Saturday, February 22, 2014

Arsenal Make Easy Work of Black Cats as a Legend Looks On

The Moment That Was Made Immortal in Bronze

After suffering the agonizing defeat at the hands of Bayern on Wednesday, watching Arsenal comfortably win against Sunderland 4-1 was a relief.  Arsenal fans have been angst-ridden (overly so, in my opinion) and angry the last few days, so today's win, and Bergkamp statue unveiling beforehand, was a much needed ray of sunshine and bodes well for next week's match at Stoke.

Giroud looked back on his game.  Having "rested" for two games looks to have done Ollie a world of good.  Two goals and two assists in one game is a reminder of his previous form.  His second goal may be written off as a mistake by Sunderland, but if you watch the play, Giroud anticipates the back pass and finishes the shot at a very tight angle.  Whether he was benched because of fatigue or as a disciplinary action, the effect is encouraging.

Ozil injured?  I'd be surprised if any of us expected Ozil to play today.  After having made 32 appearances for the club this season, adjusting to a more rigorous playing schedule, and suffering from his penalty miss, taking a rest was warranted and deserved.  Wenger, though, I think surprised everyone when he explained Ozil's absence as him having a "thigh injury' from a kick.  Weird.  Was he actually considering playing him if he didn't come up injured? 

Substitutions were made mostly due to injuries.  It's not like we aren't used to having injuries, but to have to use two substitutions in the middle of a game for injured players is a tad unusual.  Thankfully we were in control of the match, otherwise, needed tactical changes may have been made impossible.  There are concerns of course.  Monreal is our backup for the injured Gibbs and our backup centerback isn't due back until March 1st.  (Update:  It looks like all of the injured players from today will be back for next week's match.)  Thankfully, Corporal Jenkinson and Flamini were able to deputize on the flanks while Sagna moved to the middle to cover for Lolo.  Which leads me to my next point.

Sagna is as versatile a player as Arsenal have had.  Give him what he wants!  This guy can bomb forward with endless energy, shove someone off the ball, cross with his weak foot, has amazing hops, and wins headers.   I know I am being repetitive here, but if AFC can't see the wisdom in upping his salary and breaking their "players over 30 only get a two year extension" rule, I will question their footballing brains more than the press questioned Theo's.  C'mon!

Szczesny made a couple of great saves.  Here and here.  I wonder, though, if Sunderland would have scored their one goal, if he had caught this free kick instead of punching it away.  I realize we were winning 4-0, but considering winning the title may come down to the Goal Differential column and the team in first place is three goals ahead of us in that department, little mistakes like that are costly.

Sunderland were pretty awful - especially in the first half  I enjoyed our complete dominance and it seemed like some of the Sunderland players were maybe focused on not getting hurt for their big game next Sunday.  They gave us oodles of space and made almost no tackles (although they made 15 by the end of the match) and had no shots of goal. Poyet must have screamed at them in the locker room at halftime because they came and pressed us higher up the pitch.  Still - pretty bad stuff.  They seemed to be in an upward trend before today, and I hope they can get back on track with that by winning the Cup and beating Chelsea in April - for Vito's sake as well as ours.

I think that's all for now.  We have a whole week before we play again.  On one hand, I'm glad the players get a break, on the other I know I'm going to be terrifically bored midweek and scrounging for scraps of team news.  I'll be back for a Stoke preview. 

Until then, have a good one Gooners.

Back to Business - Sunderland Preview

Veeeetoooh

It's back to the Premier League tomorrow and a chance to get back to the top of the table depending on how Chelsea do against Everton before us.   And considering we ran ourselves into the ground against Bayern, I expect more rotation from the boss.

Coming off our defeat, we'll have to be shake off the disappointment.  There could be no better way to do that than to stick it the relegation doomed Sunderland side.  What I hope doesn't happen is a sluggish approach that underestimates the opposition.  Sunderland have been a different side since Poyet has taken over.  Yes, they are still third from the bottom, but they have a belief to them now that makes them dangerous.  They have made it to the final of the Capital One Cup which is next weekend so that could cause some distraction.  Wenger on Sunderland

“Poyet has done well. He has bought a style of play and a confidence back in the team. They have become a good side so let's not be fooled by their position in the table. They are a strong team if you look at their recent results, it is a dangerous team.”

They have taken 12 points from their last six matches which is not the mark for bottom table team.  It speaks of a team that could be on the rise.

And part of that rise could be due to our old friend Vito Mannone.  His saves in the penalty shoot-out against Manchester United have solidified his starting status for the Black Cats and Wenger couldn't be more pleased for him.

"I'm very proud of what he's doing because I kept him here when he had a trial at the age of 16 because I saw something in him. That's coming out now which is of course very satisfying. He is a football man, he loves the game and I was always convinced that he would be a great goalkeeper.”

Having the two Poles ahead of him meant that Vito, barring injuries, would not get playing time.  I'm glad he's doing well too, and I'm sure he'll have a great game against us as is our luck with ex-players.

AS far as the line-up goes, I hope Wenger rotates.  Ozil definitely needs a rest.  Sanogo has played two games in a row after coming off a four month lay-off so playing him again could be risky.  Plus, I think there would be mutiny involved if Giroud doesn't get another chance.  He's rested two games now and is due a start.  I'd like to see Podolski get a start today.  With Ozil rested, Santi or TR7 could slot in freeing up the wing for Lukas.  Gibbs is out with a hamstring injury so Monreal regains his starting spot.  Here's an interesting question.  Does Fabianski's good form earn him a start over Szcz?

That's it for now.  Here's hoping Chelsea drop points and we grab three.  Doesn't seem unreasonable, does it?

Have a good one Gooners.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

All Is Not Lost Arsenal 0-2 Bayern Munich


Before I write too much, I have to admit I was unable to watch the match.  I listened to it on Arsenal Player as much as I could while at work, and followed @arseblog's live blog so I have a jist of how the game went, but the some of the nuances may be lost on me.  And I know I could subscribe to FoxSoccer to have access to these and FA Cup games, but I refuse to give money to a company who employs Eric Wynada as a commentator.  He absolutely ruins the game for me. 

Anyway, speaking of the game, here are my impressions.

The starting forward raised a few eyebrows.  Yaya was chosen over Giroud to lead the line against the best football team in the world last night.  I wonder what thoughts raced through his mind when he learned he was starting? 
"Wow - I'm starting against Bayern?!"
"Crap!  I'm starting against Bayern!"
"Ollie's gonna kill me - they'll find my body in the dumpster out behind the training ground"

For most Gooners, the selection was perplexing.  Giroud had a rest at the FC Cup.  Sanogo has noooooo European experience.  Wenger's explanation:
"It was just a decision based on performance. When I play Giroud in every game, people reproach me from playing him in every game. When I rest him, people reproach me for rested him. Tonight I rested him so you should be happy. It was not punishment, it was just a decision tonight."
It makes sense in a way.  Giroud's performances have been lagging.  Part of that is because he is tired.  Maybe part of it is because he doesn't have enough competition.  The really sad fact is that our backup for Giroud is this raw kid.  That's not on Giroud or Yaya.  That's on the management.

We started really well, pressing up high on the pitch.  We had a chance too with Yaya forcing Neuer into a save in the 2nd minute.  And then in the 27th minute, Mesut pulled the ball back in the penalty area, and with a clear shot on goal, was tripped up by Boeteng.  Boeteng was given a yellow and Mesut a penalty - which he missed.  What a lost opportunity.  Ox was then set up by Yaya in the 27th minute but Neuer came out and nicked it out just in time.  Exciting stuff.  Even when the air went out of our tires a bit with the missed penalty, we kept going.

Szczesny's red card killed us.  That's not an insightful comment.  Of course it did.  Szcz misread the ball and the real question is did he have to come out for it? Robben's touch had the ball going out to the left and Sagna was almost there to help out.  A judgment error in my opinion made by our keeper and the referee.  If Ozil had a clear shot on goal and no red card was given to Boeteng, then why the red card on Wojciech?    Was it a foul?  Yes.  Was it a clear goal scoring opportunity?  Maybe.  The ball was going away from goal.  The penalty was given.  The red card seems very harsh.

Going a man down tired us and made substitutions difficult.  Again - this is not difficult stuff to figure out.  But Twitter was fill of comments and rage about Wenger not subbing off Ozil who was clearly exhausted (running the third most distance in the match).  But after having to take off Cazorla for Fabianski, Wenger also had to sub Gibbs for Monreal after it looked like he pulled his hamstring.  With only one substitution left, Wenger saved it for the Ox who apparently was carrying an injury in the second half (according to @arseblog).

What does this mean for the second leg in Munich?  Well, we still have to make up a two goal difference, but their away goal tally is one less than last year.  I think the squad will feel hard done by.  Wondering "what if" things had gone differently which really can give them momentum.  It will also depend on who is available and rested.  Will Giroud earn his spot back?  Will Gibbs return from his hamstring injury?  Will we have won against Everton in the FA Cup that previous Saturday and carry that confidence into the match?  There are many factors to consider, but all in all, I think we have a better shot than last year, to be honest.  Flamini seems to feel the same way.

Lastly, we will have to rotate for the Sunderland game.  Playing with only 10 men for over 50 minutes requires it.  Giroud will likely start (unless Bendtner makes an appearance.  Honestly, Wenger has me guessing).  Ozil really needs a break so look TR7 or Santi to start there, freeing up a the wing for  Podolski to come in.  I would love to see us take some frustration out on the Black Cats.

That's it.  Longer post than I anticipated considering how little of the actual match I got to see.  I'll be back to preview Saturday's game.  Have a good one Gooners.







Wednesday, February 19, 2014

A Visit from the German Juggernauts

Good Morning!  Spring is finally in the air here in Northwest Indiana - at least for a few days anyway - so my spirits are up and ready to take on the Giants from Deutschland in a challenging matchup today at the Emirates.  I think I hear the message "Arsenal beat Bayern" in the actual birdy tweets today.

This will be a very short post indeed as my plate is and has been quite full for the last few days.  But here's what I have to offer:

Arsenal's rested legs will start today along with Flamini who will be filling in for the suspended Arteta.  Assene has saved Rosicky probably for just this occasion as he has experience a plenty, but I bet he is toying with the idea of starting Ox considering how much of an impact he has made since coming back from injury.  It probably depends on what the overall goal/strategy is for today's match.  We really put ourselves in a hole last year with trying to compete with them goal for goal which resulted in them having three away goals.  I suspect that Wenger will play it tight tonight, which means that TR7 has the edge over Ox.

On the left is another conundrum.  Santi was rested, but he is not any more defensively minded than Podolski who scored on the weekend and is our best finisher.  Considering how much the manager seems to disfavor the German, I think Santi will get the start.

On the Bayern side, Ribery is a doubt due to having butt surgery and Schweinsteiger has an ankle issue.  But their bench is deep.  I can assure you that having to play Muller instead is not any kind of hindrance for them.  He's an outstanding player who has not gotten the playing time he is used to.  He will probably have a point to prove.

The game is going to be tough.  I think the atmosphere at the Emirates will hopefully rival that of the Barcelona game which will be just what the players need from the crowd.  Ending up with a result similar to that epic match would be icing on the cake...with sprinkles.

That's all I got.  I told you it was going to be short.  Have a good one Gooners.

Monday, February 17, 2014

The Scousers are Silenced and the Toffees are Next

MOTM Fabianski


Good morning boys and girls.  My week is starting off very well.  I have the day off of work (President's Day), and The Arsenal beat the Scousers on their way to the FA Cup quarterfinals.  It was an intense match with loads of free kicks in dangerous areas, corners, and attacking play.  The most notable aspect from a Gunners' perspective, is that our defensive held those attacks, allowing only one goal which was earned on penalty.  Much different result than the one experienced the previous weekend.
 
The starting lineup was a shock for many, myself included.  Arsene made seven changes from the squad who played against Manure on Wednesday, opting for mass rotation rather than the safety of his usual starting XI.  I'll admit, I called this one wrong, and was nervous when I saw Yaya Sanogo's name on the sheet ahead of Bendtner, but Wenger's gamble paid off.  One could read either faith in his substitutes or the placing of importance of CL over FA Cup in his selection.  Maybe it was both, which would lessen my concern about our manager's ability to man-manage.
 
I have to say that all who started played well.  There were not many performances for one to nit-pick apart.  I do think that Fabianski's shot stopping extravaganza, much like the No. 1 keeper in front of him, kept us in the game.  Liverpool had seven shots on goal, and the only one Lukasz allowed in was Gerrard's penalty.  I think this was his best match in an Arsenal shirt.  It's a shame he's leaving in the summer as he's a terrific backup, but at least we are getting cream of the crop performances from him before he departs.  Starting Podolski and Ox on the wings was the ticket to provide more of the outlets that Ozil needs to bring out his creative qualities.  Not only did he look happier and play with more verve, but he got in a couple of nice tackles as well.  Perhaps his dip in form is done.
 
Watching Yaya was a glimpse into the Arsenal's attacking future.  He is, of course,  an ametastable allotrope of carbon in the rough, and it is only one match, but oh...one can see from this performance why Arsene rated him so highly this last summer:
 
"He's a young striker who is promising. He has some talent. BIG talent."
 
Okay - I confess.  I added the all-caps there at the end.  Still, this could be fun if his injury rate subsides.  We have to have patience as with any young player and keep appropriate expectations, and then he may end up in the LANS category.

 
More thoughts on The Ox.  When Theo went down, we were wondering who could replace him on the right.  Although the wing is not Alex's favorite position, and he is not as fast as Theo, he has made the most of that position since coming back from injury.  I think he times his burst well instead of relying on an all out sprint to beat the opposition.  And, when called upon for playing in the middle against Crystal Palace, he scored twice.  Wenger rested Rosicky yesterday probably in anticipation of the upcoming Bayern match.  Ox is making a case for ousting Tommy from either position (I would still pick TR7 at least for the home match because of his defensive prowess). But, more on that in my CL match preview tomorrow). 
 
It's funny to hear Liverpool complain about the refereeing.  Yes, Suarez was fouled in the box both times and was granted only one penalty.  But he is his own worst enemy, and created a reputation for himself as a diver, so I feel no sympathy for him.  Perhaps if he didn't flop around like a guppy just taken out of it's fishbowl, he would have gotten the call.  But he did this instead.  Plus, we did not get a penalty call on the other end, so fair's fair in my book.  If you read any of my blogs on a regular basis, you'll know I write more about playing above the refereeing rather than bemoaning it.  Really I have no pity for Liverpool - especially with the amount of chances they had.
 
All in all, it was a very satisfactory, if not somewhat bite- my- nails, performance.  We now advance into the Sweet Sixteen of the FA Cup, having drawn Everton for the weekend of March8/9th.  And we are at home once more.  Between then, though, we have the German juggernaut visiting on Wednesday as well as a couple of league matches.  And thanks to Wenger's rotation, we'll have some rested legs on which to challenge.  More on that tomorrow.
 
Have a good one Gooners.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Saturday, February 15, 2014

FA Cup - Time for Retribution or Pragmatism?


Facing Liverpool in the fifth round of the FA Cup tomorrow  begs the question, doesn't it.  Do we play our very best XI - the very ones that were beaten 5-1 last weekend - or do we rotate and play some squad members?  In the back of Arsene's mind, he must be thinking of the German juggernaut arriving on Wednesday.
 
There is an argument to be made for putting the best out against the Scousers, even in light of the upcoming Champions League match.  We definitely have an axe to grind here.  And a win Saturday would carry confidence into Wednesday nullifying any tiredness we may feel from playing twice in three days.   And we need the confidence.  Bayern are running rings around their competitors in the Bundesliga and remaining undefeated. 
 
The devil's advocate could argue that rotation is key against fatigue, that the FA Cup is the lesser tournament, and that players should be rested.  I think it would be hard to convince someone that no matter what our manager says, he covets the Champions League trophy - the one piece of silverware that has escaped him in his illustrious career.  But, he also has a sense of pride, and I think it was dented in the beating we took at Anfield.  I think that he will rotate, to be honest.  But, I think it will be minimal and he'll go for the offensive.  You heard it here first...or second maybe.
 
So here's what I think the squad will look like.  I think Wenger will keep Szczesny at the back.  Fabianski is leaving in the summer.  I don't think missing one game is going to make a difference there.  The back four will remain the same as against Manchester United.  Apart from Gibbs, they have plenty to account for after the ease with which Liverpool carved them apart.  Flamini is back from suspension and can give a rest to the leg weary Arteta.  The rest of the midfield is an interesting conundrum.  If Jack starts in between the DM and Ozil (yes, I think he will start), then the right wing is up for grabs.  It can be Ox (quoted here as wanting revenge.  Caution:  It's in The Sun) or Serge.  The left is a no brainer for me.  Santi is ill which opens the door for the mysteriously overlooked Podolski who can then continue his great partnership with Giroud.  Yes.  I think Ollie will start over Bendtner.  I can see him begging Wenger to start - again to atone for his poor form last weekend. There's a positivity of spirit that these two players seem to create together.  We can definitely use that.
 
I honestly have no idea what kind of squad Rodgers will put out.  They also played Wednesday, but had a tougher grind against Fulham and expended more energy.  But, Liverpool has no midweek game to worry about before facing Swansea the following weekend, so I could see him putting out a full strength team.  We may be looking at as close to a replay from the 8th as we could get.
 
That's all for now.  I really hope that we vindicate ourselves.  February is notoriously difficult for Arsenal, and 2014 has started out in a similar fashion.  Here's to breaking that tradition.
 
Have a good one Gooners.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Something To Build On...Arsenal 0 - 0 Manchester United


As Wednesday's match against Manchester United approached, the underlying emphasis identified by fans and squad alike was the importance of putting the Liverpool debacle to rest and moving on.  Much like our 6-3 loss to Manchester City, rebounding from the loss held value in that a win would put us once against atop the League and feed our confidence in the face of upcoming difficult matches.  Plus, it would have  been just plain fun to stick one to the traitor.  What Arsenal produced was a cagey and somewhat boring display that risked very little, produced no goals, but served up a clean sheet and a tight defense.

The lineup was difficult to argue with.  Gibbs returned to left back ousting Monreal from his starting position.  The remaining three defenders were regulars also with Arteta sitting in the front of them.  They all produced an excellent defensive display, making one error in the 40th minute when Arteta was dispossessed by RVP ('course he blew the shot...HA!).  All in all, RVP and Rooney were kept quiet by Per and Laurent who ended up with extra change in their back pockets.  Well, Robin had one other shot at goal, which produced a terrific save by our goalie.  Szcz is definitely  making it a point this season to keep us in games.

Wilshere played in the middle of the park between Mikel and Ozil and mainly got battered from pillar to post without making too much of an impact in linking play between the two.  TR7, the perfect blend of offensive urgency and defensive nous, started on the right and Mr, Magic Feet on the left.  Ozil's play was improved, looking to play the ball forward.  Unfortunately, there were very few Arsenal players making the runs that Ozil needs to cut open defenses.  Instead, there were short passes at small angles which made it harder also for Giroud to make an impact.

Ollie's finishing was abdominal, to be sure, but he also feeds on runs made by midfield players.  There was very little action for him to hold up play.  There was a lot of static movement with no one running onto his flicks, back heels, and chest downs.  Theo's absence is felt not only on the counter attack, but his running behind defenses made him a target for both Giroud and Ozil alike. 

Arsenal also miss Ramsey's directness and engine.  Rambo is not as fast as Theo, but he reads the game well and has developed into a player who knows how to get to the spaces where a pass from Ozil, Santi , or Giroud will land.  Missing him and Theo at the same time is dulling our offensive bite.  Arsenal need to learn to score with out them.  Much of what we did was played through the middle - in the midst of Manure congestion.  It seems that now is the time for wide play.  Stretch the defense and create more channels for players to make a run and get in on the end a Gibbs or Sagna cross.

What can we take from this result?  Well, we are consistent.  After big losses, we seem to bounce back not in grand fashion, but in defensive repairing.  After losing that game at the Ethiad, we rebounded by drawing with Chelsea zip/zip and went on to win seven in a row in all matches.  I don't see why that can't happen now.  Playing Liverpool after keeping a clean sheet against the attacking force of the Dutch Skunk and Rooney has to make our defense feel once again capable against any offense.  I don't know if Rodgers will start his best striking duo in the FA Cup or not.  Vermaelan may be back but I don't know if he'll be ready to start.  In which case, Mertie and Koz will face the team that rent them apart a week ago.  Standing tall against them could do them a world of good - and earn them a rest against Sunderland.

That's all for now.  I'll be back for a pre-match report on Saturday.  Have a good one Gooners.





Saturday, February 8, 2014

Who Were Those Guys, Anyway?

Mystery Man

Men in yellow strolling on the grass
Wondering what's for dinner
And forgetting how to pass
Men in red racing round the ground
Making heads swivel
Accompanied with frowns
One goal, two!
Then three and four!
The crowd was roaring
Wanting more
Alas, halftime came
and yellow hung their heads
Awaiting a screaming from their coach
And wishing they were dead
The second half started
And less strolling took place
But tackles were still missing
and the usual grace
The reds lacked none of their verve
Picking out Sterling
This time to serve
Up goes goal five
and heads hung again
Until the ref blew his whistle
and Mike struck it in
Still being beaten
by a margin of four
Reeks of imposters
Sneaking in doors
Kidnapping our boys
Replacing them with sloths
Puts us in second our
Defensive nous lost
Would signings have helped?
Would rotating players
What about the lineup
There's so many layers
What I do know is this
and it might not be much
But there's 13 games left
and up next is the Dutch (skunk, that is)
So put this one behind us
And march on to Wednesday
A win against Manure
Will lesson the Pain-day.

Cheers - and have a good one Gooners.









 


Friday, February 7, 2014

The Kallm Before the Strom

Tomorrow morning begins a run of games that many are calling the make or break part of our season.  We benefited from Manchester City's defeat to the little horse (manure) Chelsea on Monday and gained back the top of the table.  Holding onto it, the pursuit of the FA Cup and making it past Bayern is the job of this squad for the next 11 days.  Up first is a trip to Anfield.

Suarez and Sturridge are a formidable striking duo who have combined to 37 goals in Premier matches.  Guess who was the only team to keep the duo quiet?  Yup.  Our back quartet of Sagna, Mert, Koz, and Gibbs dealt with the runs made by their forwards, and a midfield of Arteta, Ramsey, and Rosicky muted service to them.  The key to a win tomorrow isn't rocket science.  Stop service again, keep the back tight, and we'll have another three points.

We're minus Ramsey, unfortunately, but we can swap him for Jack (who was out injured at the time), and either start Rosicky again, or Ox on the wing.  I'm torn this time or who would be the better start.  Ox is coming off an excellent performance against Crystal Palace, but Tommy provides that  unique blend of defensive nous and an offensive thrust forward.  If we want to focus on keeping Surarez and Sturriedge from getting the ball, having TR7 in the mix would go a long way toward that goal.

Of course then, selecting Podolski or Santi is another dilemma.  Podolski played hard against Crystal Palace especially helping to uncharacteristically close down opponents but looked a bit anxious on the ball - again uncharacteristic of him.  Mr. Magic Feet is on a terrific run and could possibly have a field day shaking and baking against Skrtel (is there an uglier shaved white head in the League?) and company.

Ozil is a no brainer needed to cut open Liverpool's midfield.  He's due for a rest, which I figure won't come until our next Liverpool game in the FA Cup.  His allegedly languid style seems to allow him to conserve energy busting a gut only at important moments (ala his run against a tiring Southhampton side).

Playing in front of a home side, I do not really expect the Scousers to play a cagey match.  I think they'll go hard and fast right out of the gates.  Using two strikers means their midfield should be easier to get through than most allowing our creative midfielders to do their thing.

The only other news that I see worth talking about is Wenger's comments about Sagna and his still not signed contract extension: 
"You know when you start the game that Bacary Sagna will give you 100 per cent commitment and, no matter where you play, against whom you play, he will just commit 100 per cent. That is a fantastic guarantee. I believe that his future is here and any other decision would be wrong.
"We are always in negotiations with him and we always try to be fair with our players. When I say I expect [him to stay], it's more that I want [him to stay]. I hope that in the end I am right. We are not close at the moment."

Again, this is not rocket science.  This is Bacary's last shot at a big contract.  He can play at two positions for us, gives everything for the shirt and loves the club.  It's simple.  GIVE HIM WHAT HE WANTS for Pete's sake.

Anyway, that's all I have now.  I'll be back after our victory with a post match report.  have a good one Gooners.



Monday, February 3, 2014

Ox et al Step Up and Take Back the Top

Giroud Slacking Off as Usual

I could tell from the kick-off that the match was going to be ours.  Even with Palace sitting back, we looked bright, our passing buzzing around - maybe a bit slow at first, but we kept at it.  We knocked at the door a few times the first half, and it took Ox and great passing to unlock Palace's organized defense in the second.
  
Ox looked at home in central midfield today.  I know he's still young and developing, but his influence in the midfield is exciting.  He pushed forward, and made a nice run off a Palace player for one of his goals using his acceleration.  He first touch (from a perfect Santi pass) controlled it, and the opposite foot finished it.  His second goal came from a one-two with Giroud started with a back heel pass.  While taking the pass from Rosicky, Ox had to know precisely where Giroud was in order to complete that back-heel.  Thinking of he, Jack, and Aaron all competing for midfield positions makes one drool.
 
Arteta was back to his metronomic best.  For being a transplant player, it still amazes me how well he knows the Arsenal way.  It's like he was meant to always be here.  I know he doesn't always gain the accolades and has some slowness of foot, but when he's in form, ( he completed 122 passes today), he has an impact on penetrating the final third.  Plus, he sets the example on winning any misplaced passes back.
 
Podolski played with a lot of hustle but looked maybe a little less relaxed.  He helped win back balls, closed down the opponent, and took too many touches before shooting.  All of which are unlike him.  I like that he's fighting for his place, but his natural manner is more relaxed which helps in front of the net, but maybe does not impress Arsene.  I hope he's about to find a balance so his efficiency matches his effort.

Szczesny kept us in the game...again.  He came off his line to gather the ball from Chamakh whose last touch on the ball was a bit too heavy.  Having enjoyed sliding on his knees in the first half, our nO. 1 did it again in the second half when he made a great save with his feet against a downward Jerome header.  Thank you Sir Chez.
 
Arsene took it on the chin regarding the Kallstrom decision.  And as crazy as the purchase was, at least he's honest about it.  I have to admire that:
 
"I decided to do it because we might, because of the number of games we have now in February, we might need the players in March or April. There is a possibility [that he may not play] but as well there is the possibility that he scores us the winning goal that might be vitally important.
"
A risk is a risk.  Having Kallstrom injured isn't costing us money.  His club is paying for him while injured.  It was Wenger's call to make and he made it.If Kallstrom scores the League winning goal this season, how nummy would that crow taste?  Now, as far as the rest of the window goes, well...different bird and taste altogether.
 
In the meantime, we are back on top of the league.  The big game on Monday is City versus Chelsea.  As much as I can't stand Mourinho, he probably is he one tactician in the league that has enough talent to stop City's scoring machine.

*Update:  Chelsea beat Manchester City 1-0.  Top Of The League STILL!

We have a tougher game than Palace on Sunday when we play Liverpool at Anfield.  Preview forthcoming on Friday.  Enjoy the view from the top and have a good one Gooners.


 
 
 


Sunday, February 2, 2014

Transfer Window Slams Shut Right on Kim Kallstrom's Back - oh and then there's Crystal Palace.

What the Heck?

Arsenal just can't do anything the easy or normal way can it?  When stories surfaced en masse on Twitter that our new and  not world-class-signing suffered a back injury during his first training with the club emerged, I laughed outloud.  Of course he did!  But even more bizarrely, there then surfaced stories that he came to us already injured (twinging his back during a game of beach footy in Abu Dhabi while on pre-season tour with his club).  Supposedly, Kim fully disclosed the problem, the medical staff checked him out and informed the Boss...who then opted to buy him anyway?  Oh my.  And quite predictably, Goonerdom went into full meltdown mode.  Hey, I'm not happy about our transfer business either, and I can't wait to hear how Wenger answers the questions posed by the press at the post-match conference, but extreme reactiveness is just not attractive.  I really do think that Arsenal is the only club in the world that would sign a an already injured player who was needed for coverage to help prevent...injury.  It really can't get anymore peculiar than that.  Let's hope Wenger knows what he's doing and we can all have a good laugh at the end of the season.

Onto Palace who are now managed by the ex-Orc leader Pulis (would that make him Sauron on Saruman?).  Anyway, I have attempted to predict lineups the last couple of weeks and have been substantially wrong in a lot of positions, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to give it another try.  Maybe my picks would have been better?  Right.  So, we have Jack, Ramsey, and Flamini not available for midfield action which means Arteta will certainly start (having discarded more rust from being out with injury one hopes), and TR7 returns after dealing with issues from his nose surgery. There is Ox to take into consideration as well in that position linking the Spaniard to the German, but I can see Wenger starting Tommy and then bringing on Ox as a sub for him to rest both and ease both back into playing.  I'm not sure if Wenger is going to rest Ozil or not taking into consideration we do not play midweek.  Podolski starting, of course, is always difficult to predict.  He has to vie with Santi for a spot on the left, and Mr. Magic Feet is in fine form scoring five goals in five games.  And who is going to do better against a team that is most likely going to park the bus?  The creative flair player, or an excellent, deadly left footer?  It has been suggested that Serge could sit after struggling a bit against Soton, and Wenger could then move Santi to the right giving Poldi the left.  I honestly can't make this call.  It makes my head hurt.

As far as our opponents go, Saruman has organized them defensively and stabilized their decline into relegation. Since Christmas, they have won three and drawn one and held Manchester City to one goal in their loss to them on the 28th.  Look for a similar defensive deployment  against us.

Ex-Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh had a nice interview in the Guardian discussing how much he enjoyed his time at Arsenal even though his fine start was disrupted by the Dutch Skunk's return to form.  Marouane seems like a decent fellow, and I hope to see him do well at Palace, but not today.  No scoring against former club today please.

That's about it except to say that this should be three points in the bag although it may be a boring three points if we have to break down a wall of four by four.  Going back to the top of the league is paramount today and could be permanent as well depending on the  Chelsea and City result on Monday.  So Come On You Rip Roaring Reds.

And have a good one Gooners.