01 Sunday Jan 2012
Posted in Recent Events
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 5,700 times in 2011. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 5 trips to carry that many people.
03 Saturday Dec 2011
Posted in Recent Events
Wigan v Arsenal – Saturday 03 December 2011 – 3PM
The DW Stadium – Wigan
Saturday sees Arsenal head to Wigan. The DW Stadium hasn’t served up much luck for Arsene Wenger’s side in the previous two seasons. Last season saw Arsenal drop two points in a crucial game, a game in which Wenger was criticised for resting several first team players during a period of congested fixtures. The season beforehand saw Wigan take all 3 points. Arsenal found themselves 2-0 up in the game before capitulating with some comical defending and goal keeping and eventually surrendering the lead to lose 3-2 late on.
Arsenal will be hoping for better this time around. Wigan have found things difficult in the early stages of the season. As did Arsenal, fortunately Arsenal appear to have come out the other side and put a run of good results together. Wigan on the other hand have continued to stutter along and find themselves heading into Saturday’s game in 19th position, having only picked up two wins from the opening 13.
Arsenals form had gone from strength to strength with recent wins over Sunderland, Stoke and Chelsea to name a few. Last weekend’s draw with Fulham was seen as a disappointment, however it keep an impressive unbeaten run on track and offers us something to build on as the season develops. We head into the game in 7th position, only 3 points away from the champions league places.
5 wins in the last 6 in the league gives Arsenal the better form guide heading into the fixture. Wigan have picked up four points from their last two games. A point at home to Blackburn and an impressive victory at Sunderland will no doubt give Wigan a much-needed confidence boost. Previously Wigan had suffered 7 straight league defeats.
On the Injury front, Arsenal have no real fresh injury worries ahead of the game. Abou Diaby did briefly return to action but once again misses out due to a new hamstring injury. Others players who continue to fill the treatment room are Jack Wilshere who faces several months out of action. Carl Jenkinson and Kieran Gibbs are still a few weeks away from fitness. Bacary Sagna is still recuperating from a broken leg, while Tomas Rosicky may be fit again following a small thigh injury.
Abou Diaby is still struggling with injury
Wigan are without Antolin Alcaraz in defence following an incident in which he spat at Richard Stearman. Alcaraz is currently serving a three match suspension. Other than this Roberto Martinez should have a full strength squad to choose from.
Alcaraz is suspended for the visit of Arsenal
Whoever Wenger chooses there is no doubt the starting eleven will be largely different from the side that took to the field against Man City on Tuesday. The fringe players represented the club brilliantly in midweek. They matched City all over the pitch and were really unlucky to be eliminated. Especially when you consider the Fact City’s goal scorer cost around £10 million more than the entire team we started with. It highlights the amazing job Arsene Wenger has done to produce such a strong squad, with good depth, as well as making a profit for the club. Even so it will be a case of all change against Wigan as the first eleven come back in after a week of much-needed rest. The exception will be Koscielny, who did feature in midweek, and yet again produced a solid defensive performance. Thomas Vermaelen also came on for the last 10 minutes on Tuesday and will surely start against Wigan.
Laurent Koscielny is going from strength to strength
Arsene Wenger will once again have a healthy squad to choose from, giving him options in defence as well as midfield. The Gunners have relied quite heavily on the goals of in-form front man Robin Van Persie. The Dutchman sits at the top of the goals chart with 13 goals, one more than Wigan’s entire total. It is expected that Wenger will go with his preferred front three of Van Persie, Walcott and Gervinho. Laurent Koscielny could come back in at right back, having missed out against Fulham and moving to centre back for the visit of Manchester City. Koscielny’s move would pave the way for a continuation of the Mertesacker and Vermaelen paring in the centre of defence. The midfield trio of Arteta, Song and Ramsey should stay the same.
Van Persie has scored one more than Wigan's overall goals total
Wigan have looked poor at times this season, which is clear to see. However Saturday’s game will present us with a real test, make no mistake about that. Wigan are fighting to move away from the foot of the table. Arsenal will have to continue the good form of late to get the job done. A very winnable game yes, but also one with potential to go wrong.
Possible line ups
Arsenal – Szczesny, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Santos, Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Gervinho, Walcott, Van Persie
Wigan – Al Habsi, Gahouri, Stam, Caldwell, Figueroa, McCarthy, Diame, Jones, Watson, Di Santo, Rodellaga
Prediction – Wigan 1 – 2 Arsenal
27 Sunday Nov 2011
Posted in Recent Events
The title sums up Arsenal’s performance perfectly in my eyes.
It was just one of those games where we never got going. That said, on a different day it is still a game we could have won. We created a couple of chances in the first half which didn’t quite work out. Conceded a rather freak own goal and waited until the 80th minute before we decided to have a go at Fulham. Two Good Schwarzer saves denied us at the end of the day, days like that happen.
I thought we started pretty well, it did appear that we would wear Fulham down with our football and find the net in the first half. Unfortunately it wasnt to be. Arshavin was unlucky to have drifted ever so slightly offside, which saw his goal ruled out following a nice move around the Fulham area. After that we had two more chances that went begging. Aaron Ramsey perhaps should have done better after Walcott had made an impressive run down the right, something he is adding to his game on a more regular basis. Ramsey was also the man denied by Schwarzer just after this when he saw his shot excellently tipped wide of the post.
Mark Schwarzer made two or three excellent saves
Half time came with the score level. I was confident our time would come and we would go out and score at some point in the second half. I was really surprised when we went 1-0 down. A couple of months ago it wouldn’t have surprised me at all. This team however have given me a new confidence in the side, which is why I was a bit speechless when we went a goal down. Typically it was a strange goal we conceded, it usually either something like that or a 30 yard thunderbolt. Even at 1-0 down I felt we had the character to get back into the game. The crowd to it’s credit got behind the side and willed us forward, which was good to see, so many times in recent months would something like that spark booing and signs of massive discontent. We did show spells of good attacking play. The introduction of Gervinho made a difference, a desire to get forward shown by Vermaelen and Santos helped our cause. It was Vermaelen who made up for his own goal when he headed home with a few minutes remaining. Johan Djourou was unlucky not to win the game when his header was brilliantly saved by Schwarzer late on. Our late rally was to be in vain as the game drifted away and ended all square.
Thomas Vermaelen scores at the right end to level it up
A point in the end wasn’t the end of the World, especially as we went behind in the game. As I said, days like this will happen. We are still on a really good unbeaten run. We looked a bit leggy yesterday. A difficult game against the German champions saw to that. I’m not sure some people realise what a tough game we had in midweek. I for one thought we might be ok to keep the majority of the side the same, however the game against Dortmund clearly took its toll on the players. We do have a whole week now before we play Wigan. The Carling cup will provide us with a chance to rest the whole side. Something it seems is needed.
Overall I thought Santos was one of our best players yesterday. The left back was keen to get forward, he is comfortable coming inside and playing football, or hitting the line and crossing, which he did several times yesterday. I can’t say anybody played badly, but nobody stood out as being amazing. Theo Walcott had another decent game and showed at times he can provide a real threat going forward. Johan Djourou was another that impressed me yesterday, I always worry slightly about his ability to play fullback. The majority of the game saw him looking comfortable on the ball and joining in play given the opportunity. Gervinho was the other that made a difference, his direct play created chances towards the end, something Arshavin failed to offer. It was also nice to see Abou Diaby back in action yesterday. I really believe with a run in the side he could be an excellent player for us, he offers something different. Diaby is clearly a really skillful player with the ability to open defences, we just need to keep him fit to see the best of him.
It is good to see Diaby back
Only two days to wait before we are in action again. A chance to see the fringe players in action. I would expect to see the likes of Chamakh, Diaby, Chamberlain, Park, Frimpong etc…we will have a decent side out, albeit one which may lack match practice. I expect City to play their second string, which unfortunately for us is as good as most teams first eleven. A full preview will be available early on in the week.
Enjoy what’s left of the weekend Gooners!
26 Saturday Nov 2011
Posted in Recent Events
Today’s assessment sees thecannon1886 discuss our midfielders. A position that was possibly under most scrutiny, what with the departures of Fabregas and Nasri. The media are ever so quick to remind us that we lost those two players in the summer and continually question whether Arsenal can create from midfield in their absence.
So how are they doing now we are a few months into the season?
Alex Song – The Cameroonian holding midfielder went from strength to strength during his progression into the Arsenal first team. It promises to be a big season for him. Song plays an important part of this Arsenal side, protecting the back four, a back four that have been known to go missing from time to time. Alex Song for me has to one of the first names on the team sheet. He is literally everywhere at times, the amount of ground he covers is unbelievable. He breaks up attack after attack and always tries to get us on the front foot. Song’s play has become more positive as he has gained more experience and confidence. If Song was to be absent for a period of time, he would be sorely missed, as was Gilberto when he had a spell on the sidelines a few seasons back. Song’s work isn’t always stand out, but it is massively important. This season however, Song has produced a couple of magic moment going forward, moment that have really caught the eye. The main one’s being his excellent curling strike against Bolton and his skillful and dynamic run to set up Van Persie against Dortmund. All proof that Song is a force in an attacking sense as well as a defensive one. Song is becoming the complete central midfielder….A
Aaron Ramsey – The pressure was on Ramsey to perform this season. He has shown glimpses of brilliance when previously featuring in the side. When he was on the end of that disgusting career threatening injury a couple of years ago, many wondered whether he would come back the same player. Ramsey has answered that ten times over, his return to action has been really impressive. Jack Wilshere’s injury opened up a space for Ramsey to make his mark, something he hasn’t thought twice about doing. Ramsey has shown a real desire to get forward this season, almost taking on the role Fabregas held last season, it’s a hell of a role to take on for one so young, but Aaron has not looked one bit out-of-place. This season so far, he has been ever-present in the centre of midfield, weighing in with a couple of well taken goals and finding a number of killer balls for Van Persie. Ramsey just needs to carry on doing what he is doing….A+
Mikel Arteta - Arteta for me has been one of the most important signing of the summer. An experienced head in midfield, he has played at this level for many years and knows exactly what it’s all about. He has slotted into our team effortlessly. We all knew Arteta had real quality and the ability to make something happen. What I wasn’t aware of was his work rate. He shows a desire to both win the possession and be on the ball. Arteta has also provided us with a right foot that proves good free kicks and corners, something we have lacked in so many years….A
Tomas Rosicky = I for one thought Rosicky’s days at Arsenal were over. It seemed he was struggling through games, couldnt score for toffee and his best days were behind him. We know the Czech International has been unfortunate with Injuries in his Arsenal time which has made it hard to find any consistency. The Rosicky of 2007 appeared to be long gone. With new players coming in Rosicky has sliped down the pecking order this season. However, when he has been called upon he has done very well. Tomas has shown a hunger to play, always biting at people’s ankles and trying to get Arsenal on the back foot. He isn’t first choice, far from it at the moment. What he is though is a real quality back up, something we will need in a long season….C+
And the rest – There have of course been others to provide competition for places. Pre season, many called for some competition for Alex Song’s place. Wenger decided to trust Frimpong as the back up in that department. Thus far it appears Frimpong is a good back up, eager to please and a desire to tackle makes him a good replacement. He has shown he lacks experience at times but this will come if he follows in the footsteps of Song. The same can be said for Francis Coquelin, who like Frimpong will need to wait patiently for his chance. Coquelin has played a few times and shown some quality, again a very able back up. Another of the pre season signings in midfield was Yossi Benayoun. Yossi gives us the chance to bring on real quality from the bench and a the option of another good head in midfield should we decide to rotate. Like Arteta, Benayoun has experience, something we needed, even though his appearances have been limited, he has looked good. He certainly offers more than the departing Denilson. Two players that haven’t really featured due to injury are Diaby and Wilshere. Two quality players, especially Jack. Both could return at some stage to bring competition for places and quality in midfield. Losing Jack was a blow, it is a credit to the others that have stepped up.
Overall – All in all I really can’t find too many complaints with our midfield. It was so disjointed at the beginning of the season. Injury to Wilshere, suspension to Song and the loss of Fabregas and Nasri left us so short and totally unable to compete. Since coming through that spell we look so good in that area. The first choice three perform week in, week out, they are building a wonderful unit in the middle of the park, they complement one another perfectly. Add to that the fact we have good quality available to replace them and we are in great condition. It makes you wonder where players like Diaby and Wilshere are going to fit in. Some players will find their playing time limited, which will be unfortunate on whoever it is.
Anyway Gooners…It is match day. Let’s get behind the team today and help them make it six on the bounce. Hopefully see some of you there. I’ll be the bloke in the upper behind the goal sporting the ridiculous moustache for Movember. Have a good day!
Come On You Gunners!!
25 Friday Nov 2011
Posted in Recent Events
Saturday 26th November 2011 – 5.30pm
Arsenal entertain Fulham tomorrow afternoon in the 5.30pm kick off. The game presents us with a chance to extend our winning run in the league to 6 games. Something we haven’t achieved in about two years. It would be a great achievement considering the dreadful start we endured. Very few would have predicted us to go a run such as this. Especially with Chelsea away coming slap bang in the middle of it, a fixture which has provided very little change in the last few seasons.
The current run has propelled Arsenal from the bottom end of the table to seventh, level on points with Chelsea and Liverpool, who occupy 5th and 6th respectively. We also now find ourselves only 3 points from third place. Something that seemed unlikely a few weeks back. We have surprised so many with our response and snuck up the league without much attention.
Fulham on the other hand found themselves starting slowly and struggling to gain any pace in the weeks that followed. A draw at Man City and the hammering of QPR have surely been their season highlights thus far. The game would appear to have Arsenal win written all over it. We are in real confident mood, quite the contrast to Fulham who go into the game on the back of a draw and three losses, really wretched form which won’t fill them with the belief they might need to take anything from The Emirates.
Martin Jol has found it difficult to get Fulham firing
Fulham have never gone to Arsenal and won, a stat that won’t make good reading for a team desperate for points. The West London club have also struggled for goals in the majority of their games. In fact their players have produced 13 goals altogether, as many as our in form captain Robin Van Persie.
Robin Van Persie has scored 13 in the league, the same number as the Fulham side combined
Arsenal started with an unchanged side on Wednesday against Dortmund, something of a rarity for us. Tomorrow could actually see the same side turn out for the third game in a row. No fresh injury worries is a massive bonus, add to that the return of Abou Diaby and we have a really strong squad, even with the likes of Wilshere, Sagna, Jenkinson and Gibbs missing. It all rests with Wenger and whether he decides to rest anyone after the last two difficult games. After tomorrow we have a Carling cup game midweek, which would give the chance to rotate the whole team, leaving the first eleven with a whole weeks rest before they travel to Wigan. Given that fact, I would be tempted to go with the same side, stick with a winning formula.
Arsenal could field an unchanged and in form side
Possible starting XI – Szczesny, Koscielny, Santos, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Walcott, Gervinho, Van Persie
Prediction – Arsenal 3 – 0 Fulham
25 Friday Nov 2011
Posted in Recent Events
Right, we are nearing the end of November, players have come and gone since last season, there have been ups and downs, disappointment and jubilation. Now feels like a good time to assess the current squad as a whole and as individuals.
I think it’s fair to say we have been on a bit of a rollercoaster since the season started. We as supporters have been dragged through one dismal performance and another, starting way back into last season. The poor form early in the season wasn’t something that suddenly happened. It was a continuation of the back-end of last season, when we were losing to the likes of Bolton, Stoke and Aston Villa. All games that I think you will agree we would now fancy us to win. There was a real negativity around the club, which was being expressed by some of the players and a lot of the supporters. Things reached Boiling point after the losses to Liverpool, Man United, Blackburn and Tottenham in the first few weeks of this campaign. It was clear something wasn’t right and the problem finally needed addressing. The supporters had had just about enough and the players needed a kick up the arse. Luckily something clicked, we appear to have left the bad times behind. We are now on a really good run. Who should take the plaudits? Individuals, the manager, the team as a whole, or a combination of them all?
Firstly I want to run the rule over some of our first team players, starting with the defence. I will try to cover as many as possible and certainly the ones that have made a telling contribution.
Wojciech Szczesny - It was clear Wojciech had become Arsenal’s first choice keeper going into this season. This followed rave reviews for his handful of games last season. The one thing that tells me we have found a solid, dependable goalkeeper is the fact he is rarely in the headlines. In seasons gone by, we have had keeper after keeper that have hogged the back pages with costly errors and ridiculous blunders. Wojciech is far more assured and looks far less likely to make a mistake. Even though he does now try to Cruyff turn someone on the goal-line every game. He has played well through the bad times and the good, I feel far more confident with him in-goal than any of the keepers of the previous few seasons….. A
Carl Jenkinson – The young defender must pinch himself every day. Carl has gone from being on Charlton’s books and playing on loan for Eastbourne Borough to figuring in a large number of Premier League and Champions League games for Arsenal. It is some story. When he made his first couple of appearances, I along with many others questioned whether he was up to the job. Jenkinson did look to be at a lower level than the rest. Since then however he has completely changed my view. He was a kid thrown in at the deep end, he had to learn super fast, and to his credit he has done that and grown as a right back. Carl has some engine on him, he bombs up and down the right hand side, his effort levels are immense. It is unfortunate that he has picked up an injury when he seemed to be Wenger’s choice to fill in long-term for Bacary Sagna….B
Andre Santos – The Brazilian left back attracted some criticism when he first arrived. The media’s perception of Santos was that he was somewhat struggling with the pace of the league. Suggestions were made that he was overweight and showed a lack of defensive ability. To a degree I can understand why some had reservations, however like most of our summer signings, Santos has grown in stature with every game. He seems to have secured the left back spot from Kieran Gibbs, which I have to say is to my liking. What Santos lacks in pace to Gibbs, he makes up for with a real quality on the ball. Never phased in possession in our half, and always capable of creating something in the opponents half. Andre Santos wins a great number of his 50/50 battles and his tackling is excellent at times. He does sometimes leave himself with a bit too much to do defensively, but this will come with experience once he gets to grips with the pace of the league…..B+
Laurent Koscielny - Laurent has been one of the players who has impressed me most this season. With the arrival of Mertsesacker it seemed Koscielny would have to settle for a place on the bench. The competition has clearly spurred Koscielny on. A string of wonderful performances at centre back and right back have been noticed with Arsenal supporters. Whether playing with Vermaelen or Mertesacker, Koscielny has looked assured and confident. So far he is one of the stand out performers of the season…. A+
Per Mertesacker - Per has divided supporters since his arrival. He has definitely added something to our defensive line. An ability to clear his lines and win the aerial battle is something we have lacked. His signing has improved us in that respect. Mertesacker has left himself open for some criticism though. A couple of mistakes have been highlighted, notably against Chelsea and Norwich. Per does lack pace, that is clear to see, but his defensive partner is usually capable of covering this downfall. He is a defender that likes to play the ball out of defence, so he fits our style. He hasn’t set the World alight in the same way Vermaelen did, but a steady defender he has certainly been….C+
Thomas Vermaelen - We all thought the worst when Vermaelen went out injured for a few weeks. He is so important to our defense, he makes a massive difference. Vermaelen’s return has somewhat coincided with Arsenal’s improvement in form. Not only does he put himself on the line for Arsenal, he is confident with everything he does. He offers real bite to the side, and provides an attacking threat from set pieces and open play. Vermaelen will be integral to Arsenal’s success…..A
and the rest…
It is harder to assess the rest of our defenders because their time on the pitch has been somewhat limited. I will however do a quick summing up of each of them. Bacary Sagna is clearly one of our best players, he is a real class defender. When he went out with a broken leg i feared the worst, however the players coming in have done well. Sagna is our best right back, that much is clear. He was playing well up to the injury. Johan Djourou has come in for a slating this season. He produced a few performances that were under par. This was a shame because he showed some promise last year. Djourou however, is a back up centre half, and as that he is ok. When playing out of position he looks below par. Kieran Gibbs has yet again had his season spoilt by injury. The left back spot was up for grabs between him and Santos. Gibbs inability to stay fit has cost him as Santos has grasped the opportunity with both hands. Gibbs is a decent player, but back up to Santos should be his role now. Sebastian Squillaci and Ignasi Miquel have hardly featured. Miquel looks a good prospect where as Squallaci’s best days appear to be behind him.
Overall – All in all I think it is safe to say we have seen a real improvement in our back-line. The start of the season did suggest we hadn’t addressed our issues. The same mistakes were slipping in, sloppy goals were being conceded. Since the arrival of experienced players like Mertesacker and Santos, the return of Vermaelen and emergence of Koscielny, we have looked far more solid, and far less likely to gift the opposition a goal. Arsenal will always concede goals, the system we play and our desire to attack leaves us open at times, however I am feeling far more confident in our back line, and will hopefully continue to do so as they grow as a unit.
24 Thursday Nov 2011
Posted in Recent Events
Arsenal make it out of the group and in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League. It’s becoming a regular saying season after season. The latest emergence from the group stages becomes the 12th successive season we have done so.
This season’s seems more special for many reasons
Leverkusen's late winner means Chelsea face the possibility of elimination
Van Persie's second ensures Arsenal will avoid Barcelona and Real Madrid
Arsenal now look much more of a united team
Dortmund's fans would have expected more than being bottom after 5 games
The squad players will make their way to Greece in December
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
20 Sunday Nov 2011
Posted in Recent Events
Our disastrous start is finally behind us, we have a forward in Robin Van Persie that pretty much guarantees goals on a regular basis and the rest of the team are now ticking around him. It really does feel as if we are back now. The Arsenal have returned, quick flowing football and goal after goal.
I do think it is more enjoyable than ever watching Arsenal at the moment. The bad time we have gone through makes you appreciate the good times even more. Every goal and every point seems so valuable, especially when we are really fighting for it, as we have had to do several times in this run. This side has shown real grit at times during the current hot streak. Past teams of the last few seasons may have folded under the pressure and dropped silly points. This side seems far more tight-knit and willing to fight for one another to get the result. The replacements we have brought in are no-nonsense, get the job done players, as well as being really good footballers.
I am delighted to say Theo Walcott impressed me massively yesterday, as he has done a couple of times in recent weeks. I have been very critical of Walcott, and rightly so i think. However yesterday he actually showed us what he is capable of, as he did at Stamford bridge. Right from the off yesterday Walcott went at the full beat, beat his man and actually found a good pass. He created an early chance for Van Persie, and three of four more times played a dangerous ball into the danger area, notably for the first goal and one which Ramsey narrowly missed. Walcott looked comfortable hitting the line of coming inside, as he did in the first half and was unlucky not to open the scoring, a goal line clearance denying him what would have been a lovely goal. End product is what Walcott has lacked badly, let’s hope he continues to grow into his role on the right now and turns in more impressive displays. Maybe it is confidence Walcott needs, there were times yesterday when he refused to take a man on when it seemed his best option by far, once he realises he can knock it past someone and beat them he will have more success.
Theo Walcott - Finally starting to impress
There isn’t much to say about our number 10 is there. Robin Van Persie is in unstoppable form. 10 goals in 5 games, 31 goals in his last 29 games. It is an amazing stat, one that is up there with the very best players in the world. In the last 12 months the Dutchman has been as good as anyone around. Elegant link up play, a desire to drop deep and make things happen and an extraordinary ability to find the net makes him priceless for us at the moment. It is so important he stays fit, if he does I see no reason for this run of his to continue. Van Persie has dragged us through the bad times and now the team are on a level with him we are able to produce excellent team displays.
Van Persie is in unstoppable form
I was pleased to see Koscielny start at right back yesterday, he is better than Djourou there, and in Sagna and Jenkinson’s absence he is our best option, especially when we have two good centre halves without him. We all know Mertesacker hesitated on the edge of our box and allowed Norwich to take the lead, but I do think he was fouled as Morison grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back. In the bigger picture, Mertesacker’s mistake was not costly so I don’t see much point going over it and pointing the finger.
Mertesacker is fouled prior to Norwich taking the lead
Our upcoming league fixtures are all very winnable. Fulham, Wigan and Everton have been poor in the early part of the season. All three find themselves in the bottom half of the table. Arsenal are in a good position now, and with three wins in the next three games i think we will find ourselves back among the champions league places. Manchester United and Manchester City apart I think we as good as anyone else around the top part of the table. I believe we are better than Liverpool and Newcastle. Tottenham have been bundling their way through games, many of which should have seen them drop points, only poor finishing from opposing sides and strange refereeing decisions have secured them recent wins. We showed a couple of weeks ago what we can do against Chelsea, and I think in the long run we are on par with them. It is a very strange season, one in which anything can happen. We are Arsenal so anything can happen with us more than most, however finishing in the top four is well within our grasp now. Wenger has shown belief in these players and now it seems they are ready to repay him.
As Arsenal supporters, we have gone through some bad times of late, it seems we have come through the other side and all we can do is continue to get behind the team and enjoy the good times returning. The team has real spirit now and we have plenty of players with a bit of fight, Santos, Van Persie, Vermaelen and Szczesny to name a few. All winning to dig in and wrestle a result from the game. Yesterday was a prime example, we showed great character after going behind, we carried on and got the job done. Wenger’s signings have been spot on in my opinion and the more this team grows into a unit the more success we will have. The future is looking promising.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!!
18 Friday Nov 2011
Posted in Recent Events
Norwich v Arsenal Sat 19th Nov 2011 – 12.45pm
Evening!
Finally we are back in action tomorrow. The first of the games to kick off too. I do like a 12.45pm kick off. Gives us a chance to get our job done and anything else that happens afterwards is a bonus!
Norwich away is a the next fixture in this recent run of games. A run in which we have improved immensely and picked up several valuable wins in all competitions. The important one being the Premier League. Tomorrow should provide an exciting fixture, both teams preferring to attack and both teams having picked up some good wins of late.
The game also presents us with a real chance to extend our winning run in the league. A promoted side that can be susceptible at the back. If we play our football we could score goals tomorrow.
The other positive is the fact we could actually name an unchanged side. Even after an international break which usually sees us return with several injuries. Kieran Gibbs is the only new injury concern, which isn’t too much of a worry with the form of Andre Santos improving all the time. It is finally allowing the team to bed in and get to know one another. The defence need games as a back four. I know Sagna is missing but Jenkinson is doing a job there and will remain part of that back four for the next couple of months at least. Whether Wenger decides to go with Mertesacker or Koscielny to partner Vermaelen remains to be seen. However with the form Koscielny has shown it would be very harsh on him should he be left out.
Jenkinson is expected to start at right back
The midfield trio are also starting to form an effective system, even with Wilshere missing, the current three look excellent. We all know how good Wilshere is, but Ramsey’s form has eased the worries of Jack’s absence.
Ramsey is taking on real responsibility in midfield
We will all be hoping Van Persie along with Arsenal continue impressive runs and score goals and get three points at Norwich tomorrow lunchtime. I for one cannot wait.
Possible line up – Szczesny, Santos, Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Song, Ramsey, Arteta, Walcott, Gervinho, Van Persie
Prediction 2 – 4
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!!
09 Wednesday Nov 2011
Posted in Recent Events
Evening all
It’s midway through a non Arsenal week, the next game feels so far away!! I don’t like it, I’m not into England at all. How can anyone be behind a side that have a racist as captain. I’m really looking forward to the next fixture too, Norwich are playing well, as we are, so it should be a decent encounter.
For now I would like to discuss the strength of our squad. I know we are all buzzing at the moment, our poor start had us all as low as can be. The way we have regrouped and the run we have put together has given us new hope and new spirit. The club is now moving forward, we are suddenly living up to the motto of this season.
Going into this International break we have a good strength to our squad, only a couple of players being ruled out injured. Wilshere is obviously the main loss, and Diaby of course could offer a crucial element if he could ever get fit. Apart from that we have a good list of available players. We all need to hope and pray we return from the break without any knocks!! What I would like to assess, is the possibility of one or two injuries in crucial areas. How would it leave us? Would the current squad be able to cope and is our back up good enough?
Goalkeepers
The keeper spot is finally settled. We have gone through season after season without a quality keeper, all braced for the mistake that was bound to happen. Thankfully now the emergence of our Polish wonderkid has eradicated the majority of nervous moments. Wojciech is a confident keeper that I am happy to have as our number one. Having said that, I would have been happy had we bought a short term proven number one and let Wojciech play back up for one more year. The reason being our back up goalkeepers are just not good enough. The keeper situation we currently have leaves us one injury away from having Fabianski or Almunia back between the sticks. Both of which are just not good enough. It’s a precarious position to be in. Having a good keeper makes such a difference, if Szczesny is to be our first choice then a better back up keeper is needed.
Szczesny finally offers security in goal
Defence
It is the first time in a while I can honestly say we have three good centre backs. I am Happy with any two from Vermaelen, Mertesacker and Koscielny. Vermaelen for me is one of the first names on the team sheet, he makes such a difference to the team. He brings real confidence and fight to the defence and offers a threat going forward. Koscielny’s form of late has been a real bonus. In Vermaelen’s absence our French stopper has been in top form for several weeks. Add to that the presence of a German International with over 75 caps and we have great options in the heart of our defence. Even with an injury, we have a good centre back pairing. even maybe with Djourou alongside one of them we could be ok. We need to have a settled duo that will grow into the next Adams and Keown or Campbell and Toure. We have two good options at left back, and at right back, im very happy with all areas of our defence, it’s been a while since i have been able to say that.
Koscielny has stepped up, giving Arsenal 3 quality centre backs
Midfield
Like the defence, I’m happy with what we have in midfield. We have real quality, and a group of players that are building a great rapport. The signing of Arteta is proving to be a success, he is looking better every week. He adds strength to the centre of the park defensively and going forward. He can also chip in with a few goals, something we have lacked from midfield in recent years. Wilshere is a stand out midfield player we have, but he will be out of action for a while. The bonus is Aaron Ramsey, the Welshman is going from strength to strength. He has such quality, and for such a young man its brilliant to see. He has an eye for a pass and a desire to get forward and support the frontman. Alex Song is the one to make up that central trio, he is so important to our success and impresses me every time he plays. What is the back up like? Frimpong has shown he has real quality and with a bit more experience could challenge Song for the holding role, as could Coquelin who has played well in the Carling cup. Further forward we have Rosicky who is capable of playing central. A calm head with the quality to drive forward or pick out a pass. Benayoun, similar to Rosicky could have a similar impact if needs be. With Wilshere and Diaby hopefully returning, we have good quality in the centre of the park.
Aaron Ramsey offers real quality in midfield
Out wide we have so many options. Walcott and Gervinho seem to be the first choice this season. Wenger is using these two to add real pace to the side. They can get to the touch-line and cut back for Van Persie, a system that seems to be paying off big time. In back up we have so many options. Rosicky, Benayoun, Chamberlain, Arshavin are all very capable of coming in and filling their boots. In midfield we are absolutely fine.
Rosicky can fill in central or out wide
Forwards
Robin Van Persie…the main man at the moment is in the form of his life. He is the first name on the team sheet for me. As good as he is, we know his track record for injuries. Fingers crossed he is past that period and will stay fit and continue his form. Should the worst happen and Van Persie can’t play, the backup is somewhat limited. Chamakh and Park are the two immediately behind the excellent dutchman, and I just don’t feel either are up to replacing him adequately at the current time. Chamakh is struggling for form and doesn’t look like he could buy a goal. Park is still adapting to the English league and finding his feet, something which looks like it might take a while. The goals would dry up if Van Persie went out injured. Wenger may use Gervinho or Walcott as the frontman, but I’m not sure either are cut out for that position, Walcott especially. In January I think a good back up forward is the priority, something better than we have in reserve. A player that has experience in the premier league and knows where the net is, any suggestions are welcome in the comments section.
Park Ju Young is not yet ready to provide adequate cover up front
Overall
The bigger picture shows that the defence and midfield are in good shape. Excellent players that are looking the part, with quality players ready to fill in. The keeper situation and the striking options are a bit of a worry. An injury at either end of the pitch leaves us rather short of options and quality.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!!
(Let’s have an injury free International period)
