Cazorla Wanna Do Is Dream
Feb 24th, 2013 by 'holic
Midway through the second half, and the moment came that was most discussed in the post mortem. Weimann was allowed to charge unhindered through the centre before shooting more in hope than in expectation. Wojciech Szczesny might have been distracted by the lack of a challenge by those in front of him and allowed a soft equaliser. That will happen with young goalkeepers, I argued, but the lack of a challenge to his position may not be doing the Pole any favours. Others were not as understanding.
It set Arsenal a real test of their desire and determination. There was no mistaking how important the three points were. One of the few positives of the day was that we were not found wanting. Santi Cazorla, having given us the brightest of starts with a sixth minute opener, found another fine finish when set up by Nacho Monreal. With five minutes to go the points were ours.
From a low vantage point the game only occasionally rose above the pedestrian, and when it did both teams fashioned opportunities. One glorious Theo Walcott curler in the first half deserved better, but at the other end Wojciech produced a couple of saves that suggest his future is bright, despite the odd calamity.
For me the most significant positive came in the performance of Carl Jenkinson. After a couple of shaky displays he was back to the player we saw at the start of the season who attracted the attention of Roy Hodgson. Interestingly on three separate occasions Mikel Arteta played poor passes out of his reach and berated the young full-back, but Jenks just ignored him, and got about his business with unwavering concentration. One hasty first half retreat denied Villa an excellent opportunity to grab an equaliser. More of the same please, young man.
On the other flank Nacho Monreal ended the game limping quite heavily and it was a surprise that he wasn’t substituted when Laurent Koscielny came on. I hope it is one that was run off in the warm down. Our options at left-back are limited, and the fixture with the neighbours next week is another massive one.
Overall the mood in the pub afterwards was one of relief. Four wins and a draw in the last five Premiership starts is the sort of form we need to take up the SevenΒ Sisters Road next week. The ability to grind out results when not in fine fettle is an admirable trait, but I suspect we will need a little more than that in the weeks to come.
Google+ Hangout
Now, any of you know what a Google+ hangout is? Me neither, but I will be one of a number of Arsenal bloggers taking part in one this evening (Sunday) at 7.30 pm. Details will follow in the drinks and on Twitter as the day progresses. If you are on Twitter keep an eye out for the hashtag #SWOLAFC for more info. The event will be broadcast live in a post on Soccer Without Limits as part of their excellent Arsenal Month feature.
Live broadcasting, a scary first for more than just me, I suspect.
85 Responses to “Cazorla Wanna Do Is Dream”
Santi rides an invisible horse in pic?
2nd from down under
Good luck this evening, ‘Holic. Rather you than me (as you probably noticed I get the shakes just meeting new people!).
When people say about ManU that they have the ability to scrap out a win when out of form, it is a compliment. Not so with Arsenal?
Villa defenders had an excellent game. Should we expect the same from the Spuds? I think not.
Champions League
Bugger π
great 3 points. nacho is the real deal even if he was low key yesterday. hope he is ok. i was not aware of the injury.
thought jenks played a decent game. he did make a mistake in the build up to their goal though. just want this kid to do well.
(holic did you see his celebration of our winner!)
if he can stay calm and focused he can go far. he needs older heads to look up to.
Not a regular but wanted to say a word about the players. There’s 5 or 6 of them displaying amazing fortitude to dig out a result like yesterday, likewise v’s Sunderland and Stoke. We should be very proud of them. They’re real brave men and nothing like the 4 or 5 stars we’ve lost in recent years, who would have never have dug so deep. The Manager is a great man but his long term experiments have failed on a couple of levels. I happen to think he relished and wallowed happily in his quest for a cheaply assembled team of youthful champions. It was his ultimate holy grail after so many other trophies. He’s now in limbo-land, tortured as he tries to blend seasoned pros with his young lads. He’s a scout as much as a coach, always has been and there’s never a Plan B. But here’s the thing, some of these players may just be starting to display the balls and mental strength to implement that Plan B by themselves, the way Arsene did himself when parking the bus to win the FA Cup in 2005. He didn’t enjoy that and the master-plan that followed has been pretty painful at times. He looks so forlorn now (plus we know he’s started buying a totally different type of player recently) that he’ll happily hand much of the responsibility for the next few seasons to Wilshire, Cazorla, Arteta, Theo (my he’s grown in stature), Giroud (I think he has it in him) and a few others (a couple of defenders need to be in that list). It’s just possible they could deliver for us and AW could relax, buy the last couple of pieces of the jigsaw and sit back and enjoy his twilight years in the job, especially as FFP starts biting. COYG indeed.
Santi, good, good to firm in places. oh and 3rd
Thanks Poppet. I may have a tincture or two to calm the nerves. π
Boo at pun.
In other news, one needs to retire while at the top. Therefore I shall not be making any score predictions in the future π
What a bloody dreadful game to watch – hard to think of many positives apart from the result, Cazorla’s performance and Diaby’s injury – hopefully ruling him out for the rest of the season.
The quality of the passing and movement yesterday was pitiful at times.
I’m staggered this was first on MOTD last night – the rest of the games yesterday must have been dire.
A huge rebuilding job is required to be competitive again – top of the list is a decent keeper – the Pole talks a good game but he would be well advised to shut it and make his statements on the pitch by delivering a long run of good performances. I won’t go on – the list of deficienies that need to be addressed is glaringly obvious. (well to me at least).
Google+ hangout sounds dodgy. Good luck, whatever it is.
Well I for one thoroughly enjoyed the whole day.
And after the previous two games, a “ground-out” result (with a late winner – who does that sound like?) was just what we needed.
The mystery is why Tomas didn’t come on for Diaby – I felt that he would have added a bit more zip to the midfield area.
But what do I know?
What I do know is that thanks are due to three very kind friends for making the day a memorable one. One is the author of this blog, one is a Belgium, and the other a warrior of the sea.
Many thanks chaps.
I hope to see you all again next year.
scgooner
Really good post there – kudos.
Tonight you’re letting your googles hang out?
I’m sure you could get arrested for that over here. π
Great write up holic. We saw the same game.
I always enjoy games when I get to take one of the kids. A warm reception behind the railings at the Tollie was welcome even if we were not allowed in. But I am always one for positives. The beer and a pie chaser offer was made good use of once inside.
We will play worse than we did and lose games. It was not a classic Gunners performance. At times we seemed nervous to me. A failure to do the simple things resulted in confusion and way too many stray passes. I also saw Arteta berate the Corporal on more than one occasion. Each time it was his error. All in all his performance was excellent. His reaction from the bench when Santi scored the winner tells you all you need to know about how much it means to him.
It was a real mixture of a game for me. Jack worked hard but struggled with his radar at times. Ollie G will have a game he will want to forget although you can never fault his work rate. Theo will also have better games. Shezza is again a big worry for me. He has bucket loads of potential but for me that is just what it is. The lack of a credible back is glaring. I hope it does not come back to haunt us. Diaby was again very slow and did not add much for me. Like many others I really do not get why Tommy R does not get more game time. The match was crying out for him yesterday.
Positives have to be Jenks. He put in a great shift. Santi was also constantly mobile and always a threat. In the end it was a very welcome three points and one that keeps the pressure up on those above us.
West Upper. I share some of your frustrations but anyone that sees an Arsenal player injured and hopes that it puts them out for the season as a positive should hang their head in shame. I am not a big Diaby fan but would never even contemplate wishing him harm. I hope that on reflection you realise the error of your comment and it is followed by some sort of retraction.
Time to cheer the Hammers on on Monday night. Then on to the toilet to hopefully give the spuds a right kicking.
Keep the faith.
Great stuff in the previous drinks. Zico, top report. Trev, I agree with almost all of your posts. Well put sir.
Ah, the bald one. Like Ollie, a very bad influence π
Great day was had here too chaps.
That was a bit tense wasnt it!!! π
Thank fuck for that win! Now for the spudlings next week. I dare say it will a bit less nervous for the players as they won’t have time to let nerves get the better of them.
west upper; I cannot undertstand that you think its fine to wish injury on any Arsenal player, never mind one who has suffered more than most with nasty injuries. And sorry but I also dont agree with you in writing off a young keeper as well. I was hoping we’d sign an experienced GK last summer and in January (and we definitely should be after one too, maybe Shwarzer, or Juskelinen, someone of that ilk would be ideal for me) and I dont think the team/squad needs an overhaul at all, it requires exactly what it lacked last summer; a top striker and a defensive minded midfielder at the very least and for Wenger to finally put his money where his mouth is! π
Steve T;
I agree with all that.
balders!
Safe journey home. Till next time.
Steve T 17, top report and post, as usual.
As I mentioned in the previous drinks, sorry that I only saw the back of you as you were going away from the pub.
Steve T & Norris
I don’t wish Diaby serious harm – however, he should be nowhere near the first team IMHO. As soon as Ramsay replaced him we looked better (I too would have had TR7 on but what do know).
Wenger seems totally infatuated with Diaby – I also feel exactly the same about Gervinhio.
As far as the Pole goes – its 3 games on the bounce that he’s fucked up and cost us a goal. I’m not writing him off but I really don’t understand why since Lehmann left we have practically been playing with the worst keepers in the Prem. If you go through the list today there are only 2 or 3 that you would rate lower than Schezny if you are being realistic.
Great result, but worrying performance. Is Arsenal the only club where the home supporters start getting irate when their team are 2-1 up with a few minutes left and decide not to drive forward for a third goal but decide to keep possession?
Corporal Jenkinson is well-regarded because he is an Arsenal fan, plucked from lower league obscurity and is enthusiastic. He is quick over a longer distance and delivers a good cross. However, if you remember the fine physical specimens that represented Bayern on Tuesday, Jenkinson is another of our players (we have slow ones, fat ones, ungainly ones) who is going to have injury problems, because of his dreadful posture and inflexibility. Technically he is still learning and must be one of the worst 2nd choice fullbacks to play for a top 10 club.
Is it too much to ask for Arsenal to buy a defensive midfielder with a bit of pace? Arteta is not a ‘box to box’ midfielder and Diaby didn’t look fit and lacked confidence. I got distracted in the first half trying to understand his positioning and role in the team. Between him, BFG and Arteta, it seemed a struggle to deliver the ball from the back to either Jack or Cazorla.
Just hoping for a Citeh win to put some pressure on Chavski. We don’t need to beat 5pur2 next Sunday, but it might be a good idea not to lose it.
West Upper
The idea that Chesney is in the three or four worst keepers in the premier league is a massive knee jerk.
All keepers make mistakes. Joe Hart, David De Gea, Pepe Reina… each has dropped half a dozen clangers this season.
The top clubs’ keepers have media focus on their errors, the rest do not.
Chesney has had a bad week, and needs to learn from it. He could do with some competition for his spot. But he’s still a good keeper who could yet be outstanding.
What N7 said.
Jez
Again, what the fuck is wrong with some Gooners? Is it the norm to think our players the shittest around? Jenkinson is an excellent 2nd choice RB. And for many, he overtook Sagna earlier this season and did a dam fine job when Bac was out injured.
Nonsense way over the top post, sorry.
Joe hart must be absolutely shite, well he would be considered that if he was Arsenal’s GK clearly.
Afternoon Holics
Boy do we need a world class enforcer in MF. We were incredibly fragile at the back against a very ordinary side, who exposed our vulnerability to the quick counter. I wonder what a certain Welshman might do to us next week.
We looked short of confidence. One might have hoped that we would kick on after scoring the early goal but no one, not even LJW, pushed on to make the game safe. Santi was our saviour giving every thing he had and was rewarded by his efforts with a good second goal, following some lovely build up play from Rambo/Arteta/LJW and Monreal.
Giroud, who I like, worked hard. His link-up play was excellent but sadly he left his shooting boots in the dressing room. Diaby and Arteta seemed to be off the pace and Feo didn’t impress.As for my friend Szczesny, another error to add to this season’s collection.
I can’t remember feeling so cold at a match. I noticed fellow Gooners looking enviously at my hot flask of tea at half-time.
As always COYRs
Put another way: we have the third best def record in the prem this season (and will have the second best if Chelsea ship two goals today).
If Chesney is that bad then our defenders must be exceptional.
West Upper
I dont think Diaby warrants a place in the team ahead of, say Rosicky ATM, but he was outstanding earlier this season. I do think that we are crying out for a mobile defensive minded midfielder and have been for some time….. Thats something else for the manager to sort out IMO and perhaps, in the absence of such a player (I rate Coquelin, think he COULD do a job there, if given a run, but I guess we cannot afford to blood players thanks to the fight on our hands etc) Abou id the closest we currently have?
What Norris and N7 say. Always π
Norris,
I didn’t say he is the ‘shittest around’. He is a limited but enthusiastic player and all I said is most of our competitors have 2nd choice right backs who are better than him. Hopefully he will get better, but you may notice Theo’s performances drop off when he is playing behind him.
Cast you mind back to the Sunderland game when his inexperience and recklessness got himself sent off.
N7 – hope you are right and also that it doesn’t take him too long to get there.
The 1st team of a club like ours should NOT be the place where young players learn their trade by making mistakes – that’s what loan transfers are for.
Norris – I wish Hart was our keeper…
Jez
I can cast my mind back much further than last Sunday thanks! I suggest YOU cast yours back a tad further mate! π
West Upper;
You say that NOW! But if he WAS our GK… π
Well, that was piss poor keeping from Hart there…
Fossil Fueled Derby Update!!
Lump of Lard misses penalty.
Hart saves well, but should he of still been on the field?
Norris,
I am going to be really controversial and suggest Ramsey, who is playing really well at the moment, would make a more reliable right back. Jenkinson will probable play as a central defender and will make a good one.
Probably not H2H…
Jez
Not controversial for me mate, although I am not sure Ramsey is quite quick enough to play in our current set up at RB?
One nil to the cunts..
Eeer the oily cunts…..
Eeeeer, the Light Blue Oily Cunts.
Joe Hart gives away a very soft penalty. He’s made a number of errors in recent games. Young keepers will do that. Citeh need a reliable experienced keeper to challenge him too, I guess? Mancini should know better – Fire Mancini!
Oh, Hart saved the penalty? That’s OK then, but Hart is only England and Citeh’s number one and that isn’t enough pressure for him. So get an old fart in to give him more and keep him on his toes. A few games sitting on the bench will really bring his game on. Really?
Nice report, Holic. Your view on The Corporal mirrors mine, in comparison with the cracked mirror view from some.
If the other Oilier, lighter blueierr cuntier lot win this, we’ll be just 2 points off 3rd spot…..
Two nil.
Ugly boy Tevez
BtM
Afternnon good sir.
I agree with your point, but Citeh actually have a pretty good keeper on the bench, Pantimime? Pantalon? Or something like that.
Played a blinder at the Grove, if memory serves, and has always looked pretty decent, from what I’ve seen, when asked to fill in
Looks like another good result (for us) in the making.
So annoying that they are too far to challenge the other Manc Cunts, but you know, I guess, like every other season, I will pretend the title has not been attributed π
Two points off third place.
Second best defence in the league.
What, me worry?
Result!!
Thanx Citeh.
*you’re still cunts though.
2 points behind chelsea then. interesting.
Afternoon gents.
Nice report ‘holic, sounds like once again the after and pre festivities outshone the actual main event.
What I saw was a ragged, but dogged performance, up’s and downs, thrills and spills, exstacy and agony all rolled into 90 minutes of heart attack enducing footy. If I were to be pragmatic, then I could say that the negatives were many, but with us taking the whole whack of the delicous, wholesome and totaly vital three points that were on offer, the positives tip the scales in their favour.
If you would indulge me, a few points.
The Blame Game;
Woj is taking a large portion of the blame for their goal and while I do think some level of critique is deserved, I don’t think he was the only one responsible.
Did he cover himself in glory? No he did not.
Should he of saved it? Maybe he should of done better.
Should Weiman have been allowed so much space? Hell to the no.
He picked the ball up in his own half, run half the length of the pitch unchallegened and got off a shot which no one attempted to block. That looks like a group fuck up to me.
Project Diaby;
Can we stop now? Please? Pretty please?
It’s just not working, yes he had a decent showing at Miseryside and in Middle Eastlands, but that’s about it, the whole sum of his seasons contribution. If there is something special he brings to the team then sorry, but I just can’t see it. He slows plays down, loses the ball too often and looks scared to go into challenges, it’s not what we need in that position, his positional play unbalances the whole team due to him not tracking back. If anyone disagrees, please do, I’d welcome any arguements that would contradict my opinion. Ofcourse, I’m not wishing him any harm or injury or the like, but would it really be the worst thing in the world if he wasn’t in the first XI for a while?
Space, The Final Frontiers;
Villa had so much room when coming forward it was unreal, especially on Nacho’s side in the first half. There were times that their guy had so much time on the flank, that he could of stopped to take a wizz and still would have time to get in a cross unchallenged, a better team would have punished us.
You Better Shape Up;
I suppose a fair few of you saw MoTD last night and had a good old laugh at Golfin’ Boys section where he rants about our bad shape with a graphic of us lining up in a 442 formation in the background, prick. OK, his way of thinking may be flawed but the premise of the argument definetly holds water. Yesterday our shape, or lack of,. was almost our undoing.
I mentioned the space above, but why is this? I think it can be put down to those playing in the forward roles. Santi played a blinder, but he is not a winger, ne naturally drifts towards the centre of midfield where he is much more effective, but this leaves the left flank wide open. Walcoot, who was pretty anonymous is a winger, but has designs on being a CF so drifts into the box, leaving the right side exposed. Our CF then has to go looking for the ball, ends up on the wing and puts in balls himself or passes to others who then put balls into the position that he should be, but is not.
Jacks always making things happen through the middle. Arteta holds the sweeper position but is sometimes too far upfield, Diaby…. well nevermind. I thought we looked better when Aaron came on, even though we did concede when he was on the pitch. Poldi should have done more, but the right side looked pretty solid when he came in.
Always Look On The Bright Side;
Santi was the man, when he’s on he’s irresitable to watch. I love the enjoyment he seems to get from playing well too, always with a grin splashed across his boat, two priceless goals yesterday.
LJW’s definetly living up to the hype, he carries this team with passion alone. I just hope whatever it is that makes him so special rubs off on the rest of the team.
Corp Jenks. Great game, the rustiness that was on show v Sunderland was out of the system and he put in a major contribution, never gave up and never hid, that celebration picture of him on the bench just shows how much it all means to him. LUV IT!
Aaron Ramsey, another great cameo. Definitly shaken off the early season heeby jeebys. Hasn’t let the bleating of the Boo boys get to him and is starting to prove doubters wrong, good for him.
Mertemaelen, no howlers in the centre and kept chances for the opposition to a minimum.
The fighting spirit. Yes a lot of our problems were self inflicted, but we didn’t roll over and die. You could see that there was a real drive and urgency to get that all important winning goal, gotta be happy with that.
THREE POINTS, yes indeed, that’s what was all about, I’ll take that over performance any day of the week and twice on Sunday thank you very much, after the week from hell (meedjas words, not mine) this was just the tonic we needed.
With the Chavs losing today, that’s third place within touching distance and there’s still all to play for, every game is like a cup final now. We’ve fought our way back up the table and gave ourselves a fighting chance.
Time to prove all the critics wrong, finish in the top four and finally build for a new term with our core squad intact, adding to the places we need.
COYG’s.
H2H knows.
I think Ramsey should get the nod for the more defensive minded central midfielder spot next week. Meaning that Arteta gets benched. Either that or he plays and one of Jack or Santi dont start and I wouldnt imagine that’s likely. Then again, I’d like Tomas to get a game and that means someone has to make way, but who?
Oh fuck, who’d be a manager? Clearly not Alan Hansen to clueless twat. π
Equal second-best defence in the Premiership at the moment (and fewest goals conceded away from home). Not sure whether to find this pleasing, baffling or just plain funny.
A bit of anger from some on here today. I’m glad we didn’t lose then!
I agree that it is an overreaction to suggest Chesney is one of the worst GKs in the League. On his day he is one of the best. We need better back- up to him though. Diaby is a bigger problem. I think his legend grows with Wenger when he is missing. He has only had one really good game ( at Liverpool) this season.
I was unaware Monreal was injured . I saw very positive signs from him yesterday especially going forward and Jenks was very steady indeed. Agbonlahor is a tricky and powerful customer and he coped well.
If we are looking at disappointments I feel Arteta has not reached the heights of last season. He is not a defensive midfielder and this is a role we have needed to fill for some time. Wenger’s late player grab after the 8-2 humiliation did a very good job in the short- term but few of the players have developed further this season and several like Santos, BFG and Arteta have not played well. Even Yossi can’t get a game anywhere!
Speaking of which Chelsea are coming into our sights in 3 rd place. A win next Sunday and who knows!?
Boy we looked tired, some players need a rest, how about a rotation my good sir. More of ox on the wing, more of TR7 in the middle, either jack or santi to start; they r both playmakers. Arteta is the ideal (not the best) holding mid..tidy at his best. Central striker, by God we need one!
TTG.
I think it’s unfair to compare Arteta12/13 with the previous seasons version.
He is being asked to fill a position which is not his usual niche, he’s been asked to temper his natural attacking, forward thinking instincts for the good of the team. He’s got his head down and never once complained. I think he’s a major asset to this team.
Norris @ 30 – agree about Coquelin he’s the best candidate we have to be a dynamic ball winning Central mid..
H2H @ 50 – top post – I’m with you 100% on project Diaby.
Another title deserving of a trophy ‘h. Reckon the Jenk may have earned himself a run of games in the first-team yesterdee.
Ttg – am a big fan of Artetetaaa, but yours are fair points well made.
H2H, interesting stuff as per, sir. Sadly think i have to agree re perma-crock Dr.B. But am a little edgy re the “every game is like a cup final now” line, though (what with our recentish record and all that).
To thired.
The weekend isn’t as good as the last one was bad:
2-0 to Brest in Bordeaux (a clear dive to get a penalty for the second…)
The Google+ Hangout will be shown here…
http://soccerwithoutlimits.com/today-google-hangout-with-the-arsenal-communitys-top-writers/19206/
Diaby was meh, but OK-ish yesterday. Theo, on the other hand…. don’t start me! π
‘holic, I blame you and your hangouts: no lucky charm = defeat at home π
Heh Al. Was a bit worried about the “cup final” analogy myself, but thought we’d just have to channel the spirit of 79, then realised that probably only Weger and Bould were even born then, so yep, shit analogy. π
Good luck with that, ‘holic.
Ollie, so you saying that the guy who dived who plays for Brest is a bit of a tit. π
Just home Hanging but it was worth it,Absolute pleasure to meet all the holics yesterday,great company thanks a lot now to back drink.
Congrats to the swans. Deserved. They played well. Too much for Bradford City.
Interesting that despite our horrible record against the top 3 teams we are in touching distance of third.
Our balance on our corner kicks better get sorted this week. Villa countered quickly and with numbers off of several of our corners. The thing that just baffles me is we don’t do much at all to score off of corners and still get caught with our pants down. Maybe play some short corners so that we at least retain possession and don’t give up a quick counter.
Whoopsie. Where did that name come from. π
http://www.thearsenalcollective.com/the-memory-bank/2013/2/24/how-to-overturn-a-thumping-home-defeat.html?lastPage=true&postSubmitted=true
Lovely article to help maintain hope going into the return leg against Bayern.
Sorry Ollie, was watching the COCup in the hope of a miracle. Just as well by the sound of things.
Glad you got back in one piece garsguns. It was good to meet you too.
H2H
You are right Re Arteta. I think the guy is an asset to us but he is not a holding midfielder and playing this role has affected his form. His contribution last season was immense but it remains to be seen if he is played in the right role if he can recapture that spark.
heh H2H.
Back drink? Didn’t drink enough yesterday, garsguns? π
TTG, Arsene does love squeezing his square pegs into round holes….
Easy Wolfie.
Heh ollie in ribbons here.
‘holic dressed 2 impress on the hangout. π
Lovely stuff to A) see the 3 points on the board and B) read so much detailed info on a game I didn’t get to see for various reasons.
H2H, your post is a proper piece of work. Not only do I love the clever little headings, but also the tactical points are highly illuminating – especially for a tactical retard like me…lots of fans say stuff like “he drifts inside too much!”, “did you see how high our defensive line played?” and “so-and-so doesn’t fit into our system.”
I DO NOT notice this shit when I watch football, so I rely on others to highlight this stuff that otherwise passes me by almost completely.
There I said it. I would make the stand alone shittest football analyst ever!
Just back from the bloody mary bar where I was surrounded by hot waitresses in skimpy dress. As the only Dad with a young kid in the place, I am clearly too old for this kind of thing. Managed to get the equalizer against my daughter in air hockey though. π
Camberwell knows! π
*imagines self on MOTD*
Lineker: What was your take on Fergie’s tactics?
Me: Well, they won so, um, good…yeh, effective. I studied the goals and…er…they got more than the other team. Tactically good. I think.
Hehe, that hangout thing was interesting to watch and some good points discussed. I am with holic about that there must be something else happening which prevents TR from getting games.
Although blogger had very good point about “where do you fit him” ..which was quickly answered by the line up I suggested against Villa, with Mikel, Jack, TR as midfield trio and Santi on the left instead of Poldi. Oh and by the way..the girl was quite cute π
Thanks Eandy.
You spared the obvious, “You have a face for radio, ‘holic” π
Cheers for the kind ones Cam’.
Although your post @77 is proof that you’re probably a lot better at it then you think……..
Way better then Shearer anyway. π
H2H
hahahaha as soon I posted that I knew someone would say that!
Sir Ches was too far off his line considering Weimann had two defenders on him. Back on his line and a save would have been straight forward. We should be in the race for Begovic.
Yeah the defence is krap. I mean, look at all those teams which have conceded less this year! (all one of them). But I still reckon playing Merts and Kos with TV in front of them should be tried. One of Arte’s greatest strengths is the ability to spot developing problems and track back to help out, but his game is mostly wasted at DMF.
The bigger problem remains at the other where we too often fail to convert chances (2 from 24 yesterday compared to their 1 from 5). I’d love to see some comparative stats on goals as a % of attempts, if anyone has them? We’d have to be in the relegation zone I reckon.
Oskar
Very good Google+ hangout there Holic really enjoyed that! Dress to impress indeed! π
It was my older brother’s birthday yesterday and I woke up at 3:15pm so I forgot there was a cup final on π³
Sorry I missed your hangout Holic, I’m sure you were as articulate as usual, nice blog post as well π
Back to college today π *sighs*
And piss off Ollie, I am NOT a windjinx π :p
I watched the recorder game again and agin three times now, reason being that I saw Arteta played a lot better and different from previous games where he’s more or less stayed back as a defence mid and not move much away from the half way line. Previously almost all the attack moves were carried out from either Wilshere or the other mid. But not in this game, Arteta was moving into the final third like he used to do at Everton, giving support to our offence. I think this is a crucial point to yesterday’s win against AV. Arsenal was in control of the game, yes, there’re mistakes but generally speaking we dictated the tempo. We’re focused and determined to win this 3 points.
I know AV is at the bottom of the league but how often Arsenal is mentally prepared to seal the game.
BTW Mancity played really really well today, thats quality you can’t argue against. If only Diaby isn’t injured and turned out to be Arsene’s ‘dream’ came true. But alas, Diaby is, I’m sorry to say, finished.