Date: October 2007

Goals, Goals, Goals!!!

Oct 30, 2007 by

Goals wins football games. It’s as simple as that. But finding goal scorers is not that simple.

Arsenal have scored 22 goals in 10 league games. That’s a great record. Yet I believe our fortunes lie in finding more goal scoring options. Why? Read on.

Our current scorers are

Ade – 6
RvP – 5
Cesc – 5
Rosicky – 2
Hleb, Diaby, Sendy, Toure – 1

The trend suggests that, for now, we are relying on three players for goals. RvP is out for some time. Ade is not the best when it comes to converting chances and can go through rough patches (as he is now). Cesc is in fine form but how long can he keep it going?

We really need one, preferably two more players to step up and take on more of the goal scoring responsibilities. Who can it be?

Eduardo – A natural goal scorer who is still settling in. Has looked out of depth in the two league games he started – Derby and Bolton. But has score twice in the CL. Needs more games to sharpen up. The sooner the better.

Walcott – Has shown that he can play up front and score. But yet to open his league account. Will get used on the wings often and it remains to be seen how many he can score from there.

Bendtner – Has scored in the Carling Cup but is struggling to get games in the league. A good player but needs time and may not get too many chances.

Rosicky – Is capable of scoring but struggles with injury. His injury record means we cannot rely on him.

Hleb – Scored two goals when he started up front but back to old ways when he returned to the wings. Did score against Slavia but cannot be relied upon to increase his tally much. Let him continue raking in the assists.

Eboue – Has a good shot but needs to learn to place the ball as well. Missed a golden chance vs Bolton and hit the post at Anfield.

Flamini – Has surprisingly not come close to scoring the goals he did last season. Maybe he is concentrating on his defensive skills.

Before the Anfield game, I wondered who will score. Cesc answered brilliantly. The same question remains for the ManU game and for the next two months in which we play 6/10 games away from home.

Who will score the goals? The answer to that question will shape our season.

S.F. Branch: Arsenal-ManUre and other future meet-ups

Oct 29, 2007 by

Thanks to everyone who turned up at Maggie McGarrys. We had a small but loyal group of Bay Area Gooners for the weekend match against Liverpool. Despite a congenial atmosphere, the only person in a Liverpool kit departed at half-time. Unfortunately, the pictures came out a bit blurred (impaired photographer methinks), so you’ll just have to take my word for it.

The report from Mad Dog In The Fog was that they got a good turnout, which was split down the middle in terms of Arsenal and Liverpool supporters.

Seeing as these seem to be the only two options for pubs that open early and show the matches, it would be great to hear from Bay Area Arsenal supporters about a few things:

1) Do you have a preference between the two pubs?
2) Do you know of any other pubs that open early and show the matches?
3) Which upcoming Arsenal matches would you most be inclined to turn up at a pub to watch?

You can post your answers in this thread or email me if you prefer.

Personally, I like both places and have no vested interest in either, but while Mad Dog has built up a solid reputation as the place to watch footie, I’m inclined to support Maggie McGarrys in their infancy, because people turning up for the matches will make it worth the owner’s while to keep showing them, thus giving Bay Area Gooners another alternative for match viewing.

As to next weekend’s Arsenal-ManUre match-up, Patrick at Maggie McGarrys has vowed to show it live at 5:45 PT with a possible replay later. No word yet on Mad Dog’s schedule for the match. Regrettably, your Arsenal America San Francisco Branch Manager will be unable to attend.

Maggie McGarrys
1353 Grant Street
Between Vallejo & Green
San Francisco, CA
Tel: 415-399-9020

Mad Dog In The Fog
530 Haight Street
Between Fillmore & Steiner
San Francisco, CA
Football Hotline: 415-442-7994

For more information, contact: Mark Barbeau sanfran@arsenalamerica.com

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Liverpool 1 – 1 Arsenal

Oct 28, 2007 by

A late Cesc Fabregas goal gave Arsenal a 1-1 tie at Anfield on Sunday and kept the Gunners at the top of the Premier League.

Arsenal had much of the possession and hit the post twice. Liverpool had chances, as well, and forced a few good saves from Manuel Almunia.

Discuss.