Arsenal To Bounce Back, Or Klopp More Flak?
Nov 25th, 2014 by 'holic
Look, as Arsene now seems to preface every statement, three weeks ago we led Anderlecht 3-0 in the Champions League matchday four fixture. It was the last feelgood moment for Arsenal supporters it seems. In the remaining half an hour we managed to turn three points into one, and set in motion a kamikaze approach of throwing bodies into attack with insufficient cover behind. Incomprehensible defeats to Swansea and Manchester United have followed and increased pressure on the manager and his misfiring team.
On Saturday we lost 1-2 to a team that had only one shot on target (only Arsenal could do that, surely?). We can be sure that Dortmund will show more attacking intent on Wednesday night at the Grove. That could be a blessing, but only if we show more discipline, commitment, and confidence, than has been in evidence in those last three weeks. It wouldn’t be easy at the best of times, but the extension to the treatment room was filled on Saturday. Wojciech Szczesny and Jack Wilshere have adjoining couches and miss this match. Danny Welbeck hopes to be allowed out to play but has now finished two matches in a week with a ‘tight hamstring’. His potential absence is made more significant by the absence of Olivier Giroud, not included in the Champions League group phase squad as he wasn’t expected to be recovered from his broken leg before Christmas.
Just as I begin to regret that the oven here is electric and not gas there is at last some good news. Laurent Koscielny is back in the squad, a welcome addition for a defence under fire but woefully exposed by their somewhat reckless midfield colleagues. Is he fit enough for ninety minutes? If there is any doubt then let’s think of the long term good. Nacho Monreal was only really out of his depth at Swansea and given the lack of form and confidence in those ahead of him he has done as well as we could have expected our second choice left-back to do at centre-back. Emiliano Martinez played in goal in the away win at Anderlecht and will hope for another successful Champions League night as Szczesny’s replacement.
Jack’s absence has provided a midfield opening. Perhaps we will sit Aaron Ramsey alongside Mikel Arteta at the base with instructions to cover Dortmund’s lightning counter-attacks first and foremost. In the advanced central role the likeliest recall would be for Santi Cazorla, although surely Tomas Rosicky will be seriously considered against his former club. Assuming Alexis and the Ox will be the wide men that leaves the centre forward. Should Welbeck not make it then the boss has a decision to make between Yaya Sanogo and Lukas Podolski. I would go with the latter against his countrymen, but what do I know?
The visitors have their own injury woes. Marco Reus and Mats Hummels, both ironically heavily linked with potential moves to Arsenal, are currently injured thus proving their perfect fit for the Gunners. Given the current atmosphere around the club it is also a night for Jurgen Klopp to impress those who rather prematurely enthuse about him following Arsene into the Arsenal hot-seat. His team have lost seven matches domestically and are hovering painfully around the Bundesliga basement. This matters not, he says.
“We have real pressure, but tonight I cannot change the Bundesliga situation, so it is a little bit like a holiday situation for me, it is only the Champions League. Tomorrow we have a big target, we want to go through in first position.”
They are most certainly favourites to do so. They have four wins out of four in the group to date and will secure top place if they avoid defeat at the Grove. Even if we win we need them to lose at home to Anderlecht on matchday six for us to stand any chance of denying them that berth.
The ‘holic pound
The fact that the draw secures us second place in the group could make us just that little more conscious of defending from the front. Surely though the three points will be targeted while first place is still mathematically possible? A European night, an Arsenal team languishing in mid-table. It is reminiscent of George Graham’s final season with the Gunners. In the hope that lightning can strike twice in the same place (it often does, in fact) I am tempted by the 21/2 available if you shop around on a good old-fashioned 1-0 to the Arsenal.
The Jackson Five
Sang “I’ll Be There”, and rarely for a midweek fixture I will be, the neighbour having been very persuasive, so don’t expect a match report until Thursday. To those also going I look forward to seeing you in the usual place pre-match. I will be making a sharp exit though in order to make the last train home. I look forward to seeing you there.
Have a good one ‘holics, wherever you are watching.
153 Responses to “Arsenal To Bounce Back, Or Klopp More Flak?”
1st?
2nd?
1st? 2nd? Or have we moved on from the questions that never get answered?
Holic, just to advise —–>There’s no Brollie at The Tollie for now (in our patch, anyway!)
Interesting psychological similarities for both sides, both being low on confidence due to their troubles in their domestic leagues. Maybe we’ll take advantage for once? Nah, couldn’t be.
Those questions seem to persist, Ned. 🙂
Greetings to all. Sorry for having been unavoidably absent. I still do pop in a few moments but don’t have enough time to say a few words.
Meanwhile, great to come second. I’d always take an opportunity to appear at the rear to grab a goal with a long ball from the defense line than tiki-taka sH*t and end without a goal. And please permit me to digress a lot.
I will continue to be an Arsenal fan but Wenger seriously needs to answer more questions.
1. Why did he fail to sign a new defender in the summer?
2. Why is he not playing Podolski? A man who practically scores from nothing.
3. Why is won’t he use any pair of Arteta/Coquelin or Flamini/Coquelin at the base of defense?
4. Why play Ramsey and Wilshere when it’s obvious they both can’t perform optimally well on same pitch at same time?
5. Why does Wenger stubbornly keep playing a fellow who isn’t in form and isn’t bringing anything good to the team(E.g Cazorla) at the moment.
6. Why can’t we avoid another defeat tomorrow against a not too fantastic Dortmund?
7. Why can’t Wenger leave Arsenal if he’s confused?
These are a few I can remember now. I have expressed my view and I hope nobody would pass a hot pipe through my nostril for doing so.
Fingers crossed till tomorrow.
By the way, nice preview Guv’nor.
I couldn’t find one Gooner on Saturday night who wanted Wenger to stay on… Maybe it was heat of the moment and knee jerk reactions… But even now I think back to the summer and how we managed to neglect to make defensive signings? Crackers.
But on top of that we have far too many players woefully out of form.
I think Mertesackers brain needs to tell his body he’s only retired from international football… Not ALL football.
UTA!
Thursday of which week, H?
Correction pls @7 Above
3. Why won’t he(Wenger) use any pair of Arteta/Coquelin or Flamini/Coquelin at the base of defense? Since we couldn’t get the famed DM of this life.
@Dexter-8. I still don’t want him to stay. In as much as I love him and respect his personality, I no longer want him to manage the football team I love.
He better leave before he becomes a stench to fans. And I don’t want that to happen.
Once Theo gets back, play Welbeck on the wings and move Alexis to the centre.
He’ll give Aguero a run for the money.. he will!
😀
Arsenic
I think Coquelin is out on loan. I love Podolski but he has shown himself to be lazy. Maybe given his frustration at a lack of game time he might put in a shift? I’d like to see Joel given a game, play Bellerin at RB and Chambers in midfield.
Great preview H|olic
I should make it to the Tollie straight after I finish work in Moorgate, my boss let’s me to work from our London office tomorrow and paid my train ticket too so hopefully the lady luck will be on our side this time around!
So Bayern looses it right at the end to Shitty! But they still have to beat Roma to go through!
Cynic, hehe 🙂
arsenicdaemon@7: to be fair to AW he bought two defenders in the summer, Debuchy and Chambers; three if you count Ospina. Not being able to land a DM is what is most hurting us now.
Dexter, yes I understand Coquelin is on loan but I didn’t see any reason for sending him out. Wenger needs to shake things up so that every member of the team knows he got a capable replacement.
Podolski isn’t lazy to me. If we call him lazy what would we call Ozil? The only thing I would take is that he doesn’t do his job defensively but the question is, is he a defender? Please give him a break an play him.
Campbell is also another man I refuse to see reasons with Wenger for not playing him.
Wenger and his team is really annoying these days.
Lack of confidence in a team comes from the bench. When a team is not given specific instructions and backed up by proper mental tuneup, you end up losing games week-in week-out.
The Coq is on loan to Charlton.
What do I call Ozil? I call him injured. 🙂
Defending isn’t just the job of defenders, that’s been the main issue this season, as much as the lack of a defensive minded midfielder signing and Vermealen replacement.
Nice preview H.
I’ll bite your hand off for that 1-0 win.
COYGs
Hi everyone 🙂
Covered all the bases Holic. Too bad some on twitter didn’t do their research, before blaming Arsene for negligence (re Giroud not signed up). I could mention their names, but I know you know who they are, the little scoundrels! 😉
Feel very optimistic, because my main squeeze is back, KOS ♥ and our beleaguered Per Mert, must be kissing his boots! 🙂
Won’t be able to watch the game till Friday, but look forward to what the Maestro and all you have to say!
Goodnite xx
We will smash Dortmund tomorrow. It’s time to turn things round now… All this crisis chat is boring.
Dexter, I do like the cut of your jib, fella.
I’ll have what he’s drinking, barman.
Christ knows what to expect tomorrow.
Shall be avoiding any turf accountant who suggests “nil” though ‘H.
Am I the only one who finds it suspicious that Kos is suddenly back in the squad? Makes me wonder if AW is deciding to throw the lot on Red again and hang the consequences.
Nice one, Holic.
Finishing work early tomorrow so I should make The Tollie pre match.
Coquelin went to Charlton on a one month loan only, which suggests to me that there are plans to use him.
Seems like the sort of term to play a few games and get ready for some proper action.
CoqArt could be back on the menu. 😉
Very bad news about Wilshere!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/11254344/Jack-Wilshere-faces-three-months-out-as-Arsene-Wenger-reveals-extent-of-Arsenal-midfielders-ankle-injury.html
Me too, zico, regarding Kos.
About ten days ago they said he was three weeks away from resuming full training. I did query at the time how that could be forecast with two inflamed Achilles.
Seems it couldn’t.
Is he registered ? Doh ! 😉
And H|olic = Holic 🙂
Trev/Zico
I think we could say we have more of a chance of securing a point at home than in Turkey! In a very hostile atmosphere. Sounds to like Wenger is playing for a second spot in the group already.
ATG @25,
Jack out for three months then – at least.
Oh well, he should be back for England’s next game. Deep joy.
Trev
Don’t get me started I’m almost certain it’s a bloody curse! 🙁
If we can’t take the single point we need from the next two CL games with whoever is still fit to play we’d be wasting our time progressing anyway.
OG can use an extra week, so I don’t care he isn’t qualified. Per isn’t going to let us down against German opposition. Nor would Poldi, if given a chance. In fact the latter could want very badly to impress Dortmund with a view to transfer (excellent make-weight in any deals for Hummels and/or Reus).
Surely TR7 will get a run? If not now, what is the point of him?
After seeing Aguero today with just three shots at goal, all on target and all in the back of the net, the value of a real striker was achingly plain. OG is a fine CF in our tactical plan, but no substitute for a marquee striker. Mind you they’re as rare as pink Ferraris. And no guarantees either. At least we didn’t waste squillions on Falcao or Balotelli…
Öskar
Great post and heading holic.
Including the last post heading as well.
Many questions Unanswered indeed.
Nice work arsenicdaemon above.
Those same questions being asked many times of late.
Given you have asked plenty, I only have one left that remains a complete myarery….
Why can’t young Campbell get a game.
Seriously
Has the lad done something wrong
Is he a troublemaker at training
Has he pissed off wenger
The young lad is truly a quality player and we are struggling
How does he not get a go
Same could obviously be said and alreay has for poldi
Yes I understand he may not provide adequate cover in defense, but surely he is a quality addition to the team (on the field)
It just doesn’t make sense given we are doing it tough of late.
Campbell truly a quality player, Aussie? Based on what? One good game in the WC isn’t proof of anything. I’m surprised he hasn’t been loaned out frankly. He has enthusiasm, granted, but not the skills to bypass several others in the pecking order.
Öskar
I’m going to sound, not for the first time, contradictory and confused but I think we could well beat a Dortmund side that are not anywhere near as good as they were last season. They have sailed through the group because it is a very poor group. Frankly ( and I hate to say this) it doesn’t matter if we progress because we are nowhere near good enough to win the CL especially as we will be starting from second in the group and playing a giant. This game is more about restoring morale and hopefully creating a big evening at the Grove which will lead us to create some good memories. We lost to Barca eventually but the 2-1 win was our finest performance ever since we moved grounds.
So let’s build up by getting a result tomorrow. If Kos is back it will improve the BFG and the defence will be much more focused.
But above all if you are an Arsenal fan support the side tomorrow. It is the club that has endured for years and will endure for many afterwards. Don’t boo if we go a goal down, don’t leave with fifteen minutes to go and encourage the team to play their hearts out…because that’s what being an Arsenal supporter is.
Wenger out or in is for another day. This is about restoring Arsenal pride and confidence and showing that we support the club whoever manages it or whatever assails us.
COYG
Oskar, in the words of the aussie tennis player Leyton Hewitt;
C’mon – surely you jest.
I know we disagree completely on young Jack, but surely the young lad Campbell has all the qualities we want at present for the team;
Good skills, works hard like a terrier dog, has a defensive capacity about him, has real theo like speed and likes to shoot on chance.
IMHO – he has looked good in the very few short cameo’s this season.
the world cup experience is also very important and he played well against some of the best in the world.
However, if we subscribe to your theory that he maybe no good, why did Arsene we spend so much time faffing about bringing him into the arsenal fold….
It doesn’t make much logical sense does it, or am I completely missing the brilliance of the strategy here with this young prospect.
another question unanswered.
I truly reckon the lad is good.
TTG@34,
well said.
It is true that the arsenal squads of the last few seasons have had the capacity to beat the stronger sides on days when the team does indeed click, unfortunately it has been offset with an ability to lose in extraordinary ways to sides we would expect to beat.
It would be great to see us press hard and high as a team when appropriate, but more importantly I would like to see our DM actually give some cover to the back 4.
At the other end, a few shots on goal would be a nice change and if a couple of our shots could actually be placed to either side of the Dortmund keeper that would be even better.
🙂
Campbell had one good game in the WC, Aussie, against a very poor (on the day) Uruguay. He failed to impress and was subbed early in CR’s other games. His appearances for us have been marked by enthusiasm, but not a lot else. I think AW kept him hoping he would develop, but clearly hasn’t seen enough improvement to persist. with him. A loan spell must be on the agenda for him next year. Or as makeweight in a transfer deal.
Öskar
Wow Oskar, you sure are a hard marker and it would seem that Arsene agrees with you and isn’t impressed with the lad either…..
Cheers H! Have a great evening. And see you, with the Big Yin in tow at the Barcodes.
Cant.
Fucking.
Wait.
Question:
Will Dortmund drop points in their next two CL matches?
Will Arsenal win both?
Will Arsenal become determined to distance themselves on the prem table from the LWC’s and then go on a run sparing no Prisoners above them on the table along the way?
Answer:
Buckle up folks. This could be a bumpy ride.
COYR’s
I want to watch the Arsenal I watched in the first half against Manure on Saturday and see them take the chances that should have sunk that woeful Mancunian outfit.
I think there may be more goals than one tonight, Holic. As long as there are more on our side of the ledger, I’ll be happy. Time for Danny to get back on the score sheet.
Beers at the Tolly, pizza up the road and then beers again at the Tolly is my recipe for an enjoyable pre-match tonight. I think we’ll have a reasonable turnout of Holics. Looking forward to seeing you all.
@TTG, fantastically said. Wish everyone going to the ground specially follow it. God forbid if we go a goal down, the gloves will be off and the boos and the abuses will ring in the thousands.
Arsenal need a win, a win to make them believe they can win. A win against a big team in a big game to make them understand they can do it. I agree that Podolski needs to start for i have no belief in Sanogo and even i agree that i havent seen much of Campbell( yes he hasnt played too) to be convinced.
Danny and Alexis again are the hope but those 2 are being run to the ground with this kind of non stop playing, they need rest for we cannot even fathom a team without them, specially superman sanchez.
Can we win tonight?? yes, 2 teams who play the same way with BVB having more pace than us on counters, will we win?? not quite sure for winning is a habit and we seem to have forgotten that.
Thanks Vinay you sum up the risks exactly. Let’s remember we love the club warts and all and cheer them to the echo. And stay to the end!
A draw suits both teams so could be a strange game. I think we’ll get the point and Dortmund would be delighted with a draw too. We must be conservative to make sure we don’t lose. It’s actually a game for the partial handbrake, not some gung-ho charge of the light brigade, especially in the absence of key front men. I think the fans on both sides of the Wenger debate will respond fine in the stadium if they see high energy, a sensible set-up and a deliberate game-plan, ie, to not lose. The abuse and angst really only starts when things go t*ts-up. It’s horrible, but kind of understandable. One can say the support and constant encouragement should always be unqualified but that’s simply not the world we live in. I don’t get the ejecter-seat treament for this one do I Guv’nor !?
@34 Good positive vibes, TTG. Kos’ return will add a lot (although Nacho has grown into a very passable CB and completely neutralised Van Stinkie at the weekend).
I’ll be sitting in my seat promptly (others will ensure I stand up about ten times within the first five minutes because they just HAD to finish their pint) and I’ll be there until the final whistle. I’ve never understood why anyone would leave early other than for an emergency. And Boo & Bleat, what IS all that about? When team confidence is low, more booing isn’t a recipe for improvement.
Will we see you at the tolly? Some distinguished Holics there tonight. Me (extinguished?), Bath, Trev and er……Holic! (does he count 🙂 ). There may even be a through-the-railings view of Steve T (he has to buy drinks if he ventures inside, so he prefers to look in 🙂 )
Well said TTG@34
Go win Arsenal.
Likewise for your second paragraph BtM. See you later, maestro.
Well said TTG!
BTM I shall see there too! Bath and the rest!
Cant wait now!
Let’s bloody do em!
re Campbell: there are seven other forwards in our registered CL squad: Akpom, Alexis, Iwobi, Poldi, Sanogo, Theo and Welbeck. Campbell is fifth or sixth in the pecking order behind Alexis, Theo, Welbeck, Poldi and likely Sanogo. Who of those do you drop or rest to make room for him? Even with Theo out of the Dortmund game, Campbell is at best a coin toss for the last striker’s seat on the bench.
A couple of quotes from Wenger in the presser:
“I personally feel that there’s a very strong bond inside the team and the club, and that this team will have a very strong season. I am ready to bet with you on that.
“I believe in what I do and I especially believe in my players, and in their quality and spirit. I question myself every day.”
He doesn’t have a choice but to try and say something positive at a time like this, but let’s revisit these words in the new year and see if anything has changed. One thing’s for sure, he banking on the team suddenly clicking and going on a run, I just hope to god it materialises!
Come on you reds – let’s put the foot back in football, or something like that.
NBN – for a start theo is crocked again as declared by wenger.
Wellbeck is suspect injured or knackered at best.
Poldi deserves his chance in front of campbell, fully agree.
Sanogo – sorry he ain’t in the same league as campbell
And as for the rest, never been anywhere near a world cup.
Something ain’t right if that lot of youngsters are ahead of Campbell.
SC- welcome back
These words from Jürgen Klopp are worth remembering:
“Arsenal have problems but we have more.”
Porco – you are right.
Arsene has very few other options to describe the team without any actual positive results to speak of…
He has sadly become an expert at using words to describe the team pre and post match that are not measurable by any definition…
Gooner Kevin is on domestic duties tonight and has loaned me his ST so that I can sit in the upper NB out of the rain. So will be calling into the Tollie pre-match on my own. Please look out for me, an OAP with curly blond hair clad in dark waterproofs! I would be delighted to meet The Boss and the many Holics who will be in situ.
As for the game, the latest crop of injuries is very worrying and my glass is barely half full. A lot will depend on the performance of the MF. Are any of those available disciplined enough to stay along side Arteta and other than Alexis, who must be depressed with the chaos which surrounds him, is there a genuine match winner in the squad for tonight?
Could be a long evening and a much longer train journey back to King’s Lynn.
COYRs
Cheers Holic, top preview.
Looks like I came down for the wrong Champs League home game. Anderlecht was a bust from both a meeting-the-holics and a footballing point of view.
Having seen the line-up for tonight (Holic’s not Arsene’s) I am going to predict a good evening all round- which includes a win for the lads!
A lot of reaction over the last couple of weeks in all sorts of places has not been in keeping with my own (almost insuppressible) positivity. No reason why it should and in the same way that this negativity has not affected my attitudes I have not wasted energy trying to encourage and gee-up people who are so clearly enjoying their chance to have a good old moan and wallow in their terrible lot in life.
But the way I see it is-
Dortmund won’t lose to Anderlecht so we won’t win the group. Let’s just qualify, steady the ship, make some January additions and come February when we beat Real or Bayern or the Harlem Globetrotters or whatever mighty team we face, that poor little Arsenal supposedly stand no chance against, we can all, once again, appreciate Arsene’s small, knowing smile as we smash our way through the business end of the season and on to glory.
And if none of that happens at least I won’t have given myself an aneurysm screaming and hurling faeces because were are less good than I had hoped for.
Instead, I shall do what, as TTG points out, is always the best option and sing for those boys in red as loudly as I can. I know I will be far from alone.
Have a top evening everyone going and everyone else.
How can anyone leave the game or stop supporting this team??? I mean it is an honour, privilege and for me the greatest joy supporting The Arsenal, the club choose me among millions is a blessing. I may cry, shout, at times abuse but dis respect or not support, nope never, not going to happen at all, it is my Arsenal, my Life.
Ttg – well said.
BtM and others – look forward to seeing you there.
Might ditch the morphine ( v occasional !) and paracetemol in favour of a Guinness tonight as on Saturday the drugs didn’t work for either the physical or the mental pain.
The drugs don’t work and the Guinness might give me a bit more verve anyway. 😉
There by 6.30, trains permitting. 😉
Late comers and early leavers can do one. Tossers !
Trev
Ditch the paracetamol it makes you worse, Guinness with some horse placenta coming your way 🙂
Looks like it’s Sanogo for the match : http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/yaya-sanogo-set-start-arsenal-4696724
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20141125/vote-alexis-for-team-of-the-year
I feel jaded and cynical about Arsenal all week but then matchday comes around and I can’t help but feel excited.
We’ll probably get murdered. But there’s an outside chance we won’t. There’s an even slimmer chance we’ll win, and a negligible, almost non-existent hope of a good win.
It’s that unpredictable 5% that never dims the excitement – especially with this Arsenal! COYR…we can avoid defeat, er, I mean WIN this!
Thanks for the preview ‘holic, enjoy the night out with fellow ‘holics, should be a good gathering as far as I can tell.
Not sure what to make of tonight, personally I’d prefer if Arsene dropped/rested a few of the regular starting players. If Welbeck is carrying a knock why risk him? Surely Kos can’t be ready yet, why take a chance. Alexis looked out of sorts Saturday, with a busy Xmas period to come is this the game to gamble on him? Why do we have players like Campbell, Bellerin, Poldi etc in the squad if we are not going to give them any game time at all?
Sorry, but Sanago doesn’t excite me at all.
Whatever……
Come on you redssssssssssssss.
Will be leaving office in five, fron there straight to The Tollie!
Sanogo better have his scoring boots on tonight!
He has scoring boots?????
😉 😉
Here’s hoping the Tollie regulars enjoy the game as much as the gathering pre & post match. Result..I haven’t a fcuking clue but looking forward to a performance from the boys…let them have more walk than talk.
Trev 58….spot on!
COYRRR
H2H……yes he does…..but obviously wears them on the wrong feet 😉
So..back from loong withdrawal, was not able to watch ManU game but kept myself updated via live blog. Nonetheless I was really pissed about the outcome and how it came to be. To be frank, I am nervous as fuck before tonights game, but this has to be the match we turn things around, it simply has to for so many reasons.
COYG!
Uply.
Yeah……
Somebody elses.
Not to worry. Starting Sonogo in a high pressure match where we absolutely need a point and a confidence reset makes perfect sense.
*places bet on Sanogoals to score*
You are getting fantastic odds on that one cynic.
I’m following you on it!
Think podolski might else pack his bags for a jan departure and god knows what is going thru rosickys mind
And there we have it. A small fortune. Well £8 anyway
GET IN SANOGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!
Good punt Cynic:D:D:D
Sanogo.
Eat that doubters!
Ha Ha.
Maybe a few new self made millionaires in the bar if they really did make that bet. 😉
He was only 7-1 first goal with Skybet but I think he was around 66-1 to score a hat-trick. And no, I didn’t 😉
Have the hat-trick I mean
😆
They’re dropping like flies in our penalty area..
Rambo and Sanogo both 8s. I went with Aaron… doh!
Good half from us. Another one please but with no shaky moments at the back.
The success has gone to my head. I’ve gone for 3-0 Arsenal at 14-1 just before half time.
I’m bonkers.
Come on Cynic. We’re relying on you!
Klopp to klopp some flak?
Alexis you beauty!
What a stonking goal that is.
One more, then stop lads. Thanks.
ALEXISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
He’s our STRIKER / WINGER / DEFENDER!!!!!!!!!!
😀
GET THE FUCK IN!
FCUK THE GET IN!!!!!!
oh no..mikel 🙁
Wouldn’t be a game of ours if we didn’t have the injury…
OK… Campbell time!
Sanogo out too.. Poldi and Campbell next in line!
what did we do to injury gods?
And why is wenger taking forever to make changes??
Why we sacrificed to them Eandy.. for exchange of the fitness and health of Alexis 😀
Get it to 88 minutes and then go for one more. If you get it, might have a chance to nick first in the group, with head to head GD at 3-2.
Not going to score a third 🙁
Lovely stuff, this. Proper shape and concentration, good performances across the park. The response we were after.
Well done lads.
Top win
Top team effort
Simple stuff.
Fans happy
The simple differences tonight:
Focus on defensive shape
Attacks built from the defense
Wingers not bombing forward at all
DM actually holding and protecting the back 4
Shots on chance
Goals scored from shots on chance
Full team effort giving little opportunity for dortmund
Not a scary moment all night
Such a simple game plan with a focus on protecting the back four
Alexis goal from Santi pass pure Magic
Chambos shot on goal the best shot on chance of the night
Controlled it from the start to finish!
Brilliant effort from all the players!
😀
YES!
3 happy pts!!
Agree with all of that, Aussie.
Hopefully we’ll see more of this stuff now: back to basics, no more fucking about.
Ramsey playing in his proper position makes a big difference for starters. Just hope Arteta is OK.
Right, now need same results in next CL matches and we’re back in business.
Let’s take care of the weekend first.
Sticking away you first good chance makes such a difference.
N7- likewise @ 101
Pleasure to watch the basics executed for a full 90 mins.
Must have been so much easier for the back four especially.
It looked simpler for them with much less running and effort.
Gibbs was a great cover for monreal on the few rare occasions he was needed as he was actually back deep enough to help.
Well done to Arsene for having the team focused and to win a champions league match against a German club Like dortmund regardless of their league position.
Sort the defence out and we’re on our way!
Hopefully a proper DM becomes available.. either that or move Chambers into that position.. he’s done brilliantly and improving in every game!
Bad luck Cynic, well done Arsenal! That’s more like it!
Arteta will be out for a while.. calf injury.. so says Arsene.
🙁
I wonder what lack of instructions the team didn’t follow tonight. Yet again fails to get the expected result…
Good performance all around. Even including young Martinez who made a decent save with his feet towards the end.
Monreal’s technical abilities and positional awareness were on display. In PL the physicality would be an issue with him as CD, but he has been steadily improving in this role that he has never played before. Intelligent player.
Chambers and Gibbs were brilliant though. Especially Chambers.
Ox was genuinely menacing and that would have been one of the goals of the season across all competitions.
Alexis had the super goal and a typically quality display in the second half, but my MOTM today was Cazorla. Fantastic in short spaces, instrumental in controlling possession, constantly helped out in defense and two assists.
Congrats to Sanogo. First goal and effective pressing all throughout. Could have actually had one more early in the second half.
NBN @ 113: 🙂
Tactically spot on, especially in terms of when and where to press and where to allow possession. Some very effective protection for counter-attack against corners — using fast players like Gibbo and Ox to stay back deep enough — and despite a 4-1-4-1 Rambo’s forward movements being anticipated and protected by Ox or Santi dropping back.
Our one problem was the generally awful quality of corners and free-kicks. But not to complain today.
Poldi looked interested in defending and tackling, even though he was visibly pissed off while being brought on as a late sub.
Hope Arteta’s injury is not too bad and he is back before the holiday schedule.
Well done Arsenal.
I’m having a large slice of humble pie.
Mmmmm…tastes vaguely German.
Proper win that.
Defended as a team and, as has already been mentioned, kept shape really well.
Many solid displays, thought the Ox was really really good.
NBN
Too right but Arsene was on the touch line instructing 😉
Excellent result and over all defensive team performance against a “proper” attacking side that likes to play on front foot! Like I’ve said after the last few dour performances, this “squad” of players Is more than good enough to compete for the major honours! They just need the tactical discipline, concentration and maturity from now onwards when playing without the ball! Wonderful clean sheet! Up the Arse! Victoria Concordia Crescit!
Sc Gooner @ 97. I see I have a pretender ! I’m honoured ! Yes, super simple stuff, well done to coaching staff for setting up correctly. Mert would still scare the shite out of you in this form. COYG.
Le Coq back in December to add to the Deep-lying midfield role with youthful legs and competitiv match-fitness from the Championship with Charlton. This squad can go all the way in the CL with a bit of luck with injuries! Bring on Real Madrid, Bayern and Barca!
That early goal surely helped, but…
For the first time this season we looked like a proper team.
For the first time this season the players were covering for each others.
For the first time this season we looked like we are strong enough to win duels and don’t lose 50/50’s.
For the first time this season our players were looking for a shot or pass instead of a dribble. Hate to say it this way, but I prefer this Wilshereless Arsenal.
Santi MOTM for me, he really thrives in the playmaker role closer to the middle then on the wings.
Cudos to Arsene for a very good job tactically tonight, completely outclassed Klopp.
Let’s not forget, assuming we finish 2nd in the group, that we have a 50% chance of getting Athletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen or Porto – it’s about time we drew one of these and not Barca, Bayern or Real!!
Dr. F, ATG, H2H, Aussie et al: That was a solid, professional performance all round tonight. I am reminded of a quote from the great Bill Shankly, maybe apocryphal, “Football is a simple game that grown men make complicated.”
NBN,
Absolutely mate! Always been a brilliant quote that one!
Gregoire, Porto would be great. I would not mind if Chelski get Juve though. Just to restore some of the cosmic balance this year.
I also expect Liverpoo and City to pair with the greats like Rio Ave and Aalborg in the UEFA Europa League .
Not a bad performance tonight. Kudos to Wenger, the lads and all true fans. We must keep upping the game and expel the monkey. However, a note of caution: Some questions still needs to be answered.
Upwards and Onwards.
Satisfying enough, even though they looked likely to fluke one at any time, and one goal could easily lead to two… Or is that me being cynical?
And all without Sir Ches/Ospi, Debauchy, Kos, Jack, Özilla, Theo, OG, and Danny – all but the last of whom would be in my best run-on side. And only two more injuries!
Golden opportunity to rest Alexis and Per for the Gala game, maybe Nacho and Cal as well.
Sorry, GSD (#55), I don’t agree that we can’t win the group. With their ongoing problems Dortmund could be vulnerable to an enthusiastic young Anderlecht side, and with the pressure off any team we send to Turkey could enjoy an early Christmas dinner.
Öskar
Great job! Nice and very welcomed win.
I see a number of motm nominations, but no-one really outstanding imo. I’ll give it to AW for tactics and an honourary joint motm to the whole team for execution of them.
Öskar
*or honorary if you prefer… 😉
Öskar
Home from the game. Soked bedraggled but delighted.
Good attitude, good shape and good performances all round bringing a well deserved victory. Could have won by more. A single moment of danger well saved by our third choice keeper.
Pity about the news on Arteta. He took a couple of bad knocks before he trudged off looking very unhappy. We will miss him as he has been very influential in our last two games.
Top performances from Chambers, Monreal, Cazorla, AOC and Alexis. Honorary mentions for all the others.
Believe.
@114 Dr. Faustus
Speaking of Monreal’s intelligence, technical abilities, passing range, reading of the game and positional awareness, I would not mind to see him in the DM role at least until Arteta is back and of course if Kos becomes available to come back as a CB.
Based on his qualities I think that he can cover well in that position.
No silly catcalling from the people around me, unstinting encouragement which matched the effort of the team and virtually everyone stayed to the end. Support in Section 100 of the Upper Stand as it should be, possibly influenced by the incredible – and quite nutty- support from the Dortmund fans!
I wound everyone around me up by claiming Sanogo would score early doors and I am now acclaimed as a prophet but I was genuinely delighted for the boy who put in a noble shift but sadly saw his body fail him again. And Arteta who did well again seems to be becoming frailer and frailer.
Tonight the team deserve great credit. They were solid, sensible hard- working and Ox and Santi were excellent as were Gibbs and Nacho. Sanchez scored a sublime goal and is a real talent.
My conclusion is that in no way has Wenger lost the dressing room and the team have more character than we have given them credit for. We now have to try to go on beyond the last 16. Porto will do for me but whoever we get I hope we have the game- heads on we had tonight
Lurky, Monreal has has the footballing intelligence to play DM, but is he enough of a physical presence for the role?
Just got home from the game! What a game that was eh?
I saw Arsene instructing tonight come on!!!!!!!!
Great game but as Holic said downstairs of the Clock End all standing WTF is wrong with them 🙂
Always have to have a moan eh?
Chambers for me today did wonders! Martinez is solid as well!
Come on Arsenal! I saw no fear toady and was it very slippery out there today the lads made us proud!
UTA
Come on lads, let’s go all out for the CL this season, the league’s not all that anymore for me! It’s what I’ve always wanted more than anything else footballing wise for Arsene to have on his CV! No one deserves it more than him for true greatness! With solid and professional displays like tonight I truly believe it’s possible against ANY club with this squad of players! Up the F-ing Arse with hard F-ing Teamwork and Mercurial Brilliance in a split second! Goodnight all and sundry with a night-cap of their poison of choice please bar-keep! Smoking jackets a prerequisite as usual! Cravats exempted tonight! Salut!
Forgot to mention Chambers. He was excellent tonight as he was on Saturday. A great comeback after his Montero ordeal. Our two full backs are excellent . We still need strengthening defensively and in defensive midfield and it is unlikely those players will be eligible to play in Europe.
Props to young Martinez too. He was very composed.
Nice to have a good night at last in fact all three games at home in the CL have been entertaining and we have got nine goals in them.
Great to be in attendance tonight in the Upper NB, Gate E. Lovely rainy night in N.London.
AW’s presence on the touch line from the very beginning of the game I felt suggested he badly wanted this game.
When Sanogo scored in literally our first attack, what a perfect start.
Seeing Sanchez play in person, a dynamo, an incredible player and what an amazing goal. Had a great view of that one from the NB. Sanchez knew exactly where that was going. Genius pass too from Santi to Sanchez.
As mentioned above by a few, the team definitely had a shape to it, and defensively we looked pretty solid, including the young GK.
The Ox was unlucky with his shot that hit the bar. Great effort. He also really impressed me tonight.
Hopefully we can build on this now. COYR’s.
Thank god for that! Hopefully this will be the beginning of a good run. What a goal from Alex! But all his goals are like that aren’t they? Good one from Sanago as well, will give him confidence, scoring against a big team in an important match. Aside: I think Gunnersaurus Stunt Double is the best moniker I’ve come across, even on a dark day, you see that name, it brings a smile, not to mention pictures.
Lurky & NBN: Technically & tactically Monreal would be a good pivote, but this will be again an entirely new position for him, and even if we remove the physical aspects (he is a full back so should be quite fit, but not imposing, Arteta or Flamini are neither), it may be just one readjustment too many as the DM needs to be much more proactive in our set-up, constantly rotating even under immediate pressure whereas Monreal’s passing skills until now have been cultivated either from the deep with space in front or from the left wing on overlaps. But he could definitely play there if it really comes to that. Hopefully Debuchy is back soon enough so that Chambers is also freed up for that role.
Arteta has been rather unfortunately injury-plagued this season. He mostly have had very good performances in between, much better than what the trailing off towards the end of last season might have predicted.
About the Gala match, I think we should simply try to minimize injury and not chase the first position. The only feasible way we could really get to 1st is if Dortmund loses at home. If they draw and we win we will tie in head-to-head so their overall GD already being +6 ahead of us it is still going to be well-nigh impossible to overtake them. We should err on the side of caution on injuries with such a small probability for topping the group. And anyway, even if we win the group we can draw PSG/Barca.
The pitch in Turkey — especially around this time of the year — won’t be the best and three seasons back we had sent nearly the first eleven to Fener in the final group match (without much riding on the results) and injuries in that match led us to a period without any fullbacks.
Agreed that we should probably rest some players who need it for the our last CL match. It matters little whether we top the group or not.
No point picking up any more injuries at a point like this when our squad is already so thin!
Rest Alexis! Play Poldi, Campbell and Giroud in our next match!
😀
I know this is an Arsenal site (the best Arsenal site) however I know Holic and some others love their cricket as well so I thought I would pass on the news that Phil Hughes has passed away today aged 25 after being struck by a bouncer in a Sheffield Shield game on Tuesday whilst on 63* and pushing for a recall to the Australian test team. I’m absolutely gutted by this.
A brilliant cricketer but more importantly a champion person.
A dark day for all who love the game of cricket.
RIP Phil Hughes
A quick shout out to the American sort of holics, as well as all holics in general really, to wish a happy thanksgiving. Dont care for tirkey meself but all the same.
And a big happy thanksgiving to Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal.
Taught more than a few people a thing or two tonight.
Fuck me but the man is wiley. God love him.
Really sad about Phil Hughes. Yes he was wearing a helmet and getting hit the way he did was a freaky one in a million chance.
RIP.
Öskar
Cant believe it about Phil Hughes, absolute tragedy. Hope it does n’t put my lad off playing cricket.
The rest of our games this year are winnable. All we need is complete focus and concentration. Worry about those around us after. If we do we are guaranteed a successful season.
What a difference fresh legs made yesterday! Will be good to have a near full squad to tinker with again!
Just as we have Giroud and Theo coming back… now we’ve got Wilshere and Arteta out and maybe for a few months too! And not good news when Sanogo and Welbeck are picking up niggling injuries as well (although Campbell and Poldi would beg to differ! 🙂 )
We’ve got to make our squad more resilient and/or get more resilient players.. preferably good ones from south america.. where street football is the norm.. there have said it!
And did i say how good Alexis is.. even when he’s clearly a little tired he was still all over the place.. and what a goal.. pin point precision, Messi couldn’t have done it better!
I hope Arsene rests him over the weekend.. how many 3 games a week has he had already?!.. he deserves and needs a rest!
😀
Can’t believe Phil Hughes died! Rest in piece fella! My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time!
RIP Phil Hughes.
@ Oskar. When I wrote that we wouldn’t win the group my brain had been telling me Dortmund just needed a point against Anderlecht to top the group. Misinformant. Not sure of permutations anymore but either way the only difference it makes is who we get in the next round and we are due a decent draw. Fingers crossed.
@Dennis10. Heh. Cheers!
It seems like the lads had a meeting and aired a few home truths. That their response after that was to produce their best team performance this year bodes very well. As many have pointed out we have loads of quality. Hopefully last night will remind our boys of the template and the structure that will allow them to turn that quality into results.
What makes this team frustrating is that we can see there is definitely a top team waiting to emerge from the muddle. Yesterday showed what needs to be done to transition from the level we have been at to the level we are capable of. A great first step- now lets keep going.
Finally a light in the darkness of our season. I’m going to enjoy the hell out of this – a great win against a damn good side, a Sanogoal and a clean sheet. Just perfect.
Haven’t been on F365 yet but without looking I can predict the snide remarks will be plastered all over their mailbox and match report: Dortmund are having their worst season, Arsenal will get done in the first knockout stage so nothing to celebrate there, Dortmund have qualified anyway so nobody really cares about the result…you know the drill, but you know what? They can shut their holes, because I’m just loving the result and manner of the win and no-one can take that away from me!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Klopp that!