Clearly Wenger read my rant yesterday morning about the need to score and used it to fire up the troops.
While I recognize that “defense wins Championships” as the old saw goes, you have to take a look at this Arsenal team and recognize that they are not built for a 1-nil to the Arsenal style of play. With the type of play they are built for, holding opponents to roughly a goal a game should be enough to keep us in the Top 3, easily.
Here’s my point played out: Right now ManU are in second place, but they have given up one more goal than us. We’re in 6th, nine points behind them. How is that possible? Because they have scored nine more goals than us. Chelsea have scored 14 more than us. In fact, of the five teams above Arsenal, more than half (3) have allowed more goals.
For those out there that still insist are defense is pants, please note that only three teams in the league have allowed fewer goals - Chelase, Liverpool and Bolton. I’m not saying our defense is fantastic, but it isn’t bad at all, statistically speaking.
For Arsenal it has to be about scoring goals, that’s the way the team has been built.
66 Responses to “Proof that Wenger reads Arsenal America”
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December 29th, 2005 at 7:14 am
True, but how much can one read into 4 goals at home against a team lying 18th?? The next two games will tell a lot. We have to win at Villa and not lose against ManU.
December 29th, 2005 at 7:44 am
You can only beat the teams that are put in front of you.
Two clean sheets now breads confidence not only for the back four but also for the midfielders as well.
Playing Villa will be a good test for us on Saturday, on paper we should win it but games aren’t played on paper.
I would like to see AW make a few changes so TH14 is fresh for the Man U game. I am sure we have the squad to put a team together that can beat Villa.
December 29th, 2005 at 8:26 am
Well remember we only played Portsmouth yesterday. Don’t let us start jumping ahead of ourselves.
Defence win games .. Why - We manage to keep Portsmouth at bay. We control the midfield and defended well which made it easy for the strikers to go forward.
Once again I will take the 4 nil win in this blooded cold weather but it was only Portsmouth.
December 29th, 2005 at 8:32 am
There is no way Wenger is going to rest Henry against Villa. Yes you can only beat the teams that are put ahead of you but teams like Portsmouth and Charlton are a huge bonus.
Both teams can’t defend or score goals to start with. Yes I’m glad we beat both teams but not going to read anything of out those 2 games apart from some confidence to the team.
December 29th, 2005 at 8:35 am
Indeed it was only a poor Charlton team and a worse Portsmouth team… but at least we conceded NONE!
Thats a start… hopefully we continue to build on this and get a clean sheet v. Villa before taking on MAN U.
Man U have to scare us with their offensive weapons in Rooney RVN and Ronaldo… they have speed on the wings and that gives us TROUBLE.
We simply need contributions from the likes of Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires, and Freddie Ljungberg. These players have to play well for us to have any chance of running off a good number of wins and play well consistently. We need other options besides Henry and an inconsistent RVP.
Roll on VILLA.
Lets keep the positive vibe going.
Vieira in the stands was my man of the match!
Can anyone tell me if he was either introduced or if the Vieira song was sung?
December 29th, 2005 at 8:40 am
I can’t tell you if he was introduced before kick off (one last pint before the game), but there were no Vieira songs during the match.
December 29th, 2005 at 8:59 am
Yes, but Chelski and Man U have also added points and goal difference by beating Charlton and Portsmouth, so why should we not be given credit for doing the same?
The camera showed Patrick on the big screen but, I must confess, it was hard to tell who it was, as he was inside one of the boxes. I only found out this morning in the press that it was him. There was no Vieira song, probably because nobody knew he was there.
December 29th, 2005 at 9:29 am
First time poster - although I do go on UK Radio5Live message boards under different name. Not even US or Canadian based - although many friends. Anyway enough of that, simple answer is that PV4 wasn’t introduced, no song sung etc. Only knew he was around when I saw TV highlights later in the evening.
Hope to be joining you more in future - always enjoyable to read and a lot of good insight into what makes the Arse tick……
December 29th, 2005 at 9:29 am
Something tell me Arsenal did not want Vieira there. I only heard about him during the break “half time”.
He was sitting in one of those press Exce box not the Arsenal one. So I guess he came as a guess of one of those Corp or Media folks.
No PV songs.. He is history. Gone and done.
December 29th, 2005 at 9:32 am
I think he should be PLAYING in the Bergkamp Testimonial game. His Song should be sung one more time at Highbury, and at the new stadium as well! Then, he is done until he comes back as manager in 2009!
December 29th, 2005 at 9:37 am
Cheers, Philip. Up the Arse!
December 29th, 2005 at 9:40 am
I was waiting for you to say we won because of his presence, Stag. Impressed you avoided going there, although MOTM was close.
Apparently Wenger didn’t know he was there when asked about him after the game. Maybe Paddy hadn’t made his way down yet, although some are saying that there might be bad blood or that “once you’re done, you’re done”. I don’t believe that, though.
Funny comment apparently from Wenger, too. When they told him he was in one of the boxes, Wenger said something like, “they must pay him well.”
December 29th, 2005 at 9:51 am
I have to believe his presence in the stadium brought some instant positive karma to the team and midfield… which obviously had great affect on the likes of Flamini and Gilberto, not to mention his mates, Pires and Henry.
I think they “FELT” his presence, even if they didn’t actually know he was there. Its all about the postive vibes man…!!!
December 29th, 2005 at 9:53 am
Away to the Villains will be interesting. Our last two wins against poor opponents do not make for a recovery of form but certainly help in the confidence department. Villa are going thru an ownership change - not exactly the ideal way to prepare for the busy holiday fixtures. They have a very strong home record winning 8 of the 9 home games this season, scoring 20 and letting in only 4. Including a 4-0 mauling of Portsmouth. So unless Arsenal is prepared to battle for balls and tackles besides playing the beautiful passing game, we might be in for a tough afternoon. Villa has the players to do a Bolton or Newcastle over us - hopefully our boys are prepared to dig in. A 1-0 Arsenal win will be fantastic but would not be surprised if we drew instead.
I shutter at the thought of Cygan facing either Fake Ronaldo or Looney Rooney in the Manure match - it is a non-contest to start with. Rick - I hope u are right that Wenger is indeed reading this site.
December 29th, 2005 at 9:58 am
Vieira has it good - moving to another team who is leading the Series A and one of the top 3 contenders for the CL trophy. Plus having a winter break while his former mates are slogging away in the deep freeze during the holiday season. I say he made the right move for sure!
December 29th, 2005 at 10:02 am
Major WOOPS! Saw the wrong stats for Villa. They only won 3 of their last 9 home games! So we should win this one for sure! Sorry for the wrong information initially.
December 29th, 2005 at 10:43 am
He can THANK Wenger. And I’m sure he has.
December 29th, 2005 at 10:55 am
Either way it doesn’t matter. They had their hands full withh Doncaster!
Oh.
December 29th, 2005 at 12:14 pm
ok this is the time to get serious about the transfer
that may take place in jan.
the strongest rumour that is going here in london is that dirk kuijt
is the only player that may join arsenal during jan.
my friend who has a very small connection with the club has stated that
wenger has already got his man and he did take the name of kuijt.
well i would like to state that his relation with the club is something that i would not like to divulge
right now
and i would like to state that this is only a rumour.
but this is the rumour that is the strongest here.people here beleve that wenger has seen in kuijt
a player whom he needs right now.they have been led to belive that kuijt will join arsenal
well some say that wenger may get another player on loan in jan .but this
may be totally fictional or maybe totally real.
ok this tit bit of info is not some piece of **AYE CARUMBA**(censored) from football rumour
or something and even i would not like to divulge my name right now.
December 29th, 2005 at 12:29 pm
this isn’t really stag133
i’ve hijacked stag133’s ID on this site…
so as not to divulge who I am and how I am connected with the Arsenal Football Club.
I am an insider, and have this on good authority… its not some silly football rumors.
Here’s whats happening in January… like it or not.
Patrick Vieira was not just passing by yesterday at the match, he is back at Arsenal where he belongs.
After Kanu’s recent spell of good form, he’s back in as well.
Silvestre has had a falling out with United. We are taking him on here at Arsenal. He’s French, so it works for Arsene.
Toure’s brother is also on his way into the club. He had passport issues that are sorted now that he has played in Greece for a bit.
Thats all for now. Don’t quote me on these. They are rumors, but really are more than that, because I am in the know.
See ya in the tabloids!
December 29th, 2005 at 1:05 pm
Knock it off, Wiltord!
December 29th, 2005 at 1:05 pm
“Patrick Vieira was not just passing by yesterday at the match, he is back at Arsenal where he belongs. “
On the physio’s table or on the phone to Madrid?
December 29th, 2005 at 1:25 pm
He was at the match with Madrid. Madrid now own a box at Highbury. Now that we are a selling club and trying to off-load our best players, they figure they’ll watch the game at our stadium and just pick and choose who they want.
Life is grand as a feeder club for the BIG CLUBS!
December 29th, 2005 at 1:28 pm
Did he say his sister’s, Aunt’s, brother’s next door neighbour know’s a fishmonger who once sat next to a lady on the tube that overheard a complete stranger say some Dutch bloke might sign for Arsenal, some day? Hey, I’m a believer!
December 29th, 2005 at 1:34 pm
Did anyone notice that pale, skinny bloke sitting next to Vieira? Was it Bowyer?
December 29th, 2005 at 1:36 pm
High praise of Reyes by TH14 on the Arsenal FC Site…TH says we haVe not seen best of Reyes yet..AW singled out Flamini for praise and noted that he is moving more efficiently…There is hope at the end of the tunnel…
Still believe we need another CB for cover…When Kolo leaves for Nations Cup, our choices are Cygan and Senderos to sub..I still believe we need another striker to rest Henry and a physically strong CM like Yaya Toure.
If Flamini and Reyes play one touch football, we could be devastating due to their high work rate and covering of the field. Fabregas is great but he needs rest to develop his body and work on speed. I am afraid of burnout and a shortened career for him, the way we have deployed him at 18.
December 29th, 2005 at 1:41 pm
Maybe it was Stan Collymore.
Bowyer?
It would more likely have been Roy Keane.
December 29th, 2005 at 1:46 pm
I thought he was there to thank Wenger for the early Christmas present?
And leave it to Steal Madrid to get suckered into buying a box at a stadium that’s about to be plowed under. Bet if you added that money to what we got for Vieira it might just add up to what he was worth two years ago. :O
December 29th, 2005 at 1:51 pm
“High praise of Reyes by TH14 on the Arsenal FC Site…TH says we haVe not seen best of Reyes yet”
http://tinyurl.com/8×43k
December 29th, 2005 at 1:58 pm
Noooo…
they just took over the box for the remainder of the season… they know that once we fall out of contention for the top 4, we’ll be having a BIG going out of business sale… in which we sell all our best players at bargain basement prices.
Its like the day after Christmas sales.
Vieira just wanted to get a last glimpse of TH14 in his Arsenal kit, before he’s sold. It brings a tear to his eyes to see his beloved Arsenal going to hell in a handbasket because the idiots that are running the show are ruining the show!
haaaaaaaa!
December 29th, 2005 at 2:02 pm
actually Scotty…
I just read that Wenger saw Vieira, and said “Patrick, please come back, we’ve messed up badly”… and PV responded by telling him in sign language that he was “number one”!
December 29th, 2005 at 2:15 pm
You must be talking about his “excited manhood”, no doubt aroused from the looks of things to come on the pitch and, from his box vantage point, the new grounds.
Heard he had to be talked down from the clock. Poor old geezer. Good thing he plays in a league with a month break.
Hi-YAAAH!
December 29th, 2005 at 2:20 pm
perhaps its better to have a MONTH Winter break in your league… than to have supporters trek 600 MILES up to Newcastle, only to have the match called off an hour before kick-off.
Newcastle should personally re-imburse each of the travelling Addicks.
December 29th, 2005 at 2:32 pm
That was awful. I seem to remember some talk about a break for The Premiership a few years ago. Thing is, most if not all of the top flight grounds are supposed to have undersoil heating.
I also hear the EPL aren’t happy with Sam “The Walrus” Allardyce. He was complaining per usual that he didn’t like the fixture congestion and didn’t want to play Wednesday. Mysteriously, the undersoil heating “broke” and it was called off.
In the best of all worlds, both Bolton and Blackburn would drop.
December 29th, 2005 at 2:36 pm
I rather like Allardyce, though I don’t much care for Bolton and Nat Lofthouse.
December 29th, 2005 at 2:40 pm
then why arent we 4th in the league if our defense is so damn good?
could it be because we give up the worst goals at the worst time?
or because our 4-6-0 system is failign us and we can no longer out score teams?
December 29th, 2005 at 4:00 pm
Few would argue that our defense hasn’t been solid. Everyone agrees our problems have been in midfield. The way weaker teams have handled our midfield is what’s killed us. Our midfielders have been trying to compensate for Vieira’s departure and it’s taken away from their goal scoring and playmaking. That’s why we’re not getting the goals. We’re not making the chances.
If Wenger does frequent this site he should recognize Arsenal’s inability to create plays is killing our chances at winning trophies. He doesn’t need to admit he made a mistake that screwed up the way the rest of the midfield plays. He just needs to acknowledge this apparent weakness and do something about it.
It’s really a shame because, like you said, our defense, despite injuries throughout the season, is playing well enough for us to be literally within striking distance of Chelsea, if not top. We could have beaten or atleast drawn Chelsea and won the other games if we’d created more chances. With everyone compensating for Vieira, the scoring chances are too hard to create.
December 29th, 2005 at 5:10 pm
You have to understand that a solid defence is what allows the players to go forward in numbers and score.
So without a solid defence there wont be a lot of goals, hence you analysis is wrong.
December 29th, 2005 at 6:22 pm
It couldn’t have been keane. He would not have been sitting next to PV, more like lying on the deck after PV took out years of frustration with a simple shoulder check
December 29th, 2005 at 7:45 pm
If Wenger is going to sign only 1 player in the Jan window, then he obviously have not learned anything from those defeats in the EPL this season. Being outmuscled and out fought in those defeats meant Arsenal need experienced and physically strong players especially in the middle of the park - otherwise other teams will use the Bolton and Newcastle gameplan when playing Arsenal. I think we might have to kiss top 4 places in the EPL goodbye.
Just read that Liverpool did a deal with Villareal to bring Dutch international Kromkamp (age=25) to Anfield. Now that is what I call a signing that will improve the quality of the team. Come on Wenger! Don’t be a f*ck*ng tightwad! Open that cheque book and bring in some real experienced players in January!
December 29th, 2005 at 7:52 pm
Don’t let 2 wins against weak opponents fool you. Until that defeat by Bolton, everything was dandy and Arsenal was going to challenge for the EPL title. The 3 consecutive defeats showed up the weaknesses of the team. Those weaknesses can easily show up again against quality opponents or opponents who adopt the Bolton and Newcastle gameplan. Flamini is still a lightweight and is at best, a player to come off the bench, not a starter. The jury is still out on Reyes if he can perform consistently at the high level expected of him. Unless Wenger seriously retool the team with new experienced players, I am afraid we will miss out on CL action next season.
December 29th, 2005 at 8:02 pm
Is it defence or attack? Sounds like a topic for a Phd thesis. The Brazilian side of 1970 adopted a mantra - “we dont care how many goals u score, we will score more than u”. That certainly made for exciting football of the highest quality but then, they had the players to carry out the mission statement. Fast forward to Arsenal of 2005. Arsene’s team is built on fast movement of versatile players and ball. He pick players with those characteristics (though Cygan is an exception). Certainly a very attack minded approach compared to Chel$ki. To win a difficult tournament like the EPL, I believe u will need both a very strong defence and attack. The modern game requires it.
December 30th, 2005 at 12:00 am
The ManU game will be good test for Reyes. Gary Neville will be out to kick him again. Let’s see how he performs.
December 30th, 2005 at 12:47 am
Yep. That will be one of the many matchups within that game. Neville is now the captain and with no Keano to protect his ass, I think he will be more cautious than to start a fight with Arsenal. After seeing his evil brother sent off (see Pires was right - Phil Neville is a dirty player) against Pool, I am sure he will behave. And Reyes better turn up for that big game. Anyway let see how Arsenal do away to Villa first.
December 30th, 2005 at 6:52 am
True, Keane has left for ManU, but so has Vieira for Arsenal. Who will fight for the Arsenal?
December 30th, 2005 at 8:15 am
Ralph!
Agreed about Flamini. He had a good game against complete sh*t of a team. He could use it, though. Learning to serve the early balls will be a good lesson for him.
Reyes needed to calibrate his foot to the net, and that’s all I think he needed. If he can find the holes, he’ll come good. He always gets a sniff because he works his a** off. Thierry’s comments about him getting into the box felt like a breath fo fresh air, too. Now all he has to do is tell the same thing to the rest of them.
Sure up the D, get in the box and the goals will come!
December 30th, 2005 at 10:10 am
Rafa is swapping Josemi for Kromkamp…Liverpool has given up 1 goal in 9 matches or so…ManU just got a great CB…where is our urgency to get a good CB after giving up so many goals…AW does not think about defence as much as he should….That is why other European coaches make comments about AW like” If he is so smart then why doesn’t he buy CB’s who can pass and get a good goalkeeper”.
December 30th, 2005 at 11:13 am
Don’t mean to burst the bubble. But seeing as I believe our recent problems are down to lack of decent players and not lack of confidence, I can’t see Arsenal getting a win at Villa tomorrow. 2-2 draw is more likely.
I hope I’m wrong, because Villa are currently poor at the back, which offers some optimism - but the Fabregas/Flamini partnership, with Cygan still playing like a donkey at left back doesn’t offer much hope of us controlling the game.
A chink of light tells me we can do it, but my head says no.
December 30th, 2005 at 11:32 am
dang you crack me up
that’s not - crack up me dang you
December 30th, 2005 at 11:40 am
“… A chink of light tells me we can do it, but my head says no.” Danny T
“If my heart could do my thinking
And my head begin to feel
I would look upon the world anew
And know what’s truly real.” Van Morrison
Go with your heart on this one DannyT.
December 30th, 2005 at 11:46 am
I think Lehmann has been one of the better players on the squad this season.
I also question the logic in “if he’s so smart then why doesn’t he buy.”
How is buying something a sign of smartness - then Jose Moronho is the smartest coach in the world? It also makes my wife the smartest woman in the world cause damn she’s good at buying shite.
That said, we need a CB and I hope Wenger gets one soon, like next week.
December 30th, 2005 at 11:50 am
I completely agree with you Scotty in saying it was good to hear Henry say those things about Reyes. Let’s hope it has the desired affect and Jose begins to do his thing. If he plays knock and move soccer he truly is a dangerous player.
December 30th, 2005 at 12:17 pm
Just read the pre-match (Villa) conference with Wenger on http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?article=349146.
Following is taken from the press conference and my interpretation:
?I am trying,? said Wenger. ?If we find one it is good. Maybe one who can cover in midfield or even a defender. I would prefer a permanent [signing], a loan is always tricky.
?Experienced, yes, but then when I brought Patrick Vieira here he was not experienced. If he has a big talent then that is all we need.”
?Usually we don?t buy players in January. It is difficult to get the right ones in. They are cup-tied in the Champions League or they are good players so no one wants to lose them because their clubs are playing for something.?
?I feel comfortable because the team is growing, improving and taking off,? he said. ?I still have three or four weeks to assess that. We are not in a desperate need. But it is a concern to lose Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue [for the African Nations Cup]. Eboue is making big strides forward and he can play in the middle of the park or at the back.?
= Looks like he recognise the midfield and defence need help..
= We can forget about getting a Ballack or similar. It is most likely an unknown player who can be groomed for the future.
= Experience is optional if there is talent.
= He is buying to cover the loss of Toure & Eboue more so than to fix the problems mentioned (see 1 above)..
= Depending on results over the next few weeks, he may not buy if Arsenal continues to win. And if he does buy, it will be a very very late decision.
= He is prepared to retrofit a player like Eboue into an unfamiliar position.
Folks: If my read is correct, I think we are f*ck’ed - we will be hardpressed to make it to the CL next season without experienced reinforcements..
December 30th, 2005 at 1:19 pm
Ah, the luxury of having contacts…
Websites are reporting that Maniche is going to be joining Chelsea on loan until end of the season. Chelsea lose a player for the african nations cup and go out and get a cover for that month. Who knows if they will make him permanent or not…but here’s a team which is well ahead of everyone else and is still going out and getting covers even though it does not need to…
December 30th, 2005 at 1:35 pm
Our main problem is when and how we’ve been conceding…when we haven’t been scoring. Which means away. Which also means you drop all the points. On the other hand, you can bag 4, get all three points, and have one of the worst defenses in the league because you also conceded 3.
When we concede (away, mostly), we don’t score. When we score (at home mostly), we rarely concede.
December 30th, 2005 at 1:40 pm
Wenger’s merits are always in process. You can’t judge him until the last day. Its aggravating how rare it is that someone proven joins the club. Wenger knows they’ll come good. What boggles is that half the season is gone.
If he’s right, we should start seeing an improvement in results right about now. Only, just as we do…BANG, injury.
December 30th, 2005 at 3:28 pm
I hate that Chelsea keeps signing players I really like. The list so far is Joe Cole, Frankie Lampard, Damian Duff, Shaun Wright-Phillips, and now Maniche.
December 30th, 2005 at 11:07 pm
Do you really like Ronaldinho? I can see them offering 50 M in the summer…cant you?
December 30th, 2005 at 11:14 pm
I agree Lehman is probably our best player this season and the best keeper behing Petr Cech and Shay Given…But I was trying to point out the difference in thinking with other coaches where they think strong defense first and then work on the offensive needs.
December 30th, 2005 at 11:48 pm
I’m not sure how well Mourinho would get on with a precocious talent like Ronaldinho. He needs brilliance, but brilliance he can control.
December 31st, 2005 at 1:13 am
The transfer window has not yet opened and we have seen the following
- Liverpool to swap Josemi for Kronkamp
- ManU to sign Vidic
- Chelsea close to Maniche
These are teams that are ahead of us in the league and are clearly doing better than us. They are strengthening their teams. What are the Arsenal doing? So far, a big and frustrating nothing. Having said that, it doesn’t mean they won’t do anything at all. But the signs are not good.
The only speculation I heard was Marco Ne signing from Beveren. Can someone tell me why we need four defensive midfielders - Gilberto, Flamini, Song and Ne? Not one of them is world class. There are other transfer issues to be resolved
- Lehmann’s contract is ending in June and there is no news of an extension. Stack has signed for Reading. Almunia is a good #2, but not good enough for first choice. What are we doing in that department?
- Cole signed a one year extension, but no update on that yet. Is he leaving in the summer? He must be, unless a new deal is signed.
I am really worried by all this.
December 31st, 2005 at 1:15 am
It is reported that Antonio Cassano is close to signing with Real Madrid. Is he eligible to play against us in the CL?
December 31st, 2005 at 1:42 am
Its not on…but if Arsenal ever needed a stadium filler..
December 31st, 2005 at 1:45 am
Wenger’s got a few irons in the fire, whether they are the world beater type or the West Ham type is another question!
December 31st, 2005 at 9:28 am
…they’d launch a plan to lower ticket prices.
December 31st, 2005 at 9:51 am
- Another disappointing performance. Aston Villa were clearly the better team. We were lucky to escape with a draw. If we play like this against ManU, I have no hope.
- Thierry Henry has lost his burst of pace due to the achilles injury. So he keeps trying the spectacular. Somehow he just can’t seem to keep it simple. He is always trying to do something special. I think that’s hurting the team. I wish he kept it simple till he is back to his best.
- I am getting frustrated with Hleb. He is a beautiful dribbler of the ball, but he surely knows that the game is more than just dribbling. He was even dribbling inside our own D!!! 0 goals, 0 shots on target and 0 assists surely means something. He should learn from Robben, who not only dribbles, but also scores.
- Where was Flamini who was “superb” against Portsmouth? If he can’t deal with Aston Villa, what hope against better teams?
- If there was a prize for the player who has degraded the most, it would surely go to Ljunberg. What has happened to him? Is it true that without Bergkamp’s passes, he is just an average player? Apart from his shot against the bar, he was anonymous.
- Is Lauren the dumbest player at Arsenal? Baros is offside just after the half way line and he places the resulting free kick in the Aston Villa half!!! Does he even know the rules of the game?