Today we return to Old Trafford (I’m not going to go into what happened last time we were there as I’m sure you’ve all since erased any trace of it from your memory! ). The bus has been packed with a Priest, Bomoh, Curandero, N’anga, Nganga, Quimbanda, Sangoma, Shaman, and a Witch Doctor in an effort to cast off any evil spirits that still linger. We may have to resort to such drastic measures because our trips there in recent times have been quite dour. At the Emirates there was also the Arshavin for Ox debacle which saw boos rain throughout the stadium. Our last triumph at Old Trafford came via a Adebayor goal in the 06/07 season; only Walcott remains from that squad.
Missing in Action:
Arsenal: Both Szczesny and Gibbs are back in training but are unavailable. Gervinho is 3 weeks away (ankle), Diaby (thigh), Fabianski (ankle), Rosicky (tendon), and Ox (Hip) is facing a late fitness test.
Man United: Missing several CB’s in Vidic, Jones and Smalling. The dangerous Kagawa is also out.
Predicted line-up:
Arsene has pulled a rabbit or two out of his hat in previous games against United (Song at CB, Szczesny in goal, Ramsey starting (and scoring), and Coquelin starting), but I expect the same line-up as the one that took on QPR last week. I’d love for Theo to start, but after 120 minutes against Reading I anticipate he with come on as an impact sub.
Giroud was red hot against Reading and I fell his introduction turned the game on its head. He needs to start because his fortitude and power will cause a threat for both Evans and the ageing Rio. Although I’m not the biggest fan of Ramsey out on the wing (worked far better with Yossi last season) I feel an extra body in midfield is needed to gain control in this match. Ramsey has an unrivalled work rate clocking up 6.86 miles last weekend against QPR, which is the second highest for our team this season (highest = Ramsey vs Man City with 7.01 miles).
Jack returning is a colossal boost for the team. His seamless transition last week was a joy to behold. He offers so match to the team both defensively and offensively and will only help Cazorla alleviate some of the burden he’s had to hold over the last few weeks. It also means that if Carrick attempts to shut out Cazorla our attack will not suffer as much as Jack can create plenty of opportunities.
Referee:
Mike Leslie Dean…bugger!
On that note, under the Wenger reign against Manchester United there has been a total of 9 penalties (2 for us, 7 for them). ALL at Old Trafford.
One to Watch:
Against Schalke Farfan ran riot down our left creating all sorts of problems for Santos. Today he will be facing a similar opponent in Valencia. He is very quick and dangerous if given time and space. This is only further compounded by Rafael Da Silva who also likes to get forward at every opportunity. Santos has to be on his best behaviour for us to be a chance of winning, there is no two ways about it, discipline! discipline! discipline! If he neglects his duties Podolski will have to worry more about defending (with Ramsey in the side we need him up top to offer support and a target), and Vermaelen will get pulled away leaving BSR room to move. If Santos does not guard his area then I give Bould permission to rough him up in any way he sees fit!
Key Match-up:
They have tussled before and today they square off again. In my opinion Vermaelen is the perfect defender for BSR, he can go with him anywhere, outdoing him in strength, speed and agility. Arsene did say the Emirates Cup match against Ajax is when he really took notice of Vermaelen so hopefully he can pocket him again. BSR has scored 7 goals with 3 assists in his 9 games so far this season continuing on from his form last season so Vermaelen along with Mertesacker (best tackle accuracy in the league, missing only 1 in 13 tackles) must not give him an inch, otherwise he will make us pay. We have the best defense in the league at the moment surrendering only 6 goals thus far, long may it continue. I’m not asking for Vermaelen to injure him (that would be very bitter and rude of me), I’m just asking if the opportunity arises to crunch him with a fair tackle then he should! If he somehow becomes injured then Karma does exist.
Pre-Match Finger:
My pre-match finger today goes to…Brave Sir Robin.
A lot has been made of his return against his former club. Arsene stated:
‘I hope it (reception) is a respectful one because he has played for us for eight years, and he has done very well for us.
‘We campaign against discrimination, it was still the case last week so why should it not be the case this week?’
Whilst Sir Alex has, rather naively suggested that “If you think about all the former players who come back to Old Trafford, they always get a warm applause.
“I don`t think that will be a problem tomorrow, I think the fans will recognise the eight years he gave them and that will be nice.”
A warm applause…like hell Fergie! He will get a very hostile reception at Old Trafford and in my opinion he deserves every heckle, every obscenity, every rude gesture! Childish…yeah probably, rational…no not at all, but passionate…you bloody well bet we are!
We are angry and we will be spewing vitriol at you whether at home or at the game. Brave Sir Robin you lost your chance at legend status, let you be forever know as an injury plagued traitorous disappointment!
Prediction:
Sir Alex will no doubt use his usual tactic of soaking up pressure and trying to hit us on the break. If we stay disciplined, and convert our opportunities I see a 2-1 victory to the good guys. We will be riding the wave from the Reading victory, washing away all off our demons at Old Trafford.
Written by: Oz Gunner
Bergkampesque 
Hi OZ,
Many thanks for a very fine post on the game comming up in a few hours.
I struggled to get the pictures in and when I published the post some pictures did not show up. I will try to amend this now. Apologies for the delay in publishing. 😳
Hi TA,
Don’t worry about it TA, you’re on holiday get back to your family. Thank you for allowing me to write for your blog
Hi Oz,
Great pre-match post and I love all the pictures you produced. I have got them in finally. Love the one between the devil and Verminator.
Come on Arsenal – Come on You Rip Roaring Gunners!
0-2 to the good guys!
Absolutely top Post, Oz 🙂
I loved the fan’s perspective you show, and the excellent reading of the situation regarding tactics and injuries, but the humour is also in there!
However, you have had a brilliant addition, and I think we must now have a regular spot for the pre-Match Fickle Finger!!!!! Love it ! 🙂
The pics are really good too, and I am jealous that I would not be able to think them up, nor to produce them!! 🙂
The little guy with the finger is not you by any Chance? 🙂
Morning TA, 🙂
Oz has come up with a beauty, and somehow you are managing to run your site even from up there in freezing Scotland!! 🙂
Hi Redders,
I love the the fickle finger section as well! 🙂
Re formation, I really hope we play a proper winger on the right. The game cries out for something to hurt the manks that is not predictable: either Ox or Theo – not sure who is fit at the moment though.
Hi Redders,
I am lucky to now have wifi in our friends home, that makes a difference. My lap-top is very slow though and I needed to find my way round WordPress to get the pictures in (not just a copy/ past kind of a job!).
Really enjoyed your post yersterday and I am with Oz that today’s game could make or break Mannone’s Arsenal nr1 mid-long term future. Let’s hope he has a beast of a game today! 🙂
Wow, fantastic post Oz baby.
Love the pre match finger.hahaha. Those utd suckers wont know what hit them today. I predict we dominate possesion therefore taking the sting out of the game. This should stop the horrendous fart Lesly Dean from giving them a dodgy descion. If we nullify Dean and keep hold off the ball, we will win.
i am worried about santos. To be fair ime worried about both flanks. Utd have a very effecient way of playing in that they get the ball wide and then pour men into the box. Mert and verm will have to clear a lot of ball today
By the way Oz, you have spun that non surfing, one women line before, and i dont buy it for a moment. I know after the game you will be celebrating by riding a 100 foot wave (unlike Redders hopefuly you will keep your speedos on hahaha) and then will have your pick of the most delisious surfing chicks………….you can tell me about it if you want?? hahahaha
Hi TA, sorry about not asking about your holiday to Mull Of Kyntire. Its quite deliberate. Been the selfish bastard that i am i dont want you to enjoy yourself too much, you might choose to emigrate there thus become a Kyntireiean. I need you back here writing posts. hahahaha
TA,
Can I be a philistine and say that – just for today – that AW sets his attacking predisposition aside and goes for dogged defensive.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the Arsene way, the Arsenal way, to play attacking technical football, but …………………..
On occasions the dour, pragmatic George Graham ethos should be given credit too.
We won the League by cutting our cloth to suit the opposition, and I would not be ashamed if Arsene packed the midfield and shored up the CBs and forgot about attacking!!!
Year after year Untd have let us attack with all our flair and then hit us on the counter attack. It really annoys me that we do not seem to learn from that and, although I hope I am wrong, I would not be surprised if the same thing happens again today!
Ooops, is that despondency I am espousing?? 🙂
Hi Kretarean
Kyntirelean sounds great Terry! 🙂
Mull has been great and we are now by good friends in the Southern Uplands. Freezing cold but sunny and bright!
Hi Terrykins, 🙂
I share your observation that Manure will attack our backs hard.
Leaving aside our dislike of Manure and their players, some of them like Valencia and Nani are fast and skilful.
I will make a prediction — there will be a manure player stationed out wide on the touchline almost the whole game. When Santos goes awandering that will be where their attacks will come from — plenty of wide open spaces leaving time and room for crosses into the box and causing our CBs real problems.
If I can see that, I hope a fantastic coach like AW does too and will counter it.
Aah RA, I have to disagree with you on this one. If we decide to sit back and let them determine the game, I reckon we will suffer badly. That is 3/4 of the battle won for the Mancs. If we play with both Pod and Rambo we will cause them no danger at all.
But you could be right and a safe, defensive display is our best option. I really hope we’ll play with a least one proper winger to give Giroud the service he needs. I would be very suprised if Arsene does indeed start with Pod-Giroud-Rambo in the our top-3.
You could be right, TA, but every year we think playing our ‘usual’ game will be best, and more often we get it wrong.
I play chess a lot, and doing something unexpected and unorthodox, which is not normally recommended, can be a game winner on the day.
Being realistic I know AW will not take up my suggestion!!! 🙂
MU strengths are indeed in their attacking footie, but if we take the game to them we can expose their obvious weakness: defence. It might be a case of having to outscore them this afternoon.
However, when I was on the Ferry from Mull to the mainland, I thought about the score for the first time and that’s when I saw a boy with a jumper with the number 02 on it: so that is my score for today 0-2 to the good guys with bsr hitting the woodwork at least 4 fimes hehehehe! 😛
I am like chess as well Redders! 🙂
Need to go now. Enjoy the game guys. 🙂
Thank you all for the kind words, my glad you’ve enjoyed it. I too share your worry TA, I like Ramsey as a player, but just not in that position. Last season against Chelsea we were decimated on the flanks early on, it wasn’t until gerv and theo got into the game more that we looked more lively. They pinned back their fullbacks and that’s what we should be doing down the left otherwise we are in for a world of trouble.
I like the pre-match finger, just because there are so many people to hate in the football world. Refs, players, and media!
Hi Redders
I think keeping the ball is key today. If utd get hold of it for prolonged periods they will cause us serious damage. In many ways this is our acid test. Utd have been the benchmark for so long now and are the one team that if were not at it can give us a right hiding.
ime going for a walk to clear my mind and fantasise about a 3-0 win.
Enjoy the game guys.
*i’m glad (bloody english!)
It is a worry that Sir Alex plays the same tactics every time and we fail to do something about it. The worst was a couple of seasons ago in the FA cup when we fielded a strong side against a relatively weakened manu. The da silvas played on the wing and they scored two on the counter. If it happens again I’ll be a very unhappy fan.
Enjoy the game everyone!
Four words to sum that up?
Slow, gutless, clueless, embarrassing!
bang on RA, if we gave it our all you could look past it. Going through the motions…against manu…at old trafford! if that doesn’t make you bring our A game I don’t know what will!
Oz, a bit late, but that is a fantastic Pre-Match, shame our performance couldn`t match it.
I feel as though we accepted defeat before a ball was even kicked. Even the tea lady knew what the team sheet would be, very predictable. Every Arsenal man and his gooner puppy want Jenks at RB and Sagna at LB. I would have started with Gnabry and Walcott too and took the fight to them, then again, If I was manager we would end up in the Championship and you lot would be crying, “glic out”, “glic out” !. hahaha
Hi Glicster, 🙂
Really sad that we look so slow, mentally as well as physically.
That is made worse by the tippy tappy side to side stuff that drives me loopy — in our own half between our CBs. What is that?
Oz,
The thing you expect and get from Aussie teams, cricket or rugby, is to leave it all on the pitch and never be cowed! We looked second rate right from the get go! 😦
That was embarrassing.
Hi Redders 🙂
“slow, mentally as well as physically”, sounds like Manu were playing a team of Retards !.
Come to think of it, yesterday a few people went missing from the learning and physical disabillities unit in South Ockendon ( quite close to VCC ) and a man wearing a long padded overcoat was seen near by !.
Think of poor Stretch. He doesn`t know the result yet, he is still in some GILF`s bedroom from last night , the grip fill he used to keep his syrup attached to his bonce leaked and his head is still stuck between her legs !. If he pulls too hard, he will end up looking like Kojak and the Octogenarian will have a beaver for the first time since England won the World Cup ! hahaha
I think CBs stands for Center Backs ! hahaha
Obviously, you lot are somewhere in Harlow trying to free Stretch. What a great bunch of mates you are !. I bet the Octogenarian is still strapped to her wheelchair and doesn`t even know your there and what day it is !. Stretch likes the ones which are half dead, they dont put up much of a fight !. Next your`ll be paying for VCC`s face transplant !.
F**k me, you lot still trying to get Stretch free !. That Gripfill is good stuff, it does what it says on the tin !. hahaha
Evening guys,
Don’t know what to say, soooo disappointed about our performance today. RA summed it all up earlier. Am not sure whether I will watch a game at old again for a while. What’s the point if there’s no bloody belief?
Morning Peeps, 🙂
Arsene’s philosophy of allowing players freedom to express themselves individually is all very well when he has class players like Viera, Henry, Pires, Overmars etc.
It simply does not work when he has a group of players like we have now, who, with one or two exceptions, are very ordinary.
As anyone who watched that game could see we had a fair amount of possession — but it was totally ineffectual – as usual!
Coach them Arsene – stop the tippy-tappy crossfield passing — NOW.
Morning Red Arse…….how embarrassing was that. Guys at my local taking the piss and laughing at my beloved Arsenal and I cannot disagree with them. Downright embarrassing it was. How could I even make a case for ???”? Form/injuries/lack of money ? When half the team were totally shite.
Also, what’s that all about Wenger and Persie laughing together walking off the pitch, is he for real? And Santos swapping shirts with that traitor. It’s a good job I’m not their manager.
As you can see I’m absolutely livid this morning. Had a night to cool down, but still feel angry after looking at pictures in the papers.
This sucks for me.
Morning Girls 🙂
I am not livid, as I did not expect anything from that game. I only get really pissed off when I think we are a top team and then even a draw away to Barca pisses me off. I am now in mediocrity mode and if I`m honest, have been for few years. I`m getting used to the average way we play and this mode must be how it feels like to be a middle of the table supporter.
I expect to be in this mode for another couple of years. It would be great if Arsene can pull off another couple of miracles and still get us into the CL in this mediocre period. Just another couple of bunnies out of the hat and I will be well happy . My worry is, what happens if he doesn`t ?. That is a big can of worms.
Morning GLiC…..point taken about being a mediocre team. What I am pissed off about is the fact Wenger plays Giroud Podolski Ramsey as a forward line?????doh. This set up has not impressed and frightened anybody as late. He keeps persisting with Ramsey in this position. Everybody and his dog were/have been saying what’s he keep puttinghim In that position? (square pegs, round holes).
He pays 6 million for Santos 11 million for Giroud. Keeps Ramsey in the forward line. Surely his resources could and should have found some one better than those? I know you like Giroud but I’m not impressed with his skills. Santos is NEVER a full back.
The frustration is, ManUre were there for the taking yesterday if we had played with any conviction.
All this crap about lack of funds to buy has worn thin with me. He still has money to spend so spend it wisely.
I’m afraid he is becoming totally inept. Things like Ferguson taking Cleverley off so he avoids second yellow, Wenger keeps Jack on although we could see he was getting wound up. This has sweet f??? All about merchandising, money in the bank, oily rich.
He is so stubborn and won’t, at all costs, admit he is wrong in any way. He keeps getting mugged off against other managers time and time again.
Not sure this is true, but I’m reading/hearing he and Bouldy have had a fall out. If this is so I cannot blame Bouldy.
I fear his course has been run.
I think I am nearly over to the dark side. Never thought I would be saying this about my once God.
Use the force young VCC Walker, dont be taken over by the darkside of Sith Lord, Daft Herb Vader . hahaha
I think Herb will have you in his clutches by Tuesday night after Schalke 04 have dealt with us !.
Jedi Master , Ohhf**kwewon Wenger, deserves the chance to pull it around after all he has done for us, but I`m afraid he doesn`t match up to some of the other Managers in the tactical department, he is short on a plan B, where as Fergie has an alphabet on plans.
The introduction of Abramovitch and then the Oilers has made a sizemic change to Wengers ability to challenge. To win anything, you need great players with the right attitude. I think we only have a couple of great players, when we last won the league, we had a team of great players with great attitude.
I think we all fall under the allusion everything is rosey when we win a couple of games on the trot. I still believe FFP will work and it`s having the patience to wait a few more years for the next good times, until then, we are in for a rollercoaster rocky ride, so hang on !.
GLiC….City,Chelsea and ManUre sinply cannot buy every player = fact.
Wenger has purchased some extremely ordinary players these last couple of seasons. Add Santos and Giroud purchases and we might just have had enough to buy a proper striker. Add that to the 25 mil we got for that Dutch turd and you find we have quite a bit of cash. That’s got nothing what so ever to do about oilers ,sheiks, fair play. It’s simply down to Wenger becoming stale and bereft of any idea.
The wall that is in front of most on AA is slowly being lifted in front of me.
VCC
Like any supporter, I question some of Wengers buys. I would have said Podolski instead of Giroud and yes Santosser is another one , along with Park , Chamakh, but then there is Oxo, Jenks, Arteta, Santi and Merts. Even Red Nose buys some astonishing crap. Look at Torres, I know a few chavs who were estactic when they bought him, they now think a lot different and I bet there are a few bindippers not too impressed with the money spent on Carroll !. Actually, I think I should be manager, I will just scout the talent on You Tube ! hahaha
Of course other managers make mistakes, I would be naive to think other wise, but the fact is every time lately I am hearing the same old same old same old from Wenger and his disciples. It is wearing thin, excuse upon excuse.
As said many times, why would you play Santos at left back, I ask you, you are only looking for trouble,
I know you like Girout and I hope I eat my hat but he does nothing for me. It was a walk in the park for Ferdinand and Evans yesterday. At least put yourself about.
I too dont know why Santosser is at left back, when it should be Jenks at RB and Sanga at LB and I would have played Gnabry and Walcott on the wings !, but Wenger doesn`t return my calls !. hahaha
I’m still angry too but Giroud cannot be called a bad buy. He got no service last night. Look at his game against reading, once he settles in he will be a great player
VCC, I hear what your saying about Wenger. The guy has done a great job for us, but i do feel that this will be his last contract. in a couple of years we will hopefuly enter a new era were our improved financial muscle and stability will have more impact
What ever we may say, Wenger will leave a great legacy. In his period as manager he has transformed Arsenal, won titles, guided the club through a period of stadium move and has been a stabalising factor in an era of oligarchs
Wenger has always said that he will know the right time to hand over the reigns, and will do so when its in the interests of the club, not his own.
Lets see how it pans out.
Afternoon, guys 🙂
Sorry, I have been out for a while and missed your conversation.
It is difficult to take when an Arsenal team go out and play so lamely. I can only hope Arsene gives some of them a kick up the jaxi, so it does not happen again!
Red Arse. “kick up the arse”. Wenger needs to do more than that.
I’m with Kelsey, there seems to be something wrong within the camp. Dare I say it almost appears some of the players don’t want to play for the manager/Arsenal ? I hope I’m wrong.
Hi Redders 🙂
They need more than a ” Kick up the Jaxi ” . I propose a “Taxi up the Jaxi” !. In the case of Santos and Arshavin, that is probably too easy and a Bus would be more appropriate, but it doesn`t rhyme as well. hahaha
What do you expect VCC, when they are paid peanuts !.
VCC
You could have a word with Arsene. Just tell him to get his act together, otherwise you will come round and haunt him !. Your Zombie scenes in the Walking Dead with no make up are wicked !. hahaha
Glic/VCC, 🙂
VCC,
I am a fan of the NY Yankees and the NY Giants and altho they are among the wealthiest clubs in the world and pay their baseball and American football stars big bucks, there is no sentimentality.
Screw up and you are out. That includes the coaches.
English football is different in that respect, and I also think Arsene is a really nice guy, and I don’t think he has it in him to bollock someone who isn’t performing.
Yankees and Giants !, what a come down Redders watching your local Bowls Club, the Hertfordshire Hobbits !. hahaha
If your wondering where Total is ?, well, it`s bloody hard work trying to dispose of the assasinated In-laws, up there in Mull of Kintyre country !.
Evening gangsters! 😛
Job done GLiC: They are swimming with the fishes! 😆
Evening everyone. 🙂
These days, after some thoughts about the financial policy within our club, I wanted to ask some questions to people who maybe knew better than I did… so I came here. 🙂
I reckon that each year a profit is made, and part of this profit stacks up in the treasury for financial sécurity. About 80M in cash reserves are now within the club. I would like to ask : how much do we need to acknowledge that we’re ” secure ” ??
Also, from that profit, a certain amount directed towards transfers. But during these last transfer windows, we have sold so many players that our sells covered the price of our buys, hence the transfer budget was untouched. What was the point ? When you know that we’ve bee a few millions short of signing real quality (The Mata transfer case, Cazorla a few two seasons Ago, which could be easily overcome by the sell of Nasri & Fabregas, or just Nasri and a fraction of the transfert budget…) thus replacing the quality we lost.
What was the point in all of this ?? Has Wenger become more and more stingy, and by so, making every season more and more challenging ?
Is all this money stacking done to unleash hell on the transfer market and building something big in a few years ??
I understand that we can’t compete financially with many clubs, and that we’ll see the fruits of our financial policy begining 2014, where new deals will be concluded and with a debt nearly written off. But I feel there have been many errors commited, errors that have sinked the team a bit more every new season… 😦
Hi Nis!
If I can get through to Arsene on my Arsene HotLine ( he tells me everything as I am his carer ! ) , I will get back to you !. Otherwise one of the cleverer posters on here will answer your question as they have better knowledge than me, I`m only on here as eye candy ! . hahaha. Catch you later Nis!. 🙂
I guess Arsène will soon go to sleep in his oversized bed. Try calling him tomorrow in the morning, would be easier to get to him. 🙂
Hi Nis,
Good to see back on BK 🙂
I will get back to later tonight re your questions (bit busy at the moment).
Evening Glicster! 🙂
Evening BKers.
Sorry about my rants earlier, I’ve calmed down now. After reading Terry’s comments, have refreshed me a little. That boy sure can motivate you.
And GLiC, you have cheered me up with your humour.
Red Arse…..great comments thought the day.
Evening all
VCC, you have absolutly nothing to apologise for. Your just expressing your opinion, and i agree with a lot of what you say. its all about emotion mate, shows we care and want the Club to do well. Mind you, the way its going this season it wont be long before were both downing a bottle of Brandy every night. hahaha
We’ve only got 15 points in 10 games, and we’ve just got 3 points over Liverpool and that mid table dross. 😀
Hell, I even think we had more points last season at this stage. 😀
I can’t believe a team like Arsenal can have such a pitiful attacking ” force “… 🙂
I do think we need more attacking options Nis. The funny thing is that there probably isnt to much wrong that a couple of brilliant attacking additions couldnt fix
We have a good English core now. the 2 fullbacks could be the answer to dixon and winterburn. jack and Ox are incredible talents. The Midfields is packed with quality, Santi and arteta are pure class and there are many other good players at the back and the middle. We are a striker and winger short of been a great team again. Lets hope this problem can be addressed sooner rather than later.
New Post fellow gloomy Gooners! 😦 🙂
Well I don’t have such an optimistic view. 🙂
And I don’t see how we could get a striker as good as what the other teams have there. The same goes for a winger.
I think money has been lost on Podolski. After coming back from injury for Cologne, he has been very bad. The worse with de German NT. And now he’s a bit of a ghost in our lin up, and not convincing even when playing his part. For a team like Arsenal, Podolski should be cutting lemons making lemonade for the other players, along with a few others… 😀
I mean, we went from the Invicibles, to the Theo Van Nasregas, and now to the Awful Girvolski. 🙂
I’m at the point where hoping to see Eisfeld or Gnabry, Bellerin or any other young player fastracked in our team becomes more exciting than seeing the current line up.
I really really hope to see Oxlade deliver in the upcoming games. I really can’t take more of our attacking line up. 🙂
Evening Nis,
I have issued a new post and responded to your previous question in the comments section. Please click on ‘home’ and open the new post to find my response.
Cheers,
Total.