Pride, Show Some
May 15th, 2009 by 'holic
Listeners to the Arsecast will already be familiar with my view of the likely outcome at Old Trafford. However, we should not let the understandable pessimism about our chances of delaying the trophy presentation completely detract from the possibility of an upset.
I have a feeling that by picking players where they are most comfortable, and going with a bit of ambition, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that we could create as many problems for the champions elect as they are doubtless expecting to cause us.
That will require us to play for ninety minutes like the first twenty-seven minutes against Chelsea last week. We need to be on the front foot and doing everything we can to keep them from getting at our weak spot, namely the back five.
To that end I would select the lively Nasri rather than ask poor Diaby to do his best on the left flank again. Picking Diaby would send a message to Ronaldo that he is welcome to spend the entire match in our half where he could cause most damage. Selecting someone more suited to attacking down that flank would require the obnoxious but talented Portuguese to track back and give Gibbs some moments of respite.
Whoever is in the best shape out of Denilson and Song should be given the responsibility of covering the area between Cesc and the central defenders and putting in a shift the like of which they have rarely produced before.
If there is any truth in the rumours of Adebayor’s imminent departure I would go with Bendtner up front, and then say to Andrey Arshavin, ‘You can play wherever you think you can cause them most damage!’
Yes, I really would give him a free reign. His pre-season effectively started when he joined us in January. His performances in the last few weeks have shown he is the sharpest tool in our box at present. We should play to his strengths, and then spend the next pre-season finding a formation that will accommodate a midfield trio of Cesc, Nasri and Arshavin.
To get anything I think we need to dominate possession throughout, and score first. All of that ignores the fact that United are buzzing. They will want not just the one point that would secure a deserved title. They too will want to dominate. This might just be an absolute cracker.
Notwithstanding that I will be placing the ‘holic pound on an extra lottery line this week. I’ve never backed against Arsenal, and I won’t start now, but there will be no smart money wagered on the Gunners this weekend, I’m afraid.
This is a weekend to show a bit of pride, if we can. If we give it a go and still come up short it will be time to shake their hands, and accept the banter that will come our way from seventy thousand day-trippers to Manchester.
Our turn will come, remember that.
26 Responses to “Pride, Show Some”
I went to the Chelsea game and we really are going to have to pull our socks up to avoid a demolition. I am not a shrink, but it seems to me that once the heads go down, the team seems to give up. That is what really p*sses me off. These players are being paid a fortune (another issue for another discussion) and they don’t seem to share the pride that you article talks about.
Perhaps this is a symptom of the current transfer market i.e. players not being English and not growing up in the area, but look at Henry and Bergkamp event Vieira. They all had pride and all gave a dam. Apart from maybe Clichy and Fabregas the same cannot be said for the current team.
I don’t know how you “gain” pride, but perhaps Wenger should continue to nurture young talent as well as buying in some experience players in DEFENCE, NOT ATTACK.
I didn’t hear the arsecast, Holic. I’ii catch it later. I’m sure you were your usual silky tongued self. Very sober and realistic post. I happen to think it’s confidence not pride that the team lacks. A win would set up a great final game for manure at hull. Would rather see them win there at the expense of Phil the Brown stain on the underpants of the EPL. Pity that all the bleating seems to have resulted in the departure of Emmanuel A.
Good job on the Arsecast ‘holic, and good job here.
Throughout the ages the english top flight has been hailed as one of the greatest due to the work players put in. The workmanlike approach, the physical play and random ww2-quote from Churchill. This, as we all know, is enough for a good fight and a watchable game. Of course, this isn’t enough for the prettiest football around, though. In recent years, the English game has been refined and the marriage between class and work ethic has made the EPL better than ever. Never one to be negative towards championship teams that do their best and play footie on the level they can manage., but the best games are between the type of teams that goes for both speed, strength and skill.
This, it feels like Arsenal is on the verge of losing, or perhaps (and this is what I hope!) regaining. It’s all balancing on a very thin edge at the moment and I hope we go the right way.
We lack defensive quality, perhaps. We lack leadership, perhaps. We lack experience, call it what you will. What it all boils down to is the lack of work ethic and tracking back and hard work. I love loads of our players and I’ll take The Dane over Ade every day because of that. I don’t care how many open goals he misses, because if you work hard you will get another chance.
I know this is an old pundit favorite and I hate repeating what (somewhat shambolic) media says but I do agree on the fact that the main difference between Arsenal and ManUre isn’t quality it’s the work they put in and the work we put in, especially when things don’t work out well. There is ONE single player in the Manchester Utd squad that doesn’t work his socks off and that is Berbatov. One player you can live with. Not half a team.
I love our beautiful football when it works. I do NOT want to change that into “1-0 to the Arsenal”-games again even if it costs us trophys.
Why?
Because I don’t think we need to do that. I think we can win games 4-1 instead because the class (even if it always can be improved) is there. If we could get our players to run for 90 minutes, both to help out offense and defense we will not only grind out results but win games big.
We are a good, young team, that will get better with age. Some players will go because they won’t make the grade, some will replace them. But it looks good and I think what Arsenal really needs to do is to find that holy union of skill and stamina.
That is what Barca does, defending from the front, aggressive play not only in the offense but in defense. That is what, sadly, Man Utd does.
Work work work work work. That is all I ask for. Not titles. Not trophys. Not Bendtners underwear. I’m not even asking the heads of players or the coach. Of course not. Great team, great manager, but sadly dropping heads and plummeting results.
Phew. Throat is gone.
Could I have a nice bitter? Cheers
‘Holic, the point I thought you crystalized magnificently on the podcast was the lack of leadership in the squad. There is no-one in the squad that can pull off that Henry V moment and inspire this team of no-little-quality. Perhaps at the back we’re lacking, and the central defensive role that Diaby and Denilson and Song has been asked to fulfill seems beyond them at this stage in their career. But it hasn’t helped that you cannot point to that charismatic leader that might give the players a lift in confidence.
RVP and Cesc are undeniably important to our future, but it may be time to concede that both are simply brilliant footballers, and not ones with shoulders broad enough to consistently lead their colleagues out of a bad situation and onto victory.
I suggest that Arshavin has that quality to his character. Russian athletes have a history of tenacity and I think his displays in our shirt bear this out. He’s quite brilliant, but increasingly, there have been times where what you really admire is his doggedness.
Wenger has not shown that his man-managing is his strong point, but he’d do well to add tenacious leadership to the list of qualities for any candidate he has his eyes when bolstering our squad.
Yep agreed, with 2 exceptions.
1) “I have a feeling that by picking players where they are most comfortable . . . . ”; well quite. You wouldn’t ask a dentist to perform brain surgery so why expect footballers to change position on a whim? It’s not just a question of feeling, it’s just plain dumb.
2) “If there is any truth in the rumours of Adebayor’s imminent departure I would go with Bendtner up front”. At the moment Nick should be there on merit.
Night club nonsense aside – surely we’ve all had a few drinks after recent performances – the fact that he was played out of position on Sunday (yet again) but still managed to score, whilst Adeybayor literally flopped around to no effect makes it no contest.
Ade to go because of the “bleating” BtM? I think not. As you well know Arsene does not bow to fan opinion – check out the Shareholders Q&A – but it is clear that he is now fed up with the guy’s attitude.
In the past I’ve been a staunch supporter, taking to task other fans in the ground who’ve got on his back; but not this season.
I’ve not booed him but frankly his performances and general conduct have been poor. Will he/can he change? From his recent utterances I suspect not. So, off to the chavs where no doubt his every dive will be rewarded with a penalty. Works for Dogbreath.
I’ll have a pint of Otter Ale please barman. I may listen to the arsecast later.
@Toby,
Hear, hear!
It’s not the skill that’s been missing it’s the application.
Previous Wenger teams have worked so much harder at attacking and DEFENDING as a team.
I don’t know why their work ethic has dropped so dramatically it can’t just be confidence. The desire to close down the opposition when they have the ball, press the player with the ball in packs has all disappeared from our game.
Case in point ManUSA were 3 goals to the good in the semi-final and yet they were still chasing the ball in 2s and 3s.
@gooner71
I agree with you that Arshavin would make a great captain – better than Cesc (who I think is an excellent player) and better than anyone else currently in the squad. I remember a FA cup game (I think) where we equalised and the players started celebrating but he was like get the ball back to the centre spot and get on with it!
He is also frank (in a good way) in his appraisal of our performances and I for one appreciate the honesty.
as much as i feel arshavin has the experiance and all that, i dont think he should be given the armband. let him do what he is good at without having something else on his mind.
cesc will learn over time. there is no wat to take armband of cesc without affecting his confidence. adams learnt, so will cesc.
the one person who needs to step up is toure. he was a great influence on the pitch.
i still fell gallas was a very good captain. if only he could keep his mouth shut off the pitch.
For you : a pint of Guinness on me, ‘holic. Or several 😉
Sounds like I’ll be the sole disappointed Gooner if Ade moves on. I’ve come back from injury myself a couple of times. Takes a whhile to get back. I’ve really enjoyed the eentertainment the 50 goals in the last two seasons. Be interesting to hear the reaction from the Boo Ade and Nick brigade when the big guy’s knocking them past Almunia. Pity that scoring rate and the experience he’s developed going to Chavs, Arabs or Milan.
Just had a horrible thought. If ade goes to the Chavs that tiresome old bar steward ChelseaBilly will be on here like a rash on a rat’s arse.
If we get 30 mil for Ade who will be laughing then.
Arseblogger has turned to shit this year, I’d rather read tabloids or listen to Setanta than read his drivel. Must have been tough mingling with that twat. I wish you’d made him smell his own shit. Anyway you managed to stay sensible as always and that’s refreshing, knowing we’re entering the big season void and most bloggers will be stirring shit and calling for bloodshed to keep their revenues during the summer.
Nothing wrong with trying to select our best team but I hope Arsene will experiment in the last 2 remaing games, rather than at the start of next season. If we’re to see and assess what the remaing youngsters can deliver, now is a better timing.
Ade will excel at his next club in the first one or two seasons and we will all regret selling him even for 30 mils. The following season we’ll congratulate ourselves on the good deal we’ve made.
Sharing some watery japanese beers with some mates tonight but a beer is a beer. Cheers!
Hey ‘holic, nice showing on the Arsecast. I always enjoy hearing you on the show. By far the best ‘blog chatter’ available, and that includes me 😛
Have a good one mate, enjoy the game today.
@ Matt – “Arseblogger has turned to shit this year”
What do you mean? It’s been strong as always. Would love to hear you elaborate on that comment and back it up with some reasons.
Hi guys. to days line up, is treaky. To me i would prefer bendtner than adebayor. I prefer denlison than song if he is not tired. Arshivin behind bendtner. Walcot nasri in wings.
Excellent chat with Arseblogga yesterday. Interesting that Arsene has hit back at (some) fans this morning, basically accusing them of being “ungrateful” for what he and the club have achieved over the past four years on one tenth of the resources of ManU, the Chavskis, Sp*ds etc.. He’s right of course. Yes he has made mistakes this year, both on and off the field, but these have to be seen against the background of incredibly tight financial constraints. Over all he’s performed miracles and is probably a victim of his own success due to the unrealistic fan expectations this has fuelled. And there lies my only real criticism of the club, namely that the board ought to be far more transparent and honest towards fans and particularly season ticket holders regarding the precarious financial situation and the attendant lack of opportunities we have on the transfer market. As you yourself said, until the revenues from the Highbury properties come on stream (post recession) we are set for a more lean times. Unless, of course, we want to be the toy of a fat, ugly, ManUre-supporting corrupt Russian Oligarch. Thanks, but no thanks.
@ MATT: You may not agree with what Arseblogga says, but drivel that is not – reads like Shakespeare compared to the hyperbolic shit served up by the toilet papers…
Right. Getting nervous.
Could I have me a Bloody Mary or something else that I can feel at least a bit comfortable drinking in the morning? Champagne and strawberries seems like something you do with the missus, not to call your nerves before a game…
@Spanish Fry
I agree with @Matt Arseblogger (and goodplaya) have both become quite negative on their outlook when it comes to Arsene/ the current squad.
So many of Arseblogger’s recent blogs have been damning with faint praise.
Take Friday’s blog for example:
“Can you really blame fans for being negative when you’re out of the title race by November? When you’ve suffered five losses? When the issues that the manager spoke about (a centre-half to deal with the ball over the top, for example) in the summer remained unaddressed? Is it any wonder fans were negative when the manager said we would be ‘reassured’ by the players he brought in and he then brought in Bischoff, Sylvester and the talented but far from ready Ramsey?”
To me it seems that Arsenal are constrained by the cost of the new stadium.
Wenger has done an excellent job given the constraints – came close to winning the title last year, a semi in the CL and FA this year. Can you imagine how hard it must be for him to constantly take the abuse when he cannot for obvious business reasons be absolutely honest.
Thankfully ‘holic , YW (a cultured left foot) and yourself have remained positive and I for one appreciate that.
@Goonesque
Well said. I really want the same as you but I think that it’s something we just won’t get easily. Not just because of the way the board works but also because a Football Club, in many more ways than most companies, are subject to extortion.
What I mean is: You can always grab carrots from someplace else. Carrots are carrots. And even if there are loads of players that are similar, if you’ve identified one you really want to have, you don’t really want his club going all “oh but I know you have lots of money, want him? Better be prepared to pay”.
All in all, on that level, it is business and I’m guessing there are several other reasons as well. I don’t want my wishes of more transparency to hamper the club. I’d be satisfied with a) never been told any straight lies b) the club/board telling me vague things (ie what position we need strengthening) about transfers and then also deliver on the vague promises.
I know the issue of transparency isn’t just about transfers but the same principle for me should be enough when it comes to ownership/other questions as well.
The problem is now that we don’t really get told anything and then even if we are, that ends up changing. It’s alright Arsenal, don’t tell me everything if you can’t, but do go through with the few things you’ve promised!
Thanks for some good points all. Matt, you are being harsh on the blogs you think have turned this season. If you really listen to Arseblogger on the ‘cast yesterday he is more positive than I in his questioning. He, and Goodplaya, have taken more care to present both sides of the arguments than I up to now. To lump them in with the couple of sites everybody knows is operating a different agenda is quite wrong, seriously.
That is really down to a conscious decision by me to avoid the flow of negative stuff where possible. The funny thing is for all of the supposed in-fighting between Arsenal fans at the moment I think we all agree on the same basic issues, but draw different conclusions from those.
I have not seen any disagreement that we are two or three players short of where we would like to be. I haven’t seen any disagreement that Arsene has made some selections that have baffled most in certain games. I haven’t seen any disagreement that we did not make the progress this season we were entitled to expect after 2007/8. I haven’t seen any disagreement that we have lacked effort and application in some games this season, bringing up the old leadership/experience question.
The falling out seems to be happening over what people see as the solutions, most of which involve the spending of huge sums of money we don’t have, or involve removing the greatest manager this club has ever known who has spent the last three years at least operating with one hand behind his back.
However, that is only my view, and I have no divine right to be right. Some others seem to think they do.
Excellent opening post ‘holic. I agree completely with your views on the team line up and still feel that with the right effort and mental attitude we are very capable of meeting the challenge that is Manchester United!
Very interesting comments too on the Arsecast – yes, Arsene IS a victim of his own success (although I’m left feeling distinctly uncomfortable at some of the headlines in todays sports journals, i.e The Times and Telegraph – ‘Murder’ is never a great analogy!!!).
Toby, can I congratulate you for an excellent post (3)!? Sums up my thoughts entirely on the work ethic amongst the team, particularly on those occasions when we go a goal or two down……which of course is when we should be collectively working even harder.
On the issue of openness and transparency, I personally think we are between a rock and hard place. I realise this all about opinions but if we report too much about the financial dificulties….on the pitch, it gives ManU and the Chavs even more confidence to outbid us on those available players. Off the pitch, the clubs leaders have been tasked with the responsibility of running the club. I am comfortable with that! Fans cannot and should not expect to be told everything. Further to which, Arsenal have never, to my knowledge, been that kind of club. Our finances are our finances and should remain so!
A cold Sam Miguel and packet of cashews please barman 🙂
@don:
Thank you very much don! If it’s not asking for too much would you mind sharing some of the cashews? Not sure ‘holic is around to take new orders at the moment and I forgot to get me some…
thats more like it boys, there was passion out there today. its a start
It certainly is, and if it wasn’t for Mike Dean gifting every decision the manc’s way, we may have had a bit more, but that’s referees for you.
Thought Diaby was the weak link again, thought Song and Denilson had storming games and if the Arshavin that played at Anfield had shown up today I think we would have turned them over. As it is, we did nearly nick on a couple of occasions in the last 10 minutes. It would have been nice to have spoiled their party, but we came away from the manure dome with a clean sheet and not too many teams have done that this season. Sceptics and mancs will say that they played within themselves but actually we controlled the game for large portions and really showed the sort of character and determination that we have missed for most of the season.
At least we can walk away with some of the pride that ‘holic wanted to see.
holic, good response to Matt, who seems to think that it’s all the fans’ fault for our bad results. Arseblogger’s been great, his comments have been very sensible and rational.
Quite enjoyed your interview with him yesterday, great stuff.
We did well at OT today, we took back some pride. Too bad we’re so easy for Utd to deal with in front of goal. Hope that watching the champions celebrate on their home ground can inspire our players next season.