A Vital Big Match Test For Wenger’s Arsenal
Mar 31st, 2017 by 'holic
The return of real football is imminent, and what a task faces the recently misfiring Gunners at home to Manchester City. With all that is going on around the club at the moment you could be forgiven for thinking that the team will be up against more than just City and their supporters on Sunday.
Recent results have been disappointing to say the least, although the possession statistics suggest we remain dominant in individual matches a leaking defence making basic errors is costing us dearly. That point was not lost on the manager pre-match.
“We have conceded too many goals. For a long period in the season we were quite stable, but recently I’ve felt that we have conceded goals at important moments in the game. That’s where we want to improve, without losing our drive going forward.”
So is that a hint that we have finally dedicated some time on the training ground working on the back four, or are changes in the air this weekend? The latter would be something of a surprise. With Petr Cech ruled out David Ospina will start in goal. If there is to be a change the defence that might be Kieran Gibbs for Nacho Monreal. City have a real threat down the flanks with Sane and Sterling so that is a decision Arsene must get right.
We also have to have the midfield functioning again, and that means we face a decision about the formation also. Mesut Ozil is likely to return so we may revert to Granit Xhaka and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain behind him, Aaron Ramsey or Theo Walcott and Alexis outside him, with Olivier Giroud or Danny Welbeck leading the line.
Like us, City have been vulnerable defensively this season. It’s been another frustrating season for their talisman, Kompany. He has reportedly been fit and available for a few weeks now but it would appear that Pep Guardiola is worried about his injury record and is nursing him through to his return.
City have gone seven league games without defeat but their record at Arsenal is not encouraging, with only one Premier League triumph four years ago. Last season the Gunners produced a fine display to win 2-1 despite the absence of Alexis. Mesut Ozil was the star of the match, making both goals for Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud. A repeat of that result would put us within four points of the team currently sitting third in the table, and we have a game in hand. Lose again, and I think we all know what will follow.
The ‘holic pound
Blind faith rather than any degree of conviction inspires an unlikely punt on 3-2 to the hosts in an end to end thriller. At 25/1 you don’t have to wager a fortune to cover the cost of the day.
Rocky
The anniversary of the passing of David Carlyle Rocastle has been an emotional day for many. I’m sure at some part of the day all our thoughts were with the lovely family he left behind. Alan Smith captured the respect and affection that Rocky inspired in his piece for football.london today. One deserving of the description as a gentleman and a gentle man (off the pitch!).
What truly gifted footballer he was. I am so looking forward to see the BT Sport documentary about Rocky and Wrighty on Saturday night. It will bring some very happy memories back for sure.
Have a great one, ‘holics.
121 Responses to “A Vital Big Match Test For Wenger’s Arsenal”
Rocky RIP
Holic- a correction , a very rare thing but Theo got our first goal against Citeh last year. Thankyou also for the Rocky link- one of my favourite Gunners.
As for the game I’m afraid the break hasn’t increased my optimism. That Citeh forward line will tear our back line to pieces I’m afraid. I’m very pessimistic about the run- in this year. I just hope having said it Im wrong
Thanks TTG. I speed-read my report and missed the Walcott connection completely. Eejit I am.
Evening ex-neighbour. Hope all is well?
Evening H
Interesting interview on BBC with Kelly Smith,who coaches the Arse Ladies development squad.
She said the tension around the training ground is palpable,with the indecision around Arsene staying or going.
Kelly tells it straight,saying the players have lost their hunger,and that was clearly evident at West Brom before the Interlull.
I guess we will find out on Sunday whether the team still care or not.
For us to succeed,we have to protect the back 4,that means defensive midfield discipline,which seems to have gone out the window recently.
But if City are allowed to run at the back 4 at will,with the firepower they’ve got up front,it could get very messy.
Having said that City haven’t done the league double over us since 1975,and they certainly don’t have a good record at the Ems.
But if the players aren’t prepared to give 110%,and regain their self respect with a fully committed performance in front of their own fans,then they are not worthy of the Shirt.
Hello Clive, yes, it’s a monster of a fixture for us and a really important one for them too with Liverpool, United, and us aiming for their place.
I hate to admit to a little pessimism tonight.
Ned from previous drinks – The AST has always been pretty solidly behind the manager, if not the board, in the past has it not? So numbers aren’t really that relevant, the shift in attitude is.
Evening Holic.
Not much optimism here either, I’m afraid.
Taking anything from the game on Sunday will require the swift learning of some pretty fundamental lessons. Recent seasons would suggest that to be a triumph of hope over experience.
The performance against West Brom was embarrassing, as is the continuing refusal of the manager to declare even his intentions – let alone a decision – in the face of the constant media questioning and speculation.
We largely have the black scarf boys and banner wavers to blame for that, I suppose, but £226,000,000 in the bank and a squad that looks to be lacking motivation and quality in too many areas doesn’t help.
Recent talk of the likes of Bergkamp, Henry, Vieira and Pires makes you wonder how we have degenerated into the current rudderless mish-mash on show over recent months.
Last but not least, a fond word for the never forgotten David Rocastle and his family.
Perhaps we can strengthen the defence either by playing a sweeper (no, not you Clive) … Gabriel alongside Mustafi with Kos sweeping up behind. Or by doubling the defensive aspect of midfield with Gabriel or Elneny alongside Xhaka. Danny and Theo providing the wing speed for counter-attacking either side of Mesut with Alexis up front.
Or better still, Rambo in place of Özil, aye Cynic?
Or better still, Rambo in place of the program seller at Block 91 ?
Hmmm. Program selling might be a step too far at this stage of his career, Trev.
Thanks for the preview GH, hope
that scoreline is right.
I’d like to see a few changes from
the team that played WBA. To me
there has to be a clear message to the
players about the consequences of
not turning up. Only problem is who
to drop – they were almost all poor.
I’d probably go with
Osp
Hector Holding, Kos, Gibbs
Coquelin Ox
Ozil
Sanchez Welbeck Giroud
It’s not particularly fair on some
of the players dropped but then
it’s not really a moment to worry
about being fair.
Cheers H!
Anyone ratherthan Ozil would be good for me, chaps. Most over rated player we have had in the last ten years.
Measured preview there H.
Worried? Moi? Not half.
Watching Liverpool playing it reminds me of the quality of a lot of our play up until the last two seasons. Going forward they are excellent but very average defensively
Cynic@6: fair point, and one that would echo what has happened in this establishment.
Evening all. Win tomorrow, and we’re back in the Europa League spot. Gah! 🙁
I hate to think what it will be like if we get a battering. And the problem is, if he stays for two years any and every bad loss will be hellish. There’s no upside to a contract extension IMO
Watching the start of the preview of the Bournemouth game it appears that Jack is now fourth choice central midfielder at Bournemouth and just makes their bench. Just what we need to turn our fortunes round.
Loins girding, please. Prompt and effective.
Rocky
brilliant
Hi all
I will confess to having enjoyed the last two weeks, the first interlull I can remember saying that. I have focused on other things, determinedly ignored all of the press articles and just enjoyed the lack of pressure.
Of course I want us to win tomorrow, when I will be there, on my North Bank station. But I find myself curiously uncaring of whether we finish anywhere in the ranks 3-7 in the league, which appears to be our lot. I accept that Spurs will finally finish above us and that we will not make top four. All runs must end. We’re not in the running for the league and i am filled with ennui about top four being a trophy.
I will confess to being a life member of the AST and have been for about a decade. My view has changed in the last 12 months, or between surveys. I think to rank AST in with the WOBs like AFTV and Black Scarf is wrong and that Cynic @ 6 has it right and that the shift between surveys is the thing to look at.
I look forward keenly to our day out at Wembley. The Cup is all right now, as I’ve been saying for some weeks.
One last point of interest. Sadly a long time colleague of mine passed away last week. Yesterday I learnt that his funeral, which I will certainly attend, is on Wednesday afternoon. So, after checking that all close friends had tickets, I put my two tickets for West Ham on Wednesday evening on Ticket Exchange. Now my seats are amongst the cheapest in the ground (block 7) and are in an area with some atmosphere. I have never failed to sell them rapidly if I needed to. Today was no different. They sold in 20 minutes. So let no-one think that tickets will not sell if people give them up, even at this time of trouble.
Let’s cheer for Rocky tomorrow, welcome back Arteta with pride (how about that winner a few years back that led to the North Bank doing the Posnan) and, hopefully, see our team play with verve and determination.
COYG
I’m assuming that the ‘decision’ AW has made is subject to tomorrow’s match … win and he stays, lose and he admits defeat. So, win or lose we lose.
Rumours have it he is planning a major clear out (if he stays) … Ox, Jack, Santi, Sir Chez, Cal, Yaya, Debauchery, Joel, Gibbo, Jenks, maybe more.
And if he goes I imagine it will be the same with the new manager.
I have rarely felt so conflicted about what I want to happen. But this gooner for 67 years is hardly going to say I want us to lose, aye. So, a win please and by multi goals so we get back into this thing!!!!
COYG.
I guess we should probably add Mesut and Alexis to my list, although I’ll be surprised if both leave.
Since the WBA debacle which was just another pathetic performance from a team we all know can do so much better ,I have been totally fed up with football and in particular with the Arsenal who I have supported since the 50s and there were a few lean times in those days.
What angers me now is that there are really good players in the squad but they are weak, selfish and arrogant. What happened to playing for the shirt? What happened to personal pride in their own performance?
Of course I am going today but I have done nothing to secure my seat at Wembley, the motivation is just not there. I will no doubt be got at by the boys on the train.
I remember Rocky with great affection, he had the most wonderful smile, so skillful and so modest. Sadly he died of the same dreadful decease that also took my late husband. I will try and get us all to the remembrance gathering before kick-off.
Hoping for the best but unless Arsene can instil some guts into this side we are in for another disappointing result.
COYRs
got roaring drunk last night
minus the roaring
clan arsed in state of flux
Arsenal jerseys on the screen
yet no stand up sit down swearing
too much to hope the protesting fucks
do likewise and shut the fuck up for a day , eh
.
UP THE ARSENAL
I always tear up reading articles on Rocky. he was a true warrior.
hope that the fans sing out loudly today and the team gives a performance in honour of the great man.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxMV3NB-k18
Chris – we could lose 20-0 today and he’d still cling on to his job. I hope Gazidis gets totally roasted at lunch time and wakes up to what’s happening, but fear nothing will make any difference at all to the decision.
The delay, if there is a reason, might be down to the board wanting to install a coach/director of football and Wenger resisting for all he’s worth (and on £8m a year that’s a lot of worth 😉 )
“I am clear in my own mind” = I want to sign
“It’s not all sorted out” = The terms of my stay are not agreed
Board – “It will be a mutual decision” = HOPEFULLY means, if he agrees to work with someone who will take over in a year, he can stay.
But that’s just speculation. All I hope for today is that if Ozil plays he’s not still in a medically induced coma.
It has been a welcome interlull, just to be away from the constant negativity surrounding the Arsenal these days.
The team hopefully will have benefited from a few days away as well.
What I want to see from them today is total commitment – leave everything out there on the pitch. Desire. Want it twice as much as the opposition. And if they do that, the crowd will be right behind them. And if the team is having a rough patch during the game, I hope the stadium audience will do its lung bursting best to lift them. Let’s just win this one.
COYG
Delia – There are more than a few players in this squad who are completely self obsessed and self-pitying, the glaring examples being Giroud and Ozil, although there are others.
Giroud spends all his time on the pitch crying about being tackled, and did that interview during the Interlull where he cried about his goal being better than Andy Carroll’s. Nice to see he’s got his priorities straight. His career is not reliant on titles by the way. And he’s got a new contract when other, more deserving, players are kicking their heels.
Ozil strolls through games, talks in an interview about being comfortable (which I took to mean being in a comfort zone, and I won’t have been alone) then has the audacity to complain about being scapegoated. I would suggest there are players who could teach him a lot more about that particular topic. Players like Walcott, who even got criticised for scoring 100 goals because it took “too long” and Coquelin, who may not be the world’s greatest midfielder, but he always gets it in the neck and he’s no worse than Xhaka. I’d go as far as to say he is better than him.
Dressing room selfies when they win, self pity when they lose.
And people wonder why we’re not doing well.
This is a jolly good, if saddening, read.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8TwU21XkAAg1aJ.jpg:large
Ozil is playing, Welbeck up top, Coquelin and Xhaka in midfield with Theo and Alexis wide.
13Ospina
24Bellerín
20Mustafi
6Koscielny
18Monreal
29Xhaka
34Coquelin
14Walcott
11Özil
23Welbeck
7Sánchez
Substitutes
3Gibbs
5Gabriel
12Giroud
17Iwobi
26Martinez
35Elneny
55Maitland-Niles
Countryman (though I’m not in the AST) and
Delia. – spot on.
I’ve never felt such a lack of enthusiasm to get to a game – not because we can’t win the league but due to the level of performance.
All topped off today by half the train journey involving replacement busses, so opted for the lengthy drive to the underground instead.
Even a very good interview with Bob Wilson on 5Live this morning has not relit the old fire ?
City have a wide open looking side and it’s kill or get killed here.
I have a funny feeling we’re going to win this quite comfortably.
Cynic. Wouldn’t it just be so Arsenal to do so?
Although that said, I certainly don’t feel we’ll pull off some shock win today. Just got to believe in something positive today!
Your clock is still on GMT, old boy.
trev
it’s a sad state of affairs indeed
that a decent fella like yerself
clearly having his own personal stresses
can’t have the release valve
of The Mighty Arsenal
that many rely/relied on
may i suggest alcohol
We are always wide open. 0-1.
Xhaka would have been sent off if he had tackled like Navas…!
Mustafi is the new Senderos. Only not quite as good.
Still got a feeling about this game though
It was a red card tackle. Naval is lucky.
Navas.
How many times do our full backs get pulled wide to do the job of the full back..
fuck off, I meant centre backs get pulled wide.
Mustafi doing Bellerin’s job yet again
Feo yet again.
Fucking shambolic.
What the fuck was that shit?
Ozil gives it away and then just fucking stands there going, “Go on then, do what you like with it”
Get rid.
Considering the FA Cup will be won by a team already guaranteed a place in Europe, does that mean the Europa League place will go to the sixth placed team in the PL?
If so, we’re pretty much stuck with that prospect 🙁
Still looking good for the Holic pound
*steals trev’s john J present from me*
.
a chaotic free for all
fuckin ridiculous
City are there for the taking if the team finds a bit of composure in the final third. The lack of confidence is clearly affecting our play but thankfully there are encouraging signs that the team is picking up a bit of rhythm. Massive second half coming up and I still we can turn this around.
I’m at the match and share similar thoughts to Trev, Countryman and Delia. We were actually decent in places in the first half but Mustafi is an accident waiting to happen and the midfield can’t close a team down. But props to Theo and Danny who worked very hard on the first half. And now I see Kos is off. Help!!!!
so
passion dependant on circumstance
where yer balls been up to now
Mustafi goes charging up the pitch, loses it and just stands there moaning at Alexis. FFS.
He’s finally done something right.
Now come the fuck on
Just as I said Mustafi is brilliant!
god bless all here
This is more like it, a few tackles snapping in for once. Come on.
Get in Mustafi.
This could be anything, terrible
defending but at least a bit of
fight.
What is he doing right out there ffs?
Please criticize the players more.. it seems to be working!
😀
Keep getting away with it
WTF is wroong with Bellerin’s hair.. cannot he find a decent barber?!?!!
Wrong sub IMO
I would have taken Ozil off, shifted Sanchez into the hole and moved Welbeck wide.
Ooooooohaaaaaaahhhhh fancy Dan
BARBER !!!!!
my wife cuts me hair with her teeth
Yeah, your pubic hair.
Iwobi on for Welbeck. All the pace up front is gone and City can play without fear of counter attack.
Totally bottled that chance. FFS
Ozil has zero athleticism.
Some passion finally from Arsene.
Got away with that. That was a penalty.
Better performance but a point is pointless.
Absolute garbage at the back all match.
not wright
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3P-teClWyNo
yeah fuck
Not a good result for us really, but
I feel that we fought for our
point and came back twice.
Could have lost it at the end but
as Nacho explained to that little
prick Aguero at the end “never a
penalty”
can’t be arsed anymore
my low rent moniker
comes from blogs site
retarded comments there
wogan himself included
spearheaded
made me put my hands up in the air
and decide i couldn’t be arsed
not suggesting
or
is anyone listening
it matters a jot to anybody else
but
the whole process is bullshit
fictional friends
sorry trev
.
times a wastin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF8JbsLPupY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5o6t4fNDi4
The positive was that the team put up good fight after going down twice instead of letting their shoulders drop. The game had a ‘post interlull’ feel to it towards the end and neither team seemed to have any sort of fluidity. This was one game that we had to win but more importantly not lose at all. The point should restore some confidence and hopefully they can put together a run. More importantly the team will have much more belief going in to the crucial cup semi at Wembley.
fuck off desi
was about to rend my garments !
.
a glorious 60s Italian jacket
i’ve had for decades
.
yeah
the internet affords anonymity
like wing mirrors
small people appear bigger
bullshit appears poetic
*taps nose twice*
*shadow boxes*
small people appear bigger
Nah, they’re just standing closer to you.
This was the sort of game described as ‘ one for the neutrals’. Not many neutrals where I sat but big divisions between those who want to protest in the hope of effecting change and those who don’t want to create a negative atmosphere in the ground of deal too roughly with Wenger.
I’m in the latter camp.
Outside the ground I thought the protest was civilised but inside although the atmosphere was muted there was good support at times for the team.
I had not wanted to go today and when they scored I felt it was inevitable. Young Bellerin for one reason or another has gone back and didn’t react to the excellent Sane here.
I was glad Theo got the equaliser. He worked very hard and was sharper for the goal than their defenders. If John Stones is the great hope for English football we have no hope.
We then made two Teutonic errors for the second Citeh goal Mustafi letting them break through and Ozil giving the ball away. Mustafi did well with the header for our goal and we deserved a draw although Marriner wa so erratic I thought he might deem it a handbill by Nacho just before the end.
I thought we deserved a draw but very few players were better than adequate but they all battled save for Ozil who let a great chance slip at the end. Ospina did well and Gabriel defended bravely and competently to everyone’s surprise. Pity Welbeck can’t last ninety minutes, we lost a lot of mobility when Giroud came on.
It was two points dropped but I had no expectations for this game and in the odd sort of atmosphere we have in the stadium nobody quite knew how to react.
Wenger hasn’t lost the dressing room but he hasn’t taught his team to defend either.
One bit of gossip – my next door neighbour at the ground is friendly with Gonnella the Head of PR. He postponed a meeting with him’ in the current situation ‘. Make of that what you will
Greetings everyone.
Well done to those who made it amidst all the negativity. I say bravo.
I didn’t watch and won’t. I have read the review from a few blogs and nothing surprising really.
Am waiting to snatch my Arsenal from whomever is mistreating her and restore her queenly crown she once wore.
Sad to see a disturbing video of two supporters physically engaging themselves right in the Ems. Hope none here did anything close.
Good night people.
TTG
We certainly saw the same game, not too sure what happened to Bellerin he is not exactly going forward he’s vey erratic and jumpy. As if he lost all those qualities he had at the beginning of the season. Has he put on some weight? I know he will not commit into a 50/50 perhaps that elbow is still playing on his mind or perhaps he’s too kind to the opposition, I don’t know it’s a bit of a mistery to me.
We are still very naive especially when defending we commit way too early hence exposing those players that have a very brittle confidence factor it really pains me when I see Bellerin out of place and pretty much clueless.
Gabriel did well even though he could have made it better at times, Ospina kept us in the game and we could have nicked it but in all honesty we did not deserve to win the game.
For a very first time in a long time I saw Arsene involved shame it came so late. We should have won this game because we fucking have to win those games going forward otherwise we can kiss goodbye the fourth spot!
All that butch lesbian makeover stuff has killed Hector’s game.
A draw was better than I had expected although less than I had hoped. I don’t think we could beat Man City twice at present so at least there is a shred of hope for the cup game.
Dont want to be negative here in any way but we have been playing these guys for while now this season and even though we are at the last hurdle you can still sense a lot anxiety in what the payers do on the pitch.
We certainly made progress and I’m happy that we did not give up and kept going hopefully this will kick us into gear for the remainder of this season.
Fingers crossed!
On the hand if this was a different ref Navas should have seen red for that tackle on Monreal!
Wrong team started, AGAIN. Danny is NOT a CF, he positions himself poorly and snatches at shots. Much better with Alexis up front and Danny on the wing for his speed and defence. I would have thought this was FUCKING OBVIOUS.
So, chasing a win what does AW do? He subs our two quickest players (including our only striker who looked like striking) and brings on our slowest forward. And leaves Özil on to wander around as is his wont, watching the ball cross the goal line with no attempt to challenge Caballero for it. 🙁
Theo just 4 goals behind Alexis this season (having played the equivalent of more than ten games less). Don’t be surprised if he ends up our top scorer now he starts regulalrly instead of coming on in the 75th minute.
I really don’t understand this infatuation with top four. It is not the end of the world if we don’t make it. Get top four and get embarrassed in the second round? I for one really don’t care where we end up this season.
howdy cba
Hope all’s well
Jus’ passin’ through
Fuck top 4, SAG, top 1 is the only one that really matters.
I think TTG has summed up the important bits of the game and the atmosphere amongst and between the fans pretty well.
I’m sure we all can see the technical reasons why we continue to be so exposed to one ball through the middle of our defence and why we never manage to stop a cross from opposition wingers and midfielders.
Our fullbacks and central midfielders are leaving the two centre backs to do the job of all six players. That might explain why with Koscielny on the pitch during the two legs against Bayern Munich we were leading 2-1
Without him we lost 2-10.
The whole team lacks any sort of shape and positional discipline. The top teams like Bayern and Barcelona create space by moving the ball quickly and keeping men wide – pretty much on the touchlines – to stretch defences.
Although he scored and generally worked harder today, Theo had often run inside right when balls were actually played, or needed, out to the wing.
NO Chris, Cynic, that is not picking on him – just a fact.
YES, Alexis is also guilty in so far as no-one really knows where he is going to be but, blimey, does he work hard, whether he actually wants to leave or not.
And YES, Ozil was poor and either not fully fit, or lazy.
All things considered, the crowd were pretty positive.
Unlike many of the team who showed a remarkable lack of passion when we scored the goals.
I find myself agreeing with you a lot more this season Chris. Totally agree that Alexis is much more transformative at CF – he also brings the best out of whoever plays around him in that position (Theo, Iwobi, Welbz, Ozil etc.) He still does a job out on the left but his game becomes more predictable. Equally, Welbeck is much better suited to playing wide and interchanging with the front man – I don’t think he’s best with his back to goal as you’re not utilising his ability to stretch defences, link play, and get back and defend well.
Also, despite Mustafi’s goal, I find myself surprised that Wenger is persisting with him and Kos together for so long because as a defensive pairing it’s too prone to mistakes in possession, not tall enough and too lightweight (alongside flimsy full-backs). I always thought Mustafi wld make a great utility defender – someone who could fill in for Hector at RB or play on the right-hand side of a back 3. I believe Holding, Gabriel or even Per should have been drafted in for a run at CB by now.
Funnily enough, I’m quite reconciled to us finishing outside the top 4 now and I don’t think it would be the worst thing in the world should it happen. Of course, I’d prefer we win games and finish as high as possible, but we were never going to retain our CL status forever, and Chelsea, Man U and Liverpool have all had spells outside the top 4 places and they’ve used it as an opportunity to regroup and gain perspective so I’m sure we could too. We’ve not really looked like competing in the CL in recent yrs, so a crack at the Europa Lge might be a good way for us to rebuild confidence in Europe alongside a more sustained tilt at the top of the PL table.
As for Wenger. I firmly believe a change would do us good now, but if he does stay, I shall be supporting him and the club throughout – hoping the man can find the swansong he deserves. Of course, the FA Cup this yr could still provide that (another reason why Wenger/Arsenal may be stalling?)
The right side of our defence with
Mustafi and Bellerin has looked
shaky for months now, maybe
they’re too aggressive as a pair.
To be fair, the left side has hardly
looked rock solid either.
It’s funny how Theo can be so awful yet still be our bet player on the day. I don’t disagree that he was poor, but he still looked by far the most likely scorer for us today.
…and cutting inside is the way to goal. It’s a pity Theo doesn’t get more people in tune with his runs, and I’m less sure than Trev that he’s the one at fault for that. For mine he positions himself well on most occasions.
Well said about finishing outside the top 4, Gregoire. There’s a Delamain Vesper on the bar pour vous.
A tune of a different time and place.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XwdEFpBNEqM
…and of another time and place. I first heard of Slim Gaillard in Jack Kerouac’s On The Road, compulsory reading for those of my era … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnQ0gR907ko
One more Slim Gaillard. Photo is the cover of the EP (Extended Play, not LP) which includes both this and the chicken song. I still have my copy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R08DrJTs4_o
Theo got my vote because he clearly cared and played with passion, not something you could accuse many of his teammates of. His tackle in the first half had real venom. Trev describes the defensive issues very well. The central defence is exposed and Xhaka plays as if in a daze sometimes. His inability to track back and keep tight for the second goal was appalling. It is just possible that Mustafi who is a headless chicken could be improved by good coaching and a protective holding player. Coquelin does his best but is just not good enough. The other big issue is morale. The two goal celebrations if they could be called that suggest a very divided dressing room and players who are not enjoying matches. It would have been interesting to see the effect of a late winner if we got one. ( if only) .
Gazidis shared some remarks with the AST which suggested to one who was there that he was under considerable stress. I think and this is my view not my mate at the meeting that the management and U.K. Board feel Kroenke doesn’t appreciate the pressure that they are getting and just wants Wenger to sign. If this ends up with any sort of pressure on WKroenke to sell it will be a good thing. Imagine an unscrupulous director courting Usmanov behind the scenes . Who would have thought the fate of a blue chip club like Arsenal lies in the hands of an absentee American and an Uzbek with a chequered past and the Uzbek seems increasingly the better option for the club. If only Holic had ten billion quid ! Shall we have a whip round?
Morning all,
Foolishly I did not take today off, so my view of the match won’t be up until tonight, but TTG has done a good job of highlighting the main points above.
Take all the time you need, ‘holic, you deserve a break. Any time before Wednesday’s game would be good though. 😀
Dunno about anyone else but Arsenal Fan TV should be banned from filming outside the stadium, if it is at all possible for the club to do so. Not because of what they say, although they all irritate the fuck out of me on the few occasions I have watched a video (and I do so only to laugh at the blud/fam stuff and manufactured outrage) but the risk of violent reaction to their presence, with scuffles yesterday around their nonsense gatherings, is a safety issue.
Chris, Many thanks for introducing me to Slim Gaillard’s music. Hot Stuff!!
@ Cynic per Arsenal Fan tv I wont call it manufactured outrage. That’s how most fans feel about the club at the moment. At least that’s how I feel and if I had the opportunity to be out there I will probably be doing the same thing too. Although fans are getting really pissed off at the results, I think they are more mad at the fact that we don’t know what’s going with the whole Wenger contract situation. At this point I feel Wenger is taking a piss at the club/fans. If he feels he has made the right decision for the club as per signing a new contract, how come he cant make the announcement. He is too selfish and arrogant to accept that its time to move on. Since there is a lot of clubs that want him out there, why not take one of those jobs and lets all get a new start.
Play a team three times and the law of averages suggests that you will lose one, draw one and win one.
Good omen or clutching at straws ?
Despite the obvious short comings at the back it was ice to see the team (or most of them at least) showing some fight and back bone yesterday.
Onwards to the “Battle of the Under Pressure managers” on Wednesday night – The Hammers fans I know are nearly as fed up as we are.
Funny watching Premier League Daily this morning. Thierry Henry was playing “the Devil’s advocaat” apparently.
Cynic,
I didn’t say Theo was awful and, yes, he did look the most likely to score – and did so.
And I totally agree with you about the whole utterly juvenile and ridiculous blud/fam nonsense that is FanTV. Pathetic.
And no, SanAntonioGunner, that is most definitely NOT how most Arsenal fans feel at the monent. I wish he’d go and practise his fake street talk somewhere else. Anywhere else, really.
Chris,
Inside is indeed the way to goal but if your’e supposed to be playing on the wing, at least tell someone you’re about to switch and switch with them. Don’t just run up their back and leave your wing so that passes be ome opposition throw-ins.
Theo did get stuck in yesterday – it was good to see. He looked like one of the olayers who really cared. Özil, frankly, did not.
There, I said it.
I am not on a Theo witch hunt – just an opinion on what I see and, despite notching up a good goal tally, Theo disappoints more often than not because he clearly could do so much more.
Let me ask you a question, if I may.
Do you think Theo would get into Guardiola’s team ?
At the moment, I don’t, for the same reason Guardiola left out no lesser talent than Sergio Aguero. The latter, yesterday, was a constant menace, not only for his goal scoring but also for his constant pressing and throwing himself across defensive clearances, so that we couldn’t get the ball away with any accuracy.
If it’s good enough for Aguero, it should be good enough for Theo.
Then we would have a proper goal scorer and a proper team player.
Just saying.
Trev – It was more the general opinion rather than yours I was referring to. A recent game (West Brom?) saw H’s write up refer to Walcott having shots or doing something of note three or four times, then when him going off was referred to, he became “anonymous Walcott”.
Walcott can do nothing right, Ozil (for example) gets a free pass.
And then mis-controls it and gives the ball away on the edge of his own box 😉
Walcott may not get into Guardiola’s team, although he probably would actually as Pep rates him, but would Ozil? Would any of our lot, apart from Sanchez, get into ANY regular top four team though?
None of our defenders would, Xhaka wouldn’t get near their squad let alone team, Elneny wouldn’t, Ramsey wouldn’t… Giroud would never get near either.
There are players in our side that it seems everyone loves, such as Koscielny for example, and they’re really average players. It’s not just a form thing either.
One thing Guardiola teams have is width. I remember how his teams have men with chalk on their boots out wide. Sterling is a typical English player, overrated and overpriced but Sane is red hot and will be a real star. What Peo’s Citeh team currently lack is a Busquets or Mascherano figure who can lock up the midfield and give the ball to the geniuses.We haven’t got too many geniuses to give the ball too but we are so open and this never seems to be addressed. Frankly if a new manager came in to our place I’m not sure which midfielders he would keep ! I would probably only keep Santi( if fit) , Elneny and possibly the Ox.
I would hire a people carrier to drive the rest to the airport.
A busy week on the blog starts here. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>