Bayern preview: Rosicky & Cazorla to run the show / 4-1-2-3 / attack, attack, attack!

TotalArsenal

ucl-stadium

Less than 24 hours to go and I am getting really excited about the up and coming CL fixture against Die Lederhosen. Normally I would be approaching this game with a sense of both anticipation and apprehension, but I feel simply relaxed going into this one. Would we have had a better result in our home game, I would feel a lot more apprehensive and nervous right now; but today, us Gooners can afford to just look forward to the match without the heavy weight of expectation on our weary shoulders.

This is a game in which we have nothing to lose, other than our pride; but then again, there is nothing more important than always doing the shirt proud.

We should not expect to win tomorrow, but nevertheless try to do so by giving it our all. Funnily enough, Bayern will be wary that our team can play with the potentially lethal combination of low expectations and yet full commitment and desire. It will allow Arsenal to express itself once again, and to play to its strength; playing fast, aggressive, attacking football without worrying too much about letting one, or even two goals in.

As Arsenal need to score many goals to go through – we need at least three – Arsene has no other option than to go all out on attack with his team. If we can set up our team to score three; we would also be able to score a fourth in case Bayern would score a goal against us tomorrow – something which is highly likely to happen.

I believe our chances to get through are less than 10% as scoring at least three goals against an in-form Bayern is a very difficult, if not impossible, task. But this The Arsenal and Wenger has managed to surprise everyone before in Europe. He does not have to worry about our defence too much tomorrow evening, and can pick a very attacking formation.

We also know that Arsenal cannot play another way.  It goes against Arsene’s nature to set the team up defensively, as in trying to contain the Germans, and we also do not have the players for this. So it will be all out attack and play with pride for the shirt.

It is a blow that Jack and Podolski will not play tomorrow but a big boost that Gibbs is available again. Diaby is 50/50 which does not come as a surprise to anybody. Bayern will be missing Ribery and especially the excellent, and uber-experienced Schweinsteiger in the centre of midfield; and Robben might also not be fully fit.

But let’s not concentrate on them. Let’s focus on how Arsenal can beat the Germans tomorrow. I think we have  a decent chance of winning, but it will probably not be enough to go through. These are the key formation and line-up choices that could win us the game tomorrow:

  1. Play an attacking formation which suits us: 4-1-2-3, with one DM and two AM’s. Despite Jack’s absence we still can pick our AM’s from Rosicky, Cazorla, Ox, Diaby(?) and one to two others like Arshavin, Ramsey or even Coquelin;
  2. Attack constantly through the middle and from the left wing: Gibbs and Gervinho come into the team and let’s hope they hit the ground running;
  3. Give Theo a free role on the right: there should be plenty of space on the right wing, especially if and when we can switch the attack from left to right, or middle to right when we are attacking from there initially;
  4. Play with both Vermaelen and Koz as our CBs, as they are our fastest options for our all-out attack approach tomorrow;
  5. Play with a high tempo and constant pressure; closing down the Germans relentlessly, and hopefully take one of our early chances to further boast belief that we can do it;
  6. As the midfielders will run themselves into the ground, we will need to have strong and ready replacement on the bench if needed, which is probably around 65 minutes into the game.

Predicted line-up for tomorrow’s game:

The defence is more or less a given, as I cannot see us play Mertesacker in a game like this and Szczesny has been rested: Mannone – Jenkinson – Koscielny – Vermaelen – Gibbs.

The midfield probably will see the most substitutions during the game; I expect at least two for that area. I reckon we will start with: Arteta as sole DM, and Cazorla and Rosicky as our double AMs. Arteta could be replaced by Ramsey if he gets tired, or Coquelin will get a chance. I expect Cazorla to play the full 90 minutes and Rosicky to be replaced by the Ox or Diaby after 2/3 of the game.

Up-front it will most probably be Gervinho – Giroud – Theo. They will have to help out defensively of course, but their main focus has to be on creating danger in attack and scoring goals. There will not be much on the bench to replace one or two of our attackers, so they will have to give their all for 90 minutes. The Ox could come on late as an extra attacker or to replace one of the wingers. It should just be enough to be a real threat against the Germans.

Predicted line-up/preferred line-up:

Ars v bay final
Giroud will be our link-up striker, helping out midfield if and when he can. Theo and Gervinho will combine wing-play with moving into the centre to support the Frenchman, if and when possible.

I really hope we will approach this game with a very attacking mind-set and game plan/formation.

If we approach the game with anything less, Bayern will smell blood and give us a bloody nose of huge proportions: it could become a real nightmare leading to a demoralising loss.

We have no option but to play to our strength, which is attack, attack, attack and make the best of it, and who knows we might just do it. I don’t expect it, yet I would not be totally surprise if we did it. Remember we are THE Arsenal.

Now bring on Die Lederhosen and let the Canon roar!

Come on You Rip ROARING Gunners – Do us proud!

Written by: TotalArsenal.

176 thoughts on “Bayern preview: Rosicky & Cazorla to run the show / 4-1-2-3 / attack, attack, attack!”

  • Podolski is NOT fit for this match. Wenger said that he has an ankle injury and will not play!!! 😦

  • Hi TotalArsenal, spot on with your blog. After seeing what Barca done against Milan I am optimistic. I want to see Wenger go all out attack for this match and I think Jenk and Gibbs will be perfect for this. I want to see Wenger making atttacking subs even if that means bringing on the Ox to play as a RB instead of Ramsey. I have always thought the Ox would make a perfect RB if he could be trained by Bould (strong and fast with good work rate and can take up wide positions further up the pitch when Walcott cuts into the middle). I would love to see Wenger play an ultra- attacking formation like a diamond 3-4-3. Verm, Mert and Kos as CBs, Arteta/ Diaby as the DM in front of the 3 CBs, in front Gervinho on the left with Rosicky in the middle and Santi on the right with a front 3 of Pod, Giroud and Walcott.

  • Hi AFC, I would be very happy to start with your 3-4-3 formation, but it would be key for Diaby to have the best game of his life, or there about.

    If Milo is right and the Pod won’t play than Gervinho will start and I reckon he will do well too. In fact, he will ensure we have some proper wing-play happening tomorrow, which might actually be the better option… But then the Gibbs-Pod combo is such an important one for us…

  • Milo is right, Podolski will not travel. That’s a blow as he would definately add to our fire power.

    Bayern,s injuries have given us a glimmer of hope, that small thread of belief, maybe, let’s hope so.

    Obviously it goes without saying that an early goal would be superb for us. This would not only give us a spring in our step, but would also make the Germans tentative.

    Although we have a mountain to climb, all is not lost. Remember, it’s a funny old game.

  • I thibk if Gervinho does play he will surprise us. He is so unpredictable he doesn’t even know what he will do and I think Bayern will not be able to handle it. I really do not want want Ramsey to start this match. He will probably have to come on a a sub as we do not have many options on the bench. I would easily prefer Diaby over Arteta but if Wenger plays 4-1-2-3 I would like to see only Santi, Diaby, Arteta, Rosicky playing in the midfield. I would also love to see the old Verm who used to play CF and score important goals for us.

  • I worried about hearing of all of these players that will be out for the Bayern game and possibly some PL games. These are our best players and we need them to get into the CL.

  • TA,

    Mannone is starting tomorrow, as AW believes Szczesny has been mentally fatigued lately and needs a break. It feels like AW’s given up before the game has even begun (gut says these players are being kept out as precautions but do have minor knocks ex. Wilshere so he can miss the international friendlies erc.)

    It’s certainly a bigger mountain to climb with Podolski and Wilshere both out. I’m not sure where these phantom injuries occurred, but there’s clearly something wrong with our medical staff and it’s been evident for quite some time.

    I enjoyed the positivity in the article and I agree with all your points on how we could beat Bayern (with the exception of #1 since Poldi is out). Having Gibbs and Poldi on the left would have been a big boost for our attacking football, since we need the goals and variety in attack. Instead, we’ll once again try and force our play down the middle and hope we can break down Bayern’s well-drilled defence.

    Also, we all know that AW won’t start with Rosicky, Koscielny or Jenkinson and will line-up with Ramsey, Mertesacker and Sagna in their place. He’s a stubborn man and will play his favourites and hope that our second half play from the first leg will come alive earlier on the road.

  • I reckon he’ll start with:

    Mannone
    Sagna-Mertesacker-Vermaelen-Gibbs
    Arteta-Ramsey
    Cazorla (or Rosicky)
    Walcott-Giroud-Ox/Gervinho (or Cazorla)

  • Sorry TA, forgot Sagna is out with a knee injury! Jenkinson will be starting after all, my mistake.

  • Hi HH, I really don’t think he will play with the double DM formation tomorrow, but with a double AM instead. Like you and AFC I hope we will not start with Ramsey, but he would be good to come on later to steady the ship…

  • HH, I think the now adjusted line-up will be quite close to the starting team. Maybe Ramsey instead of Arteta… or Diaby instead of Arteta, but I don’t think he’ll play the BFG in the starting line-up. But I could be totally wrong of course! 🙂

  • Arsenal need to score first and thne we shall see.The defence must be on top form and Wenger must be mindful of the hdl otherwise it could be another embarassing score.

  • TA, I hope we go with a dual AM line-up, you know well my stance on that! It gives us much more license to attack and Rosicky is very efficient at moving forwards and altering the team’s handbrake mentality. He also combines extremely well with Santi in the middle. I just hope AW recognizes this…

  • I am quite confident he will, HH, as he did the same against Milan last year, although that was at home. Rosicky and Cazorla, Rosicky and The Ox together could really work. Cazorla could play on the left wing as well, but I reckon Gervinho will start now that Pod is not playing …

    It is a real blow not to have Jack, Sagna and Podolski unavailable for this game, and a strange decision to leave Wojciech out… 😕

  • I hope they have been working on something in the training ground over the past 10 days that will be of some use, so that they can build on, albeit with a stronger group of players, for our future league games. Just going ‘gung-ho’ at this game in isolation, if it is not repeatable elsewhere would be a waste, imo?

    If AW has a DM on his shopping list, it should mean that he is aware of that deficiency? This game could be ideal to test out candidates from within our ranks, the worry is he might make the wrong choice??

    If he is resting Szcz, then an equally strong argument could be made for resting Arteta too. Or at least benching him?

    The worry might mean he turns to Ramsey as the sole DM? He could well consider trying out Coquelin, This has two positives; one, he is not Ramsey(i.e. in the sole DM role); two, it is his ideal position? Whether he is up to the task might well be discovered – quick glance at the clock – in tonight’s match.

    Other alternatives could be with Kos or TV5 tried out there. If Gibbs plays from the start, I could see Vermaelin being put there, and as captain it might make him more effective in his urgings, and general involvement? So a good case there?

    Personally I would just bring on Gibbs from the bench, but I suppose with Monreal back for league games, he might be seen as expendable if he breaks down again?

    I think the Ox will get a start, possibly as the most advanced of the MF’s, with Caz and Rosi either side, leaving two from three up front; Gerv, Giro, and Theo.

    Presumably no additions from the youngsters to the usual squad, as all bar Eisfeld played on Monday, and Meade is just back from along term injury?

    Unless Ox, Gerv and/or Theo play wide,then play will be in the congested middle. If they play wide, you need Giro as the focal point?

    So I guess we end up with TA’s amendments, but with less optimism from this quarter?

    Night all

  • I am REALLY frustrated!!! How could Jack be injured when he was playing every minute of every match before this supposed injury??? It’s the same ankle he had the operation on, and if it’s anywhere near as long a recovery as his previous injury, he might as well give up playing??? I mean, what a loss that would be, but come on, to spend TWO years on the sidelines because of one injury??? I think it might be time we started looking for at least one attacking midfielder to either rest or replace Wilshere, if this injury is serious. I would NOT sell him, no way, but IF this is the same injury, if I were him, I’d have a good long think as to whether I could go on and keep playing or not. Naturally, someone with his youth and talent will want to carry on, but to what cost??? Will he end up like Rosicky or Diaby, or risk his long-term health just to play a few matches every season??? Maybe I’m getting waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too far ahead of myself here, and it’s not a serious injury, but it really does make you wonder what is wrong, and what is going on!!!

  • Yes I blive wit yhu!!is beta we start wit gervinho bcos he can take on defenders nd attack!!!1 love arsenal

  • Oooh… nice one TA. Really gets me in the mood.

    As you say, there’s no pressure in this game and we might just see a memorable Arsenal performance as a result (even though it may not be good enough to get us through).

  • My team for rest of season- Goalkeeper : Any one of the three their all bog standard, Defenders: Sagna – Koscielny – Vermaelen – Monreal, Midfielders: Cazorla – Diaby – Wilshere – Rosicky – Gervinho, and Podolski upfront. This team would clean up and Bould as interim Manager.

  • Morning all..
    TA.. your team is just the same to mine..
    Yes.. even We don’t trough the next round.. winning at Allianz arena will mean a lot.. It will lift up the spirit..

    And Gervinho will make a different this time..
    His speed and skill will give something.. hope he also give a good passing..

    Rumours said that Wenger had already give up on this game by resting Walcott and Cazorla.. to prepare for Swansea game..
    But I don’t think so.. Wenger was a never give up man.. and I think tonight he will do the same.. Attacking till the end.. hehe..

    Go Gunners..

  • Presenting two songs by a Japanese alternative/indie rock band, ONE OK ROCK:

    (1) “Be the light”

    (2) “Clock Strikes”

    Hope to see the Arsenal attacking football style against Bayern Munich in this return leg. Show a good performance to everyone.

  • JM – Love the videos. They should blast both at the team in the dressing room! The first one does not need to be shown, but it is very clever. The second one needs to be shown, because it shows the passion of the singer. In short – Very appropriate!!

    Let’s hope that same feeling gets transmitted to the team. Good performance, played with good spirit and heart … and please, no more injuries … real or convenient?

  • Mario – I am glad you are sticking with us? I think you are a bit contradictory though. I mean, any team that can ‘clean up’ until the end of the season, is hardly likely to choose from a set of average players in goal? Only one will play, and may be being dropped tonight might just be the wake up call that Szcz needs. At his best, he is one of the best.

    But I am getting your style, even if I don’t agree with you conclusion. But hey, that is your opinion, and I am prepared to discus it.

    The sad reality of of your midfield line up is that Diaby is unlikely to be able to fulfill the role in every game. But like yourself, I think we do need an alternative to Arteta. If we are to drive forwards with Jack (when fit – conveniently after the Interlull – btw it is not the same ankle as I understand it) and Rosicky and Cazorla then we need a solid DM who can patrol in front of the back four? My choice, as I suggested some time back, is Bacary Sagna.

    However, if they do try with TV5 in that role tonight, and it works well, then I would go along with that. My biggest fear is, AW will hand the job to Ramsey? He has seen him do Ok as a RB defending, he is quick enough to get across to either side and put in a tackle that might hold up any attack long enough for the rest to get back in shape. That is the case for … The case against is, even if he wins the ball, any team would learn very quickly that with two players up front they can probably come away with the ball? And … can he distribute the ball back to our AM’s quickly enough to use our pace ahead?

    That follows on with your front pairing, that is strong down the middle, but the width has to come fro the fullbacks? No Theo or Ox in your line up remember. I’ve no objection to the backs being used in that way, but it does put greater emphasis on the DM role, who has got to be cover for their absence.

    I leave you to mull over that, and I will come back with my line up, starting tonight as the blueprint as to how to continue with pacey, attacking football, and not leaving the back door wide open?

  • JM………..As Gerry says, I Love the videos……Lets fly Ebouie over for this one and stick him in the changing room to lead the blasting out to the boys as we enter the arena. Get some fire in our bellies.

  • Henry – I think because of the amount of games the promising youth players still have to play at their various levels, we are unlikely to see any make up the numbers in the squad. Therefore not that many can be rested at any one time. That said, if Eisfeld is fit at any time, he could be one to make it, being older(not eligible for this sadly) and could make it as the next few games unfold?

    So with Jack out, that almost certainly means a choice out of Cazorla, Rosicky and the Ox for the main attacking roles n midfield. Walcott wasn’t very successful last time against them, so may be also benched tonight?

    Podolski has been known to have been carrying a ‘niggle’ all season, which is probably why he is pulled off when it begins to flare up? So tonight he his out, making changes up front being more out of necessity. I just wonder how bold he will be in this game. I think that changes were planned early on, so training could commence with the likely players available, and now amendments are having t be made?

    As to AW being not the type to give up is probably right, but not giving up on a CL spot is probably taking a higher priority? The press will go all out, as seen from the early headlines, that he has ‘thrown in the towel’, and he responds with ‘We still have a chance to win through, and will do our best to with our fighting spirit’, etc.

    The bare truth is, he knows it is probably unlikely, and with so planned changes on a large scale suggests to me he is preserving his best players for the run of league games? Call it injuries, fatigue, or whatever. They will be back for the important games. Perhaps, as I said earlier, Gibbs can be risked tonight, although I’d rather he wasn’t, because we have Monreal? The thing with his recent injuries they can happen any time, and probably feels 100% until they do?

    My team to follow in my next post …

  • Right, the moment you have bee waiting for … Hey where has everyone gone. I am taking a day off Cheltenham races to do this you know?

    Mornin’ VCC – You’ll like this .. probably in a Paul Daniels sort of way (for those not familiar with this magic act, he follows it up with ‘… but not a lot…’)…

    Tonight, and in brackets(future):

    Fabianski(Szcz)

    Mert – Kos(Sagna-Mert/Mert-Verm)

    Jenks(Sagna/Jenks) – Gibbs(Gibbs/Monreal)

    Vermaelin(Sagna/Kos/Verm/Coquelin)

    Rosicky – Cazorla(Jack/Ox/Caz/Walcott/Podolski/Gerv/Eisfeld)

    Ox (Jack/Ox/Caz/Walcott/Podolski/Gerv/Eisfeld)

    Giro – Gerv(Ox/Caz/Walcott/Podolski/Gerv/Eisfeld)

    Any players not named in brackets are to come from off the bench, along with bracketed players not used. Namely Ramsey and Arteta? I would love to include Arshavin, but sadly I do not think AW is going to give him the advertising space to get a better deal elsewhere? On £50k a week I would keep and USE him for a quality squad player, but I am not AW.

    In reality the team tonight will likely be, or a variant thereof:

    Fabianski(over Mannone, as he has played games recently)

    Jenks – Mert – Kos – Verm

    Ramsey – Rosi – Santi – Gibbs

    Giro- Gerv

    Whatever happens, stick behind the team. The next match we have to win, okay

  • Morning All, 🙂

    My Team forecast: Flappy, Corp Jenks, Kozzer, The Verm, Gibbs, Coquelin, Arteteteta, Rambo, Rosicky, OX, Giro.

    Ooops, sorry TA — I am so used to your excellent Posts I am beginning to take the quality for granted! Well done, Sir. 😀

  • Morning Fannocks 😆

    No wonder it was quite last night, our absent minded leader, van der sploogestein didn`t announce ” New Post ! ” !.

    We can play any formation or team, but haven`t a cat in hell`s chance of qualifying. The Munchies are 1/100 to qualify, poxy bookies, if that would have been 1/10, I would have had a grand on it !.
    Looks like there`s a loop hole in the making for FFP. Even with FFP working, without an Arab owner we could be left behind, unless we are a top team, but to be a top team we will have to spend BIG if we are to gatecrash the rumoured party below !. Could be a catch 22 situation, we top FFP criteria, but without an Arab owner and only deep pockets Stan, we wont be invited to the party !.
    What do you think ?.

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2292509/Manchester-United-Manchester-City-Chelsea-offered-175m-EACH-play-new-24-team-summer-tournament–Qatar.html

  • Glicster,

    A tournament without FIFA, UEFA consent, played in 40C heat in mid-summer,sounds like a lot of hot Qatari air to me!

  • GLiC,

    That arab dream I think is a no go, as Red Arse points out, but I do remember when David Dein was part of Arsenal there was talk of an elite European League, and we were always included in the talks, and arguably were the head scalp (?) .

    With our fall from grace these past several years I fear we would fall by the way side as no hopers, and not be included in plans of any such “top” side competition.

    I am clinging on by my bare teeth at the moment with the hope we can compete with the big boys once more, but my faith is dwindling.

    If Wenger and the BOD refuse to change their tact this Summer and spend some money on Quality players then we will become an also ran in the Premiership and European Cup.

  • Gerry.

    The side I think Wenger will field tonight is =

    Fabianski

    Jenks……..Mertesacker…….Vermaelen…..Gibbs

    Ramsey…..Arteta……..Cazorla

    Walcott………Giroud……..Gervinho

    Subs = Manone/Ox/Koscielney/Coquelin/Rosicky.

    I’m getting tired with constant news about our players being injured.

    The causes = Lack of rotation with our squad/poor medical staff/inappropriate training.

    Why does Wenger persist on playing the same players constantly, when he could at least use every now and again one or two youngster. Even give them 10-15 mins at the end of games so to rest others?????

    Why doesn’t he play Arshavin/Rosicky occasionally?

    Give Akpom a ten minute run out?

    Use Miquel/Coquelin/Meade/Yennaris a little?

    Eisfeld and Gnabry are waiting in the wings to have a go?

    He has plenty of options, FFS try one or two.

  • Morning guys 🙂

    I read a Guardian article last night – I reckon they have good ‘insider information’ – and the writer believed that Theo and Cazorla would start on the bench. I went straight to bed after that feeling disappointed. Having read Wenger’s earlier comments, I was convinced he would give it a real go, but it looks now he has indeed thrown in the towel – no other words for it Gerry. 😦

    It is my Arsenal and I will always support them, but I expect it now to become a very difficult night for us.

  • Total, if what I am reading and hearing on the radio is true, this could become embarrassing tonight.

    If Wenger thinks Szezney is nervous and suffering from fatigue, then he should buy a keeper in the summer.

    Do you think he will? Of course he won’t. It’s already getting so depressing looking towards this summer.

    I fear the same old same old sob story from our once illustrious manager.

  • Hi VCC,

    I enjoyed reading your comments this morning. 🙂

    The Guardian was saying that Wenger coming out with a few statements about Szczesny might well mean that he is ready to get a new nr1 goalkeeper this summer. The writer said it is unusual for Wenger to say such things about a player, but maybe they are reading too much into it…

  • Gerry 🙂

    I like your prefered line-up for tonight, but would have Theo instead of Gerv or Ox (Gerv could also play instead of Ox in your line-up).

    “Tonight, and in brackets(future):
    Fabianski(Szcz)
    Mert – Kos(Sagna-Mert/Mert-Verm)
    Jenks(Sagna/Jenks) – Gibbs(Gibbs/Monreal)
    Vermaelin(Sagna/Kos/Verm/Coquelin)
    Rosicky – Cazorla(Jack/Ox/Caz/Walcott/Podolski/Gerv/Eisfeld)
    Ox (Jack/Ox/Caz/Walcott/Podolski/Gerv/Eisfeld)
    Giro – Gerv(Ox/Caz/Walcott/Podolski/Gerv/Eisfeld)”

  • Total, you are spot on. Just listen to some other experts in the game….Winning becomes a habit. Also, watch out Mr.Wenger, so does losing.

    We should play our strongest team tonight. We have had a nice rest so play them. Rotate them, try them, use them, FFS man do something……….

    He moans when we have a pile up of fixtures, he moans when we have a break and our players get injured……Doh…….he is clutching at straws.

    Please don’t let Terry see this post because he will kill me for doubting our once invincible.

    Pinch me and tell me this is only a dream………please.

  • The thing is, against the Germans, and especially Bayern, we will not get away with not playing our strongest team and not really going for it. This could go horribly wrong and we could lose this anywhere between 4-0 to 8-0 tonight.

    My friend Elliot is there with his wife, spending a number of nights in Munich/Bayern in the process. I dread to think what he will say if the manager/team does not put out his strongest team tonight. 😦

  • Relaxez-vous guys. 🙂

    You are yelping before you have been hit!! 🙂

    AW knows whatever team he puts out tonight will not get thru the tie. He is now putting everything into getting a top 4 position, and I think he is right.

    I doubt we will get thrashed tonight, the germans know it is over and will not want to risk injury, so they will play within themselves and go along for the ride.

    I am not a pessimist — but I do have an analytic mind and that is what I have done today, reading the tea leaves! 😀

  • Red Arse,

    Can you read those tea leaves again please and forecast 6 numbers for the lottery Saturday night.

    Mucho Gracias Senor.

    S’ill vous plait.

    Gooten Morgen Mien herr.

    che T’aime

    F Harry stow

    dankerchein

    Auf vedersein darling.

    XXX

  • I don’t think so Redders. Not really going for it tonight, is likely to lead to disaster. 😦

    But then I have dark, dark memories about Bayern. I was 11 when Bayern trashed Ajax 0-8 in Amsterdam during a testimonal (yes an innocent friendly!!) for the departing Johan Cruijff. What should have a been a party atmosphere turned into a funeral one: a night I, and many millions of fellow Dutchmen, will never forget and are unlikely ever to forgive Bayern for. 😈

  • Hi Guys,

    Just a quick note before i hop into bed.
    It is disappointing not to field a team and take this tie seriously. As I said in yesterday’s post, we do not have a deep enough squad to compete seriously. All it takes is a couple of injuries to key players and we are in a world of trouble. I hope we are somehow competitive.

    As VCC said earlier, Winning becomes a habit and if we lose this one in a less than competitive manner, the result will affect up and coming games. The teams confidence cannot be battered any longer especially with only 10 games to go.

    Good night guys and lets see how this all pans out in a few hours.

  • Dear Cootchsmoochers aka Redders and Vic`s 😆

    So you think the same Qatari`s who have bought the World Cup and will manage/pay to make FIFA change it from a summer event to a winter event if it suits them, have not enough money to air condition a stadium for an event which will not need FIFA/UEFA consent if it is “classed” as a per-season tournament !. So you will be surprised if it takes place ?. I shall bookmark this page and say, “I told you so” in a couple of years time !. hahaha

    I have another link to this ” rumour ” and in it, The Arsenal are also linked to this tournament, being of no morals when it concerns my team being competitive, I have no problem with this tournament as long as we are involved and it pushes us even further in front of the scum down the road and that we can push their UMF faces deeper into the shit !.

    Do you really think that PSG and City are just going to accept FFP and never buy another big buck player !. The last paragraph tells me why this rumour should not be scoffed at !.
    Amended rumour so it involves us !. 🙂

    http://www.givemefootball.com/334846-premier-league-clubs-offered-megamoney-to-join-qatar-dream-league

    Now you can get back to cootchsmootching !. hahaha

  • My, we are a pessimistic lot this morning? Where’s all the Attack! Attack! Attack! gone?

    Yes, we will be without Jack … But think about it, if he played tonight. then again against Swansea, twice in the interlull, Easter games follow that with a match every 3 or 4 days … What state is he going to be in by then? So he misses tonight, in a game unlikely to win, sacrificed against Swansea, a risk granted, but they have Cups to think about. The bonus is we have Jack until the end of the season by missing one league game???

    Walcott – how effective was in the first leg? ‘Nuff said methinks?

    Cazorla – He has played a lot of hard games lately, and to be honest, the team I suggested on an earlier blog, I left him out in favour of Rosicky. That was with Jack still in the side though. But come on, midfield is where we are reasonably strong?

    TA – Was this testimonial at the beginning of the season by any chance? When Manure gave us a thrashing it was early in the season … when players are all revved up after the summer break. Admittedly, Bayern haven’t got much to worry about in their league, but Redders is right, at this stage of the season the players themselves are not going to want a full-bloodied affair, getting us wound up so silly tackles go flying in? Why, because they have their domestic Cup only a couple or so games from the final, and the same with the CL Trophy? If this is not set up for a ‘GA’, not that it will be said in public, but come on 2-2 will satisfy both parties. If Santi does’t play I’ll bet my bottom dollar neither will Robben? It has been tit-for-tat with withdrawals and public rhetoric. Wait and see?

    I think the Ox will be well suited by being the one to charge into the box from knock downs or backheels from Giro, or balls laid back from Gerv. If he is given the word to shoot on sight, I think 2 out of 6 will result in goals … To quote JM’s video .. He will ‘be the light’.

    Vics, The hope of seeing any of the youngsters just yet is unlikely. They are in the Next Gen quarter finals after knocking out last season’s winners. Eisfeld is the only one that has got that many games he can play in, which is why I name him in ‘my squad’. I am not sure if he, or Akpom and Gnabry qualify under the rules for juniors for tonight’s game anyway?

    Arshavin, well the situation may be different if it is true he is rotating Santi from what I said earlier, but don’t hold your breath??

    I would not read to much into what has been quote regarding Szcz either. If he was responding to a question about resting him, the press are always going to twist it into something more negative? We all know that being in goal is the worst position to play if you are having self doubts? Doubts that are probably brought about by the porous backline giving opposing strikers the opportunity to have so many clear shots? I am sure his confidence will be restored when Flappy lets a couple slip by him? … Remember that look he gave him when his shot during the warm up did for Fabby’s shoulder? …’Ooops’ ? Well the cameras will not catch it this time if he is not at the match, but rest assured, it will be all the tonic he needs.

    I hope you see what I have done here? Given you a fantastic alternative striker, an attack that has guile and pace, without threatening to rile Bayern into retaliation of the more physical stuff, which, btw, they are quite capable of giving, a reasonably sound back 5, but most importantly, a perfectly respectable 2-2 draw to take us to Swansea?

    What’s not to enjoy … attack! attack! attack!

  • glic – Alas I have a parallel in racing. It is called the Dubai festival. It too is out of ‘our’ i.e. European and even the American season for Flat racing. That is the bit where the big money is, in breeding rather than in actual racing, although the one needs the other.

    However, and the parallel continues, what the racing authorities have not realised that more and more horses, not only the older handicappers who can pick up prize money in one race that it might need to win ten back here = the older quality players going out there,- but also the young Classic contenders may drift there, with the hope that they can then come back and still be competitive domestically. The reality is, by the time they come and are adjusted to life back home the season has all but passed them by?

    I picture a similar thing here? You only have to look at the World Cup to see the effect it can have when players go non-stop without a decent break. But this is talking about taking the whole team/squads out there?

    I would say if you said ‘stuff your money’, a team like Arsenal would clean up in the league?

    But will they?

  • Nice post TA

    Unfortunately it looks like weve conceeded it and are going to play the stiffs. i am not happy with this, rather pissed off in fact. Weres the spirit of the 30s, the memory of Turin and paul vassen? I want to win, were Arsenal for Fu*ks sake, not some shit club like Totnumb. Yes, ime pissed off.

    That Quatarian link has pissed me off even further. i am literaly covered in piss, and unlike Richard Keys (allegedly) ime not happy about it.

    These Quatarians are a threat to the traditions and heritage of English and European football. This is a slippery slope to break aways, were in the short term a lot of wankers will make a lot of money at the expense of the game we love. i recall this happening with Kerry Packer in Cricket. It was a nightmare.

    i dont know how much more i can take. My biggest fear has always been that the rich and powerful will ruin the game for there own interests and as the seasons pass it gets worse.

    I can not accept this. if i see a Quatarian or a Romulian i swear, i will kill the Bastard. hahaha

  • i am now in moderation. Either because ime realy pissed off, or my crap typing skills resulted in me typing over my email address?

  • Gerry: No Jack, No Pod, No Caz, No Theo, No Sz, No Bac. Let’s see what happens but I am equally low on hope as expectation. There will be no attack, attack, attack at all now – it will be a very damp squib.

    Sorry to be so negative, but if indeed Cazorla and Theo start on the bench, I will be very disappointed. I understand Jack needs resting, but Pod surely is fit enough to play today, and the Szczesny thing is very, very weird too.

    The Ajax-Bayern humiliation had nothing to do with fitness levels, and everything to do with respect and generosity of spirit: both were totally lacking.

  • If anybody uses a new email address, your comment will have to approved first, but it is fair to say that the administrator is a bit weary of you hahaha, Terrenzo! 😛

  • Ime not very well at the moment. i have recently upped my dosage of Propecia and am having some weird side effects. Lack of bellend refreshment been one of them. hahaha

  • Terry , I need some of your “The ghosts of the thirties are rumbling” spirit. Can you get it in powder form. I need to drink copious amounts to get me through this evenings game.

  • GLiC, will you be watching from behind your sofa tonight? or will you be able to brave it full frontal?

  • Hey Terry, level 2 classes started last night. We had a mini test to see what we remembered from level one. Guess who got 13 correct out of 14?

  • Thats why you`ve got a Hampton that looks like a Yeti !, your supposed to massage the Propecia into your scalp not your Hampton !. hahaha

  • Vic`s . If I want humiliation , I`ll look at ” Isco ” in the mirror for a few sec`s , f**k 90 minutes of it !. hahaha

  • Nice one Vicks. As i said, ime experiencing some strange side effects from the propecia so am finding it hard to get up for this game. in fact ime finding it difficult to get up for anything. hahaha

    Cornwall your thinking about Rogaine. Propecia is taken in pill form. Rogaine never worked on my scalp, but ime not joking, if you spray that crap on your cock you will need an ice bucket to get back to normal. hahaha. And probably a Doctor. hahaha

  • VCC entry for the UMF 1 =

    MU v Reading…..home
    Chelsea v WHU..home
    Everton v MC……draw
    AV v QPR…………draw
    Stoke v WBA…….draw

    odds 61-1

  • I am not sure what I expected to read here, for I should know better. Did I really think that TA can be anything but optimistic?? No, not really.

    Mate, you need to take your pink shades off and face the truth – we have not got a chance tonight. Wenger knows that and has already prepared himself an excuse – injuries!

    Then on the other hand, it could end up being a very open game – neither team has anything to prove…..no, back to really. If we are not slaughtered in Munich, than I am as mad as Glic and as bold as Terry, or as big as RA.

  • evonne, you cannot possibly be as mad as GLiC. He is positively in sane.

    Any how, according to GLiC…………….He,Red Arse, Total, Terry and myself are coming round your place tonight to watch the game, to have a knees up and try and soften the blow when we lose. We are supplying the beers.

  • VeeCeeCee, 🙂

    Here are my predictions:

    Manure v Reading . . Home Win

    Chavs v WHammers. . Home Win

    Everton v Shitty . . Away Win

    Villa v Rangers . . Draw

    Stoke v WBA . . Away Win

  • @VCC.. Are you getting stress.. about tonight game..?? Why do you make a prediction for UMF so soon..?? Hehe..
    Don’t worry my friend.. football alway bring magic.. and maybe tonight We will have ones..

    TA my friend.. I think Wenger just playing his psywar.. by saying a contradiction words.. but We know for better that Wenger is not that kind of manager who can change his squad dramaticly.. he is not Laudrup of Swansea.. his is a gunner.. And our team will fight till last second of the game.. and will not give up.. Believe me.. We can count on them..
    Go Gunners..

  • Hi Evonne 🙂

    I was very upbeat last night, but since then I have learned we are going to leave out a number of first teamers and from what I can read between the lines, I fear the worst now. No rose tinted glasses, I am afraid. We are very likely going to get hammered tonight.

  • Henry,

    I always get nervous before games. But this one is stressing me out big time because, alas, I can see us getting a whooping.

  • Is there anything to be excited about in this game? No Jack, no Caz, no Theo, no Poldi, no Bac, and no Ches. Monreal cup tied.

    There better be sweeping changes this summer, because that is really the only thing getting me through this transition year…

  • Hahaha “Monreal Bac and Ches”, seems like something you could order at a French deli/restaurant!

  • HH,

    As I said earlier in the week. Wenger has to make sweeping changes this summer, and must spend big for quality players.

    It’s the last chance saloon for him. Can he or can’t he, deliver?

  • Umm, not wishing to rain on your parade, HH and VeeCeeCee. 🙂

    However, if we bought (say) four quality players, that would cost – what? £25m each – about £100m, and their salaries would be at least the same again over a 5 year period = £100m, do you really think Arsenal will spend £200m in total?

    And that would be for just 4 new players.

    I know we would get something for the outgoing players – peanuts – and we would save on the salaries of some players reaching the end of their contracts (Squillaci, Arshavin, Bendtner etc) but do you really think we would spend that sort of money? Seriously?

    I’ll have some of what you guys are on!! 😀

  • I’ve just realised that I was happy because I was thinking they were playing with my selections …

    I’ll have to reserved my final judgment on the actual team when it is announced?

  • Redders,

    I’d be happy if we spent £25m on one player, never mind four. I’m still waiting to see if AW has the propensity to spend on at least bringing one world-class/burgeoning world-class talent to our club.

    The rest could be spent on filling areas of need or positions requiring upgrades (i.e. CB, GK and DM). If you believe the rumours to be true, AW is readying a bid for Wanyama as his #1 priority, but I only see him joining Manure because they’re his boyhood team. I wouldn’t be too upset if Barca bid for Vermaelen and if it allowed us to completely revamp our CBs, but I feel as though we have barely scratched the surface with TV5 and it’d be a mistake to let him go. Also, we all know well that if we sell a player like TV5, we won’t be bringing in a ready-made replacement unfortunately.

  • I’m with you RA. I think there may be ONE that breaks our previous record. But I was careful to say that we need to judge him on next season, after the signings have been made? They may not be every one’s ideal choice.

    The thing is, AW is not just looking at ability alone. He is looking at character to see how they fit in. That is something that is hard to do at distance?

    I think he will fill in the gaps with talent the he can bring out, rather than too many finished articles.

    But let us see how tonight goes before falling into the pit of doom and gloom

  • VCC – I thought of another way of points scoring for next season … presuming I am not barred for being over optimistic Ha ha

    If the bookies odds area reflection of the degree of difficulty, then add points to a basic set.

    I see you put up the accumulative odds, so from the individual ones say; add 1 point for odds on; 2 pts up to 2/1; 3pts up to 5/1 and 4 pts for over 5/1.

    Just another thought in this mundane world of a CL Cup tie night …

    My sels when I’ve finished my tea, okay

  • VCC – UMF -:

    Everton v Man C – draw

    Liverpool – away

    Norwich – away

    Fulham – away

    WHA – away

    and 3 bonus points for tonight’s 2-2 draw. thank you

  • Going with the Guardian ‘knowledge’ of Santi and Theo starting on the bench, the line-up is likely to be:

    Mannone (doubt it will be Fab)
    Jenk – Koz – Verm – Gibbs
    ———-Arteta—————-
    —Rosicky—-Ramsey——-
    Ox—–Giroud—–Gervinho

  • Sorry to disappoint my friend Glic, 😦

    — “The Qatari FA have distanced themselves from reports of a proposed Qatari Dream League.
    The Times broke the story on Wednesday morning, claiming the Middle Eastern country was planning a 24-team, bi-annual summer competition to include the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Paris St Germain.

    Clubs would be guaranteed €200million every two years, dwarfing the prize money available in the Champions League.

    Reports then began to appear that the story was a hoax created by Les Cahiers du Football, a French website that said it published the fake report by “Agence Transe Presse” on Monday, claiming that 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar would launch the money-spinning league involving Europe’s leading clubs by 2015.

    The Times steadfastly stood by their story throughout the day, insisting it was the result of extensive groundwork and maintain they had not been duped by the hoax account of the plans.

    The Qatari FA, however, have now denied any involvement in the proposal.
    They released a statement which read: “With regard to the story published in today’s edition of The Times newspaper concerning a ‘Dreams Football League,’ the Qatar Football Association and other Qatari football entities can categorically confirm that we have no involvement in any such initiative and has heard nothing to suggest such a concept is genuine.”

    Hot desert winds, after all! 🙂

  • Oh, that was what the hypnosis was was it. I thought it was to play a formation of 4-2, or you had a mad vision of fielding 78 players?

    Then I thought it might be some magic spell by repeating 2 and 4, 13 times, to be played on the 13th?

    You live and learn ..

  • Hi Gerry. Thanks for your selections. Your odds are 1685-1.

    It’s great you put ideas forward. Far from being barred, you are part of the UMF 1 family now, your hooked 🙂

    It’s every members vehicle, so ideas are more than welcome.

    Not sure that idea will work though. Don’t forget I mostly get entries late on Friday/Sat morning so I don’t get too much time to find odds out.

  • I think AW is a bit concerned over Gibbs, but might try him alongside alongside Arteta and have TV5 at LB, and keep Mert in?

    That way you could have Gibbs down the left, but with cover behind? Keep Gerv closer to Giro, in th Poldi position. That would leave Rosicky in the CAM role, but with quick wide players either side?

    Ah I feel better about that, even if it is not quite your prediction? I cannot think he will leave Mert out, unless he really wants to upset him?

  • Red Arse.

    ok I buy your take that we wont spend £200million. on four players. So I will settle for three instead at £150 million. That is a figure many have predicted we will have in the summer.

    With that in mind this could be our line up at the start of next season.

    Szez.

    Sagna………Humels……..Vermaelen……..Monreal

    Capouie

    Wilshere………..Cazorla

    Walcott……..Giroud……..Isco

    Now tell me that side wont fair well with the big boys. I’d settle for that.

    HH and Gerry might even come up with a better CB or DM.

    Sell Merts together with the other guys you mentioned and hey presto.

    Simples

  • Hi Vics, no I wasn’t thinking of being barred from the UMF, it was me being too optimistic about tonights game!

    Yes, I guessed it would mean extra work for you. The odds are usually available well in advance, but you would have to put in the home, draw, away odds for each match by hand. then you only need reference them when the results are known, and then only the correct ones. But I’ll keep working on it.

    I remember your idea of having bonuses for the number of correct result to counter the advantage conferred on those just slapping in five draws each week. That has the merit of being a fixed number which you would only have to enter once?

  • This appears to be the line-up tonight – Now I feel a lot better!!! 😛

    Bayern Munich: Neuer, Lahm, van Buyten, Dante, Alaba, Martínez, Gustavo, Müller, Kroos, Robben, Mandzukić

    Substitutes: Starke, Rafinha, Contento, Shaqiri, Tymoshchuk, Pizarro, Gomez

    Arsenal: Fabianski, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Ramsey, Rosicky, Walcott, Cazorla, Giroud

    Substitutes: Mannone, Arshavin, Vermaelen, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Diaby, Gervinho, Coquelin

  • Look into my eyes, Look into my eyes; you’re gone:
    2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  • we started off with Premiership and championship. Which I prefer,as it gives you more variations but Henry, not being familiar with the lower leagues we decided it only fair to have just the Premiership games.

    At first you only received 1 point for each correct selection, whether it was a home/draw/away, all the same. We tweaked that a bit and gave three points for a draw and two for an away with one for a home as this differentiated the difficulty factors.

    I’m trying to think of a system that helps the lower guys to leap frog positions so they don’t get lethargic with being so far behind.. I want to try and keep everybody keen throughout the season, its far more fun that way.

    Again, thanks for taking the time to ponder over ideas o help enhance the fun.

  • The only thing I can say abut that is … the bench looks as strong as the team ha ha

  • VCC @ 18:35, £150m is still wishful thinking! I presume at the maximum, we’ll be close to £52-55m after contracts are accounted for.

    Jovetic/Reus – £25m, approx. £5m/year contract
    Amorebieta – free, approx. £3m/year contract and £2m signing bonus
    Wanyama/Capoue – £12m, approx. £3.5m/year contract
    Cesar – £3.5m, approx. £3m/year

    New starting line-up:

    ——————Szczesny——————–

    Sagna-Amorebieta-Vermaelen-Monreal

    —–Capoue/Wanyama-Diaby/Arteta—–
    ——————-Wilshere——————–
    Walcott——Jovetic/Reus———Cazorla

    Subs: Cesar, Gibbs, Koscielny, Arteta/Diaby, Ramsey/Rosicky/Ox, Podolski, Giroud

    The rumours on Podolski’s transfer out seem very premature (and likely fabricated), not sure why he’s being linked away so quickly to Juventus and Atletico Madrid. However, what this does display to us is that other clubs see him as a quality lone striker, so why not give him a chance there Arsene?

  • Note what I said about the Cazorla Robben situation …. it’s gunner be 2-2!!!

  • F*ck me TA, I told you AW would start Arteta and Ramsey together! We’re screwed, playing with the handbrake on again all match! Yay!…

  • Let’s hope for a passionate, full-on performance and for the boys to do us proud. That is all I am asking for. 🙂

    I hope Ramsey has freedom to support Rosicky a lot; in fact, I still hope we play 4-1-2-3 tonight. Let’s wait and see.

  • one way or anther today is a memorable day
    First non European Papa! I am delighted

  • Thanks Redders, thats the last time I read the Times, they`re nearly as bad as my ” The Sun ” for making up shite rumours !. I suppose I wont be coming back to say I told you so !. hahaha

  • Hi guys..
    Just wake up from a short sleep..

    TA.. I told you.. Wenger will not let Walcott and Cazorla behind.. hehe..
    4-2 is more reasonable than 3-0.. hehe..

    @HH.. wow you give a very sharp analysis about our possibility TW.. but for me We still need a damn good GK.. and Jovetic seem more realistic than Reus..

    But will comment that further after this very important game..
    I wish for MAGIC.. Go Gunners..

  • A pre- sorry for any of you church goers, but this Pope stuff does my head in !. I can just imagine how they pick the new one, they all watch an Altar boy prance through naked and the last one to get an erection is the new Pope !. He shall be named Peter File the first !.
    They ban contraception, yet they have their own 100% guarenteed behind the doors version !….not one choirboy has ever got pregnant !. That`s Gospel take it from me !.

  • It seem s like me, Vic`s and HH ( you will have to change that name HH, as since Terry was talking about the effects of “Rogaine “, I think of HH as Hairy Hampton ! hahaha ) are the one`s preaching that this summers TW will make or break Darth Wenger…..use the cash Luke..use the cash !.

  • Yes.. a good start..
    But We look a bit nervous.. hope they get over that soon..

  • We look a little tentative, trying to not concede, but at least there’s some attacking intent. Need to take the handbrake off fully though!

  • Very pleased with first half. Made Bayern look ordinary at times by not allowing them much space and our positioning is also good. A couple of weak clearances from the box, but other than that we defended well. Ramsey is playing well; best midfielder for me at the moment. Love the drive and composure from Cazorla, and Theo has done well too (two good crosses into the box).

    Arteta and especially Rosicky need to relax a bit more but it is not easy as they are a bit nervous and the pitch is very slippy. Let’s hope the second half is once again our best and we can score another one before the 70th minute; then bring on the OXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX! 🙂

    CoYG! 🙂

  • Great goal aswell by Isco…..if we dont buy him I shall rip up my season ticket……fair enough it`s just for Launceston town centre car park, but dont push me….I will do it !. hahaha

  • TA, Ramsey has three to four misplaced passes already. He’s working hard and pushing up field at least though.

  • Kos has scored from corner. 2 nil to The Arsenal. I hope we can score a 3rd goal.

  • Arteta ruined that for us with the needless fouls and wasted free kick at the end. But it is what it is, we left it all out on the pitch and it was a valiant effort.

  • Fab was excellent, very composed and great positioning by the way.

  • Players gave it their all. We had a number of key players out and kept a clean sheet. This will give the team much needed motivation to get into the CL. Loss could be a blessing in disguise so now we can focus all of our efforts into getting into the CL next season. We were closer than Man U to getting to quarter finals.

  • We finally over performed and beat a side better than us! And Manure went down to 10 men, I don’t know if I’d consider us “closer” to reaching the quarter finals unless you’re purely comparing the scores – Manure almost equalized a couple times at the end vs. Real.

  • Exactly Glic, absolutely nothing to be ashamed about :). I think you were the difference maker my friend, without you this victory was not possible ;). You must come out from behind the couch more often!

  • Also Glic, it’s kind of weird that so many things (aka HH & Isco etc.) make you think of “todgers” and “hamptons”. Are you trying to tell us something else mate?

  • Damn.. We almost did it.. just like last season.. All team do the great job.. Koscielny is my man of match..
    I wish Giroud was send off instead of Walcott.. he make so many bad kick.. and look so frustrated..

    But that is football.. better team not automatic win.. hehe..
    I just can say.. I’m proud to be a gunner..
    We just not lucky enough to pass..

    It is time to concentrate to PL.. beat Swansea and We will be qualified to UCL again..
    Buy Isco and We will win the UCL next year..

    Go Gunners.. I love you all..

  • TotalArsenal, when you said that if I ever wanted to write something for the site, to let you know. How would I go about writing an article for the site?

  • That is the spirit Henry and the love is returned!

    They did us proud and tonight was a very good test to see who can make it at Arsenal going forward.

  • Nothing and no one can crush the spirit of Arsenal

    The basis of the side is there. We just need tinkering and more experience. When that happens and it will soon, we will compete with everybody.

  • Hamptons….Todgers !…I have no idea what you`re on about Hairy….I mean HH . hahaha
    I came out from behind the sofa as I felt no stress, funny enough, the last time I did that was when I watched England beat Germany 5-1 !. Fear not guys ,normal service will be resumed and I will be back behind the sofa against Swansea !. hahaha

    Yes, we can hold our head high tonight Totes !.

  • So gentlemen ,and lady, after that thoroughly miserable, ‘not a cat in hell’s chance’ game … do you think we have found our best back five?

    I can see Sagna and TV5 fighting to get that DM spot now?

    Shame about the 2-2, but I was half right?

  • great show tonight lads! Great to see the spirit and fight is there in the team, just need to extract it more often. Herculean effort, well done Arsenal. Very impressed with jenks and fabs especially

  • Oh and HH, please dont use the word “couch”, it implies that I`m a mental patient in my Psychiatrist`s office in Launceston !. hahaha

  • Thanks TotalArsenal. I will most likely attach a word document with the text and a picture to the email sometime tomorrow. Would you be able to give me feedback on it as this would be my first ever blog.

  • TotalArsenal, the article will be on the subject on why us Arsenal fans should not be harsh on players who have left us in recent years. I will explain why and then talk about how we can stop more of our best players leaving. The article would not have to be published at any specific time.

  • Back to reality…..That performance will mean nothing if we dont replicate ( our spirit and strong defensive showing, not our passing ! ) it against Swansea. It should give us great confidence to keep fighting for 4th spot , but we need to keep it up !.

  • Well, we certainly sacrificed a bit of attacking intent for a bit of defensive solidarity, and look what happened??? This reminded me a lot of the Liverpool match at the beginning of the season, away from home. I’m just afraid now that the same old Arsenal will appear against Swansea. The same old being that we go all out attack, for get to defend, and concede sloppy goals, while we’re at it!!! 😦 I hope I am wrong though!!! The next match is away from home, like this fixture was, so we need to keep some of that defensive mentality, or else we will be sorry!!!

    I was expecting what happened tonight to occur in the first leg. An over -confident Bayern, who have a bunch of gutless players capitulating when it matters most. Obviously that didn’t happen, but I was close to being claire-voiant!!! 😀

  • Totes, I think it was one of those ” where men are men and Kangaroos are nervous ” episodes for Oz, he`s now being chased from state to state for some Joey maintenance by a mob of Kangaroos !. hahaha

  • Agreed glic But it does make the Swansea much easier? It was a real team effort, and that is what it needs to be here on in.

    I wonder, do have to cheer on the Chavs and Spurs tomorrow night just to keep their fixtures a bit more congested?

  • Final thing TotalArsenal, you see the way you have Bergkamp as your display picture how can I add a picture as my display picture.

  • We lost we’re out, Ramsey was his usual, Walcott out of his depth, We couldn’t string any noteworthy passes together. Why jerk off at being second best. Pride don’t win you any prizes it just confirms how far we have slipped under Wenger. Oh i forgot you’ll all be getting it out when we win the 4th place trophy.

  • And dont worry about me getting it out if we get 4th, as I`ve already got it out now !…..what do you think I`ve been typing with after this evening`s excitement !. hahaha

  • Agreed Gerry, fixture congestion can only but help us, as long as we keep our mind set on our job in hand ( no pun intended hahaha ).

  • AFC just attach the photo to the email (you might have to save it first on your hard-drive) or copy a link in your email. I will do the admin to get it into the post properly.

  • Mario, sorry mate it aint raining here tonight.

    It might be good to visit the Samaritans tonight and tell them why you are so bloody miserable all the time (and feel the need to share it with other human beings in such a negative way).

  • Morning guys,

    Unfortunately for the first time this season I was unable to watch the match. I at least got to listen it on the radio. I drive everyone onsite crazy as I had it nice and loud.

    I will judge for myself later as I have recorded the match. I am very proud of the guys today as it shows that if we hold it together defensively we can win big games. We just need to apply this to all remaining games. Whilst it is disappointing to go out in this fashion again, hopefully it will lift the spirits around the team and make them fight.

    Ill post my thought after I have seen the game but Ill tell you now that a result like this can only help us.

    COYG

  • Jenkinson, Koscielny and Fabianski were absolutely brilliant tonight. Those three made the difference on defence and Jenkinson bailed us out on a few occasions and had that jump in his step that we’ve been sorely lacking from our back four. Koscielny immediately fed off of this and made some great blocks himself. Fabianski was solid and reacted well to balls in the air, shots on the ground and to passes that were sent back to him.

    I didn’t mind Gibbs’ yellow on Robben because it was assertive and he showed Bayern that he wasn’t going to let anyone have space down the left. I thought for his first game back, defensively he was well positioned and came up with some timely blocks. You could tell he was a bit off the pace offensively, but that’ll come back with time. It’s nice to have Monreal back there to give him some games off after playing a full 90 in his first contest back.

    I thought Gervinho was excellent once he came on, but unfortunately just lacked the finish. His link up play with Santi that led to our initial best chance to make it 2-0 was fantastic. He just needs to regain his touch and compose himself in that situation.

    A lot of sloppy passing today, especially by Rosicky, Ramsey and Arteta. They each had about 5 balls that they misplaced when they were under no pressure at all. Unacceptable in most circumstances, but fortunately we were reliable enough defensively today to not let those mistakes cost us.

    Arteta was the worst player for me today. I mean he conceded some unnecessary fouls at crucial moments in the game and his free kick in the 88th minute was just a complete waste. As a veteran player and our vice-captain, I expect WAY better from him. The only positive was that I read an article that stated he asked the board to spend money this summer to improve the team because he and the whole squad think we’ve been shite this year and do not want that to happen again (the truth).

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