Mannone is growing in stature – Wilshere is growing in form – Walcott in the middle is a rapidly growing Theo-ry – Our inability to hold onto the ball is a growing worry – Arsenal lacking defensive shape and discipline is a growing concern.
A lot of supporters expected Arsenal to bounce back from a bad performance/result instantly, just like we used to do in previous seasons. But, right now, Arsenal are suffering from structural problems that need time to be resolved; whilst in previous seasons we often only had to work on our focus and attitude to bounce back again.
Our current team is struggling to get a coherent system of football working in which players understand and find each other automatically; one that works in all areas and makes us fluent and deadly efficient, and in which substitutes can fit without too many adaptation issues. Clearly, this is still a work in progress, but progress was made nevertheless last night.
Schalke surprised me tactically: why attack us and try to dominate the game from the first minute, when their tactics at the Emirates had worked so well for them a fortnight ago? I cannot imagine Stevens not being aware how much Arsenal crave space, so it must have been a deliberate strategy to attack us and try to score a goal early. I applaud it though: it is exactly what a good game of football needed, as the game had a lovely flow to it and some very good football by both teams was on display last night. Schalke’s opportunism gave us the space to attack, and boy did we revel in it: it was just what the footie shrink had ordered!
Theo showed Giroud how to stay calm and focussed when an opportunity comes your way for the first goal, as he persevered with strength and good balance to put the ball over the line. Luckily Giroud took his second opportunity with the pounce of a hungry tiger, after great wing-play by, the otherwise mostly ineffective again, Podholeski.
Arsenal almost played the perfect first half against Schalke tonight. The defence was far better organised and mostly solid, our midfield was gradually winning the individual battles, and our three attackers combined well to score two very valuable away goals in Gelsenkirchen. But just before the end of the first half, individual fatigue by our best player of the season until now, and a collective lack of concentration gave the Germans an opportunity to pull a goal back: a real shame!
Cazorla is clearly in the ‘red zone’, because if there is any player at Arsenal you would bank on not to give away the ball at that moment, and in that situation, it has to be out little, energetic Spaniard. Holtby did brilliantly, though, to both see Huntelaar in space and to deliver the ball perfectly weighted to him in a flash; and although we should have done better defensively, it is fair to say that was a fine goal by Schalke 04.
The second half saw us trying to regain possession, but we were simply not fit enough to deal with Schalke’s midfield dominance. Cazorla struggled to get a foothold in the game, Arteta tired a lot towards the end, and Jack also lost some of his sharpness in the second half. Our defence struggled to keep its shape and were put under more and more pressure. The equaliser was almost inevitable and totally deserved by the Germans.
Arsenal somehow held on for an important point, and could well have clinched all three points at the very end, but Theo did not see Giroud in the perfect position to score the winner, and went instead for goal himself from a difficult angle. He should be forgiven for that though, and it in the end a draw away to Schalke 04 is a decent result.
Observation one – one step forward:
Mannone had another very decent game. Red Arse wrote a great post last week about Arsenal goalkeepers’ situation and since then Mann1 has put in a couple of assured performances against the horrible Mancs and Schalke 04. I am warming to Vito and I hope he will get a couple more games at least to further build his confidence.
Observation two – two steps forward:
Wilshere came through his next test with colours. He oozes class and is simply a joy to watch. Clearly, he was still rusty at times and needs to improve his match fitness further, but he made such a difference in midfield for us by helping out Arteta in the defensive department, whilst supporting Santi in setting up attacking moves. So great to have him back: he is our ideal lynchpin.
Cazorla and Arteta struggled to keep up with the tempo of the game for most of the second half, and this is all down to fatigue. It is so frustrating that we still cannot use Diaby and Rosicky to come and help out, and give the super-Spaniards a bit of a break before something or somebody breaks them.
Observation three – three steps forward:
Theo through the middle with Giroud next to him, or in front of him; in a 4-4-1-1 or 4-4-2 formation, could actually work. I really liked the way Theo and OG created opportunities between themselves last night, and with plenty of practice and playing games together they could become our two-headed goal monster we so desperately need.
Observation four – one step back:
Our inability to hold on to the ball in order to release the pressure being put on our defence is a big worry at the moment. Giroud needs to improve on his first touch, and shield the ball a lot better so he can give the rest of the team a break; by holding on to the ball and passing it back to somebody in space. I also felt that both Podolski and Theo were weak in holding on to the ball and find a pass to another player far too often. Especially when our midfielders were clearly running on their reserve tanks, it was important for our attackers to help out more in keeping possession.
And you know who we desperately missed yesterday? Alex Song. The way Arsenal left the defence unprotected just outside the centre of the box, on a few occasions in the second half, was just amateur-like; and could have easily cost us yesterday. I also feel strongly that Song would have helped us tremendously in holding onto the ball better.
Observation five – two steps back:
Our defence, even with TV5 instead of the shirt-swapper at LB, still lacks shape, discipline and organisation. Koz had a good game and so did Mertesacker and Sagna, but Vermaelen struggled again. And, as a unit, it was nowhere near what is required to compete successfully at top level.
Vermaelen’s confidence is shot: the lion of Flanders has turned into a pussycat. But I have written enough about TV5 in recent posts, so won’t go back into that again.
On a final, Arsenal unrelated, note: as a football romantic, I am absolutely delighted that, over two games, the properly run football clubs of Ajax and Dortmund got the better over the cup-buyers of Citeh and Madrid. There still is hope for football! 🙂
Total Arsenal.
Bergkampesque 
Very enjoyable read.
Theo is killing me. Every game he gives me a few reasons to cry and and a few reasons to cheer.
I find myself praising him just for coming short, getting it and giving it back. I shouldn’t even been noticing him do things that are so basic..let alone applauding him for it.
ENIGMA !
wILSHERE….really got us a foothold in the game with his deftness of touch and his driving runs.
Phenomenal to look so good after so long out, and so little time back in the saddle.
Morning TA, 🙂
What a beautifully constructed Post. I will have a think about responding.
I find myself agreeing with Sharkey again.
Theo can be a sublime player and in the same match he can also play dross (I know Sharkey did not say that) when he is on it he looks like a £100K a week player, but sometimes he looks so naive I would not pay him £100 per annum.
He lifts me up and bashes me down like no other player I have seen.
Hi Sharkey 🙂
Totally agree re Theo and Jack.
Given that Theo had not been well, I thought he did well. If only he had passed the ball to Giroud’s lethal left foot in the dying minutes!! 😕 But I guess that comes with more team play / playing together, although he does seem a tat too selfish.
‘Deftness of touch’ and that’s why the English language is so beautiful!
Fine post Total…….couldn’t sum things up better, you are spot on Sir.
I/We, we’re commenting last night how we thought Wenger should have made substitutions with approx twenty minutes to go, we had some tired legs out there (this worries me if Wenger can’t freshen faces up for the coming Fulham game). Instead he waited until the ninetieth minute??????
ManOne is coming on, he was my MOTM last night and pulled off some fine/important saves.
As you say, with a little bit of practise I think OG and Theo could work well together. I’m afraid I don’t agree with some that say OG held the ball up well, I must go to specsavers, he could have alleviated the pressure on several occasions but chose to pass or let the ball go to a blue shirt ( as you can see, OG is not one of my all time favourite Arsenal players) and before I get shot down by the OG brigade regarding his scoring last night, I think any genuine centre forward worth any salt could have finished that off, after all he is our most advanced forward, isn’t he?
Finally, the Pod is desperate for a rest, we must make some changes for Saturday, that’s for sure.
Morning Rotes Arsch 😛
He can frustrate but he is our top scorer and has hardly been on the pitch. Although I am not an accountant, I do like my figures, hehehehe! 😀
TA, 🙂
Well said Total……I have given Theo some stick over the years but he deserves some respect for what he has done for us this season in the short playing time he’s had.
Hi VCC, 🙂
I think you have a point about Giroud, but if only he is given half a chance he will score goals like last night’s header.
Unfortunately, gervinho and Theo cannot cross a ball for toffee! 🙂
Morning glorious victorious 🙂
I don’t think there is an OG-brigade on BK, but of course some bloggers see different things than you and I; and I am with you on OG. I just cannot shake of memories of a former Dutch striker called John van Loen: a similar work-horse with wooden feet but a hammer of a head. But I also think he is trying too hard and makes a lot of mistakes as a result.
A lot of strikers wouldn’t have scored OG’s goal last night. they would have run in too soon and brought the defenders with them. He actually ‘creates’ the space to score by not moving.
Forget the good header…its the delay and then the timing of the run that tells you how good he is.
Picture his goal against West Ham…similar thing, but got in behind the defender by leaving enough room room for the ball to arrive in a dangerous (and uncrowded) area !
In my eyes he’s class !!
Good points Sharkey, and I hope he will show more of it in an Arsenal shirt, and I will be happily converted into OG- admirer. 🙂
Hi Muvvers
I am with the OG brigade and have sent a hit squad around to VCC`s House of Horror to have him shot !
Oh, sorry, I see he`s gone to Specsavers, Dennis, he`s in for a shock, he`ll be straight around to Face Savers soon after ! hahaha
Great report Total
Step 1, Sign Theo up quickly, he`s always a danger and he will be a loss if he`s allowed to go !
Step 2-10, as above !.
Glic 🙂 Sign him up and get Narsingh from PSV or Cabella from Montpellier, or….
Trouble is Total, when are we going to learn from our mistakes, whether it`s letting players contracts wind down or the blindness not to keep RVP for the last year and do for us like he`s doing for OneManu. If Theo does go, we the fans know we should be bringing in players of the quality you have just mentioned and i will add another, Zaha, but will Arsenal buy them ?. We will track them for a few years (like we did Hazard) and let someone else nick in and buy them.
We are getting to the point where people ( at the club ) are saying we are close to the time when we can compete with the others on a financial basis due to FFP (also , the PL are after something similar, as recomended by me on AA ages ago, hahaha ). Well it`s getting close to the time we (Arsenal) stopped talking and did the walking !.
GLiC …:-)
GLiC….(::-):)
OH F— these smilies.
F**K me VCC, even your smiley`s are UMF`s hahaha
ahahahahhahah UMF smileys 🙂 😛 😀
Hi Glic, do you think we could have kept van Judas against his will – remember he forced the move?!
Total…if we had tried to keep him against his will he would simply feign an injury or not perform to his highest ability.
= (:))
(:))
(:lol:)
F— this Im going home, and Im taking my ball with me.
Sharkey…I hope your right and I eat my hat. We will see.
VCC you need to leave the outer brackets out: they are only showing because without them it would turn into a smiley in the examples! 🙂
Please leave us the ball though 😛
Total and VCC
I am of the belief that RVP is, if anything, a professional who loves the game. He may have wanted the move, but I believe he would have given his all, had he stayed. I, as a fan do not give two hoots about the £24M. I would rather be sitting near or at the top of the table, which is where I think we would be, had he stayed !.
I am more annoyed with who ever sanctioned the move than with RVP, complete lack of vision imo !.
Thanks for your in-depth report, Total, we should qualify for the knock-out phase, but not as group winners, which is another indictment of how far we’ve fallen.
You just won’t accept that RvP left for the chance to win some winners medals, Total.
He only forced the move after lengthy talks with Ivan Gazidis and Mr Wenger, who for their part, couldn’t convince RvP that we’re still a major force capable of winning football’s top prizes. It’s not really that complicated. The anger that people direct at RvP should be aimed at our BoD, for their constant spin and lack of transparency.
He wanted out Glic and he would have been desperate to not get injured, in order to not miss out on a new contract somewhere else. His impact on the rest of the squad could also have been very negative. He criticised the club and the manager for the way it was being run and no employer keeps scum-bags in their organisation: it will only lead to disaster. Not having the £24m might not bother you as a fan, but would we have gotten Cazorla, and would we still have money in our transfer kitty now? I think not.
I can see your point but I don’t think it would have worked out as you see it – but of course I don’t hold a special mirror like you do and am therefore probably totally wrong! 😛
Hi Herb, if he had stayed with us, together with new signings of Pod and probably Cazorla it would be us now top of the league, but his pockets would not be bulging as much.
Another thing to consider is how much effort Gazidis and Mr Wenger put into keeping RvP. He stated that there was a fundamental disagreement in the direction the club were going, and the ambition they were showing. Who would you back to win the CL, between Arsenal and MU? We aren’t feared in Europe, and our overall record is shocking.
I would not back either Herb.
VCC, 🙂
I could not stop laughing at your smiley efforts and Glic calling them UMFs. (Made me laugh all over again typing that) 🙂
What you did wrong was putting the sign next to the dot like this .:-) it won’t work, but type : – ) without the spaces and not touching any other letter like this 🙂 and hey presto, it works 😀
And doesn’t that sum us up, perfectly, Total. Fifteen years of successive CL football, and we’re further away from being considered serious contenders than when we weren’t qualifying!
It made me laugh out loud to Redders! 😛
You never know though, Herb, we might get lotto-esque lucky like the Chavs! 😛
Hi Herb, 🙂
What RvP and AW said to each other is only speculation, but I suspect that leaving asude the money issue (and that must have had some impact) what RvP must have been intimating is “I’m sorry Mr Wenger, those players you have brought in do not match the quality of players I believe we need — so I am off”.
Where I agree with your sentiment is that AW has not always spent the money he received for selling players like Nasri and Cesc for example, on similar quality replacements. I am concerned that if Theo goes he won’t buy a similar quality player either — but who knows!
Very doubtful, Total, we don’t have anyone anywhere near Drogba’s quality.
Back a bit later, guys, have to have a rest!! 🙂
Hi Redders,
I think in certain areas, compared to our so-called rivals, we are a very poorly-run football club.
By the way, I hope your health is holding up.
Have a good rest Red Arsene, i will shoot positive energy to you whilst you have a lovely dream of some fine Minx.
Thanks TA
A lot more positives to take than negatives, but i cant get the moment when Giroud feel over for our first goal out of my head. The guy scored a brilliant header and looks a fine player but does he fit in to the way we want to play? Time will tell.
Red Arse. You can bet your house on the fact Wenger will NOT spend the money he receives for Walcott.Thats another reason we should hold on to him.
This hole scenario of selling our top players is getting right up my nose.
Herb……As a matter of conjecture, what would be your solution? if you were in the chair.
By the way Herb, let me tell you once and once only. If you fiddle off again I will get GLiC to come round your house and stare through your window . Now you don’t want that it would keep you up all night long seeing that monstrously ugly mush facing you, I know, cos I’ve seen it.
Terry…theres not many TOP strikers that would do that. I did not want to mention it cos people would think wrongly of me, getting on his back.
hole = whole. 🙂
Enjoy your rest Redders – make sure you don’t dream about Terry’s globally stretching telescope! 😛
Terry, good point re Giroud, but is indeed fair to give him a bit more time, and his movement in the box is excellent.
Herb, Drogba is a special player, agreed.
VCC, good to see you fighting back against mad-Glic 😀
Total…I dont have to fight him back….All his ex ladddeeez do it for me.
Did you know his dying ex Girlfriends last wish was for him to sit on her lap.
She was in an electric chair.
VCC 😛 😛 😛 Sizzle him like an award-winning sausage!
Don’t think theres anything award winning about GLiC.
He went to his Doctors this morning and said to him “Dr, every time I look into my mirror I feel sick”. “Whats wrong with me?”
Dr replied. “I don’t know, but your eye sights perfect”
VCC 🙂
Hi VCC,
hope you’re well. I don’t necessarily think Mr Wenger has the eye for players that some think. Compare Diaby to Fellaini, as an example. How do players of that quality end up at Everton? We’ve had one almost full season out of Rosicky, who hasn’t kicked a ball since going off injured during the Czech’s first game in the Euro’s. No other club would tolerate the Diaby or Rosicky situation, it’s not like either have significantly changed our fortunes. We have so many under-performing over-paid prima-donna’s it’s ridiculous.
I’m not sure any of our central-defenders are good enough for the level we want to be at, and why do we not have a real winger in the starting XI?
We have too many poor players who are far too comfortable, picking up wages their limited ability doesn’t merit, which also explains why they don’t have the heart or desire to bust a gut for the club.
I would have a ‘Football/Championship Manager type clear-out, and get a few Arsenal legends to educate every new signing in exactly who Arsenal are, and what it means to represent the club. Bring in players who are prepared to go to war and die for the shirt (in the football sense). Mr Wenger is far too weak, but the worst crime is that he’s allowed to get away with it.
Really good report TA
I’m liking the sound of OG and Theo playing closer together.
I pointed out on AA last night that, this season, Theo is getting us a goal every 75 minutes – which is a very impressive stat.
I also completely agree about Man One. I don’t think Szcz is a shoe-in to get his position back when he recovers from injury.
Cheers Herb….Im fine, as you are, I hope.
Its so frustrating having Diaby and Rosicky as long term sick. I’m sure Diaby could do a fantastic job for us if only he wasn’t made of glass. Im afraid they have to be moved on.
My loyalty/faith/love of Wenger is wearing thin. He seems totally devoid of tactical skills any more. Every manager seems to be able to work him out, even the Pulises and Coyles of this world. He seems to have this tunnel vision and lackadaisical demeanour about him now.
Arsenal supporters on certain other sites, go banging on about finances and wages, we cant compete with the likes of City ManUre Chavs etc. The fact is they cannot buy every body, so there must be better players out there than the ones he keeps shipping in lately.
I won’t bother to list them all, its done the rounds thousands of times.
Wenger has this thing about him not wanting to buy the ready artical and always wants to pull a rabbit out the hat. We need a proven striker, and we need him NOW, not buy for the future. His buying for the future seems flawed as after he brings youngsters on he cant seem to keep them.
Having said all this, Im not sure who would manage us any better.
Frustrating times because I believe we are not too far away from testing the big boys , but feel we need at least 3 top top proven quality to come in.
A goal per every 75 minutes! Flipping heck that is a great average, Rocky.
Let’s hope he’ll sign a new contract soon and Arsenal could play him with Giroud up-front (VCC’s idea), and a midfield of Gerv-Art-Jack-Cazorla. 🙂
Hi Rocky. Although the jury is out on OG for me, I think its worth a shout to try him and Theo up front together. Nothing to lose. Theo’s recent goal scoring stats are impressive.
ManOne will give Wenger a nice head ache when Chesser comes back. Im not sure who I would pick. I hope he does not drop ManOne straight away (ala Jenks/Sagna) if he is performing as he is now.
What a good boy Jack is:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wilshere-we-re-getting-better-all-the-time?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+arsenal-news+%28News+Feed%29
“Theo has been great,” Wilshere said in the London Evening Standard. “His future is down to him and the boss to sort out. I hope he does sign. “He has been great for us. He’s an English lad and great to have around.”
Jack is back. I love the simplicity in which he puts everything. 🙂
Hello VCC
I have liked what I’ve seen of OG so far (especially given the lack of service he’s had in several recent games).
Admittedly he nearly fluffed up the chance for our first last night and had his blushes saved by Theo, but he gets himself in great positions (like he did for our second) and I thought his hold-up play was good last night (although I think TA disagrees).
TA
Jack for the captaincy?
It worries me when ‘big passionate’ Arsenal fans have to ask why other Arsenal fans are protesting, especially when they live in the capital.
No Rocky !!!, not the captaincy !!!, look what happens to them, they get itchy feet and leave !.
So, I`d give the joint captaincy to Ju De Bendchamsantillaci !.
Rocky, Jack definitely has the potential to become our captain. Who would you give it to?
Celtic winning against Barca!! Bayern 5-0 up already!
Hi Total,
Tony Adams was 21 when he became Arsenal captain.
We need a complete restructuring from the top down of biblical proportions.
The whole energy and karma is wrong.
Fans are protesting because there is a yawning chasm of stale mediocrity, with no glint of light at the end of a long dark tunnel. Our club is owned by an American sports stockpiler, who has no affinity with football or the emotion supporters pour in, and who has no intention of investing his money into the club. The Emirates is new-age, a soul-less bowl with a different genre of fans than used to frequent Highbury, fans are more disconnected than at any time in their 126 year history. The club currently has a huge identity crisis, which is evident in their schizophrenic performances on the park.
If I had my way, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Djourou, Squillaci, Santos, Frimpong, Rosicky, Diaby, Arteta,Arshavin, Walcott, Chamakh and Giroud would not be at the club. None of those players represent the quality needed to challenge for the title, or compete with Europe’s elite.
Mr Wenger needs to under-take the biggest revolution of his footballing career, and if he isn’t up to the task, he needs to go with his reputation still intact.
Wow Herb….That’s a huge Cull.
I agree all but four. Walcott, Arteta, Vermaelen and Koscielny.
Herb… You would keep Podolski. What impresses you with him?
No one out to play tonight Herb.
Hi VCC,
I would revert to a 4-4-2, introduce two real wingers and play Podolski as one of the two strikers. He’d be given six months to prove his worth.
Arteta’s best years were at Everton, he’s tidy without being dynamic and over 30.
I would make Jack Wilshere captain, and build around him, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Eisfeld.
We could have had Cahill for £7m. There appears to be no intelligent logic whatsoever to our policy or in some of the dross we spend our limited resources on.
Sorry, VCC, Vermaelen just isn’t good enough for me. Koscielny can either be a complete warrior, or an expensive liability within the space of two games. Shocking defending against Torres at The Emirates, and prone to the odd own-goal.
As for Walcott, I agree with Hansen that he doesn’t have an instinctive football brain to set him apart. When you think that we once had Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry, relying on Walcott is a huge drop.
Before I go to sleep and dream of lovely things like my mirror, I will say only 5 from Herbs list would I cull. Santos, Chamakh, Squillaci, Djourou and Arshavin, unless Arshavin could put a shift in every week like he did against Reading.
Nite Herb and UMF !. hahaha
PS
Earlier, I watched a compilation of Theo`s 50 goals , imo, the best finisher since TH14 !. A lot of them were similar to TH14, as in stroking the ball in.
Drastic stuff Herb. I agree with Glic’s list, except Djourou.
Night all 🙂
Night GliC.
As I’ve said to you before, you are far too tolerant and forgiving of some of the under-performing, pampered mercenaries taking good money from our club.
We need a massive injection of positivity, and that can only realistically be achieved with a complete change of policy.
We’re not entitled to trophies, but what we are entitled to is 11 professionals who would die rather than lose their place. Players that give 100% every game with the attitude that losing is unacceptable, so that should defeat occur, we know they went down fighting. A team’s mentality reflects that of the manager, and if we’re being brutally honest we would possibly agree that Arsenal are often too weak and fragile. The winds need to change, and Arsenal need to re-establish themselves as a genuine football force, and at this moment in time we’re heading in the opposite direction.
great post TA, agree with the lot.
There most definitely is a pro-giroud brigade of BK…after all I was the individual who hasn’t shut up about him for over a year. The man is powerful, yet still has technical ability, and has a big tank enabling him to run out a game. Look at his game against Reading, no one can say that man doesn’t have quality.
Herb Herb Herb, god if we had you at the helm we’d have a massive turnover of players constantly, that list of outs is shocking.
Vermaelen: before his achilles injury he was a force and took the premier league by storm. Every team wanted him. Yes he is lacking a bit of confidence now but getting rid of him would be a monumental mistake!
Koscielny: You mean the best defender in the league last season after Kompany? 82 percent tackle success rate, six goals which was the highest of any centre back in the league, as well as leading the league with an outstanding 104 interceptions and 85 tackles. He has not been the same since his injury at the Euros but he has only just gotten back into the team. It was a bad game against Torres but hey even Vidic has been decimated in the past by him doesn’t mean he is woeful.
Djourou: For me the jury is out on him. Two season ago he stepped up massively and took Drogba to school. Even since that should injury coupled with the run at RB he has been bereft of confidence. At the end of the day he is only fourth choice. Soon enough Miquel will pass him though.
Squide: Door
Santos: After BSR incident there’s the door. Shame though because I really thought ‘the viper’ was going to come on leaps and bound this season. I’d prefer to see leighton baines come in simply because Gibbs can never stay on the pitch.
Frimpong: @ massive knee injuries, but the quality is there. One thing he needs to learn is positioning but hasn’t really had the game time to develop it. Whilst on loan for Wolves he was fantastic, and if injury did not strike we would all be factoring him in our midfield plays this season. Needs another loan. Would die for this team, a real soldier!
Rosicky: Hard to shake off the coincidence of his extended injury-free period and the signing of a new contract. I really like the bloke but if he can’t shake off the injuries I’m happy to see eisfeld take his role at the club. Injuries have stopped him from being a much loved player at Arsenal, he runs all day, used to have a pearler of a strike, and is the best exponent of the outside of the foot curl I’ve ever seen.
Diaby: We know what he is capable of but I feel his days are numbered. We can sit here season after season going “wow look how good he is. He is going to finally deliver on his potential! Oh he’s injured. No matter he’ll be back soon!” He is getting payed for nothing when we could have a quality midfield ready to take his position in the squad.
Arteta: Way way way of the money on that one. He was good at Everton but so many overrated him back then. Arsene changed his career and got everyone talking about deserving an international spot for Spain! He was one of the best midfielders in the league last season too. Don’t believe me look up a few ‘team of the year’ and you’ll see how highly he was rated. He is a soldier and just what we need at the moment.
Arshavin: Squad player that does the job. Copped a serious amount of flack over the years, some deservedly some not! This will be his last season here after his contract runs out, and personally I will be sad to see him go. I’d like to see him in Santi’s role when he needs a rest.
Theo: Sign or door
Chamakh: needs to leave for his own confidence. Never had anything against him just think the premier league physicality gradually broke him away, and suffered a debilitating loss of confidence.
Giroud: What on Earth has this bloke done to deserve to so much stick from our supporters? He is new to the league (very very very few settle so quickly), he hasn’t been given much game time. When he has played he’s busted lung every game. You love Drogba right? Giroud is a late bloomer but how is he any different? I see no difference in strength or ability (having seen him play games for Montpellier not just Arsenal). Next season I hope everyone remembers what they said about him, and I hope each and every person eats a generous serve of humble pie!
As for others saying can Podolski? haha yeah no worries chuck out a german international who thumped them in for fun last season. He is being played out of position. He has stated he does not like it as he has to spend equal parts defending. Centrally he is a far different player. Out left he is still enough to play for Germany…YES GERMANY!!!
Good morning Gooners! 🙂
Great response Ozzer! 🙂
Morning Herb 🙂
it comes as no surprise you would like a total revolution, but looking at the answers to your challenging proposition last night, very few are as structurally unhappy with the team as you are, and would prefer further evolution. We are not far away from having a great squad again. A top quality winger, DM cover for Arteta (who can also do LB) and an experienced GK, and Theo to stay would be all I want to make the next step. But, I understand your reasons for wanting a lot more change.
Morning TA.
I think Coquelin is perfect cover for Arteta.
I’ll take theo
mannone as second, if he doesn’t like then an experienced keeper.
Ryo back as a winger.
Pod centrally
Another quality winger (sign Afellay when he returns to Barca)
Baines
Hi Oz
I a still not sure about Coquelin, but it is a good call. Arsene is clearly also not sure yet, because Arteta needed replacing after 60 minutes against Schalke, in my view.
I like Mann1 and I like Szczesny, but I reckon we still need an experienced nr2 and either one of our youngsters should be allowed to leave. I just don’t like it that we have two relatively inexperienced GKs at the moment.
Pod centrally; fully agreed.
Ryo, same as Coquelin. Afellay is a good call.
Baines – yes please!
Lets not lose faith yet. Lets remember what these players are at their best!!
Get back on the coquelin train TA: Flamini mark 2
Koscielny:
Vermaelen:
Arteta:
Giroud:
Morning all.
OZ 02:36. Nice read, enjoyed that. A lot of sence quoted there.
Your high opinion of Giroud. I hope your right and I eat my hat, but to compare him with Drogba ????? He has a mighty long way to go to reach that level. But, yes give him time and he may well prove me wrong, fingers crossed.
IMO we have too many fringe/sickies/hangers on in our squad. Get rid of some dross and test Everton with a joint offer for Baines and Fellaini.
Cheers VCC.
By no means do I think Giroud is at Drogba’s level now. But he is a late bloomer like Koscielny and once he settles he will be a big problem for a lot of defenses.
I would like Fellaini too, as a replacement for Diaby.
Fellaini has come good but what a lot of supporters seem to forget is he took a long time to blossom. A lady at my work is from England and her family are massive Everton fans, and for years it was as though he was there Denilson (stick left, right, and centre). Now he has learnt to take the game by the scruff of the neck. I fear he would be manu or city bound before us though. Everton always play hardball but they did soften on Rodwell so who knows???
Oz…..like you I would replace Diaby, unfortunately he and Rosicky are becoming our sick note, ala Anderton of Spurs.
This Saturday I would rest a few players and start with Eisfeld and Meade. What’s your view on that?
A cheaper version of Fellani may be Wanyama from Celtic. He dominated Barcelona last night. We were linked with him in the last TW too.
Fulham is going to be a tough match. We haven’t beaten them since 2010 (largely due to zamora and johnson who are no longer their mind you)
I’m all for that VCC, i’d prefer more time to the youngsters. It boosts morale because it leaves them with a glimmer of hope, freshens up the squad, and lets the starting lineup know there are players breathing down their neck. I’d prefer Meade on the wing though because he what I’ve seen and heard from the under 21’s he’s been really good there. A midfield of Coquelin, Arteta, and Santi would do me fine, but Eisfeld coming on as the sub
My worry is there are far too many players in the red zone at the moment. I think Wenger needs to rest a couple and shake things up a bit. Yes Fulham will be tough but we have a certain team from not too far away coming up and I want us to field a fresh and revived team for that one.
I too worry about over playing out players. Pod, Santi, and Arteta need a rest. Hopefully Diaby, Rosicky, Eisfeld, Ramsey, and Wilshere will be able to provide that
Gibbs back in training facing a fitness test for Sat
I fear Gibbs will be our next sick note. Wenger buy Baines NOW.
next…he’s one of our biggest!
Get back on the Coquelin train! 😛 I love it, Oz.
Enjoying the discussion there Victorious and Ozzer! 🙂
Re Fellaini, I am not convinced he would succeed at a top club. Everton is the right size pond for him, if you ask me. Good player though, but would be a big gamble to buy him.
Next post in about an hour. 🙂
Morning Total……Really busy today, catch up latterz.
Enjoy your day VCC 🙂
Hope you are ok Redders? 🙂
New Post – New Post 🙂