Mine is missing, that is. The grit that enables a fan to hang in with their team in the belief that the squad is just going through a rough patch? That's what I'm talking about. The fortitude required in order to defend my manager and players against slander and near abuse has faded into the dusk. I acquiesce. Wenger is right about one thing: Something is gone - from the squad and from the fans.
Not even the most even-tempered, moderate bloggers are staying the course. Many have given up the battle. Goonerholic's post today broke my heart. One can look to an objective perspective from him usually. And to see him finally admit a type of defeat helped break through my last brick of denial. We are not the team I thought we were. And where my last post hinted at needing only minor changes within the squad and team, I am now not so sure that is the case. If Arsenal's problem is psychological, then that points to a problem at the top. So either the way the manager and coaches deal psychologically with the squad (where the average age is 23) needs to change, or the manager needs to go.
There. I said it. I never thought I would but there you go...no grit.
I have to admit that watching Arsenal without Arsene at the helm is something that right now is unimaginable. I became a fan under the Wenger-era and hence do not have the reference point that many of you who have been fans for 30 + years do have. I have rooted for American sports teams that go through coaches almost as frequently as Inter or Chelsea (Cubs, Notre Dame football). I just have never gotten so attached to a manager before.
And if we were in fifth or sixth place and our boys were still fighting - leaving the pitch,sweaty, exhausted and grass-stained, I would walk around with my head high and my heart full of the moxie displayed by the players. But that is so often not the case these days that I am feeling lucky to live overseas where the only EPL non-Arsenal fan I will hear from is my Manure-loving cousin. Stoke fans taunting me with grunts? Don't have to worry about it. I am safely ensconced in Hoosier-land.
Still, I feel broken.
I would venture a guess that what I am going through is a reflection of the team's dissipation. What we saw on Sunday was the anti-thesis of the second-half fight we brandished in the first half of the season. Something about that Carling Cup Final disaster left a blight on our boys' psyche - and it lives on like a looped nightmare. The performances are as predictable as a teenage horror flick. Yelling at a soon to be victim on screen, "Don't go in that pitch-black room by yourself - you'll get off-ed" is the same as watching an unmarked opponent head (or chest or kick or ass) a ball into our net off a set piece. Skip the middle and get right to the end because I can't stomach the details anymore.
The last two games are playing while I'm at work. Normally, not getting to watch my beloved Arsenal (yes - I still love them) would cause quite the hullabaloo and fuss, but now I'm actually grateful for having to work weekends. It gifts me an excuse - a Get Out Of Arsenal Jail Free card which I will use with no sense of disgrace. I am - until the end of the season - a Gooner. But a grit-less one.
Has the Youth Project failed at Arsenal? I know this question has been discussed recently ad nauseum. The reason I'm asking is that usually an experiment has to come to an end for the results to be analyzed and a report of success or failure given. So based on that, I have two questions. 1)How will we know when the experiment has run its course, and 2) Who will decide that?
The easy answer to the second question is that Wenger knows when the experiment has run its course. He created, nurtured, and developed the idea of it, carried out the intricacies of catalysts. And therefore, one would think he gets the final say. But with fan pressure and new ownership, it may not necessarily fall to him. I personally think that the experiment needs more time to play out. I know, I know. We're all exasperated and depressed and probably sporting coifs with bald patches because we've been tearing our hair out by its roots. But hear me out.
We probably all read Cesc's controversial (or not) interview with Don Balon. If you didn't read it, here is a translated article in the Guardian. I was particularly struck by the end of the interview where Cesc describes his conversation with Caveman Carlos regarding winning trophies.
"I speak with [the Barcelona captain Carles] Puyol, who says that he didn't win a thing until he was 26. Patience and hard work are the most important things in life"
Right now, the average age of our squad is 23. What Cesc is saying makes sense. Most players don't peak until they are 27 years old. We have a squad full of players who have just started down that road. Many are under 23 but have loads of match experience. So what does this mean? Does it mean we have to wait three more years until Cesc et al are at the right chronological age? Can you imagine waiting that much longer for silverware to be lifted at the Emirates? With the wolves howling at the gate as it is, I can't.
What I can imagine, however, is mathematically skewing the age average. Bringing in two players who are 27 - 30 years of age and unloading a couple of players under 24 years of age (Denilson, Bendy, Vela - take your pick) will bring the average age up to 25 or 26 years, and then we're almost there. If the new, older players are those who know how to fight and win things, that ingredient could affect the average as well. See? We're at the 26- 27 year average right there. Creative arithmetic can go a long way.
Plus - tweaking the experiment doesn't mean it's come to a close. I'm sure medical researchers go off on different tangents depending on what ongoing results they find. Cancer has not been cured as of yet, but I'd hazard a guess that the expermients for a cure have undergone many manifestations.
The move to the Emirates was the initial catalyst for the initial experiment. Seeing our boys struggle to get over the trophy hump is an indication that it's time another element was added - an element of knowing how to win, of feeling open to disagreeing with the manager, an element involving two by fours hitting people in the backside when they don't seem properly motivated.
Like I said - just a tweak.
For right now, I don't think we can say The Project has failed. Because it's not done. It's still evolving. It may, in fact, never be truly finished until it's creator leaves Arsenal. And that's my answer to Question #1.
Sniff...something smells different. Spring? Could be. It feels like I've been in a self-protective cave for awhile allowing life - and Arsenal - to pass me by while I try to regain strength in the part of my limbs and brain that control my fan enthusiasm. I have to admit my fervor waned after the last two week's worth of losses and the pile-up of injuries. So I climbed into my hole, curled up, and gave my beat up psyche a rest.
But, as I said - sniff - something smells different. It smells almost German. Don't roll your eyes - German is a smell. Craziness, great cheekbones, granite jaw, muscular legs, and perfect shoulders are all smells - if one is obsessed with Jens Lehmann.
See what I mean?
Jens was my first official Arsenal crush. Before I understood the game or even cared if Arsenal won, there was Jens standing tall in between the sticks yelling at people, shoving people, kicking people, and even knocking some people's teeth out in the process. He also did a bit of good goal keeping too, accumulating 10 clean sheets in a row in Europe, keeping out Riquleme's penalty shot in the semi-final allowing us to advance to Paris for the Champions League Final. Of course, I have to remember, he is a bit Mad.
Anyway - he's back, and I'm perked up. Jens' return is great timing also, as my second dreamy crush is out for the rest of the season. Wenger announced that The Verminator (who possesses many of the same great attributes as the German but seems much saner) is done for the year. Much like the famed Greek warrior, Vermalaen has been undone by his heel - although only suffering a football death worth one season as opposed to an eternity. I am waxing philosophical today, aren't I? I suppose that comes from trying to shake away the cobwebs.
What else? Djourou is also out for about six weeks meaning our favorite pairing of Squillaci and Koscielny are most likely going to face West Brom on Saturday. West Brom beat us last match at the Emirates and like to play - thankfully - the ball mostly on the ground. Our French pairing in the middle don't fare so well together against balls in the air, so maybe they'll be alright.
Cesc, Song and Theo are still out so here's hoping Wenger puts Nasri in the middle and Rosicky either out wide or on the bench. I don't think he is doing well in the middle and Nasri on the wing seems to be less potent with Cesc out. I'm hoping also that Le Boss gives Rammers a start ahead of either Denilson or Diaby. I don't care which one at this point, just keep the very non-dynamic duo off the pitch. Aaron has been called up for international duty so a good amount of playing time would probably be appreciated by the Welsh National Manager.
So with only 10 games to go and only one trophy on which to focus, the end of the season is looking tricky and unexpected. I'm not sure I was expecting us to be only 3 points behind the leaders with a game in hand. I know I wasn't expecting both our starting goalies to be out injured and Wenger signing an emergency keeper. And as far as Saturday's game goes, I really don't know what to expect there either. I'm hoping for Wenger's selections to make sense, and for our boys to play hard. I figure if they don't play hard, the sight of Mad Jens on the bench, or in the locker room, might make them reconsider.
This post is for the men on the pitch with a whistle in their hand and cards in their pockets. Yep - I'm talking to you. I want to make sure that you understand why we fans watch this beautiful game. I want to remind you who the stars really are. We watch and cheers because of our players and for our club. They are the ones who should take center stage. Their play should decide the outcome of matches.
Not you.
I'm not one to often condemn you officials. I usually take the view that a complaint about a ref is a cop out, an attempt at covering up poor play. However, the past few weeks, the poor play has been on your part. And since your name is not on the squad sheet nor the reason we pay for a ticket or a cable package, I think that you need to shape up or ship out, as my Dad would say.
If a player played as poorly as some of you officiate, he would be cut from the squad, relegated to the reserves, or just outright sold. I hear that one of your brothers - Mark Clattenburg- has gone on a four week hiatus to get away from the recent pressure. Maybe that's an idea that the rest of you should consider...take a vacation, go on a retreat, whatever it takes for you to be able to take a step back, regroup, and come back able do your job in an even-handed, logical manner.
Anthony Taylor - the ref who couldn't keep up with our Russian
I understand that honest mistakes are made especially in the EPL where the game moves so very quickly (the aforementioned Clatttenburg recently admitting that Rooney's elbow against Wigan was in his peripheral vision only). But if you are too slow to keep pace with the quickness of play, and a player gets fouled in the penalty box with you too far back to make the call - I have no patience for you.
Nice bump Phil...when ya due?
If you kick a player off the pitch for grabbing an opponent by the scruff of his thuggy little neck and pushing him onto the ground, but then allow the offender's goalkeeper to be put into a headlock with no repercussions for the WWF wannabe's? Take a trip and ponder your future occupation because your present one should be in jeopardy.
Nasri gets throttled
If you allow two players to be put into choke holds and do not card the perpetrators, but instead turn around and kick one of the strangled out of the game for taking a shot ONE SECOND after you call him offsides? You don't need to go on a month's vacation.
You need to be exiled. I hear Siberia has vacancies.
Some have called for technology to be used to help decrease the amount of your errors. Those opposed say that it would slow down the pace of the game. I have to admit I do not want to see futbol turned into Football - taking up to 4 hours to complete. Your cohorts in France have their decisions reviewed by their board, correct? I'm not a UK-er but would support that. I bet you would like a little guidance now and again, wouldn't you? Unless you're on the take, of course, which I seriously considered your Swiss co-worker Busacca of last night. Scandalous.
So step it up. Ask for assistance, brainstorm on how to be the best that you can be. Leave the stardom to the, err...well the stars. Perhaps it's a wakeup call for you to realize that you are the background. The players are the art. Blend in by being consistent, fair, and straight.
Otherwise, Siberia will be your destination, one way or the other.
There have got to be health hazards in consequence of being an Arsenal fan. There just has to be. Near-exhilaration followed by huge emotional letdowns cannot be good for one's health. The stress of watching this team's unpredictable play is going to be the end of me. These guys? They're gonna kill me one of these days.
Part of the problem is expectation. We all know the talent that is in abundance at the club. We know their potential. We watched in angst and awe as they took down Barcelona. We've witnessed many of them grow as players and as young men as they came to the club at the ages of 16, 17, or 18 years of age. And yet, they cannot fulfill that potential on a regular basis especially with key men on the sidelines. There seems to be missing that ingredient that binds their attitude together into a like-minded will to win. Two of our players who were out due to injury have that will. Cesc and Van Persie bring that drive. But when they're not on the pitch? Nasri was captain yesterday and he did look hungry for the ball and a win, but somehow he could not inspire certain other players. Arshavin had many moments of energy and trying, Jack always works hard, Bendtner was - well, he was Bendtner, and our fullbacks were racing around as usual. Our man who was pushing the farthest forward at times was Koz, and that speaks volumes about how badly our game needed a shove.
I really wonder if our expectations are too high with those key men out injured. Do other teams realize their potential with their main striker, creative maestro, speedy winger, and key midfield defender on the sidelines? We were not as flowing without them, we couldn't go as wide or get in behind the defense as often. Our flow was hampered and our counter attack negated by our second stringers whose style of play slowed our game down. Once some substitutions were made, the game flowed better, and we started to really scare the opposition with attempt after attempt and attack after attack. For whatever reason, be it bad luck, a curse put on us by a gypsy Fergie relative, or the standard blessing that seems to be put on every visiting goalkeeper to have an outstanding game at the Emirates- we could not find the back of the net. I stood up in excitement and sat back down again only to have to stand back up in anticipation of another attack so many times, that I was exhausted, weakened, and could have sworn I had developed heart palpitations...and depression...and some sort of general anxiety disorder. I'm missing clumps of hair from both sides of my head. See what I mean? Hazardous.
And my health, I fear, is not going to get any better soon. We face Barcelona in two days' time and could still be without all four of those starters plus Jack who has an ankle injury. And while I think our defense is in better shape than that of last year's matchup at Camp Nou, I'm now worried about whether Wenger can shake up the lineup formation to keep our game fluid as possible. That's when we're at our best, and that's when we have a chance at meeting our potential. I have no expectations yet. I am making myself wait in forming any opinion about our chances until I hear who is on the plane to Spain...in the rain? Something not quite right there, hmmm.
Until then, I have to make a doctor's appointment. I'm thinking of having a pacemaker put in. Maybe one of those that I only have to really use once or twice a week until May. I could just try and get a prescription for a mild tranquilizer to chill me out during the matches, but with my luck, the local pharmacist would be a Manure fan and then I'd be slipped something that would make my heart race even faster - in which case I would need a pacemaker. I think I just made my decision.
I hope that all you Gooners out there are in better health, but if you are as obsessed about this team as much as I am, I think you could all be visiting your doctors soon as well. Maybe we should all buy stock in cardiac medical equipment. Just a thought.
Take care, and take a lot of deep breaths. Talk to you soon.
Arsenal making it to the Final of the Carling Cup has come at a great time in my evolution as a soccer fan. I am now appropriately obsessed and educated to a point where I will enjoy our trophy. The importance of a Cup win was not always apparent to me. I have to confess ( as I did back in October) that I was not always the most dedicated of Gooners. Attending cup matches at Jeane's or Big Z's seemed optional - especially when we were playing the kids. And when we lost to Chelsea in the 2006-2007 season was tough but I think that's because it was Chelsea.
The other aspect of my former ignorance is not fully understanding what a Cup was. In other words, I didn't get the lingo. At first, I thought it was British idioms being used, and as an American although we speak the same language, I at times don't know what the other is saying. Then I discovered it's just the culture of the sport. The MLS has Cups too. The whole World has a Cup. Golf and sailing have Cups. I finally figured it out. Cup = Tournament.
Zoom in on light bulb turning on over my head.
That's how I explained the importance of today's games to my neices. They had no idea what a Cup was or even why my brother and I were rooting for Wigan yesterday. So my lecture was twofold. A Cup is a tournament that is played out over a span of time, and we want the Blue team to win because of accumulation of points. Yada yada....we hate Manure...the usual.
I guess it just takes time to assimilate all the information and nuances of a sport you've never been exposed to. Cricket, for example, looks incredibly complicated even though using a bat and ball and running around after the ball is hit mistakenly looks similar to baseball. I am daunted to even try and figure it out. Sidenote - Maybe someday, someone could explain what "The Ashes" are. I would appreciate it.
Anyway, my knowledge, I think, is pretty complete now and is the reason for my butterflies and excitement this morning. Arsenal are in a Cup Final. More importantly, this Arsenal team are in a Cup Final. The team that for the last five season have been trying to build themselves into a squad that would maintain the glory that comes with wearing the Red and White of the Arsenal. It's been rough going. We've had our stop/starts, our breakdowns, our injuries, our doubts, and our impatience with how the team has been built. We have gotten our hopes up only to have them dashed by inconsistent performances and a lack of mature mentality and winning experiences. But ever so slowly, the team has been morphing as the players have grown older. I think my maturation as a fan has coincided with the squad's. So today's final means more to me than it did back in previous seasons.
Because I get it now.
So go get that trophy, boys. You and I are finally ready for it.
I am still indulging in the euphoria fashioned for me by the win over make-me-wanna-Barf-alona on Wednesday. The feeling was only slightly tempered by Messi's comment about Cesc (hence my above disparaging remark). I know I shouldn't let the revolving door of disrespect get to me, so let's move on...
Where was I? Oh yes...euphoria. It could be that this elation is making me more sanguine than usual, but the good feeling I've had since the win against Chelsea is growing in my mind to the point where I now am thinking this season is IT...for at least two trophies and maybe more. Actually, I am going to do something unusual here and actually put myself on the line. I am SURE of it. Quote me on May 28th. The come from behind win against the Catalans will have forged a belief in the squad's mind of their abilities and the level of focus and drive needed to reach a Champion's level of play. I don't think they have to beat Barca at Camp Nou-sance (they will, of course). That's a post for another day. But, they know they can win now, and they will. Starting with tomorrow's match.
Leyton Orient is the team we face tomorrow in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup - one of the trophies in our line of sight. "The O's" are a League One team placed in 11th out of 24 teams. They actually were protesting the Olympic Stadium being given to West Ham fearing that a new team relocating so close to them would take away from their fanbase since they too are located in East London. I'm all for the little guy, aren't you?
Anyway, I'm expecting a long ball sort of game mixed with some pace from their left back. Their main striker, Revell , according to Wenger, "looks dangerous". Revell has 14 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions and has scored twice in the FA Cup. Leyton have taken out Norwich and Swansea in previous rounds both who are currently sitting in third and fourth place in the Championship table. They will,we all now, be totally up for this match. That's part of the beauty of the Cup - the Davids taking on the Goliaths. Manager Russell Slade apparently was in person at the Emirates for our WIN over Barcelona and admitted that watching that match could have been a mistake:
"It scared me to death! There were two fantastic sides, and it as a great spectacle, exactly the way he game should be played. If they perform like that then we'd probably have to say adios to the FA Cup, but it's a new day, a different day. It might be a different team, who knows?"
And it probably will be. With Stoke mid-week followed by the Carling Cup Final at the weekend, rotating and resting our boys is important...as long as we win. Djourou was out with a back sprain, but is feeling better and is back in contention for starting. According to Wenger, Kozzer was exhausted after his shift on Wednesday, so he will probably be rested. That means that it will be Squillaci and possibly DJ facing Orient. I've stated before that I think DJ is suited better for the English game and will be instrumental in protecting us in set pieces and long kicks. Almunia will get some playing time although that may bother Wojo who has stated he wants to be the first choice between the sticks for Arsenal for the next ten years.
I figure Theo will be rested which will give maybe Rosicky a chance to get the rust off. I'm not sure if Wenger will start Arshavin or Nasri? Both could have a chance if Cesc is rested as well. I don't know how much Wenger will mess with the starting XI as the huge changes in the first leg against Leeds gave us a problem. On the other hand, getting the bench playing time is essential in keeping them match fit in case of injuries. All I know is that I'm glad Le Boss is being paid to make the big decisions and not me.
So here's to another push at the pendulum, helping it and Arsenal gain momentum going into the final third of the season. Shiny, bright things are within the squad's grasp if they just ride the wave all the way to the finish line.
When was it exactly that my heart stopped beating? The first time it stopped beating, I mean. It was when Song got his yellow card for bringing down Messi...in the 6th minute. I thought it was a bit harsh for Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli to hand out so soon and on our home turf especially as Song hadn't gone into him hard. He basically just fouled him to stop the movement. But the Signor wasn't havin' it. A reminder that this was European football - not English.
Great. Now Song had to play extra careful for 84 minutes?
Well, we know that he didn't play especially careful the rest of the half seemingly getting warned by the ref every other play. I know I wasn't the only one holding my breath until halftime anticipating a second yellow for our holding midfielder and then a suspension for the next leg at Camp Nou.
But it never came. What did follow that 6th minute was an exciting, edge of your seat match that brought out the very best out of most of our boys. And then men who was missing last year, Robin VanPersie and Andrey Arshavin (who went out in the 27th minute of the first leg last year with in injury) along with newcomers Jack Wilshere, Wojciech Szczesny and Laurent Koscielny rising to the top of the heap to aid this Arsenal side into morphing into potential champions.
As I stated, there were many breathtaking moments. But here are the things I noticed the most.
1) Jack Wilshere is fearless and not prone to panic. Like most fans, there are players that when they have the ball, I hold my breath waiting for a mistake. Jack is not one of them. He's a player I want to receive the ball and push it forward. He had a calmness on the ball - not unlike Cesc - while Barca players were swarming down on him. Without seeming to blink an eye, he would turn and protect the ball, or pass right before the opponents arrived. Cesc seemed to be playing farther up so Jack often took the ball from Djourou or Koz and started the plays forward. UEFA reported that Jack overall had 83% pass completion rate and a 91% pass completion rate in the final third (@OptaJoe). Excellent.
2) Koscielny had probably his best game as a Gunner - his timing for this improvement was impeccable as he helped the midfield shackle Villa and Messi. Yes, Villa scored but only because Clichy played him onside. It did look like both Djurou and Koz saw that Clichy was not keeping his line and one has to wonder "Did they say anything to him?" At the end of the match, however, it was Koz's crucial interception that started the charge forward for Arshavin's goal. He also aided Chezzers in squashing a last-ditch attack in injury time by Barca. Well done Laurent.
3) Djourou did not have his best match. He was slow at times and looked unsure. I think he is at home very much in the English League where long balls, corners, and winning headers is the name of the game. Against Barcelona, however, speed and agility are needed against a team that like to hold onto the ball and look to break the offside trap between the two center backs. Villa, Messi, and et al are speed demons who can change direction with the ball at their feet quite handily. He hung in at the end, helping to absorb pressure, but Champions League is a different style for him.
4) Cesc also did not have his best game last night. His first half of the match was full of passes that were just off in their accuracy. In the first five minutes, however, he did provide RVP with a beautiful chip over the defense, only to see his vice-captian's shot blocked by Valdes. He also had a great cross into the box after a Walcott on breakaway found him on the right side. Howver, it was just a bit short and fell to the defense rather than Robin. My favorite moment by Cesc, however, was his waving his arms at the crowd and then his teammates in the 58th minute, trying to get them roused before the free kick we were awarded after Pique fouled Nasri. This guy wants to win so badly.
5) Robin has to miss a few chances before he makes a goal. It's the same in the Premier League. I guess missing chances is just part of his warm-up. What a goal that was too. I, like Valdes apparently, thought Robin was going to cross to the middle. Instead, he took his left foot from the left side of the box and slid the ball between Valdes and the left goal post. Why score a sitter when you can show off like that? Obviously, he needs to see the ball often in the opening minutes of the game, just to make sure he can miss a few and then score for the rest of the game.
6) Like Jack, Wojo doesn't seem easily intimidated. The chip that Messi missed in the opening minutes was due partly, in my opinion, to the fact that our young keeper stood up as long as he could, making himself gigantic and throwing off the shot. He also was vital in Alves not scoring in extra time as he flew at Alves' feet to ge the ball, but was beaten. He kept control of his body so as not to give away a penalty and ended up pushing Alves to the right, cutting off his angle. Plus, you didn't love his celebration at Andrei's goal? Speaking of that...
7) Our Russian looks to be back. An unusual substitution demostrated Le Boss' intention to win as put on a striker for our defensive midfielder. That set up to the match winning goal was a total of five passes starting with Koz's interception who passed to Jack, who passed to Cesc, who fed Nasri running down the right who then passed to an oncoming Arshavin. Andrey didn't miss a beat as he put it in the back of the net. Let's hope he didn't mind too much about not starting. John Cross of the Mirror was there at the Emirates and wrote:
Yet afterwards, Arshavin was straight down the tunnel, no celebrating. He walked through the mixed zone area for press interviews without stopping.
Clearly, the Russian was upset at being left out of the starting line-up. But the Champions League is a squad tournament and Arshavin showed just how important a role he has to play.
Let's hope he's not sulking and is merely determined to learn his lesson, accept his kick up the backside and come back even stronger.
Diito from me. I'm glad the magician is back and he needs to stay in good spirits to help us with the other three competitions we're vying for.
8) My last observation is twofold. Barcelona? They are good. The way they took over the last part of the first half and into the second was scary. They basically played ping-pong with a soccer ball. Their possession time was an astounding 66% compared to our 34%. And yet we won the match without winning the possession stat. I think there was only one Premier League game we won like that. And we know what it's like to have all the possession and not take away a win. It's nice to have the shoe on the other foot, isn't it?
I guess that's it for now. Extended highlights are below. Make sure to wath until the end so you can see Wojo's celebration. We have an FA Cup match on Sunday to look forward to. In the meantime though, unlike our players, we can bask in the glory of the win until our next game. Who says fans have to move on right away? Have a GREAT one Gooners.
"Credit to Wolves though whose feeble surrender in the face of gloriously attractive, flowing football demonstrated perfectly how Arsenal will feel at 9.30pm on Wednesday after they have been torn to shreds - again - by Barcelona".
And he's not alone in sharing that opinion. Most pundits, columnists, football fanatics, and yes - even some Arsenal fans - think the same because they're using Barcelona's 6-3 win on aggregate last year as a template for tomorrow night's fixture. I just don't see it happening. I'm not saying, either, that we're going to beat them. What I'm predicting is a better performance by us, thus leveling the playing field. One could account for this prediction by pointing to my natural tendency toward the positive, but mostly it's due to the fact that this year's Arsenal team is different than the team that faced Barca last year. I'm not one for breaking down statistics. Numbers can be enlightening, but they're so much work. But this being a special occasion and all - I thought I would at least analyze ( a bit) the difference between Arsenal vs. Barcelona 2010 and Arsenal vs. Barcelona 2011.
Last year's match on March 31st, 2010 was the quarter finals of the Champion League. The first leg was also played at the Emirates as is tomorrow's. And while tomorrow's game is not yet the quarter final round, that is not the only difference. Here was the squad that started last year.
Almunia
Sagna Gallas Vermaelan (sigh) Clichy
Song Diaby
Nasri Cesc Arshavin
Bendtner
Theo came off the bench in the 66th minute and scored in the 69th minute after we were down 2-0. Cesc then scored his leg breaker of a penalty and we ended up 2-2. Lest we forget, Almunia had 5 saves just in the opening 20 minutes before we settled in.
As far as the other starters go, Nasri ended last season with only 5 goals in all competitions. This year he already has 14 goals in all competitions and is listed as being in the squad for the match tomorrow after recovering early from a hamstring injury. Most likely he won't start as an almost-in-form Arshavin my have earned one more start.
You probably notice a big name missing on the squad from last year and that would be our lead striker at the moment Robin Van Persie. Van Persie received an ankle injury in a Netherlands/Italy friendly in November 2009 and recovered in time for the 2010 World Cup, but did not feature in the Champions League matches against Barcelona. This year after a slow start of appearances due to his World Cup travails and obtaining yet another injury at the beginning of the season, he now has 12 goals in 19 appearances in all competitions. He is looking confident and hungry for the ball. I think - not surprisingly - he will be one of the wild cards tomorrow.
Theo Walcott will also probably start after having a decent run this season. He has already scored 11 goals in 27 appearances in all competitions. Compare that to the end of last season when he had a total of...4 goals. Messi has even admitted that Theo, when he came on the pitch last year, "scared" Barcelona with his pace. Even though Theo still needs to work on his decision in front of the goal, he has gotten much better this season,and continues to grow as a player.
My last wild card? Well, it's Spiky Jack of course. He's only 19 years old which could mean that he'll be intimidated by playing the inarguable best team in the world. However, he did just complete his first starting appearance for England, albeit in a friendly, and did not look intimidated on that stage. He also is playing well in tandem with Song and Cesc in the double pivot. If he keeps his head, his attacking capabilities as well as his improved defending will make a huge difference in containing Barcelona';s midfield and Messi- feeding machine.
We also have the always improving center back team of Djourou and Koscielny and our unflappable other 19 year old in goal...Chezzers. He also will be called upon to play older than his years. Hopefully, he won't be called upon to make a handful of saves in the opening minutes.
My only real concern? It's Eboue playing in place of the suspended Sagna. Theo will have his plate extra full helping to cover that right side. Sagna, however, has no doubts about Eboue and has given him his 200% support. Wow - that's a lot of support. Let's hope Eboue lives up to Sagna's belief in him and does not end up on the ground rolling around holding his face because someone tried to swat a fly on the other side of the pitch or something.
So to finish up, this should be the starting line-up tomorrow:
Szczesny
Eboue Djourou Kozzers Clichy
Spiky Song
Theo Cesc Arshavin/Nasri
Robin
I think just the goal difference total from last year to this year with the players I listed is 28. The added firepower combined with the confidence of some new players should really make tomorrow's match a totally different game.
Well, I guess that's it for now. I'll be tuning in for that match at Big Z's, but don't look for me to be tweeting. I'll be too engrossed in the match. I'll be back for a post-match report though.
Oh, I forgot to mention something about that "Fifth Official"?
The Captain and Vice-Captain celebrate a great goal made possible by a great assist.
Normally a 2-0 scoreline wouldn't evoke a feeling of cruising past anyone. But cruising, sailing, coasting, motoring, gliding (insert favorite synonym here) was the name of the game today as a confident, energetic performance kept Arsenal in sight of the title and showed everyone that last week did not leave a scar.
Arsenal started with the same XI it did against Newcastle with the exception of the injured and suspended Diaby. Song took back his spot as holding midfielder. And the best moment for me was seeing Johann back where he belongs playing next to Koz. What a relief that his knee turned out only to be bruised and his cartilage NOT damaged as were the early rumors on Twitter and from the Swiss "press".
So we started off brightly with everyone working hard, making runs, pressing defensively. It has to be said that Arshavin is returning to form. He didn't score, but he was involved in a lot of the action including closing down Wolves defensively...that's right. He worked his little bubble-butt off on both ends of the pitch. He even headed a corner clear. With Nasri a "maybe-maybe not" for Wednesday's match against Barcelona, Arshavin re-establishing himself is timely.
Here are a few other gems I noticed.
1. Wolves came to play and not to kick. Albeit they didn't really play all that well. Cesc had loads of space to make his spectacular assit to Robin, and they gave away pass after pass. But they did not resort to thuggery which we know from past experience is possible from them. Karl had one bad moment fouling Jack from behind purposefully but that really was it.
2. Jack Wilshere was the engine today for us. Feeling ever more confident perhaps because of his start for England on Wednesday, he worked seamlessly in tandem with Song to pick off passes and was especially strong passing and going forward. Our only complaint? He passed when he should have shot which is no surprise for a 19 year old. Wenger mused about Cesc having the same characteristic early on. Who can complain about that comparison? I just love the kid.
3. Van Persie's temper and petulance he showed at 20 years of age has matured into a controlled aggression and confidence. He's not afraid to go into a tackle or invite a challenge. And he always wants the ball. What a difference his athleticism and clinical finsihing has been for us since his return. His first goal today taken without allowing the ball to hit the ground, was exquisite. He's perfect for Arsenal and the English League.
4. On the other end, our 19 year old keeper has again showed calmness. He really did not have that much to do as Wolves threatened for a bit at the end of the match. He collided with Djourou going for a ball when it looked to me as if he had clearly called Johann off. That didn't seem to faze him or DJ. He also punched clear -I believe- two corners and lifted a possible goal over the net in the 82nd minute as he was being bullied into it. I think his height was essential on that move. Officially, however, he has been credited with zero saves for the match.
5. Wolves keeper Hennessey, however, was credited with five saves. Is there a keeper who doesn't have a standout game at the Emirates? Well done to him. As long as we won, I can say that sincerely.
6. The beginning of the match I was bewildered as the boys seemed to not want to pass down the right, releasing Theo. Once they started passing to him, his pace outshone anyone's on the pitch. His finishing still needs work, but he had a great assist to Robin which I think gives him five for the season. Speaking of assists, Arshavin now has 12 EPL assists and Cesc has 10.
7. Our fullbacks, who played with great pace and commitment today, both put up some bizarre crosses. Clichy and Sagna (especially) have worked hard to improve their crosses this season. Let's hope today's match was just a blip in that area.
8. Mick McCarthy was all class after the match - unusual for an English manager:
"There was a murder going on there and we could do nothing about it," he said. "They've murdered us. All over the park from one to 11 they were better than us, stronger than us, quicker than us, passed it better than us.
"I don't want to get beaten but I have to admire the way they play and the class they have. We have been done today but I admire the way they play and aspire to that level of performance."
How refreshing.
9. Wolves subs brought energy and almost shifted the momentum back for them with keeping possession and winning corner kicks. By comparison, our subs seemed to suck the life force out of our side until we once again took control of possession the last 10 minutes of the match. To be fair, Chamakh had a nice one-two with Theo whose shot was smothered by Hennessey.
I could go on and on about great movement, awesome passes and a TON of missed chances, but why? My team looks ready to face Barcelona on Wednesday, the match was fun to watch, and we came away with three points and a goal closer to Manure in the GD column.
Plus, my weekend is made. Isn't that the important thing?
I guess that's it for now. I'll be back to talk about the upcoming and aforementioned Champions League match. Click here for match highlights. Enjoy the win, Gooners...and the weekend. Take care.
