Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Injuries Mount in Time for Cardiff


Did you forget about our traditional bad luck with injuries?  I had.  Truthfully.  I focused on having players come back while our tired ones were healthy and enjoying the rotation that would provide. Playing Cardiff would provide us an easy three points. What could go wrong?

Hah!  What could go wrong indeed.  Let's look at the damn list:

The newly returned Theo - a doubt with a shoulder issue.
*Rosicky - a doubt because of a calf issue (he played a full game against Newcastle, so he probably wouldn't have even made the bench)
*Wilshere - who needs a run of games to get some sort of form going - doubt due to ankle issue
*Monreal and Vermaelen - doubt due to getting over illness
*Giroud - out until the 4th with ankle issue
*Ramsey - thigh issue
*Ozil - out with shoulder issue
*Gibbs - our with calf issue

And the usual long-term suspects are out as well.  What irks be about Giroud and Jack are that there injuries occurred at the Newcastle game due to tackles - both were not called for fouls.  I wanted Giroud rested anyway, but Jack?  He's just come back.  And that rhymes.  He's due for a late fitness test and I have a feeling Arsene will play him because he's needed.  So we have a good chance of playing an injured player and exasperating the injury. 

So, what is the squad going to look like?  Podolski will most likely start on the left and if Theo doesn't pass his late fitness test, then I suspect he'll play Serge on the right and Bendy in the middle.  Thank goodness Santi isn't injured.  He can ply the CM role to great affect (like he did against West Ham).  Both Flamini and Arteta are both healthy, and Cardiff can have provide creativity on the wings, so for the sake of numbers, Wenger may employ both.

In the back, I was hoping Per would get a rest before the FA absolutely-mandatory-to-beat Spurs game on the 4th.  Normally, we would see (a tad anxiously) the Vermalean/Koz axis.  If Verm doesn't pass, Sagna could be moved to CB with Jenks deputizing.  Still...someone may need to fill in at left back as well if Monreal is still suffering from whatever illness he acquired - which is usually TV5.  Does Wenger still have cuticles or nails left after so many years managing?  I'd have nibbled them off ages ago.

So basically, we'll put out whatever makeshift squad we can manage.  We beat Cardiff in November 3-0 and they just got rid of their manager after weeks of distracting conflict between their colorful owner and departed manager.  They are, however, a reportedly tight squad, so anything could go.

That's it for tonight.  I'll be back as always for a post-match report.  Here's to taking another three points.  Come On You Reds!

And take care you Gooners.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

We Have a Team of Fighters: 1-Nil to The Arsenal at Newcastle

 


A hard-fought, nerve-racking, and not very impressive win saw Arsenal go back to the top of the table for the end of 2013.  Last year at this time, we were basically out of the title race being 16 points behind the leaders.  So as lackluster a performance as this was, the most important thing is that we got another three points during the helter skelter of the holiday schedule.  That's seven points out of a possible nine so far.  We made our way last spring to fourth place by grinding out results while playing some not very pretty football.  From that, a cohesive and strong mentality was forged.  That mentality is currently carrying us through fatigue, injuries, and players being a bit out of form.  Arsene gave his thought on the mental strengff of this team compared to those of past years:

"There is something in the team that is special on the mental front where we have many times been questioned. But we have shown that at West Ham when we were 1-0 down, we have shown that again today when we were a bit backs to the wall in the last 15 minutes. There's a great solidarity and a great spirit in the side. "

"For years we were younger [and less able] to resist this kind of pressure but we have always been up there at the top. If you analyse well our results we have always been up there. "

Today, the squad stood up to a good 14 minutes of that pressure.  I actually cannot recall the last time Wenger went to five defenders in the back to absorb an opponent's attacks.  It initially was a move where I was yelling "What are you doing - we need another goal?!" at my television.  But Jenks came on, Theo went off, and we played with our backs to the wall and behind the midfield line. In those last ten minutes, we repelled a free kick, two throw-ins deep in our own half, and two corners, for which both Krul came out of goal to participate.  These were hang-wringing, hiding- my- eyes- behind- my -scarf moments.

But we did it.  We held on. Even with Szczesny clanger, we won.  We ground it our when there was grinding to be done.  And we ground it to dust.  And stomped on it.  And served it as coffee.  Well, that's stretching it a bit.

Anyway.

There are still concerns going into our New Year's Day match.  We've lost Gibbs to (probably) a hamstring while Nacho is reportedly ill.  Flamini played at left-back in his stead ala his 2006 season at Arsenal. He could fill in again, but that means Arteta would again miss out on getting fully rested.  Vermalean, too, is ill.  Cardiff would be a good game to rest our favorite BFG, but if Vermie isn't well, I do not see that happening.

Then there is the conundrum of Giroud who happily ended his goal drought with this winner in the 65th minute (nice free kick, Theo).  In his post-match interview, Arsene was asked about resting Olivier.  His response is worrying:

"I don't know. Every time I think I give him a rest but we have a team that is a bit short, lightweight and more focused on mobility and technical movement so he is the one guy who has that strength and structure for us. That fighting up front is very important for us."

I knew there was an issue when he started Ollie against West Ham.  He is scared to drop points in the short term and doesn't trust the squad to make for his "strength and structure".  He's going to have to think long-term, however, to avoid a long-term injury.  I say start Bendy and support him with Podolski and Theo.  But more of those thoughts in my pre-match report on the 31st.

That's it for now folks.  Enjoy what is left of your weekend.  It's back to work for me tomorrow after having a nice six days off.  Take care you Gooners.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Back To The Top Arsenal 3- 1 West Ham

Big Sam will have to get his holiday treat somewhere other than Arsenal

Playing against Big Sam's clubs has been never something I look forward to.  Back when he coached Bolton and Blackburn, those games usually were nasty, physical encounters.  Long balls, elbows, and high tackles were the norm.  The league has changed of late, and encouraging your team to get "stuck in" or sweep a leg are frowned upon.  Allardyce had told the press he saw the way Chelsea had shackled Arsenal and was looking to employ the same.  This statement scared me as West Ham do not have the talent to employ that strategy without causing injury with a late tackle.  Luckily, pressing wasn't exactly what West Ham did.  What they did well was getting behind the ball, especially when we were breaking on the counter.  They were difficult to break down.  Luckily, we had 66% possession, and it took all of our 29 shots to beat them.  However, they scored first.

Carlton Cole scored in the 46th minute after a Nolan strike popped out of Szczesny's hands right into Cole's path.  We laboured in the first half, missing opportunities and allowing the opposition to beat us back during a counter.  I hoped this goal would light a fire under us and our concentration in front of goal.  Instead, West Ham got their tails up and challenged us for the next 10 minutes.  We ran like chickens with our heads cut off.

And then, Aaron Ramsey signaled to the bench that he had an injury and was substituted by Lukas Podolski.  Things changed immediately.  Fresher legs and enthusiasm could not have been higher.  And it was contagious.  Santi converted to the Creative Midfielder role and pulled the strings wonderfully the rest of the match.  Theo, who had missed a sitter in the first half, cut inside after receiving a pass from Santi in the 67th minute and slotted it past the frozen West Ham goalie. It was his best goal by a long shot, but it was just what the doctor ordered.  And three minutes later, Theo struck again, getting his head on the end of an excellent Podolski cross.  And that was one of his finer goals. West Ham looked tired and discouraged.  They put on fresh legs themselves but were unable to stop the cannon that is Lukas Podolski's left leg.  Giroud received a cross from Theo in the box with his back against goal.  He held off defenders long enough to lay the ball off into the path of an incoming Lukas who fired it home

Football.  Going from angst to triumph in 30 minutes time is what makes this game addictive to me.

So we are once again top of the league.  Liverpool just lost 2-1 to City.  The top four are only one point behind one another.  City are nipping at our heels while carrying a 32 goal differential.  32.  All we have to do is keep winning.  And at the risk of repeating myself, rotation is key.  Which brings me to Aaron's injury.  Was his thigh strain a result of being overplayed?  His passing has been off, he was looking strained before Christmas, and we played him against West Ham.  If there were a team to rest he and Olivier during the holiday schedule, why wouldn't it be against a team who was one spot away from the basement floor?  Now he'll probably be out for the standard Arsenal three weeks. 

My only rotation prediction that I got right was Santi was back in the lineup looking brighter than he has in a month.  I hope we play him centrally again when we play Newcastle and allow Ozil (who made 8 out of 8 key passes today) a rest on the bench.  European imports tire easily as they struggle without a break during the holidays.  Santi looks the part in that role, and would combine well with Podolski if given a start.

Anyway, that's it for now.  Winning is so much more fun than drawing, isn't it?  Enjoy your British Boxing Day.  And for the rest of us non-Brits, well just enjoy the day!  Arsenal are top of the league!  Top. Of. The. League.

Have a good one Gooners.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

West Ham preview - Big Sam Could Give Us a Lift

Merry Christmas!

Good evening (or early morning) Arsenal fans.  Here's hoping you all had a good Christmas if you observe that holiday.  And if you don't, I'm sure you got the day off of work anyway, which is always a plus.  Tomorrow is our match against the Hammies, marking the second match of five that we play within thirteen days (if that makes any sense.  What I'm trying to point out is that there is a lot of games in a short period of time).   So Boxing Day greets us with a London Derby.  (I want you all to know that when I first became an Arsenal fan, I thought Boxing Day meant that you Brits watched a lot of Boxing matches the day after Christmas.  True story).

Anyway, West Ham are one spot away from the absolute bottom of the table, but as Wenger warns us, they are capable of unexpected performances:

"We know that West Ham have made surprising results. They have won twice at Tottenham this season now and can be a tough opponent"

Of course, we can't believe that Big Sam will just chew his gum and roll over for us.  He's looking to take a leaf out of Chelsea's book:

"Arsenal had a very tactical game (against Chelsea). We could do with locking them out like Chelsea did.
"We got tumbled over twice by them last year, particularly at the Emirates, so we'll protect ourselves on Arsenal's abilities and then try to exploit their weaknesses."

What that means to me is that we can expect more of the same from Monday.  Except West Ham does not have the talent that Chelsea have, so look for them to play with more, erm, passion.  I'm expecting hard tackles, elbows, shirt-pulling and "strategic" fouling.  Lots of kicks in the midfield.  Let's hope we have a decent ref for the match.

I'm looking for Arsene to do some rotation tomorrow.  With Mikel possibly nursing his swollen ankle, Flamini could make an appearance along with Bendtner.  Olivier battled hard and did not convert the few chances given him on Monday, so a rest on the bench against another physical team could be warranted.  Will Theo make another start?  As I stated last post, his impact is minimal when playing against teams who do not allow space behind them.  On the other hand, he does offer fresher than fresh legs.  But so do Poldolski and Santi who hasn't played since Napoli on the 11th.  Wilshere is still suspended, so Ramsey may have to play other 90 minutes.

As for the center backs, a partnership of Koz and Vermie does make me shudder, but Per has not had a break in an eon.  He is the constant of constants, but he at some point he needs a rest.

We know that Le Prof doesn't like to make more than three changes or so at a time, so I will say that Bendy, Flamini, and Santi will start.  Check in for the post-match report to see how right I am.

In other news, John Cross of the Mirror has been busy this Christmas Day writing a bunch of articles and posting them on Twitter.  The two most interesting I found were:



This news about Sagna grieves me so.  I can't say I'm surprised that he's feeling unsettled.  If things were all good, he'd have signed an extension long ago.  He's been such a great asset for Arsenal and taken a beating for us.  I know he's 31 and Arsenal don't like to offer long-term contracts to older players, but he is so physically robust and can fill a center back role as well - I think it's good business for the club to invest in him.  Seriously, this dude bleeds the red and white.

The other article posted dealt in transfer news.  I don't usually give transfer news any substance until  the window actually opens, but since Cross is the Arsenal reporter for the paper, I assume he's got some insider knowledge.  I can't admit getting that excited over a 20 year-old striker from the Belgium league, but considering it's January, bigger fish may not be available to fry.  He does have 13 goals in 20 matches, so maybe there is something there than can be useful.  I have included a compilation I found on YouTube for your perusal.

I guess that's it for now.  I'm fully expecting three points with minimal physical damage to our boys.   Have a good one Gooners!







Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Same Old Jose Outwits Same Old Arsene Arsenal 0 - 0 Chelsea




Don't get me wrong.  I do not think Mourinho is a more intelligent man than our Arsene.  In fact, he is quite predictable.  He is the King of negative football.  He is the manager than knows how to defend and not drop three points.  He did it against Barcelona in 2010 making it to the Champions league Final beating them 3-2 on aggregate by losing 1-0 in the final game.  Barcelona accused him of playing negative football then too.  We always accuse him of that.  And that's what upsets me the most about the result yesterday.

We should have been more prepared. 

I like Theo's impact on a game.  We missed it for over two months.  But to start him against a team that you know will employ a defensive approach to the game is a mystery to me.  Theo has never had much of an influence in those types of matches.  Why not employ more creativity instead?  Santi's form has been off lately, but with that nine day rest, he could have made the difference. Post-match, I'm left wondering what a combination of he and Ozil and Tommy would have looked like.

The one weapon we did have against the proverbially parked bus was a big man up front.  Olivier hustled all game and made the runs that put him on the end of two out of the two shots we had on target.  He did not convert though.  That's the rub, isn't it?  Even if I disagree with the some of the player selection, we did have a couple of chances.  Ollie works hard, he's a team player, but he is just not efficient enough.  At least one of those should have been put away.

Of course, we could have had another goal if we had been given a penalty for Theo's foul in the box.  Or Chelsea could have gone down to 10 men when Mikel tried to break the other Mikel's leg or when Ramires tried the same tact.  The latter got a yellow the former got...nothing.  I'm sure Arleta is gimping around today.  Then we have the high kick to Ozil's face...which started a near brawl (I like our players rushing to Mesut's defense).  Mike Dean really had no control over that game.  Arsenal ended up with more yellow cards (2) than Chelsea (1).  I went rampant on Twitter accusing Dean of being crooked.  I'm not sure that's true.  I was tweeting in the heat of the moment.   After sleeping on it, I've decided he's probably not crooked...he's just really bad at his job.  All these refs have a difficult function, but I can't imagine the bunch of them missing all of the calls that Dean did.  Relegate him immediately.

Where do we go from here?  Drawing with Chelsea does not have to be the game that marks our season.  We are sitting in second place behind Liverpool on goal differential.  The good news is that we have West Ham, Newcastle, and Cardiff and then Spurs to play next.  Although we have only taken five points from five games so far this December, we can definitely up our ration by winning all four games here.  They all are there for the taking.  Meanwhile, our top-of-the-table competitors are playing each other.  Terrific for us.

The key for us, of course, will be rotation.  West Ham takes place the day after Christmas (Thursday), and Newcastle then on Sunday followed by Cardiff on Wednesday, New Year's Day.  That is three games in seven days.  Yowza.  Welcome to the Premier League Christmas schedule. 

Well, that's it for now.  I'll give a match preview on the Hammers which probably won't be written until late Christmas evening.  Until then, let's be thankful we don't have to endure more of Jose's smugness until March.  I really try to be the bigger person and not let the guy bother me, but that doesn't always work.  Have a great Christmas Gooners!

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Ouch. Arsenal 3 - 6 Manchester City

Tell 'im, Per!

Because I don't want to ruminate too much on this loss, this post will be shorter than normal.

I'll be honest.  At the start of this game, I was really crossing my fingers for a draw.  I knew the tight schedule of fixtures was running us ragged, and Manchester City were dominant at their home matches.  But I was not expecting so much damage to be self-inflicted.  

Manchester City has a plethora of weapons, the refereeing was rife with errors, but it was our defense that made the most mark on the game.  It unraveled, or rather didn't even deploy itself, which was a trait of Arsenal's past defensive woes.  I think that was the most painful part to watch today.  Collectively we did not defend.  The pundits noted that the singular moment when two Arsenal players worked as a team and shut down City's attack pointing out the solitary manner in which we were defending.

There were a couple of positives to take out of the match.  Theo returned to the starting lineup and scored a brace.  The second was one of the best I've seen him take.  The rust looks off on his part anyway.  Also, Per showed some real steel and leadership after the game, scolding Ozil for not applauding the away fans.  Arsenal of old did not have a leader who would run across field and take on a teammate in public like that.  Well done, Mertesacker.

Like I said, this report is a bit undersized.  The team and fans have nine days to lick their proverbial wounds before taking on Chelsea at home.  Plenty of time to get our heads and hearts back to their right place - and hopefully enough time for Laurent's laceration to heal.

That's all for now.  Take care Gooners, try and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Battle at the Emirates - Arsenal 1-1 Everton - Napoli Next

Napoli - won't be so pretty on Wednesday
 

I really must do better at blogging the same day as the match.  Now, I'm stuck writing a post-match for Everton and a pre for Napoli.  Ugh!

Onwards then.

I am of two minds about the result.  On one hand, I am happy we are five points clear at the top of the table and was pleased to see us improve our performance toward the last minutes of the first half.  I think we came out into the second half much the same way we ended the first.  And, we did draw against the best team we have played against yet.  And we did it while not being efficient or urgent a large portion of the match.  Martinez has taken the tenacity of past Moyes' teams and injected the technique and attacking football his Wigan teams were known for.  That is quite the combination.  The rest of the league now know to keep a wary eye on the Toffees.

Having said that, we lacked the technique that Martinez employed so well.  Our passing was off and it look as though, at times, some players (Jack for example), were walking about the pitch rather than jogging/running.  Our movement was sluggish.  While Everton employed  pressing, especially in the midfield, we held off and absorbed pressure.  If a counter-attack presented itself, the exigency of the situation seemed lost on all and the goal scoring opportunity disappeared.

Aaron Ramsey had one of his worst games this season, and I think it's due to being overtired.  He added to the poor passing, got dispossessed, and seemed to regress to the Rambo of season's past when it came to fancy-fying (new word) his passing.  With his legendary stamina possibly diminished, he probably just tried too hard.

Arsene addressed the issue by inserting Speed (Theo), Urgency (TR7), and Steel (Flamini) into the game all at the same time.  Most unusual for him, but effective.  They all made instant impacts.  Theo made his fashioning the assist for Ozil's 80th minute goal - but Tommy set the play in motion by giving Theo a cross- the- pitch- perfect-pass so he could head it beautifully to Ollie Mesut. 

Flamini - while offering his usual "let's kick ass and take names" attitude also got himself into position for two goals.  And missed both.  His first attempt dragged just wide, and he kicked nothin' but air on the second which was right in front of goal.  Flamini's greatest attribute is his energy/intensity.  But, the flip side to that is perhaps he is not the calmest in front of goal - especially when a win is on the line.  I do love the guy nonetheless.

Everton did not give up after Ozil's scoring, and Deulofeu equalized in less than two minutes.  Talk about the emotional roller coaster of football!  It was a great shot, in my estimation, and although Gibbsy maybe gave him a few inches too much room (he was less than a yard off him), one has to credit the Toffees for continuing to push for a result.  I guess after having written all this down, I think overall the result was fair.  Each of us got the point we deserved.

Onto Napoli - Arsene is going to have to continue resting weary legs.  I shouldn't be surprised to see Vermie, Theo, Flamini, and Rosicky, and even Monreal get a start.  What to do about the striker?  Does he rest Giroud for Manchester City and play Theo central?  Or does he ask Ollie to push through counting on the rest he will get between the City and Chelsea matches.  I personally can't decide.  Poldolski is back training with the team but is not in the squad traveling to Italy.  If he has no more setbacks, he could be in the squad next Saturday - and I'm sure he would  be looking rusty.

Quite the conundrum which is why I don't manage anything beyond Little League softball.  When it comes to big decisions like this, all I try and do is decide whether to wear my jersey under my work clothes - Super Girl style (don't act like you all haven't done that before).

That's all for now.  See you online for the 1:45 PM CST kickoff.  Have a good one Gooners. 

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Tough Fixtures Ahead After Beating Hull - Everton Preview

Bendy scored for the first time in over 2 years for Arsenal in the BPL


Our midweek win against Hull showed that Arsenal do not have anything to fear by rotating players.  Even last year's squad was not deep enough or cohesive enough yet to withstand the rigours of the fixture list.  But this season is boding a different feeling as our hard-working fatigued strike Giroud was able to get a breather and watch from the bench as his substitute, and Arsenal's wayward son, Nicklas Bendtner score an excellent header from a near perfect Jenkinson cross.  And Monreal could give Wenger pause to consider his starting left back as he put in a more than adequate perforamce.  Nacho actually seems to be more of a threat in the final third than Gibbsy. 

All of this will come in handy during the next couple of weeks.  Everton is on Sunday.  We then will have to fly to Italy on Tuesday for the Napoli game and then get back Thursday morning before traveling on Friday to Manchester for an early game against City.  After that, we do have nine days before we play Chelsea.  Wenger may keep Olivier in the starting line-up for the next three games after giving him a rest on Wednesday.  The striker's position has the least depth, but if Ollie can make it through the Man City game unscathed, he'll be set and ready to go on the 23rd.   

As far as the Everton games goes, one of their best players, Baines, is out injured, but the beast that is Lukaku is on fire and will be a challenge for our defense to close down his run through the channels.  We know that Martinez likes to play positive, attacking football, and I think it could very well end up being an end-to-end kind of game.  He also has a reputation for not building a defense to back up his attacking parts of the game.  But Everton have allowed only 13 goals in so far this season - second only to our 10 allowed.  With more money at his disposal, Martinez has built a more balanced team.  I think it will come down to who is more efficient with the ball.  We have to make every shot, dribble, and pass count.

Here is my starting XI. 

Sir Szczensy
 
Jenks Mert  Koz  Gibbs
 
Flamini Ramsey
 
Ozil Wilshere, Santi
 
Ollie
 
I'm thinking Wenger will rest Arteta, and as well as Monreal played, I don't doubt that Gibbs will be back.
 
So, here we go again, full throttle for another three points.  With the performances of our competitors who have already played, we have real shot here of pulling ahead of the pack.  We still won't be taken seriously by the pundits, but the players will have another shot in the arm to boost their confidence.  And that goes a long way in this game.
 
That's it for now.  Take care you Gooners.



Saturday, November 30, 2013

Momentum Mounts as Arsenal Beats Cardiff 3-0

Aaron made an excellent return against his former club
 
 
Arsenal pulled seven points clear at the top of the table after decisively beating a well organized Cardiff City 3-0 in south Wales on Saturday. 
 
This game marked the start of a blistering run of games going into the new year.  And we need all the cushion we can get before going up against a very in-form Everton, a dangerous Chelsea, and the goal-scoring machine that is Aguero Manchester City.
 
As I thought, this game was not an end to end goals scoring extravaganza.  Cardiff clogged the midfield, slowed down our passing, and looked to counter on the break.  I held my breath every set piece, and we were fortunate when Campbell headed a cross wide unimpeded.
 
Confusion then ensued in the 14th minute when Giroud received a great loft that was helped on by Ozil and stopped playing without a whistle sounding.  Wenger stated in his press conference that Ollie told him he saw the linesman raise his flag (and replays show he was offside taking into account Ozil's flick), but if he had played until the whistle sounded, we might have had a goal there.  The passing though, was spot-on.
 
We did finally get on the scoreboard when Ramsey got his head on the end of a lovely Ozil loft into the box.  He did not celebrate scoring against his former club, but the Cardiff fans gave him their respect and applause.  Cardiff - home of scary, passionate, and classy supporters.
 
I have to say, I love it when a defender scores.  And watching Flamini put his foot through a perfectly weighted pass from Ozil (that's two assists) was more fun, I confess, than Rambo's brace.  Plus, he got to properly celebrate.  That goal, however, did not come until 86th minute and it was Sir Szczesny who kept us in the game with confident decisions on set-pieces and one terrific reflex save.  He now has five clean sheets out of the last six games.  Terrific stuff.
 
The one last note that I have is that when it came time to sub, we had excellent choices on the bench.  Super Sub Theo made an instant impact coming on against tired legs and assisted Aaron with his second goal.  That's the rub for Theo right now.  He's great from the bench, but will he earn his starting position back again?  Wenger talked about rotation in the next couple of weeks.  I figure Theo can take his chances then.
 
All in all, a most satisfactory performance. Sunday's games will show us just how much of a cushion we will have come our midweek match against Hull.  Until then, I leave with a bit of footy magic courtesy of @Arsenlist and Mikel Arteta.  Have a good one Gooners.
 
 
 


Friday, November 29, 2013

Le Jack is Back - Arsenal 2-0 Marseilles


My apologies for the lack of posts - I am experiencing HUGE issues with my internet -well my neighbor's internet- connection at my home.  I really need an IT person over here to help me figure out why I can't connect to my roommate's wireless and now am unable to steal borrow my neighbor's unprotected one.  Harumph.

Anyway - onto my favorite topic - the Arsenal.  After the disappointing but not disillusioning loss to Manure, this new and improved squad has bounced back after break with two wins.  None of which looked inspiring, but both looking professional and efficient.  And at this stage of the game when fatigue can overcome some of our over-played members (I'm thinking Giroud in particular), efficiency seems wise, not boring.  The best part, though, is that Jack is looking like he is on his way back to form scoring a brace against Marseilles.  Check out his highlights.

We have Cardiff tomorrow requiring us to travel to their stadium in South Wales.  It will be a steely atmosphere for sure.  And even though they currently sit in 15th place, this will be a test.  This is the team who came from behind and drew against Manchester United last week.  Wenger isn't taking them lightly either:

“They look to have good solidarity, good togetherness [and] fantastic support as well,” the manager said. “They are all on the same wavelength in the team and are very efficient at home on set-pieces.
“Even on Sunday when they were 2-1 down against Man United, many teams could have thought 'OK, it's Man United, we will not come back'.

“Even on Sunday when they were 2-1 down against Man United, many teams could have thought 'OK, it's Man United, we will not come back'.

Set pieces are made of nightmares of seasons past for us.  And even though our defense is as solid as its been since the Invincibles were dismantled, I still hold my breath just  a beat when an opponent takes a corner or free kick.  We'll have to depend on the terrifically-in-form Szczesny to make smart decisions off his line, as well as our fullbacks conceding throw ins rather than corners.  And some one will have to make sure and keep Frazier Campbell from getting service from his midfield or the wings.  He's fast, and Mertie will have to be smart how he plays him on the offside trap.

Rambo will be playing against his former club.  The last meeting he had against them, I think most would agree he tried a bit too hard and did not have a great game.  His confidence is brimming now, and I look for him to be relaxed and enjoy his football.

There's no injury news to report. Gibbs is back from being ill (Monreal did a great job filling in against Marseille - what a clearance off the line).  With Theo back, Arsene will have a chance to rotate.  Who does he rest?  Does he put Theo in the middle and give Ollie a breather?  Does he leave Theo on the wing, and shift Jack, Rambo, Ozil, or Santi?  He also has TR7 he can consider for rotation.  Where did all this depth come from?  Podolski is supposedly due back two days before Christmas (fingers crossed) and then the transfer window opens eight days later.  Can this depth outlast the rigorous schedule we have until then?  Giroud's fitness has been tremendous, but like you all, I worry everytime he goes down holding his ankle, knee, or stoops in exhaustion after a match.  Let's hope Arsene is inspired in picking his squad.

That's it for now.  I'm looking forward to three points tomorrow.  Take care you Gooners.








Monday, November 11, 2013

A Poor Arsenal Bring Out the Best in Man U

The traitor shows his true colors.


There's no hiding from the fact that Arsenal's performance on Sunday fell fathoms short of what we expected.  Watching this team find their confidence and enjoy their football over the past several weeks made the pain of watching their meager execution all the more piercing.  And Arsene did not candy coat the performance.

"I hope that everybody's full of rage basically against ourselves because it's unbelievable to lose a game like that."

Can't get more to the point than that.

Having lost Per and Tommy the day of the game could have cost us, but I don't think it was the prevailing problem.  Vermie started his first match since last April and was solid.  I'm not sure Tommy would have played much having put forth an exhausting full-match effort against Dortmund on Wednesday.  He might have been able to come off the bench as I could see Wenger being wary of putting the 33 year old injury-prone player on the pitch unless he was wrapped in cotton wool.  No.  I think that we were psychologically out of it.  We have been losing at Old Trafford in the Premier League for awhile now (I think the 1-0 victory in September 2006 was the last one).  And if I had one word do describe how we played, I would have said scared.  United pressed us high up, but instead of playing our patient, fast-paced passing, we booted it up field more times than I can remember.  We allowed ourselves to become panicked which affected our accuracy.

All in all what I saw was a hard-working Manchester United club out hustle and beat an under performing and weakened Arsenal side.  That's the positive to take from this defeat.  I have confidence this team will bounce back after international break to compete successfully against other top teams.  We have yet to face Chelsea and Manchester City in the league.  Those teams hold no psychological sway over us.  I trust that we will be in the position and mindset in February to beat Rooney et al at home.

Signing a striker in January should be first on Wenger's to-do list.  Giroud's performance didn't seem fearful last night but was poor - I'm thinking he's getting pretty tired.  Who knows when reinforcements in the form of Theo and Poldi will appear.

One last note.  I was happy to see RVP celebrate the way he did after he scored against us.  The fake humility of last season's goal made me nauseous.  The gaudiness shown to all is the real Dutch Skunk.  The mask is gone.

That's all for now.  Keep your heads up.  I know we will come back strong after internationals.  Until then, have a good one Gooners.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Arsenal Dig In and Get It Done -Arsenal 1-0 Borussia Dortmund


Three weeks ago, I received a promotion at work.  The promotion was accompanied with a substantial raise...and more work.  Lots more work.  My job is now officially messing with my blogging. 

Go figure.

But I still managed to watch us earn a hard point away in Germany on Wednesday (the key is to know when to minimize the screen) and honestly, I  never felt prouder or more confident of our form.  This win has banished the depiction of our defense as having a "soft underbelly".  No more.  Having scored only one goal and that in the 62nd minute, we had to defend and play smart tactically for the remaining 28 minutes.  The Arsenal squads over the past few seasons would not have had the professionalism and experience to see out a game like that.  Arteta, for example, after receiving a yellow early on in the first half, had to resist the temptation to take down Lewandowski with a foul, instead opting to give him more space and relying on Mertesacker to mop up the Polish leftovers. 

It only took a couple of weeks to learn our lesson.  Having lost to Dortmund at home because we didn't buckle down after our goal, we did not make that mistake at the Westfalenstadion.  After Ramsey converted a brave header (check out the high boot next to his head), we immediately went from 100% focus to %150 overdrive - if there is such a thing.  My favorite defensive moves of the second half were this Tommy sliding tackle (sure to be added to his already extensive montage videos), and this Szczesny save.

Wenger added the defensive nous of Vermie and Nacho Man, and that was all the nail-biting she wrote. 

What next?  Ummm...oh yea - Manchester United at Old Trafford this Sunday.  I haven't looked forward to a game against the Red Devils in a long time.  I can't wait.  Flamini may be back in the squad, and his combining with the ever-excellent Arteta is mouth watering indeed.  I think if we handle the Dutch Skunk and Rooney the way we took care of Sturridge and Suarez, we are in for another three points.  Manure's midfield is no match for ours.  The strategy of cutting off supply to the two strikers will probably be implemented yet again.  Our back four is more solid than ever, and Ozil attracting three defenders everytime he touches the ball, will open up our other players to receive his elegant passes.  The corridors will open, and our attacking players will answer.  I say it now.  Unless we are crazy fatigued from our exhaustive display at Dortmund,  we are winning this one.  I am that confident.

The game is late on Sunday after the other top table contenders have played.  Winning against Moyes' not quite-ready-for-prime-time-players would be the most delicious icing on the scrumptious cake ever.

So here's to another three points, to crushing the little boy inside the skunk, and to pulling even farther away from the pack.

That's it for now.  Have a good one Gooners.  And - Come. On. You. Gunners.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Wenger versus Mourinho Revisited?

No, no no.  It's about the football, right?  It's true that the grandstanding Mourinho of old didn't show up at first upon his return to the Premier League.  But as of last Saturday, he is officially back to his scene stealing ways.  Arsene, however, claims to be above that.  I may be more biased, but Arsene wins in the class department, hands down.

But, for every other non-egocentric football loving lifeform, it's about advancing to the quarter finals in the Capital One Cup.  Mourinho in his game playing ways first announced that he would play a youth-type team, Jose retracted that statement, instead whining about how Chelsea's schedule is harder than Arsenal's.  Waaaaa.

So, really, who knows what Chelsea is going to offer on the pitch come tomorrow?  Instead, let's look at what we may have to offer.  We know who is not going to play.  Arteta is out with a red card, and Flamini has some sort of groin pull.  So I doubt he will be risked which leaves the DM position open.  Frimpong is still short of coming back from his 3rd, 4th, 2nd knee injury.  Wenger states that Isaac Hayes will be considered.  He's used as a defender or midfielder, so we could see him start.  We know Vermie will get a start, and I would not be surprised to see Sagna start alongside him in the center with Jenks on the right, Monreal on the left, and Fabianski in goal.  I see the middle and wings getting filled with Jack, Santi Ryo /Gnabry (if fit), and Bendy starting up front.

We are playing at home (on our short grass), and with the way the Emirates has been sounding, the boys should feel lifted and revved up to bring home a win.  No matter what team the Special Happy One puts on the pitch, our guys have to be solid defensively.  Mourinho has the defense of his first team solidified, and his midfield maestros firing, but there is no saying what his second or third tier group will look like.  It kind of makes it exciting, not knowing what version of the Blues we are going to face.

In other news, this link to Lewandowski  is not going away.  It is still too hard for me to imagine he would not go with Bayern, but stranger things (with umlauts) have happened, and sometimes umlauts and strange happenings attract more of the same.  If you were Lew, wouldn't you want Ozil lofting a beautiful pass up to you?  Nod your head.  Of course you would.

That's it for now.  I'll be back later in the week to dissect Jose the Cup match and talk about one of our biggest games yet against Liverpool on Saturday.

Until then, have a good one Gooners.

Edit:  How did I forget about TR7?  Of course, I would expect him to start.  He gievs great pace, movement, and defensive cover.  Sorry about the exclusion.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace...Back to the Grind

 This match did not turn out to be exactly the spanking I was looking forward to.  Coming off of a loss at home in the Champions League necessitated a postiive display to restore confidence and morale.  On one hand, we obtained both.  We came away with three points, breaking away while down to ten men.  That win required resilience, determination and grit.  On the other hand, our apparent sluggishness perhaps was a warning of players needing  rest, or more worrying, not taking our competition seriously.

Crystal Palace seemed wary of us at first, staying compact in defense and looking nervous when our midfield began to attack directly.  But as time again shows in these games, the more an underdog can keep the opponent from scoring, the more their confidence grows.  By the end of the first half, Palace had three shots on target to our one.  It was one of those games where one becomes worried the Arsenal could lose one to nil.

However, the second half proved more fruitful.  Gnabry had come on as a substitute for Flamini (pulled groin?) in the 8th minute and not only provided some much needed width on the field, but earned a penalty as well.  Serge headed to the touchline with the ball looking as if he were going to attempt a cross, but cut back, causing Guedioura to upend him inside the box in the 47th minute.  Mikel took the penalty, curling it into the upper left corner.  The goalie dove the right way, but the strong shot proved out of reach.

Funny how things can turn on a dime.  One minute, Arteta is celebrating his goal, then less than 20 minutes later, he's sent off with a controversial red card.  Chamakh chested down a long ball in the 65th minute.  Arteta ran with him attempting to slow him or poke the ball away.  Their feet became entangled, they both went down, and Foy showed the red and sent Mikel off because of the last man and goal-scoring opportunity rule.  Looking at the video below, you will see that there was no foul from Arteta on Chamakh.  Chamakh pushed Arteta away which caused their feet to tangle.  Bad call.

Nail-biting stuff.  Could we hold on to a one goal lead with 20 minutes to go in the game?

Crystal Palace tested us.  Szczesny had two fine saves that kept us in the game.  This one in particular required excellent reflexes.  Thanks to those saves, Szczesny was awarded MOTM.  Someone who played excellently albeit somewhat more quietly was Bacary Sagna.  He chucked in some lovely crosses and kept the two Palace wingers in his back pocket.  When are we signing him to another contract?




Giroud's performance this game was a bit sub par in my opinion.  He still worked hard and won header after header, but his touch seemed slightly off.  Thanks to his workrate, however, he was able to get on the end of a lovely loft from Aaron Ramsey and head home the final nail in Eagles' coffin.  Having missed another header earlier, it was nice to see the technique shine in the second.  Timing his run, eye on the ball, heading it downward.  Lovely.

Some final thoughts on the match.  It seemed to me that most of our offense went down the right side.  That could be from Santi being slightly off form from his injury?  A more balanced approached needs to be found.  We were way too predictable in that respect.  Also, I found it interesting that Arsene was asked if he were surprised about how long the grass on the pitch was.  His response cracked me up.  So very Arsene.

"No we expect that everywhere we go. I will soon have a pitch at home with long grass to practice for when we play away from home."

That's all for now.  Much of the squad will get to rest for the Cup game against Chelsea on Tuesday.  I'll be back for the preview.  Oh - did I mention we are still top of the league?

Have a good one Gooners.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Just Like the Old Days...But Better - Arsenal 4-1 Norwich

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It wasn't Thierry Henry hooking up with Bobby or Berkamp sliding a pass through to Freddy.  Instead it was Jack, Mesut, Santi, Ollie, and Ramsey with the flicks, backheels, and volleys that sealed Norwich's fate.  Why am I savoring this win perhaps more than those of times gone by?  I think it's because of the drought of pretty play endured by the fans over the past few years, and seeing those young players that we wrung our hands over (as Wenger persisted in being patient), coming good and enjoying their football.

What more pleasure is there in seeing Aaron Ramsey shake and bake his way past Norwich defenders to put the ball in goal? A player abused by his own fans just last year is having fun.  Having come on in the 37th minute for The Flying Flamini (head collision), Ramsey took until the second half to put on his shooting boots, scoring in the 83rd minute.

If shake and bake isn't your cup of tea, take a look at Arsenal's first goal - aptly named WengerBall.  Santi passes to Giroud who goes to Jack who gives it back to Giroud, who then then lofts the ball back to Jack who calmly slots it home.  If you think that last sentence was confusing, take a look at the two backheels that were exchanged - they left the Norwich defense completely bewildered.

And let's not forget our mega-star signing who scored his first two Premier League goals in front of a rip-roaring Emirates crowd.  He looked as though he thoroughly enjoyed his triumph too.
Ozil Ramsey Norwich celebration

His first goal was a header - really unusual for the creative midfielder.  The timing of his run to get on the end of Ramsey's cross was perfect, and he threw himself into it.  His second goal came off a great assist from Giroud who caught a cross from Rosicky on the volley and jabbed it back toward Ozil.  One touch each.  Perfect.

The fun of watching the Arsenal game was magnified by the surroundings in which I watched.  I traveled to North Carolina this week to visit old friends and fellow Arsenal fans Jeane and Doc who now are part of a group called The Triangle Gooners of Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. They frequent a pub called Bull McCabes.  The bar was stocked full of enthusiastic Gooners who were cheering, clapping, jeering, and best of all, chanting authentic Arsenal chants.  Loved it.

The next few weeks will be interesting.  Flamini is out with a concussion.  We have Dortmund at home on Tuesday, Crystal Palace on Saturday, and then Chelsea for the Capital One Cup again on Tuesday.  That takes care of October.  Then fasten your seatbelts for November when we play Liverpool, Dortmund (away), Manchester United, Southhampton, and Marseilles all before Thanksgiving.  Our longer term injured players should be returning in time to rotate the squad.

In the meantime, savor being top of the league yet again.  Like I said, this is fun, like the old days, but...well...you get it.

Have a good one Gooners.



Thursday, October 10, 2013

A Draw Before Interlull - is your glass half full?



Interlulls are difficult to say the least.  They are made even more so by the fact that we left off in the League top of the table.  Drawing at West Brom may have not been the exact result that we wanted, but I don't think anyone can complain about our first place position.  Any honest Gooner would tell you that circumstances are polar opposite of what we thought they would be back in August. I think the lack of free-flowing performance last Sunday was due to several issues.  Firstly, I give credit to West Brom for playing hard and tactically sound footy.  Clogging up our middle and pressing three players to our one who was on the ball congested the lanes of our passing, made it look like we were dribbling the ball into a striped crowd, and frustrated us with fouls that went uncalled.  Jack in particular spent most of his first half prone on the pitch waving his hands in the air appealing to the ref for a foul (really the only area of his footballing that drives me crazy).

Secondly, with our injuries, and thereby lack of rotation, I would wonder if some of our regulars are getting a bit tired.  Ramsey came off and iced his leg after what we would now consider a sub-par performance from him.  Mertesacker also was solid, but made a couple of judgmental errors.  He was one of the defenders that spaced off while Yacob ran to meet the ball with his head.  Very un-Per of him.  The bad news is our most tired players are off now on international duty traveling distances and running on fumes.  That is worrisome.  The good news is by the time the lull has been put to sleep, we should have impactful players returning from injury.  Santi and Yaya are due back October 19th with possibly Poldi, Theo, and Sagna back the week after.  We have some serious games coming up after the break, so these returns are well-timed indeed (I just saw Tommy has a shin injury?  Jeesh - he just got back!).

But, the 19th seems a long way off on the football horizon.  All we have to entertain us are stories of Jack possibly being misquoted about a comment when asked about some non-English player playing for England.  This controversy comes on the tails of his smoking debacle (for which he took ownership - well done Jack-o!).  Yep - that's how slow the news is.  We don't seem to have any injury news coming in from our boys training internationally but the matches themselves begin the 11th.  Our boys from Germany, England, France, and Spain all play on Friday, Oops - and lets not forget Nicky B. who is back in the Denmark squad.  I'll be scouring for injury news Saturday morning.

That's all for now.  I may post a few thoughtful articles between now and the end of the break.  Until then, good luck trying to stay awake and have a good one Gooners.


Saturday, October 5, 2013

Can Arsenal Continue Their Smokin' Hot Winning Ways? West Brom previewed



It's most unusual here in the Midwest with these beginning days of October being humid and hot and thunderstorms popping up here and there.  It's taking some adjusting to get used to after previous cool and seasonable weather.  Being an Arsenal fan has been the same in a way.  Starting off as a fan of the Invincibles, the last several years I have acclimated to expecting young, talented players to not reach their potential, or after doing so, leaving for greener and richer pastures.  Seeing the young come good and spending riches to bring in the cream of the world crop has seen us top the Champions League Group Stage and the Premier League table (until this morning). Winning is so much more enjoyable than steamy and sticky weather.

West Brom will prove another tricky test.  They are sitting mid-table, but are coming off of a win where they beat Manchester United 2-1 and were,  inarguably, the better looking team.  Playing in the West Midlands again a team gaining confidence can be problematic.  Although over the summer, their squad was thinned, losing loaned- out- from- Chelsea Lukaku as well as Gera, Fortune, and Thomas.  They did acquire Anelka, but he is currently a doubt because of an ankle injury.  And yet, Steve Clark and company grabbed three points last week playing a 4-4-1-1 using Anichebe up front and Sessegnon slotting in behind him.  The second goal in particular was due to Manure's defense allowing Amalfitano to dance his way to the goal pretty well unimpeded.  Arsene may well employ the defense used against Napoli to ensure that doesn't happen.

The combination of Arteta and Flamini sitting behind Mesut and the wings was particulary effective.  Not surprising really when you consider that Mikel and Mathieu are the Ying and Yang of defensive football.  Mikel is discipline, technical, calm, and metronomic  in his passing.  Matty is all passion and grit.  He flings himself sideline to sideline breaking up plays and making stinging tackles the opponent will remember.

As far as they rest of the squad, Sagna is out for three weeks with a hamstring injury so Jenks will be starting at right back.  Arsene will have to decide between Gnabry, TR7, and Jack.  Jack did not start against Napoli and will be chomping at the bit to get a starting position back, but he may also be in the doghouse after his smoking incident.  Considering how hard a worker Jack is though, I think he will pay a fine (to Per), get a talking to from Le Boss about health and PR concerns (fire your reps Jack.  They did you no favors), and be in contention for starting.

Up top, the decision picks itself.   Unless Giroud gets hurt, Bendtner will start from the bench.  I'm of the mind that if we start hard and fast like we did against the Italians, we will put West Brom on the back foot and bring home a win.

So here's hoping our terrific effort and performances repeat themselves against a team that is attempting to evolve.  A win will reestablish us as table toppers.  I could get used to that.  But, let's get rid of the mugginess, shall we?  That is one thing I don't want to get used to.

Have a good one Gooners.


Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Is This Really Happening?


Is it really happening?  Top of the League.  Ten wins in a row.  Six points and four goals on aggregate in the group stages of the Champions League.  Two of those goals are away.  And accomplishing all of this with what has been termed by everyone, including our manager, a thin squad.  It's magical. It's magical in a way that a small child goes to sleep dreaming of Santa and wakes up to a mound of presents.  Amazing.

We may have rued Higuain joining Napoli leaving us with only Giroud.  We moaned when Cabaye didn't appear and we didn't acquire Bender.  I have never loved being wrong about the season's prospects more than I am right now.  Elated doesn't come close to describing it.

Herr Ozil was again a revelation with scoring his first Arsenal goal on the bounce after Ramsey offered up a terrific cross from the right side.  Ramsey playing on the right a year ago would have made me bury my head into my hands.  This season's Rambo Ready is an entirely different animal.

Coming into this match, Giroud had gone three games without a goal.  His all around play was still impactful, but I must admit, there was a tinge of doubt way back in the dark recesses of my mind that wondered if his early goal scoring form was a fluke.  I am delighted to say he vanquished all sorts of dust bunnies and any other sort of creatures that inhabit dark recesses.  He not only took part in the set up play that gave rise to Mesut's goal (won the header, held up the ball, passed it to Ramsey), but added to his goal tally by putting away an Ozil assist.

And it's not just a couple of individual stand out stars that are making a difference.  Don't get me wrong, signing Ozil seems to have conferred upon our boys even more confidence and inspiration that they achieved at the end of last season.

But it's a team thing:



Just one more observation before I go.  Wenger solved the Arteta/Flamini rotation issue by playing them both.  Why not?  Flamini has the energy to break up play anywhere on the field, and according to Wenger, deal with Hamsik.  Arteta was on the pitch to read the game and keep possession of the ball - a stat that increased to 67% after previous percentages of only 59% and 48% at Swansea and West Brom respectfully.

So we are on to West Brom on the weekend where some rested players from tonight (gasp - we were able to rest players?) will probably make an appearance.  I'll be back with more euphoric Arsenal thoughts before then.

Such as - what are we going to do with Santi when he returns?

Nice to have that problem.  Have a good one Gooners.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Winning Gunners Welcome Napoli

JUST CALL ME MANCHESTER


Another win in the Premier League has Arsenal perched once again in first place with some distance between the Manchester teams thanks to their losing ways over the weekend.  Our winning streak has the press considering us for title contenders only weeks after declaring Arsenal a land of self-destruction.  In their defense of course, most of Goonerdom was doing the same.

With no injuries suffered from killing off the Swans, Arsenal can go into Tuesday's Champions League race with confidence and a slighter deeper bench.  Tomas Rosicky returns to the side.  Fortuitous timing indeed as his European experience will be needed in dealing with a quick counter-attacking Napoli side.

I doubt very much that Arsene will tinker a great deal with his starting XI from Saturday.  If any rotation occurs it could be at the center back, holding midfielder, or right winger positions.  Per played 120 minutes last Wednesday, and a full 94 at Swansea.  I know that Wenger talks about our BFG's conservation of energy, but Napoli will look to exploit any slowness of foot with the attack of Higuain, Callejon and Insigne.  Both Vermie and Koz, although we didn't like the look of their 2012-2013 combo form, could be quick enough to snuff out any danger.  In front of them, the industrious Flamini could break down any quick counter-attacking breaks with his industry, or Mikel could use his reading of the game and his fine passing to help retain our ball possession rate - which has been lacking the last several games (The Flamster was never known to be a great passer).  

I would hope for TR7 to start on the wing over Gnabry just for his consistency and his experience.  Gnabry had a great performance both offensively and defensively on Saturday after a mediocre one at the Capital One Cup.  He's 18 years old.  We know very well by now the variation a youth performance can provide.  Tomorrow is not the time to throw him into the Champions League.  Give Serge a shot after we secure 10 points.  Tommy's sliding tackles can only help us fetter the Italians.

Benitez may decide to play a little more conservatively than at the Emirates Cup as hinted at in his press conference:

"This game is different, we play away against a team whose ball possession is one of their strengths, with the counter-attack, so we will need to change our approach."

Does this mean Rafa will park the bus?  Other than at the striker position, I believe we have the personnel to adapt to whatever he throws at us.  And considering we have only one striker anyway, I'm not too worried about his tactics.  Oh - and he went on to poke at Mourinho by giving our manager a compliment:

"I am expecting a strong team because I think Arsène Wenger is the best coach in the Premier League," 

Manager cat-fights always make things interesting. Meow.

Anyway, I leave you with the GIF below (I'm getting pretty good at making these), of my favorite moment in the buildup to the goals from Saturday.  Jack is working hard out of his favored position (sound like anyone we know?), still trying to get fit, and doesn't get much recognition for what he does.  His very important tackle was the highlight for me.  Enjoy.

Wilshere Tackle on Make A Gif
make animated gifs like this at MakeAGif

Monday, September 23, 2013

Victory over the Potters

Apologies for the late post.  Here are a few of my thoughts on our win over the evolutionez cavemen of Stoke.  If they seem a tad disjointed it's because I'm trying to sneak around my new boss while writing.  Don't try this at home, kids.


We did not look our best today, but got the job done  And we got it done at a 3-1 scoreline.  Not a 1 to nil, but a nice somewhat comfortable less nail-bitey than usual two goal difference.   Our play wasn't at its most  fluid, and the legs looked tired in the second half.   I think our midweek trip to Marseille took its toll, and it's fortunate that our match this coming Wednesday is a Capital One Cup.  Arsene will be able to rotate from our slightly deeper bench.

Three of our goals came from set pieces. It seems an eon ago when we could count on scoring from free kicks and corners (the days of Sol).  And it was a testament to the team's mentality that when we couldn't score from open play, we opted for Plan B.  Watching Per score fills me with glee because I can see how much it means to him.  And having Sagna's looping header fill the net is sweet after his struggle with form and injury the last couple of seasons.  The Rambo goal carries a special meaning because it saw Aaron's composure and technique (scored with his weak foot?) once gain in front of the net after following up on the rebound from Ozil's free kick.  Speaking of which..

We have a set-piece taker that has good technique.  Ozil's free kick forced an acrobatic save from Begovic.  Mesut's corners were of similar quality.  He may not be known in particular for his free kicks, but he would be my main choice.

We suffered not having Theo.  I could feel Ozil's frustration at not having him around to set free with a long pass behind the defense.  And after he scored in Europe last week, I washpoing to see him go on a spurt.  Gnabry did a fine job deputizing at the last minute.  He stayed on the ball well, outmuscling some defensive players and took a couple of shots.  He's not as fast as Theo, but I can see his potential.  He should be starting against West Brom Wednesday.

My final note is one for the commentators who criticized Ozil for not being as influential at his home debut as he had been at away matches.  This is the same player who set up all three goals which I think is pivotal as opposed to non-crucial.  Once again, I wonder if pundits think about what they are about to say before speaking.  Pause, think, comment.  In that order.

That's all for now.  We have West Brom on Wednesday for the beginning of the Capital Run Cup.  Until then, have a good one Gooners.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

We are Rambo-Ready for Stoke



It's a beautiful, if not windy, autumn day here in Northwest Indiana.  I just got done watching Chelsea beat Fulham 2-0.  Mourinho was magnanimous today and did not engage in any eye-poking.  He chose instead to give Jol a nice peck on the cheek.  I guess he's a better winner than loser.  Who of us can't say that?  I still detest him though.

Anyway,with Liverpool losing to Southampton's earlier, first place is ours for the taking.  And we have a chance to take those three points from the team that could have taken Aaron's footballing future from him.  How sweet it is indeed that Rambo is in the form of his career, overcoming injury and abuse (unfortunately from some of our own Arsenal fans) in time to face these uglies.  His ability to surmount these obstacles has his teammates and coach singing his praises:
"It took him a long time to get completely over that (leg break), especially in the duels, in the fights. He had a little resistance to go into the fights for a long time," said Wenger.
"It was in the last three or four months of last season when he started to come back.He had a difficult period in mid-season where people became a little bit impatient with him."..."He has a great engine, great spirit and has an obsession - he wants always to be better."
Jack adds: "He's done really well and you get that feeling that he's going to score in every game. Even towards the end of the game he gets forward because he is so fit and every shot he takes now seems to go in.
"I'm really happy for him, we gave him a bit of stick before when he didn't score many but he's playing really well now and we're all happy for him."
I think that this might be the first Stoke game in three years that Aaron won't have that leg break on his mind.  It'll be all about the football.

Mark Sparky Hughes has taken over management in an effort for the club to push past the long ball play and push up the table.  They currently reside in a comfortable ninth place having won two, lost one and drawn one.  Their total goals scored is two.  If they are trying to shift away from being known as a club that play negative football, their season start has not been promising. With any luck, they will continue  trying to play more attacking football against us tomorrow, as that style will suit us much more than the Rory Delap style of old .  Here's hoping Sparky leaves the Stoke long-ball legacy behind.

In team news, Mikel is back in the squad.  I am figuring Wenger will start him on the bench perhaps subbing him in later if the match permits.  I personally favor Flamini in the holding role.  He is quicker and more energetic, although at times a bit rash.  While Mikel is calmer and a leader, he has slowed down a tad.  I look for Mikel to play a major part in our Capital One and FA Cup matches.  Whatever role he plays, it is nice to have him, and the much needed depth he provides, back in the squad.

Those of you who perused the Arsenal site today may have noticed a certain Dane training with our first teamers.  Whether he makes the bench this Sunday is anyone's guess, but I am certain he will also be instrumental in our run for a cup.  But that's a post for another day.

That's it for now.  Enjoy the day. It can't go by quick enough to get to Sunday morning.  Let's Go You Reds!

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

The March to Marseille

Good morning Gooners.  This is going to be a shorter than normal posting.  It's that time of year again where we begin playing three games a week in an attempt to secure a trophy of some sort.  Today's match kicks off the group stage of the Champions League where we play against fourth-placed Marseille of Ligue 1.

At the time of my last writing, I was wringing my hands at the thought that our one and only true striker was out with a knee injury.  Since then, Wenger has stated that Olivier had a fitness test yesterday to determine whether or not he can start.  I have no official news (as in medical), but Ollie Gee has once again taken to Twitter and suggests he will be in the squad for the match today.




Now, Wenger could start him on the bench, allowing Theo to take the central role as a precautionary measure ( doesn't the transfer window seem an eternity away).  But, this is a very tough group we are facing, and securing as many points as possible as soon as possible is incredibly important.  Wenger gets paid the big bucks for making decisions just like these and taking gambles.  Here's hoping whatever risk he decides to take pays off.

Marseille traditionally play a high line, are known to be defensively sound while balancing their attack.  I do not think that they will just sit behind the ball and absorb our pressure.  I'm looking for Mesut to use that high line to pick out little balls over the top to Theo who could use the Champions League as the arena where his goal scoring takes off.  I look for Jack and Rambo to continue their burgeoning partnership with Ozil to create other goal scoring opportunities.  Flamini will help provide cover and we will have Sagna back on the wing with Per and his ever Ent-like calmness securing the back four.  Our squad is terrifying thin (and I know I point this out every post), but it is talented.

In the end, I look for us to get a very important away goal, and keep a clean sheet, but I don't think this is going to be a goal-scoring extravaganza.  Let's get out early, play tight defense, and head back to London with three points in our pockets.  I'll be trying to find a stream and will follow the excellent Arseblog on his live blog.  Have a good one Gooners.  And oh yea ...

COME ON YOU RIP ROARING REDS!