Monday, December 13, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
To Be or Not To Be Champions
Good morning for some, and evening for most
I haven't wrote a blog for some time. I've had plenty of subject matter but no motivation. I think I am at the point of the season where I am suffering from Arsenal fatigue. I want so desperately for the team to play well, and to do so consistently that when they don't I take it personal. I feel like they are failing me.
I went so far as to prepare a blog about our captain, and his leadership failures. I was so pissed about the loss at Porto that I was willing to bring him into it. After some reflection I still feel his captaincy is more of an appeasement than an appointment. Simply put, Cesc is not a verbal leader nor will he be that type [right now, maybe later] but with these youthful guys in the side he really needs to do more to get into them, lift their spirits and give direction. I felt that he went absent after Fabianski's first error, and then again after the 2nd. Cesc is the on-field manager and often times I think the team looks to him and he is anonymous. If we are to challenge in these last 11 matches he really needs to provide on-field direction, by example but also with some passion and urgency.
Moving forward, and after this weekend I feel that Ramsey is ahead of Denilson in terms of selection. Ramsey did have 2 major errors that nearly resulted in goals but Denilson has had just as many throughout the campaign. If we're gonna have players who error lets at least have one that is somewhat dangerous going forward. Ramsey can spot a pass, and is not afraid to shoot while Denilson cannot pass and start a counter-attack. Denilson continues to pass lateral or backward; he actually kills our speed on the counter. To Denilson's credit he has had some nice goals but Ramsey has also but in far less appearances. In short, it's time to drop Denilson as Ramsey brings more to the side. Denilson has had his chance and as @ALopezEsq stated, "Denilson is the most mediocre Brazilian" and we don't have time for mediocrity.
Diaby is good. Diaby is good with a string of games. Diaby makes some really stupid decisions, but is rarely fit enough to really hone in on improving in this category. The long and short of the Diaby experience is that he is not fit long enough to provide consistency in the squad. What a shame.
At the end of the day the Arsenal back line is fragile. We don't have a solid goalkeeper, never mind Average Al's clean sheet on the weekend. Clichy has improved immensely and will be crucial in these last matches as Traore has proved to be fragile and Silvestre is past it. The Vermaelen-Gallas pairing has been good throughout the season so my hope is that Gallas takes the time necessary to heal his calf and come back for the remainder of the term. Sol has been a good pick-up, but doesn't have Capi-pace. I think we can survive a few matches w/o Capi but we need him back now, not later. Lastly, I think Sagna has been shocking in the last few matches but we've been fortunate to have an emergent Eboue. Eboue can cross; Sagna cannot. Now that we have an actual target in the middle in the form of B52 we might be able to convert some of those right and left back crosses.
So, at the end of the day, we enter a do-or-die period. I think Arsenal can lose one more match and maybe get a draw ending with 84pts. I really think losing is not an option, though. Ideally, I would like for us to end at 88 but 86 would be solid. Fortunately, Arsenal's remaining matches are against the bottom-half of the table with big matches versus Spuds and Shiteh mixed in. Of course, the matches versus bottom dwellers are tricky because they often chose to kick us out of the match. In terms of quality we are unmatched. In contrast, both IOU and Chavs have matches versus top-half opponents and have to play each other plus Villa, Liverpool, Shiteh and Spuds. Points will be dropped and/or shared so really Arsenal need to focus on their results and just hope for the best. I truly believe that if we are meant to be champions it will be. I am forever optimistic that things will work out for those who play the right way, and do the right things. Certainly, and eventually the Arsenal way must come to fruition with a championship.
Oh, and with some luck we'll see RVP for the last string of games. RVP may not play but his sheer presence may be the morale boost the team needs. Sometimes a psychological boost is all one needs to push on and i'd love to see him come back and offer that talismanic influence.
Everything to play for and it continues at Stoke. Here we go.
ArsenaLOS
I haven't wrote a blog for some time. I've had plenty of subject matter but no motivation. I think I am at the point of the season where I am suffering from Arsenal fatigue. I want so desperately for the team to play well, and to do so consistently that when they don't I take it personal. I feel like they are failing me.
I went so far as to prepare a blog about our captain, and his leadership failures. I was so pissed about the loss at Porto that I was willing to bring him into it. After some reflection I still feel his captaincy is more of an appeasement than an appointment. Simply put, Cesc is not a verbal leader nor will he be that type [right now, maybe later] but with these youthful guys in the side he really needs to do more to get into them, lift their spirits and give direction. I felt that he went absent after Fabianski's first error, and then again after the 2nd. Cesc is the on-field manager and often times I think the team looks to him and he is anonymous. If we are to challenge in these last 11 matches he really needs to provide on-field direction, by example but also with some passion and urgency.
Moving forward, and after this weekend I feel that Ramsey is ahead of Denilson in terms of selection. Ramsey did have 2 major errors that nearly resulted in goals but Denilson has had just as many throughout the campaign. If we're gonna have players who error lets at least have one that is somewhat dangerous going forward. Ramsey can spot a pass, and is not afraid to shoot while Denilson cannot pass and start a counter-attack. Denilson continues to pass lateral or backward; he actually kills our speed on the counter. To Denilson's credit he has had some nice goals but Ramsey has also but in far less appearances. In short, it's time to drop Denilson as Ramsey brings more to the side. Denilson has had his chance and as @ALopezEsq stated, "Denilson is the most mediocre Brazilian" and we don't have time for mediocrity.
Diaby is good. Diaby is good with a string of games. Diaby makes some really stupid decisions, but is rarely fit enough to really hone in on improving in this category. The long and short of the Diaby experience is that he is not fit long enough to provide consistency in the squad. What a shame.
At the end of the day the Arsenal back line is fragile. We don't have a solid goalkeeper, never mind Average Al's clean sheet on the weekend. Clichy has improved immensely and will be crucial in these last matches as Traore has proved to be fragile and Silvestre is past it. The Vermaelen-Gallas pairing has been good throughout the season so my hope is that Gallas takes the time necessary to heal his calf and come back for the remainder of the term. Sol has been a good pick-up, but doesn't have Capi-pace. I think we can survive a few matches w/o Capi but we need him back now, not later. Lastly, I think Sagna has been shocking in the last few matches but we've been fortunate to have an emergent Eboue. Eboue can cross; Sagna cannot. Now that we have an actual target in the middle in the form of B52 we might be able to convert some of those right and left back crosses.
So, at the end of the day, we enter a do-or-die period. I think Arsenal can lose one more match and maybe get a draw ending with 84pts. I really think losing is not an option, though. Ideally, I would like for us to end at 88 but 86 would be solid. Fortunately, Arsenal's remaining matches are against the bottom-half of the table with big matches versus Spuds and Shiteh mixed in. Of course, the matches versus bottom dwellers are tricky because they often chose to kick us out of the match. In terms of quality we are unmatched. In contrast, both IOU and Chavs have matches versus top-half opponents and have to play each other plus Villa, Liverpool, Shiteh and Spuds. Points will be dropped and/or shared so really Arsenal need to focus on their results and just hope for the best. I truly believe that if we are meant to be champions it will be. I am forever optimistic that things will work out for those who play the right way, and do the right things. Certainly, and eventually the Arsenal way must come to fruition with a championship.
Oh, and with some luck we'll see RVP for the last string of games. RVP may not play but his sheer presence may be the morale boost the team needs. Sometimes a psychological boost is all one needs to push on and i'd love to see him come back and offer that talismanic influence.
Everything to play for and it continues at Stoke. Here we go.
ArsenaLOS
Friday, January 15, 2010
B52 Grounded, JET Takes Off
Good evening, Fellowship of the Arsenal
Well, Sol is back. I didn't see that coming. I don't think any supporter of the Club could have predicted his return to the Arsenal, as a player. As strange and unexpected as it is I'm happy to have an experienced defender ready for back-up to our starting CBs. But is Sol coming as a straight back-up to our starting pair? I don't think so. Arsenal is facing 5 matches in 10 days and certainly TV5 and Capi won't play every match, start to finish. If Sol is as fit and ready as advertised he'll be able to slot right in and do a solid job, allowing our regulars a much-needed rest for the month's finale against IOU. Having one back-up CB may not be enough so I wouldn't be surprised to see Reserves CB Kyle Bartley get a chance to play against the likes of Stoke [FA Cup] or the second fixture versus Bolton [at Emirates]. And what about Silvestre? Right, what about Silvestre? In short, Sol is a welcome addition to the Arsenal and I hope he can provide much-needed leadership both on the training ground and during matches.
In other news, and surprisingly unreported by most Blogs is the emergence of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. Back from his short loan spell at Blackpool JET, as we've come to call him, bagged a tidy hat-trick for the Reserves this week vs West Ham. JET's first goal was admittedly lucky and a bit fortunate; second was a solid, cross-goal header from a corner; third was a driven left-footed shot across goal. If only JET had scored that first goal with his right foot he would have had a Perfect hat-trick! All in all a good day at the office.
The reason I find this achievement to be such a big deal is that JET is listed as a midfielder but has been playing as a Central Striker. JET is a very versatile player and can play through the middle or up front. And I whole-heartedly believe that JET is the temporary answer to our striking dilemna. B52, also a high-flying act, is a few weeks short of his return and rumors have simmered regarding the signing of Chamakh. I believe that Arsene is going to promote JET, perhaps even give him some sizable minutes this weekend versus Bolton I believe the youngster needs at least 20 minutes under his belt this weekend to be considered a short-term replacement. In truth, we're lacking a big, strong Central Striker who can hold up the ball and distribute to our streaking midfielders; finish crosses, either on the ground or in the air; come to the Arsenal on the cheap without being cup-tied. JET fits the mold perfectly as Arsenal already own him, and should be given a chance.
I know it's a long shot to think that a player as young and untested as JET can jump right into the first-team and produce. Fortunately, we have seen relatively unknown players such as Sagna, and Eduardo succeed at the Arsenal with little time in the system so there is some evidence of such success. To JET's fortune he has been in the Reserves system for awhile [since 2007], and one would think his adaptation to the first XI would come easier as he has been coached specifically for the 4-3-3 system. Then again, he's only just turned 19. At the minimum I hope he gets to sit the bench and maybe get a few late minutes, but I really hope he gets a full debut and seizes the opporunity. Only Arsene knows what he'll do with the lad.
The Arsenal is about to embark on a very important stretch of matches, which could both bolster our shot at silverware [FA Cup] or pave the way to the Championship. I believe there is enough in the team to sweep the matches, and with Fit-again Fabregas, Clichy and Bendtner back for much of this stretch we are in a strong position to temporarily silence the doubters and push on. So here's to hoping we're up for it...
Enjoy the melee of matches, and Come on you Gunners!
ArsenaLOS
Well, Sol is back. I didn't see that coming. I don't think any supporter of the Club could have predicted his return to the Arsenal, as a player. As strange and unexpected as it is I'm happy to have an experienced defender ready for back-up to our starting CBs. But is Sol coming as a straight back-up to our starting pair? I don't think so. Arsenal is facing 5 matches in 10 days and certainly TV5 and Capi won't play every match, start to finish. If Sol is as fit and ready as advertised he'll be able to slot right in and do a solid job, allowing our regulars a much-needed rest for the month's finale against IOU. Having one back-up CB may not be enough so I wouldn't be surprised to see Reserves CB Kyle Bartley get a chance to play against the likes of Stoke [FA Cup] or the second fixture versus Bolton [at Emirates]. And what about Silvestre? Right, what about Silvestre? In short, Sol is a welcome addition to the Arsenal and I hope he can provide much-needed leadership both on the training ground and during matches.
In other news, and surprisingly unreported by most Blogs is the emergence of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. Back from his short loan spell at Blackpool JET, as we've come to call him, bagged a tidy hat-trick for the Reserves this week vs West Ham. JET's first goal was admittedly lucky and a bit fortunate; second was a solid, cross-goal header from a corner; third was a driven left-footed shot across goal. If only JET had scored that first goal with his right foot he would have had a Perfect hat-trick! All in all a good day at the office.
The reason I find this achievement to be such a big deal is that JET is listed as a midfielder but has been playing as a Central Striker. JET is a very versatile player and can play through the middle or up front. And I whole-heartedly believe that JET is the temporary answer to our striking dilemna. B52, also a high-flying act, is a few weeks short of his return and rumors have simmered regarding the signing of Chamakh. I believe that Arsene is going to promote JET, perhaps even give him some sizable minutes this weekend versus Bolton I believe the youngster needs at least 20 minutes under his belt this weekend to be considered a short-term replacement. In truth, we're lacking a big, strong Central Striker who can hold up the ball and distribute to our streaking midfielders; finish crosses, either on the ground or in the air; come to the Arsenal on the cheap without being cup-tied. JET fits the mold perfectly as Arsenal already own him, and should be given a chance.
I know it's a long shot to think that a player as young and untested as JET can jump right into the first-team and produce. Fortunately, we have seen relatively unknown players such as Sagna, and Eduardo succeed at the Arsenal with little time in the system so there is some evidence of such success. To JET's fortune he has been in the Reserves system for awhile [since 2007], and one would think his adaptation to the first XI would come easier as he has been coached specifically for the 4-3-3 system. Then again, he's only just turned 19. At the minimum I hope he gets to sit the bench and maybe get a few late minutes, but I really hope he gets a full debut and seizes the opporunity. Only Arsene knows what he'll do with the lad.
The Arsenal is about to embark on a very important stretch of matches, which could both bolster our shot at silverware [FA Cup] or pave the way to the Championship. I believe there is enough in the team to sweep the matches, and with Fit-again Fabregas, Clichy and Bendtner back for much of this stretch we are in a strong position to temporarily silence the doubters and push on. So here's to hoping we're up for it...
Enjoy the melee of matches, and Come on you Gunners!
ArsenaLOS
Monday, January 4, 2010
Silly Season: The Sequel
Oh, to be a Gooner...
Well, Silly Season: The Sequel starts up again and much like our Summer trials we've heard rumors of in-bound Arsenal players but nothing to get too excited about. For one, let's not expect to get a high-profile striker/midfielder in the mold of Arshavin as I think that was a one-off as we had to qualify for the Champions League last season and he was necessary to get us there. AA23 was expensive, and if I remember correctly our most expensive transfer in Arsenal history...or does Wiltord still hold that honor? Anyway..Right now, sitting in third with the game-in-hand being sorted out on Wednesday, I don't see us going in for any sort of attacker. Yes, I understand that Robin is out for what seems like the rest of the season but all of last year's term we scored 68 Premiership goals and we are already at 58. With the return of Bendtner in the next few weeks, and Dudu scoring on the weekend versus West Ham I really doubt we'll see that much-coveted striker. I know what a shame, go clear your eyes.
Losing Song for most of the month of January is far more of a concern than our striker situation. Song has played the most games for the Arsenal this term and it shows. Working both sides of the pitch he'll be missed. Due to Song's ability to sit in front of our CBs he has forced attackers to shoot from farther out, and give Average Al (courtesy of @SampaDee)a better opportunity at making the save. In addition, Song has been successful in busting up talismanic distributors of the ball and that in turn has led to our success in conceding less. Even with Almunia's terrible goalkeeping we are still in a strong position. Now, my biggest concern with the loss of Song is that up to his departure we didn't see any players from within the squad get a crack at the holding mid position. Not even a few minutes. We didn't see fringe players like Frimpong or Eastmond get a run of minutes like I had hoped for which makes me think that Arsene is going to rely on the likes of currently-injured Denilson, or converting Diaby to holding mid. Both are viable options as they have ample first-team experience but both are clearly injury prone. If one, or both go down during this period Song is gone we'll have no choice but to promote from the Reserves as we'll be stocked with attacking midfielders but no natural ball winning, holding mids. This could be a massive issue if Arsene doesn't get some cover in this position but as Arsenal fans cried in the summer for that precious DM nobody came, and lookie here...we're 3rd, fast-approaching 2nd. Yawn.
I'm not a betting man, and certainly never on the Arsenal but I could see this transfer window closing before it opens. I don't see any talent out there that is worth getting, not cup-tied and Premiership-ready. Unless we poach players from other Premiership teams, which isn't our style I really don't see it happening. I've heard Carlton Cole's name about even Bellamy but neither will come; I also heard that we might get cover in former-Arsenal man, Upson. Also, highly doubtful. Of course, throw in the overseas prospects like Dzeko and Cunaldo-like Chamakh and both fetch outrageous transfer fees. So, feel free to insert any name you like but the truth is that Arsene is likely to give the fringe first-team players a go as it has recently proved itself good business in the recent form of Aaron Ramsey.
Aaron has come in for our injured captain and led by example. Perhaps this is what Arsene meant when he said there was a team of leaders and not just one captain? Perhaps. Impressively scoring two Away goals at Pompey and Hammers and suddenly the loss of Cesc is mute...somewhat. I think, if given the chance and with the right ween, others can emulate Ram-athorn's progress (I tried to make another nickname for ya @shegunner but Rambo might just stick)
I would love to see Eastmond and Frimpong get some minutes in January. But I think we'll see a trio through the middle of Ramsey, in Cesc's role, and Diaby w/ fit-again Denilson in Song's special place. It would be ideal to see early goals in the upcoming matches, with a margin of at least two goals early in the second half. It would allow some of these younger lads the opportunity to get 20, maybe even 30min of high-speed play against teams that are still seemingly in the match and chasing a result. It would also be ideal for Almunia to learn how to boss a set piece and win the ball out of the air but I don't see that happening, either.
So, what are we left with? A battered, injury-prone squad that is still in three major competitions. Arsenal have Bolton and Everton at Home, which is perfect for confidence building and then some tricky travels to Bolton, Stoke and Villa. I hate playing the Mudders, as I call them, because they are wild, and unpredictably nasty. A trip to Villa and then a Home match versus Lady Alex's IOU wraps up the month of January. By Villa we should have a fit-again Bendtner, and possibly some in-form Arsenal fledglings. And by IOU we may have Song back just in time; that is, if Cameroon does not make the Final. I hope he's back but not because his nation lost but because he caught one of Arsene's Concords and flew back lickity split! Um, right, it's all too early to see how this January goes but we are in a strong spot, and with the right sprinkle of fringe players into the first-team and we could have a good cycle of players by month's end. As usual, time will tell but fear not, Arsene knows what he is doing and if there is a gem to uncover he'll find it, bring it to the Arsenal and call it Rambo (sorry, had to do it)
Up the Arsenal,
ArsenaLOS
Well, Silly Season: The Sequel starts up again and much like our Summer trials we've heard rumors of in-bound Arsenal players but nothing to get too excited about. For one, let's not expect to get a high-profile striker/midfielder in the mold of Arshavin as I think that was a one-off as we had to qualify for the Champions League last season and he was necessary to get us there. AA23 was expensive, and if I remember correctly our most expensive transfer in Arsenal history...or does Wiltord still hold that honor? Anyway..Right now, sitting in third with the game-in-hand being sorted out on Wednesday, I don't see us going in for any sort of attacker. Yes, I understand that Robin is out for what seems like the rest of the season but all of last year's term we scored 68 Premiership goals and we are already at 58. With the return of Bendtner in the next few weeks, and Dudu scoring on the weekend versus West Ham I really doubt we'll see that much-coveted striker. I know what a shame, go clear your eyes.
Losing Song for most of the month of January is far more of a concern than our striker situation. Song has played the most games for the Arsenal this term and it shows. Working both sides of the pitch he'll be missed. Due to Song's ability to sit in front of our CBs he has forced attackers to shoot from farther out, and give Average Al (courtesy of @SampaDee)a better opportunity at making the save. In addition, Song has been successful in busting up talismanic distributors of the ball and that in turn has led to our success in conceding less. Even with Almunia's terrible goalkeeping we are still in a strong position. Now, my biggest concern with the loss of Song is that up to his departure we didn't see any players from within the squad get a crack at the holding mid position. Not even a few minutes. We didn't see fringe players like Frimpong or Eastmond get a run of minutes like I had hoped for which makes me think that Arsene is going to rely on the likes of currently-injured Denilson, or converting Diaby to holding mid. Both are viable options as they have ample first-team experience but both are clearly injury prone. If one, or both go down during this period Song is gone we'll have no choice but to promote from the Reserves as we'll be stocked with attacking midfielders but no natural ball winning, holding mids. This could be a massive issue if Arsene doesn't get some cover in this position but as Arsenal fans cried in the summer for that precious DM nobody came, and lookie here...we're 3rd, fast-approaching 2nd. Yawn.
I'm not a betting man, and certainly never on the Arsenal but I could see this transfer window closing before it opens. I don't see any talent out there that is worth getting, not cup-tied and Premiership-ready. Unless we poach players from other Premiership teams, which isn't our style I really don't see it happening. I've heard Carlton Cole's name about even Bellamy but neither will come; I also heard that we might get cover in former-Arsenal man, Upson. Also, highly doubtful. Of course, throw in the overseas prospects like Dzeko and Cunaldo-like Chamakh and both fetch outrageous transfer fees. So, feel free to insert any name you like but the truth is that Arsene is likely to give the fringe first-team players a go as it has recently proved itself good business in the recent form of Aaron Ramsey.
Aaron has come in for our injured captain and led by example. Perhaps this is what Arsene meant when he said there was a team of leaders and not just one captain? Perhaps. Impressively scoring two Away goals at Pompey and Hammers and suddenly the loss of Cesc is mute...somewhat. I think, if given the chance and with the right ween, others can emulate Ram-athorn's progress (I tried to make another nickname for ya @shegunner but Rambo might just stick)
I would love to see Eastmond and Frimpong get some minutes in January. But I think we'll see a trio through the middle of Ramsey, in Cesc's role, and Diaby w/ fit-again Denilson in Song's special place. It would be ideal to see early goals in the upcoming matches, with a margin of at least two goals early in the second half. It would allow some of these younger lads the opportunity to get 20, maybe even 30min of high-speed play against teams that are still seemingly in the match and chasing a result. It would also be ideal for Almunia to learn how to boss a set piece and win the ball out of the air but I don't see that happening, either.
So, what are we left with? A battered, injury-prone squad that is still in three major competitions. Arsenal have Bolton and Everton at Home, which is perfect for confidence building and then some tricky travels to Bolton, Stoke and Villa. I hate playing the Mudders, as I call them, because they are wild, and unpredictably nasty. A trip to Villa and then a Home match versus Lady Alex's IOU wraps up the month of January. By Villa we should have a fit-again Bendtner, and possibly some in-form Arsenal fledglings. And by IOU we may have Song back just in time; that is, if Cameroon does not make the Final. I hope he's back but not because his nation lost but because he caught one of Arsene's Concords and flew back lickity split! Um, right, it's all too early to see how this January goes but we are in a strong spot, and with the right sprinkle of fringe players into the first-team and we could have a good cycle of players by month's end. As usual, time will tell but fear not, Arsene knows what he is doing and if there is a gem to uncover he'll find it, bring it to the Arsenal and call it Rambo (sorry, had to do it)
Up the Arsenal,
ArsenaLOS
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