No Tragedy – Although We Came Acropolis Time
Dec 9th, 2009 by 'holic
Well, what did you expect? I like puns. I also like the fact that we put out the sort of side we did tonight, and still gave a very good account of ourselves.
Unfortunately we are missing key figures in attack when we play a full first team these days, so to expect the second string to knock them in was perhaps a little hopeful. Once again the ‘holic pound, and a fair few of its relations, were surrendered to a wild whim of optimism, but for much of tonight I thought at least one of my bets had a good chance of materialising.
Despite the changes in personnel you would have to say this was a typical Arsenal performance. We largely controlled the football from the kick-off, made every effort to open up the opposition with carefully threaded passes around the edge of the penalty area, and defensively combined a generally solid display with the odd lack of concentration.
The best chances in open play in the first-half fell to Theo Walcott, but his shot from the inside-right channel was beaten away by Nikopolidis, and the keeper again thwarted him when Ramsey picked out one of a handful of outstanding long passes.
The second-half saw the hosts make a better fist of it, probably buoyed by the news that Standard had gone behind. The only threat to their participation in the last sixteen was in trouble. They grabbed the lead when debutant Kyle Bartley failed to win a ball just inside his half, and Kerrea Gilbert was caught flat-footed. No drama, no hysterical criticism there. When you talk of young players gaining experience this was an example. Talk them through the video, and try to ensure they deal differently with similar situations in future. No problem.
Leonardo may have galloped into the empty space but he still had to beat Fabianski. The Polish ‘keeper made a handful of excellent saves tonight, but could not keep this effort out. You have to say though that Lukasz definitely made an impression, and is becoming an ever greater threat to Manuel Almunia’s number one berth.
Whilst the younger members of the side will look back on tonight as a fabulous opportunity to test themselves at the highest level in club football, Theo Walcott and Carlos Vela may once again be going through some confidence-sapping soul-searching. The best chances to equalise fell their way.
Vela, set up by the outstanding Ramsey, sidefooted tamely at my old classics teacher in the Olympiacos goal, and was later denied by the same player. Theo too was freed by another imperious Ramsey pass but Rio Bravo kept pace with him and blocked the effort. A last minute scramble so nearly brought the leveller, but a goal-line clearance denied Ramsey a thoroughly deserved goal.
All things considered though, the bulk of the side will look back on the game with positive thoughts. Assuming the FA Cup is taken seriously, given our tricky third round draw, I doubt that half of the players tonight will feature again in the Arsenal first team this season. That’s not to say that at least a couple of them won’t be loaned out in January to get regular senior games.
In the meantime we at least have until the middle of February to resolve the striking issues that threaten another real go at Europe’s premier trophy. Given that the chances of finding a top-class striker who is not cup-tied, and who would fit our style of play, are probably slim, we have to hope that at least one or two of Walcott, Vela , and Eduardo, start to find their shooting boots.
42 Responses to “No Tragedy – Although We Came Acropolis Time”
Holic, do you think we’ve perfected the beautiful art of totally pointless football?
Evening Holic,
Your write up is spot on, I thought the lads gave a good account of themselves and did us proud, a 1-0 away defeat in the CL is nothing to be ashamed of and I don’t think that there are that many teams who could put out such a depleated side and return home with aressult and performance like that.
Ramsey’s starting to look the part and would probably command a starting place in most teams.
As you also pointed out Fabianski should give Almunia a run for his money for the GK position. I feel he controls the box a lot better then Manuel does. In fact I was impressed with the confidence level throughout the team, they certainly didn’t look over awed by the occasion, and the experience will only strengthen them for the future.
Seeing that L’pool didn’t do that well with many of their first team active tonight, this might give our lads a bit of a boost ahead of this weekends clash. Another 5 star, 4 goal bonanza from our Andrey will do nicely, thank you very much, π
A nice cold pint of Lager for me tonight please barman.
Cheers.
Outstanding performance from Ramsey, I’d pencil him in for Liverpool away at the weekend without a seconds thought. I think as well we may have found a keeper in Fabianski who for me is already our best keeper, decisive throughout with everything he came for sticking. A stark comparison to a hesitant flapping performance from Almunia against Stoke.
So I think tonight may bring about thoughts about possession again in defeat but the real story is that Arsenal have found two first choice players, two that can truly achieve world class status and before long become integral to this team. Of course I refer to Ramsey and Fabianski and I’d play the pair against the Scoucers.
Dazza spot on. If football consisted of who’s the best in 2/3rds football we would be the kings of Europe.
Same old story I am afraid, lots of possesion, good passing , but no finish. Some of the young ones will benefit from tonight but until we find that finisher , we won’t go forward.
Take your point Dazza, but no. To get to where we need to be we need to learn how to get results when things aren’t falling into place. I thought when we won at Fulham this year we might have cracked that problem. Maybe we haven’t, but to consider using tonight as any sort of evidence is not on really. Having nailed down the group I thought we did exactly the right thing in sending that aquad over to Greece. Good experience for all of the lads, although not all of them will get the benefit of that experience at Arsenal in the future, but that’s another subject entirely.
Gents,
I saw this in the gossip columns today;
“Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko is being targeted by Spurs’ north London rivals Arsenal, according to the Russian’s agent Oleg Artemov”.
It’s probably BS but if there’s some truth in it ;
The plus points are that he already has an understanding with Arshavin, he is a big lad and he wouldn’t be cuptied for Europe or be worrying about the WC.
He had a good rep’ at Spartak Moscow, but hasn’t really set the world on fire at WHL.
There probably wouldn’t be a Sol Campbell kind of outcry from the Spurs fans, ‘cos I don’t think they’d really care.
Do you think Arsene could make a player out of him?
Good day ‘keep,
You were indeed correct that it was too much to expect a result from the boys today. From what I saw, they represented themselves very well. But here’s the thing, to put Fabianski in goal right now is to write off the season (lest we forget, he is only seven months removed from that howler against GASPROM – I mean, Chelski, I mean Chelslea… I just can’t type that name, in the FA Cup semi. I think most of the punditry has missed the plot entirely because Wenger has to go out and spend on top-shelf keeper, centerback cover for Gallas, and LASTLY, a tall and functional forward. Since most premier forwards are already cup-tied, I see no need to spend a lot of coin on Aguerro (although I’d wet myself from joy if we could get him) or Chamakh. We don’t need a premier striker, we just need a well-equipped, functional, industrious guy who will track back to get possession, hold the ball up – we need more Route 1 ball like Cesc allueded to – and will put a bulge in the old onionbag (I’m trying to get in as many cliches as possible).
Bottomline, to avoid our recent syndrome of 20 chances to the Arsenal and losing when the opponent converts one of their five chances, we can do one of two things: calmly improve the quality of the keeper or panic and spend way too much money on a striker who won’t be able to help us lift the European trophy this year any way (and might not help us in the league).
That’s all I got ‘Holic. Great post, great work on the Arseblog by the way… I’ll have a frosted flute of sixer with cranberry, please, sir.
I agree with most of what has already been said. Nice performance against a decent side, but with no cutting edge. In front of goal we were poor. Both Theo and Carlos need to get game time under their belt and get some sharpness back. This could be a big year for the pair of them. Both are moving out of the youngster bracket ad it is now time for them to deliver. It would be nice to see Carlos do a bit more training with his right peg. Also thought our free kicks tonight were shocking.
Plus points include the valuable experience gained by many. I bet the headline writers can’t wait for Tom Crusie to make it big. Generally we looked comfortable on the ball. Ramsey was outstanding. One other for praise for me was Merida. He produced moments of real quality and worked his socks off.
We do need to spend some dosh in the window. I would sincerely hope that enquiries are well and truly underway, and that we do not leave it to the last seconds as we did last season. For once, let’s just cut out all this tight arse haggling and actually make a statement of intent. Just a case of who will we bring in? Call me old fashioned but I have heard these cries before and nothing has come of it. For me I would like to see Edin Dzeko at the club. I think he is just what we need. In an ideal world we would be able to get a 25 year old Alan Shearer but I am guessing there are not too many of them around?
Keep the faith.
The boss has already said they won’t go for Dzeko, though Wolfsburg are out of the Champions League so that might help. Yes he would be cup-tied but that means he could play every game in the league! Perfect example is Arshavin, he really made a difference in the league in his first year.
Nothing to add to what has been said about the game. The kids performed above expectations. Song shored the midfield and gave Ramsey and Merida the freedom they need to perform.
Walcott and Vela need 10 games in a row to show their true colors. I’m pretty sure one of them (at least) will be flying by the end of the season.
SteveT: making a statement of intent would be the best way to get our target hijacked by CSKA London and Al Citeh. AW has already said he was looking for a striker, no need to say more.
We’ll see who is available during the winter break and at what price. I won’t be overly worried if we don’t/can’t buy anyone but in the long run we need a replacement for RVP as unfortunately he can’t be relied upon. It’s a shame really but that’s one injury too many.
Good overall performance. Alex Song is going to be one of the real greats. He’s better now than Essien was when Chelski paid 20 mill for him. Ramsey and Fabianski had a good games too. Everyone else gained some good experience (of the coaching variety for Silvestre).
Walcott and Vela are past the stage where they should be thought of as promising youngsters. It’s becoming frustrating to see 95% of Theo’s efforts to beat his defender fail. Vela lacks the upper body strength for a premier league striker. He also has no confidence in his right foot. What’s the Mexican for chocolate? Neither of these two are certainties to make the grade (much as I HATE to say it).
Gilles Sunu looked quite promising during his brief spell. I look forward to seeing a little more of him.
Goal scoring is clearly an issue now. Eduardo, AA and Nasri can be expected to get some, but not reach the heights.
I think we need someone about 25, proven to score 20-25 a season in the league. Great experience in Europe and at international level. Great control with his feet. Tall and strong. Able to head the ball at goal and to set up assists. Good line leader, able to move the opposing defense around. Willing to move from wing to wing to open up the middle. Good at defending back.
Hmmm, tough spec. Not many around. Will cost 30 mill plus at today’s rates. Any ideas ‘Holics?
P.S. Funny situation with Senderos. He seems to be right off the radar screen. If he goes, we’ll be down to four CBs till JD20 returns.
Her Nellieness shouted “metatarsel” when Theo went down. Thought it was one of her new pet names for me for a minute there. Turns out it was a medical condition she had in mind. Any news?
“thatβs one injury too many” is a tiny wee bit of an understatement.
The season’s turned on its head. Robin’s injury is a devastating blow which has turned the team from the leagues top scorers to a bunch of wee lads up front who’ll huff and puff but won’t score often enough to in the league or the ECL.
Robin was on fire. Best form off his life. We have no back-up. We can finish in the top four, but I think that”s probably as much as we’ll do.
I thank the triple B (Boo and Bleat Brigade) for that.
I beg to differ as we do have a replacement for RVP and I am pretty excited to have him lead our attack: Bendtner. Like Song he’s getting closer to maturity and before the season started I was expecting a lot from him as our CF. Turns out Arsene Wenger’s decision to play RVP was another perfect move but I’m pretty sure Bendtner will impress too now that he will be given the opportunity. To everyone in Europe but the BBB he’s as promising than Krkic or Balotteli if not more. As I’ve written before here, his goal ratio is comparable to Bergkamp’s and TH’s at the same age and I’m pretty impatient to see if his progress can mimic theirs.
And I’d rather we wait the summer to buy than getting one of the donkeys whose names are floating around (Huntelaar? Chamakh? pluh-ase…)
What’s the Mexican for chocolate?! That’s clever at first, but then it sets you up. I could say at this point that I won’t bother spelling it out for you, except that it already is – the Mexicans invented chocolate. The Swiss may have perfected it (but didn’t change the spelling).
Azteca – it was supposed to be a reference to Robin’s chocolate leg. Bit limp, I admit.
I like Nick B too, Matt. Just think he’s still promising, not ready. I’m afraid we need ready right now. Agree, though. Nick’s return will add variety. He and Eduardo might make a promising combo.
Come on you Gunners!
*Yawn* Good blog ‘holic.
Waiting for a connecting flight to Mumbai!
Laters all.
Aztec bars were yummy. Two-tone nougat in chocolate, as I recall. They should relaunch them.
Morning Hazza, hope your flight was on time and ok.
Whenever I am frustrated at one of our younger players, such as Vela, I remember Alex Song. Three years ago he was practically booed off of the pitch at Fulham. Today, he is the rock of our midfield.
Hey ‘Holic,
How about Adriano to fill the void at forward? I think he’d be a good fit with the scheme we are currently implementing, and, due to his recent, um, lapses of mental endeavor in Serie A, we should get him a bit discounted.
Before the BBB gets going on Vela’s performance, I have to say, that kid is gonna be deadly. I think about his performance against the, admittedly second-tier, American backline in the WC qualifiers – the kid has all the skills and he FINISHES. Maybe not so much yesterday, but the boy has the gift. We also need to keep the faith on Theo. I don’t know if you saw one of my comments to your post a few weeks ago, but finally I think Wenger is realizing that something in wrong with our fitness regimine. Like I said back then, I could have kept this squad healthier over the past five seasons than the current physio-staff… and I’m a lawyer (an overrweight lawyer at that).
In keeping with my weight issues, I’ll have a V8, please (nah, just kidding – Guinness please)
Damn it, just as I post my pro-Bendtner prose the news is just out that he had another setback and won’t be back until January.
Let’s cross our fingers and hope that Eddie, Vela or Walcott find their form before then…
Vela is frustrating. He’s been fantastic for his national team recently, he almost singlehandedly got them the Gold Cup and was instrumental in saving their wc qualifying campaign. Theo’s even more frustrating. Don’t know anymore what to think of either one, frankly (their prospects with us, i.e.)
Gutted about Bendtner, was looking forward to his quick return.
Great performance from the kids last night, nothing to be ashamed of at all. How many kids that age in any sport travel to another country to a hostile home ground in such a big competition, watched by people all over the world?
Knowing our luck, the mugmashers will raise their game against us at the weekend and rediscover their form. We tend to do that to struggling teams.
BtM: “I think we need someone about 25, proven to score 20-25 a season in the league. Great experience in Europe and at international level. Great control with his feet. Tall and strong. Able to head the ball at goal and to set up assists. Good line leader, able to move the opposing defense around. Willing to move from wing to wing to open up the middle. Good at defending back”
Your criteria are incomplete.
He needs to be a true team player, take responsibility for his actions on and off the pitch, and always work hard on the pitch, regardless of the kind of service he’s getting or how badly we’re doing. He has to do his best to win games, not just stroll around and expect his teammates to do all the work. He can’t stand around with his hands on his hips shaking his head at teammates as if they’re at fault for everything and he’s blameless for everything. He can’t believe that he’s above all his teammates. He can’t pick fights with teammates and poison the dressing room. He can’t demand Henry-like wages after one good season in which he fed off of Europe’s best midfield. He should know the offside rule. He can’t go out on the pitch and assault former teammates (coming very close to putting that teammate’s eye out), he can’t be in constant contact with the president of a big name foreign club and publicly boast about it before a crucial CL quarterfinal. And he can’t put the club to ransom, believing all the hype about him, after one good season.
BtM, maybe you should go support Man City since you’re obsessed with Adebayor. And if you’re going to use this blog to constantly mention him and peddle the LIE that fans drove him out, I will hold you to account and challenge you on the facts. Anyone who actually attended games last season never saw all that terrible abuse that you believe happened (you obviously didn’t attend any games). I can remember games in which he was cheered all over the ground. And since Ade came running back to Arsene begging him to take him back once he saw that his agent couldn’t get Chelsea or United interested in him, he obviously wasn’t driven out by the fans — he was more than willing to come back because he didn’t want to go to a lesser club. Since then Ade has publicly attacked our club and our manager, the man who made him the player that he is. Obviously you think that is acceptable behavior, and that Arsene’s football judgment is inferior to yours.
I’m sorry for getting into the whole Ade thing again but BtM keeps bringing him up, he can’t let it go and refuses to acknowledge the facts, peddling a flat out lie about the reasons for Ade’s departure. As long as he does that, I will call him on it.
Adebayor! I wasn’t thinking of him. Good idea, Marcus. How much would he cost though?
More than he is worth, BtM, more than he is worth π
Before I forget, preview of Liverpool will be tomorrow. I am out picking up my Hull ticket tonight.
Some food for thought for your blog tomorrow, I found a couple of very interesting articles on what has been spent by clubs in recent years:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/liverpool/article6888955.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1
and
http://transferleague.co.uk
The numbers are slightly different but in the same league. As you can see, Liverpool have only been outspent by Chelski and Citeh in Benitez tenure (to be fair United has too if it wasn’t for the sale of Ronaldo). Also to be noted is that in the last 18 months, Spurs have been the biggest spenders behind Citeh. Benitez has bough 75 players since he came in.
I’ll let you guess where Arsenal stands in those tables….
Anyway we are witnessing the fall of a once great club. With our luck, all their players will be available to play against us and they’ll get this extra bit of motivation that allowed them to beat United and Everton. But against this Arsenal team I doubt it will be enough as our players know that a win would definitively eliminate a tough competitor, not only for this season but many more to come.
GO GUNNERS!
First time I see that my comment is awaiting moderation. Did you turn it on recently ‘Holic or have I said something to make you suspicious? I know I should not have promoted bourbon on these grounds but still it’s a wee bit harsh…
Moderating?
Heh – no such issues for the regular punter that tows the line – I’ll have a can of Top Deck and packet of scratchings please, barman.
Sorry Matt, it’s a WordPress thing, but a good one I think. If anybody posts two or more links it gets held awaiting approval as usually spam mails have more than one link.Thanks for those though. Well worth a read.
Top Deck? Bleeding Top Deck? You’re older than you look, Snail π
Shandy, what a great idea, I’m jealous! Not long ago, I tried to mix a bud with sprite here and it did not work out well…
BTW I just bought a bottle of Johnny Walker Gold on some whisky lover’s recommendation. I’m sorry to report it doesn’t hold a candle to similarly priced bourbons around here. Hope this opinion will pass the board’s censorship…
Was roaming the liverpool board. They have too many worries to really care about the Sunday game, they’re just noting that other big clubs may lose points and they may inch back on top if they win.
Of course in between injuries and the unpredictability of their manager they have no real clue on who’s going to be on the pitch. Still they’re hoping to play in 442 with Gerrard on the right (because they think Traore will have a hard time dealing with him) and with both Torres and Ngog up front as they are tall and vermy and Gallas aren’t.
But the general sentiment is best summarized by:
* “I can’t say I’m looking forward to this game.”
* “How anyone can be remotely confident about our chances on Sunday is simply beyond me. We’re playing against a fully refreshed Arsenal, who have scored goals for fun this season, with our key players either injured or out of form (or a mixture of both).”
* “The bad news is that Arsenal play a similar passing, technically astute game to Fiorentina.”
* “I think we look very exposed to pace something Arsenal seem to posses in abundance”
* “Would be very very happy with a clean sheet and even a 1 – 0 win”
* “the way we have been playing defensively i will be amazed if we keep a clean sheet”
I’d be lying if I’d say all have given hope though:
* “They’re missing a few key players over the last few weeks … and we should have our strongest line up for a change”
* “Looking at Arsenal they are an excellent team who seem to suffer terribly with injuries”
* “Bentner is out. Good news for us after his last outing in bullying our defenders”
Few things I fully agree with:
* “Massive game for Rafa, especially as lately him and Wenger have been the medias chief targets.”
* “It will be an entertaining game – it always is when Arsenal are involved. I think they are great on the eye, the best team for a neutral to watch.”
* “Will be cracking a game , not the biggest rivalry of the top 4 clashes but easily the most entertaining fixture cant really remember the last boring game between the two teams.”
And a few good laugh: “who gives a shit about arshavin we’ve got kuyt”
Then that gem from Lawro on the beeb site: “We have got to the point now with Benitez where nobody knows what team he is going to field for any given match or what his plan is for the rest of the season.”
He’s a twat for predicting 1-1 but at least admits that “Arsenal will not struggle to stay in the top four by virtue of the fact that they have lots of really good players”. Still a twat.
‘Holic, a 2-cents suggestion: could it be possible to have a comment preview or edit system? Long posts are a pain to proofread in the little comment window but they’re the ones that need it the most.
Perhaps something like that:
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-ajax-edit-comments/
or
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/ajax-comment-preview/
Damn! Forgot the censorship, my comment is in limbo again…
I agree with others that it is unfair to criticize Walcott and Vela for their lack of sharpness in front of goal. Walcott has hardly played this season and Vela has, when fit, been a bench sitter. The big plus for me was the performance of Ramsey, who is now deserving of a regular starting place, and who should definately start on Sunday. It was good for once to have an Arsenal away game on terrestrial TV, even if it was only because the originally scheduled Liverpool game was a dead tie.
I thought almost all the Liverpool players are back for the game?
N El Zhar Ankle/Foot Injury 19th Dec 09
R Babel Ankle/Foot Injury 13th Dec 09 very doubtful
M Kelly Ankle/Foot Injury 16th Dec 09
Only 3 injuries and none of them to their first team players. Whereas we have 14 now, according to physio room.
T Walcott Ankle/Foot Injury 13th Dec 09 slight doubt
C Fabregas Back Injury 13th Dec 09 doubtful
A Arshavin Ankle/Foot Injury 13th Dec 09 slight doubt
E Eboue Hamstring Injury 19th Dec 09
A Traore Hamstring Injury 13th Dec 09 slight doubt
W Gallas Hamstring Injury 13th Dec 09 slight doubt
T Rosicky Groin Strain 9th Jan 10
E Da Silva Thigh Muscle Strain 13th Dec 09 doubtful
K Gibbs Metatarsal Fracture Feb 10
V Diaby Calf Muscle Strain 13th Dec 09 doubtful
R Van Persie Sprained Ankle Apr 10
G Clichy Back Injury 19th Dec 09
N Bendtner Inguinal Hernia 9th Jan 10
J Djourou Knee Injury Mar 10
But we’ll still beat ’em!
34 was a good post, Matt. Enjoyed it. Don’t worry too much about ‘Holic and his censorship board (Management). Apart from the real X-rated stuff, it’s difficult to get a reds card here. I once came close (achieving a yellow), when our young left back Snail, appealed to the ref over my use of the term snail vomit, which even today, many months, nay, years later, I consider harsh.
This is in stark contrast to the Gunning Hawk aka The Hawking Arse where Chris (THA) allows me 0.5 seconds of air time before he nukes my comments. I haven’t been over there for yonks. Total crap. Last time I visited, he was praying that Denilson would be injured long term. Strange lad. Any counter to his single brain cell’s output and your dead.
‘Holic, interesting to see Snail’s awareness of Top Deck. So THAT’s how he educates his palate! And there he was, giving us the line “I’ve moved to fine clarets, when I’m not out at one of my regular TV studio soirees”.
I was just riling ‘Holic about the censorship, it’s just one of these anti-spam rules. I still contend bourbon is to whisky what arsenal is to chelski π
Btm: Agree with you the lad is weirdly feisty for an Arsenal fan. He obviously invests a lot in his site but by regularly turning against the manager and some players he doesn’t get much of a following. All the nutters are faithful to Le Groan and Gunnerblog boards already while the supporters are turned off.
Sooth: spot on. We’re really unlucky with injuries and we meet them at the time when all their players are back. But as Biscuitbum said, Vela and Walcott will improve and Ramsey looks like the real deal. Perhaps one of them will make the difference Sunday, who knows…
The kid we forgot to mention is Traore. Very impressive so far and better every game. He could be the key to that game.
1.52 am Matt? Either you’re Matt The Night Prowler or your not UK based?
What are the chances of a dawn raid by AW on Ryan Babel, Peeps? I reckon he is one player who would 1) fit the Arsenal budget and philosophical mind-set 2) bring EPL experience with him and 3) do much better under AW’s tutelage than Rafa’s.
Thought by now Holkic would have done the Liverpool preview and I came along to hear what the outcome of the game is going to be, who’s going to score & when and the odds on the Holic pound going on Pat Rice scoring the third goal from a back-heel off Rafa’s forehead.
Did he GO to Hull to get his ticket?