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.

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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.

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!

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.

Had a walk this morning in Marseille "vieux port" ☀ Now go for a nap and focus on this evening... 😉👍 X pic.twitter.com/ZUpqKVU35P
— Olivier Giroud (@_OlivierGiroud_) September 18, 2013

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!

Arsenal Top of the Table but in Deep Doo-doo

A 3-1 score away at the Stadium of Light is hard to come by.  Leaving out the 1-0 win last  February, we have traditionally either drawn or lost there in a somewhat lacklustre style.  Today's match was very different.  It was a game that started with a beautiful team goal, was peppered with controversy, ended with us controlling the game, and left us in alarm at possible additional injuries.

Our starting lineup was anyone's guess aswe were apprised that both Mertesacker and Ozil missed training due to being ill.  Personally, my heart sank at thinking that we would have to wait until mid-week before we got to see Mesut take the pitch as a Gunner.  But, thankfully, he was feeling better and started , mostly due to the fact that Santi was reported out with an ankle injury.  So we had Jack on the wing with Ozil, Rambo, and The Flamster combining in the middle, Sagna at centerback, and the Corporal at right back.

We saw the potential of Ozil's influence early on in the game when he brought down a lovely ball sent forward by Gibbs, and then slid a perfect pass across for Giroud to put into the net without having to break his stride.  From front to back, the play was perfection.

We could have been up 3-0 at halftime if Theo was able to put away his chances provided again by Ozil and then by Giroud.  But although his movement was excellent, his finishing was sub-par, and Theo is still not on the score sheet this season.

Sunderland got back in the game when Koz foolishly slid into a tackle on Adam Johnson.  Johnson was on Koz' right hand side away from goal, and Gibbs was there to help.  Going to ground was unnecessary.  This is Laurent's 2nd penalty for this season.  He's a good defender, but sometimes it seems his brain leaves his body leaving him prone to rash decisions.  Anyway, Sunderland converted the penalty and drew even.

Now for the controversial part.  Altidore almost made it 1-2. When Sagna and he tussled and grappled outside the box, Atkins blew a whistle for a freekick to Sunderland as opposed to playing advantage.  Not hearing the whistle, the American broke free and rolled the ball into the net.  The goal was disallowed and the free kick given (which Sunderland made mince-meat out of).  Usually, Arsenal are on the pointy stick end of Lady Luck, but that call kept us in the game.  

Sunderland continued pressing and knocking at the door, gaining momentum due to their indignation at Atkins's decision.  And if it weren't for Aaron Ramsey, things may have turned out very differently for us.  Ramsey scored two pretty goals.  He got on the end of a terrific cross from the Corporal and volleyed it in for his first goal in the 67th minute, and then got on the end of a Giroud through ball in the 75th minute.  His newly found composure in front of the net has resulted in five goals in all competitions.

The end of the match, however, left me wringing my hands as Giroud fell to the ground holding his knee after merely kicking the ball. Arsene, along with confirming that Santi is out for "three weeks" with his ankle injury, admitted he is worried about Giroud as well:  

"That's my worry today after the game. We are very thin at the moment. [It is] a knee problem. He is the player at the moment that would be very difficult for us [to replace]."

No kidding.

However, Olivier put this up on his Twitter feed not long ago:

My knee is ok don't worry! Thanks for your support! 😉
— Olivier Giroud (@_OlivierGiroud_) September 14, 2013

Now, Giroud strikes me as being an optimistic kind of fellow.  Let's hope his statement is based on medical data and not pure sentiment.

That's all the news for now.  I'll be back to preview our Champions League match against Marseille Wednesday.  Until then, enjoy being at the top Gooners.  Have a good one.
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Bring Out the Big Gunz

For some reason, my computer has decided to disallow the umlaut over the "u" in Gunz.  Maybe it's a sign that it's time to get over the umlaut obsession.  It's getting old, worn, and tired.  And I don't care.  I will just have to hunt down another computer and fix the vowels in the title later.

In team news, Theo is a go for Saturday's match after a scare tackle on his ankle in the England versus Ukraine match.  Vermie is back in training and may be on the bench Saturday, and Bendtner is trying to lose some weight and get back in shape.  TR7 was not so lucky after suffering a thigh strain due to having his toe get stuck in the turf during the Czech's loss to Italy.  Tommy's injury actually may aid Wenger in his selection dilemma for tomorrow's match.

Tommy, Mesut, and Santi all enjoy playing in the hole behind the main striker.  Santi can be effective on the left wing.  He drifts in and out of the center of the pitch exchanging spots with another midfielder (like Tommy or even Mesut).  Tommy had the role of a winger often when Cesc was in the team, and he just was not as effective.  After Cesc left, Tommy was more often deployed in his favorite posisiton and excelled there.  His injury allows Wenger to start Mesut behind Giroud, Santi on the left, Jack/Rambo a little deeper, and then it's either Flamini/ Rambo in the holding role.  We now have nice competition for the midfield positions.  Hopefully, this will sharpen everyone's form - especially Jack's.  Poor Jack is not yet fully fit, has been demonized in the media for a sub par performance for England by the same knee-jerk reactionists who set him up as the next England Messiah.  Jack will be fine.  Like Wenger said, he just needs a run of games.

I am really looking forward to this match for obvious Ozil reasons.  Our squad has only had two days of training with him, but the saliva flows nonetheless.  I liked Rambo's tweet:

Good to be back at Arsenal today. Decent morning of training with a certain new player!
— Aaron Ramsey (@aaronramsey) September 12, 2013

I can imagine him winking at me while he tweets that, can't you?  Cute.

Now that the Interlull has been put away in a dark closet (until it reemerges on October 11th), we have a full month of games to assess how our squad is gelling and perhaps gain a glimpse of Wenger's plan for juggling our tiny squad between three different competitions in six weeks. Wow.

Until then, let's enjoy what has traditionally been a tough visit to the Stadium of Light.  I would not bet against the away fans being more loud and supportive than usual.  I hope they sing that song that was going around on Twitter:
           
               "Santi to the left of me, Ozil to the right, here I am stuck in the middle Giroud".

Love it.  Have a good one Gooners.

NOT SO GOOD UPDATE:  According  to the Daily Mail, Jack's stomach bug has made it's way through our squad.  Per and Ozil showed up to training not feeling well and were told to sit out.  Ugh.

Gooners Are Learning to Love the Ümlaut

Ö

Welcome to post-Transfer Window daylight.  After being peppered with rumors, and riding the roller coaster of "will we or won't we" spend a ton of money, it's time to exhale, assess, and gloat. Yep.  I am advocating gloating, bragging, boasting, and overall obnoxiousness.  We deserve it.  We got The Özil.

Now, I could focus on what we did not get.  And I am well aware that we are sending our players on international duty with very little back up on the bench if there are injuries.  But, I'm still grinning ear to ear about the acquisition of the top assist-maker in all of Europe.  Someone even better than Cesc.  Someone who, combined with Mr. Magic Feet, will give such service to Giroud and Theo, that he could become the top assist-maker in the Premier League in his first season.  And the other little tidbit that gets me excited about him is...he doesn't seem to be injury-prone.  He player 50 games for Real Madrid in both the 2010-2011  and the 2012-2013 seasons.  

It seems that the Creative Midfielder position is the the last one that needs reinforcing.  But when a player of Mesut's calibre becomes available, he cannot be passed up.  And, if we look back at the Spuds game over the weekend, if the passes were a bit more precise, maybe Lloris wouldn't have beaten our front men to the ball.  And what other world class players will pass over Arsenal now when they could play with our new signing?  Talent attracts talent.  I would not be surprised to see us sign another quality player (striker?) in the January window, and perhaps Wenger is more wily about transfers than we have given him credit for.  The core of the team are young, talented Brits who love the club.  Now they will be supplemented with the "super-quality" player that will make them look even more talented.  Rumor is that the attitude is awesome in the locker room, and after reading Özil's statement about becoming a Gunner, I think he will be an enhancement there as well.

" I’m really looking forward to it because I have the faith of the coach. I had spoken to him at length on the telephone and he explained his plans and that he has faith in me and that is what I need as a player. "

"At Arsenal, I can feel that there is trust. I'm looking forward to the challenge. I will develop under my new manager and I'm looking forward to [playing in] the Premier League too. Wenger gives me the faith and I can develop further."

I think any of us Gooners would not be surprised to hear that the perception of Wenger is that he places trust in his players and is known for developing them.  At times, his faith has driven us crazy.  But, Özil is a player that has already proven his talent and value, and knows he needs a coach like Wenger.  And this player's not even French or an under-21!

All in all, I am pleased.  We have competition for Szczesny, the Flamster is back (see here for that great tackle on Danny Rose), and we kept...B52.  At least there was some comedy in this window as well.  We head into this interlull with some excitement of things to come, which is a  feeling that has been missing for awhile now.  

*exhale.

Have a good one Gooners.

Arsenal 1 - 0 Daniel Levy and co. plus - Arsene has a surprise?

"Yes!" roared our BFG.  "Yes!"  The club that has spent zero transfer dollars outlasted and outplayed Mr. Levy's 100 million pound squad.  Make no mistake, the new players brought in for Spurs are of some quality, but did not have time to bed in before they went up against our starting XI who are more than acquainted with each other.

Corporal Jenksinson started over Sagna who fell sick the night before, Koz was back alongside Per, and the rest of the squad were the usual suspects.

At the kickoff, I knew our boys were up for the match just by the way Giroud outright sprinted to challenge the passing of Spurs back four.  I know Ollie GEEE is not everyone's cup of tea as a striker, but his work rate both offensively and defensively was a sight to behold.  His lack of pace can be forgiven by his reading of the game demonstrated by the timing of his run to the back post.  And a terrific, technical finish off his outside of his left foot was too much for Lloris.  His improvement so far this season has been fun to watch.

Rambo continued his marshaling of the Arsenal by providing another combative performance. He too battled for every ball and then provided an extra push up the pitch when needed after Jack left due to (thankfully) stomach cramps.

Santi sent in through ball after through ball and Theo ran Danny Rose into the ground.

My only concern during the match was Gibb's performance.  He had several mislaid passes through the match which contributed to our 43% possession rate.  This isn't Kieran's first game back from his head injury so either he 1) just had an off day or 2) perhaps he also caught the stomach bug making its rounds through the squad.  I am hoping for the second.

In the end, and after the agony of five minutes added time, we walked away with a lovely and well deserved three points.  Olivier earned the Man of the Match award with Rambo standing alongside him answering a question about needed transfers with maturity and aplomb.

In the post game press conference, Wenger admitted that he might have a surprise for us as far as transfers goes.  At the time that I am writing this, the Bale Sale is official, and the link to Ozil has resurfaced with Skysports' Guillem Balague's tweet.

Cadena Ser: Madrid and Arsenal have reached a deal for Ozil, 45+5m euros pending agreement with the player who is desperate to leave
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) September 1, 2013

I'd be delighted to sign one that got away. However, considering his published remarks about wanting to stay at Real,  I am confused that Balague referred to Ozil as "desperate to leave".  His public comments have been the very opposite.  I do hope he is desperate.  I am concerned that a forced ousting might negatively affect his attitude at the club.  He would be joining two other German internationals.  Perhaps that could alleviate any possible petulance.  There are other possible links such as DiMaria, Mata, Draxler, and Hernandez.  With the window counting down, who knows what can happen?

Anyway, that's all I have for now.  My weekend has been sent into Happyland by our victory and perforamce over the Spuds.  So, it's well done, well earned, and let's get in some reinforcements.  These boys deserve it.  Have a good one you Gooners.