Oct 31
Eduardo da Silva scored twice, including a thunderous opening goal just eight minutes in, and Denilison added the icing to the cake, as Arsenal beat Sheffield United 3-0 at Bramall Lane this Halloween night. The win means the Gunners are now in the pot for the quarter-final draw which takes place on Saturday. Also this Saturday is the “biggest game of the season so far,” as an in-form Manchester United pay a visit to the Grove.
37 Responses to “Sheffield Utd 0 - 3 Arsenal”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
October 31st, 2007 at 5:49 pm
I supposed those rival fans who wrote off our title chance as - Arsenal lack of DEPTH in squad, they probably never saw us play.
perhaps when they look at our squad roster, there aren’t any big name stars there in the reserve. so they mistaken big name stars = squad depth.
The truth is, as far as i m concerned - i have never seen any Arsenal side with as much DEPTH like this season EVER.
i look at our Arsenal B side’s performance in the Carling Cup so far, everything looked so easy for them, and if the Arsenal XI being the kids, this side tonight are the “babies”. But they surely had played like men, and made Sheff Utd look like babies. It’s so one-sided almost unfair.
btw, the final 8 will be tough, all the good sides advanced. and don’t u just have a gut feeling we would be pair with Liverpool again?!
October 31st, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Eduardo’s first goal in the first few minutes was brilliant. He scored in the upper-left near-corner with a blazing kick after taking a perfectly-paced pass from Bendtner. His second was clinical when just after the break he took a wonderful pass from Gibbs up the middle. The fun goal was about 20 minutes later, when Denilson’s shot glanced off the ass of Chris Morgan (perfect payback for his last year’s belly-wack to RvP) then tumbled into the net dead-middle over the keeper.
The lineup was fun, as the Gunners presented a 21+ average-aged squad that featured Fabianski (as captain!) in goal, Diarra/Hoyte/Song/Gibbs at the back, Walcott/Denilson/Gilberto/Diaby in midfield, and Eduardo/Bendtner up front. Traore perhaps was expected to start, but he was busy playing for a French youth team.
Wenger saw fit to bring on 3 youngsters as subs in the last 10 minutes which was also fun to see: Henri Lansbury, Nacer Barazite, and Fran Merida, (whose contract is in legal dispute).
Overall, Walcott provided some sparkling pace, Bendtner was very involved, and (for me), the MOTM was Gilberto. Our ex-captain, instead of whining and crying like some others, accepted the job as a Carling Cupper and provided some key defensive play – two important challenges in the first half when the opponents applied some pressure, and then cleared a shot off the line when the net was looking receptive for a Sheff U shot.
October 31st, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Few points:
1. AW is probably the only manager could get away playing FIVE cental midfielders (Song, Gilberto, Denilson, Diaby, Diarra) in a same lineup!!
2. When Walcott has the ball, it appeared very difficult for opponent to nick it away. HIs control and balance are getting better and better.
3. Song continued to impress at CB. Though without much action, he hardly put a foot wrong, and stayed close to his man during a rare Sheff Utd attack - a cross than the striker misheaded it, under close marking by Song.
4. Bendtner proved that he’s not ready to be a first-teamer full time yet. He has a good ability to hold up the ball, but his link up play with his teammates has yet to reach the level of Ade.
5. Also like what i saw in Fabianski, never afraid to come out for crosses.
October 31st, 2007 at 6:28 pm
And, the all-white kit was bizarre (even white shorts)…
October 31st, 2007 at 6:44 pm
Diarra was the MOTM for me and he played at RB. Imagine what he can do in the midfield.
It would have been better to see Gilberto at the back, Hoyte at RB and Diarra in his natural position, but hell, we won and that’s what matters :)))
October 31st, 2007 at 6:56 pm
Really a non contest from the moment after Eduardo terrific first goal. Other than a goal line clearance from Gilberto, Sheffield Utd was not much of an attacking threat from open play and tried to capitalise on set-pieces. How times have changed - from the first team that lost 0-1 last season in Brammall Lane to the current what is essentially a reserve team winning 3-0 comfortably. Indeed a testament to the new found toughness and confidence permeating right through this team and the first team. Good to see players like Landsbury, Barazite and Merida getting a run late on. My MOTM goes to Gilberto for his calmness on the ball - I still don’t understand why Wenger made Fabianski captain and not Gilberto. The 2 goals must give Eduardo a world of confidence and I am sure he will get his chance against ManUre this Saturday. At times, I felt there was too much individual play when a pass was a better option - Walcott, Bendtler and Diarra were guilty of it. Walcott should have scored when presented with an open goal albeit from a tight angle but hit the post instead. This team does not have the same level of inventiveness in the final third compared to the first team and I think part of the problem is the lack of runs from the strikers and midfielders from deep positions. I am sure they wiill continue to improve.
October 31st, 2007 at 7:01 pm
No it’s not AW didn’t make Gilberto captain. Gilberto didn’t want to. He said it himself in an interview early of the season, when he pass the vice-captaincy to Toure.
October 31st, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Diarra proved once again what a player he is. I know Wenger can’t really change things as it stands but he really should be in that Arsenal engine room as soon as possible. What stands out is his dynamism and mobility, two qualities which Flamini and Gilberto do not possess. He hung onto the ball a bit too much at times but I don’t think you would see that if he was in central midfield. His tackling is explosive as well.
Everybody else had decent games. I found Diaby once again irritating in the extreme with his sloppiness on the ball however he looked like he could up the tempo at will. I agree with Andez that Bendtner is not quite ready; needs to sharpen up in several area. Great sub though.
Sheffield United were extremely crap. Has to be said.
October 31st, 2007 at 7:03 pm
i meant the Gilberto didn’t want to be the “stand in” captain anymore after Gallas was named club captain before the season started.
October 31st, 2007 at 7:13 pm
Fabianski (6) His punching was a bit unusual, not as impressive as in his last game
Diarra (9) An explosive pocket dynamo, brilliant purchase and future star.
Song (8) Very good performance, certainly better in defence
Hoyte (6) Wasn’t troubled throughout
Gibbs (6) Did quite well, showed good vision to create Eduardo’s second
Walcott (7) A thorn in Utd’s side, floated out the game in the 2nd half but hit the post with a decent effort
Denilson (8) One of his best games, took charge of the midfield
Gilberto (7) Usual professional performance, cleared off the line brilliantly
Diaby (5) Quite poor, sloppy at times, maybe even lazy - left side is not his best position
Bendtner (7) Was desperate to score, but still unselfish and strong target man
Eduardo (8) First goal was fantastic; will be a goal machine one day
Subs
Lansbury, Merida, Barazite
None of them played long enough to give an opinion
October 31st, 2007 at 7:23 pm
The lads were just awesome. Got the job done and qualify for the quarterfinals. It will be interesting to see who we are playing next. Chelsea & Liverpool barely survived the rounds.
October 31st, 2007 at 7:43 pm
I tuned into the match 8 minutes after the kick off, Gunners were already 1-0 up. Miss the first goal, but watch it again at YouTube, absoutley cracker! it’s one of those goals it look better in normal speed than slow motion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PodMXBbF850
October 31st, 2007 at 8:09 pm
great game….if u removed gilberto the average age of the squad was less than 20 !!!
the whole team played well. personally i think our second team can beat 15 of the PL sides …. they have the quality to do that….ofcourse probably not consistently in the PL context ….but in a cup context they can beat any non-top 4 team.
i think the main strength of wengers teams is not really the individual talent - even though there is more than sufficient - but the system of play itself. its the wenger style or system that really elevates the team.
our defense didnt face much today…but am starting to think that Song and Hoyte might actually be “safer” defenders than Senderos. the first two are definitely limited players but they dont cause moments of panic and just do the simple things right. that is sufficient for me - as long as toure and gallas is by their side.
a song or hoyte beside toure with sagna and clichy on the wings would definitely be good enough against any non-top 4 team. and the best part about song and hoyte is that they both know they are not that great….so they are more than happy to train with the reserves. awesome!
October 31st, 2007 at 8:13 pm
To solve the grassy knoll of armband-wearing: Wenger said it was Gilberto’s idea to give the captaincy to one of the younger players as he (Bert) had not been involved in the earlier rounds.
As for the team performance, it was a stroll in the park. If only Sheffield had made more a game of it.
Plus points for me were:
Dudu’s clinical finishing, obviously - no looking for the square ball both times. Very refreshing.
Diarra’s dynamism, even tucked away at right back.
Gilberto’s cool-headed leadership. A model pro tonight.
Theo’s increasingly direct approach (love that turn and go), though as DannyT says, he did drift way second half.
As for some nitpicking, which is obligatory on this site:
There was not a huge amount of penetrating midfield creativity. Denilson didn’t really take charge of initiating a wave of attacks. He sprayed it around at times, but he didn’t push and look for the killer through ball. Admittedly, there was no pressing need, but still - a more hungry, tactically mature team would have swept in 5 or 6 against this gutless team.
It made me really appreciate Fab and Hleb’s constant probing and prompting. Bendtner is keen and lively, but often gets lost in the crowd. He and Eduardo have still to get on the same wavelength when trying to create under pressure in the last third. Diaby is the same, often taking too long with his mazy runs, so things peter out once he gets shut down. Yes, it takes 3 defenders to do it, but it still means the attack comes to halt.
I second Gunner4Life about the need for sharper, smarter runs from midfield.
Alright, that’s enough nitpicking. It was an encouragingly trouble-free win on a sandpit of a pitch. Bring on a real challenge!
October 31st, 2007 at 8:19 pm
@Fred #13 - “…but the system of play itself. its the wenger style or system that really elevates the team.
Absolutely correct, which makes AW a true inspiration for many, and will further his legend in England and worldwide.
It also may address points made by many in the past that Wenger’s only weakness is that of a tactician (a weak x-and-o man as we would say in the states). That may very well be true, but it is overrode by his players believing in his system to the death. The man is a god to them.
They just keep it going, never straying from their system (they don’t seem to panic and get in a hurry by retorting to the long-ball game when frustrated), knowing (believing) that the opportunities will eventually come, and with opportunities come goals.
And when we get ahead early like today against a weak side, its good night nurse.
And another good sign — reportedly the players were “frustrated” by the draw at Anfield. That’s a good sign to me.
October 31st, 2007 at 8:20 pm
I feel we need to find a way to incorporate Eduardo in the squad on Saturday against Man United. We need an ice cool finisher in our ranks because as it stands we have players like Adebayor, Bendtner, and Walcott, who can cause havoc but who do not really have a strikers instinct. Walcott has to an extent but Eduardo’s fillls the role more than Walcott at this stage. The worry with Eduardo is that he could be a passenger in open play and get dispossessed but I feel we need to take the risk. He might just put one away out of nowhere and it is worth having him on the bench.
I see Wenger playing 4-5-1 in that game with Adebayor alone up-front. If Adebayor’s touch is good it will be the correct tactic. Our smart runners should breach their defence.
October 31st, 2007 at 8:21 pm
eduardo should definitely start on saturday.
gibbs looked good too….definitely one for the future.
October 31st, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Diaby’s disappointing play may explain why he was not involved against Liverpool. This kid needs to get his act together.
As well as has Arsenal played, I actually was looking for more passing in the MF. Several players (Diaby especially) were caught in possession because they failed to pass quickly. Walcott needs to learn not to try to beat three players with a dribble when a pass would have been the better option.
Bizarre back line but it worked out and Wenger comes off looking like a genius.
I hope Lehmann saw that early save Fabianski made on Billy Sharpe. The whole game changes when your GK can’t stabilize the team until they get their sea legs.
I hope we draw Chelsea in the next round. They needed a Lampard hat trick to see off Leicester. I’d like another go at Blackburn. How about big Stevie G saving Pool. All these squads had their big guns on display to beat the likes Coventry and Blackpool (Sp**s). Chickenshite.
Will someone tell Platini to shut the f**k up. We abide by the rules. If Millwall actually had a 15yo player who did not just hoof the ball, they would have sold him so as to bring in 5 or 6 sturdy Brits of the type that played for Sheffield. Platini, the political stooge of Blatter.
October 31st, 2007 at 8:42 pm
good point Mazza. I too feel sometimes Eduardo tended to compeltely “disappear” in our build up play. I saw Bendtner battling the defenders to hold the ball up, I saw Walcott running around with the ball…. but for some reasons could spot where Eduardo were.
but this guy is definitely the best finisher (along with van Persie) in our current squad.
I do not agree to start him Vs Man U. I think Eduardo is still settling in. As a starter, he probably wouldn’t make much an impact.
And I can see how United is going to play, at least in the opening hour - by being physically aggressive (put it nicely), in order to break up our rhythm, try stopping us to settle in our passing flow. Very much a carbon copy of what Liverpool did. It might turn out to be a culture shock to Eduardo should he start.
So i say a same 4-5-1 line up like we did against Liverpool. 4-5-1 is only a formation, by no mean being negative. Hleb behind Ade, and we all know how much Hleb enjoys that role. without a doubt it’s his best position.
then Rosicky down left, Eboue down right (to offer cover for the back).
Rosicky needs to work very hard, as my main concern is whether Clichy is able to deal with Ronaldo.
October 31st, 2007 at 8:49 pm
Our central midfield disappointed me. But then Denilson always does in my opinion. He doesn’t take the iniative enough although he is good player. Diarra would be much better in there.
Oh yeah, Platini is a prat.
October 31st, 2007 at 9:14 pm
Thank god a soccer player finally celebrated a goal with a bit of humility instead of running around like an idiot, shoving his teammates out of his way, and then sliding into the corner on his knees. A big smile and some pats on the back…well done, Eduardo. And well done, too, for shearing the mullet.
Andez, Clichy absolutely smothered Ronaldo last year, he’s the least of my concerns defensively. I predict you’ll see Ronaldo switch wings to get away from Gael and try to test Sagna, instead.
October 31st, 2007 at 10:04 pm
if ronaldo cant beat clichy there is no way he is gonna beat sagna lol.
i say we go 4-4-2 on their ass. no point fooling around. eduardo should start. strikers are confidence animals, he has the goals now so that is a very good boost for him.
we played 4-4-2 against man u in this fixture last year and we were weaker then….so there is no reason to go more defensive now. ManU are a team that attacks you and allows you to attack them. so lets play our regular game - especially as we are at home. ManU will be more scared and cautious than us….they were wasting time in Jan for crying out loud. lol
October 31st, 2007 at 10:07 pm
@ macmac123:
“”Admittedly, there was no pressing need, but still - a more hungry, tactically mature team would have swept in 5 or 6 against this gutless team.”"
Which other tactically mature team??? Leicester are managerless and generally useless basically on the same level as Sheffield United and yet took a semi-first team Chelsea to the wire - at Stamford bridge….while Cardiff almost squeezed thru at Anfield.
And where was Man U?? Oh yeah, thats right they were beaten out by some lower league side.
People should really stop undervalueing our victories. A lot of teams look really bad because we MAKE them look bad. It definitely doesnt mean any other team would do better against them.
October 31st, 2007 at 10:18 pm
People should really stop undervalueing our victories. A lot of teams look really bad because we MAKE them look bad”
Very well said. I really think ppl should look at it the other way around, it’s we MADE them look bad, not the other way around.
I keep hearing when we take on a better team we might struggle, after almost everyone of our victory… problem is….. are there really that many BETTER sides around?
Sevilla were two time UEFA champ, + barely lost the La Liga title in their very last match. Were they a GOOD side?
Spurs away? A side who supposed to be the new top 4.
Liverpool away? We made them look average as well.
there are also folks suggested we would struggle going OUTSIDE of London. Sheff Utd is by no mean a London side, with their tough physical play and that rubbish pitch… prior to the match, I felt the tie with “giant killing” written all over the wall.
But we made the victory look so easy. I saw the Sheff Utd board their fans been saying their side lack of passion. Hell, when their team fallen beind after 5 minutes, and spent the rest of the match chasing shadow, no matter how passionate they were, they couldn’t have shown it at all.
November 1st, 2007 at 12:24 am
Haven’t seen the games or the highlights or the goals. But would just like to make a few points.
Eduardo is a natural finisher but he won’t start on Sat. As Andez says, ManU will no doubt play physical and Fergie is adept at such tactics. The ref is the same as the Liverpool game, but I hope he can spot Carragher type elbows and penalties. But I would like Eduardo to be on the bench.
Bendtner may not be ready for the first team, but his talent is there to see. Remember, he has spent just a few months with the first team, less than anyone else (apart from those signed this summer). Walcott, Diaby, Denilson, etc. are young, but they have been training with the first team for more than a year. Give Bendtner some time and he will be a good player.
Problem is we can have only two of Walcott, Bendtner and Eduardo on the bench for ManU. Who will it be?
I totally agree with Andez on the depth. There is so much competition that in some games you won’t even see Diaby, Diarra and Denilson on the bench. That’s a good sign. The only area we lack it is on the wings so let’s hope we can ride that wave.
November 1st, 2007 at 12:25 am
Anybody know where I can see/download the highlights?
November 1st, 2007 at 12:57 am
Easy guys. It was an easy victory because a) we made it look easy and b) they let us in through the front door, especially for the second and third goals.
I’m not saying it’s not good enough. I’m saying where are the areas we can work on to take on and beat one of the quality teams in the next round.
November 1st, 2007 at 5:13 am
I thought Eduardo should have started against Liverpool. Rosicky’s got a muscular problem and Wenger’s obviously protecting him a bit. However, I think he should have played the second 45 minutes on Sunday to prep him to start this Saturday.
My point is it’s tough to go to Anfield as a 23 year old and play as a lone striker. It was the first time all season Ade’s been up front by himself and his first time probably didn’t need to be against Liverpool. Eduardo would have allowed Adebayor to be one-on-one with Hyypia or Carragher, which is advantage Ade. He’s too difficult to cope with one-on-one. And Eduardo would have been found by Adebayor, Hleb, or Fabregas.
Sorry my post wasn’t well written and didn’t match what you guys were talking about. I thought we played well last night. Diaby did what he’s been doing; holding the ball too long. It’s because his vision is poor. I think some of you can begin to see what I’ve been saying about him now. If his vision improves I think he’ll be fantastic. I also think he, Walcott, and Diarra did a bit too much to try and impress the boss. It’s understandable as they’re trying to force their way into the side so Arsene needs to settle them down. Good performances overall though. I thought Hoyte was very good last night.
November 1st, 2007 at 7:57 am
nipuna
zee sports is showing da delayed telecast at 8 in the night today
and they showed one in the morning,it was from 9.30 to 11
but that channel really sucks, if it wasnt for mayanti i would have never gone through dat channel
their website sucks too
November 1st, 2007 at 8:23 am
Damn, my cable service doesn’t provide Zee Sports. Maybe I should switch to Tata Sky.
November 1st, 2007 at 9:57 am
Evening Standard ratings:
ARSENAL (4-1-3-2): Fabianski 5; Diarra 6, Song 5, J Hoyte 6, Gibbs 6; Gilberto 6; Diaby 7 (Perez 88), Denilson 6 , Walcott 5 (Lansbury 83); Bendtner 6, Eduardo 8 (Barazite 85).
They have Diaby as the 2nd best Arsenal player when he was easily the worst.
November 1st, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Great win for the young Gunners (and Gilberto). We really dominated the game. Could have had a few more too! Noticed that both Chelski and Liverpool struggled through their HOME matches against similar opposition. They were both putting out regular first team players too. Just shows the quality of this team Wenger has put together!
November 1st, 2007 at 12:46 pm
My guy doesnt give Zee Sports either … idiot… c*&^ etc etc
.. now what happens if we reach the damn final ????? .. tata sky has a 5 second delay nipuna .. but shows games atleast 
.. as for the ratings DannyT … most papers write rubbish which they dont understand themselves ….
November 1st, 2007 at 1:45 pm
Its great to be a Gunners fan right now. I relish the opportunity to watch our 2nd team (and even reserve matches) because you can see the future of the club. One wonders if we have too much talent coming up at the same time… in 2-3 years our “senior team” will be at their peak and we will have another side just beneath them that will also be hitting their stride. I can see problems arising because of all these good players coming at once. The Arsenal shareholders should be very happy, because we really wont be spending much money to maintain a competitive team. In fact, we will undoubtedly be forced to sell off some of this emerging talent to provide playing opportunities.
Obviously, Eduardo’s finishes were top drawer. Both of them were clinical. But unlike Andez, I thought he did much better in his link up play and got involved (in simple ways) in the offense. He didn’t lose the ball last night (admittedly against a poor side), which was part of his problem in his few premiership appearances. As he gains confidence and learns that you have to release the ball a bit earlier in the premiership, I think you will see more of him.
Denilson disappoint? Contrary, I thought he was excellent, picking up possession, swirling and jinking through tight spaces and moving the ball around. He was playing with a lot of confidence and expressing himself. The thing that keeps him out of the starting 11 is that his his final ball is missing. Last year, I heard Wenger say this about him compared to Cesc. We didn’t see any real probing passes tonight… the sort that Cesc, Hleb and (to a lesser extent) Rosicky can deliver on a consistent basis.
Diarra was mobile, quick on the tackle and can obviously protect the ball. The dude turns on a dime and can hold the ball in a crowd. But before we start elevating him ahead of others for a prominent CM position, I’d like to see his passing range. There were several occasions where he held onto the ball far too long and he didn’t always play the best of passes.
All in all, it was a joy to watch. I would have liked to see Merida get a longer run out.
November 1st, 2007 at 7:02 pm
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=491184&in_page_id=1779&ito=newsnow
I find that DailyMail offers the most interesting and insightful story far more often than other sites i been to. here is another one from Pires, building up to the United clash.
November 1st, 2007 at 7:32 pm
OT
My boss at the college I work is a ManUre fan, immigrating from Manchester several years back. He’s very excited about the weekend fixture. He was speaking about old Purple Nose Ferguson uncanny ability to build this new youth team that is doing so well in the premiership - he meant ManUre.
While I think it’s true that the Manc’s have a brilliant team I don’t know if I could compare their youth team development with that of the Arsenal. What actually interested me is that my Dean actually see’s Fergie in much the same way that I see Wenger and this new ManUre side in a similar way that I’m currently seeing my beloved youthful Arsenal.
Odd isn’t it. I’m looking forward to see who can win this fixture in terms of which youthful side has bragging rights on late Saturday afternoon. That’s sports at it’s pinnacle isn’t it. I’m already getting a high level of anxiety anticipating the game. Sheffield United, yeah sure, pure crap on the pitch. Bring on the real challenge!
November 1st, 2007 at 9:12 pm
Yes, a big game on Saturday,
was looking to see who would challenge for a place.Eduardo and Walcott looked good up front but was it enought to stop Wenger playing 4-4-1-1 with Adebayor up front on his own. I get the feeling for better or worse that we are stuck with that formation but against Utd., I would like to see us be more adventurous than that. Then again we keep on winning!!!!!!!