Sunday, October 31, 2010

Song Sings Sweet Relief

Okay, our win yesterday was definitely  not the trampling I was hoping for.  Not the easy 3-0 cruise one could expect from playing at home against a team at the very bottom of the table.  It was nail-biting, frustrating, hard fought, and in the end, hard won.  I have to say though, that I think this win actually did more for us than if we had brushed the Hammers aside as easily as one sweeps up those little dust bunnies that hide under the bed.  And can you believe the winner came - again - from our defensive midfielder?  A dangerous, diving header won the match.  Say what you want about Song's defensive capabilities.  I myself have been vehemently critical of his going forward while potentially leaving the back unguarded.  And I freely admit to yelling at him on TV for late tackles that result in needless fouls.  But, this guy wants to win.  He has been clutch offensively for the second time this season and perhaps deserves some attenuation of disapproval.  Maybe the guy knows what he's doing and his teammates  Wenger seemed surprised also of his going forward so often which makes me wonder if he allowing Song to surge?  I thought he had perhaps instructed him to do so.  Hmmm...

Other positives I drew from yesterday were that we again gained a clean sheet.  Our goal differential was only +1 so we gained no ground on Chelsea, but I think the goose egg on the other end is more important.  All of our back four were solid and focused yesterday,  Even Clichy, who does not have to worry about Gibbsy breathing down his neck for a few weeks, seemed to concentrate the whole match.  Adding to a great defensive performance was his assist  (off his right foot) for the goal.  Terrific.  Koz and Squillaci look like a good team and Sagna was rock-solid in the back and a threat going forward.

Let's talk about the keeper.  Fabianski was not called upon very often yesterday as West Ham only had five shots on goal. He did have to contend with four corners and a handful of free kicks.  I thought he commanded his area very well and had to chuckle when I saw him tug Fabregas into position for a corner kick.  His positioning was dead on as the corner was cleared by Cesc's header.  I would have to think you would need some self-belief to man handle your Captain that way.  To me, that move spoke volumes.

What else?  With only one goal scored out of 23 shots on target, one could understand if a team's head went down.  A season ago, frustration could have led to petulant behavior, rash judgments and giving up.  Arsenal did not do that yesterday.  Cesc kept trying to create   performing better in the last 20 minutes than the previous 60+ (some of that may be due to getting treatment at halftime for a tight hamstring).  Sami finally figured out that someone needed to do something different offensively and shot 35 feet out on a free kick - nearly making it.  He also was king of winning back the balls lost through bad passing or dispossession.  Theo and Bendy gave a needed shot in the arm for the offense.  I would think that come midweek when we travel the Ukraine, Arshavin may get another "rest" so Theo can strut his stuff in Europe.  If I were any defense in the world right now, that kid would scare the crap out of me.

All in all, I'd say we are developing good habits.  Winning habits that could lead us to the tip top of the Table in May - or to a Championship in June.  The mistakes we're making are fewer and the retifications for those mistakes on the rise.  That good feeling I had before the Manchester City game is still there and rising.  And once again, I cannot wait for our next game.

Later Gooners...

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Not Fearing Notorious November - Hammers Preview

Traditionally, the month of November is met by  Gooners worldwide with winces, the muttering of oaths and various explicatives, and an overall impulse to seek cover.  We do  not like November.  Or should I say, November does not customarily like us?  It has been a month in past seasons where Champions League, International Play, and regular League games all collide at a time when our players have started to feel the fatigue of the season.  November is a month where the squad becomes thin and the physio room crowded.  November has been Known to be Notorious.  This year, however, I am not fearing Notorious.  But before explaining this change of heart, let's look back to previous Novembers.

In the  2008-2009 season, Arsenal played   played eight matches in November - Five League matches, ! one Carling Cup, and two Champion's League games.  We scored a total of  9 goals giving us an average of 1.13 goals per match for that month.  We also had 13  players out during that month due to injury or suspension.  Those missing included RVP (suspension), Gallas (calf), Theo (who can keep track), Adebayor, and Almunia.  Cesc, Sagna amd Nasri were in out and out of the squad the entire month as well.  The November of that month saw Silvestre play five matches.  That, my friends, should say it all.  Nine squad members  missed the last two games of the month.  International play ran from November 16th to  November 22nd.  We ended up losing three out of the five League matches, won the Carling Cup match, and drew one/won one in Champions League.  The funny thing?  We were back in the title race by the end of the month.

In the 2009 - 2010 season we played only five matches:  three  League and two Champions League and scored 10 goals altogether giving us a slightly higher average of two goals per game for that month.  During this season, Notorious ate up seven of our players with Gibbs and Clichy both being injured at the same time, Diaby and Bendtner were both out the entire month, and more importantly, this was the month that RVP got on the receiving end of a "robust"tackle from Italian player Giorgio Chiellini.  He was not back in the squad until the following April.  That international break began November 7th and ended November 21st.

This season?  This season we are playing seven games, those being made up of two Champions League games and five Premier League matches, with one international friendly scheduled.   The number of matches is not bad, but out of those seven, we have only two home games and end up traveleing to Eastern Europe twice for Champions League. 

We are going into Notorious with an average of  3.07 goals per match. Injury wise we are entering the new month with (pre-West Ham) with six players injured.  Diaby, Gibbs, Vermie, Frimpong, Ramsey and Van Perise.  Six injured is not bad for us - actually it's pretty low and will continue to dwindle as- and here I believe is a big difference from other Novembers, we have our star strike returning this month from after being injured on August 28th.  And maybe having an even bigger impact on morale will be the return of Aaron Ramsey to the squad.  Aaron has been out rehabilitating his ankle after having it broken by Idiot Shawcross on January 24th last season.  Both of these players are returning to full training with squad on Monday.   If all goes fairly well, that leaves four on the injured list, as opposed to nine or thirteen or what sometimes seems like 37 players out.

Another cause for my optimism is the depth of our bench.  When Robin went out injured for six months last season, Arshavin was called upon to play striker.  Bendtner was out injured for three of those six months also.  The diminutive Russian was playing up top on his own, struggling to win headers against central defenders nearly twice his size.  At times, it was almost comical.  This year, we have the Chamak-Atak and a healthy Bendy.  Depth.  Theo is just coming back from injury (and looking awesome), but if he happens to get hurt, there's Rosicky, Nasri, Arshavin, Vela, and even Eboue.  Depth.

The only area of concern is left back as Gibbsy has gone down with a medial ligament injury and although Arsenal are giving "a few weeks" as the answer to the question of his length of time out, we al lknow it coud be months.  Clichy has no other back up and at times has had back problems (as well as focus issues).  Eboue filled in for them last match.  He is a utility player and could provide cover.

So there you have it.  Compared to last season, I think we are in a strong positon to take on Notorious.  I believe this team will not only take it on, but will come out the other side still riding the wave of momentum that has been building in October.  Who knows, November may lose its repute for the damage it causes.  Next season, it may be known as the impetus to a trophy winning season - a season accumulating in silverware, accolades, and people eating humble pie.  It could become Legendary for all the right reasons.

Yes.  Legendary has a nice ring to it, don't you think?


P.S. (We are playing the Hammers today and need to trample the \team that are at the very bottom of the table.  Yep - that's my preview.  Have a good one Gooners).

Thursday, October 28, 2010

A Quickie Note

Okay folks, the people have spoken via the poll and the winning color scheme is (drumroll please) the Blue Background with Red Post.  Yep...the two people who actually voted picked the scheme that hurts my eyes the most.  But, a vote is a vote, and that's the look of my blog from here on out.  If you don't like it - ya should have voted.

I also want to mention that I inserted a slideshow of all my favorite Arsenal players whether old or new.  The size is too small but I'm working on it.  That's it for now!

Arsenal - A Club in Poles Position

The club notched another nice win as Arsenal shut out Newcastle yesterday 4 - 0 and made it to the quarter finals of the Carling Cup.  We gained another clean sheet thanks in large part to our Number Three goalie Wojciech Szczesny who actually put his money where his mouth is.  After starting with a rash rush at a shot  by Nile Ranger (luckily, saved by Koz), Arsenal's youngest Pole went on to make some great saves and command his area.  I don't think I've seen an Arsenal keeper yell at a wall quite so vigorously since Mad Jens left.  He also showed bravery as he grabbed for a second half attempt by Newcastle by going for the ball at an opponent's feet nearly getting kicked in the face to do it.  And I have to say, his last save on a corner in injury time was a punch that landed the ball nearly at midfield.  This display was his first as a first team member so we cannot judge him by this one big performance, but it does beg the question - can Arsenal win the trophies it so desperately covets with our Polish Tag Team between the sticks?

January is fast approaching which means transfer news and speculation.  After a summer filled with the on- again, off-again rumors of the Schwarzer signing, Almunia started the season with the pressure of performing to keep one's job. Providentially, he became injured, and his backup stepped in.  Since that time, Fabianski has been solid - sometimes making spectacular saves, and accumulating confidence.  And although Almunia is listed officially as Arsenal's Numero Uno, I think we all know that his time at our club could be coming to a close.  Which brings me back to the transfer window.  Do we look to sign a keeper as I'm sure Schwarzer will be entering his hat into the ring again?  And Pepe Reina of Liverpool is rumored to be looking to leave  the crumbling club (Roy is trying to put a kabosh on any move of course).  Should we look into him?

I can't believe I'm going to write this, but no.  I don't think we should look at bringing in a new keeper in January.  I think we should stay with who we have and here are my reasons why:

1)  Fabianski has been instrumental in the momentum we are building.  To even start getting linked with other keepers could undermine his somewhat delicate confidence.  The better he gets, the better Arsenal is going to be.  Summer keeper rumors unsettled Almunia.  Let's not have that happen to Lukasz.

2) Bringing in another keeper would push Chezzers down the selection ladder and his contract is up for renewal this summer.  He was unhappy at not getting picked for the last Carling Cup match, another perceived slight could send this potentially world class keeper to another club.

3)  Lukasz and Wojo are countrymen who trained with the same famed Polish keeper coach Krzysztof Dowhań.  These  commonalities have probably built a camaraderie and chemistry that could be instrumental in pushing each other to top rate performances.

4)  Wenger, after taking flack for three years about his goalies' ability, has been shown to be right.  At least in the short term.  Now that both keepers have justified his faith, I can't see him doing anything to disrupt that.

5) I'm just plain ol' curious to see how far these goalies can excel.  I, for one, was screaming for a new goalie this summer and am happy to have been shown the error of my ways.  There are those that say these performances could be a fluke - especially Fabianski's.  I am of the opinion that we should see how long the fluke lasts.  Clean sheets could transform from chance to likelihood. 

Overall, I say we don't rock the boat.  We're right behind Chelsea with a possible - no - a likely three points on Saturday.  Chelsea play Blackburn who could possibly challenge them for some points.  Needless to say, we are definitely in Pole(s) Position.  Let's keep it that way.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

A Stronger Squad for Carling Cup or Just a Stronger Club Overall?

Today the boys travel up North to the Tyne to play Newcastle in the next round of the Carling Cup.  Wenger has stated in his press conference that he is producing a strong squad for the match with some starters from Sunday's beautiful win against Manchester City -  yes, I'm still basking in the glow of that game.  We all know that in the past, the CC has been a tournament used by Wenger to showcase and give a run out to the Young Guns at Arsenal.  Wilshere, Vela, Ramsey, Landsbury, Randall, and others first came on our radar through this tournament.  But after five plus years without any type of trophy, Wenger has admitted that the club is chasing all trophies to keep consistency and hunger alive in the squad.  John Cross of the Mirror wrote a column on the subject.  In it he quotes Wenger:


"I said to the players we will go for everything we can, as simple as that," said Wenger. "And not really specifying one more than the other one that's why I believe we are on a good run and we want to keep that going.


"It's important to keep it moving no matter what competition it is. That's what we want to do.


"We are doing well in the Champions League and we have done well so far in the Carling Cup and we are back on track in the championship so it's just all movement.


"I believe we have a good squad enough to go forward with trophies, that's why I think: 'OK let's go as far as we can.' If needed we can still always choose later but at the moment it is important for everybody to think we go for everything we can."

I know there will be folks who are disappointed that a batch of reserve players are not going to get a run out today, but I'm thinking that our squad is so deep now, that in order to keep rust off of some players and give other first team members a chance to shine, this is the Cup to do it.  We used to use the Carling Cup to rest our first team players and substitutes  as well as give the Young 'Uns a run.  Things are different this year though.  We have important players returning from injury who need match time (Walcott, Bendtner,Koz).  We have utility and back-up players that need to keep sharp (Eboue, Denilson, Rosicky, Gibbs), and you have those players that are teetering between first team football and going out on loan (Vela, JET, Randall, Nordveit).   They all need to play.   So while Wenger has his reasons for wanting to put out a stronger squad, I think we don't have a choice because we're deep...which makes us strong anyway.  How's that for a change?  We. Are. A. Strong. Squad.

The only player that will be new for us to see playing is Chezzers.  He's basking in the glory of it and was all smiles for his interview on ATVO.  There is much anticipation around him and Wenger has warned everyone to be patient and prudent with this young talent.

"He can show he is a good keeper and I believe he is one but there again let’s not make stars before they have proven they are," said Wenger. "He has the talent, he has a good attitude and let’s see his performance in the games.


"You want of course a good performance but let’s not put him under too much pressure. Let’s let him enjoy the game and not speak about contracts.

We all know he was some sort of cult hero down at Brentford so hopefully, Newcastle will get at least one shot off so we can see what he can do.  I also would like to see how he commands his area on free kicks and corners.  It should be fun. I think the following players will be named to the starting squad: 

Chezney
Eboue, Koscielny, DJ,Gibbs
Denilson/Eastmond
Theo,Rosicky Lansbury, Vela/JET
Bendtner

The bench:  Fabianski, Vela/JET, Nordveit, Clichy, Diaby, Squillaci

I think that's everybody.  Actually, I think I have too many players listed.  And, I'm sure I'll remember someone else I forgot as soon as I hit "Publish".  Isn't that always how it goes?


Well, that's it for today.  It's a short post I know, but work duties call.  Here's to keeping our winning ways going so we can go into the match against West Ham in the back of another great performance.  See ya Gooners.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Arsenal Triumph In a Must-Win Match Against Mancs

Sweet Song Celebration
As a fan, you want to believe in your team.  You want to go into a match thinking "Three points...we're going to get three points today".  If you're an Arsenal fan, match day against a Top Four contender means you're thinking, "We have to win today...we have to get three points or else".  Or else what?

Or else Arsenal would have again been known as the club that can't win against the big boys.  The frugal club losing out to its Richie Rich opponents.  A side who is still too "soft" and small to take on a team of tall, muscular and fast players.  And losing also means dropping so low in the league table that clawing your way back up seems impossible.  So, today was, indeed,  a must win. 

And we did it.  We won against that fast, muscular, talented team.  We won thanks in part to Boyata bringing down Chamakh after a superb Cesc pass sent him clear.  City went down to 10 men in the fourth minute.  The fourth minute is not a good time to go down to 10 men.  It means you're likely to be exhausted early.  And they were. 

Before that fourth minute though, and indeed for about 20 minutes after it, we looked shaky in the back.  Djourou got skinned by Tevez more than once.  Fabianski was called on to make save from Silva in the 2nd minute, and there was a communication issue between the center halves and their goalie.  Thankfully, Fabiaski was in great form, and the fowards were tracking back (yes,even Arshavin who played left back against Tevez at one point) to help out the back four.  This team effort allowed us to hang on while still disorganized long enough for Nasri to score after a great assist from our Little Russian.    Nasri seems to be coming into his own with more directness and defense being added to his repertoire.  We had a chance to go up 2-0 in the 36th minute when Cesc got fouled in the box by Kompany.  However, Cesc's penalty shot was saved by Hart, and that's how we went into halftime.  1-0 with a feeling of insecurity in our defense and  a sense of having missed an opportunity to put the match to bed.

The second half brought a change of personnel to City's side with the newly recovered Yaya being replaced by Wayne Bridge and later our old nemesis came on for a limping Tevez.  Tevez was a menace in most of the first half so I was happy to see him off.  I was not worried about Adebayor.  My ease was reinforced a few minutes later when Fabianksi made his one mistake of the match and mistimed a punch, allowing Adebayor a clean look at the goal.  He headed it over.  Just like old times.

We finally gave ourselves some breathing room when Song scored in the 65th minute.  That's right.  Our defensive midfielder who thinks he's a forward scored his third goal of the season. And it was a nice shot.  Cesc and Nasri had tried to find Chamakh, but the pass was deflected to Song  He waited for Hart to commit and put it in the top right corner.  That was his only shot on the day.  One for one.  Perfection.  How can I continue to complain about his surging forward if he keeps scoring?  As long as the midfield is rotating and dropping back in his spot (as Denilson was) then I guess I can't.  What fun is that?

Mancs were pretty done by then.  And so was Chamakh who I thought looked fatigued for most of the second half.  Tommy came on for Arshavin in the 69th minute, then Bendy gave the Chamak-attak a break in the 83rd along with Theo who came on for our Captain.

When Bendtner came on, his energy was apparent, and surprisingly, his finishing was quality as he lashed home a shot after an assist from Nasri.  Game over but only after Fabulous had one more save to make - and it was a nice one a hard shot from Boateng.  Our first clean sheet of the season. 

So we went up the table to second ahead of both Manchester clubs on Goal Differential.  And although this match was not full of perfect performances, it gave us a perfect result.  (Click here for highlights).  We go to Newcastle next Wednesday for the Carling Cup, and while I know Wenger states he's taking all the cups seriously, we have enough depth now and quality in the younger players that we can be certain he'll rest a majority of those who played today.  We have West Ham the following Saturday and we need our starters  rested and healthy so we can get another three points.  We're going to get those three points too.  Yep, I believe that now.

I believe in my team.

How about you?

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Rooney's Seduction, Color Schemes, and the Manchester City Preview

No, I'm not discussing hookers here, so if that's what you put in your Google search, move on.  I'm talking of course about Rooney's threatening to leave United.  Here's his opening press statement:

"I met with David Gill last week and he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad. I then told him that I would not be signing a new contract."

Now mind you, Manure has gone only one season without winning any silverware.  One season.  It took Cesc five trophy-less seasons and a tug to his heart to go home to make him consider leaving Arsenal. Even in the midst of that summer saga, Cesc showed his love for us by dedicating his World Cup win to Arsenal fans.

And how did Fergie persuade Wayne to stay?  One would think they would have offered him a raise at some point.  I think this is what ultimately sealed the deal.  The final part of the seduction was the Glazers pledging to give Fergie $100 million pounds for the transfer market. 

Rooney said: "I'm signing a new deal in the absolute belief that the management, coaching staff, board and owners are totally committed to making sure United maintains its proud winning history."

So, even with the Glazers in debt and Manchester United not being in a sound financial position, somehow they are going to find that kind of money.   I think Rooney's pressure has added more crumbling to an already rickety funding foundation at Old Trafford.  Well done Roo...I'm not even going to go into comparing that financial situation to Arsenal's as the differences are obvious to anyone who follows Premier League soccer.  All I will say is that I've never been prouder to be a Gooner.

Okay, onto much more important things:  the colors schemes of my blog.  You didn't think I meant Arsenal did you?  Just because this is an Arsenal blog site?  I have to keep you on your toes.  It's my duty as a writer.  A writer who became bored with the okra theme on Blogspot even though it was very pretty.  It lacked that "ooomph" that a sports site should have.  So I added some Arsenal colors (see this is about soccer).  I had the blue background with the red post and white text.  After a few days I thought "That really...hurts my eyes".  So, I changed it to red back ground with white posts and red lettering and...it looked like pink stomach/diarrhea medicine.   And Arsenal is definitely not represented by Pink.  So then I said "forget it", and made the background white, etc...I'm bored just writing this.  Are you still there?  My question is, as my readers...which color combination did you like the best?  Answer the poll and by the end of the week, the color scheme with the most votes will be my permanent theme.  It really is bothering me so I would appreciate your help.

Okay, now onto to really important things.  We must, we must, we must beat Manchester City tomorrow.  It not only will put is in second place above them (due to our GD).  It will give us a feeling of closure as a win will allow us to put Adebayor chronicle behind us, and it will add to the momentum I can feel us building.  A lot of that will depend on how well our center halves corral the lone striker that they usually deploy and on how efficient our own attacks are.  I think with the Mancs defense and their usually crowded midfield, those chances will be few, so efficiency is key.  Against Shakhtar we had a 71% rate (goals made/shots taken) and we will need to be that clinical tomorrow.  Yaya is no longer listed on physio.com as injured, but Kolo is still there.  Balotelli is listed as returning the 27th, but Mancini says he may be on the bench Sunday.  They may need to give Tevez a rest so Adebayor may play in that lone striker position.  They definitely still have some teeth in them, but here's hoping some of that bite is a bit rusty.

For us, I think Diaby will play in Jack's stead and Cesc, Nasri, and Arshavin will be there as well.  I also am predicting that Wenger starts Theo as a means to break down the Manc's crowded midfield.  And I know we have been impatient with Arshavin due to what looks like laziness on the pitch at times.  But I have a feeling after being "rested" against Shakhtar, he's due for some real genius-like moments.  All in all, I think it will make for a tense game with the team making the least mistakes going ahead.  I am more optimistic about winning against these guys than I have been for a couple of seasons.  I just have a feeling...

I guess that's it for now.  If you're reading this post on Oleole, you're probably not interested in the look of my Blogger site.  If you're reading this on Blogger, thanks for voting and GO. YOU. REEEEEDDDDSSS!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Easy Peasey Nice and Breezy - And My One Complaint

Apologies for the late post. I got distracted by trying out a new design on my blogpost site. Blam! It does catch the eye, does it not? I'm still trying to figure out how to fit in some Arsenal away-yellow along with the lovely red and blue, but that's for another day.

Speaking of our team...what a nice game to watch. I don't remember the last time I was so relaxed and satisfied by watching a match. It might have been last year's opener against Everton. Lescott had some influence there, maybe he can throw another hissy fit for Sunday and help us out against City? That's probably too much to ask from our favorite Klingon.

Anyway, how could one ask for a better time? Watching Cesc shake off the rust, playing alongside Jack, the great passing, the fun they looked like they were having, playing at home, and welcoming back Eddie. Everyone all over blogdom were saying how great it would be if Eduardo scored in front of his former fans to whom he never had a chance to say goodbye. Of course, we all wanted him to score as long as we won. And being up 5-0, the cheers for Dudu were even more the sweeter. He had a heck of a shot. A powerful, calm finish just like the old days pre-Martin Taylor.

Speaking of the leg-breaker. Did anyone else hear the one of the commentators mention Taylor during a brief chronicling of the Birmingham saga. They were discussing how Eduardo's injury might have affected his career and went on to say that Taylor is now at Watford and that's what happens when a good, honest fellow gets involved in an incident like that. So once again, Taylor is painted as a victim with Arsenal (not the media of coruse as they were very tame in their criticism of his tackle) being the villain and the end result being he's playing for a Championship Level team. Umm, here's a thought. Maybe Martin Taylor broke Eduardo's leg because he was a Championship Level player in 2008 trying to play at the Premiership Level. A level that was too fast for his slow feet and imprecise tackling. He was at Birmingham three seasons before that was found out. And Eddie's injury was the telling point. I really hate talking about this all again, but those goofballs started it, and who isn't sick of the sympathy for slow and non-technical defending.?  Other than Jamie Redknapp?

Okay, that subject could end up being a whole other blog post. A series of them actually. Would you care to hear one more American-embarrassing complaint? Fox Soccer was showing the match over here. Before the Brit commentators took over the match, the well-versed Americans were trying to enlighten us about the event of Eduardo returning to the Emirates. One went on to show his ignorance by stating that Eduardo was at Shakhtar after having a stellar last season at Arsenal. How low can one sink into a couch cushion? Ugh.

Anyway, I'm not going to break down the match in any more detail as that has been done and dusted for a whole 24 hours now. Instead, I'll just say my Man of the Match was Jack. He once again had a great match alongside Cesc no less. He and Deni looked good together too, I thought. It's sad that we won't get to see him for three matches, but I sense he's already learned his lesson as he pulled out of a tackle that could have been late and hasty.

That's it for today. I'll be back to preview the MUST WIN OR DIE City game later in the week and there may be something midweek as well if a topic tickles my fancy. There are a lot of delicious tidbits floating about right now, isn't there (Rooney-gate).  Smirk.

Have a great night...

Sunday, October 17, 2010

I Have a Lot to Learn

The drawback to being a student of this game is that occasionally - okay maybe more often than "occasionally" - I am wrong in my observations. It really does rub me raw that I'm not versed in the details, the strategy, and the formations of the game I have come to love so very much. If this was basketball, I could dialogue about defenses, presses, offensive mismatches, and the classic pick and roll. But alas, I never played soccer and consequently, I think, lost out on a vital element that aids in the creation of the knowledgeable fan.

Take my last post for example. I gave a brief diatribe against Diaby for what I considered his encumberment of our counter attacks. I did note that he created so many of them, but then made one too many passes, or did not pass, and the attack was lost. After posting, I went online to view other bloggers' opinions of the match and players' performances. I found really no one who shared my viewpoint of Diaby. In fact, most of them gave him quite the high rating. It was then that I thought maybe I'm not an experienced enough fan yet to foist my opinion upon others? Maybe I should go back to just reading posts, watching games, and listening to my more soccer-learned friends. I was, I have to admit, a bit disheartened.

The only problem with this idea is that- well, I enjoy the writing. It allows me to get all this football stuff in my head out and on paper...virtual paper. Knowing I have a post to write after the match forces me to watch the game more closely also, trying to pick up on the little things...who's marking well, who's winning headers, etc. I guess I just have to bite the bullet and keep learning, watching, and admitting sometimes I don't know what I'm talking about. Sigh.

Onto things Arsenal. One of my favorite former players is returning to Emirates. No - it's not Bobby although I do think he's dreamy. It's Eduardo of course. I think he's the only player I would cheer for if he scored against us at the Emirates. We are all watching at Jeane's tomorrow at 1:45 PM (late lunch break) and I hope we can hear the uproar of cheering I'm sure the Arsenal faithful will give him. I understand that he is being currently used as a utility player but hope his coach gives him a break and some more time on the pitch. I do realize I'm being a bit too sentimental here. Sorry folks, that's just me.

What else? Our Captain is back for the match but there is a chance he will start on the bench as Wenger wants to be cautious. I like cautious. Let's give him 30 - 45 minutes tomorrow and then have him back for the very important City game on Saturday. I know I'm getting a head of myself here, but I really want to beat them -to a pulp if possible - this season.

Of course the press has been full of inflammatory headlines with moderate content regarding the Red Card against Jack and Birmingham's reaction. I'm not going to direct you to any of it because it's ridiculous. I have to agree with Wenger here in that we will always be wrong. When one speaks out passionately about a belief, one puts a bulls eye on the back. That's just the way it is. All we can do as supporters is get behind our manager, cut the brake lines in the cars of those hypocrites who point fingers at Arsenal, and show our class. Ahem.

I think that's it for today. Remember, if I need some soccer schooling, I am open to the educationally-intended comment. I appreciate them - and you my fellow Gooners. Until tomorrow...GO YOU GUNNERS!!!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Arsenal Down Birmingham 2-1 Despite Diaby

Okay, maybe I'm being a little harsh in the title, but watching Diaby slow down counterattack after counterattack is getting old. There were several times today where he did the work to bring the ball up from deep from Birmingham territory, shirk defenders, and then proceeded to not pass the ball to the wings joining him on the left and right. Instead, he whirled in his little circles allowing the rest of the defensive troupe to arrive and ...counterattack ended. Then pass, after pass, after pass and back to the other end. Our ability to finish a counterattack with a goal is diminished without Cesc. We still have great short passing, and actually great creativity, but the timing of releasing the ball for a pass that carves the defense was not there. The willingness to take a shot on goal when 10 yards or more out from the box was not there. Perhaps if Rozicky had started instead of our Russian who had played two games over the Interlull and looked quite atrocious, the finishing would have been better. I think in the 25 minutes or so that he played, Tommy looked like he looked all season...capable of making something out of nothing.

Anyway, I guess I'll end the Diaby tirade by saying he made great runs but needs to improve the timing of his passing and shooting. When those attributes come to the forefront, he could run a game where we get a 4-1 result instead of a 2-1.

Other than Diaby's pirouettes, late passing and shooting, I have very few complaints about the team's performce. The first goal by Birmingham was made by a player who is 6'7" off a free kick. DJ did not mark him well (one can see he still not at his best)...but he's 6'7". And while I was cursing at the television as we kept giving away needless free kicks in dangerous areas (okay, maybe I do have another complaint), Fabianski responded well by catching, punching, and commanding his area. This is Lukasz third solid perform ace. I think Almunia, if still injured, will find it difficult to return to his position. If he's not injured, then I'd say he may be on his way out come January.

Okay onto the two controversial - or maybe not so controversial - incidents of the match. Chamakh's penalty and Jack's red card. The Chamak-attak is being accused of diving. Jack could have broken Zigic's leg. Both occurrences could have been foreseen. Chamakh has flailed in the box before, making contact as he goes down, arms thrashing. Jack went in late against Zigic, over the ball, and could have snapped his ankle. This is Jack's first red card but he has been acting reckless for a while. Not just with tackles, but with going in with gusto against big, muscular players. Big Z called him "crazy" in the Bolton game for his bravery/recklessness. Today the recklessness won out. To Arsenal's credit, the reaction of both Wilshere and Wenger were a bit different than those of a Shawcross or Allardyce. Jack took responsibility for the red card. He not only took responsibility but also says he will learn about it. Hmmm...that's a different reaction from that mope Shawcross who stated he wouldn't change anything about how he tackled...after he broke Rambo's leg. Broke. A. Leg. I don't like that Jack made such a bad tackle but feel better knowing he's going to try and not repeat it.

So, all in all, it's three points on a weekend when Manure and Chelski dropped two points each. Now we need MacCity to do the same tomorrow against Blackpool. Hey...it could happen.

Tuesday we have our Champions League game at the Emirates against Dudu's Shaktar. Hopefully, we will have some more players back from the injury list including our Captain. I'm worried though as www.physioroom.com has him listed as "very doubtful" for the 24th after being removed from the list altogether this last Monday. The good news is that we are no longer at the top of the chart with the most number of players injured. We are now in third with only five players out. One has to find the silver lining, hasn't one?

That's it for today. I'll probably be back on Monday with a preview of our CL game on Tuesday. Until then Gooners.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

I Gotta Admit - I Miss the Bromance



See what happens when I decide to be self-indulgent and write about moi? I can't seem to stop. Oh well, until this Saturday when our boys take the field again, the Interlull continues for me, so I have no choice but to persist in the same vein, do I? Ahem.

I discussed last time that in my boredom I was reviewing Arseblog's archive of Arsecasts because of my recent discovery of them. I just finished listening to the 2007-2008 and in particular the blogcast with Amy Lawrence in which they ('Blogs and Amy) are discussing the chemistry between the players on the pitch. How they all seemed to love each other and were playing their hearts out for one another. Remember that? It was then that I realized something had been missing the past few seasons besides trophies. As a fan, I was missing the same thing...the Bromance. More specifically, the chemistry between Cesc and Flamini.

In Flamini's last season for Arsenal, he once again surprised all by cementing an opportunity at midfield (and cementing Gilberto's exile) and played alongside Cesc. Well, he wasn't exactly by his side during matches as the living, breathing dynamo was all over the pitch tackling and harassing the opponents. Doing the dirty work that allowed Cesc to do his magic. He never seemed to run out of energy or attitude. He's not the biggest player, but he stood up well to the bullies of the EPL. He also loved his teammates unreservedly. Even Wenger had to admit losing Flamini changed the dynamic of the team and Cesc lost his partner from one of the most successful and effective midfield double acts in Arsenal history.

It wasn't just that they were both technically gifted and hated losing. There was genuine affection and appreciation. Understanding and anticipation. Their different personalities balanced each other. Flamini was bossy and shouted direction to players on the field. Cesc inspired by example. There was...a definite feeling of brotherhood.

I think we're missing that right now.

Don't get me wrong, there is camaraderie between players. The guys in the photo below, for example, meeting up and going out (and playing some game I've never heard of). Chamakh has stated he likes to hang around his teammates. When someone scores a goal, they celebrate together. I just don't get the feeling it's the same thing. Song doesn't harrie the opponent in order to protect Cesc. He tries to shut down the midfield, (when he's not bursting forward - groan). Eboue is supposedly a laugh in the dressing room. But a brotherhood? I don't see it.

The ironic thing is, one of Wenger's goals of the Project Youth was creating this circle of brotherhood. Young men going through their professional growth at the same time, going through the same growing pains - becoming a family. As I said, there is a sense of that, but the sacrifice of one for the other on the pitch, I think, has diminished since 2008. And that kind of symbiosis is hard to recreate.



Anyway, that's what I get for listening to the oldies but goodies. The comparison trap. I wonder if Mathieu was still around this last summer would Cesc have tried to leave for Barfelona? Maybe. Maybe not. I get the feeling that if we had done everything - and I have my doubts that we did - to keep the Flam-half of this tandem, perhaps we would have obtained silverware, team chemistry would have been even more uplifted, and we could have gone on to bigger and better things. Maybe Cesc wanted to leave this summer because he didn't have that quality and committment playing beside him.

Yea - I bet he misses the bromance too.

Do you?

Sunday, October 10, 2010

My Final Conversion Ingredient: I Tip My Hat to Mr. Arseblog

Well, this Interlull is proceeding at a Snaaiiilll's Paaaccce so I guess I am going to continue talking about...myself. You all have been incredibly indulgent allowing me to do so. I have to admit that I feel much less isolated and much more informed about the status of soccer around the world. Prior to posting the last two articles, I just assumed soccer was the dominant sport in countries other than the States. I was wrong. So thank you for all commenting on how cricket, baseball and other sports sometimes bump our beloved game to a lower tier in your country. How you are staying true to Arsenal is encouraging. Love it.

I'm not sure if what I'm going to discuss next is in keeping with proper blogging etiquette. I'm sure I will hear about it if it is not and apologize in advance if I'm making a great big faux pas. But in keeping with the theme of my conversion to the Beautiful Game, I thought I should give more of a look to someone who is such a staple in the blogging, soccer community, and Arsenal world: Mr. Arseblog himself. I probably did not even have to give you the web address as he's so famous - but in case you are a new fan...it is a must read for you.

As stated in previous post, Mr. Blogs was influential in the development of my education and Arsenal devotion. Here's how it happened. Jeane and I used to work at the same organization for awhile at the beginning of my Gunner schooling. She said to me one day "You have to check out this blog - Doc reads it everyday. It's hilarious". Okay. So I did. I don't remember the topic. I do remember thinking "Boy, this guy cusses a lot" and that it was funny and made me think. Reading the blog ran a parallel route to my watching the games. I would usually read the post following a match. If I didn't watch a match, I didn't read the post. And like not missing the team if I didn't watch them, I did not miss reading Arseblog.

Fast forward two years later. I am becoming more interested and more informed about the game and about Arsenal. I am now reading the blog twice a week at least and catching Jeane off guard by asking "Did you read his post today?". "No...I haven't had time". Oh...crap, no one to discuss it with. I would advise her to read it or break it down for her. By now, I'm used to the swearing and even the "C" word - which for you folks who are not in the States is the MOTHER of all bad words and would produce gasps from most people if they heard it. But- just in his blog- it's not bothering me. -SIDENOTE: Jeane and I would discuss the use of that word as it appears many times in other UK blogs as well. We've come to the conclusion that maybe it doesn't mean the same over there as here? We think it's a difference in culture. Okay - really we have no idea so maybe someone could inform me. - Where was I? Oh, right...

Fast forward to three years ago. I bought a Blackberry. It also was instrumental in turning me into a blog reading lunatic in that...it was my only Internet access at home. I live as cheaply as possible as social workers earn a meagre wage but treated myself here. I was able to get the blog every morning! I could have it sent to my email and read it on the go! I discovered Goodplaya, Eastlower, Le Grove, Goonerholic, and others. I spent an hour every morning - getting up an hour earlier to do it mind you - just reading blogs about Arsenal and checking ESPN. That did it. I learned loads - not just about our boys and team - but about soccer, transfers, tournaments and more. I was hooked.

The 2009-2010 season marked an even advanced step in my mania. Obviously, I started a blog which I then imported to oleole.com. There I discovered the footballing fan community which lead to more blog reading (there can't be too much, can there?). I'm currently, and slowly, making friends. And due to the responses I received to the last post - discovered like-minded Gooners like myself who do not live in England. But...the other thing I discovered was the Arsecast.

Yep. I had kind of just ignored it over the last several years. But, having a smart phone , I opted to start listening every Friday on my way to work. What a delight! I'm sure we all have our favorites. I love when Amy Lawrence from the Observer is a guest and I've learned so much from The Man in the Bar. Let me tell you, when the Blogs has no Arsecast because of Interlull, Summerlull, vacation or whatever ...I am deeply disappointed. That was the case this last Friday. No one can blame him if there's no news to discuss, so what did I do to lessen my distress? Did I just ignore the gap left in my Friday morning routine? Noooooo...I started listening to old Arsecasts. Jeesh...I think I need some help. Seriously. However, it has been enlightening in that I have seen a pattern with the concerns about the team and its performance. Defense and goalies have been a concern for four years now...and not all of it has been addressed as we fans would like. I also discovered that I had made, and published, a mistake. I assumed from various Arseblog posts that the term "Mugsmasher" was a common nickname for Liverpool players. Ummm. That's not right. I realized from past casts that it's 'Blogs' term for his brother the Liverpool fan because he once broke an Arsenal mug owned by 'Blogs. See, mania has a payoff. Insight and self-correction is important, you know.

That brings us up to present day. Who knows what will happen next in my Gooner evolution? A trip to the Emirates, I think, would be the final chapter. Maybe I can win one if 'Blogs offers a trip as a prize. One of these days, I may make a very long distance call and leave a voicemail for him in response to a game, a question, a contest, or just to tell him he makes my mornings. I'm working my way up to that I think.

Until then, I'll just keep doing what I'm doing. Reading too many blogs, laughing while I'm driving listening to an Arshavin skit, and attempting to affect the world of Arsenal blogs in my own small way. Have a great day Gooners.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Obsession Part II - The Loneliness of Being a North American Gooner

So - I hate my coffee maker. It's a trickster, and I fall for its deceptions almost on a daily basis. It beeps that it's done. I pull out the pot to pour a cup and a stream of scalding hot beverage continues to flow from the dispenser and onto the hot pad. Every time! I then curse as I have a coffee cup in one hand, the pot in the other and race to the sink to get a rag and, carefully avoiding the spewing liquid, attempt to mop up the coffee that is hissing on the base. I get burnt every time too. Of course the real question is...why don't I learn to just wait on the coffee?

That's the same question I would pose to Stuart Pearce et al as he once again a la Theo is going to play an under-21 player (Jack)after he's been called up to the Senior England Squad. Why can't they just wait - leave him alone as he matures on Arsenal's pitch. Why play him on both teams, tire him out for his club and of course double the chances of him breaking, bending, or twisting something? He has played in every game for us. We don't need a deja-vu-like experience. Can't Fabio and Stuart sit down and say "Remember how we screwed up Theo by playing him for both? Let's just have Jack on one team and not potentially hamper his development". That would be too wise of them. They're going to just keep pulling out the pot too soon...

Anyway, my last post I discussed how I got turned onto the Beautiful Game. Right after I posted, I was watching the latest episode of NCIS: Los Angeles and guess what? The dead guy and his best friend were...football fans. Real football. One was a Manure fan and one an ARSENAL fan. Seriously, that does not happen on American television. The one guy was even joking saying that they were the only soccer fans on the base and even though they were fans from rival teams, they were buddies because of that commonality. The character even went on to comment how Americans don't follow soccer unless it's a World Cup year (so true). Of course, the Arsenal fan turned out to be the murderer - but what can you do? Did any other soccer fan yelp outloud when the name of our club turned up in this episode? My shriek of surprise was so voluble, I made my cat jump.

It can be a lonely experience over here rooting for an English team in an arena that is at the bottom of the American sports chain. I can't tell you the amount of times I've heard "Oh - soccer...seems boring and a kind of a wimpy game". I've learned to stay calm (tirades do not convert the ignorant), explain the physicality of the sport and how watching a fast paced league like the EPL would seem less boring than many MLS teams. I even had to have a discussion with an idiot who deemed that soccer was not a real sport because one did not use one's hands...and this guy was a track coach! Hellooo. Sometimes it's better to let the ill-informed stay so...

Ignoramuses aside, another factor that adds to the lonliness is that, unlike most of our sports over here, you can't watch your beloved team on regular television channels. You have to have a terrifically expensive cable package. Luckily my friends in the Arsenal club pay for those stations, but it's not the same watching for two hours when I could have that All Day Long or maybe record it and watch it again...and again. On second thought, maybe not having cable is a good thing. Hmmm.

To combat the loneliness, I have begun converting the family members. I have to say they are very open to it. I was raised in a sports - crazed family and have three brothers who follow athletics to differing degrees. I've played many sports in school (other than soccer) and will watch almost anything (other than golf). So, my parents and brothers are almost as nuts as I am when it comes to following their teams. The least athletic brother totally got into the World Cup this year and texted me in despair when the US bowed out to Ghana - blaming me for getting him hooked in the first place. He's all the way out in San Francisco so getting him to watch Arsenal on a regular basis is tough - although he insists he reads my blog on a regular basis to stay up to date.

My brother Chris...he's a Gooner now. He got a soccer cable package free last year on a trial basis for three months and watched the EPL. We had a close call as he almost became a Manure fan due to Rooney's performance at the beginning of that season. Once I explained that Wayne is a thug who cheats on his wife with prostitutes, he was a bit turned off (my brother has three daughters and dotes on them). I encouraged him to watch Arsenal - and he did. He watched a variety of other EPL matches which helped as he loved the pace of the game. And when the free cable was turned off, he was not happy. He reads the blog, texts me for news, hates international play because of injuries, and even bought the new Arsenal away jersey. He's not quite obsessed yet which I'm sure my sister-in-law is grateful for...but he's not far off. We're currently discussing the possibility of pooling our money together so one of us can get Fox Soccer and Fox Soccer Plus. So, who knows? My loneliness may be waning soon. I could become even more of a fixture at Chris' home if he gets these stations...wonder how my sister-in-law would feel about that?

All in all, lonely or not, it's worth loving this game. Whether I'm watching the Gunners or the Chicago Fire, I don't really seem to have a choice about adoring it. There are very few things in life that I can say that about.

I guess that's all for now. I'm off to pour another cup of coffee as I'm absolutely sure the pot's finished brewing now...I think.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

True Confessions

I have something to admit. Something to come clean about. It's the type of disclosure that could leave you all aghast. No, I'm not a Yid or Scouser in disguise. Here it is: when I first began watching soccer - Arsenal - I didn't mind international breaks.

I actually didn't even know what they were. Doc would say "No games for two weeks. The players have friendlies" or playoffs or whatever. I would of course look appropriately disappointed, but inside I was thinking "Oh good, my Saturday morning is free". Don't get me wrong, I was fascinated by this new sport - by watching something that was overseas. But I also was, at that point, engaged in a take-it-or-leave-it mindset. I had other sports to fill the gap. I was an avid Cubs fan which filled April to October...okay only September as we never really make it to post season. I followed Notre Dame and Chicago Bears football (American football) and that picked up where baseball left off. It was good until January. Arsenal filled January until spring. And then once again...baseball.

I sometimes wish for that attitude again. That "Oh, I was out late last night and don't feel like traveling 45 minutes in the early morning to get to a friend's house that has the right TV package - so I'll just catch the score line later". Jeesh - I have to arrive early now to watch any pregame or mostly to discuss the latest news with my Arsenal club. My weekend is totally made or broken by our team's performance. Either my head is buried in my hands or I'm skipping on my way to the car and singing on the drive home. The rest of my weekend events can be in the toilet, as long as my Gunners have done well, I have no worries. My family has noted this all consuming affect. If I arrive for a family event with my brow deeply furrowed, my mom asks "Oh dear, did they lose?". Grunt.

And it's not as though I have completely stopped cheering for my other teams. I went to Wrigley Field for a game this year (I boycotted last year as they had blown a chance at post season...again). I was there with great friends and have to admit I encountered some difficulty paying full attention. Baseball is a beautiful game - being outside in the summer with the green grass before you. But, it does take awhile to play out. I actually had more fun attending the Fire vs Red Bulls soccer match - seeing Henry and Freddie up close? Fantastic. Yes, it was the MLS but the soccer was more enjoyable than the baseball.

I've tried to fix the exact time when I turned from casual observer/student and entered the world of obsessed Gooner. I think it began when I was turned onto Arseblog. I read only once a week at first. Then it was everyday...which turned into checking out the links on his page to other blogs. Suddenly, knowing more about what was going on with my team, the opinions of other fans, and the happenings in the world of soccer made it even more pertinent for me to catch ALL the games. Preseason friendlies, Champion League qualifiers, European and World Cup qualifiers. All of a sudden, I felt confident enough to think I had something to contribute to the blogging world and started my own. Being an Arsenal fan now feels like a second job. Crazy.

I think my soccer fixation reached its peak this summer with the World Cup. I was timing my appointments with clients around the games - all the games. I was blogging about the US squad and learning about the players. I printed out brackets. I haven't printed out brackets since March Madness 2003. Not only did I print out brackets, I filled in all the boxes with goals, points, and who was moving on. I forced my mania onto friends and co-workers, handing them copies of their own brackets - whether they wanted them or not and explaining why a match could end in a draw. When wearing my Arsenal jersey at sports bars, I could spot a soccer jersey worn by another person a mile away (usually they were Manure fans) and we chatted together knowing we were the minority in a restaurant full of American Sports fans.

Anyway, here we are now. Another interlull is upon us...and I'm bored already. Bored and concerned about players getting hurt while on "duty". I am cautiously optimistic in returning from this break with players returning from injury. We could be entering a great couple of months here with some big names checking out of the physio room.

In the meantime, I'll be checking the news diligently for our Arsenal international players form and fitness. I'll be racking my brain to come up with ideas to write about (Bobby returning to the grounds is great, 'eh?). I'll be doing whatever it takes to make this interlull go by quickly, because I can't wait for more Arsenal.

Who needs to sleep in anyway?

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Done in By Drogba 0-2 - But Score Not the Whole Story

Well, it's certainly not the result any of us wanted. But the overall performance was not far off. After getting spanked twice by Chelsea last year, the feelings after each match were of humiliation and disbelief. Those feelings were not present today for me. Instead there was a sense of being so close but not being able to quite do it. Playing a team like Chelsea highlights one's weaknesses. And that's a good thing if one continually looks to improve. We want to win the title and that requires improvement. I think the two areas that were highlighted the most were keeping up with team defense for all 90 minutes and being more efficient with our scoring. We created chances, took chances, but did not finish them. Koz and Chamakh both had chancdes in the first two minutes of the game. We could have been up 2-0, but they missed. We have to stop missing chances because our defense needs our offense to make up the difference caused by errors.

It really became a game of counterattacks as we ended up with more possession overall 52% - 48% and we had them pinned back in our half for several minutes at a time in the second half. Still, when they had a chance a dispossing, they took it and their zipping down the middle and the flanks gave us problems. We knew it would. And wouldn't you know it that He Who Must Not Be Named (Cole) set up the first goal. A powerful low cross found Drogba by the near post - and he back heeled it in with Squillaci watching. Fabianski was not at fault for that goal or the other. In fact - as side note that maybe should be not so much of a side note - Lukacz had a very nice game. He had good saves, was solid on crosses and looked indecisive only once when he made some weird attempt at punching out a cross and put the ball back into the path of a Chelsea player. I think he should take even more confidence into the break. If Almunia is healed up in time for our Birmingham game on the 16th, I think Fabianski has made it a difficult job for Wenger to decide who should start in goal.

Back to the second goal. Alex had a free kick that seemed to have come out of a rocket launcher. Malouda had been in the middle of the wall but pivoted out as Alex struck leaving a hole for the ball to pass through. song could have blocked it but chose to instinctively turn away leaving more room for Alex' missile. According to a very upset Big Z, there should have been someone positioned behind Malouda to tell when he moved and then fill in the hole. An apparent rookie mistake made by non-rookies.

I know that there will be comments that we are not the same without our Captain. That Cesc would have made a difference. I think that's true, but I don't think he's the only answer to our Chelsea problem. Cesc played in both of our losses last season - RVP didn't play last year in either match and I think he's vital to our goal scoring in that he is an instinctual striker who doesn't wait to pull the trigger. He likes to shoot. There was too much passing (as usual) in the final third and players taking too long getting the ball on their foot just right before shooting. Sami didn't attack directly as we needed. Tommy came on and made a difference attack wise but...couldn't finish against Cech. But let's admit finishing against Helmut Head is not the easiest thing to do.

I Know I'm rambling a bit. To clarify, let me close by saying that it was not a Doomsday loss today. I think there's hope. We have to climb back up the mountain, but we have done that before. Instead of losing important players in November like we usually do, we lost them in September which means we should be getting them back after the International Break. Hopefully they'll have matches under their belt and be back to their goal scoring selves by Notorius November. In other words, I think our best is yet to come. Until that happens, hang in there you Gooners...

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Beating Chelsea - What It's Going to Take

We've got a big game tomorrow. That's my understatement of this season. Even with the heart of our squad out with injuries, I still believe we can do it. We can get a result - either a draw or a win because, I think, we have two advantages over Chelsea. 1) Our team has moved forward. We've added to our squad, trying to shore up deficits. We didn't just add in number, but in age and experience. Both Chamakh and Squillaci have a lot of experience and continue to adapt to the pace and power of the Premier League. Koz, while extremely inexperienced, has displayed a lack of fear and a propensity for learning quickly. These additions have also given us the other advantage. 2) We have more depth this year. Yes, Cesc is out with an injury along with Gibbs, Vermaelan, Theo, Alumunia, Van Persie, Bendtner and of course Ramsey. Last year when injuries ran rampant through the squad, we really didn't have answers - not answers that anybody liked anyway. Silvestre for Vermie (or anyone) and Sol for Gallas. Arshavin playing in place of Bendtner and Van Persie. And Nasri was just not up to the task of taking on the creative midfielder role when Cesc broke his leg. And then there was Fabianski for Almunia. Oops - we still have that one but I'll get to it later. Plus, and I left this for last because it's a doozy - Jack Wilshere has evolved into a first team regular full of confidence, skill, and toughness. I know some of you will smile when you read this next part. He's like a new signing. Seriously.

See what I mean? Maybe the inordinate amount of injuries that Arsenal has (every season)has forced us to be deep. Chelsea not so much. They have intimidating starting players, but older ones too. Ones that will get tired in the last half of the game after pressing us all over the pitch. And they will press us. Lampard and Benayoun are out injured with means the creativity has gone out of their midfield. They still have Anelka out on the wing which means Clichy will have a foot race ahead of him, but I don't think Nikolas is particularly creative.

That's what I think we have over Chelsea. Now the trick is to use everything in our Arsenal. We have to defend forward to back. Arshavin is going to have to be in high gear nearly the whole game. Jack/Nasri and Rozicky are going to have to create, motivate, and finish. Chamakh is going to have to go at Terry without fear...which is his pattern. Our full backs are going to have to race back after surging forward, Song must protect and lock down the midfield with help from Denilson/Diaby. Let the forwards worry about scoring Alex - mop it up in the back. The center backs are going to have to contain Drogba forcing Chelsea to go wide to Malouda - which is still another problem. And...Fabianski must have protection. He's going to have to communicate with the back four and direct them. And on corners he's going to have to own the box.

We have some other things going for us as well. We're coming off a solid performance in Europe after a disastrous performance at home last Saturday. I'm hoping the embarrassment against West Brom will continue to motivate our players towards giving all of their effort and discipline (do you hear me Song) for 90 minutes. I think if we play a near perfect game, we're going to surprise a lot of people. We've played perfect games before. Just think what a boost to the rest of our season it would be to play one at Stamford Bridge. Oh ho, the bragging rights.

As I wind this post up, the Saturday matches have wound up too. Manchester Untied tied against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light - which makes me feel a bit better about our performance there. Spurs have beat Aston Villa which puts them in a tie for third with us, Manchester City (who also play tomorrow) and West Brom who tied against Bolton. A win tomorrow puts us into second a point behind our Chelsea. A draw leaves us in third above West Brom and Spurs with ManCity to be determined. A good performance is a must. A win is most desirable. Isn't it always?

I guess that's all for now. I have friends throwing me a dinner party for my birthday so I'm off to have a evening full of good friends, food, and wine. I'll be back tomorrow with my reaction to our performance. I am confident I will be brimming with pride. Until then...Let's GO YOU REDS!!