Good to be a Gooner

Good day, Gooners

Well, @ArsenaLIND and I have returned from UK and whilst we were gone the Arsenal won 3 matches, and we were able to see the match versus Wigan and WBA LIVE. All in all a good bag of Ws for us and the Arsenal. Basically, our love of the Arsenal pushed the lads to their potential and they delivered. Wink.

We were fortunate to have really good tickets for both matches at the Emirates. For the match versus Wigan we had upper tier tickets, which gave me an opportunity to watch the match from TV view. I prefer this view to being right up close to the pitch for the reason of being able to visualize tactical movements and formation. @ArenaLIND doesn't seem to mind one way or another but i think she prefers pitch-side as to see the squad in the flesh. Must be a bird thing.

Unfortunately, the upper tier is very expensive and with expense comes yuppies and WAGs. Many of the "fans" came in late, and not fashionably late but flat out it's-nearly-half-time late. Sad. Both of us felt sick because for those of us across the pond who have to travel nearly 14 hours just to London...it's not worth missing even a minute of play! I guess if you live in North London and have access to the Arsenal whenever you want you can afford to come in and out without affect. I get that...but for me, I'm a die hard fan and I guarantee if I lived in the area I wouldn't miss a minute if I paid for it.

Worth noting is the complete and utter silence in the same tier. I think we spent the majority of the match sitting in our cushy, soft seats with an occasional song sung our way from the Red Army's area. And, of course, there was some random American businessman who sat in front of us who left just into halftime to head to his other match across town, West Ham v Liverpool. Must be nice to have money and not have an allegiance to a particular side. Overall, the return to the Emirates was very nice and we got a sound 4-nil result with the "Verminator" as @ArsenaLIND calls him scoring two, Eboue Kablooie nicking one from Dudu's tally, and our capitan Cesc getting the last. Enjoy the after match photos of our walk about of the internal "Arsenalization" of the Emirates. It reminded us a lot of the Arsenal museum's murals but it certainly is an improvement from the gray, concrete walling.


Now, the second match we saw was the Carling Cup clash v West Brom and admittedly I was more excited to see this match than the Senior team. There's just something about watching free wheeling football, and "kids" playing without a care in the world. Again, we had excellent tickets for this outing, too. Note: we come across these tickets not because we are lucky or have contacts overseas...we do so by waking up at 2:40am on ticket sale day, logging into the Ticket Hub and scouring the tickets right as they go on sale. If you only go maybe once a year...it has to be done!

Again, the match was a convincing display of our future players; we were able to witness Sanchez Watt's first Senior goal. Oh, and my favorite player Vela also scored. It wasn't much of a goal but it still counts.

On Jack, I feel that Wilshere is still quite away from first team regularity as he too often hurries his passes and also tries to force the pass to catch up to players runs that have already gone awry. Eventually, he'll learn to retain possession and let those failed players' runs go. Also, strong in the tackle but short in stature he lacks the physical power to win the ball back after he loses it. JW19 isn't like Cesc...he doesn't let the ball go without a fight. As long as he continues to chase down the lost balls like he is a holding mid he'll continue to get shrugged off the ball. Fret not: with time and maturity he'll come around but I don't feel he'll see much time this season.

It was also a pleasant surprise to see Senderos back in the team. Not the best CB in the world but truly a Gooner. I don't think any fan would question his commitment to the Arsenal but I think we all understand that in a World Cup year he needs playing time and if he can't unseat TV5 or WG10 he may need to move on. I wish him the best either way.

So, 2-nil in our final leg of our trip and we headed back to New Mexico with pleasant results. It was a good run even though it went too fast! If you haven't been to the Emirates yet I hope you get there sooner rather than later. At least while the crowd still sings.

ArsenaLOS

Ade: I feel bad for you, I do

Good afternoon, Gooners

I'll make this quick and to the point. To be fair, I felt the match could have been won by either team. It was the type of match that any team who took advantage of their sparse attempts would get the result. As usual, the Arsenal had loads of possession but if time with the ball doesn't yield goals it doesn't matter. For long periods of possession we didn't register a knifing run or any diagonal movement suggesting even an attempt on goal. The Arsenal really are missing both Theo and Arshavin but offensive players like Diaby ought to spend less time dancing with the ball laterally and move forward. I also feel that Bendtner and RVP should switch roles as B52 can win more balls in the air and physically in a central role than delicate RVP. As much as B52 has improved on the wing he is simply not built for that role.

Worth mention is that this match comes after Internationals. What we didn't experience was mass injuries but in replacement it appeared as if the entire squad was lethargic, lazy and very Ade-like. Most teams struggle after these breaks due to the lack of training and team socialization that is needed to put in a coherent performance. Psychologically, I never felt the urgency or effort until the Arsenal were chasing the match, courtesy of another Almunia blunder. A soft, floating ball should probably always be parried wide or caught at this level. Of the shots that were not directly kicked at Almunia he had another poor outing conceding all shots that made him attempt a save. These continued blunders cannot continue if the Arsenal are to make a serious attempt at any silverware. They are not good for team morale, especially the defenders, but we simply don't have a back-up of his caliber. Let's just support him and hope he makes amends mid-week.

I am deeply disappointed in our captain, Cesc Fabregas. After the go-head goal was scored by Bellamy the match became very chippy; in particular, Arsenal players were duped into lunging at and trying to get stuck in on Donkeybayor. I felt that when we lost our heads, we lost the match. As captain, Cesc really needed to calm the manic behavior of the match down but his leadership was absent. Donk got away with stomping Cesc's ankle early in the match, and then cleating the face of RVP; Song kicked out at him and got booked. Usually cool Clichy clearly got agitated and started lunging at players, over committing on the tackle the sprung Wright-Phillips wide to pass to Donk. In short, the players stopped playing the Arsenal way and began to react in a negative manner: kicking out at players and over committing to the tackle. Perhaps if Cesc had cooled our tempo and we had regained our focus we would have been able to equalize before the third goal was conceded. Hopefully, lesson learned and behavior won't be repeated in the future.

And, finally, I wanted to make a brief statement about Donkeybayor's classless celebration. After his goal, which really any small boy could have finished with the amount of space he had...he decided to run the entire length of the pitch and celebrate in front of our Arsenal Away fans:



Later, Ade would apologize for his goal celebration There is a saying here in America, "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me". If this character hadn't pitched himself to big clubs such as Barca and Milan the previous season he may well have still been an Arsenal footballer but instead he decided to not address the rumors and wait till the end of the transfer window. Stringing along the fans like we are some sort of fools is not the best way to win over our hearts and minds. After the deals didn't materialize only then did he decide to pledge himself to the Arsenal. It is not because of his laziness, ego, African-heritage, or stupid dances that the fans felt so detached from him - we felt betrayed by his unwillingness to come out to the press and simply say, "I am an Arsenal player...I am on holiday...and I have no intention of leaving". I think we just wanted the confirmation that he wanted to wear the shirt and bleed Arsenal red.

I will not accept his apology today because it is clear to me that the celebration was pre-meditated and meant to inflict the most damage possible to the hearts of Arsenal fans. As a fan who was angry about the way he handled the rumors, I will not be fooled again. Today's celebration and display of petulance was in lines with the classic "I'll show you" mentality, which we are all likely familiar with...when we were 10-years-old playing football during recess when the last guy picked got the game winning goal as the school yard bell rang. He usually ran into the classroom full of glee but ya know what happened to this guy? He got picked last...again.

In my opinion, Ade's ego is far too big for his own good. This guy hasn't won anything yet he feels he is special and entitled to superstar treatment. Due to the fact that he is so self-absorbed he doesn't have the cognitive capacity to think beyond himself; hence, he fully believes that the fans were in the wrong for doubting him because, to him, he did nothing wrong. Since the guy doesn't think he did anything wrong it is no surprise that he displaced his poor performances on we the fans of the Arsenal. It is because of this deflection of responsibility that I don't like Adebayor. To me, he is not a man but a petulant, immature boy who wants praise, hugs and kisses because of the name on the back of his kit...and not for hard work, honor, or character.

Today, I feel bad for Adebayor. I feel bad because he only confirmed what the Arsenal fans had been thinking: his behavior may not be money driven at all but it is most definitely conceited, and Ade-driven. I feel bad that he doesn't even understand how this behavior and reputation will follow him throughout his career. I feel sick that players like him, who lack basic goodness and respect for the sport have been presented the opportunity to play football at the highest level and disrespect football and its fans in return. I certainly hope he gets everything he deserves, including all of the negative karma that is sure to follow.

And, for today, Ade has his day of glory with his new team, with his beloved fans and they will soak it up and claim to be a Big Four team. That's fine because there was a time when the Arsenal loved Adebayor when he scored goals and worked hard for the team but as we found out the honeymoon was over before it started. I can only predict that at some point City will struggle, Donk may go through a scoring drought and he won't have anyone to blame...but himself. He'll probably throw his teammates under the bus or start picking at the local fans; it's only a matter of time before the agents come courting his services from afar and he does the same to City. And I'm fine with him continuing to talk about the Arsenal in whatever negative way he needs to because it only confirms his ignorance and small-name stature. So, until we meet again...

ArsenaLOS

Selection Woes

Good afternoon, and Happy Labor Day/No Fucking Work Day! Yes!

Right.

I was having a twitter discussion with @usofarsenal regarding Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, and Samir Nasri's return to action. TW14 and TR7 may be available vs Man City with Nasri likely back late September/early October. The two of us concluded that the Arsenal may actually, ahem, have a selection issue when all these players are back.

Preferably, I would like to see TW14's direct speed utilized in a striking role. Since TW14 is not a cheeky footballer and I feel he is wasted on the wing; he can't really beat players with a Cunaldo-like pedalada, nor deftly deek and jink his way around large, angry defenders like Evra. I understand that he is seemingly a good fit for the wing because of his speed but if he can't beat a player cleanly with a sound move then I think he would be better off receiving a ball into space that he can run onto, take a touch, and finish. TW14 has proved in the past that he can blaze down the sideline in a winger role but I would much prefer the use of his speed in a direct way. Since he's simply not built for the wing in terms of break through, separating moves, and the Arsenal have plenty of midfielders. I think it is time for him to be used as a Striker.

I think TR7 should be used as a sub. I don't think the Arsenal should risk him from a start of a match. Poor Rosicky has been out for so long that he needs to be eased back into action, and that includes lack of playing time. I understand that he is a creative threat but what better way to utilize his talent but to use him late in matches when minds and legs are tired? TR7 could come on with 30minutes to play and completely change a match with his vision, and scoring prowess. For example, after the own-goal by Diaby vs United, Rosicky, if fit, could have been brought on with 30 minutes to go. The threat of him seeing a pass, or creating a goal late in the match could be a difference maker. Plus, for the opposition, it presents the manager with the task of having to defend fresh legs and/or counter with an attacking option of his own. If the opposition counters one-for-one than advantage Arsenal. Time will tell so here's to hoping that we see TR7 back in some influential role.

And lastly, Nasri had been rumored to be an option as a holding midfielder. With Song's imminent departure for the African Cup of Nations Nasri may slot in to partner with Denilson. Nasri is a versatile footballer and he could be deployed on either wing but since Arsene did not spend on the holding midfielder he may be seen as an option in this role. In my opinion, I doubt we'll see Nasri in a central role unless injuries are present or unless AW goes back to the 4-4-2. Nasri will likely share time and matches with Arshavin in the current formation and cycle in with other midfielders, either on the right or tucked behind the central Striker. In reality, and at the beginning, I think Nasri will be happy to play anywhere, for any minutes coming back from his broken leg.

For once, and dare I say it, since the Invincibles I feel that the Arsenal may have some selection woes. There are so many midfielders that can play in an attacking role, either centrally or wide. AW will have to balance each player's abilities per match, per opposition. For some matches, AW may need to deploy more physical players while versus others he may need more technique, more speed. Fortunately, the squad we have right now are versatile and willing to play multiple positions; we are also fortunate that AW is the best individual to manage young, egotistical minds. AW's open and thoughtful personality will likely allow him to tinker with positions and formations to fit the individual match, and I don't expect too much player backlash because of this understanding. The players appear to be equally willing to play in any position the boss wants, and it's this collective understanding that will allow the manager more freedom than in year's past. The selection woes aren't woes at all...but options.

ArsenaLOS

Makes you wonder if...

• Arsene Wenger didn't sign the fan-wanted, requested, and cried about central, holding midfielder because he wanted to ditch the 4-4-2 and rock the 4-3-3.
• Eboue is some sort of footballing legend in training.
• the media is so harsh on the Arsenal because they are being told to do so by some corporate entity.
• our luck can get any worse; in particular, if injuries can persist with consistency over another campaign and at the most inopportune moments.
• Vermaelen is the signing of the year in the Premiership.
  
• B52 is going to kick out at Donkeybayor in our first encounter with City.
• it really matters that Eduardo is banned for two Champions League matches when he is seemingly back-up to RVP and Arshavin.
• Silvestre is a spy.
• the negative angles AW had installed in the Emirates Away lockers really affect the opposition's psychology.
• Almunia will be in an England kit come Spring 2010.
  
• TW14 will play as a Striker this season.
  
• dramatic, whiny non-supportive Arsenal fans have any experience playing football or are they just like the rest of the pundits ie talking just to talk
  
• JW19 will see ample playing time this year and become a regular by Spring 2010.
  
• Rosicky will ever come back to play the way he used to.
• Merida is seen as a replacement for CF4.
  
• "Capi" will lead the Arsenal in scoring this season.


• Arsene really knows.
  

The 3 Wisemen: Abou-boo, alMUnia, meet Eboue Kablooie

Good morning, Gooner Nation

It's taken me a few days to be able to write again. Like many of you, I lost a loved one on Saturday. Her name is Lady Luck and she was a good kid. Shame on me for thinking this season would be any different luck-wise than the last few campaigns.

In my previous post, August 28th, I had mentioned my concern with alMUnia, "But, admittedly, I am concerned with Almunia. This guy can make a fantastic save but in a blink of an eye he can make a complete ass of himself". Unfortunately, the madness of alMUnia reared its ugly head (again) and as quickly as we were up 1-nil he was found to have brought down Shrek Rooney and there it was, 1s and shared spoils. It's clear that Shrek was dragging his left foot and looking for the penalty, which Dean promptly obliged. At the end of the day, as fans we can blame Shrek for the whole debacle but this penalty never gets awarded if alMUnia doesn't commit himself in the manner he did.

I used to play a bit of keeper in my day and their rules are very straight forward but filled with consequences, if off: you commit to the ball knowing you will get there first, and pray to God that you make contact or you stay in goal and take your chances with the shot. It's one or the other because if you commit to either half way you're likely caught out. The decision must be made in the briefest of instances. I can't help but think that alMUnia's decision to rush Shrek was ego-driven. If you look at the camera shot from behind the goal you can easily tell that the angles are poor for Rooney to do anything; plus, both Capi and Sagna are rushing back to stand him up. Also, Rooney's first touch launches the ball towards the corner flag. To me, that is the indicator that this is not even a scoring opportunity and more of a defensive clearance. I can't help but think that alMUnia wanted to put his stamp on the game. Why else would you rock that stupid, blonde Mohawk creature? Attention. Stupid hair or ego-driven intent does not matter as he has shown that his decision making is very poor despite his wonder saves here and again. I would think that Arsene Wenger will have to address these decisions at some point; in truth, I don't think he will because their minds are so delicate and his being dropped would likely mean him asking for a transfer. Fortunately, City have Given already.

All tied at 1-1 and seemingly everything to play for. I had relaxed a bit because I knew United would score. I knew it would be dubious and I knew it would be unjustified. This is what happens, and this is what is expected when you play at Old Trafford.

Less than five minutes from alMUnia's moment of madness we had another inexplicable event occur. Abou-boo Diaby produced a finely executed, uncontested own-goal header. As reported on Sky Sports today Abou-boo would label it a "silly mistake". I'm glad he can use such a cool descriptor as "silly". In my mind, that word can be replaced with a few choice expletives. I'm not going to throw the boy under the bus because everyone makes mistakes; humans are not infallible. Up until that point I felt Diaby had proved his naysayers wrong; I still think his overall match was better than both Carrick and thug-life Fletcher. I've spent some time this week trying to figure out if Diaby was trying to head the ball towards alMUnia, or off to the side of the goal, or maybe he thought it was an offensive try. I'm not sure.

I have sympathy for Abou-boo because I went through a similar, inexplicable ordeal. I was backing my car out of the garage and for one reason or another I turned the wheel too early and nicked the door frame, ripping some of the paneling off of the wall but thoroughly denting my bumper in the tune of a $325 repair. Why? No fucking idea why. In a split second I made a decision to turn the wheel, it happened to be too early, and the result was a fucked up bumper and nice, fat repair bill. At the end of the day, we all make Abou-boos and as long as they aren't repeated we live, we learn and we get on with it.

As the Arsenal went down 1-2 and we pressed for the equalizer I honestly felt we would get it. If Capi had not been so anxious there at the death we might have equalized with a RVP smash but it wasn't to be.

I had mentioned in a previous post that Eboue ought not play unless Sagna is injured. I meant that; I still mean that. Eboue's match was more of the same: errant passes, waving hands, and complete and utter wandering. You would think that Eboue has Alzheimer's with his poor decision making, wandering, and blatant lack of positional know-how. Eboue is not a midfielder and should not played in that position. Ever. Even writing his name makes me sick to my stomach. Thank God he'll be gone for awhile for African Cup of Nations 2010.

I can think of two big instances where Eboue hurt the Arsenal. Eboue's dive and resulting yellow card was just sickening. Kablooie! It was justified and part of me wishes he had been sent off. It's as if the boy has an inability to learn. In the past he has gone searching for cards and been on the wrong end of the call; nothing has changed. I wonder if he even thought about what a dive would mean to his teammate, Eduardo. Of course not, he has dementia. Instead, Eboue dove at Evra, and he merely moved out of the way. Hilarious and sickening as it could get. I am worried about this consistent repetition of behavior because he has not learned from his mistakes. Will he ever learn? No.

Now, the other massive mistake was Eboue's inability to field a cross from the left side of the pitch to the right. This particular setup, I believe, came from either Arshavin or Clichy and instead of hitting the half volley or receiving the ball in-step Eboue did neither and tried to toe-stomp control the ball; as expected, the chance went wasted. Eboue Kablooie! The reason this particular chance gets to me is because a shot on goal could have meant a deflection and tap-in for RVP. Also, we had superior numbers in the penalty box, which increases the opportunity for a cheeky, lucky goal. I don't think Eboue gets that. I don't think he has the cognitive ability to think that far ahead. Kablooie! Now, if Bendtner had started in front of Eboue Kablooie I would expect two key things from him 1) staying in his position instead of wandering all over the pitch 2) hitting the mentioned setup half volley and putting it on goal. My only explanation for starting Eboue Kablooie over Nick is that AW must have been concerned about Evra getting forward. I respect that concern but Eboue didn't hamper his movement forward because he was never in the right position! Kablooie!

I've made it very clear in these postings that I do not like Eboue Kablooie as a midfielder; I don't mind him as a back-up to Sagna. I really hope that AW saw what I saw and we won't see him in the midfielder fold any longer. The sooner both Rosicky and Nasri come back from injury the sooner Eboue is ostracized to his rightful place, the Arsenal bench.

Enjoy the international break as City is up next and Lazybayor has something to prove to us Arsenal fans (fuck off). For me, I'm hoping B52 gets an opportunity to get stuck in on Donkeybayor and we all know that he'll try...

ArsenaLOS