More Fail

Wenger left Diaby on for 90min and her turned over the ball the most.

Walcott and Ox came on at 65min, likely 5min too late. We had 3min extra time.

Wenger took out Cazorla for FUCKING AARON RAMSEY. Did you see how shit he was at the Olympics? Ramsey does not have a left fucking foot! Pathetic. Final sub.

And, of course, Wenger started Gervinho who has no spatial awareness. Teammates? where are they? Ask the forehead Wenger's use of moneyball right there...

Arsenal dominated and come away with a point. Look no further than at his subs. And, for the record, Wenger never had the in-game managerial part of his career. He inheried the best back 4, and already had a natural spine. Wenger added players to his squad that did not need development ie his influence, coaching, etc. They were ready-made. This is not new.

2pts in 2 games. Winnable games vs shit opponents. Wenger knows...fuck all!

ArsenaLos

London Heat Slows Arsenal

Hey,

Just some quick thoughts about the match. I was all over the place, entire time. As the match went longer without a goal I became really anxious. Of course, then came time to sub and my anxiety skyrocketed. Said fuck a few times, yelled at specific players, and then I had to get a hold of myself and focus on the reason for my angst. Wenger.

Overall, there is a lot to look forward to with this squad. There may even be some late additions. Of course, Jack will be back at some point, and he's like a new signing. But I think we all know that. We have a good first XI and a bench to challenge for silver. My issue is not the players. It hasn't been the players. Hell, I even liked Eboue. At right back. His actual position. With that mentioned, we've had really top talent and marginally great talent. Wenger got a lot out of the players for the last decade, but I just personally feel that if he had deployed some in different ways, or tinkered with formations to fit the opposition, his youth plan may have worked. It is the man himself who shortchanged his own vision. I worry that now that he has this really great squad that he is going to blow it again. I think it is perfectly okay to disagree with him, and question his decisions. I don't have to be right. But some of the decisions he makes, or doesn't make, blows my mind. At this level. Sometimes I wonder if he overlooks some things because he just doesn't know, or because he's a pompous OG. I really don't know. Anyway, back to those quick thoughts...

I was okay with pretty much the whole match. Giroud missing a "sitter", whatever the fuck that means. A sitter? There is no such thing. You've seen the YouTube videos with dudes missing point blank. That shit happens. On Twitter people were jabbering about how Giroud would have scored the one Robin-the-hearts-of-Goooners missed versus Milan. His proverbial sitter. He missed, but oh, boy, what a miss! I yelled at that one.

And then the subs. My nemesis. The chess part of the match. You set your pieces and jockey for first 60min+ and then you get in it. I hated our subs today. I usually hate our subs. I hate them. Most of the time Wenger's sub make no sense. Mostly none at all.

Wenger took off Podolski. I thought he should have taken off Walcott. Theo was shit. His first touch was poor, and then his passes were off. He really hurt us. And he did so for 77min. If he had been off first, we would have had 27min to work with his replacement, Arshavin. 27min vs 13min. I think Arshavin could have gone hard for 27min and won us the game. He was influential today, but I think his little engine needs more time to rev up. So, that's one seemingly minor issue, but these build up.

And then Diaby came off for Ramsey. Enough said? no, really. I just can't help but think this sub was for precautionary reasons. And that chickenshit football pisses me off. You're either fit, or not. At this level you can either go for the 90 or you cannot. And, yes, he's been out of play for ages but, again, you can either go for 90 or not. And if he cannot do it, at that moment and you have to pull him out...then I'm not sure what to say. I think it's a detriment.

Ramsey came in and went to the right. He goes to the right because he doesn't have a left foot. I gave a good think about this today and unless he develops a left foot, and soon, I want him out and Coquelin in. Watching him just run around, working hard, without any apparent navigation is infuriating. Misplaced passes or loss of ball due to a failed sweet-move moment also drives me mad. And Wenger put him in. It was supposed to change the match?

And then Walcott came out last for Arshavin and I just didn't think he had enough time to get into the match. And that's a shame as I really do think 3pts was possible with the right tinkering. I really think Podolski should have gone 90. I haven't heard the inevitable excuse from Wenger yet, but I sure hope it  isn't that he isn't fit just yet or that it was too hot today. Dude has been out since Euros ended. Weeks and weeks and weeks ago. Olympics were 2 weeks. How much time does he think he needs to be fully fit? That's some bollocks right there.

I think keeping Podolski on, taking Walcott off and putting in Giroud would have given a two-striker look instead of a having Podolski hold up ball like a big center striker that he is not. Giroud could have done that FOR Podolski. Giroud could have settled crosses and passes right to Podolski to cue up and smack. You and I both know this is a good idea.

I am thinking Wenger may have made the right decision on taking off Diaby. I would have just given him more time on the pitch, for my reasons above. I think he could have worked something up with a Podolski-Giroud combination. Throw in an Arshavin a bit earlier and I think a goal, maybe two would have been possible.

This is my angst. But I'm still optimistic for the season, even with Wenger doing these types of things. I do know that he can pick the best XI most of the time. And even if I feel he is off on one or two selections the depth of the team this year gives me confidence that each player can individually recover.  With Song gone today we need a real holding midfielder. I think we will pay for M'Vila. I really don't know too much of Sahin but I do know that M'Vila has more meat to him and power of that nature will benefit us greatly in the Premiership. Power plus his ability to stay at home, roam, and protect penetration through the back four. He can do that well, and our Goals Against will improve and we will fight for silverware.

Time will tell. Free pass for Wenger till September 1st. I did have a bit of a mental episode about this today, and many tried to calm me down. But I've seen this pattern before, blogged about it, and it's not getting better. I know, first game. But I can't help but feel it is here to stay. I was greatly disappointed and that is worse than anger. So damaging.

I was hoping Wenger would change but I simply do not see how his decisions are helping the team. Anyone can make a decision, but the manager absolutely must be the 12th man and help the team. This 12th man can also hurt the team. And at this level the slightest ill-decision can cause such massive damage. Everyone has to be at their very best and on it always. These tactical judgments must be questioned.

ArsenaLos

And I think they will

A reboot of the blog, and maybe even a preview of the upcoming season. Or just a rant about how Robin went to the Devil.

I really thought Robin would re-sign before start of season. And especially after Arsenal signed Cazorla. If you watch this YouTube video you can see how well Santi sets up players. Look at Robin's goal tally from this last year, and then look at Santi's quality and Robin could have been looking at Messi numbers. But whatever, no use in dwelling in could-have-been.

The real shock is that Robin went to my personally most-hated, United. United in cuntiness. I loathe them. The original Fantasy Football Club. They think they're wonderful but the reality is that in their Prem dominance they were outspending every other Club in England by heaps and gobs and knobs, which is what they are. Knob-headed, Shrek-loving, simpletons. And Robin went to them.

Robin didn't go because of money, either. There's a Gooner faction that will go with this excuse. An excuse that an already highly paid, top class player would go for big money. Truth is he was always going to get a raise after that scoring run. Whether it was at Arsenal or Citi, or United goat-fuckers, but somewhere. And I don't really think it was about better players. Robin witnessed what money can buy with Citi basically buying the league and he knew United would spend to keep up with the rivals. And he knew Arsenal would lag..and then Arsenal bought his replacement(s); Robin then went all-in and forced a move. Or did he? He thinks he did but Wenger knew he was courting a move well in advance. If you didn't think so, then why did he buy two Central, left-footed strikers? Not a coincidence knowing that Podolski can also play in the hole or wing. Shit, Giroud could have just been a back-up to Robin if he had stayed. So, Wenger knew.

Robin left because he lost faith in Wenger. I know this personally. I wanted to sack the old goat, and still do..if the right manager came around. But is there one? Maybe a few, but really, losing Wenger would hurt more than any poor decision he can make. And his decisions aren't  afwul, they're just minorly off. Playing Johan at RB when he had Nico in the wakes. Just minorly poor, but with massive consequence. And Wenger has a history of them. Browse my previous blogs and you'll see evidence of nearly 2 years of just really bad, dementia-like management-related decisions. And I think Robin left, in his mind, after Wenger subbed out Ox after we had United on the run, at home. I know I did. I yelled at the TV like I have never done before. It made no sense, and it clearly made no sense to Robin, either.  So if Robin was questioning his decisions like I was then I really think that is what pushed him out the door. The inexplicably obvious tactical decisions and adjustments that he has failed to make over the years. It's really incredible how often Arsenal get caught out on counter-attacks and long shots, yet Wenger plays Song, who wanders and rarely stays in and protects the back four. Or how he played Ramsey over and over and over and watched him struggle while then sending Arshavin out on loan instead trying him in the hole, allowing him to create for that classic #10 spot. The spot now occupied by Cazorla. So, it's clear to me, as it was likely clear to Robin that Wenger was going to do his own thing, no matter what he thought or what others thought see: Pat Rice coaching career. And so Robin decided that he wasn't going down that road, and wasn't going to spend his last, top years dealing with this recent history of mind-boggling decisions. So he left.

I just didn't think Robin would go to a rival like that. And I didn't think Wenger would sell to them, either. But I am not at all surprised that we did sell to them in the end. 24 million for a 29-year-old with 1 good season out of 7. Good luck with that, Lady Alex. We know he's a gambler, but he probably needs to lay off the whiskey, too. Personally, I want him injured and out of play. I really have an issue with people who treat others like shit when they try to help you. Wenger stayed by Robin when he was crocked, washed up and in rumor circles of ending his career at Fulham. Not sure about that last bit, I think it was Accrington Stanley. But whatever, Robin feels that he can win at United. And that's his right. And Arsenal got some big money for an aged player. In today's times, this is like Anelka money.

So, enough about Robin. He's a simpleton. Simpletons like Cesc and Robin are a dime a dozen in football. Look at Rio abusing Piers Morgan. For what reason? this guy is like aged 5 and makes loads of money. Just a dumbshit. Like Terry, Shrek, Joey Barton, Ashley Cole, and all the other twats out there. Robin joins this nation of dumbshit. Robin could have been a fucking Legend at the Arsenal and will now finish his career as a never-was at United. Dude could have led the Arsenal to 1st trophy in Emirates and been part of the Arsenalization of the stadium. Shit, maybe even a statue! And then upon return, as an old decrepit man, the chorus from the stands would rain down upon him. But now he is just another number, a show pony for the masses at Old Trafford. He may end up winning some trophies, but I have a feeling the ending won't be quite like he has in mind. And it's up to the current Arsenal squad to show Robin he made the mistake of his life.

And I think they will.

ArsenaLos

Arsenal Fans Fantasy League

Join the league: Mo Money Mo Problems or enter code: 211578-61218

Hello all,

I just renewed Mo Money Mo Problems in the Fantasy Premier League This will be the 3rd year running and if you've found yourself to my blog then you're probably an Arsenal fan. I created this league because I wanted to play Fantasy football but didn't want to pick cunts every week and then hope that they did well. I support Arsenal, not Shrek, not Chavs, not Spuds, not any of those characters! I didn't want to pick MUFC players. Specifically. So, I created a league for the rest of us. And we've had a good showing! The rules are the same now as they were then:

•  No selection of any of the top 4 team players except from the Arsenal. That means no Man Utd, Man City, or Spurs players. Still some really good players to select from other teams. Not selecting top 4 players makes the fantasy football much more fun. You become a true manager when you have to find the diamond in the rough. Ask @Gooner_Lopez as in his inaugural year, he won the league. Consistent selection all year with some different challengers throughout. In the end, he was the best jeweler. 

• Do not select top 4 team players. I can't stress this enough. I will go through the teams and remove you from this league. Now, I know many of you are in other leagues, too. I suggest registering different team names if you want to play another way or just commit to the badge already, Robin. I really don't care if you play or not, but this is the way this league is going to run. 

• We play for Champions League spots so even if you are not first, you can still claim some bragging rights. And by rights, I mean banter. Follow @Ihateyourclub and miss @completearse for some of the best duels of wit come season! I do believe there is a heated rivalry a brewin'...

Good luck, and please tell a friend. If he or she can abide by these simple rules we'd love to have them join!  Join the league: Mo Money Mo Problems or enter code: 211578-61218

@ArsenaLos

Tread Lightly

I don't usually plan my blogs. I don't write them regularly. I do this because I don't think we need to always be speaking about Arsenal. My wife would say I talk about Arsenal way more than I should. I'd agree. Apologies to her, there has been so much to talk about. But we are fans. And that's what fans do.

And part of being a fan is believing that on any day your team has a shot. For whatever dumbfounded reason I was convinced that Arsenal could go to Milan and scrap a 1-nil, or a more likely draw. As I saw the line-up I was less convinced of a romp, the Rosicky and Ramsey selection boggled my mind. Throw in a Song and Arteta and I was utterly confused. One could argue that any one of those guys could play both from a holding position and in the hole. Some less consistent then the others, but one could argue. All I could think about is how muddled the center of the pitch could be; visions of runs cut short due to crowding another's space. But, hey, Wenger knows.

The rest as they say is History. Arsenal showed decent control on a freshly laid, new pitch. And let's be clear. The laying of the pitch on Monday before the match today is not a coincidence. It is absolutely brilliant gamesmanship and management. The Laws of the Game allow for manipulation of the pitch. You're allowed to do pretty much anything to it. And they did, and it worked.

Knowing there would be an affect on the Arsenal's passing game, Wenger should have made adjustments. For instance, he started Theo. His usual pick. If you watched the match you can see that the fresh-stuff was mostly on the wings of the pitch. Did Wenger just think Theo could play on a loose surface? Did he even inspect the pitch? From the stands? I mean, really. He can't hold on to the ball at the Emirates, or make a decision-to-finish consistently on a carpet so nice. So, Theo gets the start? I would have started Benayoun or Rosicky. Someone who has solid control and can navigate the new turf. Essentially, you have to adapt to the new turf and you have to select the right player to compensate. Surely the decision is to maintain control of the ball. Our crosses are rubbish anyway so really, no loss.

And then you have poor, young Ramsey. I don't know what is up with the kid but he had another stinker. I admire his effort. Unfocused, he's all over the place. Throw him into that manic midfield and they're all a mess. And then you think about who his outlets are: Robin, surrounded by 2 CBs, and Theo, who if you pass to him you almost always know he will turn it over. Not much of an outlet. I am still completely convinced that Arshavin should be given a shot to create. I am well aware that he is shit on defense. Well, the news is that you don't have to play much defense from Center Attacking Mid. Look at how Cesc played for us from there, some effort at times, but mostly lurking about to receive the ball and create.

Also, speaking of effort, take a look at your Captain. If Robin stopped jogging and instead sprinted to pressure the back four maybe we'd get more turnovers in the midfield or more hoof-ball receptions in our defense. There's a thought. A thought any coach with defenssive prowess would know and teach.

There are so many concerns with this team. And it's all down to Wenger. After the calamitous second goal, the entire team gave up. There wasn't one guy who tried to rally the team. They say 2-nil is the hardest scoreline to hold. And with a two-leg tie the team should know that they're in it. But they looked devastated. I can't help but feel that either they didn't get that it was basically half-time and they play the other half in 3 weeks OR they've given up on Wenger's ability to make a decision to get them back in the tie. Most disappointing is that Wenger didn't make the right selections to start with or changes thereafter, but that Robin didn't make his own changes on-field. That's leadership. Sometimes you gotta go against the Gip, and some may not survive the coup but, hey, that's what you gotta do sometime. Maybe Robin doesn't know. I dunno.

At the end of the day, decisions are killing this team. Wenger's pre-game decisions and late, in-game decisions have been poor. Added to that is generic talent available on the bench. That is a recipe for disaster. And that's where we are. We are hanging on the precipice of a most horrendous crash. I'm not sure if I can continue to watch. I may need to seek out match reports. If I do continue to watch it will be in hopes that one day i'll see Arshavin starting in Ramsey's spot; Theo as a striker; changing formations to fit opposition. But then I'd basically be mad. Doing the same thing and expecting different results is where we are at. Tread lightly.

ArsenaLos

Ramsey played 90

Gonna blog this right at the end of this masterful display. Arsenal are losing 3-2 and well deserved to Swans. Arsenal are playing poor and not because of the players but because of Wenger.

It has to be said that Wenger continuously playing Djourou at right back is killing the team. The first goal conceded can be tracked back to Djourou being caught too far up and then the ensuing imbalance led to the concession. I already wrote about this last week. And I don't want to keep bringing it up, but it's obvious. Yennaris is on the bench, has a smaller, faster frame for RB. And he doesn't play.

Ramsey had 5 days rest to come up with a big game and instead he conceded a penalty and sprayed the ball everywhere BUT to the striker(s) for goals. Arshavin gets a start and then drifted into the center, and passes to Robin for the first goal. Of course, after that drifting play Arshavin was put back on the wing. And then first sub. The majority of Gooner Nation agrees that Arshavin is piss poor on wing and should be deployed in the hole, behind Robin. The one time he finds himself in that spot he gets an assist. It has to be said that Arshavin plays out of position weekly and today he really did try. It also has to be said that Wenger had the sub completely wrong. Ramsey should have been first off, early in the second half and Arshavin should have gone late into the match from the tradtional #10 spot. But, no, Wenger got it wrong. Again.

And, Theo? Up until he scored he was poor. And even after he scored he was poor. Theo isn't a winger because he can't cross, dribble, or make good winger-like decisions. The guy can finish in on goal. He's a striker. Duh. Theo is another who should have been put on the left wing and the Ox should have been subbed in on the right once Ramsey was taken out. But alas, it was never to be. Theo also played a laughable 90 minutes.

Benayoun was put into a strange position today. Arteta did not play and he filled in. Maybe it should have been Rosicky? Maybe not. Benayoun was largely ineffective. I don't think there is blame on this one. Sometimes that just happens.

At the end of the day, Arsenal lost another winnable match because of Wenger. These players are definitely good enough to be in top 4. The issue is Wenger. Wenger's continued refusal to play players, independent of age/experience, in their correct position is blaringly wrong. Wenger's faith is unmatched, but it fogs the right decisions. Ramsey should have been off at no more than 60 minutes. Arshavin should have been left on till at least 70th minute and should have been in that roaming, creative role. Ox should be playing. And he should have got a run out early in second half or even started. It's not unreasonable to bleed youth against a mid-table squad like Swans. And mainly because they play good football and the risk of a massive, Stoke-like challenge is next to nil. I digress. Arsenal's issues are largely selective. And as i've said all season, this won't change as long as Wenger is at the helm. He's too stubborn to admit his failure and need to change. So, batten down the hatches. A race for 4th is all we're playing for and even that is gonna be really hard to fathom. I'm settled in for 5th and Europa League. Get used to it. Wenger makes way too much money for the Club to consider the sack. And that's the truth.

ArsenaLos

Dementia Gets Worse

I think i'll focus on my theory that the time has come and gone for Wenger to win the league. When Wenger last won the league he had at his dispense a wealth of talent, experience, and highly intelligent players. Football-intelligent. If a player went out, the bench was well stocked with equals, not lessers. Injury forced rotation. And ultimately, Wenger didn't have to manage with great depth because all eleven were of the highest pedigree. Wenger had to simply pick the best.

Today, Wenger picks the very best each week. Just like he did last time we won the league. And he doesn't tinker with what he knows. Today's blunder is that Wenger put a Center Back, Djourou, at Right Back because he must be looking at the other defenders and went with most experience. Surely he looked at pulling up a regular, reserve Right Back [RB]. Surely. But instead he would rather move an experienced defender into that position for cover. That really is the logical solution to the problem so i'm not surprised he went that route. One would assume that a defender can play any type of defense. But this is tactical naivete. Only some can switch positions and switch minds, and that's the other half of the battle. If the player can't switch his mind to that new position then he'll always be a step behind. And that is what we saw from Djourou. And it's not his fault. He stepped up as best as he can, but it's Wenger's selection that is to blame.

Why not select a player who actually plays right back? One could argue that a reserve is too raw. And i'd tend to agree. But we've seen other youngsters make the leap i.e. Jack, Ramsey, Theo. If given the chance. And maybe just maybe some other could make that leap. I see Eastmond tweeting so I know he is available for selection. And so is Yennaris. Both apply their trade and have the correct frame to play RB. And surely they can make the leap to the 1sts, something they claim to strive for, Away to Fulham. But most importantly is if we are going to lose a game like that, Away, then we might as well develop some youth instead of losing a man to a red card for lank-related lack of pace and timing. I truly believe it is worth playing a RB who is a RB then just moving a player around who may have more experience or talent. I think the risk of error is actually minimized independent of raw talent.

For a moment I thought Wenger was following me on Twitter. I asked for a sub for Theo and requested Rosicky. And then Wenger made it so. I then asked for a sub for Ramsey and instead Wenger subbed out Gervinho, for Benayoun. I wanted Ramsey out for Benayoun. I would have kept Gervinho on as an outlet. Gervinho wasn't finishing anything but he was stretching the defense and creating space. And I felt that he could do that for 90 minutes. Also, in the back of my mind I wanted to use him as much as possible before he went to Africa. Then shortly after the subs happened Djourou got caught off the pace and was given his second card and marching orders. Now, down a man, Arsenal did not have a speedy outlet with Gervinho but a crafty one with Rosicky. And then Fulham scored the equalizer. And then finished the match off on another shambolic incident. Arsenal had a few chances to try to win the match down a man but by losing Gervinho the passes got shorter, space narrower, and Fulham was able to settle, go forward, and defend with the extra man. If Gervinho had stayed on there is at least the chance that a quick counter could occur. But with Rosicky on, there was never a chance.

And I don't even want to mention the Squillaci sub.

But ultimately the result comes down to playing a center back in an unfamiliar position instead of promoting an inexperienced but regular right back from the reserves. If we are going to lose i'd at least prefer that we'd lose with a young talent getting some experience. I prefer to think that a player in waiting will step up and take his chance, though. And I believe either Eastmond or Yennaris is better than Djourou at right back.

Wenger has struggled and will continue to struggle with selections. Wenger won't change formations to suit availability. That is just stubbornly stupid. And Wenger won't promote a reserve, who plays the needed position regularly, because of whatever reasoning. I tend to think he doesn't want to take the risk on a total failure; if the young player has a howler, Wenger looks like a fool and that player's confidence is potentially Eboue-ruined. It's a valid worry. Again, I think this worry is mitigated by playing his players in their trained position. And these things are not going to change under Wenger's reign. And buying new players won't change this fact. The game, the league, is far more tactical than it was years ago. And Wenger has failed to adapt. In the end, get used to this type of debacle until Wenger can again pick the very best team. And that means the best players in their given position. So until these best of the best return from injury expect more should-have-won moments and continued what-the-fucks!

ArsenaLos