as if they were a top Premiership side about to visit some non-league side.
Hello guys,
Good post Holic !
You may be right that coquelin could start again, but I was expected Flamini to start for the FA cup clash, with rosicky near of him.
Welbeck did not play on tuesday so he will play for sure tomorrow, I expect Giroud to start too.
Hope a convincing win tomorrow and the next weekend to build our confidence ahead of the Champions League Clash.
Nice preview Guvna.
This does feel like a banana skin waiting to happen.
We need to approach this game with a radically different work ethic and skill level from that on display on Tuesday.
Frankly, I’ll take any kind of win.
Allardyce – the most sophisticated manager in the league based on the fact that he chews Double Mint instead of Juicy Fruit.
22
always pegged him for a Beech cNut
meself
cba – ๐
One from the distant past that. They used to have a Beech Nut machine at the bus depot, which had a sawdust floor like the local butcher’s shop had.
That’s going back a bit.
Cheers Holic – see you on the morrow !
And Esso, hopefully !
Abb – “2-1 sounds lovely” ?
Not to me, it doesn’t.
I’m with BtM, I’m afraid.
2-1 with this Arsenal side sounds like a nail biting, nerve jangling panic fest.
What can you do though ?
Just shout yer flaming bonce off for the famous rip-roaring !
Cba, Cynic – hehs! ๐
3-1 to The Mighty Arsenal is my usually over optimistic prediction.
Come on REDS !
elderly is the new nearly elderly
.
๐
can’t be arsed is the new nearly can’t be arsed at all ๐
Aww shucks , trev
.
*blushes in my early easter bonnet *
.
.
hope yer pin is behavin fella
no joke yer predicament
no joke at all
.
.
tomorrow
roar yer head off !
UP THE ARSENAL!
“Nail biting, nerve jangling panic fest”- Here we come!
Bad news, good news….
Pubis’ group win 4-0.
On the other hand, Blackburn completely ripping apart Stoke 4-1. Couldn’t happen to a bigger bunch of front bottoms.
Couldnโt happen to a bigger bunch of front bottoms
.
๐
.
cheers
a chuckle is a fuckin tonic
.
The pin is still improving thanks, cba.
Long job – still hurts like a bastard to bend it past 90ยฐ but walking on difficult terrain is now pretty good, and the victory jaunt back to Finsbury Park station is bloody marvellous !
Still need a body double for calendar work though – if you’re interested ? ๐
๐ trev
.
good to hear
its a pain like no other
in that
ye just have to bastardin get on with it
sympathy is abundant
but
appreciation of the agony
limited
.
“how dare your eyes be watering with pain
can’t be that bad
jeez
yer up an about”
.
.
re. the calendar
I am
in popular parlance
quite the looker
.
.
i know
tut tut
.
i blame the parents!!
(lookers that mine were)
๐
The disguise doesn’t work mate. Not with that hair.
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/81013000/jpg/_81013382_marouanechamakh_getty.jpg
hairs fall out the front
.
he licks ’em
an sticks ’em
up the back
.
the combover for generation bizarre
Come on palace
oh
trev
i did ask ye for some advice
a wee while back
my neck is a clunky disaster
.
i was serious
.
the good ‘hol has my email address
i’d appreciate some advice
(all legal hereafters and notwithstandings aside)
.
tabs’n’7 – stand down!
Cheers H!
Teeside is indeed a dump, however I retain fond memories of Michelle from Thornaby.
Interesting set of results today, most of which suit us but Liverpool did well to come back. I was at Twickenham. Haven’t been there by public transport for years and will never be going that way again. Let nobody ever moan about getting to the Home of Football again. It’s a breeze compared with Twickers .
Esso- did you know Michelle too
Happy Valentines โฅ (hope our lads celebrate after our game and not before ๐ )
Heh Trev, They held Citeh and they seem to be really up for this. Would love us to get in a couple before halftime, to settle nerves.
But their keeper will be our main obstacle. Really happy you are well on the mend. ๐
Had to wonder at this>Boro reminds their fans not to bring smoke bombs or flares. And no taking to the pitch.
Just who are we playing! ๐
cba, always pegged you for a looker ๐
And Eandy, hope you’re feeling better (the flu) xx
Holic must be ok, because he’s taunting Leeds fans (twitter) ๐
I had LUFC follower on twitter, but he got fed up with my telling him to support their manager. He said Arsenal fans don’t know what it’s like to get demoted. ๐
AND WE’LL NEVER KNOW!!!!
I’m watching Dave Clark Five on BBC2, which brings back memories of a Garrard radiogram and a 45 of Glad All Over booming out of it.
‘Glad All Over’! Haven’t that one in years…cobwebs. Great song.
We’ll feel that way tomorrow! ๐
Night everyone ๐
Did I not hear Glad All Over emanating from the Palace sound system prior to their Cup match today?
รskar
cba,
I’ll be in touch with Holic.
Might need a bit more info than clickin and clunkin in your neck – unless you just forgot to take your seat belt off ! ๐
OTD
Glad All Over has been played at Palace as they come out for about forty years! Dave Clark is a Tottenham fan
Tuesday night left me bereft of any sort of feeling, the second half showing left me numb. The attitude of some of our players was disgraceful.
What can we expect tomorrow? With a full complement of away fans it’s going to be a noisy afternoon. Being on the front foot from the start is a must and our MF need to impose themselves on the game, something which they have sadly failed to do in the last two outings. If only the Ox was available.
Borough will be here to win in the same way as Leicester were. Let’s hope their strikers are similarly off target. I predict a difficult afternoon with a narrow win for the Gunners. I sincerely hope our players have more confidence than I have.
Was it only two weeks ago that I was forecasting great things for the rest of the season!
COYRs
So Alexis is out?!
Makes me sad….. ๐
Well, Boro it is today then… I see a lot of people seem almost scared of them but I for one can not really understand that fear. Yes, they beat City but it wasn’t exactly as if Boro played them off the park. City really should have won that game, and it was also a City team missing several key players.
Do I expect us to walk it today? Certainly not. But using the Leicester game as a reason for why we will struggle today isn’t really something I’d agree with. That game came very shortly after the loss to Spurs and having watched the whole game again I don’t actually think we were quite as poor as I felt on first viewing. No, it wasn’t a great performance in any way, shape or form but I think we probably deserved the three points on balance of play. A better refereeing display would also have helped, Leicester got away with a hell of a lot throughout the 90 minutes.
Anyway, I do expect us to win today and will be really cheesed off if we don’t. Keep our heads cool, make sure we score first and we should be able to pick them off on the counter.
“A City team missing several key players,” Lars. Not that that ever happens to us…
Now here’s a benchmark for the ‘Holic pound:
http://www.wisbechstandard.co.uk/news/cambridgeshire_man_lands_170_000_with_1_accumulator_bet_on_the_football_less_than_a_week_after_he_opened_william_hill_account_1_3956840
Not even sure why we should play on the counter, Lars.
The team is naturally designed to attack, whoever plays really, and if we go one up, I think we should stay with our instincts and go for them.
Sitting back, inviting them on and relying on the counter rarely works for us. I want us in their half as much as possible – my nerves have had enough !
More good sense from our man in Scandinavia. There’s one on thr bar for you, Lars. Time your wallet had a well deserved rest.
Win this match.
COYG
Lars,
Boro are a better side than Leucester and have momentum and confidence. This is a no- pressure game for them and we are frighteningly inconsistent. We have played really well at home for many weeks until Tuesday but we have put in terrible performances at Stoke, Southampton and Tottenham. It will not be easy. While we should win I suspect it will be a very long afternoon and a tight match
We’ll win the cup… IF we beat Boro!
๐
Cheers holic.
Need to get the balance between rotation and stability (esp at the back) spot on otherwise we will playing with a disadvantage. Play to our capabilities and we should win.
===
Oskar is correct about glad all over.
Palace’ adopted anthem.
weird
sure the DC5
were the tottenham sound
it is palace though
so
anything goes
Of course, Palace does. And their fans rock ๐
But the group it self reminds of me of the 1st British Invasion. Beatles, Stones (and Badfinger, who sounded like the Beatles!)
howdy abb
i predict an easy stress free
stroll to victory
yeah … right
๐
Hey cba, chuckles (and that’s a good thing!)
Heh cba.
Gabriel will start.
H2H, you beat me to it! And Alexis too ๐
Woj
Chambers Gabriel Kos gibbs
Flame santi ozil
welbz Alexis OG
Weird team! I really thought Alexis would sit this one out, at least from start. It’s not as if we don’t have attacking players. We’ve even got Walcott on the bench. And yes, I know there’s been a debate about what he actually BRINGS (except for the goals…) but still.
Starting with Cazorla, รzil, Alexis, Giroud and Welbeck. Attacking team that.
Big risk being taken at the back.
No Coq sheild either.
Come on.
Strong bench. And barring more injuries, we’ll have that for the rest of the season. Time to start practicing what we preach here, holics.
#Rotation ๐
Rotation is good abb, but changing almost your entire defencive area is risky. (imho)
Afternoon gents. Here we go again then. Keep it tight, don’t dwell on the ball and it should be out ours.
Anyone got a decent stream?
Hi H2H, believe me, I hear you and feel your trepidation (LeCoq)!
good morning all.
let’s get a win.
along with porco, any streams?
afternoon everyone…getting nervous as usual, have a good one everyone …now ..come on boys!
http://www.livefootballol.com/streaming/english-fa-cup/15-02-2015-arsenal-middlesbrough.html streams ..or http://livetv.sx/en/eventinfo/289817_arsenal_middlesbrough/
COME ON!!
๐
thanks, eandy!
Hi everyone! Let’s rock!
oooo, santi nearly. brilliant.
morning, nurse! hope you are well ๐
Morning scruz! ๐
we are playing some pretty stuff, i hope we capitalize…
Cheers E
Starting to get some chances now. Good start. Not hurrying it, but not playing to ponderously either. Turning the screw.
Alexis is off pace… argh! Would have normally buried that!
Hope he gets better as the game progresses…
COME ON!
streams drying up…
GIROOOUUUUD
Whew, past the keeper! OG xx
Great move.
nice, intricate, well done OG.
Cazorla is a fucking player.
girrrrrooouuuuuuddddd
Encore, Giroud. Wow!
GIIIRRRROOOUUUUUD thats 2
what a GOAL!
Here comes the Cup!
๐
GET IN!!!!! GIROUD!
Actually, Giroud is fucking player as well.
Giroud..NOOO.. apparently Santi isn’t allowed to score before Giroud gets his hat-trick!
๐
still shaking my head over that second…
Pops one in.
boro starting to come out to play, hopefully we can wipe them out on the counter-attack if they do.
well in h2h.
Missed the first 23 minutes as I was out.
Got in, saw the score and lineup.
Was unhappy with both.
Then Giroud happened and the mood changed to
http://img1.seite3.ch/news/309/320792-jasonking3.jpg
funny how we never hear people say giroud isn’t good enough for us anymore ๐
We’ve finally figured out how to get players to run into the box…
Just play five players that for much of their careers would have played in a forward three as a forward five.
that was a really, really nice first half. let’s hope the curse of leicester doesn’t come down upon us in the second.
Cazorla and ozil a class above
Middlewho ?
Will be happier if we knock in a quick third.
COME ON YOU REDSSSS
more of the same, boys, please.
gibbs trying to take back his place ๐
my mouth is watering at this point.
beautiful from santi, brilliant header, equally brilliant save. their keeper motm for them.
Their goalie’s …very good!
Rosicky’s coming on.. they have no chance now!
And Theo too!
๐
theo and rozza on for alexis annnnnddd…welbeck.
keep it down, santi, keep it down!
No urgency at all in this half.
chhhhuuuuuuuubaaaaaaa
CHUUUUUUBA!!
๐
h2h, i don’t see the need for urgency. we’re so in control of the game, boro have only had half chances at best, and we’re always a threat. and now chuba’s on, well, a quick hat trick and we’re away ๐
Gibbs had a good game.
Would have prefered a third, just to ease the pressure. 2 nil always a fragile lead.
i understand, h2h, i just think we could have gotten a third at nearly any time if we turned it on.
another ooooh, theo moment. sigh.
That’s an arrogancy that we need to stamp out.
I’d like us to be ruthless.
i thought we were ruthless in possession, and prevention of chances. our energy defensively never flagged, and they hardly had a sniff. like we knew we had the game, and went into the defensive game we’ve played so well of late (excepting tottenham and leicester half 2). i’ll take that, even as they hit the post in the 93d minute. ๐
and that’s it. mostly lovely stuff. on to the round of 8.
I don’t understand why we don’t just kill the game.
But….
Job done.
Good game. With Scruz on this. I mean, sure, I would have loved this to end 5-0. I love winning big as much as the next supporter. But we’ve absolutely been ruthless in possession. We’ve controlled this game from beginning to end and did not get careless, just bold, and did not get lax, just energy efficient.
Good game.
Not happy.
Had a bet on 3-0.
Theo blows it.
The great berk.
Stillโฆ I suppose winning is more important than my cash. ๐
Very relaxed game… expected onslaught did not arrive.
Who do we get next? Pool?
Glad to see no one picked up any more injuries.
And Gabriel is brilliant… makes some mistakes and then rectifies them himself! I like him already!
Bring ’em on!!!
๐
Great to see us being ruthless.
A really top class display all round. Boro didn’t get a sniff.
Loved the way Gabriel took one for the team when he poleaxed one of the ‘Boro forwards on the break. That cynicism is more than welcome and great to see.
It still didn’t quite come off in the final third as there were a few misunderstanding and some rustiness. The compactness after 2-0 with idea to hit on counter was a perfect plan, just missed a few tricks. Welbeck failing to feed Giroud, Theo not converting from TR7’s pass of the match, Giroud not following Ozil’s vision, TR7 over-hitting a return ball to Giroud and finally Ozil failing to set up Akpom. A goal from any one of those and the scoreline would have been a better representation.
This is a good Boro team, not only they beat City they had also given Pool a very tough match at Anfield in League Cup. They were totally played out of the match.
Despite a great finish for the second goal and typically hard working performance from Giroud, my MOTM is either Santi (great orchestration) or Gibbo who had a superb game going forward and tracked back well with some great defensive interceptions and tackles. Monreal’s excellent form and consistency is going to benefit him as well.
And very much liked the look of Gabriel. Fast with good game reading and physically imposing enough. Gave young Chambers a very good cover and helped him to get on those runs well.
And forgot to mention Ozil, he was excellent all throughout, and understandably played well within himself. Started to tire out towards the end but in the first half the strength in holding off challenges was very good to see.
With Coquelin in pivote, Santi-Ozil down the middle with Alexis on the left would be my preferred combination until Rambo returns to full fitness. And sometimes one of them to rotate with TR7, of course.
I worried about this game because I overrated ( radically ) the quality of Boro and I was concerned that the attitude of our lads might not be bang- on. But our attitude was absolutely brilliant . I was abused at the Tube by a mob of Neanderthals from the balmy climes of Teesside. Frankly they should have slunk away in embarrassment. They might have discomfited Liverpool and Citeh but we totally outclassed them. Oddly probably our least involved player got both goals the second of which was terrific.
It was hard to pick a MOTM. I thought Santi was immaculate in a deeper role, Ozil was mesmeric at times and both full backs were excellent. As for Gabriel he could have had a cigar on for most of the game but I was very impressed indeed with his poise, balance, aerial ability and crisp passing. His yellow card showed a very pragmatic side. Ches didn’t really need a shower afterwards.
A few observations after the Leicester debate. Welbeck worked his socks off and gave great support to the full backs Theo came on and immediately there was a difference. And not a positive one . Alexis looked fully fit and he and Mesut turned Boro inside out at times. Massive credit to Wenger and the coaching team. We were right up for the game and made class tell in spades. Now it’s come on Preston!
TTG @ 134: “Santi was immaculate in deeper role.” Exactly. Most of the time has has played there this season he has been terrific, in attack and in defense, in retaining possessions as well as in transitions. This is a player who has always played either no. 10 or a winger with penchant for drifting inside. And has a very small stature. He has been nothing short of remarkable in using his two magical feet, intelligence and tenacity to take his game to the next level even so late in his career. A great example for all footballers.
If you didn’t know, all eleven of our players were involved in the build-up play, without once conceding possession, before Giroud’s first goal.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/31423103
I would guess it is pretty rare. Even for the mighty Arsenal. ๐
Very enjoyable.
Whichever Middlesborough team that was supposed to be, we played them off the park. They gave the impression of being completely bamboozled by our football. Thoroughly outclassed and pressed into panic – whenever they did manage to get the ball they couldn’t begin to think what to do with it and generally just kicked it into touch.
Even Mr Michael Dean couldn’t find it in himself to cheat us out of the game today – so sublime was our football.
Santi – just brilliant. Mesut – pure class. Sanchez – simply Sanchez.
Gibbs had a very good game and Gabriel I like. A lot. With about five minutes to go a Middsboro forward had the utter temerity to break at speed on our back line. Gabriel stepped across him and splattered the bloke with his shoulder. Beautiful – just what we need.
He’ll do. ๐
9,000 Boro fans in the ground today.
Completely drowned out by the home fans – and I didn’t understand a single word they chanted all afternoon.
Very strange.
Trev
Absolutely agree re Gabriel he looks the dog’s b…….!
I would be what is called a Wenger loyalist and understand Alan Davies has come out publicly to say that he believes Wenger should stay until he decides he wants to go. Frankly if everyone is fit this is an extremely strong and well- balanced squad we have possibly only got one major deficiency and that its that we need another top- class holding midfielder and if we continue to keep losing Wilshere and Ramsey ( and I suspect we will) we may need another central midfielder. Possibly a top- class keeper too but I am yet to be convinced on that.
Our full- back positions have rarely looked stronger Zinthink we have enough quality options in central defence and while neither Giroud or Welbeck are world class they represent terrific options and have both become major assets.
If Bielik is as good as reports on the training ground suggest Wenger might really have the opportunity in the summer to add a couple of world class players which would give us an extraordinarily strong squad and one certainly strong enough to win the League.
Possibly he might be looking at Cech, Schneiderlin and Suarez or Cavani. No comment on those specifically but that level of player will be all we need to concentrate on if we can keep this team together. And of course give the superb Rosicky another year. He is ageless.
รzilla was my motm. That’s the best game I’ve seen him play in an Arsenal shirt. I am delighted to see this ‘new’ Mesut, at last answering the questions I had about him last season. I actually saw some tough tackling from him. Amazing!
And the new boy looked the goods. Peter Storey would have been proud of that second half block, and some decent tackles as well.
Still not happy with the lack of intensity we’ve been showing in second halves lately. They had a couple of chances we were lucky to escape, otherwise we could have been in for another nail-biting climax.
Gibbs seems really up for defending his spot. And Theo wasn’t far away with one cracking volley. That Rosicky pass was what he was begging for all last game. Pity he couldn’t make more of it. But at least he positioned himself for chances which is more than Danny ever does.
Much better by Santi, back to the brilliance that went missing for a couple of games. And credit to Sir Ches. Not a lot to do but scored a clean sheet.
Let’s hope we avoid Poo and Manure in the next round so they keep getting extra midweek games.
รskar
That Rosicky pass was what he was begging for all last game. Pity he couldnโt make more of it
A pity for my Skybet balance, certainly. I’ve gone off Theo for a while after that, fickle as I am.
๐
Home, hosed and happy.
The combination play of Mesut, Santi and Alexis had me purring – with flashbacks of DB10, TH14 and RP7.
Mesut’s best game yet as Oskar observes. MoTM for me too.
Home tie in the draw please.
๐
Smiling at Cynic there, but bath id welcome to share!
รskar
Great day out. ‘boro were distinctly fucking average and their fans true purveyors of muppetry,
Yep, ttg –
Gabriel won everything in the air, had good pace, was very aware and recovered his position very quickly.
Some debut, and in a position that requires a lot of understanding and teamwork.
A find, I think we can say.
Definitely better than Stepanovs …………
And better looking than Keown ….. ๐
Whatever was said by Arsene after Tuesday’s sorry efforts certainly galvanised the side into producing one of the best footballing displays of the season.
Borough were comprehensively out classed, mesmerised by the skills of Santi, Alexis and Ozil and had the misfortune of coming up against the HFB with his shooting boots on. The second half didn’t quite live up to the first. The Borough keeper pulled off two super saves and our finishing wasn’t as clinical.
Apart from a last minute effort which hit the post Ches was barely troubled. My fears of earlier in the day were unfounded but why can’t we put in this kind of performance on a more consistent basis.
No one ever said being a Gooner was easy but I did love the football on display today even without the lovely Hector.
My MOTM was Gibbs by a short head over Santi.
COYRs
What I like most about Gabriel is that he doesn’t seem to care that he wears the world’s most obvious wig
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/01/28/video-undefined-2525D17300000578-183_638x360.jpg
๐
Wellโฆ the most obvious one after Dennis Wise anyway
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03176/denniswise1_3176532b.jpg
ttg@134: Ches didnโt really need a shower afterwards.
At least it stops him smoking.
Oskar gives MOTM to Ozil.
We have signed a new fullback who is shoulder charging opposing forwards with brute force.
We are defending as a team.
Ozil is barking at players to help defend.
We have a bench of quality
We are keeping clean sheets after leading.
We have a squad where we can actually rest players and rotate at Arsenes choosing.
We are scoring from our own corners.
Twilight zone arsenal.
Love it .
Long may this continue.
P.s. – santi cazorla at his best is the equal of any midfielder I have ever seen. His close ball control is unbelievable at times.
Team him up with Ozil and it is football poetry in motion.
Ozil and Cazorla and add in Sanchez to good measure and we have the 3 best players in the league, i just love them. Yet can they turn up on a cold day at stoke?? err ok not playing down the performance but i sincerely want them to play at this level against team likes chelsea or united or even Monaco for as good as those teams are, these 3 can get the better of them.
Gabriel, to early to pass a judgement but does look the part, seems to be the earlier version of Kos when he came here. Well here is to the belief that he will turn out to be as good if not better than Kos.
Gibbs had an excellent game and if there was someone fighting for his place, it was him. So yes he ticks all the boxes yesterday for an excellent performance. Chambers looks refreshed and may just have an encore till the end of the season.
Draw tonight and i seriously hope it is a home game against say reading/bradford and let united pool kill each other in the other q/fs. Well i wont mind preston to but then it is in their hands tonight to make that happen.
NBN
Sorry NBN I was cut off in my prime- very good โบ๏ธ;)
I had a drink at Twickers with a Chelsea fan who was bemoaning the fact that they had three top players out against Bradford and it cost them the game. I tore into him saying that we always had a minimum of six players out and a first team squad should have options.
Given that team and bench yesterday and adding Ospina, Bellerin, Nacho, Arteta, Wilshere, Ramsey, Gnabry , Diaby
I forgot Debuchy!
Team him up with Ozil and it is football poetry in motion.
If you’re playing Middlebrough.
If what they produced against Spurs and Leicester was poetry, it was Pam Ayres rather than Keats.
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