Fran Leads Scousers A Merida-nce
Oct 28th, 2009 by 'holic
Ok, hands up. Who expected to see a game like that tonight? Arsenal changed the entire starting eleven from the weekend and Liverpool only included two from the start who began in their win over Manchester United.
Right up front I have to pay tribute to the visitors who contributed hugely to one of the most open and entertaining contests you are likely to see this season. Teams don’t come to Arsenal and play with attacking intent. Only the Carling Cup, and the need for a result tonight, would encourage such bravery, or foolishness, depending on your point of view.
Having said that though I have to say I thought that Arsenal side was just outstanding when going forward. Aaron Ramsey may have taken the man-of-the-match award, but his junior partners, Fran Merida and Craig Eastmond, a surprise inclusion ahead of Francis Coquelin, caught the eye just as much.
Merida’s magnificent strike in the twentieth minute set the tone, but he will acknowledge the contribution of Eastmond, who battled to retrieve a loose ball by the touchline. By that time Arsenal should already have been ahead. Nicklas Bendtner spurned the best opportunity when set free by Eduardo, but his unselfish attempt at a pass went the way of so much of his distribution on the night. His moment would come later.
The returning Lukasz Fabianski had impressed with his early work, but was left helpless by Insua’s wonderful volley. The lead had lasted seven minutes. Briefly we wondered if Liverpool, and their experienced bench, would prove too strong. Voronin in particular was looking surprisingly lively and dangerous.
We needn’t have worried. Although several intricate and pleasing raids failed to produce another goal before half-time, the breakthrough followed shortly after. It was typical Arsenal on the night. Under pressure at the back, a passage of breathtaking passes culminated in Bendtner producing a classy left-footed finish.
Liverpool responded by throwing on Benayoun and Aquilani, the Gunners responding by introducing youngsters Randall and Watt. Still it was end to end. Babel missed his touch in front of goal and the commentators, though not too many Liverpool players, suggested a harsh penalty could have been awarded against Senderos.
At the other end Eduardo missed a couple of opportunities and Watt was out-muscled by Skrtel. It was gripping, and all too soon it was over. Both managers enthused about the quality on display. So they should.
It would be wrong of me to end without a mention for one who has come in for, if not outright criticism, a good deal of indifference, since signing for Arsenal. The ‘holic pound fell short again as Kuyt effectively denied Mikael Silvestre from a couple of set pieces. The French defender was in fine fettle at the back, however, and captained this young side by example. He’s not an easy player to compliment, but credit where it is due tonight.
So a berth in what looks like the strongest last eight ever assembled in the Carling Cup is secure. Blackburn or Portsmouth would be the sides the other six want to draw. There are bound to be at least two huge ties. Arsenal against Tottenham anyone? Oh, that reminds me. See you again tomorrow, ‘holics.
46 Responses to “Fran Leads Scousers A Merida-nce”
Really happy to see Nasri back in action. I forgot how great his dribbling and how neat his passing is. When he gets a few games under his belt he’ll be awesome. If only we didn’t have so many injury problems… we’d have an unstoppable attacking force.
We’re reaching that point, Bob. when Nasri and Rosicky are fit, can you play them and Fabregas and Arshavin? By christ we would scare the shit out of sides going forward, but…
To have all those players fit would be good – and I guess that’s why Arsene earns the money.
wenger has finnally learnt live made 2 subs in match them by making his own thats how they do it focus…………
great to see senderos put in a solid performance, I would have no problems putting him in the first team if called upon, overall a cracking game and good atmosphere tonight.
My first thoughts were what a thoroughly enjoyable game of football. Played in the right spirit, and to a very high standard. Thought at times we looked awesome. What a depth of talent we have. The ease in which Eastmond slipped into that side is great testament to the work behind the scenes and in the reserves. It was as if he had been playing that position for the last 2 seasons.
Impressed to see Nasri last the full 90 and still be running his socks off. Eduardo will get sharper the more he plays. Gibbs looks nailed on to be the next England left back. I do fear for Clichy if he ever has a spell on the sidelines. Thought he looked superb again.
I agree totally re Silvestre. If his role is to captain this side and marshal this crop of talent then it will be money well spent. I would not begrudge him leading a team out at Wembley on Feb 28th.
Now for the Spuds. Bring it on.
If the 6X is still nice and fresh then I will sample a cheeky one if you don’t mind holic?
Keep the faith.
Hammering home those puns, ‘holic. 😉 . I thought Ramsey was terrific, today.
Some reports are criticial of Fabianski for Liverpool’s goal. It did pretty much go into the middle of the goal but still Insua hit it very well….
A penalty on Senderos would have been ridiculous.
I agree with Steve T. Gibbs will soon be banging down the door for that LB position.
Aquilani-one who says any different, Jammy 😉
Can’t see how anyone can blame Fab for their goal. Sometimes you just have to take your hat off and say well done. Twas a great hit. Don’t know too many that would have got near that.
Good report, sir. The midfiel trio were indeed quite easy on the eye tonight, and Eastmond did som fine defensive work too. As did Gibbs and Gilbert, though Gibbs looks way better going forward than his right sided partner (I’d be tempted to start him in more PL games now, especially with Clichy’s form dipping and my growing frustration over the Frenchman’s terrible crossing, something Gibbs does very well. Then again, I’m not Wenger, so I have no say in the matter).
Fab is your ‘keeper on Saturday, no question.
On the ‘keeper situation, David Hytner in the Guardian suggests that Alumina has suffered some sort of mental breakdown.
You might well be right holic. Big game to start him in. AW must have bags of faith in him. That just leaves the question, what now for Almunia? If Fab starts then he will struggle to get on the bench.
Sniff. If he has had a breakdown then how does he make the bench? Surely an illness like that would end up with him miles away from a game at that level?
Steve T, ask Hytner. I had similar doubts.
‘Holic, kudos for mentionning how Liverpool helped making this game open and enjoyable. Not many arsenal blogs give deserved credits to the opposition… And honestly they deserved a penalty. Note that Aquilani is true to his italian roots (footballitically speaking) with his public whining just after his first 15 minutes of playing time this season…
I thought the players young and not so young alike did put an impressive performance considering how few opportunities they have to play competitively together.
Watching the game my main thought was that we do have to start rotating players in the first team. It’s obvious that many youngsters are now at the level where they need games to progress, even more so for the most advanced ones like Merida and Rambo. It will do a lot of good to the youngsters and the established players should perform better when reminded their starting spot is not guaranteed forever.
Merida MOTM for me. Also great central defense and sweeper (Eastmond).
SteveT: Giggs is great going forward that’s for sure. Defensively he’s been saved a few times by Silvestre.
The Haunting of Manuel, eh?
Well written piece ‘holic nd a fair assessment of the pertinent contributions. Now, if you’ll pass me the ice-bucket…
You’ve not put your clock back yet?
Asked if it was now a straight contest between Almunia, Fabianski and Mannone, Wenger said: “For sure. It is a delicate choice but I will make a decision I think is right. I kept Vito in because we won the games; it is as simple as that.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/arsenal/6448789/Arsenal-manager-Arsne-Wenger-admits-Manuel-Almunia-faces-fight-for-place.html
For now Almunia is still our best option. The two others are far from being composed enough.
Unlike me to not be bullish, but I was annoyed with Ramsey and Merida who I thought were lazy tonight.
Tactically, I thought both were playing too high up the field.
Good win! Massive result.
I know it was just the Toy Cup bought if we’d won tonight it’d have been Arsenal in crisis etc.
Just got home from a friendly night with a few Arsenal and Pool-fans. Quite a lot of mexican food, Coronas and later too many Indian Pales plus some Fifa 10. Great night for such a gathering! Good spirit from both sides, two great strikes for the first two goals and both sets of supporters just said hats off to the scorers for both of them. We all had a laugh, us gooners a bit more so when Bendtner somehow (and don’t get me wrong, I think he’s a great striker in the making!) got both his dribbling and finishing right in one single move.
Midfield looked nice, haven’t seen Merida play since his brace in the U20 World Cup (a game I catched in a hotel room in Berlin of all places!) and he did a nice job. Ramsey surely looks the real deal as well. Had hoped for some more Coquelin-action but I wasn’t at all disappointed with Eastmond.
Once again ‘Holic I must congratulate you on being a wonderful barkeeper and a writer a class above most of us. I am a journalist by trade and I’m not sure I’d win a write-off even if we got head to head using my native language which is swedish.
Great write up and I will whole-heartedly agree on the comments about Silvestre. This is what we bought him for. I’m still sure our CC-centre halves will be our undoing in this competition. Silvestre has the experience to be at the right place at the right time, and Senderos has worked on his positioning, but the combinations of two quite slow central defenders might just miss that through-ball at the wrong time later on. Both are able defenders and all credit to them (I would wish Senderos all the luck in the world if he would eventually leave Arsenal) but it’s just the combination of them that scares me. Having that said, credit when credit is due and they haven’t let us down yet this season.
Until next time everyone!
I wouldn’t mind a Traquair House Ale to see me to bed…
Gibbs was fantastic, and I’m thrilled to have Nasri back. Merida and Ramsey both look ready for (and need) games in the first team as well. A very very entertaining game.
Thinking of Cesc, Rosicky, and Nasri all in the same team is exciting!
Matt. I think Gibbs is the future. I love Clichy. He is a top class player with a great attitude. Gibbs has just turned 20 and I think he is way ahead of both Clichy and Cashley at that age. I do not think it will be long before he makes the LB spot his own. I really do rate him very highly.
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Ole Gunner: they both were playing high which is Merida’s game anyway and IMHO this really showed how good Eastmond is (with good technical skills to boot).
Senderos, Vela, Merida, Rambo, Gibbs all deserve to play more often with the first team. And probably others too.
And 100% agreed on Nasri. Diaby’s starting spot is clearly under threat now.
The only thing I didn’t like is the unfortunately characteristic trait of taking it too easy once we’re in the lead. Since it’s an issue with both first team and CC team and it was at Monaco too, that’s up to AW to firstly recognize it and then stamp it out. That’s the main thing I like about Ferguson, even his relatively bad teams fight until the death.
Steve T: no issue with that, even if it’s easier to shine when attacking at the expense of defending. Considering he was a LM initially it comes more naturally to him.
Anyway we will have to sell players soon, without injuries we now have 3 players for every position. Perhaps Clichy will want to leave (I doubt it, he seems very committed to Arsenal).
men of the match for me was silvestre, ramsey, merida, nasri and niklas FULLSTOP!
Over the years I have stopped getting carried away by promising young Arsenal teams.
Yes …we won .. we defeated a fairly strong Liverpool side (They had a lot of attacking power .. with Babel, Kuyt, Voronin and towards the end Benayoun) but a big reason for the win was because Liverpool was piss poor.
I dont want to come across as “moaning” after such a positive night, but this team will get taken apart at Manu Utd or Chelsea (Yes … they will have their first teams on the field … but we cant complain … We have always had the opportunity to field stronger teams over the years in the Carling cup). And now, given the trophy drought we have had over the last few years … I would welcome a Carling Cup victory as would many of the players … who havent had much of the chance of glory in the last 5 years.
There were lots of careless mistakes which could have cost us dearly … we didnt have to pay the penalty because Liverpool were too rubbish to take advantage.
Towards the end I can recall at two instances where we gave the ball away cheaply with not much cover at the back.
There are a lot of positives for the future from this young team – but you have to take it with a pinch of salt. We have been seeing promise from the youngsters for a long time now but not too many have made it to the first team for one reason or the other.
Remember David Bentley, Arturo Lupoli, Jerome Thomas, Quincy Owusu Abeye, Jermaine Pennant, Danni Karbassiyoon and so many others.
I remember people saying Quincy was one of the best talents for the future. Lupoli was banging in goals for the reserves day in and day out. Didnt pan out … Im not saying that the same would happen with the current bunch … only that we shouldnt get too carried away.
In 2004 our youngsters defeated a full strength Everton 3-1. Some quotes from that game.
“”Where there is Quincy, there is life for Arsenal. Inspired by their richly-talented teenage Dutch striker Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, Arsene Wenger’s Carling Cup youngsters pulled off another shock to beat a nearly full-strength Everton side …..
Robin van Persie and Jermaine Pennant clearly showed their potential, as did 17-year-old Italian striker Arturo Lupoli, signed from Parma this summer in another inspired Wenger raid, who struck twice in a stunning comeback.””
And coming back to the first team … Diaby and Eboue should not be starting games for us in the first place.
I really cant understand why Eboue keeps getting games in midfield when we have Vela, Merida, Eduardo and now nasri .. all of whom can slot in on the wings.
Eboue starts simply because he -dare I say- does a competent, and more recently, excellent job. I fail to comprehend why so many Gooners fail to see this.
Ditto for Diaby.
Anyone knows where is Vela?
Second real glimpse of Merida -He has what it takes- really rate him- must give him more play time- probably not against the Spuds who will be going to war to beat us. This team has far more than just promise.
Merida’s contract is up at the end of the season, he must be kept.
Vela had a knock on the knee.
Charlotte- yes, this team might get torn apart by Chelsea. It was Eastmond’s debut last night and everyone would understand if he was to come up against a Lampard-Essien-Ballack midfield in the next round and not come out successful. I think we all remember Song’s infamous first league game against Fulham. The Carling Cup team is for the reserves and the youngsters to get a game, learn from the experience and show the manager what they can provide for the first team. We all know this and we should all be realistic in our aims. There are bigger, more important and more realistic trophies to keep our eye on.
I don’t think many are getting too carried away. We’ve certainly learnt from the past. But if you are looking at that team from last night, can you tell me with a straight face that Gibbs doesn’t have it in him to be Ashley Cole’s successor for England? That Ramsey doesn’t look like a young Stevie Gerrard without the cuntishness? Merida’s passing was sublime and his close control just as exquisite at times. Yes, not everyone will make it at Arsenal but to give these kids hope to prove themselves amongst the best and know that to succeed is achievable (look at the ‘previous’ carling cup side, the wheat seperated out to become our first team).
If ‘holic doesn’t mind, I’ve got some time to kill and would like to do a small take-up of our squad, to assess the chances of our ‘kids’:
GK: Mannone and Chesney still v. unknown qualities, as are the 1st teamers!
RB: Gilbert has no chance unless Eboue leaves. Hoyte unlikely.
LB: Gibbs is good enough for England if he plays regularly. Pedro still an unknown quality. Traore most probably will leave.
CB: Nordtveit impressing on loan and will be likely to inherit Silvestre’s 5th place spot when his contract expires in the summer. Ayling and Bartley to go on loan next season.
DM: Hard to tell. Coquelin, Eastmond and Frimpong are all very well regarded – there is obviously a reason we never bought a back-up DM. I guess whoever wins a stand-off between the three in the next couple years will go on to compete with Song. The other two will be Premiership footballers and should even get international caps, permitting their careers go to plan.
CM1: Ramsey looking destined to be Cesc’s eventual successor. Lansbury currently impressing at Watford (he scored a brace at the weekend) and even if it isn’t for Arsenal, should be in and around the England squad in the future. Randall and J-ET most probably won’t make it here but should be Premiership footballers.
CM2: Merida’s contract runs out in the summer- he obviously has a great talent but enough to displace Nasri or Rosicky? He’s left a club on a ‘free’ before. Wilshere-duh.
RWF: Sanchez Watt looks like he will make it if only to have the coolest named footballer in the league at our team.
LWF: Sunu divides opinion. As does Traore. No obvious Overmars in the pack.
S: Vela looks very unlucky. Whenever he gets his chance it is blighted by international duty or injury. He certainly has the talent but if he can’t play when he gets his chance then how will he ever prove himself against our older forwards? Barazite looking more unlikely by the day which is a shame. Simpson banging them in for QPR but will most likely end up at a different Premiership team. Afobe has a Bojan-esque youth scoring record for club and country but it’s obviously too early to hype the kid.
All in all, we are very well stocked and in positions where we might struggle, sales of premiership quality players (and sell-on fees) will easily cover the next Vermaelan or Arshavin.
It was an enjoyable night. The kids – and Liverpool – did football fans proud.
Excellent write up once again ‘holic. I can add little else to what has already been said by others so will simply mention how pleased I am with last nights fantastic display. Bearing in mind that, at best, only two of the squad (i.e. Fab and Nasri) may start against the filth on Saturday. Compare that if you will with a Liverpool side that fielded players with considerably more experience.
Like most, my only concerns are over the goal-keeping situation as well as our tendency to occasionally lose concentration at the back. I don’t necessarily agree with all of charlottegooner’s comments, #30, but I think she makes a fine point, that cannot be ignored surely, about the likelihood of progression with a central defensive pairing of Senderos and Silvestre (Senderos v Drogba anyone?) – forgive me if I’m being churlish but I really would like to see a trophy this season, even if ‘only’ the Carling Cup. For so many many reasons, that would be an amazing thought to behold.
He has not yet completed a full professional ninety minutes and yet Myles Palmer is asking “Is Craig Eastmond already better than Eboue, Song or Denilson?”. He also states that “[Gilbert] comes from my part of NW London and is a member of my gym”. Arsenal have the best training ground in the country and yet according to Myles, Gilbert goes to his gym! This guy seriously does not understand football or Arsenal.
Myles smells like a turd…
With burnt hair on.
I’ll have a Flamin’ Sambuca please ‘holic.
Good write up Holic
Last night Arsene got the team balance just about right. I thought that Eastmond’ debut and with what we already know about Coquelin, we are seeing that Mr Wenger is justified in his reluctance to splash unneccessary cash on a big name holding midfielder. We are very well blessed in this area unlike most other teams.
Well done to the boys last night it was a very enjoyable game with both teams producing excellent quality at times. Don’t mind who we get in the next round but hoping for a home draw.
Samuel … good points.
I guess my rant comes from frustration from the first team as well.
I feel like we ve got the short end of the stick from refs and the media. In general, Wenger is stubborn and does not want to change direction. Dont get me wrong I respect him greatly. A lot of what this club is today is because of him. But I get the feeling we could be so much better if he decided to cut some of the players off when they did not perform.
I feel bad that our first team and reserves have so much potential but it comes to nothing. When rubbish teams like Liverpool have won the CL.
The season when we lost Eduardo to the horrific injury … we should have gone 8 points clear on the top and should have probably gone on to win the title … but didnt work out that way.
This season… it again looks like we have potential but I cant see us continuing to churn out wins over the length of the season.
A lot of our current team depends on the confidence that comes from wins and from the crowd and support. I hope we are able to keep that going.
We still have a 100% home record in all comps. We are growing and will certainly be in and around the trophy handouts come the end of the season. No need to get so disheartened yet.
I’m also weary of saying Wenger is stubborn and will only keep to this way. Next year when HS is officially done and dusted, the club will no longer hold such a large burden. This may not stop Wenger utilising youngsters to the highest effect but it almost certainly means we will not have to sell to compensate buys (if you consider Adebayor begat Arshavin, Toure for Vermaelan etc.). We will be able to work on our own terms in the transfer market and again be able to compete with teams for the best. So we still might not buy many players each summer but when we do, it will be competing with the likes of Chelsea and Real where we’ve previously backed away (Essien and Ronaldo stick out as players who should have been Arsenal players if we never moved. Of course the long term is more important than 2 or 3 players though, no matter how good they are.) So the direction will certainly be altered a bit in the near future, to get us there a *little* bit quicker.
And I completely agree that Gibbs, Ramsey and Merida have bright futures.
The only thing I was trying to point out is that this team is not going to be able win against Chelski and ManUre’s first teams. I can see Drogba licking his lips on the prospect of facing Ol flat foot Senderos.
I just felt that given our lack of trophies in the last 5 years, maybe the Carling Cup would be a good start and a confidence booster for a young (first) team. Maybe I’m wrong and the carling cup is not worth it.
If compare performance of this game Arsenal vs LFC & Arsenal vs WHU, u can see that this team have hunger to win, PERPHAPS
fighting for 1st team places ?? They fight for every ball, good team work & variety.
Both full-backs did not supply any crosses, the midfielders & forward did most the penetration work. this must be the way to
play…. not the predictable way of over relying on over-lapping full back to supply crosses but no striker to finish off.
Better to hold onto the lead, grind a win by an odd goal than find the final ball to kill the game. (Assuming we draw this
game – LFC connect the cross towards the end of the game or even lose – ref award penalty for hand ball, we should be proud
from this positive performance)
Can anyone read AW mind why Diaby is ahead of Merida & Ramsey in team selection ?? even debutant C.Eastmond is better than
Eboue in final delivery (this is what is needed). S.Nasri is in the thick of action.
Mr Aw, will u still persist with Diaby, Eboue….& non-performing “star” in starting 11 ?
If any player like the comfortable seat of the bench, AW should fulfill his desire. hope AW learn & improve in team
selection, if any player is not performing, substitute AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. be decisive.
I see that Fabianski is now out of action for a few weeks…
Snail, heh, yeah. Was great on the official website before they moved the articles around – first the headline “Fabianski – I am so happy to be back again” and right after that one “Keeper Fabianski ruled out for three weeks”. Just our luck, innit?