Happy Holidays, Goonies
Big match tomorrow, eh? The last big test before the end of the year. Fortunately, Arsenal are at home but it won't be an easy go. An in-form Villa visits the Emirates with a collection of high-profile scalps, most impressive is the early goal at Old Trafford that they were successful in holding onto for the win. Worth mentioning is their win versus Chelsea, but as I have mentioned in an earlier blog (12/2/09) the score and the manner which those fuckers beat Arsenal is not representative of the actual quality of the teams. In four manic minutes, Arsenal dropped points. And since all of the teams are closer than ever...
Arsenal have now lost two matches versus top-4 teams, and with some luck for Arsenal on those 2 fixtures we could be sitting top of the table. Alas, it wasn't to be and we are within striking distance (again).
Today, both Spuds and Chavs helped us out by dropping 2 pts each so now it's up to the Arsenal to get three, at home, and take advantage of the other teams' misfortunes. With some hope IOU will also drop pts Away to Hull. And, if possible, I hope Jozy gets a run out and can do them in...Do it, Do it for America.
So, the Arsenal line-up is gonna be weaker than we would prefer but strong enough to get a result. Arshavin lining up against Dunne and Cuellar is actually a good match-up as I think Arshavin can get behind Cuellar. Arshavin is my Fantasy League captain, too. Also, Cuellar has been recently unsettled as rumors are flying about a possible move to Real Madrid. Perfect timing. And, of course, we may see Eduardo up front later in the match so let's pray that Arshavin works hard and wears down these two Center Backs.
The rest of the two teams match up quite well. I have my concerns about Milner, Young, and even Petrov. But I do think that Song can contain Petrov, and Denilson can get in on Ashley Young. And Downing? Who knows? He shoots so much but he never gets on target. I really hope that he doesn't show up tomorrow. For Arsenal, I'm hoping that Cesc is fit and that Diaby holds onto the ball...if these two can hook up with Arshavin we have a fighting chance of getting 3 pts; if they cannot I think the best we can hope for is a draw. Oh, and I think we'll have Traore back instead of Silvestre. Traore's pace will at least be able to match up with Agbonglahor and Young, which gives us a big boost holding a clean sheet.
I look at our bench and I don't see any impact players that could come in and affect the match. At best I think Ramsey could come in for a tired Denilson, Diaby or start for Cesc if he is not ready. Other than Ramsey, we can't possibly hope that Vela will do anything except go left; Wilshere will keep the bench nice and toasty; the rest of the mix mash is there just in case there is a pre-game illness and the starters fall ill and we need players to just be in the team.
So, at the end of the day, we have the same issues as before. No fit out-and-out center striker, an inconsistent midfielder in Diaby, and loads of midfielder players who may or may not shoot. I think if the team can get a goal early, and get Villa on the back foot chasing the match we can get another goal and seal a convincing victory. Now, if Villa score first and we cannot answer immediately I feel the best we can do is a draw. I never know what we are going to get because Almunia is so hot, so cold and gives me no confidence. So, for all of us let's hope he shows up and the back four do their job...
It's an early kick-off here in America so I'll have coffee in hand, but I feel if we start with some urgency we can get the 3 pts and put more pressure on the pack. If we cannot, it's another missed opportunity, but at Home, which is unacceptable.
Enjoy the match, and Up the Arsenal
ArsenaLOS
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Arsenal vs Liverpool: I'll take a Draw
Happy Friday, and thank God we've made it to the weekend!
Well, one thing is for certain is that Arsenal will be playing an out-of-form Liverpool squad with a motley crew of our own. Admittedly, on paper it looks as if Arsenal is going to really suffer but with the news that both Capi and Traore will be fit we won't have to rely on untested youth. But to be fair, both Cruise and Bartley did a fairly good job versus a very hungry Olympiakos team so even if we find out that some of our "regular" back line is injured the two mentioned can slot in. And such a shame that Mr. Eboue Kablooie is out as it's these type of Northern, mudder affairs that fits him best - he can run around and around and around and pass to nobody and we'll still get a draw.
But first, and the only thing I can say about that mid-week Champions League match is that a lot of young players were exposed to a hostile environment, and the team got some good experience. I felt that both Merida and Ramsey had a solid go, but am most excited by Merida's progress. Merida has had less first-team opportunity and he looked on par with Ramsey. Right now both he and Ramsey are seeing diagonal runs well before they develop but are hesitating or making the pass a bit too late. Growing in confidence I can't help but think that we'll see their timing improve, and by season's end they will prove to be important first-team players. Of course, this is based on the assumption that our current run of injury continues...
And Jack? Well, he is Jack and he is 18-years-old. I worry about Jack because he is so short in stature and does not have much pace. For his size he likes to get stuck in on the tackle, which is nice to see but I still worry. I'll wait on any review of him as he is another who hasn't played much. Seems ages since we saw him do so well in pre-season, what, two years ago?
Theo's return was poor. Really poor. I think he has been protected long enough and really needs to step it up. Many will argue that his troubles come down to form, which I can't deny but i'm hoping that this isn't used as an excuse come Sunday. Technically, his first-touch, which is everything at this level was downright terrible. And let's be honest, Theo is never going to take on players and beat them with a slick pedalada, tornado-like spin, or nutmeg. Theo's threat is speed and right now that's all he has. I hope that we see something solid from him on Sunday; as in, keeping possession and improved decision making. Theo knows, and we know that if he continues his place in the England World Cup squad is in jeopardy so here's to hoping he's just experiencing some poor play at the moment.
Now, back to the Liverpool match. It's a must-win for all parties and it's any one's guess who will come out victors. I feel that the Arsenal simply have a better team than Liverpool and both Gerrard and Torres are out of sync at the moment. I think their lack of playing together is our greatest benefit. Of course, that Feivel-looking cunt Benayoun seems to pop up in these matches so he'll definitely need to be contained. Also, Maschereno is a complete nutter. I worry about any one of our delicate flowers out on the pitch and hope that if he gets stuck in on anyone that he sees the proper punishment. I feel like his time at Anfield is waning so who knows he may go out to injure and then fuck off to Real come January.
Apparently, the Arsenal is a one-man team and without RVP we are doomed! I say that a bit sarcastically but I've yet to see anyone step in and fill the void. If we rely on Vela and his left foot the best result we can hope for is a draw. Dudu will be a game-time decision but certainly he'll make the trip up North. Now, I wonder if we'll see some surprise inclusions like Sunu or Sanchez-Watt. I feel Sunu is the preferred hold-up player but likely won't get any time as he hasn't had any real first-team opportunities and I seriously doubt that chance will come at Anfield.
At the end of the day it will take a collective performance by the Arsenal. It certainly will help if Liverpool is out of sync and get out to a poor start, such as an early goal to the Arsenal. But like so many of these encounters I can't help but think that this has draw stamped all over it.
Worth mention is that I never know what kind of match Almunia is going to have, either. How much more of his inconsistent play can the team take? My angst is in his indecision and unwillingness, or fear to come out and challenge balls out of the air. Fabianski on the other hand runs out with reckless abandonment. It's night and day with these two and I'm not sure what method is good or bad anymore.
Anyway, I can't see where our goals are going to come from; I still don't get why our midfield doesn't shoot. Even a long range on-goal shot can cause deflections and tap-ins for any striker, something Donkeybayor made a living off of! If Ramsey gets some playing time we can be sure he'll at least look to shoot. Oh, and let's hope that Arshavin can repeat his four goal feat..or at least get one :D
Whatever the result may be the campaign is long and there will be many shock results from now till May. It's really close quarters and so many teams are suffering from injury that there will be points dropped and shared. All I want is for the Arsenal to work hard, act interested and if we win, so be it.
Keep it real, keep it Arsenal
ArsenaLOS
Well, one thing is for certain is that Arsenal will be playing an out-of-form Liverpool squad with a motley crew of our own. Admittedly, on paper it looks as if Arsenal is going to really suffer but with the news that both Capi and Traore will be fit we won't have to rely on untested youth. But to be fair, both Cruise and Bartley did a fairly good job versus a very hungry Olympiakos team so even if we find out that some of our "regular" back line is injured the two mentioned can slot in. And such a shame that Mr. Eboue Kablooie is out as it's these type of Northern, mudder affairs that fits him best - he can run around and around and around and pass to nobody and we'll still get a draw.
But first, and the only thing I can say about that mid-week Champions League match is that a lot of young players were exposed to a hostile environment, and the team got some good experience. I felt that both Merida and Ramsey had a solid go, but am most excited by Merida's progress. Merida has had less first-team opportunity and he looked on par with Ramsey. Right now both he and Ramsey are seeing diagonal runs well before they develop but are hesitating or making the pass a bit too late. Growing in confidence I can't help but think that we'll see their timing improve, and by season's end they will prove to be important first-team players. Of course, this is based on the assumption that our current run of injury continues...
And Jack? Well, he is Jack and he is 18-years-old. I worry about Jack because he is so short in stature and does not have much pace. For his size he likes to get stuck in on the tackle, which is nice to see but I still worry. I'll wait on any review of him as he is another who hasn't played much. Seems ages since we saw him do so well in pre-season, what, two years ago?
Theo's return was poor. Really poor. I think he has been protected long enough and really needs to step it up. Many will argue that his troubles come down to form, which I can't deny but i'm hoping that this isn't used as an excuse come Sunday. Technically, his first-touch, which is everything at this level was downright terrible. And let's be honest, Theo is never going to take on players and beat them with a slick pedalada, tornado-like spin, or nutmeg. Theo's threat is speed and right now that's all he has. I hope that we see something solid from him on Sunday; as in, keeping possession and improved decision making. Theo knows, and we know that if he continues his place in the England World Cup squad is in jeopardy so here's to hoping he's just experiencing some poor play at the moment.
Now, back to the Liverpool match. It's a must-win for all parties and it's any one's guess who will come out victors. I feel that the Arsenal simply have a better team than Liverpool and both Gerrard and Torres are out of sync at the moment. I think their lack of playing together is our greatest benefit. Of course, that Feivel-looking cunt Benayoun seems to pop up in these matches so he'll definitely need to be contained. Also, Maschereno is a complete nutter. I worry about any one of our delicate flowers out on the pitch and hope that if he gets stuck in on anyone that he sees the proper punishment. I feel like his time at Anfield is waning so who knows he may go out to injure and then fuck off to Real come January.
Apparently, the Arsenal is a one-man team and without RVP we are doomed! I say that a bit sarcastically but I've yet to see anyone step in and fill the void. If we rely on Vela and his left foot the best result we can hope for is a draw. Dudu will be a game-time decision but certainly he'll make the trip up North. Now, I wonder if we'll see some surprise inclusions like Sunu or Sanchez-Watt. I feel Sunu is the preferred hold-up player but likely won't get any time as he hasn't had any real first-team opportunities and I seriously doubt that chance will come at Anfield.
At the end of the day it will take a collective performance by the Arsenal. It certainly will help if Liverpool is out of sync and get out to a poor start, such as an early goal to the Arsenal. But like so many of these encounters I can't help but think that this has draw stamped all over it.
Worth mention is that I never know what kind of match Almunia is going to have, either. How much more of his inconsistent play can the team take? My angst is in his indecision and unwillingness, or fear to come out and challenge balls out of the air. Fabianski on the other hand runs out with reckless abandonment. It's night and day with these two and I'm not sure what method is good or bad anymore.
Anyway, I can't see where our goals are going to come from; I still don't get why our midfield doesn't shoot. Even a long range on-goal shot can cause deflections and tap-ins for any striker, something Donkeybayor made a living off of! If Ramsey gets some playing time we can be sure he'll at least look to shoot. Oh, and let's hope that Arshavin can repeat his four goal feat..or at least get one :D
Whatever the result may be the campaign is long and there will be many shock results from now till May. It's really close quarters and so many teams are suffering from injury that there will be points dropped and shared. All I want is for the Arsenal to work hard, act interested and if we win, so be it.
Keep it real, keep it Arsenal
ArsenaLOS
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
4 Minutes, Toast
Good evening, Gooners-who-don't-give-up-on-their-team-when-they-are-in-a-slump
I kid, I kid.
I wanted to say something about the Chelsea match but if you want a rundown of the in-game and post-match madness check out my twitter feed for 11/29. I'm not gonna concede on my stance - I'm sorry but Arsenal was not 'dominated' and it wasn't 'men versus boys' I've watched the match a few times now (glutton for punishment?) and it's clear that the goals scored come from very minor, but fatal mistakes.
First goal comes down to a great cross by Cashley, and even better finish from Drogba. Could it have been prevented? Yes. Exhibit A
shows that "Capi" aka Gallas has a tendency to lose the man he needs to mark up on, and instead of having the man in front of him (while seeing the ball), or even within touching distance he roams freely. It almost looks like he is delegating marking responsibility to the rest of the team but does not mind his own advice. Exhibit A results in nothing but is a tell for Exhibit B. Note: None of the Arsenal players really look like they have their man in front of them, most look like the other Arsenal player is supposed to pick up the roaming man/men.
Clearly, Cashley makes separation from Sagna. When I first saw the play at game speed I had assumed that Sagna was well beaten but at the moment of the cross Sagna is right in there. Exhibit B
shows that Gallas is caught out as he has lost Drogba. It's not surprising as it is very hard to see someone who is behind you :/ CBs sometimes get sucked out of the center to support a beaten Right or Left Back but in this instance all he had to do is stay with Drogba, keep him in front of him and then challenge upon delivery. Very simple error of positioning with a horrible consequence.
And, of course, the own goal is very much more of the same. Nasri was playing defense (surprise!) but his movement back and on the ball caused hesitation on Sagna's coverage of Mr. 10-men-went-to-bed w/ Ashley. Gallas lunges at a cross, misses and it hits Verminator just up near his cock and bam, down 0-2. It' so lucky that even Drogba is in awe of Chelsea's fortune. He actually is grabbing his head, not sure what to make of it all! Sick, isn't it?
On a side note, have you noticed that when Gallas does go down to slide tackle he often uses the outside foot (nearest) instead of his instep? It's natural to go down with the strong leg leading (mostly right foot) most of the time but not for him. No wonder he is prone to deflections towards goal instead of away...
Moving right along I've heard the arguments that Arsenal lost cuz there isn't enough experience/maturity, we don't have a striker with RVP out, blah blah. Truth of the matter is that Arsenal maintained loads of possession and did fuck all with it. A 4-3-3 is not the ideal formation vs Chelsea as they boss the middle of the park with Essien/Mikel. I don't think any team in the league, maybe in the world can call on such metal. Perhaps if Wenger had deployed a 4-4-2 and given more width of play the two could have been split apart; space behind the CBs could have been exposes, too. Now, if Arsenal had wanted a draw it was there for the taking. Due to the attacking, take-it-at-'em style of play we have Chelsea absorbed pressure, let us pass, and then counter-attacked. Not surprising. Again, if Wenger wanted a draw he could have had the team pass the ball around the entire 90 as Chelsea had no intention of moving forward and attacking themselves. At the end of the day, if you live by the sword, you die by the sword. We went forward, they countered and with two unfortunate events that was the end of the match.
All it took was 4 minutes for Arsenal to be done, toasted. I can't help but think the 2 goals scored this past weekend were lucky and unfortunate. Worth mentioning is that a similar exploit occurred last term, Arsenal v IOU at Emirates, Champions League Semi-Final. In less than 4 minutes, Gibbs slipped and Cunaldo scored past an out-of-position Almunia. Down 0-2 at halftime with fans moaning and players giving up. I can't help but think that this letdown was on the minds of the team and a sort of PTSD response occurred. It's really hard to go down 2 goals but to go down in such a manner and so quickly is so disheartening, shocking. For those who experienced the letdown a year previous, fans included, it was really hard to get on with the second half and hold on to that sliver of hope for the comeback. We hurt as fans so those on the pitch likely felt the same emotion. On the weekend, many fans threw the team under the bus, many stated the campaign was over, some even wanted Wenger axed! All fair responses to such trauma. I often feel there is much more to these matches and results that meets the eye; I feel that the 2 goals before half and the remembrance of a similar occurrence could have broken the team's spirit and the second half was doomed before it started.
To wrap this up I feel the team is good. I feel the team, on it's day including some fortune is the best in the world. I may be blind, stubborn or just mad but I won't concede and say that Chelsea is the best in the league, and certainly not by the scoreline produced but they are definite title contenders. It will take some luck for Arsenal to get back into it but with 25 more matches to go it's 'up for grabs' and we can only worry about our football.
Some immediate and simple solution to much of our error can be some coaching on set piece and defensive positioning. It's not that hard to implement, and after a few training sessions and reinforcement the team should be able to deliver. I always enjoyed the 'point your guns' methodology, which included being able to put out one hand towards the ball and the opposite towards the man you are to mark. If you can see both and track both with your hands then you are in the right position. Easy, right? You can put down your hands now, I'm done.
Take care, and Up the Arsenal...everyday.
ArsenaLOS
I kid, I kid.
I wanted to say something about the Chelsea match but if you want a rundown of the in-game and post-match madness check out my twitter feed for 11/29. I'm not gonna concede on my stance - I'm sorry but Arsenal was not 'dominated' and it wasn't 'men versus boys' I've watched the match a few times now (glutton for punishment?) and it's clear that the goals scored come from very minor, but fatal mistakes.
First goal comes down to a great cross by Cashley, and even better finish from Drogba. Could it have been prevented? Yes. Exhibit A
shows that "Capi" aka Gallas has a tendency to lose the man he needs to mark up on, and instead of having the man in front of him (while seeing the ball), or even within touching distance he roams freely. It almost looks like he is delegating marking responsibility to the rest of the team but does not mind his own advice. Exhibit A results in nothing but is a tell for Exhibit B. Note: None of the Arsenal players really look like they have their man in front of them, most look like the other Arsenal player is supposed to pick up the roaming man/men.Clearly, Cashley makes separation from Sagna. When I first saw the play at game speed I had assumed that Sagna was well beaten but at the moment of the cross Sagna is right in there. Exhibit B
shows that Gallas is caught out as he has lost Drogba. It's not surprising as it is very hard to see someone who is behind you :/ CBs sometimes get sucked out of the center to support a beaten Right or Left Back but in this instance all he had to do is stay with Drogba, keep him in front of him and then challenge upon delivery. Very simple error of positioning with a horrible consequence.And, of course, the own goal is very much more of the same. Nasri was playing defense (surprise!) but his movement back and on the ball caused hesitation on Sagna's coverage of Mr. 10-men-went-to-bed w/ Ashley. Gallas lunges at a cross, misses and it hits Verminator just up near his cock and bam, down 0-2. It' so lucky that even Drogba is in awe of Chelsea's fortune. He actually is grabbing his head, not sure what to make of it all! Sick, isn't it?
On a side note, have you noticed that when Gallas does go down to slide tackle he often uses the outside foot (nearest) instead of his instep? It's natural to go down with the strong leg leading (mostly right foot) most of the time but not for him. No wonder he is prone to deflections towards goal instead of away...Moving right along I've heard the arguments that Arsenal lost cuz there isn't enough experience/maturity, we don't have a striker with RVP out, blah blah. Truth of the matter is that Arsenal maintained loads of possession and did fuck all with it. A 4-3-3 is not the ideal formation vs Chelsea as they boss the middle of the park with Essien/Mikel. I don't think any team in the league, maybe in the world can call on such metal. Perhaps if Wenger had deployed a 4-4-2 and given more width of play the two could have been split apart; space behind the CBs could have been exposes, too. Now, if Arsenal had wanted a draw it was there for the taking. Due to the attacking, take-it-at-'em style of play we have Chelsea absorbed pressure, let us pass, and then counter-attacked. Not surprising. Again, if Wenger wanted a draw he could have had the team pass the ball around the entire 90 as Chelsea had no intention of moving forward and attacking themselves. At the end of the day, if you live by the sword, you die by the sword. We went forward, they countered and with two unfortunate events that was the end of the match.
All it took was 4 minutes for Arsenal to be done, toasted. I can't help but think the 2 goals scored this past weekend were lucky and unfortunate. Worth mentioning is that a similar exploit occurred last term, Arsenal v IOU at Emirates, Champions League Semi-Final. In less than 4 minutes, Gibbs slipped and Cunaldo scored past an out-of-position Almunia. Down 0-2 at halftime with fans moaning and players giving up. I can't help but think that this letdown was on the minds of the team and a sort of PTSD response occurred. It's really hard to go down 2 goals but to go down in such a manner and so quickly is so disheartening, shocking. For those who experienced the letdown a year previous, fans included, it was really hard to get on with the second half and hold on to that sliver of hope for the comeback. We hurt as fans so those on the pitch likely felt the same emotion. On the weekend, many fans threw the team under the bus, many stated the campaign was over, some even wanted Wenger axed! All fair responses to such trauma. I often feel there is much more to these matches and results that meets the eye; I feel that the 2 goals before half and the remembrance of a similar occurrence could have broken the team's spirit and the second half was doomed before it started.
To wrap this up I feel the team is good. I feel the team, on it's day including some fortune is the best in the world. I may be blind, stubborn or just mad but I won't concede and say that Chelsea is the best in the league, and certainly not by the scoreline produced but they are definite title contenders. It will take some luck for Arsenal to get back into it but with 25 more matches to go it's 'up for grabs' and we can only worry about our football.
Some immediate and simple solution to much of our error can be some coaching on set piece and defensive positioning. It's not that hard to implement, and after a few training sessions and reinforcement the team should be able to deliver. I always enjoyed the 'point your guns' methodology, which included being able to put out one hand towards the ball and the opposite towards the man you are to mark. If you can see both and track both with your hands then you are in the right position. Easy, right? You can put down your hands now, I'm done.
Take care, and Up the Arsenal...everyday.
ArsenaLOS
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