Cherries Ripe for Picking?
Sep 8th, 2017 by 'holic
Thankfully another miserable international break is coming to a close, and I will get my first glimpse of the Gunners in the flesh this season. Bournemouth arrive at the Grove on Saturday to face a team that needs a good result even this early in the campaign.
It will be good to get back to cheering the side again rather than reading endless negative column inches, although not entirely undeserved. The mood must transfer itself from the seats onto the pitch?
It will be interesting to see if the boss sticks with the back three that served us so well at the tail end of last season. Lest we forget that system was introduced to make up for the obvious deficiencies we experienced with a flat back four. Reverting would present us with the same challenges as we have the same personnel available.
The answer to that conundrum may lie in the perceived readiness of Skhodran Mustafi who reportedly wanted to leave the club to be closer to his family, but could not seal a deal with Inter Milan. If he is ready to play he could feature in a three with Laurent Koscielny and either Rob Holding or Nacho Monreal?
Hector Bellerin, another alleged to have wanted to depart the club in the summer, needs to put in a shift on the right, and Sead Kolasinac on the left. Interestingly Reiss Nelson, rapidly becoming the prospect of the moment, is being touted as a potential wing-back in the aftermath of Oxlade-Chamberlain’s departure to Anfield.
The deep-lying midfield pairing may no longer be a given. Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey didn’t withstand the waves of pressure that Liverpool applied. Francis Coquelin fared little better after replacing Rambo at half-time so Mohamed Elneny will possibly come into the frame? Jack Wilshere, anyone?
Mesut Ozil should retain the main creative role but what an interesting selection ahead of him. Assuming Alexis has recovered from his current woes he will be a starter but Danny Welbeck, Alex Iwobi, and the aforementioned Nelson could be ready to deputise if necessary.
Hopefully Alexander Lacazette will be recalled but will he be paired with Olivier Giroud or could Theo Walcott be given a first start of the season on the right flank?
The match should be decided by which Arsenal team turns up, but Bournemouth, without a point from their first three games were said to have performed very well against Manchester City a fortnight ago. That sort of performance could trouble an Arsenal side lacking in confidence and form. Remember we had to come back from three down at their ground last season to earn a point.
The ‘holic pound
In normal circumstances I would be looking at Arsenal bullying a team on such a poor run, but can we rediscover our A game to deliver that big win? For once I will be guided by the bookmakers and plump for the favourite, 2-0 to the Arsenal, available at around 8/1.
It’s a first match of the season for the grand’holics too, so I have an extra reason for the team delivering on the day and keeping the atmosphere positive. Clearly beating Bournemouth will not be a sure sign that what ails us has been cured, but not beating them will only intensify the fears that all is not well at the club.
What a good day it would be to start another run of results to lift us to where we should be in the League with the stadium, squad, and fanbase that we have.
Have a great one, ‘holics.
101 Responses to “Cherries Ripe for Picking?”
Win or lose, we’re on the booze
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CZ_SLKdVAAA6g9L.jpg
Hysteria mode
IT’S A RELEGATION SIX POINTER!!!!!
Good luck tomorrow Holic and I hope the GrandHolics enjoy their day. It doesn’t take much to turn the atmosphere toxic at our place so I hope can start well and get on the front foot.
Sanchez and Lacazette outdoor be a formidable attaking pairing and I take both to score in a 2-1 win for us .
I’m just coming home from Lords where Jimmy ‘ Gooner’ Anderson took his 500th test wicket. That’s an incredible feat which deserves congratulations
Just win.
I remember a home game against Swansea in 2011 where we fluked a 1-0 win ; Arshavin pouncing on a rare Swansea defensive error to grab the three points.
The start of this season feels exactly the same as that one did and I would gladly take the same result…
Excellent roundup of the situation, ‘holic. There is only one way this team will go, but which way will it be? Having fortunately missed the Liverpool game, and sat ot the drinks for most of the interlull, this has the feeling of a fresh start but I just hope the players come out with a fresh outlook.
The match should be decided by which Arsenal team turns up
Sadly, you could have written that of any game in the past — what? –seven years.
The result depends on whether Wenger plays them in their right places and the first team turns up. I will take a 1-0 in a heartbeat.
Holic, I hope you have a great day out with grand holics.
+1 on the good wishes
‘hol and the G ‘hols ?
My iPhone let me down as so often! Hopefully some sense came through. Have a great trip up Holic. I know like me you thought long and hard about going this year and I’m going to miss a lot of the autumn games.
It’s long- term loyalty to the club versus ennui about the duplicity of those driving the club. I was asked at Lords today by a companion ( a Fulham supporter) if Arsenal fans have lost faith in Wenger. I answered as honestly as I could that I think faith is failing in him but there is still a reservoir of affection . But I’m not sure that even that reservoir would survive too many naive defensive displays, teams set up wrongly, nonsensical transfer strategy and teams that look disinterested in representing the best club in the world.
NDR makes an excellent point of comparison with the Swansea game where Vorm gave us a very jammy goal. It’s deja vu all over again…I think we want some progress.
Progress would be good, Ttg, but three points will suffice.
You summarise our situation succinctly maestro. I do hope we can get our shit together. Have a great day out with the grandkids, H. I hope the team give them a day to remember. A Lacazette hat-trick would do nicely.
COYG
Fine review as per, ‘H. And gd lk wiv the litt’ lunz!
I’ve a feelin’ someone’s gonnah win 15 nil tomorrah, and you can quote me on that!
UTA!
‘ardon : preview (ooo ‘er)
Lookin’ forward to the review alreadeeee! (If we win, obvs. Over.)
If we revert to 4 at the back and lock Welbeck in a cupboard where no one can find him we may have a chance. But not holding my breath.
Cech
Mustafi Mertesacker Koscielny Monreal
Xhaka Kolasinac
Walcott Ramsey Alexis
Lacazette
I’d have Meh, Meh, Meh and Meh on the bench, Cynic. 😉
Cheers Holic !
Enjoy a great day with the grandholics ??
These have become the best times in the current situation – enjoy the football and their innocence for a few hours and forget the finances, boardroom struggles, ownership issues, management issues, transfer issu….. yabbidy yabbidy yah….
AL’s being ridiculous with his 15 nil prediction – no way Bournemouth are keeping a clean sheet ?
I actually predict a perfect hat trick for Danny Welbz – arse, belly and knee ??
? Guvnor!
Result’s prediction after the team selection is known?! ? ?
Up The Arse All & All Night Of A Tight Defence! ?
NDR@4
I remember that game well!
I was back in England for a
family visit and took my son
to his first Arsenal match.
Terrible game but he’s still
a gooner anyway 🙂
I’d take the same result in a
heartbeat too.
Morning Holics
I too have stayed away during the interlul burying myself in the tennis and with Roger bowing out it’s turned into a miserable couple of days.
I see from this mornings paper that Dick Law is off next month and Ivan is taking an office at the training ground and becoming more involved in the playing side of the club, Help!
Can something be salvaged today from the Summer debacle on just about all fronts? Can AW pick round pegs in round holes?
It seems to me that he has been lost in a fog with no clear way to escape , other than the honest way of resigning, which he will never do.
As for our “top, top players” it’s time for them to turn up, show some grit, put in a shift and play for the shirt and the fans, we deserve a decent performance and 3 points.
Poor old Gooner Malcolm went to Stoke and Liverpool . I dare say there will be plenty of tales of woe to keep Kev and I entertained on the 11.56.
Holic I hope you get the 2-0 win but with our current defensive failings I don’t expect us to keep a clean sheet.
Hoping for the best.
COYR
Nice preview H. Have a top day out with the youngsters. Always a pleasurable day out.
My tickets for this one went some time ago. For those going, I hope it’s not another toxic affair. As for team and team selection? Who knows? As mentioned above it will be all down to who turns up and who wants to perform on the day.
I’m with the Rev and going with a 15 nil score line. Unlike Trev, I can see Bournemouth keeping a clean sheet.
No clue which way AW will go with
team selection.
I’d stay with 3 at the back
personally and go with
Cech
Mustafi Kos Nacho
Hector Xhaka Elneny Kola
Ozil Laca Alexis
Maybe a bit harsh to scapegoat
Aaron from the last game and a
bit defensive to start Kola and
Hector as wing backs but I
feel we must do something to
shore up the defence.
Nice preview, Sir. Have a great day and I’ll catch up with you once we transition from golfing weather to days worthy of kicking a leather ball.
“rather than reading endless negative column inches”……Really? Why bother reading all the bile that spews? Not good for your longevity, Holic. There are many better ways to while away the hours.
Don’t know why they’re moaning about that red card in the Liverpool game. Obvious red card.
Team in decline for years, players not good enough, embarrassing defending, not playing for the manager, failed transfers. Klopp out!!!
Three at the back.
Xhaka / Ramsey in the middle.
Danny in. Alexis not.
I hope we win.
COYGs !!!
Agent Oxlade-Chamberlain, please return to base!
But Theo, OG, Alexis on the bench
means plenty of options.
And Hector / Kola on the wings
should give us more solidity.
Ox did nothing when he came on
and got a caning from Thierry
too. Funny old game football,
well I laughed anyway.
16th ? vs 18th. COYG.
Welbeck!!!! Off his shoulder as Trev said.
Get in Danny !
Great run and cross from Kola.
…by the hair of my chinny chin chin.. Welbeck!
😀
Chin or shoulder? I ‘m not watching so in the dark
@bt8
Could be both too!
😀
Lacazette the finisher. Took it with aplomb.
Nice football boys!
Lacazette… calm as a clam!
GET IN!
😀
Good ball Ozil, touch from
Danny and Lacalashed home!
Happy 🙂
Are they singing my Lacazettebsong yet?
That’s my Lacazette song previewed in the drinks a couple of months ago. ?
Comfortable half; Cherries definitely out of season. Looks like their only hope is Anthony Taylor.
Hmm… wake up
hahaha they heard me 3-0 and
a nice finish Danny.
Did Danny scuff that one? Let’s hear you all turn that one into a negative. 😉
Looks like hamstrings for Coquelin…. 🙁
Last 10 with 10 men….
Sanchez looks a little unfit.
Great result.
Good decision to rest him.
Maybe he should be rested for the next match too.
We looked less nervous than I
expected – the early goal was
handy and Bournemouth were
very polite visitors, not wanting
to put us to any trouble.
AW held his nerve and credit
where it’s due – the team
responded well and the balance
was so much better.
Bigger tests to come of course
but after this win another one
would banish the blues in more
ways than one next week.
When it’s Spring again
We’ll sing again
Hamstrings for Coquelin….
Been out at a game, have no idea of anything apart from three points.
We did not lose? Instead, comfortably won 3-0?
This is outrageous.
As a direct consequence, I shall personally shut up all week – or at least until we next lose – and predict that the drinks count will not exceed the 70 mark by the next preview (subtracting cba’s contributions, of course).
Wenga ahht!
Not seen any of the game but it seems a comfortable win and a welcome 3 points. All good stuff.
Onwards and upwards.
Great game.
The result and performance should go a long way to infuse the much needed confidence that’s been missing for a while.
Now to Thursday and hopefully another purposeful performance.
UTA
A comfortable 3-0 win which could have become far less comfortable after we were reduced to ten men when Coquelin twanged a hammy.
Only at that point did Bournemouth, who seem to have gone backwards compared to last season, begin to seize any initiative and threatened our goal once or twice.
For this scribe (pretentious, moi ?!), the most important thing was that the team showed lots of energy and commitment – and some decent football at times – after the horror show at Anfield.
Lacazette and Kolasinac both look very good acquisitions – what a shame we couldn’t add our midfield enforcer.
Sanchez added some quality when he came on and looked busy – no sign of the sulks today, pleasingly. This particular Ozil fan would have to admit that he compketely ducked out of one or two attempts at aerial challenges and snatched at a very good near post chance. Good run to get there though.
Nice song @49 Cynic,
I’m working on Coquelin muscles, alive alive oh –
Well, I hope someone is ….. 3 weeks perhaps ?
Two points gained on Yannited and three on Liverpool. Could this account for Cynic’s unseemly lightheartedness?
Ropey league Quadruple back on! ?? ☯️
To all the Fish-God lovers – ? ✊️
I did volunteer to do the report but have not heard from the Maestro so will volunteer my brief views.
It was nice to win but frankly Bournemouth were desultory, one of the worst PL sides I have ever seen. When Defoee was taken off I had forgotten he was playing. Eddie Howe’s men seemed to pin their hopes on long throws. They were the old Stoke without the violence or the defensive nous.
We often beat sides comfortably at this stage of the season. Sometimes our players who dominate these games don’t show up in the tough ones. So I’m taking this performance as encouraging and no more. We have definitely acquired too- notch talent in Lacazette ( the ultimate fox in the box ) and Kalashnikov who is a monster. Today I liked Nacho, Ramsey and Xhaka had some good moments. I wasn’t massively impressed by Ozil . He needs to convince me this season in big games like next week not against pub teams from the South Coast.
Big props to Danny Welbeck. His movement and effort is excellent and he took his second goal very well.
Where I was Sanchez was welcomed back.No boos from the North Bank.
Trev was right about our lack,of a midfield enforcer . Oddly we have one in our Bosnian but he can’t play everywhere. Le Coq went in the fetlock within about five minutes on his first real sprint. The gap in midfield will come back to bite us in big games but Wenger only wants to play one way and while he is in charge we must reconcile ourselves to getting turned over by harder , tougher, cuter teams.
But there will be more days like this as well although we may not find anyone quite as bad as Bournemouth!
Could this account for Cynic’s unseemly lightheartedness?
Sadly not.
The game I went to this afternoon was epic. Huge thunderstorm beforehand went through three layers of clothing, then got a flypast from a Lancaster bomber which flew INTO the next oncoming storm in brilliant burning sunshine.
Then another storm, half time chips, a winner with the last touch of the game, got into the bar to see we’d won and Welbeck had scored twice, which caused much mirth.
Then another drenching on the way home.
That kind of thing you just can’t beat. Heady stuff.
Back in humbug mode now though. 😉
Faith in Arsene restored (most likely from the rock solid reservoir of affection that exists beyond the Wailing Wall). Rock solid defensive display. Team set up perfectly. Sensible transfer strategy paying dividends with a “for free” marauding LWB showing how to do it and the excellent Lacazette putting paid to the ‘fish that rots from its head to its willy’ old gripe that we’ve never replaced RvP. AND a team that looks totally interested in representing the best club in the world.
Ah, but sadly it was only Bournemouth. So it was all for nought. Doesn’t count. Write it off as a rounding error. Let it sink onto the depths of despair where it belongs. Shit, we’re only four points off the lead? That must be an error! Correct it please so we can wail properly.
Never mind, hopefully we’ll get beaten at the Bus Stop next week and the Holic Bar Wailing Wall can get back into full swing.
Enjoyed that. Three points. Three goals.
Would have been Six were it not for their rather excellent keeper.
G&T’s all round.
57 smiles
58 yawns
Always good to get a win, especially after the Liverpool debacle.
Not sure about giving Wenger credit though. I think he’s proved repeatedly that his interventions are quite random, frequently ineffective and generally flukey. This week it was: don’t leave your two new signings on the bench. And he banks £8m a year for that.
That particular Bournemouth performance, has to be one of the poorest EPL performances ever at Ashburton Grove by any away side!
Utter ? Let’s see what Cologne have to offer on Thursday then the Chav$!
UTAAD&AN!
AFCOF!
“Wenger tells Sanchez to win back the fans.”
“The best way to get people on your side is to perform.” Ya think?? ??
58 thumbs up
Just as thought, Arsenal fans can’t bring themselves to give their team or manager any credit. Bournemouth must be the worst team in the league because Arsenal and Arsene only beat teams when they meet them in their bad days. Good thing Chelsea had two bad days last season so we were able to beat them at the Emirates and at Wembley to win the FA cup. Pep, City, Mourinho and Manure too with all those poor games and bad days they all had that coincided with their games against the Arsenal. Long may that continue.
Cent@65,
We’ll always give “the team” credit! ?
As for the Manager now? ?
It’s all about perspective . This was more encouraging but let’s measure it by the opposition we overcame. Bournemouth were very poor and it doesn’t help Arsenal to rave over this performance. We’ve had too many false dawns and next week will be a better test. Let’s see what that game brings
Two goals and an assist from Danny? That’s only one assist less than his Prem return for the whole of last season! One off the shoulder and the second may have been a cross, but so long as they go in who cares? But motm? Nah, Rambo deserved it more, which would have been more noticeable if Ozil hadn’t been getting in his way much of the time.
Wonderful energy from the start and some lovely football played. But the cherries were frankly dire and we were nowhere near as ruthless as Man $hitty, so let’s not get carried away.
Well done Danny. I just wonder how many Theo would have scored with all that space to work in.
I’ve no problem giving AW credit.
He picked the team, we played well
on and off the ball, closed players
down well, defended the flanks
better and Bournemouth didn’t
have the speed of thought or
movement to hurt us through the
centre. Bournemouth aren’t that
bad, we just made them look bad
with a dominating performance.
We were sloppy at the start of
the 2nd half, but apart from that,
and one badly misplaced pass in
our own half (Aaron? in the first
half) we were better defensively.
Chris,
“the second may have been a
cross” 🙂
Was that in the tongue in cheek
category?
Bournemouth aren’t that bad, Matt? Played 4, Lost 4, GD -7. How good is that?
Danny’s cross or shot … how do you know with Danny? He’s very clever at camouflaging his intent.
Chris,
Last minute loss to Man City in the
previous game. All defeats to teams
in the top 10. It’s not good but they
are nowhere near as poor as they’re
being made out to be.
I’m not getting into a defence of
Danny because fundamentally
you’re right – he doesn’t score
regularly enough. But…. that was
a shot all day long.
😀
Interesting to see if Liverpool, who have, after all, won only the same number of games as us this season, will be equally pilloried for their summer transfer activity, managerial failings, etc. after their paddlin’ by Citeh.
Chris,
The second by Danny was a beautiful finish.Defo a shot!
He is in the team because he works much harder than Theo, has much greater body strength, is better in the air and has more intelligent movement and is a better team player, but Theo is a better finisher, about 25% as good as Lacazette!
Theo will get his chance on Thursday possibly in a three playing behind Giroud, with Iwobi and Nelson .
Ned,
On 606 last night there was an idiot proclaiming very loudly for Klopp to be sacked. My Scally friends criticise him on a similar basis to Wenger in that he cdiesnt of defence
Liverpool would’ve beaten the ? heads, Cit$h, with 11 men. Something which they have consistently done to their title-chasing rivals. They were quite dominant until the ever-excellent Mané’s unfortunate red card for dangerous play – a decision which completely killed-off what was going to be cracking match, as a competitive and entertaining spectacle.
The correct decision incidentally, to award the red. ⛑
Sorry should read ‘ doesn’t do defence’
His teams do have great movement but it’s seems a fair criticism of them defensively .
There was a moment in the first half yesterday which ended with Kalashnikov volleying Bellerin’s cross against a defender which was sheer poetry . It summed up everything good about Wenger’s teams and underlines why people love the football we play. Klopp’s teams move similarly and can be thrilling to watch . I suspect if he doesn’t win anything this year he will start to attract heavy criticism
in what’s become not an unusual occurrence
hello
When it’s Spring again
We’ll sing again
Hamstrings for Coquelin…
??????????
.
Coquelin muscles, alive alive oh –
??????????
.
.
masters at work
(the funny fuckers)
and 50
????
currently on a failed brew
personable
but i wouldn’t introduce it
around
no
.
too fizzy ?
?bland ?????
??
.
?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72tPspH3Eg0
i like my football on a saturday,
roast beef on sundays, all right.
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yMdU575Rzg
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
.
.
hope ye had a goodun ‘holic
small relative wise
.
and beer wise
fuck sake
of course ye did
.
.
one day
and i hope it’s soon
i will buy all you fuckers beer
under the tollie brolly
.
obviously
i’ll observe from afar
you appear common
plus
other outrageous stuff
two fat ladies
i have been over next door
nobody there
save ‘holic
though clearly ‘holic
doesn’t
know
how
difficult
it is
to reach
the
TON
*taps Liam picture 7 times *
*clicks ruby slippers*