Bring on Bayern



Bring On Bayern - and the Sunshine





It's amazing what a little bit of sunshine and warmer temps can do for people.  The grumpy-pants are now walking around with smiles and friendliness.  Of course, we do have more of the s-word on the way.  But fret not.  In addition to all this (temporary) buoyancy, we have what I think is a very exciting match coming up against Bayern.  Make no mistake, these big guns will offer an even bigger challenge than last year, in my opinion.  We yet again have to overturn a deficit at the Allianz, but the Bavarians will have last year's close call at the back of their minds.  I think they will have a point to prove to their home fans.

On the other hand, we are coming off of an exhilarating, fun win in the FA Cup and are feeling pretty confident right now.  I think that feeling will serve us well on Tuesday.  Bayern are way too serious for their own good, don't you think?  We go in as total underdogs at this point which is fine with me.  I think that status will allow us to play with more freedom and with little to prove.  The big question, as always, is the squad.  Will Wenger start our less-experienced striker like the first leg and bring Giroud on as an impact sub, or will he start the now in-form and rested Olivier?  I think Yaya starting in the first leg was a move to provide Giroud some physical and mental rest.  He now looks to me hungry and confident.  I think starting Giroud is the way to go - let's keep those goals a comin'.
(UPDATE:  Yaya is listed as having an ankle injury - did Bendtner make the trip?)

Gibbsy is out with a thigh injury along with Monreal which means a makeshift leftback is in order.  Vermalean is the logical choice which means he'll need someone on the left that will help provide cover, as he doesn't have the speed nor stamina of either of our fullbacks.  Between Poldi and Santi, I think Santi provided a bit more defensive grit against Everton and that, along with his great partnership with Ozil, would make him the better candidate in my eyes.

If we start with the Arteta/Flamini axis, Wenger will have to choose between Tommy and Ox on the right wing, both of whom deserve a start.  Ox gives energy and excitement and hustle - almost a younger version of the Little Mozart except he is faster and more of a threat in the final third.  Quite the conundrum for Le Boss.

That's all for the squad except, of course, we have Fabianski in goal instead of Sir Szczesny.  Fab has played really well with the run of games given him, so I feel pretty confident with him between the sticks.

That's about it for now.  Here's hoping for an early goal, a solid defensive display, and a performance we can be proud of.  To me, the latter will do if the result is not what we want.  Pride will go a long way the rest of the season.  I'll be back with a post-match report.  Until then, take care you Gooners.

We're Going to Wembley..for the Semi (that rhymes you know)

Mr. Cool





I have to admit to experiencing a ton of trepidation in anticipation of this game.  In light of our attitude and ineptitude against Stoke last week, I don't think it was an unreasonable reaction.  But, we again proved that we can survive and thrive after a setback.  We played a positive and attacking game against a team who did the same, and we came out unequivocal winners.  What fun it was, too.

 

I'm glad Fabianski started.  I know that there were many fans who wanted Szczesny between the sticks for such an important game, but Fabianski has done a really nice job in our cup matches, and because of Woj's red card, he's our goalie against Bayern .  Playing back to back games is important for a goalie, and I knew he'd be fine - which is really saying something about his current form.  I think his maturity level has helped him.  He's my pick for the FA Cup semi has well.  Wenger is all about keeping players' confidence high.  I would be very surprised if he pulls Fabianski from any future cup games.

We do better coming out of the blocks right away.  I don't understand why we don't do it more often.  Everton pressed us, too, but because of the positivity of our start, Ozil scored fairly early which revved our engines even more.  It does leave us more open to the opposition's counterattack, but we have a very reliable defense now that can handle most of that pressure.  And while Everton did bother us on the counter, they were fairly ineffective but for their opening goal.

 

We didn't crumble after Everton equalised. When Lukaku scored, I held my breath for the rest of the half.  This season, our defense has been way more stable than season's past, but there has been enough inconsistency in our team performances that I just wondered if we could push our way through the mistakes that led to that goal.  And I was wondering if Flamini could be effective the rest of the game while being on that stupid yellow card.  But he was, and we did.  Talk about a confidence builder.

Santi and Mesut are a dream team.  Many have questioned whether having two such prolific and  creative midfielders playing on the pitch at the same time would be a magic blend or too much of a good thing.  Yesterday's game highlighted their individual achievements and their combined ones.  Santi's ability to create an extra yard of space allowed him two shots on goal, and his nimbleness of foot allowed him to get around an opponent, pass to himself, and set up Ozil with a perfectly weighted pass for his goal.  Ozil, in return, crossed a perfect pass that landed right on Santi's foot allowing him to shoot on the volley, and of course he was the final one-touch pass to Giroud for his goal.  Now that Ozil seems rested and rejuvenated along with Santi who looks to be fully recovered from his early season injury, I think the verdict is that these two players are combining to create and finish some beautiful team goals.  Delightful stuff.

I honestly don't think Mikel gets enough credit.  He's mostly noted for his aging legs and an inability to play every three days.  His contract should be winding down soon, and I'm not sure what, if any, kind of extension he will be offered.  All I know is that when he is not on the pitch, we miss him.  We miss his ability to help us keep possession, his calmness on the ball, his experience, and his aggression going into a tackle.  And the coolness with which he took that second penalty speaks volumes.  I just love him for that alone.

Rosicky signs extension as he's a must-have at 33 years old.  There's not many clubs who have someone of TR7's age and quality, and still-fresh legs.  Whether he comes off the bench or starts, he's a necessity.  His pass to Ozil in the set-up of our final goal was perfectly weighted and allowed the German to touch and pass the goal in stride.  He looks to be enjoying his football now more than ever.

Theo being out has allowed Ox to shine.  Ox having to compete with Theo for the right wing position and Wilshere/Ramsey for a a middle one all season could have robbed us of the revelation he has become in their absences.  Coming back from his own injury, Ox looked to me as if he had slimmed down and sped up.  He has a passion and fire when he plays now that may be the result on missing so much football, and now he has given the manager a real argument for starting in two different positions every game.  I like that he was subbed off during this match.  Wenger sometimes has overplayed guys coming back from injury, resulting in longer-term ones (Theo anyone?), and we need Ox in perfect shape for the next three months.

March can be another resurgence for us.  The teams we have left to play are probably going to be more challenging than last year's run-in, but we have important players returning, and we are a better squad as well.  If all the pistons are firing, and with the right players peaking, I am much more optimistic about our chances of winning a trophy than I was a week ago.

That's it for now.  We have Bayern on Tuesday so I'll be back with a pre-match report for that game.  I apologize for not having one for this week, but I was experiencing so many internet issues, I almost threw my computer out the window.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

And take care you Gooners.


Arsenal Fail To Show Up and Title Hopes Are Damaged

Orc Victory



I hate playing Stoke.  I hate their narrow pitch and their "physical" players, their ignorant Ramsey -hating fans, and their managers whether Pulis or Hughes, who often display moments of classlessness.  Continually drawing with them is bad enough, but to play so poorly after having a week between games and a couple of days off from the manager puts into question the reality of having title winning aspirations.  I'm not sure this squad is up for it or built for it. 

How can we maintain a serious title challenge when our offensive backup is a 21-year old kid who misses a wide open shot from 12 yards out?  How can we challenge for yesterday's very important three points when only making 14 tackles the entire game against a very physical opponent?  Even I, with my constantly buffering stream,  saw Jack skip out on two chances for tackles.  He's suppose to be one of our most spirited players.  Unless he's carrying some sort of injury, that's not excusable.  And even then, why is he on the pitch injured when we have so many midfield players who could fill in?

Giroud spent most of the game allowing himself to be bullied by Shawcross and Wilson.  He's a strong guy, and should not accept being manhandled. Whining to the ref doesn't accomplish that. I fully realize that this ref didn't call much in terms of physicality and allowed  Giroud to get beat up and stamped on, but I would rather have seen him go a bit "Flamini" on someone and  potentially earn a yellow, rather than complain.   He was more of the show-pony than mustang we needed him to be yesterday.

The one not-so-dim spot was that we improved greatly when Ox came on.  He helped create more in the last 20 minutes (along with Ozil) then the starting XI did for the first 70.  Our game is most effective when we have width and some pace.  Although the starters did well against a very poor Sunderland, they did not provide either attribute against Stoke on their narrow pitch.  I really think Ox should be a regular starter if he is physically ready for it. 

There are nine league games left, and I could be overly negative here because mathematically, we are still in the hunt.  But even Wenger was realistic about how yesterday's result affects our chances:

It is not slightly worrying, it's a big worry for us to lose a game like that. It is a massive setback of course.

March is here.  The push is on.  This team has shown resilience before along with grit.  It remains to be seen if those qualities reappear for our next set of challenging matches.  Everton is up next in a tournament in which we have a realistic chance of winning, but only if the fighters within our squad make an appearance.  Otherwise, I think this temporary momentum switch can very well become permanent, and this season will end up like the last decade's worth.

That's it for now.  Take care you Gooners.

 

Next Up - Arsenal Venture Into Mordor

What a weird start to the day.  I woke up with one sock on and different top for my pj's.  One sock.  I know I went to sleep with both on because of the stoopid polar vortex reoccurance-thingy makes it impossible to stay warm without them.  Apparently I got so warm during the night, I took off a sock and changed my top.  No idea. 

 

Onto Arsenal and things that make more sense.

 

We journey up to Britannia Stadium tomorrow to play the "pre-Neanderthals" (ala Tuesay Club) in a match from which we should be able to get three points.  However, playing there in the past has been notoriously difficult resulting in two draws in the last two seasons.  A 1-1 and 0-0 scoreline does not provide much confidence, but I don't think many would argue that we are not the same team as last year nor the year before.  Plus, our boss has rotated well over the past couple of games, there has been a full week since we have last played and handedly won.  I think our boys will be well rest and not the least bit jaded.  Especially since the boss gave the them a couple of days off - which seemed to send the media into some sort of frenzy parodied well on this Friday's Arsecast (we all know Wenger is damned-if- he-does and damned- if- he-doesn't, yes?).

So I'm looking for our best to start to guarantee the win and inject even more confidence into the club.  We'll have a full week off again before facing Everton in the FA Cup so rotation for this game would probably only exist in circumstances due to injury.  Such as...

Monreal.  He is still out with his ankle/foot issue as is Gibbs.  So does Wenger start the newly returned Vermie on the left or Flamini?  Stoke are not known for the offensive prowess even though Hughes has tried to get them to play a more open style of footie, so  I'm not sure we have to launch the Arteta/Flamini axis.  Whomever starts on the left will probably be going against Odemwingie, so quickness and reading the game well will be important.  If we are feeling comfortable in the second half, Vermie could get an appearance for left wing or Koz. 

Everyone but Ramsey (did you see that Stoke fans?  Ramsey is not going to be at your stadium), are back to provide midfield options.  I'd really like to see Ozil back in and provide him with players who are going to make runs.  I don't think Hughes will play a high line against us, but crossing into the middle from the wings will be difficult as well.  All of Stoke's back four are well over six foot tall and are going to give Ollie a hard time with headers.  Our striker is excellent in the air, but the scouting report on the Arsenal site (yes, I read those), credit Stoke with winning the most aerial duels in the league.  I think keeping the game on the ground will be key.  Luckily, our cup overfloweth with those types of players.  Wenger can choose between Podolski, Santi, Wilshere , Rosicky, Ox, and Serge for the most winning combination.  Unfortunately, Stoke also claim the  spot for the worst disciplinary record in the league.  Whoever does get to start is going to have to play tough as nails cuz they're gonna get kicked pillar to post by these guys.  If I were going to make a prediction on who is not going to start based solely on the defensive record, I'd say Rosicky  - because we need him in good health for upcoming cup competitions- and Serge because he's young, and we don't want him to have nightmares for weeks after. 

One thing we can't do is have a slow start and give Stoke confidence.  I like how we pressed Sunderland and got a goal early in the game.  Stoke have to be forced to change their style of play, and scoring early will accomplish that.

That's it for now.  Chelsea play at Fulham  the same time as us and Liverpool play after.  Three points is a must to keep the pressure on.  C'mon You Gunners!

And have a good one Gooners.


 

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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.