Toothless Gunners Need More Bite
Jan 8th, 2011 by 'holic
It is hard to remind yourself in the immediate aftermath of such a frustrating performance that the important thing is we are still in the FA Cup. If we are still involved at the sharp end of the tournament then today will have been put into context.
That doesn’t detract from some uncomfortable thoughts that Arsene Wenger must be having tonight about his ‘shadow’ squad. Rotation is going to be a hot topic over the coming days. Once again, and so soon after a below par performance at Wigan, there are those questioning the wisdom of nine changes. However, we were not calling up untried youngsters to give them experience.
The likes of Eboue, Rosicky, Bendtner, Chamakh, and Arshavin are all current internationals, and their combined lack of form today may owe something to not playing much collectively or individually recently. Their discomfort today was exaggerated by the extremely disciplined performance of a Leeds side who clearly deserved at least the replay they earned. Although for the main part they concerned themselves with blunting Arsenal’s perceived attacking threat, they also caught the eye with a number of well-worked breaks.
None of that should distract from the fact that Arsenal, although careless with their early distribution, enjoyed over sixty percent of the possession, and had the opportunities to build a lead in the opening half. A combination of wasteful finishing, superb goalkeeping from Schmeichel, and solid defending from Bruce and O’Brien, kept the scoresheet blank. Bruce was fortunate to escape punishment for a couple of fierce challenges, but that was as close as Leeds got to emulating the reputation that was built by their predecessors.
The visitors only real opportunity in the opening half was dealt with impressively by Szczesny, who stayed tall to block from Becchio. At the other end Arshavin, Denilson, Chamakh, and Bendtner were all denied by the ‘keeper, and Squillaci saw his effort cleared off the line by Leeds skipper, Howson. The half-time talk was all about when Arsenal would finally break Leeds resistance. Nine minutes after the break the game was turned on its head.
Leeds broke down the left, and Denilson was guilty of a careless challenge on Gradel. No doubt about the penalty award, and almost instantly the mood of the home support changed dramatically. Snodgrass fired home from the spot, and the home side’s failure to grab the initiative was exposed. Almost immediately, the shoddy passing that had hampered our early efforts returned, and the crowd got on the back of the usual suspects.
Arshavin did not enjoy a good second-half. There is something missing from his game at present, but he was not helped by the clearly audible grief he got even when failing to get to at least three poorly played passes in his direction. He was not alone in his discomfort. With their most in-form players missing it was noticeable that Arsenal were incapable of, or unwilling to, commit to the same high-pressure, high-tempo game that has produced such good performances in recent weeks.
Leeds were now buoyed and went close with a Snodgrass free-kick and a Becchio header, brilliantly saved by Szczesny. The summons for skipper Fabregas, then Walcott, was an acknowledgement that more confidence and quality was required. They would both be pivotal in the late, late equaliser. Walcott, having almost earned one penalty (and we will hear more of that in the coming days!) was clearly tugged back by Parker, and the skipper slotted the penalty straight down the middle. There remained time for Denilson to all but make amends for his earlier error, but his superb strike was saved brilliantly by Schmeichel.
So the replay we didn’t want has become one we are only too relieved to be involved in. The temptation to stick with that starting eleven for the Carling Cup semi-final against Ipswich on Wednesday must now be open to some questioning. Arsene will be asking himself if those same players are likely to misfire again, or does he need to recall a couple of regulars? Perhaps the knee-jerk reaction should be resisted. These are not bad players. They are good players out of touch. There is an important difference.
133 Responses to “Toothless Gunners Need More Bite”
A very good report, ‘Holic. And by the way, welcome back!
As I said in the previous drinks, I’d play the same starting eleven and tell them to clean up their own mess. The team that started today is good enough to beat Leeds comfortably.
First at the bar and I forget to order, shame on me!
Pint of John Smiths, please.
How many chances did Bendtner miss today? Including headed chances, he must have had 5 or 6 chances from within 18 yards…not sure he hit the target with any of them?!
Well said. And as Lars has said I would tell the same players to clean up their own mess! There was ENOUGH quality and 1st team players out there to have won that game! Maybe Arshavin should be played in the AMC role instead of Rosicky???
Try not to be too disappointed by this result. It’s a fine line between success and defeat in the rotation game. We survived and we know what Leeds are made of now. On paper our side looked strong, but in reality we changed 9 players from the 11 now recognised as our best available. . . Fabianski, Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy, Song, Wilshere, Fabregas, Nasri, Van Persie and Walcott became Szczesny, Gibbs, Djourou, Squillaci, Eboue, Song, Denilson, Rosicky, Arshavin, Bendtner and Chamakh.
It’s all about finding a balance. We have now found that with the 1st 11 but to expect the same cohesion from today’s team was a big ask and we almost fell short on the day, despite having most of the play and chances. Many who played today needed the game time and I’m sure they’ll get more at Ipswich. Have no fear, the replay with Leeds will be Sagna’s return from head-butt hotel and Wenger will address the weaknesses of today where required. Make no mistake, we will thump Leeds at Elland Road, having thumped West Ham on the Saturday prior!
Up the Arsenal
Good report on a match I found disappointing, ‘Holic. Good to see you back.
I think the game at Ipswich represents a lesser challenge. The pressure will be less because of the opportunity that the second leg at home presents to recover from any first game mishaps.
I’d go with:
Sczezny
Eboue, Squillaci, Koscielny, Gibbs
Song,
Denilson, Wilshere,
Walcott,Bendtner, Rosicky
I’d hope for the opportunity to bring Ramsey on for at least 30 minutes.
Then I’d reintroduce, Cesc, Nasri, RvP and Clichy at West Ham and I’d carry-over at least two of them to ensure an away win at Leeds.
We will be in a bad place if Song suffers a severe injury.
Fair and insightful post, Mr. Holic, as usual! I think that there is likely no better opportunity than Ipswich for these players to regain their form, so for that I hope they get the chance to re-connect and take it. TR and AA seem like they’ve drifted dangerously far from their best, and I believe are on the brink of never coming back. As I said before, fairly or not, I’ve never believed in NB becoming a star for us. I’d expect the likes of Hazard and Wellington and JET to replace TR and AA and NB in the new season if they don’t pick up the pace. Now is that time, it seems.
Guinness please, and a cheer for our captain for doing the stuff in the 90th minute. His energy (and likely his health) improves with every game, it seems!
I await the media onslaught re: Walcott’s bizarre admission that he dived… God help him when he REALLY gets fouled in the box in future.
Arsenal yet again failed to score first despite creating a number of good chances.
On a positive note, Djourou had another very impressive game and Sczezny’s diving save to keep Becchio’s header out saved Arsenal from embarassment.
Unfortunately, there were some very disappointing performances. Denilson does well when he comes on to close games off, but his performances when he starts games have been poor this season. Rosicky scurries round the pitch, looks busy but lacks creativity. Bendtner is not suited to starting in wide positions and something is terribly wrong with Arshavin.
Marquee signings shouldn’t fluff one-on-one’s with the goalie and he seemed desperate to be substituted. On two occasions he started to shuffle his way off the pitch, even before the 4th offficial’s board flashed the number of a different player. Hopefully, Hazard will be signed to replace him before next season starts.
Arsenal continue to be frustrating blend of genius, profligate finishing and comedy defending. Although we now have two competent (one potentially excellent) goalkeepers and the defence is starting to sort itself out, we still lack the mentality to put away chances in the first half. At least we didn’t concede any points today but we now have to play another fixture and potentially risk further injury / player fatigue.
Jez, I understand your frustration, but I think you’re cup needs a re-fill. Bit empty looking, my friend.
Although your particular point about Asharvin cannot be underlined enough- don’t know where his head is these days, if I ever did.
Evening all. Entirely understand some of the frustration. I did take time out before writing. It would have been a different piece at the final whistle.
Good to see you back too, BtM.
I think playing 4-3-3 with bendtner and chamakh is asking too much and there is this denilson +song or Denilson+ diaby combination in the middle of the pitch which has frankly not been good .What is wrong with Arshavin? finishing gone,shooting gone,running almost non existent,passing gone down what is really happening with him ,a mere addition of 2 years should not have such dramatic reduction in his performance.Just watch his clip against the fulham game in the debut season and you will see all that is good about him,now a days he looks like a complete clown .I hate to see Arshavin like this!!Such a shame.
I think that it’l pay off that Walcott was so honest this time.
Toothless is the right description, we are looking lightweight up front the misses today were a disgrace to those wearing the arsenal shirt, Ipswich is one thing but facing Barcelona
In a few weeks is another,I can’t help but think we have been lucky on several occasions recently and wenger may live to regret not adding some solidity in the team towards the end of the season.
pires is king, I viewed the game with a severe bout of man-flu. I thought about watching the game on the telly, but I decided that I wanted to see Ramsey’s possible comeback.
I think I understand the theory of starting Bendtner in a wide position but I haven’t seen much evidence that it works. Put him up front and he’s a reasonable 3rd choice striker.
Arshavin is more of a worry. He’s a liability in big games as he offers Clichy no protection; physically he is not fit or strong enough.
One last observation: how many times did Vela touch the ball when he came on?
Despite our shortcomings, I predict we will win at least one trophy this season, we have a easier second half of the season than Manure, and the team we put out at the Camp Nou will be stronger and wiser than last year.
A ‘medicinal’ bourbon, ginger ale and a slice of lemon please!
Well done, Jez. Your observations are astute. If are best 14 stay fit, it’s gonna be a hell of a spring. Take care, mate!
‘Lucky on several occasions?’ If anything we’ve been unlucky a fair bit lately.
I think the group is disjointed since they don’t play together much and several players were rusty from sitting on the sidelines as well. So my answer would be to start essentially the same group at Ipswich (except I would bring in RvP since he needs goals) and let them learn to play together. It is a two legged affair so if the results are as disappointing as today’s FA cup match, then we can make the appropriate adjustments.
It was another shamble and a total disgrace,we still havnt found a way around these dodged teams and it is all down to Tinkerman.Eboue,Denilson,Bendy,Rosicky and acouple of others were a disgrace today.
‘Evening ‘Holic & ‘Holics
Good write-up ‘Holic. A frustrating performance from our second team. We had enough possession and opportunties to win comfortably but sadly we don’t do comfortable enough of the time.
A few thoughts/observations….
Leeds have a reasonable chance of promotion this year and Wigan a fair chance of waving to them from the train travelling in the opposite direction. Their defensive performance was not that disimilar to the one from Man C.
Credit to them, they played well and their travelling support was exceptional. Our “B team” definitiely lacked ze sharpness in the final third – it/they shouldn’t.
Djourou and Theo are becoming seriously good performers. Captain Fabtastic is a genuine inspiration to all he plays with.
As BTM says above, we need another Song.
Barman? A round for all in the bar please and a large one for yourself.
I see Mr Danish is out in force, funny how we never see him after any victories.
Chamakh and Billy Bender cant play together but Wenger cant see it.At the end of the day we had to call on the big guns to save us.Only Szczesny Djourou Cesc and Walcott came through with any credit,some Bender Denilson Eboue Rosicky Squillaci and Arshavin need to take a good look at themselves because they are not good enough it if you are not good enough fuck off.Wenger needs to buy a CB now because if anything happens to Djourou we are in big big trouble if we are relying on the chuckle brothers
Bendtner doesn’t seem to have made any progress this season, particularly with his first touch. There is starting to be something of Luther Blissett about him. As for the Owl, it is a mystery. He is completely out of sorts. He wil always be a final-third impact player not a grafter but nothing seems to be coming off for him at the moment.
On the plus side, another impressive shift from Djourou and Sczezny more and more looks the business.
A Guinness to warm the heart on this snowy evening, if you would ‘Holic.
We were toothless against Manchester City the other day, too.
I know we’ve got a young, inexperienced squad, and maybe they were hyped up to impress the home crowd, but we flew out of the blocks, and were knackered after 60 minutes. City looked like they could defend all day by the end, and they’re famously unable to “park the bus”.
We managed one shot on target from within the 18 yard box. Sagna misses 3 games, we were knackered for todays game, and now we have to have a replay.
The Man City fan I work with keeps taking the piss out of Arsene’s sleeping bag coat, and his sour grapes. “I know you lot were bad losers, but I didn’t realise you were bad draw-ers, too”. He describes our players as a bunch of mercineries from abroad, who just came to London for the money, and are too insecure to play anywhere without the sop of champions league football.
It’s gone to a crescendo with Arsene’s hypocracy about City’s money, what with us being one of the old money establishment sky 4 clubs. I am hating work at the moment.
I wish I could support a team who haven’t won anything for 34 years, but I’m like the rest of you. I need success. I used to dish it out like my workmate does all the time when we were winners. I’m finding I can’t take it, though
ain’t it funny how people see the game differently- imo AA was easily arsenals best player in the first half – a bit unlucky and not at his supereme best but still a threat! However NB52 was truly shocking- the worst performance i can remember by an arsenal player – out of position, poor control, awful communication with team mates, abysmal finishing – some of his headers where wonderfulyl defensive – shame he was attacking at the time!! I reckon we should bite bayern’s hand off if they offer 5million!
Djourou looked excellent today, as he has whenever he has played in the past two months. With him, Vermaelen fit, and Kos and a revitalised Fabianski backed up by Szczesny, I actually think we’re going to be well stocked at the back.
But Squillaci can do one and take Arshavin (on this form) with him.
I’ve always liked Bendtner, but went off him BIG TIME today – woeful finishing, far too greedy and looked like he had a proper sulk on all game.
I’m sure today’s result will herald the usual pissing and moaning, but honestly the performance was largely fine from the second string and, on another day we would have put 3 or 4 past a dogged, but average Leeds side who offered little up front (albeit more than Man City, obviously). The replay warrants a slightly stronger line up, but I can’t see us failing to progress. There are few meaningful conclusions to be drawn from today, save perhaps Szczesny and Djourou’s continuing progress). On another note, I wish Theo hadn’t clouded the water with the diving quotes: the first (non) penalty was a moment of supreme refereeing ineptitude from Dowd and his linesman. How lucky they both were that they a chance to make amends so quickly. Lucky Arsenal ? Whatever, let’s make sure we learn some lessons and put Ipswich to bed on Wednesday…
Arsenal now has a first team capable of beating anyone. We’ve all seen it play recently.
Fabianski,
Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy,
Song, Wilshere,
Walcott, Van Persie, Fabregas Nasri
Subs:
Sczezny (Soon to be first choice)
Gibbs
Vermaelen (Starts ahead of Kos when fit)
Chamakh
Ramsey (Ahead of Denilson, Diaby when fit)
Arshavin (Impact sub)
When we remove the heart of this first team. We play less well. Surprising? Not really. If the first eleven stays fit and the rotators are limited, two trophies this season is entirely realistic. If two of Cesc, Nasri, Van Persie or Song are injured – we’ll be troubled.
Bentner , rosicky and denilson are not good enough , they must go to make room .
arshavin must improve or move out , I don’t understand what is wrong with him .
Must admit I thought we were just lack lustre and quite simply clueless at times. Some looked rusty, some looked as if they were just going through the motions. The body language of certain individuals at times was embarrassing to watch.
Arshavin is still an enigma but I must say that I felt a bit sorry for him today. In the first half we battled well and put in several tackles. Something I am not used to seeing I must say. But some of the passes he received, or should I say were aimed at him were quite frankly dreadful.
Must admit I have no problem with rotation but having been at Wigan and at the Grove today I must say that I do question the number of changes, This must add something to how disjointed we looked regardless of how many internationals we had playing. It can not be easy despite all of the hours spent on the training ground.
Saddest moment for me has to be Rosicky. I have always been a big fan of Tommy but this season for me he juts does not seem to have it anymore.
I agree with some above re the squad. My opinion has always been the same. Fully fit our first 11 is as good as anyone’s. How much we have to back that up I am not so sure. Unfortunately games like today do little to change my mind.
Please, ‘Holic, no. Not the same 11.
We need some players on good form:
1. Fabregas
2. Nasri
3. Walcott
4. Wilshere
5. Djourou
6. Koscielny
Select players in form.
7. Song
nb is a numpty. in love with himself and not good enough for us. end of.
theo clearly has talent but his decision making is awful which makes him one dimensional and full back that watches his breaks behind may not be too troubled
theo did dive and fair play for owning up but it (and rvp v b’ham) shows that of course we are no different to other teams even though arsene and some of us try to take the high ground. so lets stop philosophising about how good we are and prove it on the pitch.
i though leeds were exceptional today. only tuned in just before half time but what i saw they were as good as us .the one we can’t spell make a great save to keep us in it. only cesc and jd really stood up for me today.
Hello,
I posted a while back about the trip to Upton Park.
I’m gonna be in London on the 15th of January, does anyone in here know anyone who’s selling his/her ticket for Upton Park?
Please help me out here :\
This must be my first comment on here. I’m commenting from the US and did not see the game neither did I see any highlights but from the comments about Arshavin and the last game I saw him play at Wigan, it sounds as though our lil russian has had enough. Yes, his form has been very bad but I want to explain something.
Arsenal play a 4-3-3 formation that requires advanced wingers on the left and the right to always track back and cover Clichy and Sagna respectively. During the early part of the season when Arshavin was a starter he was unable to track back effectively to protect Clichy who was already a liability. Positionally, Clichy is unintelligent and at the time he was bombing forward and we got repeatedly exposed on his side. Part of that blame was levelled at Arshavin. Apart from that, he huffed and puffed very quickly and seemed unable to keep up with tracking back and counter-attacking at the same time.
Most of what happens behind the scenes happens in training and I’m sure Arshavin must have given off these signs during training. I think everyone now knows that Arshavin is not the kind of player who can still effectively run back and break away like we would want him to. Having said that, Arshavin is still a DEADLY predator!
I believe we need to acknowledge his weakness and focus on maximising his strength. How can you do that?
I think it will create a new dimension to our game. If we are to get the best out of Arshavin, he would be best maximised as a second striker and given the freedom to roam, similar to what Fabregas does now. The difference is that Fabregas goes deep to set the tone from deep sometimes. Arshavin shouldd be playing advanced central, behind the main striker. How many players have beaten Arshavin to assists in 2010 before he was being benched?
I find it so difficult to defend Arshavin because his workrate has declined at the same time I feel he is very unhappy about playing with colleagues who will give him worse passes than the ones he would receive from the likes of Cesc or Nasri. It is a dent to his ego imo. That may even make him a worse player. If he is made to feel he is not good enough to wear the Arsenal shirt or not good enough to play with Nasri Wilshere and Cesc. But I know somewhere in him is a very dangerous and venomous animal that can kill off opposition in a split second. I still believe Arshavin on his day is the most direct footballer at Arsenal FC. Last season, at some point, he played upfront alone when we had no Bendtner and VPersie. I don’t think it is fair to now turn on him. In as much as he is not his best right now, he needs us (fans) to help him. Booing him or jeering him is giving up on him and I just think that is wrong.
daymee
welcome to you. AA is lots of things but he is not a predator. indeed we don’t have on eat the club imo. why arsene never buys one i don’t know. easier than walking it into net !!
Hi Holics,
I couldn’t watch the game but I watched the highlights. From the reaction here, I take it that we were poor in front of goal again.
I saw the last ten minutes of action..I thought we put them under a lot of pressure during that period and we should have won the game.
Other than that, it was a cup tie and some of the reaction in the drinks might be knee-jerk. We will get through to the next round I’m sure.
I will have your finest Guinness, please.
Cheers
i don’t know anymore: RvP didn’t dive v Brum, even Alex McLeish said after the game that it was a free kick. On some of the replays you can clearly see the Brum defender pulling Robin’s arm which brings him off balance.
Steve T: agree about Rosicky, he has not been in very good form in the last few months. It could be a confidence issue, it does seem to me he hesitates a bit too much at times but as we saw when he put Arshavin through in the first half he still has the vision and ability to do those things.
Cup of tea, please.
A word to the doom-merchants:
Imo the team and the squad are getting stronger year on year; the only real issue I would have is cover for TV and JJ in central defence. Exciting new players are coming through in other roles.
re: below-par performances from yesterday’s lineup, I suspect one or two of them (Arshavin) are suffering what they see as “demotion” from the first choice lineup, and could it be that Bendy just tries too hard whenever he gets a start?
For the Gooner who’s having a hard time at work, you chose to follow a high-achieving team; that’s what comes with the territory! Think of what Liverpool supporters are going through! Personally when I started going to Highbury as a boy the Arsenal were mid-table mediocrity and with the short term mentality of youth I honestly thought I’d never see them win anything.
Although they sometimes frustrate (and what team doesn’t?), I am by and large very happy to support a team that plays, by common consent, the best football in the country, challenges every year for trophies, and is run sensibly and viably by people who have the club’s best interests at heart. The only expectation we can justifiably have of our team is that they give it their all on the pitch.
A large Glenmorangie please.
lars
jury is out. http://arsenal.theoffside.com/team-news/birmingham-0-arsenal-3-arsenal-pull-away-in-style-after-nervy-first-half.html. add to hiss handball in same game. all i am saying is i would rather say we had a great team that played good football (not necessarily the best, that is for everyone to decide) and won rather than taking the high ground. at OT we did exactly what we accused Citry of at Ems, breaking up their attacks with niggling fouls. i hate it but hard to criticise others is all i am saying
goonertown
we have spoken about this before. have you read today’s “news”
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/01/08/2295705/arsenal-captain-cesc-fabregas-agrees-to-join-barcelona-on
it is so like ronaldo to madrid,it feels inevitable
i don’t know: umm, as evidence of “the jury being out” you provide a link to someone saying he couldn’t actually see what happened? It was a free kick, there’s nothing more to it than that.
That Cesc article looks like nothing more than a rehash of what has been said for the past three or four years, only with the date changed. He might go, he might not but if we would have had a quid for every article claiming it was a done deal these past few years we’d all be stinking rich by now.
When talking about rotation I think we’re well stocked in many positions, especially attacking wise but too many changes at once with too many fringe players makes us look slow and disjointed. You cannot play our game anything other than quick and pressing to be successful.
In terms of depth I’m concerned about right back, centre back and defensive midfield. I feel we nee to clear some space in the squad and bring in players in those positions as I can’t see the quality coming through.
Arshavin should probably go in the summer as he doesn’t fit the way Arsene wants this team to play.
If Arshavin looked like he cares or at least put in a work rate he might not hear the boo boys as much. His body language has been off all season and is getting progressively worse. Do we really need a prima donna like this to upset the rythmn and chemistry of the side? Talk about a luxury!
I was at yesterdays game and their support was really great, I know we have to provide a certain amount of seats for the FA and Leaue cups but they had apparently 20,000 seats allocated to them yesterday which is almost a third of the capacity of the Emirates.
I could b slightly wrong with that number but it was almost the whole clock end lower and south side of the east stand and a whole quarter of the ground in the upper tier.
I spoke with a Leeds fan who told me tickets were sold for a tenner, our side was empty and it did feel that we were the away crowd (without a voice) for the match.
I do remember being at WHU last season for the FA Cup where we had the whole of the whole of the Sir Trevor Brooking stand and we made it feel like a home game as well, but it did not seem like we had as much as they did.
Anyway thoughts from the match is that I did not really understand the subs as Song (and Djourou) was our best 1st half performers. Also Chamakh came off and considering Bendtner was doing his best to replicate his Burnley cameo I thought it an odd choice.
Felt Denilson for Fabregas, Arsh and Bendtner for Vela and Walcott respectively would have been my choice. i do hope that Song and Chamakh are not carrying knocks.
Agree in the main that the team were disjointed and I thought they would grow with the game, but I really expected Arsh, Denilson and Bendtner to stake a claim and again they were found missing.
Not really depressed with the days result as we will make more noise at Elland Road then we did at the Emirates (the empty seats in our end were disgraceful IMO) .
Just felt we did not need to add another game to the schedule.
Arshavin walking off twice was a bit of a concern, but I am really concerned with Nick B. I have been such a big supporter of his since he was banging them in with Lupoli in the reserves. He seems to have regressed skill wise since he broke into the first team and when he used to have a great first touch it has deserted him completely.
For me the truth of Vela, Arshavin and Wilshere is they just don’t belong in our system of 4-3-3 Arshavin is a number 10 and I expected him to play just behind Chamakh and Bendtner yesterday in a narrower 4-3-1-2 but he didn’t and was lost.
Vela needs to be a second striker where he can drift in and lob goals while Bendtner needs crosses all day long while he is in the middle of the box. Without time and space his reactions are great but stick him on the wing he is lost. The proof is the way Denmark play, wath and see they use him well and we don’t.
Anyway looking forward to Tuesday onwards and upwards
NsdG,
They had the FA minimum allocation of 15%, which is around 9000 seats.
Wilshere does not belong in our system? You will have to explain the logic behind that one…
‘holic, it semed like way more than 9,000 to me as they had well over a quarter of the stadium. Perhaps with our stands being so empty it seemed like more but thanks.
As for Wilshere, I meant Bendtner as explained in the following paragraphs. Super Jack most certainly belongs in our system and team.
Put it down to a lack of sleep due to my son being really ill all night and the management and I trying to comfort him.
Am impressed with the amount of blogging all things considering and hope things are as best as can be in the ‘holic household.
Hot Toddy for me please
Gotcha.
Cheers for the message.
Cheers ‘holic. And thanks for the updates 😉
I’ll take a ‘get out of jail card’ like yesterday’s.
And a Guinness, please.
The main problem yesterday was that 4 or 5 players didn’t turn up. Chamakh was invisible, credit to Bendtner, he never hid although it wasn’t his day. Eboue was flakey, Denilson very average and Squilacci pedestrian. Arshavin stunk the place out, he ambled around, never pressed, gave the ball away repeatedly and for every substitution trotted towards the touchline hopefully before the boards went up. He clearly didn’t want to know. We have a major probkem with him given his wages. Just shows that marquee signings don’t always pay off.
The rest of the team put in a decent shift, especially Djourou.
The difference when Cesc came on was dramatic, mainly because he doesn’t hang about before he passes forwards.
The draw for the fourth round is underway as we speak, if we get past Leeds it’s Huddersfield at home. A very favourable draw, if we don’t get past Leeds I’ll be really annyoed.
Huddersfield at home WHEN we beat Leeds in the replay. Big incentive.
If we can win the replay, then it’s a good draw for us. And if nothing else for once Chelsea actually get a tricky draw in the FA Cup, about bloody time.
Be good to see Afobe in action even if it’s for the visitors!
assuming we spank the whites
I can’t take Theo bashing.
He creates so many chances.
I can’t believe fans turn against him when they’re not all converted!
Why not get frustrated with the lumps who create nothing?
Arshavin bashing I can’t get enough of.
He’s awful to watch right now.
Arsenal vs Huddersfield eh? I feel another history lesson is on the horizon 😉
Yes, I have seen us play them in the League, TS 🙂
@58 433
“Arshavin bashing I can’t get enough of.
He’s awful to watch right now.”
Right now??? So at some time he has been pure class? And he is still an Arsenal player????
So whilst he is in this trough of form how about getting behind the bloke and actually supporting him? Or is that just a little to difficult for certain fans to grasp? I am all for voicing opinions and for individual views, but wanting more of bashing one of our own players I really can not accept. It is totally beyond me.
Support your team…………
Holic
Brilliant post as per usual expectations, I’m on the jucie tonight so may say few things wrong etc….do aplogise in advance!
It wasn’t an easy game and when you come to think of it we were lucky one way or the other, the same goes to Leeds. If it wasn’t for their keeper we would of won the game.
Now from what I saw yesterday we nevery really got going fair play to Leeds they pushed up high and we seemed to have lost momentum everytime they did that. Missing Cesc and Wilshere in the middle was vital to that no one came for the ball from the halfway line so defenders were to push forward? Absolute joke, Denilson strayed across, Rosicky was involved in marking up front? Why on earth I don’t know. Song was completely out of place and teh rteason for that wasd that he doesn’t know how to play with either Denilson or Rosicky!
Steve T in certain part I would agree with you but Arshaving needs to go back to the drawing board on how to collect passes, I love the guy, however he made some very basic mistakes last night which he needs sort out. I agree booing a player is out of question but his body language did it to him, he wasn’t even being subbed and he started running towards the half way line. His desire there let him down big time hence fans got on top of him even more and it seems he perhaps has a eye problem 23 and 29 looke very different 🙂
Wer laced width as usual, Arshavin gave the ball away too many times for a player with his experience, let’s face it this was Leeds not Barca and Leeds will not punish you like Barca so perhaps he needs to sort himself out one way or another. You knwo he has it in him but since being dropped he’s not making any progress I believe.
Now not all is lost it was a rpoiper Cup tie you have to give credit where it’s due and Leeds kept compusre and defended with their lives.
I was expecting more trickery from our lads and shooting from distance still seems to be an issue. Why drive the ball forwards and walk it into the net, Nasri didn’t have to do that agaisnt Brum last week right or wrong?
In defence of Denislon, Nicolas, Chamakh and Arshavim, these guys have never played with one another perhaps they will need time to melt together who knows. Give them time and as Steve T says get behind your team! We are still in IT!
Come on you almighty REDS!
Well said Steve
Apologies about the spelling mistakes too much lager tonight at thge local ice hockey match and for those interested.
Bracknell Bees 10 : 3 Basingstoke Bisons
Bee Army lol…..:)
ATG, I think Arshavin has been poor recently. I would be telling big fibs if in moments of frustration I have not blurted out comments that in the cold light of day i really wish I had not uttered. Andre is not alone in receiving a verbal tongue lashing from block 4. That is all part of the passion of being a fan. Moments of anger and frustration I can accept. What I wont accept is anyone who actively takes pleasure from bashing one of our own. Just my opinion but I can take no pleasure out of bashing one of our own players. I take pleasure from supporting my team. I want the likes of Arshavin firing on all four and scoring the goals we all know he is capable of. That is what puts a smile on my face.
I’m only posting to say how glad I am that you’re back, ‘Holic.
This calls for a dri– err it’s late, maybe I should call a taxi for now.
Night ‘holics.
Morning Holic and Holics
Let’s hope Ipswich do not park the bus on Wednesday
We do not need another game next week as we have a tough home game v Wigan.
However this extra game could help the second string get up to speed with the current demands of the clubs schedule.
By the way. All those who have been asking for a new centreback your wish may come true.
I trust Wenger will acquire the best quality available.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/squillaci-injury-could-force-january-signing
Goonertown: although on this occasion we might have to think slightly more short-term than long-term. I would say that any defender we bring at this point has to be a Premier League defender so he won’t need three months to adapt. I’d say give Owen Coyle a ring, offer him Carlos Vela on loan with wages paid for the remainder of the season (provided Vela would want to go there, of course) plus £10m and in return they give us Cahill.
Pint of John Smiths, please.
Lars –
I’ll drink to that!
Hi everyone,
This is the time when the depth of the squad is tested. Fixture pile up due to cup competitions and what not.
We have to give Ipswich a drubbing so that the home game becomes easier for us.
And we need a centre-back
Cheers
Harsha, the fact that the Chavs put seven past Ipswich yesterday will render the chances of another drubbing on Wed unlikely.
I think we will win the tie over 2 legs but not convinced that it will be a formality, especially with the number of players that Wenger has been rotating.
Team selection over the next 3 games will be very interesting.
I finally found a ticket for Saturday 🙂
I’m so frigging excited, it’s gonna be one hell of a day since I’m gonna land in England at about 10:30 A.M (GB time) and catch another flight at 10:30 P.M, I hope I make it to Heathrow lol…
I know alot has been said about our get out of jail, hell i’ll drink to us being out of jail – am sure they don’t serve this fine scotch in jail 😉
I hope you and yours are alright ‘Holic.
Congrats Snir … Hope that you have a great day and that you bring more luck than Lars!
Yes Zico, it would be very interesting. Chamakh to find his scoring touch again? RVP hat rick? A clean sheet?
Hmmm… I am getting ahead of myself here 🙂
Catalan: heh, we sure do 🙂
Snir: I completely understand your excitment, hope you are rewarded with three points and a great day!
Evening all. Good to see you’re all getting on the site ok.
Great news about Saturday, Snir. Have a great day.
Great to have you back holic. I was passing my local just now and they had a porter as the guest ale, so I ceased passing and undertook to enter. It reminded me of a rather pleasant afternoon in Fulham. Loverly stuff. Cheers sir.
People keep on giving the excuse about the second team not being used to playing together but surely in training they still play probables against possibles
Steve T Chrissy Hinds mentionned a Thin Line Between Love and Hate but AA has to Show Some Emotion(J Armatrading) and Wake Up And Make Love To Us (Dury) or sling his hook
Washed up. Do not have a pronlem with any of that. Just have a problem with anyone who actively seeks and actually enjoys “bashing” our own players. I justt do not get that at all….
Good posting Sir. See you soon mate and all the best.
MH, remember it well. A win, and a whole row of Timothy Taylor to devour. Top, top afternoon. I’m here until Thursday, then it is back down to Devon for the worst bit. Stocking up on Kleenex, so you may notice a national shortage by the weekend.
Esso, see you Saturday week geezer. Hope the family are good.
‘Evening ‘Holic & ‘Holics
In defence of Arshavin (sic):
He does show plenty of emotion, he just has a particular way of showing it.
I thought he demonstrated plenty of passion on Saturday. He did a lot of running without the ball. He is in a poor vein of form by his own admission. He is not happy with this situation. He wants to get back to scoring “beautiful goals”.
I’m going to shout extra hard for him the next time he plays. Giving him our support will help him hit a rich vein of form. This is what we all want…. surely?
Barman? A round for all the supporters in the bar tonight, thanks!
COYRRRs
‘Holic,
Have a family funeral of my own to attend tomorrow. It must be a week for it. Best of British for yours.
Cheers Big Man.
Sorry to hear that TS. Busy time everywhere it seems 🙁
Snir
Be sure to pack your helmet and flack jacket, I hear it can get pretty ugly in that part of town (just kidding) 😉
Enjoy and cheer the boys until you’ve got no voice!
Zico @ #71
I’m with you on this and am expecting a reaction to their thrashing yesterday.
We should win, esp. over two games, but you just can’t take anything for granted. A reversal of the ’78 Cup Final result would do me just fine.
I passed through Ipswich today, didn’t spot too many tractors on my travels. Come Wednesday, in front of their home support they’ll be well up for it. A good balance of our A and B stream players should be enough to show them who’s the better team.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/suffolk-constabulary-message-to-arsenal-fans
WTF???
It was hard staying up until dawn to watch the game, even with (or at some point despite) a respectable intake of various alcoholic concoctions. My first impression was that serious congratulations to the Leeds players are in order, I was impressed by the football they played. I know we have a history with Leeds but on the basis of this game, I’d rather have them in the Prem than some of the anti-football teams that managed to survive relegation. Or Citeh.
Arshavin is definitively an irritating player to watch but still I will plea for us to keep him aboard next season. As a backup for Sanchez Watt, the real left winger we’ve been waiting for. Still very raw and not fully grown-up yet but so full of potential and the character to match it. The exact opposite of Arshavin, real talent but with the character to waste it. It’s such a shame to witness the best chance he has to shine at the top pass him by game after game. And there’s absolutely no doubt now on the correlation between his presence on the pitch and Clichy’s performance.
I’m more optimistic than most for the return leg. First we will have proper support. I don’t know how it felt in the Grove but on my stream the crowd was pathetic in all regards. No need to dwelve on it, it doesn’t come as a surprise anymore.
And then we were not half as bad as some make it up to be. We lacked sharpness in front of the goal but nothing that more game time can’t fix. NB52 looked good considering he was on the wing and still short of match fitness and the midfield was strong in the first half as was our defense. Focus until the final whistle and we will go through.
TS.
Just read that link. I am going to Ipswich and have been to many away games in recent years. Pleased to say I have not seen an ounce of trouble. Must admit I find the statement quite condecending. What a knob. Do not ever remember reading such a statement from any away match in many a year. Massive over reaction.
nice result from the reserve against villa,loosing 10-1 ,whoaaa.
seems we don’t have as much strength as we thought . 10-1 is embarrassing. hope we don’t get too may injuries….
anyone see the game ?
Hi guys,
How is the London Underground service on matchdays? The match on Saturday will probably end at 19:30 and I have to catch a flight that departs at 22:30 so will probably need to be at the airport at about 21:45 (bags will be checked in from the US already).
Are there any special delays? Are the away fans being kept at the stands a while longer until the home fans go home? How does it work ?
Any chance I’ll make it to Heathrow in 2-2 and a half hours from Upton Park?
Happy birthday, ‘holic!
Hi holic & holics. How’s everyone?A cup of coffee with cream & sugar will do ‘holic. Its quite chilly over here…got to get the chill out of my bones.
Snir.. there are guys more qualified than I with regards to away matches etc.. but as for Upton Park – Heathrow in general; you should be okay. Just. Will make for an exciting journey though!
Snir, two and a half hours would usually be more than enough time but one irritating problem is there’s no District or Hammersmith and City line this weekend around West Ham and Upton Park stations, which may cause a lot of congestion in people trying to get home. Your best bet is Jubilee Line from West Ham station to Green Park, then the Piccadilly Line to Heathrow – London Transport website claims that will take 75 minutes in all, so if you can get on a train by 8.00 you should make it just about.
Snir: as Catalan said, you should make it in that time but there better not be any disruptions because you won’t have that much of a margin considering it will probably take a while to get from Upton Park to the nearest tube station after the game. I’d suggest you instead aim for Paddington Station and take the Heathrow Express from there which costs somewhere around £15 but will take you to the airport in about 15 minutes while taking the Piccadilly Line (tube) from, say, Kings Cross, will take well over an hour – and getting to KC will in itself probably also take quite a while.
I’d also say that being at Heathrow as late as 45 minutes before take-off might be a bit of a risk in itself. Getting through the security checks can be very slow there at times.
Didn’t see Charlies response before I posted mine, and his idea is better than mine if there is no Hammersmith and City service because that will make getting to Paddington much slower.
Zico@71 –
Those are my thoughts exactly
Snir
A good point by Lars about security (and general fuck wittedness) at Heathrow – I think you are flying to Israel (sorry if that’s not the case)… in which case there will be some extremely thorough security to go through. I’d give yourself a little more time.
Maybe a taxi from Green Park (there should be plenty at that time) to Paddington then the Heathrow Express? A kind of Charlie / Lars amalgam…
Excellent – I’m now looking forward to finding out on Sunday whether Snir is safely home. What are the odds ‘holic?
TS- I share your view on Arshavin. His link up play is his biggest downfall at the moment. He is still creative but alot depends upon who he plays with at the moment. Another of his faults is his lack of defensive cover for Clichy.
Overall Arsh was frustrating to watch at times on Sat especially when he will not go out of his way to pick up a stray pass. Alot of players will go out of their way and sometimes miss and sometimes retrieve. Does that make Arsh wrong? I know it exposes the player concerned but does it make things better?
Also he gets picked up alot on his runs these days. He does not always use alot of trickery in his game, but is a handful and a nuisance to defences. He can also wallop a shot! But due to lack of confidence (reminiscent of Eddie), he is missing good chances which he tucked away for fun 18 months ago!
Overall Arsh is one of our better players who is frustrating to watch on a bad day!
He needs his confidence back!
Give him a chance peeps! Don’t crush him! His our Messi!
Please away supporters, we need that 12th man tomorrow, as we deserve that cup final more than they do!
Matt – it’s interesting what you say about Sanchez Watt. It was good that he held back slightly and hope he does if he plays down at Elland Road. It was also good that the crowd showed him the support he deserves. He is one of our up and comings!
You Watt? You Watt? You Watt? You Watt? you Watt?
I agree that we have to give credit to the teams playing around us too.
Every season clubs across the world suss us out. Every season we have to step up our game up! That’s what Wenger is paid to do! However teams study us for tips but also for tactical reasons against us.
Take West Brom for example. The first club to beat us this season. During our last three matches against them we smacked them up. But credit to Di Matteo, he studied us and set up his stall and gave it a go. Just like with Saturday, we undermined them let them come at us and before you know it we were chasing the game when we should have Blackpooled them!
It may be easy to forget sometimes, which is understandable but scares like this and Saturday are there to remind us that we must take every team in the world seriously if we are going to Win Trophies again!
Having a team drenched with Premiere league experience and I mean drenched, helped all three of Wenger’s title winning teams. That’s why we need to get behind this team who are the most talented in the Prem to get there without the advantage of long lived experience within the squad!
Thanks for coming back to train Titi. Your influence in the dressing room must do wonders!
i don’t know anymore@92 –
10- sounds like 1 goal too many. I didn’t see the game but I do know Villa have been the best reserve side for like the last 3-4 seasons at least. Shame about their first team though.
Most of our best reserves are now playing in the cups or are out on loan!
Part of me wants us to play Saturday’s team tomorrow to get their game time fitness up to speed as we will need to rotate for the rest of the season and it will bode well for next season.
But the anxiety in me wants us to start with RVP, Na na na if they’re fit and Jacky boy and Cesc and just take this outfit apart!
This will also be good for my pockets!
Happy B’day Holic if it is
Thanks G, and f,
Forty-fourteen today 😉
In response to my own question upon whether Arsh’s behaviour makes things better or worse, in his case it is making things worse as he is the one getting the backlash and not the player who distributes a stray pass! This may be because he is mostly the only player who reacts the way he does in the team!
…any drink of your choice Holic!
Thank you for supplying the best Gooner Forum!
Happy Birthday Holic all the best on this special day!
i don’t know anymore@42
Sorry I almost missed this one fella!
I believe Cesc himself has addressed this one, although the reporter here has made a misleading opening statement that Cesc will leave once he has one a trophy!
However the quotes in here from Cesc speak for themselves!
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_6647042,00.html?
Oh, so it’s the Holic’s birthday today? Congratulations!
Many Happy Returns ‘Holic – 40 14 indeed 🙂
I find using roman numerals tends to put the curious off guard 😉
A pint for the barman, barman.
Happy birthday Holic!!!
Catalan, Lars – I don’t really see any other choice other than giving myself to being there 45 minutes prior to the flight tops. I am flying to Israel and I know the security checks will take forever but it’s either that or leaving the match on the 80th minute or so..
I ain’t gonna do that on my first away match 😉
Happy birthday holic 🙂
Wishes from my roommate here too..
Cheers
Looks like Vermalen has suffered a setback on Sat, Wenger will know more tomorrow, looks like we will definitely need to buy a CB with Squillaci out for three weeks perhpas even two.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-we-ll-look-around-for-a-centre-half
This can only be good news for us right?
http://www.twtd.co.uk/news.php?storyid=17669
Arthur –
It seems now like a matter of who rather than if
Ipswich wise the way they are talking up there at the moment, it sounds like their squad is depleting by the day and tomorrow will be a good chance for the lads to tuck in and make a good start!
Apparently this guys interested in joining us
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/49013/EXCLUSIVE_Spahic_reveals_Arsenal_January_wish.aspx?
Steve T @ #90
Yes, a bunch of condescending knobs at best. It makes you wonder what goes through peoples minds when they decide to issue such a statement. Shame on our website team for publisihing it – maybe they were forced into it? 😉
Birthday celebration drinks for Steve T and I please barman. Is the barman buying? 🙂
@ GT #121
I am hoping that Le Boss has set his sights just a little higher this time.
A seasoned EPL guy would be just great for the team but I don’t want to get caught up in naming names or wishing for certain players as we have absolutely no influence or control over this.
This is one of those occasions when you’ve just got to shut your eyes and trust in Arsene to do the best for the team.
Big shame about TV. I have no inside information whatsoever but I’d guess that he’s out for the rest of the season. Tommy must be gutted as are us supporters 🙁
Thank you Charlie for the trip instructions 🙂
‘Holics
Having had a quick rummage around the web maybe my statement on TV being out for the rest of the season is somewhat misinformed. I think I’ll have a “Theo sorry for diving moment” and place myself in the naughty corner without alcohol for an hour or so. Delighted to be wrong, of course 🙂
TS – I’m sure TV will be out for the rest of the season, been sure of it since the 3rd setback he suffered a couple of months ago.
Achilles are very problematic, it just sounds like the Rosicky injury all over again, I just hope he’ll come back strong next season and won’t have a dip like Rosicky did (when he was at Dortmund he was truly a sensational player).
I just hope AW will bring a suitable player to cover for him and not an emergency player just to fill in the numbers so he’ll have his ideal 4 CB at the club.
Don’t really see too many good CB out there, Samba is OK, Cahill is over rated in my opinion and Mertesacker is a no-go.
Snir
Thanks for your thoughts on this. Looking at Pravda.com it does look like we’re (seriously) in the market now for a CB. Even if TV5 is back before long, another choice would be a very welcome thing for our team.
It would be very welcome, I just don’t really like the options at hand (apart for Mertesacker).
Snir – no problems!
Charlie – Drop me an Email at Snir_Geuli@hotmail.com, please, I’ve got something quite important to ask.
Murphy from Birmingham has beautiful deliveries, I’m a big Clichy fan but he needs to improve his deliveries drastically, it’s frustrating to see an awful team (technique wise apart from Hleb) with a LB that can cross and we don’t have one.
What a howler from Foster, but I’m sure it’s because he slipped from the chunk of mud in his area, how on earth are these pitches playable in the world’s best league?
106 goonertown
good to have you back. saw the final of the reserve competotion last year where villa played the mancs (i know, i need to get out more). cracking game. 4-3 to utd i think. so i know vila are string but looking at that team that beat us 10-1 i only recognised delfuenso (?).
something strange at that club, great youth team and best reserves so what happens at the top ?