Wahay, Five-O
Feb 2nd, 2015 by 'holic
The morning after the day before. Good company, and good football linger in the memory. The discussions after recent victories have so often centred on the standard of the opposition. It is certainly true that Villa were brushed aside with ease, but credit the level of the Gunners performance please. Some of the football we played yesterday was a hark back to the days when the quality of our football really did set us apart.
Interestingly though, given the final scoreline and the fact that we had the lead very early on when Olivier Giroud was played in by Mesut Ozil’s amazing flick, an early contender for man of the match was Francis Coquelin. Villa were not without some threat at various points in the match and the young Frenchman caught the eye with the timing of his tackling and interceptions.
It was perhaps surprising as the half reached it’s conclusion that we didn’t double out advantage, particularly when Santi Cazorla was denied only by the post, and when Mesut Ozil’s strike was ruled out by a dubious offside flag. Equally we had David Ospina to thank for not going in level when he saved superbly from Weimann’s header.
The second-half performance was breathtaking. Just over ten minutes in there was a role reversal of sorts as Giroud freed Ozil for a simply superb finish. At 2-0 the shackles, or is that the legendary handbrake, were released. The pace of some of our attacks caught the eye. The third soon arrived when Theo Walcott broke free and exchanged passes with Santi Cazorla before opening himself up for the ‘Henry-esque’ strike.
Walcott and Giroud were withdrawn for the sterner tests to come, but if Villa thought the arrival of Tomas Rosicky and Chuba Akpom would lessen the pressure they were under, they were wrong. The latter won a penalty when upended by Guzan and the Villa ‘keeper was unable to keep out Santi’s venomous strike from the spot, despite getting both hands to it.
In the first of three added minutes came a moment that those who departed early would have savoured. Hector Bellerin’s sumptuous placed finish from the edge of the box was a pleasure to witness. There Β remained time enough for Villa to threaten a consolation but Ospina once again produced a fine save to deny Westwood.
And so to the pub to debate how bad were they or how good were we. The defence looks solid again. Those who read the preview will know I am a Bellerin fan anyway, and he and Nacho Monreal will be hard to displace on the evidence of this showing.
The midfield options we have are already impressive. Aaron Ramsey is struggling a little for form and confidence, but isn’t hiding and it is surely just a matter of time before he flourishes again. Cazorla remains an absolute joy to watch, and yesterday gave an indication that we may find a way of getting the best out of him and Ozil in the same side.
Theo continues to frustrate and delight in equal measure. In row seven we came to the conclusion just before half time that the two words most uttered at the Grove since we moved in are “Oh Theo”. A point confirmed by two other fine judges of all things Arsenal without prompting later. When his goal came yesterday it made up for the misses of the first-half, and then some.
Guinness slurped, and whisky/whiskey savoured it was back to the chilly west just in time to relive it all on Match of the Day 2. I think on this chilly Monday morning I shall head for Arsenal Player to watch it again. It was one of the good days.
Cheers ‘holics.
111 Responses to “Wahay, Five-O”
Err… GET IN!
π
Well in BB.
Thanks for the write up Holic.
Fantastic performances all round.
Exciting times ahead.
“Oh Theo!”, Indeed!
Mesut Oil Holic?
I hope thats not a premonition he’s off to City…
5th?
Not bad from this distance
Just watched the game. Great
Even my wife said they played well
Cracking game here last Saturday as Australia won Asia cup beating South Korea 2-1 in front of 80’000
Great write up Holic.
As ever you saw the same game as most.
Oh PMI thank you.
I am going to thrattle this flupping spill chucker.
If you’d stayed well beyond the final whistle you might have had a crack at getting Ozil’s shirt. It would have been funny to see two gentlemen with grey hair scrabbling about for their sweaty trophy like menopausal housewives at a Tom Jones concert, but as it was, your twin brother had no competition for the German’s shirt.
π
Tough to draw conclusions from the game as Villa were poor. Yet 3 wins on the trot and a team filled with belief is a welcome sight.
Santi best player on the pitch yesterday. He simply has had a new lease of life and is loving it. Well we aint complaining, he has been sumptuous.
Ozil and Theo have now scores from the time they have returned and it augurs well for the team. Giroud has been good and leaves Welbeck as more a second choice now which is tough on the young man who moved from the enemy.
Defense never tested and to be honest i did not even think they were tested in the city game too. Well that means Coq and the midfield have done an excellent job in being the shield.
Spurs next weekend and i am certain they will play not to lose. They must be tired losing to us and i am sure they would want to prove that wrong. They being in good form albeit because of 2 players does augur well for the game but i do believe its the team that makes less mistakes on the day, who win.
Sanchez hopefully back sat and we should be in for a cracking contest. Till then lets dwell upon a relaxed transfer deadline day with no signings, sigh on that pass from Ozil and realise that Theo will sign a contract extension soon. Good times.
holic
You picked up on the two players who even yesterday frustrated. Theo has regularly driven me to dustraction. People who remember his two goals in the first 5-2 against the Swampies might remember that in the first half he was deeply perplexing. He will always do this but his goal input justifies his inclusion. As for Aaron I hope that he does recover his mojo. I understand he is not the level- headed modest character he appears to be in interviews around the training ground and I hope he can recapture the great form of last year. But I have this niggling fear that we may have seen the best of him. I do hope I am completely wrong.
Lovely report thanks
At times yesterday Ramsey was playing just behind the forward, so it was somewhat perplexing to see Keown talking about how good he was at keeping the shape of the team. Far too often he was much further forward than he needed to be IMO, but then I’m not a coach or a highly paid TV pundit, so what do I know?
Great to watch and enjoy and therefore also have time to focus on some peripheral issues :-
From my viewing we absolutely dominated the first half hour and the last half hour including several periods where the “ole’s” were ringing out.
How on earth does that translate into 48% possession? How is it measured and who is measuring it?
Paul Lambert says “it was never a 5-0 game.” Really? Does he think maybe it should have been a 7-0 game? He and Martinez have to be the most “in-denial” managers around – always trying to find a positive like Monty Python’s knight even though they’ve just been given a footballing masterclass.
Not that I particularly care but I thought the Emirates was supposed to be all-seater; why then were there only about 5 Villa fans actually seated whenever the tv cameras panned around on them? Why bother giving them nice seats to use in the first place – surely some wooden benches and hay would suffice?
UTA.
Noosa: most stats providers simply count the number of passes each team makes and then translate that into possession. That is a much more accurate method than one might inuititively think, I think it was Opta who for a while used both that method and using a stopwatch for each team and they found that the difference between the two methods was very, very little and just counting the passes is much easier.
48-52 sounds about right to me as well, our attacks were much quicker than Villa’s so we didn’t play the ball around in midfield as much as they did.
Top report ‘H. Lovely to see both you and Snowy amongst others yesterday, a good day indeed.
Ospina looks to be getting better week by week. Was behind the North Bank goal and his save from the header was much better than it looked on the telly. I think his consistency of performance, (although he has clearly benefitted from a more settled back line than Woj was only rarely able to enjoy), now means that he is unlikely to be dumped out at the sight of his first error. I think Woj may have a long wait.
Both full backs were outstanding and have clearly, for the time being, claimed the positions as their own. Monreal has surprised me (I always preferred Gibbs), but he has been excellent for a number of weeks now in his understated way. Hats off to him. Bellerin just confirming what the club already knew. Hugely talented, he’s only going to get better and better. Sky’s the limit for the kid if he can keep his feet on the floor and stay fit.
Coquelin was just superb again. Always thought he was a tidy enough player, but his form has been a revelation. Save for one misplaced pass in the first five mins and an x-rated challenge towards half-time (which I rather enjoyed), I thought he was immaculate. Really is showing week by week what we have missed in the last 15 months when both Arteta and Flamini have tried to do the job on creaking limbs.
Santi just carried on where he left off, and as for Mesut, my oh my, truly football from the heavens. Scribes should write poems about his first assist alone, but he regularly had those around me shaking their heads in wonder at how he makes the sublime look so effortless all throughout the game.
Theo was, as you say, Theo. Fantastic goal, but otherwise pretty average. It will surely be him that makes way for Alexis at the Lane, as long as the latter is fit. As for Rambo, things not quite coming off for him, but his effort could not be faulted, and he at least appears to have recovered his discipline which had been sorely lacking in the opening months of the season. I’d be tempted to start Rosicky (massively unlucky not to start yesterday after his outstanding Brighton performance) instead of him at the Lane, though I don’t think AW will agree with me.
Up front, I do like the look of Chuba. He seems to have made massive strides in the last 6 months. I hope he signs a new contract. There’s something about him. It will be a big shame if he disappears to pastures new at the sight of a first really big pay cheque.
Much to look forward to and everything to play for. Bring the Totts on!
Nice one, ‘Holic. Very mellow for the morning after.
tabs@14: not a word to disagree with.
Noosa@12: Perhaps Lambert meant a 5-0 half. We could have been three up in the first 10 minutes, then there was the disallowed Ozil strike and the Santi post as well as Ollie G’s goal.
Don’t worry about the spell checker Holic. I miss steaks all the time.
And that predictive text is for aunts….
Spare coat anyone?
Lots of good things to talk about from yesterday’s excellent performance but you caught all the important ones. I saw the game live and recorded it for a second viewing planned for later this evening. So many positives really that surely we must be able to build on them and finish the season in a similarly positive way. The difference is in the new core elements of Coquelin, Monreal, Ospina and Bellerin; and the rejuvenated step of Cazorla and a company of outstanding players newly recovered from injury, all of whom must be astounded by the increased competition for places since they were last healthy. Things are starting to get a bit more interesting for Arsenal at the moment.
Cynic, I assure you no shirt found it’s way to me. I shall have to watch the second-half again on dot com. I know am on full display when they come out at the start.
I rather enjoyed that match.
Good old Arsenal.
Great result, some lovely goals and deft touches but there was a 25min stretch in the first half when the game drifted into stalemate.
Play kept breaking down on both sides and I got very frustrated with our failure to hold on to the ball in the final third. Fortunately Ospina made a very good save when we were 1-0 otherwise it might have been a much tougher afternoon.
Things only got going after the second goal and Wengerball was on display in the last quarter which had us all going home on cloud nine.
As you will have gathered I am in love with young Hector and was thrilled with his super strike. Saw him at the Ems Cup, loved him then and he has got better and better. What a great long term prospect, let’s hope Barca don’t come calling him home!
Both Theo and Ozil are still shying away from tackles and maybe TR7 and the Ox,if fit, would be better bets next week.
All in all things are really looking up. Let’s keep on the front foot and who knows where are season may finish. Anyone for Berlin on “D” day?
COYRs
Any exceptional player knocking on Arsene’s door?
π
Oooooospina!!
π
‘holic 19
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” I know am on full display when they come out at the start”.
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ya mucky bugger
for shame ‘hol
fer hame
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off to chisel
my jack lord do
haway 5-oooo
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#
do-do-do-doo
dooo-dooo
do-do
do-doo
dooooooooo
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UP THE ARSENAL
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(back with stabilisers on me back wheels)
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howdy all π
Cheers H! Sounds like a good day out. We’re coming to Boro now, hope to see you then.
Cheers Esso.
Evening all. If you are bored witless I will be on the next segment of the Bergkamp Wonderland deadline day Google Hangout in about ten minutes. Will post the link when I have it.
Try here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn8Es2U5ZhY
I think you have time to make yourself a cuppa. Not even hooked up yet.
It would appear I’m not. Hey ho.
What players have we bought or loaned in the January transfer windows since it was introduced? The ones I can remember are
Reyes (2004)
Eboue (2005)
Diaby (2006)
Walcott (2006)
Adebayor (2006)
Arshavin (2009)
Sol Campbell (2010)
Ryo Miyaichi (2011)
Henry (loan, 2012)
Eisfeld (2012)
Monreal (2013)
KΓ€llstrΓΆm (loan, 2014)
Bielik (2015)
Gabriel (2015)
Any I’ve missed?
Title appears to be some kind of play on Hawaii 5-0. Unconfirmed at this point. Book ’em Dan-O until we get copy.
Whatever that means. π
Oh my God. Sky have superimposed Jim White’s head onto MC Hammer’s bodyβ¦ Kill me now.
Or him.
One or the other, I care not which.
Talking of Eisfeld, his move to Fulham has been an epic fail. Gone back to Germany on loan.
Cracking game indeed, Sydneyred (#5). Lacking in ultimate skills perhaps but more than made up for by energy aplenty and boundless enthusiasm. I enjoyed it immensely.
Γskar
Delia those are important cautionary words. You are right that we were not at our best for a few stretches near the halftime break and it could have cost us on another day. But the Ozil and Walcott goals, coming so soon after their return from serious injury, are good examples of a positive energy flowing around this club now. Those two players did not create this energy but they are picking up on it quickly. Alexis started the ball rolling and the other Spanish speaking players soon started playing more confidently and assertively. Then the miraculous insertion of Le Coq seemed to perk up the whole team. Add a signing of a promising central defender to fill our most recognizable gap and voila, we seem to be on the move in the right direction and at just the right time. Can’t wait to watch the next game. Who are we playing again?
Thank for the report ‘holic, glad to hear you had a great day out.
Great team performance, we absolutly spanked Villa who we made to look pants. Before yesterdays thrashing they had let in the same amount of goals as us, that they got tonked was because of us being well orginised smart and (eventually) pretty clinical.
Cynic @ 11
I saw the same Ramsey perfomance you did. I’m not necessarily criticizing him, because he definetly put in an awful lot of effort yesterday, but I thought that Keown’s praise was “very nice” of him, and that’s putting it mildly.
Cheers Holic,
Good to see you yesterday, and a few new faces, to me at least.
Good write up, as was Tabs’.
I felt very sorry for Bellerin when he was thrown, of necessity, into that Champions League fixture away to Dortmund. He was targetted by the Germans and, not surprisingly, had a bit of a nightmare.
He has improved at a phenominal rate, has displaced Chambers in the pecking order. He is a different kind of player to Debuchy but hardly seems a downgrade on the intended first choice.
As with any 19 year old, consistency will be the real test but, if and when Jenks returns, we are going to have a really vibrant competition going on for the right back berth.
With Debuchy having looked very comfortable filling in at centre back, were he to convert permanently and with the addition of Gabriel and Chambers, our thin back line will begin to look overstocked.
Very pleased to see Monreal doing so well at left back too. It felt a bit heretical when I first said I preferred him to Gibbs but he has done a great job in two positions this season.
All our defenders are having a much better time of it of late, and that is in no way coincidental to the emergence of the Coq.
Clever sod that Wenger. π
These seats would have been nice to have yesterday, but in their absence there’s this video.
http://player.arsenal.com/player/5935-victory-over-villa
You keep agreeing with me, Trev, it’s getting spooky! π First questioning the Brit contingent long term on account of their injuries … now preferring Nacho to Gibbo at LB? When was your first heretical comment to that effect? Mine was back in October http://goonerholic.com/2014/10/gunners-mackem-pay-for-mistakes/#comment-518368
Not that we agree on everything, I’m well aware of that mate!
Γskar
Have always liked Monreal but he seems to have stepped up a gear this season. He has, don’t forget, won 16 caps in Spain during the era of its best side ever whereas Gibbs has only six caps for England.
Otd and Trev in cheerful agreement? Must be a sign of end days…
I do hope that Gibbs raises his game and loses his injury prone streak.
Have always preferred a speedster..(see Bellerin!), but Monreal certainly looks like he’s got more composure.
Either ways it’s great to see we finally have some competition for spots.
On the way up we are!
π
Ned,
I often agree with most of what Oskar says, especially since about last October when the sun must have come out in New Zealand. π
Where we disagree is over Mesut Γzil. I think his Β£42 million price tag had some people expecting his every touch to be either an assist or a goal.
Personally, I think he was entitled to a settling in period of some sort, during which there were bound to be some less impressive games, particularly as a player of his type came to terms with some of the more industrial tactics employed against our creative midfielders.
I seem to remember the great Sir Robert Pires struggling with that for a while and it has taken Santi Cazorla until his third season – and in his best position – to find the form he is now in.
To me, Γzil oozes class. When creative players attempt the more difficult or the unusual, it is not always going to work. When it does – like the assist for Giroud on Sunday – you find yourself a goal up after eight minutes and the game looks a whole lot more comfortable. I do accept, though, that even if you cost Β£42m, you sometimes have to do something quite ordinary.
Oskar,
I can’t remember the date I first stated my preference for Monreal over Gibbs but it was way before the beginning of this season. Sorry, mate. π
Yes!
It looks like Chuba has signed a new deal with us.
Very important news, remember this days gents.
Fine match report maestro. Great to relive an excellent match. I thought Ospina, Bellerin, Coquelin, Santi and Ozil were all top class. Per and Koslooked their old solid selves and Monreal was excellent going forwards and in defence.
I loved the interplay on midfield between Santi, Mesut and TR7 when the latter cam on – matched Barca at their best – mesmeric.
I thought Rambo’s radar was off but he kept working and didn’t hide – great shot in first half and wonderful pass to Akpom show he’s not far away.
Feo salvaged what I thought was a miserable first hour – I think the clattering he took 10 minutes before his excellent goal may be the making of him. However Ozil’s tracking back put Feo to shame – looking back in anguish doesn’t cut it for me.
If Coquelin can maintain this form he will more than fill the gap we’ve had for a number of years despite Arteta’s best efforts. A winning team really does need the edge he brings to the middle of the park. Silky though he has been Arteta doesn’t quite bring the nastiness. Long may he bestride that territory so effectively.
Giroud showed how to lead a line and his movement was excellent. Ospina found him with nearly every kick and he won nearly every ball.
Akpom was really unlucky not to score. His time will surely come with such strength, pace and eye for an opportunity. I see this morning comments that he has signed a new contract. I hope that’s true.
We are beginning to look like a serious contender again and are on the cusp of something good.
COYGs
Champagne chilling on the bar.
Sorry to miss the Tollie Holic convention.
Trev,
Ozil oozes class as you say but I still think he has a way to go at the club. Its not that people doubt his very evident talent per se, but its more what he has to do himself to give his extraordinary talent the justice it deserves. A player of his calibre should be running games centrally in the No 10 slot. And while the weekends performance was a joy to watch, I think he needs to be delivering consistently at this club to be regarded as a success by the standard of his own talent. Im delighted to see that he has spent time in the Gym and I’m even more delighted to see that there is room for both Caz and Ozil in the same team. Cazorla was brilliant in his first season and though his form dipped a little last year, he is sparkling again this season. So for me, Caz retains the No 10 position and Ozil will most likely play left with Alexis on the right for the weekends game. And thats saying something when you consider that Oxlade, TR7 & Welbz have been in fine fettle this season and might only make the bench for all their efforts.
Its really great to see us find some form at the right time in the season. And to echo Arseblogger, I think its also great that we didn’t have to be part of yesterdays artificial sensationalism when we had our business competently completed beforehand.
Hey Lurky, where does the info come from re Chuba ?
In answer to my own question it seems that John Cross has said so in the mirror online.
Hello, all.
What’s not to like about a Chuba and Coq extension, Gabriel signing, getting most of the injured back and being on an impressive run in all competitions? We really are in good shape.
Trev/Oscar, Ozil is easily the most classy and gifted footballer on our books. He is completely undervalued by Gooners in my opinion.
The Arse is going great guns! Long may it continue.
Please do not read the Daily Fail for any reason. Adrian Durham is the most obnoxious, abhorrent, petty and transparent click seeking whore in the media. Useless shite bag.
Afternoon all (it nearly is here).
All is well in the world, once the spuds are humiliated on Saturday (reverse jinx thingy) π
The kind of talent Ozil has demands he take any given game by the scruff of its neck but, he isn’t that kind of player is he?
Subtle is the word that best describes Ozils game. To state that he is not assertive enough is doing him a disservice.
The fellow thrives when opponents concentrate on other players leaving him to go under the radar, his element.
Excellent and vivid report on the match, Holic. It sets us up perfectly for the Derby. I think Ramsey had a good game. Perhaps both we and he expect/s him/self to play like those incredible first four months of the season before injury. I always expected the goals to cool off some. Right now they aren’t coming but he had some good shots and he should get a few in the remainder of the season. I’d normally expect him to be 8-10 goals 5-6 assists a season, provided he was healthy. But his all around fame has been good, he puts in a huge work rate and looks fit and in form to me–just pressing slightly hard for goals. I’d start him still for the Derby as I expect us to sit a bit deeper in a big away match.
If Sanchez is fit, he takes Theo’s place. Not a bad option from the bench.
And on Ozil’s flicked volley forward for OG’s goal…. Well, that’s the moment of skill that gives a side a bit of fantasy. It is what you hope to see every once in a while at the top level–magic!
Solid@50, but it seems to me he did put his stamp on that match with his assist and then goal. 2-0 and that match was over. OG with a fantastic assist as well. What more could he do to take over that game in the decisive period?
Long live the Giroud / Welbeck / Akpom axis. May they develop and prosper at Arsenal far into the future as they have done so far this season, each one of them providing goals and a different element for opposing defenses to fear.
Trev: Agree with you 100% about Ozil. Pure class. And it is most often expressed in passes like the layoff to Giroud on Sunday: one touch that transformed the move, and game. You aren’t going to see him make many driving 70 yard dribbles. Not his particular brand of genius. His is vision and touch.
SG / Limestone:
There’s no doubt that Ozil was hugely influential at the weekend. There can be no denying that.
But he played out left which I really think suits that intermittent under-the-radar style of coming into games to great effect.
At Real Madrid he played on the left. For Germany he plays on the left. I think he wants to play in the centre as a 10 but he’s going to have to displace Cazorla from that berth and I don’t think that is going to be an easy task at all.
For me, Cazorla is better at 10 in games of intensity because he is two footed and it is so so difficult to take the ball from him without fouling him. Secondly, I feel that Cazorla is physically more robust and has a stronger centre of gravity which is better suited to the PL. In this respect, his low stature is actually an advantage. Furthermore Cazorla is rarely injured. Thirdly, I think Cazorla is just a different personality in that he provides leadership and this is especially evident defensively. I don’t think Cazorla is as suited to the wing as Ozil is and ultimately that combination provides an overall better balance from the teams perspective.
So while Ozil is younger – he has a serious task to displace Cazorla who has been in sparkling form and a real leader in this team of late. Remember too that Jack’s only realistic position is at 10 at the moment unless he decides to play in a deeper role.
So there’s lots of competition for 10 and its a position that will have to be earned. Nothing like competition for places to keep players on their toes. Long may it continue!
Ozil Cazorla, never ending. All i am happy for is they both play for The Arsenal, heck they can play center back as well, i do not care.
Spuds over the weekend and the build up begins now as we speak.
The king put them in their place nicely in the MNF show but this time i feel the game will be a lot closer.
They will set up not to lose. We will play deep and wait to hit them on the counter ala city. The difference could well be the bench strength and this is where we have the edge. Imagine you will have a Rosicky or a Welbeck coming after 75 instead of a soldado or maybe even adebayor.
The defense hold the key and for me big test for Bellerin against kane. I do not rate kane highly but then form can make even decent players good and what better game than a derby to etch yourself in the memory.
A cagey affair or an open game of 2 teams going hell for leather. This looks a classic and boy i do hope Sanchez has his scoring boots on. COYG.
From QPR: ‘Arry is out. Resigns; needs time out to work on his taxes.
Nice to see a discussion among real fans. Just took at look at “The Online Gooner” and everyone is focussing on the negatives there. It’s as if the last few games have upset them because it means they won’t succeed in their ambition to remove Arsenal Wenger from being ArsΓ¨ne’s manager. π
For what it’s worth, the first half of this season was badly affected by injuries to Koscielny and Giroud. Yep I know others were out injured too, but we always defend better when Kos and the BFG play together, and statistically we win more games with Giroud than without.
Wenger of course had some luck with Coquelin, but he must have known something was there, he’s been a bit part player for too long and otherwise he would have been sold. But now the central spine of the team is Kos/BFG, then Le Coq, and Olly. With a solid spine, the likes of Γzil, Cazorla, SΓ‘nchez, and the other creative players can do their stuff.
If you’re worried about your defence, you’ll play percentage balls all the time, and keep possession. If you’re confident about them, you’ll sometimes risk losing possession in order to play a killer pass, so the possession percentage goes down.
Is it a change of tactics? Or just increased confidence in the team’s ability to defend that has given the creative players more license to lose the ball in pursuit of goals?
P.S. Over at The Online Gooner, a bit of a snide poke at Giroud for nearly messing up the first goal. I prefer to think that he knows that he’s not a speed merchant, and kept the ball close to his body in order to shield it from the defenders. He’s a clever sod is that Olly, credit where it’s due.
P.P.S. Get Theo back on the right wing, because in Bellerin we have the only full back who is quick enough to overlap him!
A great team is built on great partnerships much more than individual talents, especially a team like Arsenal where the footballing edifice is built on the foundations of on-field chemistry and not chalkboard disciplinarianism. Often people ignore that in this age of unchecked commercial exploitation of the idea of individual excellence, but Messi is nowhere close to the venerated “Messi 10 Barcelona” without Iniesta on his left or right and Xavi behind him.
They haven’t yet played that many games together, but one can see that in Coquelin-Rambo a pivotal (pun intended) partnership is building. It could be because that they are both reaching that age where they learn to respect the game much more, could be because both have been around the school of hard-knocks and misfortune a few times, and especially with Rambo this time around the realization has dawned that he doesn’t have to be a superstar to be a great player. A sense of humility that the early season Ramsey had lost.
Oskar in the previous round of drinks had compared Coquelin to Song. Which I had found rather inaccurate. Coquelin in his latest outings has shown himself to be just the polar opposite. Not that I disliked Song, I thought he was a much better player than people were willing to tolerate, and today in a Ramsey like role he may have evolved to be quite eye-catching both by his industry and ability, but he lacked basic discipline and understanding of the game situation. Coquelin is superbly organized and despite having his array of passes and dribbles he very professionally focuses on the job he is assigned to: screen the back line, stop the opposition’s attack, support the fullbacks and spring forward our counter-attacks. Even when we were cruising 3-0 or 4-0 up, not for a moment he betrayed any sense of “let me grab a goal” intemperance. He visibly takes pride in not allowing the opposition a sniff. With Song, despite his defensive potential, it used to be often an afterthought. We haven’t had a technically capable midfielder — for all his qualities Flamini was never that good at tight-space ball control or quick forward passing, both areas Coquelin has shown good abilities, and unsurprisingly so given that he was educated here at Arsenal — who prides in the defensive sides as much as Coquelin has demonstrated himself to be.
And he can do that screening job with so much composure because in Rambo — this Rambo, who has realized back that his main job is to be that extra person everywhere and keep the game moving and not wow the world with magic touches every few minutes — he has a perfect foil who extends the pitch vertically when we are in the opposition third and compacts the pitch vertically when we are defending and ready to confer-attack. On Sunday Rambo did lose the momentum a few times with indecisiveness (which is a sign that the confidence is not fully there yet) but other than that he was everywhere, and exactly when needed.
Double-teaming on the flank with the full backs allowing Coquelin to stick tight to the potential third runner? Check.
Tracking the runners down the middle while Coquelin move to the flanks to offer extra protection? Check.
Offering support to the CBs when the first line of defense has been breached and a cross is being delivered ? Check.
Moving the the ball forward to Santi/Ozil/Theo/Giroud once it has been won back and the counter-attack needs to be sprung ? Check.
Be the ‘ghost’ runner from the midfield into the box? Check.
The pile-drivers and cute turns and through-balls will come back — he was getting back to those with that thundering strike against Gala — as his confidence returns but it was extremely pleasing to see him leveraging his greatest strength, the tireless work rate and the ability to be the extra man both in attack and in defense, to good effect.
I know all the wise skeptics would recommend us to wait and see whether Coquelin can sustain this level, but just as we are quick to reprimand players when they fail even in a single match, I don’t see why we cannot praise them handsomely when they play so perfectly their role in the team. I am sure Coquelin will have a bad day or two or three before the season ends, but let us not simply overlook the substantial impact he has had in his ways in the last few weeks highlighting all the more the need for balance in a successful football team.
Just like a great Jazz band needs its Paul Chambers, its Ron Carter, its Charlie Mingus…a great football team needs players like Coquelin and Rambo. Who will keep the rhythm, control the tempo, get funky if needed, and join in the solo fun only when they are invited to. π
BigDave @ 59: Giroud is a much underrated player, not least by many in the Arsenal fan base. He is instrumental to the way we play, and his technical ability is hugely underestimated. The thing he lacks is pace, but there are not that many big-frame central strikers who can hold up so well as well as is capable of the superlative flicks and touches and passes. His assist yesterday to Ozil was Ozil-esque in the precision and weight of the pass, and his lofted pinpointed delivery from the left wing to TR7 for his sumptuous goal against Brighton was not bad either.
He has altogether 47 goals now in I think 113 appearances for Arsenal and around 15-20 assists.
@60: I had meant to add “in a long time/since Gilberto” at the end of
“We havenβt had a technically capable midfielder β for all his qualities Flamini was never that good at tight-space ball control or quick forward passing, both areas Coquelin has shown good abilities, and unsurprisingly so given that he was educated here at Arsenal β who prides in the defensive sides as much as Coquelin has demonstrated himself to be.”
Re: Dr. Faustus @60. Ramsey’s left-footed strike against Galatasaray just goes to show his left leg is currently stronger than his right. Without actually knowing which leg he injured I would be willing to guess he injured the right one and in a few more weeks we may be seeing him hitting those right footed volleys the way he did last season. If I am wrong then the opposition will take me at my word and be misguided. π
From ‘Arry’s statement on why he’s resigned:
“Sadly I need immediate surgery on my knee which is going to stop me from doing my job in the coming weeks. It means I won’t be able to be out on the training pitch every day, and if I canβt give 100 per-cent I feel itβs better for someone else to take over the reins.”
An imminent operation? Must be the reason of the Twitch (apologies to Donovan…)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3PRkOZvAa0&list=RDi3PRkOZvAa0#t=0
Bayonne. It may not be popular to say it but Fat ‘Arry is one of the great personalities and the League will be a less interesting place without him, whatever the reason for his resignation today. Don’t think we’ve seen the end of him though. My opinion is he is angling for the Bournemouth job after they are promoted but they don’t do well in the first half of next season. π
“Studs” McGeehan doing the business on Di Maria’s ankle.
Arry has really not done a good job St QPR. He failed to save them in in his first half- season but could blame Mark Hughes. They were very lucky to come up last season via an unmerited play- off victory and they have been quite pathetic away from home this season. Most alarmingly, they are in a very serious financial position if they go down. They have a very poor squad on vastly inflated wages and will have to sell Charlie Austin and anybody else with a vestige of talent ( that will be no one then)- perhaps Rob Green and Caulker to afford to keep their head above water. Their debts are catastrophic. Tony Fernandes has the reputation of being a sharp businessman but like many before him he has given Arry, the financial illiterate too much rope. Scarcely has he left a side without them teetering on the threshold of bankruptcy
Tty. I wouldn”t deny any of what you say but what about that colourful personality? π
Di Maria’s ankle still functioning so a second treatment could be required. ;). Red Mancs cruising at the moment but what could go wrong?
Hey Holic and holics (from around the globe!) π
Holic,
You speak for me. Nothing to add (about the game). Sir, whenever you go to a game, you bring up the good company you keep. Perhaps seeing good mates you haven’t seen in a while. Just want you to know, that when I see holics HERE, that we haven’t from in a while, why it just makes my day. π π π
Now, for those of you who have mates who support Tottenham, please invite them to the bar, in honor of the NLD.
Think it would be very interesting to hear their thoughts leading up to
this much anticipated match. Plus it would be fun! π
Limestone@53,
Mesut puts his stamp on most matches he plays, it’s just not always that apparent. He excels away from the limelight.
Joe,
While I agree that it would be harsh to move Cazorla out of the middle to accommodate Mesut, it is important to note that Mesut can play anywhere and be devastatingly effective. He doesn’t need to be on the flanks to go under the radar, he just needs other performers to take attention away from him while he does his thing wherever he is situated on the pitch. I wonder who Arsene would pick if he absolutely had to pick just one between Santi and Mesut. Better him than me.
Gunnerblog explains this much better than I can (hope you don’t mind, H)here…..http://www.umaxit.com/index.php/columns/mesut-ozils-modest-brilliance-deserves-more-appreciation
Hey Abb, hope you’re well. The boys are doing great, aren’t they.
COYG
Hey Solid Gooner! I’m just fine, thank you xx
We can all agree that gone are the days, of us looking at our bench with trepidation!!!
Tottenham is hosting a Goalies Reunion on Feb. 11th. Pat Jennings will be there. Very nice indeed! π
Thanks for the link SG – I enjoyed that summation from the usually competent Gunnerblog.
And I couldn’t agree more with his analysis and yours too SG.
Ozil is devastating and very effective.
But the game of the season for me and arguably the best performance this Arsenal team has had in years was at Eastlands against the current League holders. And central to all that happened that day was Santiago Cazorla.
So for me at the weekend Coquelin and Cazorla are a shoe-in to start with Rambo most likely taking up the workload in the B2B position. Sanchez will certainly play as well and Giroud will probably start up front. That means that Ozil / Welbs / Oxlade / Rosicky and Theo all fight for the remaining berth. I would not be in the least bit surprised if Wenger opted for a more defensive / tighter option at the weekend.
Have a look at this link. I thought this analysis was very interesting and it is especially accurate in relation to Theo I feel :
http://1nildown2oneup.net/tactical-de-selection-of-ozil-and-walcott-for-north-london-derby-possible/
Bt8b
I loathe that cockney wide boy schtick. I think the bloke is a dangerous idiot who if left to his own devices will ruin any team he manages financially. Thank goodness the FA came to their senses.
I was astonished a jury of twelve supposedly sane and reasonable people could find him not guilty of tax evasion.
That he could manage Tottenham says everything you need to know about the gulf in class between them and us off the field. On the field we will see on Saturday.
testing ?
TouchΓ©, Trev, regarding precedence in Nacho/Gibbo preference. π No further comment re Γzil as I have been criticised for boring people with my views in the past and am trying to keep it to a minimum. Suffice to say I agree 100 per cent with Joe at #45.
I didn’t compare Le Coq to Song, Dr F, I said there was a bit too much Song in his game – meaning the propensity to rash tackles and giving away frees in dangerous positions. On balance I prefer him to Song … so far. I just think we should be careful believing him to be the answer to the DMF position after so few games. Remember also I don’t believe in the DMF position being entirely valid anyway. I’d prefer to see two box to box attacking players who are also quick enough to help out in defence when needed. The old style half-backs in effect.
Γskar
Dr F@61: for the record, 47 goals and 26 assists for Giroud in 113 games in all competitions for Arsenal.
Evening all, and abb in minx mode. π
Joe, sometimes the spam filter is nervous about links. I have overridden it. You are not on the naughty step. π
Oskar @ 78: I think if you have two attacking fullbacks in a 4-3-3 or its variants you nowadays need a screen in front of the back line given that most teams in top flights and CL have counter-attacking experts due to the significantly increased overall level of physicality in football since the days of two half-backs. That screen doesn’t have to be ‘rough’, and should not be an overly physical player in a system like ours, but he should be defensively disciplined. Even a team as effervescent and attack-minded as Barca play Busquets in that role.
NBN @ 79: Thanks a lot. That is a solid statistics. The assists number is very high for a center forward I would think.
It’s the discipline which concerns me in Le Coq’s game, Dr F. If he can temper his aggression with common sense all will be well. I’m just reserving judgement till he has a longer stretch of successful games under his belt that’s all.
I don’t expect AW to go with my suggestion, I’m pretty sure he was hoping Le Coq could do the job until he landed a Khedira or Schneiderlin. And now is wondering whether Coq can actually be the answer, rendering the purchase of a DMF unnecessary. Either way I expect to see a system developing along the lines of 4-1-3-2 … front five being Γzil, Santi (or Rambo), Alexis in the middle with Theo and OG up front. Le Coq for now in DMF pending Gabriel showing how good he is.
I know no-one believes AW will go two up front, but I can’t see how else he can fit his favourites in. With Jack also an AW favourite we look to have something of an embarrassment of riches in midfield and competition for places is going to be something to look forward to.
Γskar
Oskar @ 82: I am in full agreement with you that it is the consistency in the next few months that would tell us whether Coquelin can be a long-term contender for the pivote position in our midfield. I don’t think that even if he demonstrates that consistency — which I hope he will — that should stop us from buying one more defensively disciplined MF in the summer to rotate with Coquelin as well as Rambo, and then eventually helping Bielik and Chambers to settle in that role. Something like that.
The problem you presented about many great attacking talents is IMHO something we would be fortunate to have, as it is always one injury or other that keeps some of them out of the squad.
BTW, speaking of tough motherfuckers in the midfield this is a decent documentary, if a bit cheesy in a few places.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp8Ox4DAFyY
Lol. They were well-matched that pair. Too long for me to look at now, but I may find time later.
Of course there are always injuries to worry about. In fact I was just looking at Physio Room to see if they have a return date for Alexis. They don’t. Just how bad is his hamstring? Initially it was reported as something minor, now there’s no return date? I was adamant the Brighton game was an ideal opportunity to rest him completely, that he shouldn’t even have been on the bench, and now this?
Apropos injuries, guess how many the spuds have out currently … Zero. ManC 2, Manure, Poo and the Chavs 3 each. And we have 7 including Alexis. Why why why why?????
Γskar
Oskar @ 85: I think Alexis would be fit for Saturday. Just a guess. I think he will have a late fitness test on Friday but would be fit and ready.
Death, taxes, and Arsenal topping the injury table. Who says we live in an uncertain world …
So, did we sign anyone, yet? Wengar aht…
BMBD
Not quite topping the list currently, Dr F, the Saints have no less than 8 missing. And still above us in the Prem. But surely not for long?
Γskar
Cheers H. Excellent summation.
Cheers everyone- top posts all round. You’ve said it all. The Doc @60 gets my PODT award. (Poster Of The Drinks.) No champagne, mind.
Never mind Arsene. How do I pick only 3 of this lot for my fantasy team? Bloody marvellous group.
Bring on the spuds.
abb’s 74. I didn’t know Pat Jennings had had a vasectomy
Oh hang on… GOALies…
Should have gone to Specsavers. π
Ozil is a magician, as a magician all you can see is the man and then the magic unfolds. At times we just have to accept that it looks ordinary but it is a tough or an impossible act to follow. We are lucky that we have him plying his trade for us instead of any of the big teams around. He should be here for a long long time please.
Coq is not the answer to our DM, yes he has earned his place by good performances but he might not be the answer in crunch games against big teams. City was a team effort and he did play a crucial part in it but then he needs to have such games every time because it is such a pivotal position he plays in. His aggression can at times be reckless and thats a worry considering that if he is deemed the answer then it is a huge risk being taken.
Ox out for the NLD means the team picks itself. Sanchez should be fit which would mean Theo on the right, Sanchez left and Giroud upfront. I believe Santi and Coq will be teamed in the middle and have Ozil play in front of them. Ramsey may just be the player dropped.
With jack coming back shortly, yes its a selection headache and for once even Wenger may not know his best 11.
Now big game means the first goal is paramount, Alexis please keep your shooting boots ready and boom score.
Re: Dr. F and Oskar. If you take Diaby (who has missed the entire season with what Physioroom.com calls a “Calf Muscle Strain”) out of our injury list, we are actually tied for third place. Now that’s progress. π
Looking at the list of Manchester United players who are represented by Mendes, it looks like this negative stuff about Van Gaal was reported to him by either or all of Di Maria, De Gea, or Falcao.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/31123323
Vinay @91,
Agree with your first paragraph about Γzil, but then it all goes a bit silly.
Coquelin is not the man, according to you, for the big games even though he did “play a crucial part against Man City”.
The problem with that ?
Oh, because it was a “team effort”. Tsk, tsk – you mean he didn’t beat them all on his own ? I would love to see your list of players who are capable of doing that then !
Coquelin was indeed crucial to the win against Man City. He actually put in an immaculate performance in the position that has missing from this team for a few seasons.
Hang on though – “he needs to have such games every time”.
Well, I hate to disabuse you of your concerns but, so far, he has. Yes, it is only a handful of games but to write him off because he might make a mistake or two in future is a bit daft at this stage.
He has to prove his consistency for sure and, personally, I would still sign a Schneiderlin if possible because one player cannot possibly play every game in that of all positions throughout a season.
Oh wait – there’s more – he’s agressive. Well hallebleedinlujah !
We might actually have someone to stamd up to the thugs that kick our players all over the pitch. If he gets the odd card here and there, there will be no complaints from me. No, I don’t want a “reckless” thug playing for us but we desperately need a bit more steel in the team. As long as we have two proper DMs, the temporary absence of one should not be a massive issue.
We used to have a bloke who got in a bit of trouble, you know. Patrick Vieira it was. Would you have left him out the side for being too much of a risk ?
I also find it remarkable that you have dismissed Tomas Rosicky from consideration for the game at Tottenham. His recent form has been terrific and he had a pretty decent game there towards the end of last season.
I don’t pretend to know what AW will do about team selection but I think he will probably stay quite compact, at least to begin with.
That could see a midfield of Coq and Rambo behind Santi, with Γzil left, Rosicky right and Giroud in the middle. Theo still looks a better sub to me at this stage of his fitness, but I honestly have no idea who the manager will leave out.
The menu for the celebratory meal planned for Saturday evening is as follows –
Starter of Manager’s Hash,
followed by
Roasted Cockerel, Mashed Spuds, selection of vegetables,
Dessert of Sour Grapes
Lots of Lilywhite Whine, vintage any year since 1961
Coffee will be served in mugs as nobody at White Hart Lane has been able to find any cups for years.
π
Trev @ 94: In full agreement with your team suggestion. But I think Alexis would be fit and he will replace Ozil for the NLD. Ozil is just coming back after a long lay-off and it is that type of game where things move a little too fast, and as you said TR7 is in super form and has an excellent record against them. I don’t think we will drop Rambo either for a match of that intensity either. If all goes well on Saturday Rambo, TR7 and Alexis would all probably be rested for the Leicester match, with Flamini, Ozil and Theo coming back in the starting line-up.
I too am finding this accusation that Coquelin is a little too aggressive rather puzzling. It is like saying “Aguero is little too tricky in the box”. He will have his yellows and reds — Paddy has 8 red cards in PL I believe in his Arsenal career — but he has been excellent in his job until now and the most pleasing aspect has been the discipline and the awareness.
Dr F,
Agreed. Sadly assuming Alexis will be out but if fit, he will start, I’m sure.
FACT !!! π
Nice report Maestro. Hope to catch-up properly soon….
Heh! at Trev’s NLD Menu. What no lasagne as an alternative main dish?
Up The Arsenal. F*ck Off You Sp*rs.
A true gunner, including the cheeky wordplay dig:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150204/coquelin-derby-atmosphere-spurs-me-on
π
Reminds me of Rambo’s response from couple of seasons back at the end of the season when asked what does he think of Spurs? “Fifth”. π
8 ball @ 92: π
To be serious for one moment, I think Diaby has the right personality (at least whatever transpires to us onlookers) and love for the Sport to eventually channel the experience of this awfully frustrated few years into becoming a consultant who helps players through difficult times and guides their rehab processes not only through the physical aspects but through psychological counseling. And not just for Arsenal but for footballers in general. I think a lot of the youngsters who suffer injuries early in their career fade out because of lack of support, especially those who are not fortunate enough to have a very strong social support network and/or are not born with sufficient mental resilience. Frimpong comes to mind, that leg injury essentially put an end to his career as he lost all focus and discipline…
@Trev no dis respect at all but what i was trying to convey was that Coq should not be considered as the answer to our DM woes. Has he done enough to consider him to be the solution, i felt it is too early. I accept maybe i havent given him due credit but then i tread on caution knowing his earlier stint with us.
Also in terms of him being aggressive, i am all game for it. Of course you need a marauding player to suit the technical players we have but my only worry is it should not border on recklessness. A few of his challenges recently were definitely borderline. Again i will be happy to eat the humble pie if he proves me wrong but i feel its to early.
Rosicky ahead of Mesut looks quite unlikely but yes maybe thats one place that can merit discussion. I agree Rozza is in form and has a special liking for the spuds so i wont be complaining if he gets picked ahead of Ozil but i do not see that happening.
Criticizing Coquelin…LOL. Some people are just never happy.
Trev and the good Dr. F. Well said.
Well I thought Coq’s challenges were mostly brilliant and, since he has had just one yellow (?) they don’t seem too reckless. He had one, I can remember, which was a bit silly.
I meant Tomas to play ahead of Theo, not Mesut.
As Dr F said, if fit, Alexis will start anyway. Might as well leave him out too as he hasn’t scored for a few games !
There was a moment in the second half when the ball broke loose on the edge of the centre circle in the opposition half. Coq saw he could get it and sprinted at it with an intensity and determination that showed six feet before he was at the ball that he was going to win the challenge. He did. It was not dangerous. But it was fully committed.
He then looked up and realised where he was. In that position I would have been thrilled to see Rambo embark on a driving run. Coq simply played the ball five feet sideways and began jogging backwards into position, eyes on the play in front of him.
It was my favourite moment of the match.
We all know there appears to be a vendetta against LJW but the las does not help himself being photographed in a London nightclub with a shisha or hookah pipe and a group of attractive young ladies. The latter I can sympathise with but this boy could seriously foul up his career with ill- advised off the field activity. He is already someone who would not start in most supporter’s first eleven and the way he is going he may not make the match day squad.
If the Daily Mail get hold of the picture ( which was deleted from an Instagram account) which they will be will be under fire again in the media. And sadly he probably deserves to be. He could have had li worse mixture or something entirely benign in the pipe but it gives the impression of a young man with too much money and too little sense.http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/arsenal-man-jack-wilshere-photographed-smoking-shishahookah-london-club-picture/?
Trev.
“Lilywhite Whine, vintage any year since 1961”
π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π
π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π
π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π
π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π π
trev @95, i wonder if your selection of vegetables after the derby will better that of pochettino *for* the derby…
and don’t kid yourself, anyone. le coq is definitely hard enough to play in the center of the arse’s midfield. π
Not bad at all at 107, scruz.
You seem to have surpassed yourself. π
The Ivory Coast are leading their semifinal game 3-1 in the second half, meaning Yaya Toure is set to miss the maximum number of games for Manchester City. And to be maximally exhausted after he returns.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
It was the spuds we were playing when Theo picked up his year-long injury, Trev, AW wouldn’t bench him for a return bout, surely? I’m confident he’ll go with the starting XI against Villa. Alexis, if fit, more likely to sub Γzilla.
Γskar