Profit On Theo, But Loss To Eduardo Is Bittersweet
Nov 4th, 2010 by 'holic
Well that, my friends, was what one would call a very mixed night. I’ll not go into one about how disappointed I am that the much anticipated HD viewing didn’t materialise because even if you have Sky Sports and Movies you have to pay even more for the HD versions. Well that, Mrs customer service (pah!) operator, was the straw that broke this old dromedary’s spine. If you do take my advice may I recommend some seriously good lubricant is applied prior to insertion.
Never mind. The picture on the new box on the normal channels is still rather good, so I had the perfect view of Theo affirming my pre-match view that he/we would hurt Shakhtar on the break. The ‘holic pound was landed with a goal that owed almost everything to Walcott. Not only did he start the move on the edge of his own box, but bursting on to the return ball from Jack Wilshere, he simply left the defence for dead before finishing earlier than anybody expected with ridiculous ease. A truly great goal from a much improved player.
Forgive me for taking time to capture what you all saw there, because what followed was as painful a performance as we have produced this season, with the possible exception of West Brom at home. Regular readers will know I am loathe to pick on individuals for a bad performance. In the greater scheme of things everybody has an off-day now and again, and the danger of over-reaction is ever-present.
I am compelled to say, however, that the gamble of playing a weakened side in what was undoubtedly our toughest group phase fixture could have worked had the full-backs decided to offer any protection to their colleagues. I have to hold my hands up and say I was horribly wrong recently when I suggested that Emmanuel Eboue was close to claiming the right sided berth. From the start tonight he looked paranoid when under pressure, and the challenge that gave away the free-kick from which the equaliser arrived was simply awful.
What followed, as Bendtner failed to stay with his man and Eastmond unfortunately applied the final touch was poor indeed. The Dane will have better days in both halves of the pitch. Then came what sadly is becoming the now customary Clichy cock-up. How many more times will he make the same mistake? The overworked, and again solid, Fabianski deserved better cover. Eduardo applied the sublime finish, and I was left to rue not taking that punt on him having called it in the preview.
Still, I was in the hunt for a really healthy profit if the equaliser arrived. In all honesty though we rarely looked like grabbing it despite tightening up a touch after the break. Little Jack, who outshone his senior colleagues on the night, almost came up trumps, and Seb Squillaci had a presentable chance with a far post header. I think most of us perhaps expected a more spirited second-half response.
Hindsight is a double-edged sword, and can be used to demonstrate the absurd on occasion. We discovered tonight just why Shakhtar’s home record is so impressive, and just how good a performance it was to hit them for five a fortnight ago. We are fortunate that we chose tonight to have an off-night. The defeat is not likely to stop us securing top berth in the group, but has made the trip to Braga far more significant than it should have been.
It wasn’t just the full-backs and Nick who had a bad night. I thought Nasri and Rosicky each played where the other should have been, and both struggled as a result. This was a collective off-night, and those devoid of blame for the goals must also acknowledge their own shortcomings on the night. We had enough class out there to take at least a point from the game, and our inability to find a second goal was every bit as responsible for the loss as our defensive lapses.
We will have better evenings this season. Of that I have no doubt. Tonight though, I will allow myself one little wallow in disappointment. We are better than that.
60 Responses to “Profit On Theo, But Loss To Eduardo Is Bittersweet”
First drink?
I agree ‘holic. LJW looked a class above everything else on display. Vela frustrates, and Nicky B’s 50 pence feet have returned. Eastmond put in a good shift in the middle and Djourou looked quite solid apart from a few mis-placed/underhit passes in the first half. Not too downhearted after what was the most difficult game of the campaign considering the players we were missing.
3:45 am kick off with the new clock. Neighbours rued the return of the screaming idiot on European nights.
What a goal by young Theo, really summed up what Wenger said about him…got me really really excited about claiming a rare (first?) win in Ukraine for us.
And then Schmidt happened. We kept trying and trying but nothing came off for us, it WAS one of those nights.
November be damned.
It had to come in the week that the Spuds demolished Inter.
Nevermind though, we should still top the group, although it means the last two games might not be quite as big a reserves run-out as if we’d won tonight.
Keep up the great work GH, I’ll gladly have a Bushmills with you.
Evening boys. Why do I feel so crap after trousering another good wedge tonight?
Everything settled down after the earthquake, brf?
Evening ‘Holic. Possibly because Theo’s sublime goal deserved a win so that plaudits can be focused on the right North London team?
Hey Steve-o.
Hope you are not missing us all too much 😉
At least Theo paid for me to book a first-class train ticket to the North London derby a fortnight on Saturday 🙂
Am I the only one to think that there are some players that are just in their comfort zone these days? I mean, lets face it, who really wants to go to the Ukraine for a game on a Weds night???? They still get the money in their bank accounts regardless.
I have expressed my disappointment in the previous blog. I thought we were poor. Embarrassingly poor. We can say all we like about their home record but we scored 5 against this lot but 2 weeks ago. Could have been worse had Flappy not been on his game.
Very few positives for me. I thought Theo took his goal well. He also got into some good positions but rarely looked liked adding to his total against what has to be the worst keeper in the Champions League. Jack battled manfully, but was let down massiely by those around him. Too many others off their game to mention. I will continue to moan about the lack of width and more alarmingly tonight the massive gap between the back 4 and the midfield. If the likes of Shakhtar can exploit these frailties then God only knows what others will do????
We move on. Best we buck up our ideas for Sunday or we will face similar problems.
Sorry holic, beer please? I need to get pissed……..
The ref didn’t help any by not calling a bad foul on Wilshere, playing advantage when there was none, and then they almost scored on the break with Eboue having to foul, get booked and give away the free kick from which they scored. Horrible officiating by that Italian jackass. And what about Jadson and Srna diving in the penalty area and not getting booked?
Overall a really disappointing performance. Disappointing because every time we think this team has finally learned a lesson, it immediately goes and repeats the mistake.
Clichy, as far as I know, is still the vice-captain. Strange, isn’t it, how he’s the one player who never seems to be awarded the armband in the absence of captain Cesc. A stupid, unnecessary mistake – why would you just stand off the ball in that position and let your oppo simply run off with it ? – that has sadly become his trademark.
As Arsene said two days ago, we are now again seeing the real Niklas Bendtner. Yes, he occasionally does a decent job as a sub, but I struggle to think of a convincing start.
Maybe he would care to share the secret with me – How do you rake in £50,000+ per week for achieving so, so little, and not even bothering to look like you’re trying ?
He cannot control the ball, much less hold it up, and thereby creates constant pressure on our defence, particularly in away matches. The arrival of Chamakh has really highlighted his shortcomings, and I have had enough of his half-hearted, strolling attempts to contribute something to this team.
Our keeper did well, again, and saved us from much greater embarrassment, Well done him.
I know you don’t like singling out players in defeat ‘Holic, but some of this lot have surely been protected long enough. About time AW did some singling out of his own in my book.
Now the usual army of injured have to regroup to face a presumably bouyed group of Geordies on Sunday.
That is the really important one, because we will still probably win this CL group.
But if we seriously want to win something, performances like tonight and WBA at home have got to stop.
We still lack a leader when Cesc is not there, and sometimes even when he is. Someone who will really get hold of players when things are tough and instill some discipline in these performances.
Lets set this November right, here and now – please.
Holic
Very good thoughts on the game and spot on they are indeed. Clichy made same mistake not such a long time ago this time we conceded from his inability to kick the abll out of play.
Eboue was dreadful today he’s letting himself down again I think, his foul was just plain dumb, lately he’s also been going down very easily too.
Steve T nailed it to the bone in the last drinks section, I said myself we were fucking lazy no urgency too, one thing I have to point out I didn’t like the fact they were time wasting and commiting little fouls everywhere.
Anyway whats done is done lets pick this up from here please lads as we need to be on our toes against The Toon army they have suffered in the Carling Cup so revenge is definitely going to on the agenda.
I felt sorry for Eastmond but he played way better than Clichy or Eboue and in one of these games I would love to Lansbury getting the nod.
A round of drinks for everyone still in the bar please Kind Sir
It’s my Birthday today officially 33 but it feels like 23 you know :), management got me a nice smelling bottle of Hugo Boss and a very neat leather wallet, I like it lots great prezzie. Shame our lads didn’t do the same….
JD. I hate to say it but that is clutching at straws.The advantage was fine. We were in a good position. We were just pants. We all know it. As someome said on a previous blog, we take it on the chin and just make sure we do not play as bad as that again.
It’s groundhog day again.
Why do we have to take risks when it comes to closing out qualification? Rather than 2 more matches where we could relax – we now could have 2 sticky games. Whats really frustrating is we did exactly the same thing a few seasons ago and ended up qualifying as runner up and we paid for it in the next round.
Exactly what does Gael clichy have to do to be dropped? What does eboue bring to this team? And just compare the work rate of chamahk to bentner!
‘Holic
Nothing much to add, you’ve summed up all my thoughts very eloquently.
Having defended Clichy on the weekend for what I saw as a more than decent performance aginst The Hammers, it’s me who has to hush now and he undid all that good with his poor decision making that lead to Eduardo’s winner.
As highlighted, let’s take a little cheer in Fabianski’s strong showing and The-o’s truly fabulous goal. Shall we make a video of the first 9 minutes and post it to the neighbours?
As you and other ‘Holics have said tionight , we’re better than that so let’s all raise a glass to a redeeming performance against The Toon (again) on Sunday.
Arthur,
Many happy returns young-un! I’ll join you in that drink fella, cheers 🙂
Hey there ‘Hols,
Guess it’s a good thing that I missed the game, no? I have to admit this team reminds me so much of the 1992 Dallas Cowboys. A young team chock-full-of talent that turned-in sublime performances followed by tragic charlie-foxtrots; featured players who made the same infuriating, unnecessary mistakes time and time again (I’m looking right at you “Big Nate” Newton); and lacked obvious leadership centers of gravity. But here’s the thing, just after mid-season, it all just kind of clicked and that team caught fire (the good kind). It all ended with a Superbowl victory… followed by one the next season… followed by another championship two seasons later – a true dynasty. Great times to be a Cowboy’s fan.
I think we just might see the same thing from this team. The talent IS there. If we, as supporters, can stomach the ups and downs as this squad learns “how” to win, and if this team can stay close through March, then these boys might just catch fire (again, the good kind). When that happens, the Prem had better watch out…
Then again, we could be the 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993 Buffalo Bills (let’s just not go there).
Coffee with a speed chaser, please Holic (writing a memo tonight).
Up the arse!
Note the post-match keywords from Wenger – ‘we lack maturity’, ‘we were complacent’, ‘lacked focus’. All painfully familiar.
What is it with Clichy and his inability to learn from mistakes. He’s our long serving player. Do they not coach him?
Evening, Holic, devastated that your new telly started off with a defeat and so has to be classified henceforth as “Holic’s unlucky telly”. Excellent summary of the game and congrats on the wedge.
Without the TTT in midfield, the Puuurrrr went out of Arsenal’s performance and it turned into a Buuurrrp!
We missed Song’s ability to win and hold the ball in mid-field. We missed Denilson’s ability to do the right, simple things correctly all over the field. We missed Cesc’s creativity and the killer passes which have turned so many games. Without all three of them to play off, Nasri’s performance dipped too.
Holic, I had agreed with your optimism that Eboue was in the ascendance at right back. I also agree wholeheartedly that he had his worst game tonight since the (better forgotten) all time low against West Brom. Clichy has for some time been the weakest link as soon as it matters in defence. Gibbs recent injury is unfortunate for the challenges that lie ahead in November.
Fabianski, Eastmond, Wilshere, Djourou and Squillacci ( both defenders after a couple of early shakes) left Donesk with credit. Theo did too for his goal but little else. A tough night for Bendtner on his first start since injury. I thought the service to him was poor and several of the passes he failed to gather were lost causes from the first. Vela, JET (too late) and Chamakh’s arrival improved nothing, even with Shaktar legs tiring. Rosicky fluttered and flattered to deceive without any real effect.
Shaktar played well to be fair. It’s not too surprising that they have such a strong unbeaten home record. It wasn’t as if Arsenal just had to turn up and tick the box. Some exciting breaks that were good to watch and a super finish by Eduardo for the winner. Good strength in depth off the bench. The better team won on the night. Not because Arsenal were lazy, didn’t try, didn’t play wide enough etc. etc. etc, . But, because they lost two very stupid goals.
So we need to win the next two CL games. We will.
We also need to field a stronger team on Saturday and win against Newcastle. We will.
We need Vermaelen, Van Persie and Ramsey returning from injury this month. They will.
I need to cheer myself up with a nip. I will!
Come on You Gunners!
Good thanks Holic, there’s still the occasional rumble though. =)
Roll on the weekend & the chance for redemption against the barcodes.
early signs of november eh? i’m not worried from last night’s performance.
i know we’ll not lose the away fixture at braga and proceed to bang in our customary 5-6 goals at the grove [against partizan belgrade]. we’ll then top the group, get in a goal difference of +17/18 and wait for the draw for the next stage.
by the looks of it, the 2nd placed teams in other groups are not bad either, i would prefer roma who are likely to choke at the grove and give us a massive goal advantage.
as for now, bring on the first teamers for 3 points on sunday and some horse (?) placenta for gibsy for a quick recovery.
EBOUE GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR,
How can the manager keep faith in him, sorry he seems like a nice guy but he’s awfull,
he’s a senior member of that squad but shows no sign of it, was wandering all over the field, but never seemed to be in the right back position,
Feel sorry for Wilshire, Squillachi and Clichy (apart from his mistake) who put in a real shift.
Greetings from this islington boy currently residing “Down Under”. Admitidly I am a long way off, but even from this Far Post I could see that we were not up to speed today. Complacent?- I do believe we were. Despite all the talk of this terms strength in depth, it appears that without a few key players we are reduced to being a little ordinary. No matter, its a gloriously warm summers evening here in Auckland, so I’ll take a New Zealand Sav please. Bottoms Up
Hail ‘Holic and Holics. I don’t think Clichy had a horrific game but these constant lapses at integral moments of matches are very frustrating. If only we could keep Gibbs fit as he’s been very brittle and/or unfortunate. Young Jack showed maturity beyond his years as he battled throughout the game. As expected Eduardo seem to have regained his sublime finishing skills since he left England. Nevertheless, we’ll still win the group. Looking forward to an improved performance against the Toon Army.
Cranberry and Vodka please Barman!!
The Fullbacks and midfield were poor…what was Eboue thinking?? did he think he was playing in midfield, he left RB position exposed…young Eastmond looked way off the pace and wonder why he came back 2nd half..there was a big gap btn midfield and defense that was exploited time and time again…it has to be said …that team was really fast….but like was said lets take this one on the chin
Complacency and being too cocky lost us this game but we still hade enough chances to win it, Wilshere and Squillaci should both have scored in the second half.
And how the hell can Clichy never learn to either shield the ball properly or just belt it into row Z? I am starting to think that if Vermaelen comes back any time soon, the answer to the question “will it be Kos or Squillaci who makes way?” might very well turn out to be “none of them, Vermaelen will take the left-back position”.
I guess games like these are where our youth shows, we haven’t got that ability to remain focused for every game – yet, anyway. There’s a lot of talk about learning, but sadly a bit too little of showing what they’ve learned.
We should still qualify, however, and I think the importance of finishing first is quite exaggerated. It’s not as if there’s a massive gulf in class between who can finish first or second in the other groups, the way some are going on about it you’d think the alternatives are Real Madrid or Dag & Red.
A cup of tea with a shade of milk, please!
First game I’ve missed all season….I saw the first 15 minutes and was confident of a result.
Sounds like some glaring issues came back to bite, if we lost one match in the next 8 I guess this one was affordable. Did Rosicky show up? At least am glad that no issues arose with Fabianski, let his growing confidence continue say I, as I swallow another slice of humble pie.
November must not spawn a monster…
as it is
Disappointing, but I’m not too fussed, if we qualify (and we bloody well should do) nobody will remember this game really. I’ll save my annoyance for any screw-ups in the next few league games if they occur!
Yeah, nice one charlie, in the cold light of the morning that’s sort of how i’m feeling really.
Morning All,
Im glad others are feeling not to down as thats how i feel- Weve sent much stronger and more experienced sides to that part of the world that have come back with their tails firmly between their legs so its really not the end of the world, I do agree regards Clichy tho Holic its not so much the mistake – its he keeps making the same mistakes over and over again and never seems to learn from them, Someone at the club needs to tell him that once in a while its ok just to boot the F##cking thing into row Z, As im sure Adams would have done years back 😉
A balanced view of the game ‘holic ,cheers for that.
Given our injury list and the upcoming 3 games in 8 days the league, it is understandable that we played a weakened team away from home.
Two players returning from injury,many injured/rested, one who was making his CL debut and a lazy performance from a few experienced players has resulted in a loss. Which is not good,but not as bad as many people are making it out to be.
Djourou and Squillaci is the worst combination for us in defence I think.The moment Kos or Verm are one of the two at the back, we defend much better.
Totally agree regarding Rosicky and Nasri. Rosicky is the best crosser of a ball we have and tracks back like a mo-fo. He should have played out left and gave Clichy the cover he so desperately needs away from home. Nasri thrives in the middle and should have been pulling the strings in place of Fab.
Eastmond’s performance was atrocious, but at least he’s still very young.
What about Clichy? And Eboue?
I remember saying here that we need better full backs, Sagna has improved just a little (too little?) but at least he’s improved. The same can’t be said of yesterday’s full-backs.
Wilshere, on the other hand was amazing! Is he really an 18 year old English player? His skill, maturity and determination are outstanding for any footballer, let alone an 18 year old one.
Our forwards showed the usual lack of creativity when Cesc (and to a lesser extent, Arshavin) is out. But you can’t blame them too much, as Shaktar played very deep in defence and made us-yet again- look predictable….if only we had some decent full backs who could deliver a good cross on a regular basis …
We can still win this group, but after the west brom debacle, can we really say we learn from our mistakes?
It looks like Wenger realised we would still be top of the group no matter the result.
Shakhtars home record is outstanding and their status as UEFA champions 2009 makes them a top side
Rotating the squad at this point was a shrewd move on Wengers part, if it means beating Newcastle on Sunday and staying second. Hopefully the Reds can do us a favour too!
A Cappuccino please Holic!
Aaargh, the November curse is upon us……
I failed miserably in my attempt to avoid the score last night – too many people with bleeding smartphones these days (me included!)
I agree with the poster who said that if we had to choose a game that we were going to lose, then this one would be my candidate – before the game I said I would be happy with a point so overall not too disappointed to lose as we can rectify that BUT
Arsene says that we were taught a lesson about complacency and lack of focus….. are these not the lessons that were supposed to have been taught following West Brom??
As for Gael, it is obvious he is mad, as defined by Einstein – “insanity is repeating the same thing over and over and expecting different results” – learn to boot the ball out the park son!
We need a big response on Sunday and hopefully all absentees last night will be back.
Hair of the dog would be nice barman, Corona (minus the lime).
I agree with most of what has been said by other ‘holics but am left wondering why we did not learn from our early goal
Theo was not taking up last line of the defence positions to accept long balls and neither was anyone looking to make those long balls. Route one has always been in our repertoire since Theo started but never used sufficiently,
(as Sp*rs have done with Aaaaa Lennnn – sorry will wash my mouth out with G and t Plse barman)
cognacgooner –
I agree. I felt Theo hid after his goal, It was as though it over whelmed him. Then like Wenger said we lost our urgency. B52 kept screw facing the camera on his way out of the tunnel and that summed up his night.
When we were clinical around the box we were good, but it was too little too late during the second half.
A second goal could have killed the game!!
Was dissapointed last night, not only with the result, but also in the manner it was achieved. I thought we were gonna tonk them after a promising start, but after Theo’s fine effort nothing really semed to click anymore.
I’ve previously bigged up our strength in depth and I’m still sure we poccess it, this wasn’t a personel thing, it was a team one, a dissapointing lethargic performance. It was never going to be an easy game, but I feel with a little more effort we would be now home and dry in that group.
Ah well, onwards and upwards, bring on the barcodes.
A screwdriver please ‘holic.
Cheers.
Rioja please barman. Nothing else washes away the taste of defeat quite so smoothly.
Nice writeup `Holic but I think your english bias shows a tiny bit as LJW was not anymore willing than those around him to give a defensive hand to poor Eastmond. He oozes talent that is not into question but we can’t field only exclusively attacking midfielders next to a DM in learning.
As for everyone coming up with definitive assertions on a the team or some players on the basis of this one game, thank you for the laugh.
The result (and the manner) was disappointing but is of no consequence and certainly not on the scale of the WBA disaster. As I said many times this season will be a bumpy road, better get used to it as this is not the last of it.
Actually it’s Citeh who have been providing the real laugh today. They really should buy more players if they want to compete 😀
Come on Lech Poznan, that idiot Adepaynemore looked like a real twat tonight.
Matt
Well said my friend, I knew Lech was going to give them real test tonight and I’m proud of them!
A round of B-Day drinks for everyone please barman! Ofcourse one for yourself as well!
Sorry Arthur. Many happy returns. Free drinks all round.
Bags packed, passport on the table, Oyster Card in wallet, taxi arrives at 7am tomorrow morning, the flight for London leaves at 9.15. Looking forward to a relaxed weekend in London with my girlfriend with the trip to the Grove on Sunday of course hopefully being the best bit.
But I have to warn you all, I am in a very bad run of form when it comes to attending games. The last three games I have been to have yielded only one point (Villa away 0-0 and ManUre at home 1-3 last season, West Brom 2-3 a few weeks ago) so if this Sunday doesn’t produce a proper result I fear I will be banned from ever going to a game again…
Pint of orange juice, please!
Lars @ 45 – that’s not sounding too optimistic – where is the Air Traffic Controllers strike when you need one 😉
Lars…erm…it an away match….honest!!
Take the 930am from Kings Cross
What kind of drugs has Mark Lawrenson been taking? Not only did he predict a 3-0 Arsenal victory this Sunday, he also said he put money on Arsenal to win the league at 9-1 odds. This all sounds moderately uncharacteristic of him but I wonder if ‘holic was able to find the same odds?
Good one, Tim 😉
No bt8bbnn, best I can find is fives.
Lars, there is no such thing as jinx. Look how lucky all of the ‘holic pounds were until Wednes…
Oh 🙁
‘Holic, the 9-1 was at the start of the season so I guess our season has been successful so far if fives is what’s going now.
Thank you Holic, massive hangover looms on me head…at work as well I knew I should have taken a day off.
I couldn’t agree more guys!
Defeats feel horrid!
I hope we can successfully rotate the squad this month without too many problems.
But I reckon if we drop points during this period, then so will the other top 4.
@ Lars – Good for you fella, enjoy the match and welcome back to London!
Hoping for a decent result of course but I think the old 1-0 will do us just fine esp. considerimg The Toon will seeking revenge for their Beer Cup thrashing.
‘Holic is right, there’s no such thing as a jinx 😉
‘Holic,
I wonder what the odds are on Mancini heading back to Italy at Xmas?
BIG money = high stakes = high risk for all involved.
I think this manifests itself throughout their team and partly explains their very patchy form. That and the monumental arse that is Adebay-whore 🙂
@ Goonertown # 52
Had a chat last night with a couple of mates after 5-a-side.
Concensus of opinion was 11 points each in November for both us and Chelski.
Arsenal wins = Newcastle, Wolves, Spuds / Draws = Everton & Villa
Chav wins = Fulham, Sunderland, B’Ham / Draws = L-pool & Newcastle.
Thoughts?
I’d love at least 13 points from our games in November, but I suspect True Storey’s outlook is more realistic.
Cesc to dismantle the Toon this weekend and Nasri to be on the scoresheet. 3-0.
I like your thinking Nasri, would be a great way to put the Shakhtar blues behind us, for sure.
Good to see Le Boss in fine form today and more good news than bad from the aircraft hanger that is the Arsenal Injury Room (perhaps we could rename this the Arsenal Naughty Room? ;-))
13 would suit me Charlie!
TS, that is an excellent attempt to deflect the burden of shame!