Carling Cup Opponent- Reading And while we’re on the subject of left backs…
Nov 29

Reyes, van Persie and Lupoli bag goals as Arsenal, fielding some players I’ve literally never heard of (Kerrea Gilbert?), roll on. Nice little run of form from the Gunners. No, this game was not crucial, but it’s good to keep the momentum going.

[edit]See Mike K’s thoughts after the fold…

[edit]For those having trouble seeing all of the comments on this particular post, try changing the view to “flat” and then hit refresh. Thanks to Webmaster Andrew for that suggestion!

Arsenal’s reserves show Reading that despite being top of the Coke League, they’re not quite ready for the big time, as the Gunners win this afternoon’s Carling Cup 4th round tie 3-0.

Jose Antonio Reyes opened the scoring 12 minutes in. Robin van Persie scored - AGAIN - his eighth goal in as many games. The man is on fire. Arturo Lupoli added the third just moments after coming on for van Persie midway through the second half.

I’m not sure who the Gunners will face in the 1/4’s, but one team who won’t be there is Aston Villa, who lost 3-0 to Third Division side Doncaster. It’s the biggest win in Doncaster’s history, and what’s even more shocking is that Villa manager, and former Gunner, David O’Leary, fielded a first-team side. Gooners around the world can’t help but have a bit of a laugh at O’Leary’s expense despite his being an Arsenal old-boy. You see, back when O’Leary was manager of Leeds United, he used to talk lots of shit about Arsenal, and always directed his players to play dirty. So excuse me for a minute….

“HA HA!”

So, Arsenal now travel to Bolton to take on Wanderers on Saturday. The match is on PPV here in the States and kicks off at 10 AM ET.

55 Responses to “Carling Cup - Arsenal 3 - 0 Reading”

  1. ScottyUS Says:

    Feels like the lads of the unbeaten season - can’t buy a blush.

    The Berkshire broadcast, for anyone who caught it, was the best I’ve ever heard, ever. I’ll try and get a copy and see if I can’t get it up on bit torrent or something. It really is one to listen to when you’re feeling down. I very nearly soiled myself in laughter.

    And for those of you not keeping score, tonight capped an Arsenal first for as long as I can remember:

    ALL WINS IN NOVEMBER.

    Now, can we please have a little love for Arsene Wenger?

  2. DannyT Says:

    Yes, well done Arsene - but lets look at those results:

    H Sparta Prague 3-0
    H Sunderland 3-1
    A Wigan 3-2
    A FC Thun 1-0
    H Blackburn 3-0
    H Reading 3-0

    Very easy games - nothing taxing. We are Arsenal - not Aston Villa or Leicester, should we expect defeats in that lot?

    Don’t get carried away, the jury is still out - good to see the goals going in at least.

  3. ScottyUS Says:

    Danny, the jury will always be out with you until we hold high the CL cup. Fair enough.

    Let’s not forget that when we look at ourselves and circle the flaws, we do need to keep in mind other clubs in our league. Chelsea was knocked out to Charlton. Liverpool, gone. Say what you want, we had an average age of 19 years and change out there tonight. Reyes scored which was why he was out there to begin with: to find the net and hopefully have that calibrate into his league and European form. You may be right about the gulf in class between the Championship and Premiership, but for a worthless game, we took it to those lads.

    Let’s move on: You want to get technical? Okay, Chelsea conceded 2 to Blackburn. We conceded nothing. You want to go on about luck? Fine. But we’ve got 11 clean sheets in 20 games after a wonky start. And let’s break down some of those numbers you’re flirting with:

    Last 10 games all compos:

    goals 23 for 4 against

    Henry 8 gls
    Van Persie 8
    Pires 3
    Eboue
    Reyes
    Fabregas
    Lupoli

    November 6 played, 6 wins. 16-3 gls.

    If I recall, we were ready to struggle to fourth but a few weeks ago because our finishing and confidence wasn’t there. These figures, under the harshest scrutiny, is a sign of good managing and fast, solid improvement.

    My point is, we’re spoiled. We don’t take into account many factors when we critique our perfromances because we always compare ourselves to former squads in different times. We project too often without taking into account some important intangibles. This is supposedly a “transition” season, and we just did November with straight wins and 5 out of 5 in the CL. We didn’t even do that in the unbeaten season. See what I’m saying?

    There’s still lots to do, granted. Especially in the back where we’re injured. But come on. There’s no such thing as an easy game anymore. And for once, people are going to have to start to give Wenger credit for the way he’s staying in the hunt, AND bleeding the kids.

    Van Persie, all 3 million pounds of him, level with Henry going into December. Its time to do a little shouting.

  4. gunner4life Says:

    Indeed November has been a great month for Arsenal compared to past seasons. December will be a much sterner test for Arsenal and they do not come any easier than an away game to the Reebok stadium. Big (& fat & ugly) Sam Allardyce teams had frustrated Arsenal for the past few seasons with their long ball tactics and reliance on setpieces to score. They are lying a creditable 6th and doing well in Europe. In Kevin Nolan and Stelios G, Campbell and company will need to improve on their defensive play if they want to keep a clean sheet. Allardyce will likely play the spitting but tricky Diouf against Cygan to exploit the make shift left back position - Wenger will need to provide extra protection on the left side for slow Cygan. And in the middle, there is the mercurial Okocha.

    If Arsenal can leave the Reebok stadium with at least a draw and no injuries, it would be IMO a very good result.

  5. stag133 Says:

    Not sure, but I don’t think we made our own schedule… and all we can do is WIN our games.
    We did that. We won every one of the matches in November. Wigan on the road is easy? Tell that to the rest of the EPL.
    We’ve been impressive. We’ve done exactly what we’ve had to do. I am proud of the players. Despite some serious injuries, we continue to get the job done. It might not be pretty all the time, but as they say in golf, its not how you get there, its what you write on the scorecard.
    WWWWWW = Very Good November.

  6. nipuna Says:

    The boys have done it again. I didn’t see the game (it’s not shown in my part of the world) but read the match report. The defence (especially Senderos) was quite shaky and Almunia made some good saves. I hope the goal gives Reyes a lot of confidence. RvP is riding high. We have had a great November. Now we need to carry the momentum into December. This weekend’s game away to Bolton will be a tough examination of our side. If we win, I think we are back for good.

  7. faresk82 Says:

    The question is : Are we ready to face Chelsea in 3 weeks without a Left Back ?

  8. Ozzy Says:

    Very good win for the “the Emirates Stadium” team!

    We know about RVP and JAR so let’s talk about the rest. Lupoli should now be regularly on the bench I believe for the 1st team. He is crying out for a consistent run of his name being in the 1st team squad of 16 regularly.

    Senderos was a little shaky but he will be fine as 2006 will be huge for him. We will lose Toure for 1 month for the African Nations Cup where Senderos will replace him…also at the World Cup Senderos is Switzerland’s main defensive linchpin!

    Quincy was awesome but in spurts again. This guy has potentially the most talent amongst all the young guns but also is the most frustrating…if he can get a bit of consistency then this guy is Pires’ direct replacement….

  9. Anonymous Says:

    Bolton is a must. Reading was great and the kids looked good, but we need to show grit and consistency for this November not to be a fluke, to carry the season on. Sometimes sheer momentum is what’s required. We’ve got to keep our confidence high!

  10. joshuad Says:

    Just like I said, Reading will get beaten down just like everybody else.

  11. Anonymous Says:

    I’m almost starting to enjoy this season. Every week I tell myself this is the most important game of the season and this week I genuinely feel the Bolton game is the most important of the season. I know a draw could be a good result, but we need the win especially against that foul mouthed charlatan **AYE CARUMBA**(censored) Allardyce…luckily he only has a couple of days to broadcast that Arsenal dive everywhere and his Bolton team are hard done by from referees, before sending his team out to foul us off the park.

  12. pirate Says:

    Brief highlights here if you’re interested…

    http://latestgoals.net/detail.php?id=1331

  13. DannyT Says:

    Well, I don’t know about you but I expected to win all of those games. Maybe the Wigan game was tricky, but you would still expect Arsenal to win it - not necessarily savage them - but squeeze a result.

    While you’re dribbling and drooling over these games I have my eyes keenly fixed on what will be a far more difficult and telling month. Draws against and Newcastle and Boton and a defeat to Chelsea could find us 15-18 pts behind Chelsea before Christmas. Is that what you expected last July?

    Yes, I’m quietly please with the results, but not overexcited. This means nothing if we cannot start beating some better teams, starting right now. The next two months will decide whether Wenger’s transfer policy is bearing fruit or has been a disasterous mistake.

  14. Anonymous Says:

    thanks for the link

  15. DannyT Says:

    I think Cygan will lose us goals against superior opposition to what we have been playing lately. If you look in the papers he has been graded the worst player in every one of those games - although I don’t need a paper to confirm the obvious. I don’t think he should be anywhere near this team - and there are better options worth investigating.

    I can see all of our momentum collapsing through Wenger’s stubborn persistance in playing Cygan. He will get murdered against Chelsea, Mourinho isn’t stupid - he’ll know where to throw the weight of every Chelsea attack. I also can’t see Fabregas and Gilberto owning Chelsea’s 5 man midfield, the strikers will get completely isolated and Cygan, along with the rest of the defence, will eventualy crumble under the pressure.

    Time will tell, but that’s my optimistic bet.

  16. Ozzy Says:

    AW transfer policy is hardly a disastrous mistake…remember Arsenal have yet to finish outside the top 2 under him….cut him some slack and start showing support….

    If it’s transfer policy tha interests you more than anything else then go support Chelsea - you will lie their transfer policy buy anything and everything that the competition wants and pay 5 times more to outbid all - is that what you really like!??

  17. Rick Says:

    “there are better options worth investigating.”

    Such as?

    “Wenger’s stubborn persistance in playing Cygan”

    Yes, a pox on Wenger for playing a defender in a defensive position when your first AND second option are both injured at the same time.

  18. Rick Says:

    “This means nothing if …”

    Going undefeated in a month means nothing? You can’t take any pleasure from watching your team win game after game? Why can’t each game be a distinct and individual event? Arsenal play, Arsenal win, fans rejoice - it’s a pretty simple equation.

    Yes, ultimately I want to see Arsenal win trophies and secure historic victories, but if that is the only joy I can get from the team I support then I’m set up for a lifetime of disappointment with just the occasional satisfaction. That’s not what sports, or supporting a team, should be about.

  19. Mazza Says:

    Where are the 18 comments?

  20. ScottyUS Says:

    I see 19 comments, and none come up. Little problemo, senors?

  21. nipuna Says:

    In the past, Wenger has played Lauren on the left and Toure on the right. So that is worth investigating. Even Lauren on the left and Eboue on the right could be tried.

  22. MikeK Says:

    I can only see 17 of the responses, and only by switching to “newest comments first”.

  23. Andez Says:

    ??

  24. faresk82 Says:

    Cygan is clumzy. He will cost us something against Chelsea. This is the game that is going to decide the season.

  25. Anonymous Says:

    :-( can’t see the other comments

  26. MikeK Says:

    Switch your view to “flat”. That seems to resolve the issue.

    Thanks webmaster Andrew for the suggestion!

  27. invinciblehenry Says:

    where are the comments?

  28. love_Gunners Says:

    !

  29. stag133 Says:

    Can’t seem to see the comments?!

  30. DannyT Says:

    Of course I enjoy the victories. I love to see the team scoring goals whoever it’s against.

    BUT, as an Arsenal supporter I have certain standards, and that includes looking at the bigger picture. Maybe you are happy beating whipping boys like Sparta, FC Thun, and Sunderland and don’t give a crap if we lose against the better teams - BUT I DO!

    I expect Arsenal to challenge for trophies - not win everything - just be up there competing with the best.

    If you had Wenger’s skills but your own attitude Arsenal would achieve zero.

  31. DannyT Says:

    Senderos can play left too. At least try it, I’m sure he would be better than Cygan.

  32. Andez Says:

    Good to see it resumed to normal! Mazza, i did the same thing like u, posted a comment “??” trying to read the comments. Funny to see LoveG did the same, though he chose a “!”. Guess it just shows how much we love this site!! :)

  33. ScottyUS Says:

    What you consider dribbling and drooling is most likely a result of the extra enthusiasm it often takes to get attitudes like YOURS to recognize a few things.

    Realism about the future is key, but so are the things that we need to enjoy now so that we can build on them for that future.

    The crux of my post was to talk about a few things we’d never done before despite injuries and a serious liability at left back. Its like we’re charmed. That, for me, demonstrates the kinds of breaks clubs with a great, winning attitude and team chemistry manage. I’ve seen it before with The Arsenal (and I hate to say it, Chelsea Deflectorama) and I’m damn happy to have it back.

    Some Gooners wait to be impressed. Some support for that extra edge. And I don’t want to hear about it not having an effect. My enthusiasm on here translates to someone else, whose translates to someone else and so on. Its not just about being at the grounds.

    Some of us “contribute to the Library”, nodding with satsifaction when we’re pleased. Others raise the roof over the North Bank despite the tough times. I won’t decide for you, mate. But you can be sure I’ll be in the Bank.

  34. ScottyUS Says:

    You know what is annoyingly typical. When some Gooners say, “This next game will tell the tale of what we’re going to do this season and whether Wenger’s on crack, etc.”

    And then, when we win it, its “Well, they were horrible and we got lucky and its the next game that should tell us where we are cause such and such are tough at home, etc.”

    I always say it, but I can’t imagine what would happen to a club who had a manager who thought that way. That nothing was good enough, and that the only thing that matters is the next opponent. My theory: if the class is on the pitch, you need to get them healthy and confident. Some crap clubs they’ll squeak past. Some decent clubs they’ll beat handily with the kids. On the day, clubs below the 750 million mark can bring any number of forms. But a streak builds confidence, no matter how or from who its acquired,and is the sign of a side with class.

    If we can just get them to play on the pitch and not in their head.

    A streak after suffering some serious lumps shows even more. Last season we did it, this season we’re doing it, and we’ll just have to see how we fare in December. As for Chelsea, we’ll see in three weeks. Till then, let’s hope the confidence and chemistry holds.

  35. stag133 Says:

    So, we already have Cygan playing out of position at left back… and folks saying there are “better options”.
    Oh really?
    Just what would those better options be. Obviously, they are better options in YOUR OPINION. I would imagine the brain trust at Arsenal Football Club might have a bit more successful football experience than the fans! I would freaking hope so!!!
    I don’t think Arsene makes all his decisions by himself. I would imagine that assistants have some input.
    If we were to put Lauren there or Kolo there at Left back… and someone else at right back, we’d still have someone playing out of postion. At least Cygan has now played there a few matches and will be better for the experience.
    I think you folks are hoping for something you KNOW isn’t going to happen.
    Arsene is going to play the most experienced player there. Thats Cygan at the moment.
    Do I like him there? HELL NO!
    But please don’t tell me there are better options. There aren’t. There are more untested players that have not played that position.
    He’s going with what he believes in. I guess the shut out with Cygan there was not good enough for you against Blackburn?? I’ll tell you what. After seeing Senderos cough it up against Reading… I’d be more worried about him.

  36. gunner4life Says:

    No need to wait until the Chel$ki game. Lets see how Cygan fare against Bolton first. Sam Allardyce may not be the smartest coach around but he should know where to focus his attack at. Keeping my fingers crossed we do not blow away all the good work in November.

  37. joshuad Says:

    You know, Rick called me spoiled the other day. That really hurts, man (lol). But it’s not just me. You said “We’re spoiled”. Bottom line is with our talent and apparent ability to play the beautiful game like no one else, we want to win all of our games.

    I’ll take a win however I can get it so I’m always happy to win. Of course it means more when we beat stronger teams. We can’t help that we haven’t played any strong teams this month but these games were not any less important. They’re still worth points. Let’s see if we can keep the momentum going. I want to win all of our games. No, I’m not spoilled, I’m greedy.

  38. joshuad Says:

    You know, Wenger’s made everyone look like a fool in collecting maximum points with Cygan at left back. Everyone argues certain points but it’s hard to argue with efficiency.

    The real test will be El Hadj Diouf this weekend. That kid has skills for days and has mesmerized entire international defenses by himself. A single Cygan won’t worry him too much. Forget the fact that Houllier was an idiot that didn’t know how to use that talent. Except for Cole he schools everyone he plays against, including Clichy so it doesn’t matter which poor soul we put at left back this weekend. With Jay-Jay and others to deal with, Cygan or whom ever won’t have much help.

    At the end of the day it’s all about can we maintain this level of efficiency and collect maximum points. That’s the standard now that the bar’s been raised. With Chelsea beating everyone, Manu in their “crisis”, and Liverpool deciding they don’t want to give up any more goals, a draw is almost as bad as a loss.

    Personally, I like the thought of Lauren and Eboue at fullback but whatever get’s three points wil do.

  39. nipuna Says:

    Do keep in mind that every time Cygan plays left back, Ljunberg and Pires switch flanks to give “protection” to him. During the Wigan game, there were times when Cygan was ahead of Ljunberg. Isn’t playing one man (Senderos/Lauren) out of position better than three (Cygan, Pires and Ljunberg)? If it were a short term solution, then fine. But Cole won’t be back before mid-Jan and Clichy longer than that. I just hope that the results keep coming till then.

  40. pirate Says:

    The option explored for 20 mins against FC Thun was Lauren at LB and Eboue at RB, unfortunately Eboue picked up a one game injury in that one, so Cygan kept the postition. But the very fact that Arsene started with Cygan at LB confirms what you’re saying asbove Stag, Cygan is the first choice and he’ll start against Bolton because he’s good in the air.

    I still think the Eboue/Lauren option will crop up again and maybe Diouf will force it upon Arsene at the weekend. Amazingly, just read something that said Song played at LB in his 30 games for Bastia last season!

  41. joshuad Says:

    Maybe Lauren at LB but Senderos?, hell no! He would look just as ridiculous as Cygan does out there. We don’t won’t to crush Senderos’ confidence anymore than is already is. We have to beg Drogba to see if he’ll give Senderos his heart back first. If not, we might have to send Big Phil off to see the wizard of oz to get a new one. Then Diouf would take that one on Saturday. No way Senderos at LB.

    Wenger hasn’t lost or drawn a game with Cygan at LB. That makes many Cygan critics look like a bunch of assclowns. I think Diouf is going to destroy him though. We just need to get three points to keep up the pace.

  42. DannyT Says:

    But Cygan’s not good in the air, he’s not good at anything. Half the time he heads the ball straight up in the air, causing outright panic in the defence - you must have noticed?

    What would the options be? I don’t know, all I know is that Cygan is a joke, and that’s a FACT, not opinion, so something else should be tried. Why stick with a proven joke?

    I also belive that Arsene Wenger does make ALL the decisions himself - definitely on squad selection.

    We’ve got through some dead easy games this November, about as easy as you can get at the top level, and Cygan has been all over the place - so it doesn’t take much imagination to envisage him having a total mare and costing us goals and games when we start playing Bolton/Newcastle/Chelsea.

    I guess we’re going to find out soon enough - I hope I’m wrong, even if it means having to eat my words.

  43. DannyT Says:

    Exactly, we get a run of very easy games and now everyone things we’re gonna steamroller Chelsea and win the title, it’s pathetic.

    I’m not saying don’t enjoy the results, the goals. But equally, don’t get carried away - because there are accidents waiting to happen here, and in my opinion some options could have been better scrutinised by the manager.

    This season is much more likely to end in total disaster than success - and if that’s the case, at the end of it nobody will remember our 6 November wins against crap like Reading, Sunderland, Thun, Prague etc.

    I mean, if you can’t get decent results against that pile of dog mess your team’s more fit for relegation.

  44. DannyT Says:

    Wenger is the only one who will look like an assclown if Cygan gets taken apart by Bolton, Newcastle (who are thankfully dreadful right now) and Chelsea.

    The jury’s still out. If by the time Cole returns we are close to Chelsea than we are now then I’ll give Wenger a big fat pat on the back - but still expect Cygan to be gone come summer.

  45. MightyGunners Says:

    hello every1…. I finally manage to sign up.. ive been visiting this website for a year but i just didnt knw how to sign up… Im a malaysian started supporting arsenal back in 2000… i fell in love with them when they defeated liverpool 2-1… i remember ashley cole clearing the ball off the goal line… I have to say that this is one of the best site i hv ever visited… its very hard 2 find a site where it allows its members to voice out their opinion… well looking forward to really get to know all of yall…… c ya… long live the gunners….

  46. pirate Says:

    OK Cygan is better in the air than others, but I agree with everything else. I’d rather see almost any other member of the squad playing at LB as I expect Diouf and Stelios to give Pascal a good roasting, let alone what Chelsea will do to him, but one game at a time.

    Personally, I ‘d rather see Senderos in alongside Campbell and Toure at LB for Bolton, as I don’t think they have the pace through the middle to hurt us.

  47. Henryetta_Marsbar Says:

    I can honestly say i get depressed reading your posts. How long have you “supported” the Arsenal? Are you a glory hunter?

  48. Rick Says:

    Who’s getting carried away? Who said Arsenal are going to steamroller Chelsea? Here’s what’s been said by the “Positives”:

    We’ve got a nice little run going and the team is building confidence.

    van Persie is looking good.

    Cygan is no great shakes, but at the moment he’s the best option available.

    “This season is much more likely to end in total disaster than success “

    Really? What is total disaster to you, not winning any trophies for the first time in four years? I’m not sure that qualifies as a total disaster.

  49. ianwright Says:

    welcome!

  50. Mazza Says:

    All things considered, such as Toure’s pace being needed in the middle, then Pascal Cygan is probably the best choice to deputise at left-back. However he is a natural disaster waiting to happen, a disaster that has already rocked Arsenal to the core many times before. He is Arsenal’s San Andreas Fault, and it’s only a question of what the richter scale reads in the next few games, not if. I nearly fell off my chair when Wenger said he is good in the air and strengthens us in that department. The guy is shite in the air and only serves to provide Duncan Ferguson-esque flick on’s to the opposing strikers. I cannot think of one redeeming feature of his play apart from a 10 minute period he has in games when he actually can be a good reader of the game and be a effective interceptor. The other 80 minutes you grab onto the furniture time.

    The rest of our team is going great guns and I’m really excited about the offensive quality of our team but I don’t think Danny T is over-exaggerating when he talks about Cygan killing our season off in the next few games. Bolton and Chelsea are vital to our league campaign and with the former french footballer of the year in our ranks, they are going to be nailed on topsy-turvy affairs. Hold on to your hats fellas, I think Bolton on Saturday could be another Wigan but even more nerve-wracking.

  51. Andez Says:

    Scotty, the feeling is mutual here. Particular if we dare to defend our team or manager, suddenly we become someone who needs a mental check, that we are not living in reality.

    They say it’s unrealistic that we think Arsenal can’t do nothing wrong. But i don’t think there is any folk here who believe Arsenal can’t do nothing wrong. The truth is, there are folks who think Arsenal can’t do nothing RIGHT. But again, this is their reality.

    And what p*ss me off is, in their so-called REALITY, there is no good thing saying about Arsenal whatsoever. So i get an impression, the reality is - Arsenal, Arsene Wenger suck.

  52. DannyT Says:

    Disaster for me is finishing outside the top 3 and being knocked out the Champions League in the next round and out of the FA Cup as soon as we play Chelsea or Man Utd.

    Maybe you’d be happy with that - but I wouldn’t because I believe it could have been avoided had Wenger not hoarded money and needlessly thrown away 2 world class players.

    Still, early days yet. Wenger has overachieved time and time again, but this season I believe it will be a stretch too far.

  53. joshuad Says:

    Yeah yeah Bolton are so scary. So was Reading. So was Wigan. So was everybody else we play. Every game is always, “ooh, this is going to be the real challenge”. You guys are going crazy.

    Diouf is going to run circles around Cygan or whoever we put out there. We just need to find a way to collect the three points.

  54. Mazza Says:

    Until we win a game without doing our defence doing its best to throw it away, every game against a threatening team will always be a challenge, at least until our left-backs return.

    By the way, Diouf is rubbish. Runs down blind alleys, closes his eyes, crosses and hopes for the best. Only threat from him will be purely un-intentional fluke; deflected shot or something.

  55. joshuad Says:

    Diouf has skills to burn. This guy embarassed entire international defenses at the last World Cup by himself. Cygan will never play in a world cup so there you have it.

    Don’t read too much into what Houllier said about him. Whenever he get’s it wrong he always blames players. He managed France for USA ‘94 qualification and when they failed to qualify, he blamed Ginola. It’s poor when managers start blaming players for their failures. Regardless of what you say, Diouf embarasses someone every week and he’s definitely made Bolton stronger. Cole is the only one that can stop him.

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