Battle for the Title Continues





Bring on the Cat



Good morning boys and girls.  Arctic blast or no, it's a great day because we have an Arsenal match today at St. Mary's, and do to the weather, my office is closed - yet again - so I get to watch The Arsenal on my sofa in front of the flat screen.  Yes! 

The last time we played the Saints, Ollie got himself a brace at home one of which resulted from him stealing the ball from a dithering Boruc.  Since then, our opponents have lost five, drawn three, and won only two games.  Currently sitting in ninth position and having a slightly better home record than away, Mauricio Pochettino's boys will want to give a good performance in front of their home fans.  They like to play attacking football and are now 20 points behind us but have only allowed in six more goals than us for the season - albeit most of those have been scored this second half of the season.  But, make no mistake.  It'll be tricky match up.

Team news for us is that Mikel and Vermie are back training with the squad, but probably won't start.  I was hoping to see Ramsey back as well, but it looks as though he could be a doubt and  Jack  is probably going to be absent due to an ankle injury he received during the Coventry game.  Plus, LeBoss also may be cautious with  starting Ox again after being out so many months.  Which leaves us with what possible line-up?

Against Coventry, Arsene did not deploy Flamini, instead opting for a more creative, attack minded midfield of Jack and Ox against the lower league team.  I doubt he can afford that today.  I'm thinking he will start Flamini and Santi or Rosicky in the middle with Podolski and Serge on the wings.  Giroud will be at the front returning after his rest in the FA Cup.  And of course, Ozil.  In the back, our Number One will reappear between the posts with steadier than steady Sagan, Mertie, and Koz in front of him.  I really can't make a call on the left back.  Monreal has gained a starting position over Gibbsy, but Kieran did put in a good performance against Coventry.  I think Wenger will look at what left flank combination works best together and the need for speed versus defense.

Three points gained today will again put pressure on City and Chelsea both of whom play tomorrow.  I honestly don't look for either team to drop points against Spurs or West Ham, but it football can be an unpredictable thing.

Rumors still abound over Draxler (on Twitter anyway).  I have a favorite ITK fellow I follow, but won't get your hopes up by publishing what he's tweeting.  Let's just say, I'm holding out and am looking for a deadline day transfer.

What else?  Oh yea - Arsenal unveiled their new new partnership with Puma -effective July 1st of this year- leaving Nike after 20 years.   The deal with the German company is reported worth 150 million pounds over 5 years which is a substantial increase over past deals and one of the biggest in football history.  Bringing in world class players now, more than ever (even if they are only 20 years old), is a doable deal while keeping us in compliance with FFP and enabling us to carry on our model of self sustainability.  We are no longer a selling club ladies and gents. There were pictures leaked online of the new home kit yesterday, and arseblog has more today posted.  Take a look.  I think the tighter than tight jersey will look fabulous on our boys, but I hope Arsenal don't expect me to wriggle my middle-aged body into one.  I think retro kits are for me from here on out.

Coincidentally, the Puma statement came with a bonus announcement in that Wenger is extending his contract which will be pronounced officially "at the right time".  So, it sounds like a few more details need hammering out.  I wonder if any carrots are being dangled?  "Win the league Arsene, and we'll add a bonus" kind of thing. 

That's it for now.  Here's to three points, a continuation of looking down from the peak of the League, and a daring deadline day signing.  Take care you Gooners.

Arsenal Make Easy Work of Round 4 - Onto Round 5.

Job Well Done



 

Arsenal dispatched Coventry City 4-0 with little problems and a second half full of sloppy efforts.  Our Goldi Poldi got himself a brace upon his second start since returning from injury which will be a boost of confidence of him, and Giroud and Santi scored after coming on in the 79th and 71st minute respectfully.  The scoreline did not give Coventry enough credit, as they came out in the second half pressing higher up the pitch, getting some shots off - way off - target.  Fabianski was called into action however, and did a fine job of shot-stopping.

 

The squad was a bit stronger than I thought it would be.  I definitely thought Arsene would take this match to rest Ozil in preparation for Southampton and subsequent Liverpool and Man United games (I know I skipped Crystal Palace there).  Wenger really wanted to make a statement about his intention, I guess, and did not put on the young 'uns - unless you count Serge - until Zelalem came on in the 71st minute.  All in all, Wenger put out a professional squad who did a professional job.

 

My online stream was awful, so I was unable to catch all the nuances of the game.  How did Ox look in the CM position? How was Zelalem - the first Arsenal player born after Wenger was appointed as manager to make an appearance as first team player - on the ball?  (That was an ugleee structure of a sentence).  Did Giroud's beautiful six-pack really show through his rain-soaked jersey?  These are important questions.  I'm relying on other bloggers' posts and Wenger's post game interview to help answer those them.  Twitter isn't a bad resource either.

 

We are onto Round Five of the FA Cup with the draw taking place Sunday.  So far, there have not been any upsets, unless we can count Wigan taking out Crystal Palace.  There are a couple of games tomorrow, but it looks like we will have a PL team to play next round,  Bring it, I say.

 

Transfer rumors persist despite Wenger's somewhat straightforward answer in his post-match interview:

 

re: the Draxler rumors that spiked on Twitter yesterday-"That again is an illusion. There is nothing happening, honestly no. We have no need on the flanks, we have Chamberlain coming back, we have many players on the flanks. Honestly, I told you in the last press conference, we don't rule it out but at the moment I cannot announce anything to you."

 

I think he's playing some major poker-face here in an effort to not disrespect the reported negotiations that are going on.  We don't need another player for the flank?  Theo is out for the rest of the season.  And Wenger is known for taking such talented wingers (Henry, the Dutch Skunk), and turning them into world class strikers.  For now, I am focusing on the phrase "we don't rule it our but at the moment..."  Only how many days left in the transfer window?  It can't come soon enough for me.

 

I think that's it for now.  I'll have a pre-match report up for the Southhampton game on Tuesday.  Have a good one Gooners.

 

 

 

 



FA Cup Preview and Draxler Madness

Stupid Arctic blasts.  My fingers are freezing as I type.  Yes, living in Northwest Indiana means that enduring (and even enjoying) snow and temps averaging around 20 degrees.  But this -25 to -40 degree stuff is for the birds (who are probably frozen to whatever roost they have found to perch on).  On the other hand...

My work is closed today which means I am able to watch the game (online) without pesky interruptions and having to engage in some form of sneaky office machinations.  Excellent.

Well, we have one week until the window closes and in somewhat typical Arsenal style, we have not brought anyone in even with having Theo out the rest of the season and a need for perhaps another defender.  However, the Draxler rumors are fueling my own personal fire - and even when this happens:

"@Arsenal: We are delighted to announce the transfer of Julian Draxler from Schalke 04 for a fee of £45m. #DraxlerIsAGooner"
— Jim. (@AgentJim_) January 18, 2014

April Fools!!
— Jim. (@AgentJim_) January 19, 2014

I go back for more.  Sad, I know.

I did give him a tweeted piece of my mind of course, but in classic Lisa fashion, I still believe this which appeared this morning:

1/2 I'm being told that Arsenal and Schalke have been in deep negotiations to agree on a fee for Julian Draxler. And this morning a fee..
— Jim. (@AgentJim_) January 24, 2014

Has been finally agreed and Arsenal and Julian Draxler will now go into talks over personal terms. That's all I know at this stage guys.
— Jim. (@AgentJim_) January 24, 2014

Seriously, if this transfer doesn't pan out, I personally will totally deserve the let down, optimistic fool that I am.

Anyway, amidst all this transfer bologna is an FA Cup match today against Coventry City at the Emirates.  Keeping in mind the manner in which we crashed out of the tournament last year against Blackburn, Wenger is not taking the lower-tier team lightly:

“Last year's defeat to Blackburn was a big disappointment. It was a great warning and at the moment this just our next game and we want to win it.”

Santi seems to think we learned our lesson from last season:

“Football produces surprises every day and anything can happen in a game. If you underestimate an opponent, they can beat you.
“You have to approach these games in the best way possible and not get cocky or it will cost us dearly.”

The rub, of course, is we have a thinning squad taking on three trophies.  An FA Cup trophy is a coveted prize and is doable if we combine our first team with our up-and- comers.  With injuries, that will be a tricky combination.  Arteta, Ramsey, Vermalaen, and Rosicky are out with Sanogo and Bendtner having returned to the squad just this week for training.  So, I expect a mix of backups (Fabianski, Jenks) starting with returnees Ox,  and Bendtner, Young Guns Zelalem or maybe Eisfeld with first teamers Mertie, Koz, Gibbs, Flamini, Serge and Santi. 

Coventry City have lost 10 points due to being docked for going into administration (they're owned by a Hedgefund?) so take their League One status with a grain of salt.  Like all lower league teams in this tournament, they have pride to play for.  They more than most.

I guess that's it for now.  This game really should be ours for the taking.  The slackness that has earmarked our starts of late will hopefully not make an appearance tonight.  An infusion of young blood could help cure that ill.  Here's to advancing to Round 5.

Take care you Gooners.

P.S. (A shout out to REDAction who is helping support Coventry City fans bringing in banners to protest having to travel 35 miles to see a home match.  More here...)

Santi's Brace Keeps Gunners Top Arsenal 2 - 0 Fulham

Mr. Magic Feet struck again - twice actually - and kept Arsenal at the top of the standings.  It wasn't the full thumping of a bottom table team that I had hoped for, but going into halftime 0-0 and coming back two goals in the second half was yet another sign of mental reisiliance and determinantion.

The first few minutes of the first half were promising.  We stormed the other end right off the bat and within five minutes, Jack Wilshere played Mesut Ozil into the right side of the penalty area, but instead of shooting, it looked as though he tried to pass and ended up scuffing the ball past the keeper.  Hndgeland kicked it out for a corner.  After that attempt, we seemed to have a hard time of it.  Fulham seemed defensivly determined and resolutely kept behind the ball.  To be fair, we seemed to lack some urgency to beat them back on the break.  That changed second half.

We picked up the pace.  Jack seemed to spearhead the thrust forward aided by our full backs.  Santi and Serge exchanged places on the wings at times which I'm sure kept the defense's heads in a permanent swivel.  Finally, Santi found himself at the end of some good team passing between Giroud and Wilshere and smacked it right footed into the net.  A mere five minutes later, Santi again scored after finding himself on the end of a cleared Monreal cross.  Done and dusted.

Szczesny kept us in the game.  What a save he had against Sidwell in the 25th minute. And what daring it took to go for the ball at the feet of Dejagah resulting in a bit of a boot to his face. 

Serge is quite the player already.  He's only 18 years old.  I keep telling myself that so my expectations go through an unrealistic roof.  The other thing I keep telling myself is "he's ours.  He's all ours". 

Podolski has a shot that should scare the shitska out of anyone in his way.  He made quite the impact coming on, his 20 yard shot bouncing off the bar (we all thought it went in at first).  He's having trouble getting a starting position.  I think an explanation is that he is very left-footed and is only effective as a winger on one-side of the pitch whereas his competition can play both.  However, look for Wenger to continue his Poldi-as-a-striker experimient in coming games.  He had this statement to make about the German...and our BHF:

"He can (play up front) as well, because if he is in front of goal and you give him one chance, you score with him. He doesn’t hit it in the stand."

*Ahem*

Anyway, we got our three points whilst keeping a clean sheet.  At least this week didn't end up 2-1 like the Villa game.  So our top four rivals have the pressure to deal with this weekend.  We have the FA Cup this Friday at home against Coventry and Southhampton four days later on the 28th.  By then we could have Rambo and Bendy back...which would be like new signings, unless we have an actual new signing by then. 

That's all for now.  I look forward to watching a ton of footy the rest of the weekend with no worries, cuz ya know, we are Top. Of. The. League.  Yup.

 Have a good one Gooners.
 

 

 

 

 

Derby Day - Fulham Preview

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I'm lucky to be typing this post today.  Some of my friends at work and I have started working out and I'm so sore I didn't think I could raise my hands to the keyboard.  Seriously.  Even the tip of my pinkie fingernail hurts as I type.  Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.  Ah, the price of not wanting to look older than my years.

Physical fitness issues aside, there is a game tomorrow to talk about.  Arsene talks of this match as a derby.  I have to admit, I totally forgot that Fulham is located in London.  Every year I forget that.  I'm not sure what the atmosphere will be at the Emirates - if it will replicate that of a derby.  Fulham are currently at the bottom rung of the league - one of their worst positions since I've been watching the Premier League.  We should be able to trounce them, but there is that factor that sometimes comes into play - that of a team that has nothing to lose.  I think the way to guarantee win is to score early and kill them off.  Our problem at Aston Villa was that we started strong, made two goals in quick succession but then took the foot off the pedal in the second half allowing Villa back in the game.  We have to get three points during these next few games before facing stiffer competition in February.

Of course, we will be facing these bottom feeders with a depleted squad.  We have Monreal in doubt with a foot injury, TR7 in doubt unless he's sporting a not-so-stylish mask to protect his nose.  Ramsey and Arteta are still out with their thigh and calf injuries respectfully and probably not be available until after the Coventry game along with Bendtner, Vermalean and Sanogo.

So, who does that leave?  Well, Our back five will be the starters which is reassuring.  Of course, if any of them get hurt during warm ups or the game, then we could have a problem.  Our DM will be Flamini with Jack and Ozil in front of him.  The wings could consist of some combination of PODOLSKI, Santi, Ox, and Serge.  Up top, of course, is our BHF.  Even depleted, this squad is talented enough to give newly appointed manager Rene Meulensteen a taste of the Jol of old.

I'm predicting 3-0. 

That's it for now.  Honestly, I have to head for a hot soak.  Here's to three points and not having to look over our shoulders at our competitions.  We can put the heat on them.

What do you say Arsenal?  Time to turn up the temperature.  Have a good one Gooners.

Everybody Wins And The Pressure Mounts



"Look at Me" - back in the game





So after waiting what seems a ridiculously excruciating amount of time, Arsenal take the field again this Monday against Aston Villa.  On the face of it, this match should be an easy three points.  The squad after losing in an embarrassing fashion to the Villa-ans at the first of the season, should be looking to keep a clean sheet and put many a ball past Brad Guzman.

Speaking of the squad...we have a few players returning.  Ollie G. is back after being sidelined with an ankle injury and then a subsequent illness.  Having scored in the last match he played, a needed rest should bode well for a good performance.  Guardian writer Amy Lawrence's latest article (mostly about Arsenal's ad nauseum need for another striker) also painted a picture of Giroud that I'm not sure I was privy to before reading.  I think our BHF is a die-hard toughie.  After receiving what I thought was just a knock from a bad tackle, Wenger further explains the injury:

"He played the whole game at Newcastle with an open ankle and without complaining. And when I took him off, he didn't want to come off. He needed five stitches."  He goes onto to say  He's a tough boy. Even when the medical people say he should rest, he says: 'I'm all right'. He's always ready for a fight even when he's tired.

Giroud always works hard on the pitch.  I don't think anyone can argue with me on that.  The Gooner community admires his touch, his willingness to take on physical defenders, hold up the ball, and play his teammates in.  I don't think, however, that I am alone in being surprised that he did not want to come off the pitch when needing stitches.  I could be stereotyping the guy.  When I think of tough, physical footballers, I don't think of the French.  I just don't.  Plus - he's just too damn handsome to be that tough.  Maybe we should start calling him BHT?

Anyway, we also have Ozil back and possibly Gibbs.  Monreal has been excellent deputizing the position so I wonder if Wenger will start Kieran on the bench seeing as Villa is not a game demanding his immediate return.  I don't doubt that Ozil will start along with Jack and  in the midfield.  The question for me is who will start on the left.  For all Wenger's talk about how Ox could see some action against Aston after just returning from a serious layoff, it begs the question why Poldi has seen more playing time since his return?  I personally would like to see all our Germans start, put Santi in the middle (TR7 has had three great matches in a row...resting him would not be a bad idea before his hammies twang), and I would love to see what Serge could do against The Claret and Blue.  This could be a game that builds his confidence.  And I expect Szczesny to start in goal with the rest of the squad rounded out by Sagna, Kos, and Arteta.  I hope we go all out with offensive players.  All our rivals have one this weekend, and we need a terrific goal differential to go along with the three points.  Smear 'em, I say.

So, after having our rivals play over the weekend, we are sitting in third with first place (Chelsea) being two points away.  Dropping any points would not be the end of things, but it would certainly make the rest of the season all the more difficult.  And the past eight years have been difficult enough, haven't they?

That's it for now.  I could moan about weekday games and complain about trying to watch them during work, but what would be the point?  The matter of the fact is that I do not have control over the TV schedules, but I do have some control over my office door which I will shut from the hours of 2-4:00 PM CST with a sign that says "Do Not Disturb...Conference Call" taped to the outside of it.

Have a good one Gooners and Come On You Gunners!

Ohhh Santi Carzoooorla! Arsenal 2 - 0 Spuds FA Cup



I just can't get that song out of my head, and it's been an almost full 24 hours since we beat the Spuds to advance to the 4th round of the FA Cup.  With a -40 degree day coming up, yesterday's performance helps to warm my heart.

The squad
We all knew rotation was in the cards with our injuries, fatigue, and illnesses (seriously, doesn't anyone at Arsenal get a flu shot?).  I, for one, was expecting to see Podolski get a start on the wing rather than as striker.  But Arsene decided to give Serge a start instead, and that paid off big time.  Youngsters are unpredictable and inconsistent, so it was great to see Serge have a man-of-the-match performance against our rivals.  His touch, acceleration, and passing were top notch, as well as his willingness to have a go at goal and get an assist.  And as a sentimental type, it gave me a huge grin to see him be the first to dog pile on top of Rosicky after he scored.  The talent is there so it's nice to see the emotional investment as well.  Going from youngest to oldest...

Rosicky continues his great form
TR7 has been a key player for a couple of seasons now.  At 33, he's playing at a much younger level and continues to push us up the pitch and model the importance of team defense.  His closing down of opponents yesterday resulted in a terrific dispossession of Rose, and his experience allowed him to stay calm as he approached Lloris for the chip.  I was worried he was taking too long to shoot, but waiting brought the goalie out and down, which allowed the chip to be successful.  It was a beauty.

Walcott surprised me.
I figured with Podolski not really looking the part of the striker and Giroud still recovering from illness that Theo would start centrally.  What I wasn't expecting was how he went deep to get the ball and bring it up, and that he didn't have to walk the ball in to get a shot off.  In fact, his first shot was some yards off.  The defense were backing up expecting him to drive toward goal, he had space and took the shot.  Against teams who are going to give Theo space, he could be unpredictable.  Considering the points that were made last match about Arsenal being too dependent on playing with a big man upfront, Theo's performance pointed to the fact that we might be figuring out how to do just that.  I liked it. What was even more unpredictable was his response to the Tottenham scum throwing coins at him (insert joke here about how much $ Spurs spent over the summer) as he was being stretchered off.  Theo is such a nice boy, it made his reaction all the more hilarious.  

More than ever, I am reminded that Adebayor is a non-issue. 
He's a waste of talent and we are well to be shod of him.  The defense handled him well, and he made himself look classless when he pushed Sagna.  Bacary's subtle headshake says it all.

My parents are becoming Gooners.
My mom especially, which has only taken me 11 years as a fan to accomplish.  It's great fun watching her cheer on the fellas.  Her main motivation may not be purely sportsman-like, however.  She often comments on how handsome our squad is.  She's not wrong.

What next?
Our boys get nine days off.  Hopefully injuries, tiredness, and illness will exit in time for our Aston Villa match on the 13th.  After being able to watch The Arsenal every three days, I am expecting to go through withdrawals, but if everyone is healed up, I'll have no complaints.

That's it for now.  Have a good one Gooners.

Arsenal Leave the Best for Last in 2-0 Victory over Cardiff

These guys are the best - supporting Schumacher and looking good.







Arsenal took back the coveted number one spot on the league table from Manchester City today after beating Cardiff City 2-0 at the Emirates.  The game was played in horrendous conditions:  torrential rain and strong wind.  It was the kind of weather that hardier and less technical sides cope with better than the free-flowing styles of teams like Arsenal.  Yet, after 28 shots, with only a woeful 6 of them on target, and 68% possession, the Gunners got on the scoreboard in the 88th minute with a rebound shot put in by Nicklas Bendter.  Even more delightful is that Theo followed and put the nail in the coffin with the second goal in the 90th.

The pitch was sloppy and sluggish looking. 
And so we were we.  Arsene was forced to make many changes to his squad and although there were fresh legs on the pitch, there were tired and rusty ones there as well.  The team really didn't get clicking until close to the end of the first half.  Podolski has been out for four months and it showed.  With more games though, he'll become more dangerous.  I never really liked him at the central striker position, I like him playing on the left and off of someone else.  But, he did the job that was asked of him.  With Bendtner out for "weeks", he may be asked to continue in that role.

Bendnter out injured is a shame.
He's playing for a manager that has a lot of patience and belief in young players and human beings in general, and that seems to have paid off in attitude as well.  According to Wenger, Nik now wants to stay at Arsenal.  He seemed to be worked his way back into the squad and has scored two goals in the eight premier league appearances made.  He would have been useful against Spurs Saturday too.  Now, he'll have to rehab the ankle and work for a spot all over again.  By then, maybe there will be another striker he will have to compete with if Arsene dips into the transfer window.  That's a big IF though...

This team does not give up.
Arsenal squads over the past several seasons would have gotten discouraged with hitting the post, and sending open headers and shots wide of the goal.  Frustration would have been shown with stupid fouls given away in dangerous places, and heads dropping.  I really like this group of players right now.  At no point did I see spirits dampen.  We didn't panic.  We increased pressure higher up the pitch and began creating more chances.  The subs that Arsene made in the 65th minute gave a spark.  Nik gave a focal point, and TR7 did his thing and ran his socks off weaving in and out and was crucial setting up the assist from Jack to Theo.  Like I said in the write-up after our Newcastle victory, these guys are fighters.

Speaking of Theo...
He still has some rust and so scuffed some chances, but he's grown into an accomplished striker who you know will make something happen at some point.  And he did.  That was not an easy shot.  One could argue we already had the game won (gulp) but Theo's goal put everyone one chewing their nails at ease, and that's an extra goal in our GD column.  We are now only 13 goals behind City (groan), and two behind Liverpool.  With as tight as the title race is this season, every goal is going be incredibly important.  He's got five goals in the five starts he's gotten since returning from injury.  Even if he's missing some shots now, he's making a huge difference.  If he stays healthy, he'll be key to keeping us in the title race this season.  Protect those shoulders, Theo.

Jack is looking better too.
Poor Jack has gotten lots of flack this season.  His injuries have resulted in a start again/stop again pattern which damages the rate at which he develops.  Like Rambo, Jack is playing for a manager that recognizes the best way to see progress from young injured players is to give them a run of games and while tempering that with rest.  For me today, Jack seemed to have a form of break-through.  He helped push the game forward and looked to create chances.  He earned a penalty in the first half (not called of course), and got an assist in the second.  If he stays healthy (a big "if"), I have the confidence his performances will go nowhere but up.

Overall - what a great result.
Gooners everywhere delved deep to keep the faith and were not disappointed.

That's about it,  I hope you and yours enjoyed your Eve safely and your New Year's Day like me.  In my jammies watching footy all day long.  I'll be back with a pre-match report on our FA Cup game against the Spudheads.  Have a good one Gooners.