Tag: Line-Up

Predicted Line-Up: Rosicky and Theo on wings, FlamRam, Gibbs back?

TotalArsenal

Just a quick one as I am busy with Christmas preparations.

images (8)

Tonight’s game against the Chavs will no doubt be a wild affair. Strong winds are forecasted and let there be no doubt that all 22 players and both managers will be hyped up for this one. May the Canon roar and cause total mayhem in the Chavs’ defence: a great night to show the pride in our shirt.

It is the first game of four big ones in succession and a good start would lift both teams tremendously for the remaining games. It is also a London Derby AND the rebirth of the battle between the self-declared Special One and Le Professeur; the scheming strategist and the visionary entertainer; street wisdom and philosophy.

This will be the battle of midfield, no doubt. Last year, the streetwise semi-nasty Ramires taught us a lesson in aggressive midfield play and I hope we are prepared for the physical/aggressive approach the Chavs will instigate in midfield. If they play Ramires, which for me is almost a certainty, we need to let him know who is boss today in the first few minutes. Flamini has to be our man to do that and a hell of a lot will be expected of him today. The key question is who should play next to him: Arteta, Ramsey OR somebody else?

If it is Ramsey he will need to play one of the games of his life to deal with both the defensive side of things and link our back-six (including GK and holding DM) with the front-four. If it is Arteta, he will have to rediscover his old form again and dominate proceedings in front of the back five/six. Maybe Wenger surprises us all by putting Rosicky next to Flamini; we have to wait and see.

The other question is whether Wenger will go 4-5-1 or more 4-2-1-3: five midfielders or three attackers? He could start with Flamini, Ramsey, Rosicky, Cazorla and Ozil, but also opt to attack the Chavs with both Pod and Theo on the wings. I reckon the answer is in the middle with both Rosicky and Theo starting on ‘the wings’ tonight.

At the back things should be straightforward. Sagna, BFG, Szczesny and TV to start with either Monreal or Gibbs on LB. I go for the latter but would not be surprised if Monreal gets another chance.

Let’s get behind the team tonight and will our boys on till the end. Tonight’s game could turn into a special, one-off event to cherish for a long, long time.

Come On You Rip Roaring Gooners – Do Us Proud!

Merry Christmas fine fellow Gooners! 🙂

Written by TotalArsenal.

Predicted Line-Up:

Ars v Chavs

Why were so many off their normal game on Saturday?

TotalArsenal

Rotation v Fatigue

Giroud has often disappointed many Arsenal fans this season.
The hardest working Striker in the CL is seldom appreciated for the total impact on our game (comment TA).

Rotation? Do it to beat fatigue? Or don’t do it and ignore fatigue as long as possible?

Fatigue? Is it all in the mind? Or is it a genuine reason for under-performing?

I must admit I do find it strange that so many see fatigue, either as an irrelevance, or should not apply to professional footballers. So that is my starting point.

In almost any sport you care to mention, from Darts and Snooker through to Tennis and Track and Field events, those involved will, without exception, say that back to back performances get harder and harder. So why should footballers be any different?

Dart players need to concentrate to repeat actions over and over again. You may think that is simply a mechanical thing, so that if you practice a lot you don’t have to think about it. Well certainly practice helps. But in the pressure of performing in front of a live audience needs control of both emotions and their concentration level. Distractions can mean just the slight deviation in the flight of the throw that can mean victory or defeat? Repeated demands on the concentration levels always leaves its mark.

In snooker too: you are in a one on one situation, where you alternate between playing and not playing, but with a difference. You never know how long the sitting out periods may be. In darts, it is three arrows from your opponent and you are on. With snooker you can sit out a whole frame without getting your cue in action. You can play short round matches that may only last and hour. Or you can play the longer matches over two days, with several sessions a day. Worst still, you could be playing late into the night getting through one round, and then have to be ready to do the same again the following day. So even if the previous night was one of great satisfaction, and a great boost to the confidence level, if you have beaten a higher ranking opponent. But the records show that it is rarely repeated at that same level the next time. All snooker players can claim to have an advantage if they have just one day off between each match.

Moreover, with both these high intensity sports that lack the physical aspect, the victors at the end of a long tournament say they need a break. A physical break, before they can look forward to competing again.

But if you want to throw in the physical aspect on to an individual sport, then singles tennis events are probably the most demanding? The intensity of a partisan(?) crowd, the strength of your opponent, and often the climatic conditions are all their to test their mental strength. They too, see an advantage of having longer gaps between games than their opponents, irrespective of how they played previously. They too are drained at the end of a tournament where these demands are the most extreme.

With track athletes it is all about the physical performance. So they may have to stretch their stamina resources when they have two elimination rounds in one day. By the time the final rounds come along, it is usually the ones with the most ability that have been able to ease through the qualifying rounds, without extending themselves too much, that come out on top.

So when it comes to football, they not only have the physical effort to manage, but also the concentration levels too. Not for the two hours of a marathon runner, unless their is extra time, but way above the 10 seconds of the 100 metres sprint. Yes it is a team game, and the players are not involved all off the time, not to the physical extreme that is true. But the concentration level should always be on alert, because you can never be sure when you are going to have to make a tackle, or receive the ball. Fatigue in this area is what is so costly. An unexpected error will throw out what your fellow players were planning for, and that can be more draining on them?

So, just because professional footballers are well paid, have good facilities to train and recover from matches, does not mean that playing up to 95 minutes once a week does not leave them below their full level of all round fitness – mental and physical.

I have read that top football coaches think as much as 50% is lost by the following day. This is probably why if they do any training the next day, it is only light by nature? They then go on to say that by the second day, a player may recover 75% of what was lost in their last match. Which is still a significant drop, and will vary amongst the players. Another variable is just how demanding the previous game was? Another may be just how many demanding games have gone before the latest one? Travelling too, is not as relaxing after a bit of light training?

On top of all that you have the different demands that these factors are taking on the individual players. I said with the track athletes, if they are real top class performers they can breeze through their early rounds. However, the athletes that just scrape into the qualifiers are very unlikely to beat these same athletes in the final round because of the extra effort it took out of them? It is the same with teams of footballers. Some players will be stretching their ability in every game, while others are capable of making hard things look simple, because they can. So, a team of all round better players will be able to get through matches easier. That does not necessarily happen because of the ‘one off’ factor, when a lesser team has a game when it all comes together. But over the longer term, a full season, ‘the usual suspects’ are invariably somewhere near the top?

So, I ask again. Why is it so difficult to accept that football is a demanding game, and fatigue will play its part?

Take the run of games that Arsenal played:

Sunday match v Everton: Tough match, slightly added to (mentally) by not holding the late lead?

Tuesday fly out to Italy, probably still only 70% recovered?

Wednesday they played Napoli: tough game. Guess a %age below peak around 90%

Fly back early hours Thursday, now only 45% fit

Friday, just getting up to 65/70%?

Saturday, early kick off. What? 85% recovered, playing away from home against a very talented side.

Well, you know what happened. Does it make a bit more sense why so many were way off their normal game?

I hope so. Because this is why rotation is not just an option. Playing every 3 days will mean if we played the same 11 players for all these matches, there are some that will not make it past the third game, given they will not have recovered fully by the time the next game comes along, which compounds the drop in their ability to deliver once more.

The pros and cons of our run over this periods are: We have 3 good days to recover from the Chelsea game; Away match against West Ham, no real travelling; Unlike 2 good days, but match messed up by travel to Newcastle – the tricky tie I identified earlier.: We then have two good days, before we play Cardiff at home. The previous three results will help, but we are going to be down on our levels. Be warned, Cardiff will be fighting for their survival!: Next, FA Cup v Spurs will be just the tonic, even the most knackered will find something deep down for this one, albeit with only 2 good recovery days on top of all the rest. But then we get a 9 day break before our repeat fixture with the Villa.

A bad result against West Ham could mean one set of 11 players will be running on empty by the time the Cup match comes around.

So, all agreed? Rotation Rotation Rotation.

Done sensibly of course?

Written by: Gerry

Manchester City v Arsenal: Predicted Line-Up and Preview

TotalArsenal

 ManchesterCity v Arsenal

Or

4th v 1st

Will Koz score again?! :)
Will Koz score again?! 🙂

The Home View:

They seem to be our mirror image in some respects. Check this out;

Unsure of best GK, although it probably will not be Hart. Pantilimon has kept 3 clean sheets at home in their last three starts.

Had trouble in getting a settled back four, but their likely set up will be;

Zabaleta, Kompany, Demicheles, and Kolarov.

However, in midfield they have the return of Silva for Navas?, Fernandinho, Toure, and a choice of Nasri, who was rested, or playing Milner who had a good midweek. More defensive with Milner, more creative with Silva?

Their strike force is the best in the Premiership;

Aguero, Negredo … and have Dzeko waiting in the wings.

Of those who played midweek. The back four bar Kompany, all played, although Zabaleta from the 16th minute( for those wishing Richards on us in the TW?). In midfield and strikers, Toure was suspended, Silva played 73 mins, after returning from injury, when Negredo took over. Aguero and Nasri missed out, although the former was on the bench.

Unlike Arsene Wenger, allegedly, I do think it focuses the mind of players and fans alike to see where the opposition are strong, as well as their weaknesses. Without doubt their strength is in attack, which luckily for us, our defence, or defending, has been one of our strong points. So if we can nullify their best bits, we need an attack that punishes their weaker defence?

So I predict our line up will be as follows:

Ars v Man City

Bench; Fab, Verm, Monreal, Arteta, Rosicky, Cazorla, Podolski,

However, Gibbs could be replaced by Monreal if Silva returns, and Navas drops out. If Sagna is fit then Jenks may drop out altogether?

So if it is a battle of the midfields, how do we fare?

Flamini will have to organise it well to keep out Toure and Silva from controlling things deep, and I can see Nasri having fun against Jenkinson, as he has been in great form recently. So it will require both Wilshere and Walcott doing a fair bit of tracking back, given that Kolarov likes to get forward a lot too? Likewise on the other side, Navas will keep Gibbs busy, as Per and Kos will have their hands full with Negredo and Aguero, but his pace will be essential if he is pressing forwards, and so keeping Zabaleta back.

Let us not kid ourselves; this is going to be a tough game to win for the above reasons … The reasons to be fearful?

The reasons to be cheerful are in what we have going forwards. If they are all pumped up on some of HT’s expresso, because a fast start is essential. We can worry about fatigue late on, and it tends to be less if you are winning? The good thing here is, we know we are up against a strong side, particularly at their home ground, so they should be keyed up for it. And with Rosicky, Cazorla and Podolski we will have a strong bench to provide fresh legs when it starts getting tough.

Quick movement and pace with Walcott from the start will be key. I would love to see Rosicky in there too, but I think we may have to save him for the last 30 minutes, and a start against Chelsea.

Ozil is going to have to dance around Fernandinho while Wilshere can drag Toure all across the pitch, but importantly, keep him pressed back. But where we should do well is with Giro getting one on one with Demichelis, while Ramsey can get Kompany making late tackles. I think we must be due a game where we play against 10 men? All of this sub play should see Walcott being able to cut inside and leave Kolarov cursing.

I do not see much point of us going there thinking our defence is strong enough to cope with their attack for long periods. Whatever happens, we will be ToTL, so let us go for it without fear. This game is only half time remember. We should recover any dropped points on our patch, so the important thing is to try and impose our game on them. They cannot do much without the ball, so make them work hard to get it. We can afford to put all our effort into this game because we have a tidy 9 day break before we play the Chavs, so get out there with all gun(ner)s blazing.

We are The Arsenal!

 Written by: Gerry.

Arsenal – Everton: predicted line-up

TotalArsenal

The Toffees are coming to town and once again we are warned about their strength in advance. Beating Manure at Old Toilet is never easy, and although Everton rode their luck, they did deserve their win during midweek. A win for Everton would put them back into the mix for the top positions and so they will be both full of confidence and very focussed, and yet not too nervous as nobody really expects them to be able to compete for the top-four places.

Key for Arsenal is to treat this game as a cup final and nothing else. Let’s not think for a second about Napoli or the Northern Oilers but just about giving our all to beat the Toffees today. A seven point gap with the Southern Oilers is up for grabs and Maureen will not give us too many opportunities like these. We need to grab this one and push on, show them all who is boss in the PL and create some lovely winter-fat for the festive season.

We are lucky to go into this busy and important period with a nearly fit squad, especially at the back and in midfield. Sagna will not play today and Pod is not ready yet, but other than Ox and Diaby’s longer term injuries, Wenger can pick from a complete squad in the next few weeks.

Predicted Line-up:

Arsenal v Everton

I reckon Ramsey will be rested for this one and so will Rosicky (both on bench though). Everton are strong in the centre of midfield – typical Martinez – and we need to win the battle there first. That’s why I am going for defensive solidity first and have put Arteta and Flamini in the double DM-pivot. This will allow Ozil, Jack and Santi to combine at will with the full-backs and our pivot in attack, Giroud – who I reckon will start today. But Wenger might surprise us all again and start with Bendtner and/or Theo, or one of the youngsters.

However, this is a must win game and I reckon he will start with his strongest team possible. Winning today will mean a lot more than adding three points to our tally in the PL: today we can make a real statement of intent. And losing would also mean a lot more than missing out on ‘just’ three points.

Anyway, let’s hope our team wins: three very big points up for grabs today. COYG!

Written by: TotalArsenal.

Arsenal v Hull Predicted Line Up – Time to Rip Roar on

TotalArsenal
Safe Handsny ;)
Safe Handsny 😉

Really good game tomorrow and aren’t we lucky Hull have just beaten Pool: the boys will be extra focused now and when Arsenal are focused we are at our best.

This is the time to push on and grab every three points we can get, and Hull at home offers a good opportunity to make it 34 points after 14 games. The rest will have to keep up otherwise the gap will grow quickly. Let’s hope for another fine defensive performance, a midfield that dances its way to the goal and another selfless and oh-so-effective performance by Le Handsome.

Predicted Line-Up:

Ars v Hull

It looks like Sagna will get a rest due to a slight hamstring injury, and I reckon Rambo will be rested for the Everton game. Jack to sit next to the Flame and Rosicky to play RM. Nacho to get another game and the rest picks itself right now (Cazorla needs to keep playing now to find his best form).

Some will say, Theo will/must start and they could be right. I have a feeling he’ll start on the bench and will get 30 minutes, but would love to see him start.

On the other hand, Wenger might surprise us and rest OG and replace him with Theo tomorrow. I really hope he will not do that but wouldn’t be surprised if that is the case.

Anyway, let’s hope for another committed and fine performance and three points to the good guys. Time to push on and upwards and put some real pressure on Maureen and his Southern Oilers (our main competitor for the title).

Up the Arse – OGAAT – Come On You Rip Roaring Gunners! 😛

Written by: TotalArsenal.

Who to replace Giroud? Clues: He is 18, born in Stuttgart, cost £100k

TotalArsenal

Is the squad too thin

or

Is it really that hard to rotate sensibly?

Picture from Arsenal.com.
Picture from Arsenal.com.

I know I bang on about using the kids more often, but quite frankly, I think that time has past. We have a core of players that are going to have to carry us until January at least. And even with any signings, most will get their introductions in the first couple of rounds of the FA Cup. Even the best players are going to need an adjustment period. So, for at least two months we are likely to be using a pick from 15 or 16 players. That is providing those who do come back from injury don’t suffer any relapses?

The key period is this coming month, while there are still mid-week games to be played. So here is a player-by-player guide of how to navigate our way through this difficult fixture list.

Goalkeeper – Szczesny. No need to rotate except in the Cup matches, or for injury.

CB – Mertersacker. Again, a seasoned professional who will happily keep going through all the serious stuff, barring injury.

CB – Koscielny. Solid player, but if fatigue is creeping in, he needs a break. The next two games could be ideal for such a break?

CB – Vermaelen. Needs playing time, alongside Mertersacker preferably. Play him the next two games and he will be nice and sharp for the four games that follow, in case of injury or suspension.

LB – Gibbs. Just had a bout of ‘flu, no need to rush him back. Let him sit out the next game, and do a half game the next one. Then play according to who lines up ahead on the left – see earlier comments.

LB – Monreal. Excellent game last time. Keep him in to prove he can do it against a side that provides a sterner test, which I am sure he will. I would also be tempted to play him in the away leg at Napoli, keeping Gibbs fresh for the league games that follow.

RB – Sagna. Difficult one. Needs to play unless he has a fitness issue. Perhaps taking an early breather in games we have under control?

RB – Jenkinson. Just at the moment he is a bit of a gamble to play from the start, as he has a tendency to get forwards, and get caught out, partly because opposition in the league have realised he is easy to gang up on and get a turnover. Self perpetuating, not playing, not getting into games in good form. Needs a solid back up ahead of him in any game he starts, but maybe use him ahead of Sagna for the last 25 minutes?

MF – Arteta. No problem. Can play when needed.

MF – Flamini. No problem if he keeps out of the card game?

MF – Ramsey. Should need a break, but physically shows no sign of slowing down … until he gets a thigh or groin problem. Best solution is to do some first hour, last 20 minutes, rotation. The next six games look too important to miss out unless he has a physical problem. However, the odd game, perhaps against Hull, could refresh him against mental fatigue?

MF – Wilshere. Looked in the last game to have relaxed a little, and let his talent do the talking. Ideal timing to come into form before these crucial matches. Also, ideal player to alternate with the above for mini breaks of not playing the full 90 minutes every time? Not forgetting the ankle tapping that will go on, without, it seems, much support from referees?

That is the defensive side stretched to the limit, but with luck they may just see it through?

Bench support could come from Yennaris and Hayden, but neither are getting any first team game time. One or the other should be on the bench, just in case?

MF – Rosicky. Needs to pick his games where he is absolutely needed, or to be the ‘go to’ sub in every game when tired legs and minds are flagging?

MF – Cazorla. Could play most games, but I would prefer he sits some out to be the Ozil back up, and not start when the above does, unless there is an injury crisis.

MF – Walcott. Could be about to be the most important player in this whole midfield set up … if he stays fit. Certainly start him against Cardiff, possibly bench against Hull as they are likely to be a PTB side that will not give him space to work in until late on? Therefore keep for the big league games, and bench at Napoli. They need the win, so space in the second half could open up nicely for him?

MF – Podolski. Will be useful if he is ready before the New Year.

ST/MF – Gnabry. I think we have seen enough of him to know he will be a player in this period. Much will depend on how the midfield is shaping up. He will not play at the same time as Walcott, unless he does have to step up for Giroud. Personally, I do not see that as a major problem, and can easily be tried out at the back end of the next two games if we have the scores under our control. However, he will more likely alternate with Walcott, unless we have the double pivot running, and the AMF’s are playing wide. He does need some playing time, so from the bench with this next match against Cardiff, and the full hour or so against Hull. Then take it from there, as required, but play him regularly.

ST – Giroud. Big problem if he gets a long term injury. He seems to be able to take the physical game okay, but there were signs of mental fatigue during the last intensive spell? We have a few players who could step in, but all have a ‘but’ about their suitability. So he plays until he drops. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that?

The alternatives are:

Bendtner – the most ‘like for like’ player but unlikely to get a good fan reaction.

Akpom – Inexperienced, but has been in good form at the lower level.

Sanogo – Struggling physically at the moment, but has the potential to be good next season.

That leaves: Walcott, Podolski, and Gnabry. The latter gets my vote, preferably with the other two in the line up.

Does that analysis worry you more?

Have your say on other possibilities…

 

Written by: Gerry

What happens when everyone is fit?

TotalArsenal

Once again we are coming off a victorious weekend where we brushed aside a strong side while some of our rivals dropped points. Ok, brushed is too harsh a word because as predicted Soton proved to be difficult to break down and it took 2 mistakes from them to gift us the points. I am not complaining, though. Anyway, enough has been said about the game.

Tomorrow we play a Marseille side who even at their very best would struggle against us let alone the injury ravaged side they have currently. They have Gignac, Payet, Ayew, Valbuena and N’koulou all out injured. It was as if we went into a game without Koscielny, Giroud, Ramsey, Mertesacker and Ozil. Needless to say, I expect us to bag all three points. We can’t underestimate them or get complacent, though.

Its good news for us as Lukas Podolski is back in full training and is expected to play in a few weeks, which brings me to the subject matter of this article. Our team is currently bursting at the seams with talent and it’s only going to get better once Poldi and the Ox return. Once everyone is fit and firing, Arsene will have one of the biggest selection headaches in recent history.

If you look at teams such as city and Chelsea, they have massive squads but you find that there is a bit of a gap in class between the starters and subs. I mean at Chelsea save for the Juan Mata fiasco, the first-11 virtually picks itself. Even at city it’s the same thing. Dzeko is good but nowhere as good as Aguero. But here it’s going to be very different. For example once everyone is fit and in form, do you drop Wilshere for Walcott? Does Podolski replace Santi? How will the team line up?

Sick bay edit (1)

You have a pretty established back 4 but that is where certainty comes to an end. Do you play a double pivot of Flamteta? If so what happens to Ramsey, Walcott and Wilshere? If not, which of the 2 will you drop considering their form? Considering that an in form Podolski is a massive goal threat, do you drop Cazorla or Ozil? If not how will you squeeze them in and what happens to Walcott and Wilshere?

We all know that when Wilshere hits top form, he renders himself undroppable so what happens then? Ramsey has cemented his spot in the middle and Theo is the best winger we have so what then? Cazorla was our best player by a mile last season and Ozil is…well Ozil, so how do you work this team ensuring you keep everyone in top form and happy? Note that to sustain a players form, you have to play them.

Santi Cazorla celebrates after scoring against Reading

Also what does this abundance in class mean for the form of the team? I mean rotation MUST be employed but too much rotation will disrupt our momentum, so how does the boss strike the balance between giving everyone game time but at the same time ensuring the whole mechanism of the team keeps running? And I still feel that Giroud needs a world class striker helping him, and so does Wenger, despite his recent comments, so we have a real conundrum on our hands.

There is also the small fact that we are a team based on development so players like the Ox and Gnabry must also find game time one way or another making this a very very interesting situation on our hands. Ultimately I think it bodes well for the team but we risk losing some players, especially this being a world cup year if a balance can’t be struck. There’s already been murmurs about Monreal and Vermaelen leaving and it would be a massive shame if either of them left.

To conclude, I have to say that no one knew how to rotate a team like Sir Alex did. At the end of a season, every player felt they had contributed to the success of the team. Here though, I feel like Monreal deserves a bit more game time. When it comes to rotation Wenger has his well documented shortcomings. However I trust him to find a solution based on his experience at the top level. I am becoming more and more certain that we will end our barren run this season.

COYG!!!!!!!!

Written by: Marcus

Walcott or Gnabry start – wall of RamTeta – Santi or Jack? Preview

TotalArsenal

Intro:

Interlull

ANDDDDDDDDDD we’re back! We return to the Emirates this week against this season’s revelation Southampton. A loss against United reduced our lead on top of the table down to just 2 points, but with Liverpool facing Everton in their local derby it’s our chance to gain some breathing space again. I’m not suggesting this fixture will be a walk in the park (it’ll be anything but), I just want to sleep a little easier at night!!!

This match looms as the EPL’s best attack against the EPL’s best defence (they’ve only conceded 5 in 11 games). It’ll be another scrap…in all probability more so than the United game.

Mauricio Pochettino has turned Southampton into a well-oiled machine and has developed their defence into the meanest in the league. However, Southampton has not won away at Arsenal since 1987 (13 losses and 5 draws).

1st v 3rd…Let’s get in to it shall we:

Missing in Action:

Diaby sick bay

Arsenal: Podolski (Hamstring) – back in training and should be back in the squad soon enough, Ox (Knee – Arsene said he’ll be back in a month – which may be code for see you in March for a few games before the season ends. It’s a real shame because HH and myself (and I’m sure countless others) tipped the Ox to explode this season. I hope he returns all guns blazing and doesn’t suffer the same fate as Vermaelen (struggling for form so long after injury and finding it tough to break back in)), Sanogo (back), and Diaby (Knee-ds to get back to fitness because we could do will the squad rotation) Ramsey will be fine to play despite missing for Wales. Flamini will miss thanks to an accumulation of yellow cards (scandalous news to take I know).

Southampton:Cork (ankle) and Prado (knee – regrettably he will be unavailable to score any own goals for us this time around)

Predicted Line-up:

 

team line-up

Flamini misses through suspension so our very own lego-hair Arteta slips into the defensive spot (92.3% pass accuracy – highest in the league over 75 passes). Walcott is back!!! Therefore I think it is time to unleash the speedster again out on the right wing. May start from the bench because of his 2 month spell on the sidelines. If he does it’s definitely the German wunderkind Gnabry. The BFG should slot back in after recovering for the virus that kept him out against United. Everything else picks itself. One big positive is our internationals had quite a tranquil time away. Giroud didn’t play, Kozzer received a red card so he got one game off, BFG and Ozil only took part in one match, and Ramsey ‘injured’ himself in training…*wink wink*. So many should be ready, rested and raring to go against Southampton (barring any sort of flu, stomach, or influenza type bug).

Previous Encounters:

South v Arsenal 1-1

An own goal saved us from going down to a spirited Southampton team…very wearisome for all involved. Their goal was shocking, it was though every Arsenal player froze waiting for someone else to clean up the mess.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJ4MEfvY44s

Arsenal v South 6-1

4 first half goals (two own goals), a double from Gerv, and an absolute rocket from Lu-Lu Podolski left Southampton shell shocked. Welcome to the Emirates Saints fans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsMfUTxrlsg

EPL Form Guide:               Arsenal:   : LWWWD            Southampton: WDWDW

The LONG interlull should have well and truly wiped away the despair from the United game (then again it’s not like they played us off the park or anything. They got lucky with a header). Time to get a string of wins going again and dampen Southampton’s dream run (sorry guys, it won’t last.)

Southampton are on an 8 game unbeaten streak and have only lost once this season. They beat Liverpool at Anfield and they drew with United at Old Toilet…*clears throat*

Arsenal Archive (1)

This week I’ve dipped into the Arsenal Archive and pulled out this video clip. It’s the 2003 FA Cup final win against Southampton. God (dennis) the last few minutes were hard to watch. Thank goodness A.Cole was on the line to clear Beattie’s goal bound header.  Have a look:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRGiMoRforg

One to Watch:

This week’s one to watch is Adam Lallana. The new England international has been in top form this season and is one of the main reasons behind Southampton’s start to the season (so a winger who has come up through the Southampton academy hasn’t been pinched by another team? and why hasn’t anyone pinched Luke Shaw yet? He’ll end up at United soon enough I’m sure of it). He’s enjoyed a freer role this season and it’s paid dividends. Look for him to run at our defenders at every chance (highest number of completed dribbles in the last round of fixtures – 5). Gibbs (72.1% 1 v 1 challenges won this season) and Sagna will have to focused and make sure they don’t let him run free all game. If he gets the chance he will make Arsenal pay.  Rickie Lambert is one to keep an eye on; he’s been in top form since his move from Norwich.

Arsenal’s one to watch this week is Theo Walcott. He’s back ready for action (hopefully in a starting position). Southampton taught him the ropes from a young age… so what better way to show them just how far he’s come than by scoring against them?! Southampton have had the least number of shots on target against them in the league this season (31) but I think Walcott’s pace will test that stat. Returning to action so soon is not something I’d normally advocate but I think he’s completely vital in this one (if not Theo definitely Gnabry). Southampton play a high line and will look to suffocate anything and everything. Playing Rosicky and Santi out wide would feed straight in to their trap. If we can use the pace of Walcott to get in and behind their defence it will stretch them, and hopefully make them retreat a little. Even if he only has 60′ in him he should start; in that time hopefully we can pinch and early one and change the shape of the game. Time to see Ozil’s delicious passes out in front of Walcott again. Only this time Walcott will be ready to convert on the counter.

Key-Match up:

Ramsey and Ozil vs Morgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama

wanyama

Ramsey has set the EPL on fire this season; Ozil has lifted our team to the next level. This week they face a tough task as they line-up against two workhorses in Schneiderlin and Wanyama (number one in the league for fouls committed – 29). Ex-Celtic player Wanyama was linked with us for some time (what defensive midfielder hasn’t since Gilberto left?!) and I’m surprised he didn’t end up at a bigger club. I expect both Southampton midfielders (especially Wanyama) to rough up our midfielders on every occasion they get. Their goal will be to break up our fluidity at every chance they get, and make no mistake they will do it anyway they can. I feel the winners of this duel wins their team the match.

Pre-Match Finger:

kid finger

This week’s finger goes to Nicklas Bendtner.

We were lead to believe he was training hard and focusing on football. Most fans wanted to see the back of him, some were coming around to the idea of keeping him (I know I was, I didn’t even sell him on FIFA14…we’ll I have now but that was because I needed a sweetener to get my Reus deal over the line!). We’d hardly heard a peep out of him this season. However, in typical Bendtner fashion he had to start flapping his gums again. In an age where every single athlete is that well media trained (so much so they are all starting to sound like bloody robots dribbling the same old tired rhetoric. Don’t believe me, then look at what Southampton’s midfielder James Ward-Prowse said this week: “I know it’s a cliché, but we’ve just got to take each game as it comes, prepare right for each one, and go into them with the right attitude and mentality to come out on top. There’s a confidence instilled in us that no matter who the opposition are – whether they’re lower league or top of the league – we can go and beat them. I think these next couple of games (Arsenal and Chelsea away) will show us as a club where we’re at in terms of playing the top teams in the league, and I think we’ll be alright.”), Bendtner still manages to make a fool of himself. As soon as a microphone gets shoved in his face he’s back saying how he wanted to leave and how he’d love to play for Barca/Real. Who is he fooling? Perhaps if you focus on the important stuff you may actually get there one day. What squandered talent. Oi Bendtner, shut it and play ball!

Pre-Match Pat on the back:

This week’s pat on the back is going to Arsenal’s shot stopper Wojciech Szczęsny.

Szczesny

He’s told his dad to stay off the Wódka and stop drunk texting Arsene. He’s done what Bendtner hasn’t and put in the hard yards. Best of all he’s performing exactly how Arsene and all of us knew he could. He has the potential to be a world class keeper, and at only 23 (feels like he’s been around forever!) he really does have the world at his fingertips. His hard work has paid off and he was rewarded with a new contract and special praise from the manager. Keep at it Szczesny…you deserve it young man!

Ask the opposition South

‘Ask the opposition’ returns again this week. Boy was it a struggle to get there this week! Four blogs ignored my email. Two forums blocked me and delete my comment (not like I was trying to bloody sell something. I wrote it in their ‘Arsenal v Southampton’ thread). I knew a week like this would come but I never thought it’d be at the hands of Saints supporters…maybe Totts or Man United. Nevermind we got there in the end. This week the brilliantly named ‘Le Tissier’s Laces’  has stepped up and offered to have a go. I’m glad he has because he’s written some quality responses. Let’s see what he’s written for us this week:

1. What do you attribute to your fast start to the season?

I think the excellent start we’ve had has been a combination of two factors which are of course interlinked – our high-pressing, high tempo style of play, and the fact that our outstanding coach, Mauricio Pochettino, has had a full pre-season in which to implement his philosophy and ideas. It seems odd that none of the ‘lesser’ sides (and by that I mean those that are unable to buy in significant talent, such as a £40m Ozil) have not adopted this style previously, as it’s clearly very tough to play against, but then I genuinely don’t think many coaches have been able to implement it from the off. Pochettino is a disciple of Bielsa and has grown up around this style of play. Should we carry on at the level we are, expect many to try and copy it from next season.

2. Do you think your squad is big enough to keep you up all season??

Currently we’ve been lucky with injuries. The greatest fear of any Saints fan right now is a serious problem at either left-back or goalkeeper. Our replacements for those positions (namely Danny Fox and Kelvin Davies) aren’t of the requisite quality unfortunately to keep this level of performance going. With a fit first team we’re a match right now for anyone in the division. A couple of injuries such as those would likely see us start to drop points. Although there’s a lot of faith placed in the up and coming youngsters, ideally some strengthening in key positions would be a priority in January. Much as the management and owners of the club think the sky’s the limit, and preach that positivity throughout the club, you won’t find many Saints fans that genuinely see us as title contenders, or even top four. Top six is certainly doable though.

3. Are you happy with how your transfer window went?

We strengthened smartly in the close season, and despite some initial reservations about Dejan Lovren after a hellish last season at Lyon, he really has been the star player that we’ve brought in. Calm and composed, and with no little skill on the ball, he’s been the fulcrum of our excellent defensive record at the back. A lot was made of, and expected of, Victor Wanyama when we brought him in, and he certainly provides a menacing physical presence in front of the back four. Again, his addition has contributed significantly to our meanness in both senses of the word, but he is prone to making small technical errors that can prove expensive. On the flip side, he’s also only 22, and once those minor errors get ironed out, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with. Our record signing, Dani Osvaldo, he of the Jonny Depp looks, is yet to really fire, but his quality is evident when he’s on the pitch. What’s exciting for Saints fans right now is that we’ve got ourselves into third place, and yet our Italian international forward is yet to truly get going.

4. What position/ player is your weakest link?

When we have a fit first team I don’t think there is a specifically weak position which is part of the reason for our success. There are no outright ‘star’ players in the team, but there’s a genuine seam of quality running through the team as a whole. If I was pushed on that, we sometimes can struggle on the opposite wing to Lallana. Jay Rodriguez, despite his recent call up, is probably the player whose first team position feels most under threat.

5. What position is Arsenal’s weak link?

Arsenal have assembled what looks to be a formidable team currently and much like ourselves, when the full squad is fit and up to speed there are no real glaring weaknesses that stand out, particularly now Giroud seems to be firing. If there’s an area to exploit for visiting teams, it would likely be the central defensive positions. Mertesacker, for all his undoubted quality, isn’t the paciest and Koscielny feels erratic.

6. Which Arsenal player would you love to have in your team and why?

It would be a toss up between Ozil and Carzola for me. The classic ‘bums on seats’ players and thrilling to watch when on song. Other than Lallana, we lack a genuine creative force in the midfield (an area we may well be strengthening in the January window), and unfortunately, despite his talent Gaston Ramirez has failed to really shine in the hustle and bustle of the Premier League. It would be a delight to see either of those two in a Saints shirt.

7. What is your match prediction?

My head says an Arsenal victory as long as your players find a way around our high-energy style. I’d happily walk away from the Emirates with a point and without Arsene trying to steal another of our youngsters. My heart would hope for a Liverpool loss early in the day and a Saints victory to take us top! Southampton top of the Premier League. Now wouldn’t that be something…….

Prediction:

At the start of the season I never thought I’d be sitting here worried about a home game against Southampton! They really have taken the league by storm. They may not be a team of star players but they work together it’s working. If results go their way and they win by more than a goal they’ll be top of the league! Surely they can’t take points from us…can they? A win against South will definitely send a message to the rest of the EPL and boost Arsenals confidence. Nah I think we’ll be too strong and our midfield will be the difference. It’ll have to be if we want to break down their stubborn defence. A goal early could see has net 2 or 3. I feel it’ll be another chess match. If they score first I don’t think we’ll be able to wrestle back all 3 points. It won’t be pretty but we’ll get the job done in the end. Arsenal 1-0.

What is your prediction?

Can Southampton continue their dream run?

What starting line-up would you choose?

What position is their weakest link at the moment?

What tactic would you employ to beat Southampton?

Written by: Oz Gunner

Flamini for Arteta, Gnabry for Rosicky, Walcott on bench? Match Preview.

TotalArsenal

Arsenal vs Manchester United Pre-Match

Intro:

arsene 300

This week we take a trip to Old Trafford to face our bitter rivals. It’s a little unusual this time around though because instead of sir red nose it’s David Moyes at the helm. Early days have been rough for him (as you’d expect). He has big shoes to fill and he’s slowly dragging United back up the ladder. A loss for United will see them languishing 11 points off the lead. A position they have not been in for a very long time.

A win against United would boost our confidence through the roof and really act as a springboard for the long season ahead. Wins against Pool, BD, and Man U in a week would make a serious statement to the rest of the competition!

Let’s get in to it shall we:

Missing in Action:

Diaby sick bay

Arsenal: Podolski (Hamstring) – back in training and aims to be back in December, Ox (Knee), Diaby (Knee), and Sanogo (back). Wilshere, Flamini, and Walcott face fitness tests.

Man United: Fletcher (chronic bowel condition), Welbeck (Knee). Reports have suggested that Rafael (foot/ankle), Evans (back) and Carrick (calf/shin) could all return this week. Almost a full squad for United…no excuses.

Predicted Line-up:

starting line-up (12) (1)

Flamini to return in place of Arteta and Serge to step in for Rosicky. It’s probably too attacking away from home but I’d like to see us put them on the back foot quickly and score early. The likely scenario is Rosicky to play in Gnabry’s place just like he did midweek. An additional question mark is will Flamini be alright to go? If he is will he partner the ever reliable Zorro? Walcott and Wilshere will make the bench.

Previous Encounters:

Arsenal v Man U 1-1

A beautiful run by Walcott saw Arsenal go ahead in the 2nd minute. It was undone by a poor back pass by Sagna, followed by an overzealous challenge inside the box as he looked to make amends. The penalty was despatched by the treacherous rat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uami6cBa8ME

Man U v Arsenal 2-1

Vermaelen gifted BSR a goal in the 3rd minute. Somehow Evra scored with a header. Jack was sent off (The only Arsenal player on the day who decided to show up). Santi scored a conciliation goal at the end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAVEaGRp1iw

EPL Form Guide:               Arsenal:   : WWWDW         Man U: WWDWL

Two massive wins in a row against Liverpool and German heavyweights Borussia Dortmund see us riding on cloud 9 at the moment. It’s been 252 days since our last loss.

Manchester United currently sit in 8th position…yep 8th! I’ve wanted to see them languish into mid table mediocrity for quite some time. It may not last but for now it’s better than porn. They were held goalless midweek by Real Sociedad, they blasted away Fulham either, and Chicharito saved them at home against Stoke. They’ve started to lift but by no means do they look convincing.

In saying that, Man U (away) still remains our toughest fixture this season…regardless of either teams form.

Arsenal Archive (1)

This week I’ve dipped into the Arsenal Archive and pulled out this video clip. It’s the famous Ruud Van nistelrooy incident in the 2003/04 season. I absolutely loved at how the team bandied together and gave him a mouth full when the final whistle blew. Keown’s jump and hit (probably still enraged after Red Arse picked him up and hugged him), Lauren’s and Parlours Push, and the rest of the team giving him a spray. God I’d love for the boys to do the same to Brave Sir Robin this weekend. Have a look:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1dfphE6jOs

One to Watch:

This week’s one to watch is Rooney. All Summer long he was linked with a move away from the Fergie-less United. It’s no revelation he stuck around, we’ve seen it take place before when he wanted more money. I’ve always hated him! Ever since he scored that outrageous goal during his Everton days I knew more despair was to come. It did come…in the form of a dive across Sol Campbell’s leg in the match that snapped our unbeaten run (. He’s scored 10 goals against Arsenal which is more than any other team…aren’t we lucky!!! He’s like a balder, whiter version of Drogba (I’m not sure which one dives more though). Hopefully Flamini can leave a few marks on both him and BSR. As Arseblog mentioned the other day, it’s only fair BSR and Rooney share the same fate as General Zod. Being trapped in the Phantom Zone as they waft through space forever is a fitting end after all the anguish/anger they’ve caused us over the years.

phantom zone

Arsenal’s one to watch is none other than “the enforcer” Mathieu Flamini. He’s tough, uncompromising, and fights to the very end! For years we’ve been torn apart by United on the counter. Flamini will have to marshal the zone in front of the back four and protect it with his life. The good thing about Flamini is…he knows no other! You know what you are going to get when he steps out onto the pitch. Let’s hope he’s fit enough to start.

Key-Match up:

BFG + Kozzer vs Rooney + Brave Sir Robin

grassy knoll

Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny check list:

  • ·        Luis Suarez—–
  • ·        Daniel Sturridge—-
  • ·        Robert Lewandowski—-
  • ·        Marco Reus—–
  • Brave Sir Robin
  • Wayne Rooney

They’ve kept four big hitters quiet, now it’s time to close out another two. Rooney started off the year slow (no surprise given the controversy throughout the summer), but he’s stepped up in recent weeks and started to form a good relationship with BSR. Together they’ve scored 11 goals in the league this season (same number scored by Giroud and Ramsey) so our defensive duo must maintain their form if we are to win at Old Trafford. With the help of Sagna, Gibbs, Flamini, and Szcz I think they will. 3 clean sheets in a week…you got it!

Pre-Match Finger:

kid finger

This week’s finger goes to none other than Ashley Young.

Dive Harder, Dive Hard 2 with Ashley Young-796633

The premier league was relieved to see the back of serial diver Christiano Ronaldo. However, in his place grew another diver in the form of former Aston Villa winger Ashley Young (I guess you can say he’s still a Villain (eh! eh! eh! Okay I apologise for that one). At Man United he’s become the new Ole Gunnar Solskjær, but instead of coming off the bench to score he comes on -> is touched by an opposition player (sometimes not even) and delivers a bewildering blur of twists and turns resulting in a split legged face plant -> whistle -> penalty (and sometimes a red card). The catalogue he’s developed over the last few years is truly astonishing. In a game that can be won or lost by the smallest of margins he is rightfully on the receiving end of the media’s blowtorch. Thankfully his dive against Real Sociedad during the week didn’t win them the match. Justice was served when Brave Sir Robin missed the penalty and Man United shared the points. It’s a real shame, as once upon a time he was considered a real talent. Now he’s resigned to forging a career in the England synchronised diving team. My finger is out to you Ashley…time to pull yours out too (just not this week and not for United).

I’m glad the ref in our game against BD didn’t fall for similar tactics employed by Robert Lewandowski. It was sickening how often he dived throughout the match. I’m still laughing about the foul Arteta was called for after he won the ball from Lewandowski. Amazing how Kozza can be absolutely poll-axed in the box and receive nothing, yet these blouses can get rewarded when they go to ground after a pass of wind.

Pre-Match Pat on the back:

pat on the back

This week’s pat on the back is going to Arsenal’s Running Man Tomas Rosicky.

Running man

His importance to the team cannot be mentioned enough. When others are puffed out and out on their feet Rosicky is there! Terry is mesmerised by his hair flapping about as he runs, whereas we are fascinated by his determination and commitment to the cause. I had him as our MoTM against BD for obvious reasons. He chases, he passes, he tackles, he attacks…he really does do it all. He may not be able to play every game but when he does he definitely makes it count. The press is very important in today’s game and I think he’s the best in the team at implementing the strategy. He’s definitely got a lot more juice in his legs, and I hope he’s rewarded with a premiership medal at season’s end for his continual hard work. Well done Rosicky.

Ask the opposition Man U

‘Ask the opposition’ returns again this week. It is designed to get some friendly banter from our opposition fans and get their insight for the match ahead.  This week the answers were kindly provided by Dale O’Donnell from http://strettynews.com (@StrettyNews). Let’s see what he’s written for us this week:

1. What do you attribute to your slow start to the season?

It’s a transitional period. David Moyes came in and was willing to try different things. He had to do it at some stage and there was always going to be consequences, as you can see from the points we’ve already dropped. There has been signs of negative football and that must be altered. Attacking football is a key aspect to Manchester United.

2. How is Moyes travelling? He has big shoes to fill, will he make the grade?

Massive shoes to fill but he must be his own man and do things the way he feels is right. You don’t change a club like United, it will change you. Expectations are risen dramatically since his reign at Everton. Personally, I’ve got behind him from day one despite not being my initial choice. Moyes is a football man and he deserves time.

3. Your thoughts on Ashley Young being labelled a diver?.

Thoughts? It’s embarrassing. Young arrived and has yet to show any real consistency. Both Fergie and Moyes have said they’ve spoken to him about it but he still does it. And he’s still mediocre.

4. Are you happy with how your transfer window went?

Not particularly, but Moyes did name his targets. It was not his job to negotiate, so anyone hanging the blame over his head has not got a clue what they’re talking about.

5. What position/ player is your weakest link?

That has to be our midfield, but I’m not going to single out any player because it often depends on the combination. Carrick performs well regardless of who he is alongside. However, we still have fans that don’t appreciate the job he does for us.

6. What position is Arsenal’s weak link?

I don’t rate Szczęsny at all. He’s been at Arsenal since 2009, so he’s had the time to do it.

7. Which Arsenal player would you love to have in your team and why?

Ozil, hands down. What he has done for Arsenal so far this season does not surprise me one bit. It’s what happens when you add world class to your squad. Look at us last season with Van Persie. Remember him? Without your former captain, I doubt we would have won the league.

8. What is your match prediction?

We are at home, so I’m going for 1-1.

Prediction:

It’s hard to not get carried away and say we are going to win it easy, especially considering the way we’ve handled our opposition this week. The truth is we’ve played two very tough games in a row. Hopefully our physios have been working overtime and the players doing everything they can to recover 100%. In saying that it’s a massive game, if you can’t lift and find another gear in this game you don’t belong at Arsenal. I’d love to see us win at Old Trafford because it’s been a truly miserable place to play over the years; therefore, I’m torn between a 1-1 draw or a 0-2 victory. Frick it…0-2 to the good guys.

What is your prediction?

What starting line-up would you choose?

De Gea or Szczesny?

What position is their weakest link at the moment?

What tactic would you employ to beat Man U?

What will be the top 4 at season’s end?

coaches bikes

Written by: Oz Gunner