Arsenal v Blackburn – Preview
February 9, 2008
Here are this weeks previews brought to us by Sachin and LDE. First up is Sachin’s…
This weekend’s English Premier League games are the return legs from the Round 3 fixtures.
Recap of Round 3:
None of the big four of Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea or Liverpool picked up a win in Round 3. But Arsenal, Liverpool and Blackburn had only played one game heading into the weekend of August 19 because of European ties.
Arsenal 1-1 Blackburn
No Arsenal fan needs reminding of this game. A mistake from Jens coupled with his opening day error against Fulham signaled the end of his first team days. Prior to this game, my image of Jens was either seeing him in a defiant mood, pushing someone, shouting or being authoritative. But this was the first time I saw him lower his head in his gloves and go silent.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
A superb Torres goal gave Liverpool the lead and they should have picked up all 3 points until a non-existent penalty was given to Chelsea. Even though the ref admitted later he had made a mistake, it did not erase the fact that Liverpool were robbed. Chelsea never looked like getting anything from this game until that gift.
Man City 1-0 Man Utd
Nothing went right for United and City rode their luck after a sliced deflection gave them three precious points.
So after Round 3, Man City were alone at the top with 9 points, Chelsea had 7 points, Liverpool, Arsenal and Blackburn had 4 each while Man Utd were winless with 2points.
Round 26:
How the table has changed. Arsenal are top with 60, Man Utd right behind with 58, Chelsea have 54, Liverpool are in 5th with 43, Man City are in 7th with 41 and Blackburn are in 8th with 39 points. Liverpool still have a game in hand.
Arsenal’s home record is second only to Man Utd’s in the league. The Gunners have 11 wins and 2 draws, one of them being a 2-2 with Utd. Arsenal also lead the league with most goals scored at 52.
Blackburn’s away record is slightly better than their home record. Away from home, they have picked up 20 points (5 wins, 5 draws and 2 losses) while at home they have 5 wins, 4 draws and 4 losses. Blackburn have scored 32 goals this season and let in 31, with 19 goals scored away from home and 18 conceded away.
The Manchester derby takes place early on Sunday morning, followed by the Chelsea-Liverpool game on Sunday evening. Arsenal take on Blackburn on a rare monday night game.
Arsenal should not expect any favours from Man City or Liverpool. The Torres injury will not help Liverpool against a Chelsea side who are still grinding results out.
Familiar Foe:
In recent years, the frequent meetings with Blackburn in the domestic cup competitions combined with their tactics have made them an annoying opponent for Arsenal. In the last 8 seasons, Arsenal have faced Blackburn 3 times in the F.A Cup (4 games in total) and twice in the Carling Cup, including this season’s 3-2 win. Last season, Arsenal lost 1-0 away to Blackburn in the F.A Cup after a 0-0 draw in the first leg.
But Arsenal’s 6-2 thumping win over Blackburn at home last season surely makes up for some of those frustrating moments with Blackburn over the years. Since Blackburn’s promotion back to the league in the 2001/02 season, Arsenal have won 8 times, drawn two (this year’s 1-1 draw and a 3-3 home tie in the 2002 double year) and lost 3 times. Arsenal lost both fixtures to Blackburn in a dismal 2002/03 season. In the 90’s, Arsenal also failed to beat Blackburn in both fixtures on three other occasions — the first season of the Premier League & Blackburn’s return to top-flight football in 1992/93, Blackburn’s title season of 1994/95 and the 1995/96 season.
Overall, Arsenal have 46 wins, 29 draws and 24 defeats against Blackburn since the two first met in league football in the 1904/05 season. The first meeting between these two teams took place appropriately in a F.A Cup tie on Feb 9, 1901 when Arsenal won 2-0.
…and now LDE’s preview:
An injury hit Arsenal side will take on a no-less injury hit Blackburn side. Blackburn have always given us trouble at Ewood Park. but at Highbury/Grove we have usually owned them so I see no reason that this will be any different specially with DB/Pedersen who has been incredibly average BTW both out.
Samba is missing at the back as well so a red-hot Ade can use his physical presence to greater effect.
The squad is extremely thin as AW says ;DM and CB are looking especially stretched at the moment. I hope Sendy recovers in time coz I\’m not really sure of Gilberto these days in his \”I want to leave\” state of mind. Did Lehmann do enough for a recall? I didn\’t see the game – so you guys decide. Anyway we have injuries in almost every position but I\’d be feeling a bit more gloomy if it was Ewood park. At the Emirates Blackburn will not kick us for sure. I hope we can finish this in the first half and rest Ade and Dudu for the ManU game after 60\”. Here\’s the squad AW will put out tomorrow:
FutureEnglishGoalkeeper
IronMan Mohican ChocolateBoy TheTrain
HarryPotter InvisibleWall Astrologer RunRunRun
Bulldozer on Rocket Fuel The Quiet Assassin
Now if you understood all of that…then I\’mm impressed. HarryPotter and RunRunRun might switch wings and Duracell Battery might replace the invisible Wall but that\’ll be it.
Arsenal 2 – Blackburn 0
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February 9th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
I think Harry Porter and RunRunRun will switch wings, since Wenger had mentioned 3R’s feels comfortable on the right. Other than that, I agree with your line up, although if chocolate boy is going to make it back, then you may see Broadway Theatrics on the right and Harry Potter moving to the left. LOL
February 9th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Funny LDE
Although I think InvisibleWall needs a new name. Maybe that cloak that InvisibleWall has on has made him invisible to his team-mates as well. Only sometimes you can see his presence when the ball changes direction and goes to an opponent do you realize that there is some entity lurking there.
Also, the wall is now a loosely assembled bunch of bricks held together by magic sand. Yeah that is harsh but since this is the premier league only the best construction material & haute cuisine will do, right?
February 9th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Although we could be weak in a few areas Monday, primarily in central defence and DMC, our key players are still healthy and in good spirits. I see us giving Blackburn a good spanking. Night game which means slick pitch which usually means high tempo football, which usually means an Arsenal beat down.
February 9th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Does anyone have an English translation of LDE’s lineup? Actually any language would be OK and I’ll work on the translation myself.
February 9th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Almunia
Sagna, Gallas, Hoyte(I suppose), Clichy
Hleb, Gilberto, Cesc, Diaby
Adebayor, Eduardo
I got it right, right?
February 9th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Or is it Walcott instead of Diaby?
February 10th, 2008 at 1:51 am
Toure and Eboue both did not play on Sat. That makes it a lot easier to chose the team.
Lehmann (I think Almunia is sick)
Sagna Toure Gallas Clichy
Eboue Gilberto Cesc Hleb
Adebayor Eduardo
Fabianski Hoyte Traore Walcott Bendtner
If Flamini is fit, he will play. I hope he does. I am not comfortable with Gilberto. His recent comments have clearly indicated that his mind is not with Arsenal anymore. If so, I wonder why Wenger let Diarra leave and keep Gilberto. Anyway, if Song continues to progress, we should not have any worries in that area.
February 10th, 2008 at 3:39 am
Yeah here’s the translation
Almunia
Sagna Gallas Sendy Clichy
Hleb Gilberto Cesc Theo
Ade Dudu
@Sheed: How is ChocolateBoy Hoyte??
February 10th, 2008 at 4:35 am
i pray to the Lord that gilberto doesnt play! i have visions of him crippling the team with his attitude. i really hope flamini recovers in time. if not i would prefer we tried landsbury in there – at least then one wont have a player constantly passing to the opposition or making one of those ridiculous and brainless “tackles”.
lehmann
sagna – gallas – senderos – clichy
hleb – cesc – flamini/lansbury – traore
ade – eduardo
bench: fabianski, hoyte, g. hoyte, flamin/lansbury, walcott
yeah, am at a stage where i dont even want to see gilberto on the bench.
February 10th, 2008 at 5:54 am
Arsenal at home are a bunch of different animals. So even without our strongest squad, or with Gilberto in the middle, I believe we will cope.
However, I, too, have a feeling that Gilberto’s so-called “professionalism” has gradually turned into purely a paper talk. Judging by their “on pitch” performance alone, another outcast Jens Lehmann seems have shown more “professionalism” than Gilberto. At least, whenever Jens got to start, we saw the same kind of intensity and focus. While Gilberto at times really made you wonder either the man has lost his touch (which I do NOT believe it’s the case), or has lost his heart (at least in terms of playing for Arsenal).
February 10th, 2008 at 10:06 am
City have taken the lead at OT. It seems that Rooney has missed each of ManU’s four defeats this season and he is suspended today. On the other hand, Vassell has scored and City have not lost a game when he has scored. Can the unthinkable happen?
February 10th, 2008 at 10:16 am
City have scored again!!! What the hell is happening???
February 10th, 2008 at 10:24 am
As I was saying, City have been in relegation form…..er.
No doubt United will probably mount a comeback but there is a good chance of City snatching a point as it stands. They just have to make sure they don’t fall for Man United’s bluster and gift them a goal through lack of composure.
February 10th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Terrible backline play from ManU (at home)….. not exactly what you would have predicted! 0-2 at the half
go Citeh!!!
February 10th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Mazza and nipuna, do you have a stream for this, or are you watching Setanta broadband?
February 10th, 2008 at 10:32 am
happy days come on citeh !!!
February 10th, 2008 at 10:36 am
@15 try here : http://www.fsicrew.info/streams/todays-links/
I am watching on setanta so i cant tell you which stream is working
btw, rio almost lost out to benjani like clichy did last week
February 10th, 2008 at 10:37 am
@15 Sopcast channel 43343
February 10th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Holy Moly. It’s dreamtime at Old Trafford.
“…Vassell, who has never been on the losing side in a Premier League match in which he has scored.”
Yeah, because he only scores once a year!
Still, a great omen. Come on City. Give Scholes and Giggs a Zimmer frame and a colostomy bag each. Now, your age is starting to show.
February 10th, 2008 at 11:05 am
thanks, dubsta…..
February 10th, 2008 at 11:17 am
sweet, sweet Schadenfreude!! 0-2 84th minute
“We can see you sneaking out,” the City fans chant at their United counterparts.
February 10th, 2008 at 11:26 am
1-2 Citeh!!!!
Now we have to do the business tomorrow and we’re 5 clear!
February 10th, 2008 at 11:27 am
City have registered a MASSIVE win over ManU. It’s time for Arsenal to gather their resources (however depleted they may be) and their strength and stretch the lead to five points by winning tomorrow. If we can do that, it would be such a psychological advantage to us (and a blow to ManU).
COME ON, GUNNERS, WE CAN DO IT!!!
February 10th, 2008 at 11:27 am
now a chelsea loss or draw will suit just fine
February 10th, 2008 at 11:28 am
MarylandGooner, I am in India and we get live broadcast of almost all EPL games.
February 10th, 2008 at 11:29 am
makes u wonder if those Munich stuffs have taken their players’ eyes off the ball a bit?
February 10th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Delighted with the result and looking forward to the next one in 30 minutes.
February 10th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Fergie might have paid a bit more attention to the 90 minutes of noise, and less on that 1 minute of silence!
February 10th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Very much possible, Andez. I fully respect the tragedy that the club went through 50 years ago, but Fergie questioning the fact that ManU play City on this weekend was a bit too much. Now we know why.
February 10th, 2008 at 11:33 am
yup nipuna, not only a psychological boost. a 5 points lead means we can afford to lose to Man U at Old Trafford and still win the league as long as we take care of the rest of the fixture (and Chelsea of cos).
in short, buying us a bit of breathing space.
but of course, we will still have to EARN that 5 points gap tomorrow. hope the team realize the Blackburn game may as well be a turning point in this season’s title race.
February 10th, 2008 at 11:36 am
It’s a massive opportunity for us. I don’t see us taking anything for granted. Our history with Blackburn doesn’t allow us to be over-confident. Ade and Dudu are in a fine groove and Cesc, Hleb and the fullbacks should be able to provide service in spite of the uncertainty at DM.
3-1 to the good.
February 10th, 2008 at 11:38 am
This game shows that you always need two goals to win over ManU. If only Keane had scored last weekend. Maybe I shouldn’t be too greedy.
February 10th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Quite the result by City. Wow. Arsenal have to win tomorrow. They need that breathing room and a little boost going into a tough week.
Lets see if Liverpool can do something against Chelsea. I doubt that. But I didn’t expect city to get anything this morning either.
February 10th, 2008 at 11:42 am
So glad that Man City’s RELEGATION FORM has earned them a 2-0 win away to Man Utd.
Arsenal need to keep their nerve for tomorrow now.
February 10th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Funnily, City had drawn 4 out of the last 6 visits to OT. Yet, none of us gave them a chance because of their dismal away record this season. Liverpool, on the other hand have a good away record (better than their home record), but Chelsea haven’t lost at home for like 4 years !!!
February 10th, 2008 at 11:47 am
There are going to be huge questions about SAF’s tactics. For example, why wasn’t Ronaldo brought in centrally with 2 strikers out. Interesting that all of United’s losses have come without Rooney.
Our adaptation to life without RVP and and Kolo has been remarkably smooth, in contrast.
February 10th, 2008 at 11:52 am
yup i agree, Danny. From now on, it’s all about mental strength in the title race.
i honestly don’t worry much of our injury list, at least against Blackburn at home. but after United dropping points today, it will be interesting to see if the younger players in our team be able to hold their nerve knowing the increased significance of the Blackburn match.
February 10th, 2008 at 11:55 am
its going to be stressful day or so!! the tention is building in the area already !! i will be there screaming on the boys
February 10th, 2008 at 11:56 am
@36…. my stream was awful and I missed Ronaldo’s stint as support striker.
Forza Arsenal!
February 10th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Song lasted just 15 minutes in the African Cup final. Not sure what his injury is right now.
Also, Jose Mourinho is in the crowd watching the Egypt-Cameroon I suppose this is the only time he can travel the world and watch football games. He didn’t look happy as usual and that was just before the game had even started.
February 10th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Thank you City!! Lets hope for a draw in the next game today. (Obviously I want some breathing room betweeen us and Chelski, but I’d also like to see a new team in the top 4, so I don’t want ‘Pool to get all 3 either).
February 10th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
So the Man Utd-City and Chelsea-Liverpool results have mirrored those of Round 3. In Round 3 and 26, only 3 goals were scored in total in these 2 games. This week, the two extra goals scored in the Manchester derby compensate for the lack of goals in the Chelsea-Liverpool game.
Now Arsenal have to get that win. It will be a long 26 hour wait until tomorrow’s game.
February 10th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Liverpool have held Chelsea to a draw. It’s down to us now.
February 10th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
all a sudden that makes tomorrow’s game almost like our game of season. yeah Sachin, the coming 24 hr gotta be “longest day” for us indeed.
February 10th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
A win tomorrow would be a big confidence boost going into next week’s two titanic clashes… we have three critical matches in the next week and a half, one each in the League, Cup, and CL… COME ON GUNNERS !!
February 10th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
btw, anyone shares the thought – a Liverpool Chelsea encounter gotta be one of the most boring fixtures in the Premiership. When u watched them play against each other, that makes you feel even more grateful to be an Arsenal fans today.
February 10th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Two perfect results. Let’s have a third tomorrow and let’s start beating ManUre’s goal difference.
February 10th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
so much for citeh’s “relegation form”.
yup, we just need a 2 or 3 goal victory to go 5 points clear and to erase the goaldifference deficit. i really hope flamini and senderos are fit.
i agree liverpool and chelsea is a match i never bother watching. always boring as hell.
February 10th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
@Andez 46, not only was it a boring grind, but everyone KNEW it was going to be a boring grind, a fixture with almost no promise for flair.
I can’t remember how many times the announcers said that a Gerard pass wasn’t up to his normal standard, but it was at least five. They should re-calibrate their expectations — his normal standard ain’t been that great lately!
February 10th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Man Utd are increasingly looking like Ronaldo Utd – if he doesn’t perform, neither do they. I must say, for me Giggs and Scholes are on the downturn, still decent but clearly not the players they used to be. Instead of turning it on every game, it’s once every 3 or 4 games. These players will never get any younger, but Arsenal’s will only get older and better.
For me, it’s all about the mental challenge now. Two-thirds of the season have gone, and Arsenal have lost 1 game. So there’s no doubt that the talent is there, but now it’s about having the balls to take the title by the scruff off the neck and take control. The players are mostly young and haven’t been in this position before, so now we’ll see what they’re made of upstairs.
February 10th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
“Man Utd are increasingly looking like Ronaldo Utd – if he doesn’t perform, neither do they.”
Couldnt agree more. I was thinking the same thing when watching the game.
February 10th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
I’m happy that the thuggies from up North have lost their number one ruffian in Robbie The Savage whose now on his way to relegation with Derby. In all my years of watching footy I’ve never seen one guy dish out so much pain but whine like a little gurl if someone else dishes some his way – hypocrite.
I hope that BlackbUrine come out to play and not just smash legs and generally act like an abusive pimp on a bad day. I guess there’s a reason that Roses have thorns and that lot are a thorny bunch you might even say a there pricks.
The Man City and Liverpool did us a great service today!
Let’s go you red and white – go gunners!!!!
February 10th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
I actually originally said “almost relegation standard”. Form is when you take results into consideration. Standard is the general quality of their play. Also, I said ALMOST relegation standard, implying they were not quite as bad as that. Middlesbrough are at that level now; almost relegation standard. City, from what I had seen in the last few months, were at that level or a bit worse.
Their form, one could argue, was almost relegation standard as well. They lost two games out of 11 but they also only won two games out of 11. You see, you can twist statistics anyway you like.
Elano not being there helped them today, most likely. Their midfield could hunt in packs and deny Man United space. United seemed very flat, yet they always are when I see them. Ronaldo usually bails them out though.
February 10th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Utterly pathetic. “ALMOST RELEGATION STANDARD” ha ha. Get a grip.
The point is, you made out Man City was a walkover and all Arsenal had to do was turn up last week, and here we are 1 week later – they have won 2-0 at Old Trafford – and now you look a right tit.
Mazza, why don’t you save yourself the embarrassment, you’ll never recover from this one.
February 10th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
I won’t recover from it because there is nothing to recover from. Maybe this is the game City start to find form again. They had Benjani this week running the channels, unlike last week. They were away from home, which suits their game with Petrov counters. United were obviously a little off-kilter due to the Munich rememberances. It was a the Manchester derby. This was a very special game in the overall scheme of things. Don’t be surprised to see City revert to mediocrity at Eastlands in two weeks.
“Almost relegation standard” is almost relegation standard. That is what it means. Your are obviously too thick to understand literal sentences without adding your own unique Danny T-retarded interpretation of them.
And yes, I did think Arsenal would win easily last week. City are a tailor made for us, especially when they have to force the game a bit. Everyone seemed to be of a similar opinion around here.
Your the one that is embarassing yourself with every passing week, speculating on every comment and nitpicking my posts like a complete saddo.
February 10th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
“They were away from home, which suits their game with Petrov counters.”
Yeah, 2 wins from 12 Premiership away games before today – playing away really suits them. Keep digging your own grave.
February 10th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
if i recall, most ppl here were very happy that we could come away from citeh with a victory. only one waived the result as easy.
and no, they are NOT better away. they have a horrid away record but the THIRD best home record in the league.
a team on 44 points and that is clearly in the same league as liverpool and everton is not mediocre…except one wants to use the argument that liverpool and everton are mediocre.
lets stop undervaluing arsenal wins.
am sure if we do beat milan, it will be because they are “old”, “slow”, “over-the-hill” … not because we outplayed them or anything.
February 10th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Hey Andez, yeah that Liverpool-Chelsea game was terribly awfully boring. And yeah like stated by MarylandGooner in comment #49, the game went as expected. Actually, I do get quite upset to see Liverpool play. Considering the players they have they should be doing better. Chelsea still have not shaken off the style Jose left. I think teams should be docked points for producing a game worse than watching paint dry. Err, as I say that I do remember how Arsenal should to play under GG. Back in the 1994 Cup Winners Cup final, did Arsenal have more than once chance on the Parma net other than the Alan Smith shot?
But thanks to Wenger, the football has evolved.
And watching the Liverpool-Chelsea game I thought if this was the 39th game and fans in other cities had to pay over $100 to see that, how they would feel? I am sure some would be thrilled at seeing the experience.
Well Milan were happy today to have an Italian 18 year old who scored with his first touch. I am sure tomorrow the papers in Milan will be calling him the Italian Pato or something. Still unsure about team Milan would put out next week. No Kaka today either.
February 10th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Does anyone know if Song got hurt today? He was taken off in the 16th minute.
February 10th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
I wasn’t undervaluing the Arsenal win. Just stating that nearly everyone I spoke to or heard on T.V predicted an Arsenal victory. That was the only logical conclusion to come to after watching their recent displays. Danny T just thinks unless we go crazy over every victory then we are being kill joys. He bypasses every good thing you say and zero’s in on the ‘negative’. Like a said, a bit sad.
Man City’s home record this year is a strange one. Even at home they play like an away team, soaking up pressure and hitting teams on the break. The intangables that come with playing at home seems to give them the inspiration to hold the other team at bay and come away with win and hold on to the 1-0 leads.
For me, their best performances have come away this season. Funnily enough against two of the best teams in the league; United and Arsenal. At home against those two teams they were absolute tripe. United battered them at Eastlands and we pissed all over them. Their only battering away came at Chelsea. A defeat that can be attributed to the terrible performance of Javier Garrido, who has been unsurped by Michael Ball ever since.
Most people who understand football and who have watched City this season would back that up. Of course, your too interested in having the last word- the very thing you critcise me of- so carry on using your little statistics and being hypocritical cretin.
February 10th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Yeah Brendan it looks like an injury to Song but I am wondering if we will only know the full extent after he returns to Arsenal and is examined? Eurosport had this comment to say:
“Cameroon substitution: Alexandre Song is taken off to be replaced by Gilles Binya. The Arsenal man had heavy strapping on his leg from the start of the match and looked to be struggling”
He appeared to have strapping around his hamstring.
February 10th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Yawn!! You’re the biggest joke in here, you do know that don’t you?
@Sachin: Yeah, the Chelsea game was awful, like all recent Chelsea v Liverpool games. I think today what I noticed most is that it’s highly unlikely Chelsea can win the title with Avram Grant – he’s too frightened to take a risk.
Even with 15 minutes to go, against an out of form Liverpool team he was still too scared to go 4-4-2. A draw was no good to Chelsea today, what have they got to lose, it’s not like they’re going to finish 5th? Can’t believe he didn’t just go for it. I wonder if he’ll play 4-4-2 when Drogbas back – with Anelka.
February 10th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
All I know is that I keep making you look like one time and time again and I have to say I quite enjoy it. It’s always good feeling to a put a bully in his place.
February 10th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
The same rubbish Stag came out with, yawn!! lol
February 10th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Well Danny’s at it again! At Mazza ’s throat with a pick axe. Got to agree with you though there was no way Arsenal vs Man City away was going to be an easy game except in retrospect.
However I am surprised no one predicted Man City was going to give Man Ure trouble. I said they would after the Man Ure Spuds game. No matter what form City are in, as far as I can remember Man Ure always have trouble in the Manchester derbys, even if they win they usually scrape it. Liverpool V Chelsea was always likely to be a draw. I do not want to tempt fate and predict tomorrows game. But if we don’t win even with our depleted team I will be very surprised and extremely upset.
To all ye of little faith who predicted we would finish second or third this season do you want to revise your predictions now? And that fellow who suggested after our draw with Birmingham that we would finish fourth would you like to make yourself known… Well I am sure Danny will expose you in due course
February 10th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
If he exposes himself any more he’ll get arrested for public indecency
February 10th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Well Danny thought we would finish third so I highly doubt it ArthurShed.
As for publicly exposing ones self, Danny T runs naked every week on this site. He is the hypocritical clown who accused me of going over the top calling Eboue a retard after the Villa game yet I remember the Fulham game back in August when Danny called Toure the very same thing after a 2-1 victory. That gives you an indication of how seriously to take ‘Mr. Perspective’ Danny T’s comments.
February 10th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Yawn!!!!!!
February 10th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Yawn!!!
Wow, this is a really handy word to type when I have absolutely no retort and have been to look like a mug.
February 10th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
I hear you Mazza, hypocrisy DannyT, hypocrisy! Alright enough Arsenal infighting for now. How about giving Mazza a break for a few weeks Mr T?
Good night you all. Hope we will be discussing a sound victory later on.
February 10th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
I watched the Chel$ki – Pool game today and I agree with you all above. I didn’t just think it was boring but I thought I was watching some lower table teams hoof the ball up and down the pitch with no real deliberate passing. Aside from an occasional long ball to Kuyt followed by a brilliant cross to nobody or Croutch, a complete lack lustre game.
Thank the footy gods – couldn’t have asked for anything better as a result, offset with ManUre’s loss and excellent opportunity for our lads to gain some points and some goals to settle any goal differences.
February 10th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
I just got back on the site for the first time in a month (due to work reasons), and it seems like everything is the same. Danny T and Mazza going at it. Cant you boys hold hands and smoke a peace pipe or something?
All I know is that tomorrow is a golden opportunity for our boys to put some space between us and Manure and Chelski. Coming out of the ANC with a 5 pt lead is above what I expected. All I can say is that Ade caught fire at the right time.
Great to be back!
February 11th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Two events that happened a week ago had an influence on City’s win at OT.
The ref who booked Rooney for diving at WHL when others might have shied away from doing such a thing.
Petrov did not track back and defend for the Arsenal’s first goal. He was not to repeat that mistake at OT.
February 11th, 2008 at 2:04 am
netminder, yeah Ade caught fire at the right time. And the best part is he started scoring tons just when the African Cup of Nations started. I never thought Mali knocking out Togo would have such an impact. I believe Mali beat Togo in both qualifying games and Kanoute got a goal in one of them. So an ex-spurs man helped Arsenal
I know Kanoute has been gone for a while but doesn’t hurt in saying that just like some people kept repeating how ex-spurs man Nayim scored that looping goal over Seaman in 1995.
Nipuna, it is amazing how Rooney gets away with so much so yeah it was surprizing that he managed to get booked for that. It is amazing in both Manchester derby games, you got the sense that it was not going to be their day. In the first game, Man Utd kept missing chance after chance..
So far City have played some part. Arsenal got 6 points against them with a goal difference of 4-1 while City denied Man Utd 6 points with a goal diff of 3-1 (-2 for ManU). Heck, even Spurs denied Man U 2 points while Arsenal grabbed 6 against them.
I should stop talking about all these points but I can’t wait for the game tomorrow. 14 more hours until kick-off.
February 11th, 2008 at 2:16 am
Regarding Song….he looked unhappy to come off after 20 minutes….but i guess it must have been the disappointment of missing out on such a big match…but it was clear that he was struggling a bit…and the Cameroon coach had taken a risk by even playing him in the game…which actually speaks volumes of how much Song has improved.
Which brings my mind back to the absolutely cynical tackles by Essien on Song during the semi-final against Ghana……I was surprised to see Essien not getting booked for that….and even more surprised to see Song recovering and continuing to play on in the game.
Hope Song recovers soon…..we might need defensive or midfield cover in the run up to the close of the season…
February 11th, 2008 at 2:32 am
Wow Fergie is something alright. He is upset about having the derby game in the week
of the 50th anniversary
‘It puts pressure on the clubs. We could easily have had Middlesbrough at home or something like that.’
Well atleast he admits Boro at home are an easy game. But this is funny:
“‘When I saw what the fixture was at this time at the beginning of the season I said ‘who the hell chose that?’ the Scot said in the Daily Express”
Err, it is a computer Fergie. Or maybe he is mad that the computer did not take into account Manchester Utd’s special requests.
February 11th, 2008 at 3:12 am
Sachin, I echoed your sentiments in #29. Fergie blames the domestic fixtures while Queiroz blamed the mid-week international fixtures. When they start complaining, you know that they are rattled. That’s why it is SO important for Arsenal to keep their nerve and beat Blackburn tonight.
February 11th, 2008 at 7:48 am
From what i saw on 606, even some of Man U fans have acknowledged that Fergie’s comments to public (regardless of any issue) have been embrassing.
Particularly this season, lot of things he said really surprise me. cos it served no purpose. Say, blaming the Emirates’ lack of security, that’s not even mind game. What was it all about?
his remark following the Spurs match “a club like Man Utd shouldn’t have got 7 booking in a match”, if anything, it only reflects the FACT that how much Man Utd have gotton away over years. What makes Man Utd as a club should not get 7 bookings in a match? Because their players are all saints?
and that ridaculous “foreign players quota” talk, particuarly when in recent years Man Utd virtually has developed ZERO English talent themselves. Wes Brown is 27.
perhaps mother time have caught up with him. at times he sounds, and in fact talks like a granny. Mumbling a lot, but sometimes u wonder whether he knows what he’s talking.
Another weird thing is – at this stage of season, normally u would have expected the traditional Wenger Vs Fergie “mind game” would be flying around. Yet neither of them don’t seem to be bothered anymore. at least i haven’t really heard any.
February 11th, 2008 at 8:17 am
Look at Fergie’s red/purple bulbous nose, it’s obvious he’s a drunk. More preposterous comments will no doubt follow as the season draws to its close.
Tonight’s game is so important. If we win it, it really puts pressure on Utd – they can’t afford any more slips ups. If Arsenal can go into those big games against Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd with a 5 point lead they know they can bag the title in that 3 week period between
February 11th, 2008 at 8:19 am
…23 March and 12 April. Still, lots can happen between now and then. Fingers crossed we don’t get too many injuries – that could be key.
February 11th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Now watching EPL I feel like watching the penalty shoot out – We took the spot kick first last week, and scored. Man U missed. Chelsea missed.
This week, Man U took the first kick, missed, Chelsea missed. Now it’s our turn…
when i was a kid i used to love watching FA Cup more than the league. ‘cos it’s an one off, exciting. And u dreamt about an Arsenal player scoring a last mintue winner in the final (and it came true with Andy Linigan, Alan Sunderland’s winner at 79 was ahead of my time).
but today, the league is definitely more interesting and addictive (when u r involved in a title race of course). All the up and down, twist and turn. It flitered out the truly great side from the very good. And the real fans from the plastic. When the tension built, the true colour shows.
February 11th, 2008 at 11:31 am
I for one have never truly enjoyed watching the lads get kicked up and down the pitch by BlackbUrine. These games have always made me nervous, no more than today’s game for all that it implies for the gunner squad (5hrs to go).
This years earlier match with BlackbUrine was a testament to this current squads change in terms of the so called physical game. They dug in and dealt with the physical challenges and I think that’s been the turning point of Arsenal since 2004. Other teams knew if you bullied the gunners you might get a result – well these young lads have said NO MORE!!!
Now I can just be excited by the prospect of seeing a pivotal game for the lads and not just a Donnybrook (hockey term for fight) at the Emirates.
________________________________________
By the way, I had to change my posting name to protect myself. My current boss, at the college I teach, is a dyed in the wool ManUre fan. He was at the ManUre-Sheffield Wed. match in 1958 with his dad, the first match after the terrible crash. He also reads a lot and I know he’d find my postings here if he typed in my name. I like him and my job so I thought it better to protect both relations by a name change from Gerard P_s to the current one.
Sachin it’s fricken cold here in Ontario how is it out west.
February 11th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Hey Gerard
February 11th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
“Happy families are all alike,” right?
Here’s to five points clear…come on you gunners!
February 11th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Hey Nipuna, oops I missed that comment by you. Otherwise I would have included that in my comment.
Gerard, damn man. I wondered what happenned to you. And you were here all along
Today it is getting better but fri and sat were awful. Touched -43 deg C with windchill man.
February 11th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
-43 ??????? you got to be kidding me. -43?????? … How the hell are you guys alive? Its 7 degrees in Mumbai after who knows how many years and I’m freezing to death here?
February 11th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
I seem to remember there had been two Gerard, is Gerard P and Gerard the same guy? but Stoned Emirate Hooker surely is a more memorable name! and now officially beat LDE as the longest name here! : )
February 11th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
These weekday games are really hard on me. Match is at 4am here in Malaysia.. It’s 2.30am now and am barely keeping it together…
February 11th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
i don’t get to comment much, but Stoned Emirate Hooker’s posts never fail to entertain
February 11th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Don’t mean to sound pessimistic..but if we do open up the 5 point gap today (i think we will) ..the pressure is going to be totally on us till the end ..whereas Man Utd and Chelsea will play as if they have nothing to lose.
Have already seen a couple of sites today declaring how Arsenal can win the title today with a win a Blackburn….There’s still a long time to go till the end of the season and the last thing we need is the team thinking that they have won the title if they win this one ….I’m sure Wenger will be able to handle the team ..since he’s been through a lot of close title races before…but i’m only hoping that the team don’t get complacent from here on…all it takes is a couple of unforeseen losses and the season’s over.
@Andez..You got it spot on with the analogy to a penalty shoot out…i think the team will do well to remember that irrespective of the fact that we have scored and the opponents have missed…..we need to keep scoring until the point/goal difference is impossible to make up
WIll be up till 3:30 A.M again today
Cheers,
Wayne
February 11th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
LDE, you manage somehow
The thing is most times you are not outside so it is not bad. Everything is heated indoors, especially houses. If you go outside, you better cover up otherwise your skin could freeze in minutes. We have had worse actually. A few years ago it was -56 deg C with windchill and I had to clean snow off my car and that was bad.
Actually I can imagine how 7 deg C in mumbai can be bad, especially at night time. In Delhi, I used to freeze when it was 10 deg C on my visits because the houses had tile flooring, no heating. I used to freeze at 10 deg there but over here at 10 deg, it feels like summer. One never gets fully used to it but you make do.
Over an hour till kick-off. Why am I so nervous? I might have to keep away for a while. Not sure I can handle it
February 11th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
hey u guys noticed one thing? usually before the match, not many ppl showing up here. it seems that the added significance of the coming match got us all waiting impatiently to the game!
February 11th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
also, not too many ppl bothered to make any score prediction this time around, i think everyone realized we have to win, and all we care is a win.
February 11th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
agree totally andez, the anticipation has been killing me all day
February 11th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
any news on if Flam or Sendy are gonna be fit to play ? Haven’t seen much in the form of updates at arsenal.com
February 11th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
soccer.net has both flamini and gilberto starting in midfield. weird.
February 11th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Yeah Andez, the expectations are big on this one. I can’t ever remember being this nervous for a game played in early Feb. I mean there are 12 more games after today but such has been the high bar for points over the last few years that this feels like a Cup final. Even Wenger admitted in the last few weeks that 90 points is now a target for the title. Craziness.
I am going to avoid the first half if I can. Wishing the team all the best
I hope the home crowd has a lot of positive people not nervy characters like me.
February 11th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Line on Arsenal, to follow LDE’s sobriquets
FutureEnglishGoalkeeper
IronMan, Mohican, ChocolateBoy, TheTrain
HarryPotter InvisibleWall Astrologer Duracell Battery
Bulldozer on Rocket Fuel, The Quiet Assassin
Subs
Fabianski
Traore
Gilbert
Bendtner
February 11th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
and Hoyte
February 11th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
d match is 4 minues away and i just have this thing gnawing at my heart like……….. Well hopefully we will be ale to take advantage of the others’ slip up this time because we never seem to do that.
February 11th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
tippin for Ade to take top scorer away from ronaldo, level on goal diff with manure and for the arse to be 5 pts clear : 3-1
February 11th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Gilberto better pull his finger out. I would rather Wenger had played Eduardo left and Bendtner up top with Adebayor. Then Gilberto could have been dropped.
February 11th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Fucking Yeah
February 11th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
yesss ! Sendy
February 11th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Yahooo… Sendy
February 11th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
i had a gut feel that a Sendy goal was coming soon, but i was thinking he would get it against Milan
Great start!
February 11th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
As quick as I am to criticize him, I want to be as quick to praise Senderos run and header. Nice to be out to a quick lead in what’s become an important match.
February 11th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
“(Senderos) is a much more cerebral character than he sometimes looks…” Hilarious. Now THAT is commentary.
February 11th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
anyone else hear some security guys chatting part of their commentary ?
February 11th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Can anyone else hear a voice in the background of the Setanta commentary? It’s like the pitchside reporter or the director or something saying what camera shots are coming
February 11th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
exactly dubsta! LOL im glad im not imagining that
my favorite comment was “Hughes is yelling at (some Rovers player), he doesnt think he’s working hard enough”
February 11th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
109…it sounds like the production room/truck.
February 11th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
LOL arsenole…i was looking around to see if it was my boss asking me why i am watching soccer at work
February 11th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Are those of you watching on the broadband feed seeing the same occasional pixilation of the picture combined with some audio garbage, that I’m seeing/hearing on my TV?
February 11th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
my broadband picture is looking ok
February 11th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
that was great just now, hughes caught screaming, “keep your fuckin’ heads up!”
February 11th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
@ 115…thank you. It’s probably, as I suspected, DirecTV.
February 11th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Ok, Arsenal is taking their foot off the pedal again
February 11th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
yeah, predictable as clockwork. does wenger have an equivalent of the ferguson blowdryer to get them going again after half?
February 11th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
i think 2nd half AW gotta find a way to move Cesc back into central. We r losing possessions. And cant afford to keep losing it like that the 2nd half.
February 11th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Thank God for Senderos, never thought I’d say that – but we’ve been really really poor. Sure, Blackburn have worked their socks off, but Arsenal’s passing is abysmal.
February 11th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
I wouldn’t mind even if we swift to 4-5-1, if anything, just to keep hold of the possession. They don’t have the ball, they can’t hurt us.
bottom line is – Cesc gotta be in the middle. he’s not getting his passing going down the flank.
February 11th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
rovers will start the second half in a fury. If we don’t do the same, this could b Birmingham all over again… fingers crossed!
February 11th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
the bright side though is Blackburn had a run of good spell 15 mins into the break, a timingly wakeup call, that would ensure AW work on his players for the 2nd half. so i think we will have an improved performance the 2nd half.
February 11th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
This reminds me of the Birmingham game! We need to kill this one off. Arsenal are frustrating me right now. We should be at least 2-0 up before we start that side ways football. It nice to keep possession but we need to keep it with a mind to get at them and score another goal or we run the risk of them equalising late on.
Come on Ade show us what you gt son!!
February 11th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
I think Eduardo needs to spend sometime in the gym he gets pushed off the ball alot
February 11th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
i’m all for a Bendtner sub right now
February 11th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
ok, who or what took over Hlebs spirit, he is shooting like crazy, I like
February 11th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
what’s gotten into hleb? lashing all these long range bullets??!!
February 11th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
amazing…hleb has actually gone with the shot twice in this game
February 11th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Why can’t Wenger bring in Bendtner for Eduardo
February 11th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
cuz he and ade might start whaling on each other
February 11th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Ade!
February 11th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
finally
February 11th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Give him the ball, and he will score…eventually
February 11th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
As ever he’s done it a again. As the song says: “Give him the ball and he will score”!
February 11th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
these set should be called the ‘tormentors’… they sure know how to put the fans thru the hoops
February 11th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Eurosport put it best.
ADEBAYYYOOOORRRRR!!!!!!!! He has his goal and Arsenal have the three points!!!
February 11th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
What a performance the second half!!!!
Take my hat off for the lads. How many teams you saw when trailing a goal couldnt even have a shot on goal? And spending most of the 2nd half defending?
David Bentley who? The next David Beckham? Clichy had him for the breakfast!
February 11th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
clichy did not go on too many of his runs today…probably cause wenger had asked him to keep bentley locked down.
February 11th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
adebayorrrrrr, adebayorrrrrrrrrrrr
give him the ball
and he’ll score…
is that 20 in the prem now?
February 11th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Funny thing is without the “tough guy” Robbie Savage, Blackburn suddenly turned into a bunch of gentlemen! Hardly saw a foul or booking the entire 2nd half!
And Lehmann man. Thats why i love the man. Our defenders didn’t even need to head a ball defending corners. He collected the crosses all!
February 11th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
oh wait, 19. my b.
February 11th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
A very professional performance, we were in control all game although memories of the Birmingham game was always going to make us fans a little nervous. Not once did we look under threat. The only real criticism is that we did not take enough shooting opportunities, we tried to pass it into the net too often for my liking. We could have tested him with a few more long range shots I think we had far more opportunities than we took.
February 11th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
No subs either
5% pts clear!
February 11th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
also gotta give credit to Fredel. He just loves to perform when playing against us. Had not been him, things would probably be a bit easier for us.
February 11th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
That game was frustratingly sweet, if there’s anything like that. The final goal made all sweet
February 11th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
also gotta give credit to Senderos. I m geniuely happy for him. as it’s likely he will be going back to the bench now. but at least he has helped to ease our pain on losing Toure to ANC.
lot of ppl from other clubs were talking about an Arsenal breakdown during ANC. It didn’t happen.
February 11th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
5 points clear and also Arsenal are now just ahead of ManU on goals scored as Arsenal have scored 54 goals as opposed to Man U’s 50. Both teams now have a goal difference of 36.
YAHHHH
February 11th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
i started watching at 70…and i loved how hleb played in those 20 minutes. direct and trying shots. thats very good to see.
senderos did well from what i hear and gilberto wasnt an unmitigated disaster…thats a good start.
the nations cup is over and the players will all be back for the next match so thats good.
5 points ahead and with the goal difference deficit erased…..PERFECT!
our next 4 matches are games we can take cleanly….then we face chelsea at the stinky bridge.
if we can beat these 4 teams and take at least a point at the bridge, we WILL win the league as long as we avoid defeat the Man U in the league.
February 11th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
adebayor, flamini, senderos….3 players that in varying degrees we all thought probably wont make it…..but there they were pushing the team forward.
i hope they keep it up.
12 more games!
February 11th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Got to say Friedel has always been an excellent goal keeper for as long as I can remember, if it wasn’t for his age he would be Americas number one.
I am one of Senderos’s greatest critics and Toure’s greatest fan, so much so I got his name on this seasons shirt , however I would find it difficult to take Senderos’s position in the side right now. He has been consistently good since Toure’s has been out and IMO he deserves the right to keep his place especially after Toure’s two blunders against Eygpt for the Ivory Coast.
I think I just left my self open to some strong criticism from my fellow Gooners, but hey I never shy away from a bit of controvesy.
February 11th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
am of 2 minds…..i’m thinking we should just forfeit the FA cup and concentrate on the league and CL. or are we really strong enough to compete for the treble???? if everybody comes back fit we might be able to hold out…..but our squad is pretty spread out now.
anyway, its a good thing we dont have the distraction of a pesky CC final to deal with. our kids would have been beaten by chelsea’s first team AGAIN….and that wont have been good for morale.
February 11th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
dont you just love been a gooner
February 11th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
i can see where ur coming from on the fa cup thing, personally am undecided but i think that mite constitute blasphemy for quite a few fans?
played a gr8 second half and deserved all 3 points and sendy deserved the clean sheet. dont think he has done much wrong since toure left, the competition can only be good for us!
)
loved to see the way quite a few of the players surrounded sendy after the game and fab clapped and cheered late in the game when sendy one a 50-50 and cleared the ball deep into the blackburn half (in true sendy style
commentators were pretty harsh on us despite an excellent second half showing, which was rather depressing, from where i was looking we looked good for all 3 and could have won by more!
5 points ahead with 12 games to go, things are looking good!
February 11th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
in terms of fairness, naturally it’s unfair to Sendy if he loses his place to Toure after doing a solid job. but quality wise, of course Toure is a better defender.
It’s like the Jens/Almunia situation. If AW initially benched Jens citing it’s because of his injury, and Almunia did a good job when he’s absence, so Almunia kept his place. Fair enough.
But now the exactly same situation happens again, only the other way around. If AW drops Jens now when Almunia comes back, he’s like swallowing his own words. How he’s gonna face Jens? How he’s gonna face Gilberto (the Flamini siuation was the same)? And how he’s gonna face the team?
so a lot of tough calls ahead waiting for Wenger.
personally, i m ok with whoever gets to start. but for manager, naturally things are a bit more complicated.
February 11th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Oh yeah one more criticism, the fans did not boo Bentley enough. Turn coat! Judas! I have really grown to dislike that guy. I even hate the look of him almost as much as Cristiano Ronaldo.
February 11th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
not to mention adebayor is a completely different animal with this increasing confidence. he skinned/mugged the defenders quite a few times today
the way he has developed has been very evident and tangible and there for everyone to see. its great to watch for sure!
February 11th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Great performance mentally, a bit frustrating to watch but they showed bottle to keep attacking until the bitter end. Had they started defending the lead it could have gone all wrong. Passing was miles better in second half.
February 11th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
@157. Me too! I dislike Bentley more than Ronaldo. At least ronaldo got true talent. Bentley is very much a product of English media’s hype making machine, again. Because England is so short of up and coming talent right now, so anyone has a bit of talent they will become the next who and who.
ever noticed whenever Bentley played against Arsenal, when Blackburn got a freekick, regardless of distance or angle, he just shoot? It’s all about HIM Vs Arsenal, to show Arsenal wrong to let him go. I wouldn’t want to have a player like that in my TEAM.
February 11th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Oh yes, yes, yes, yes!!! Right there, oh yes, yes, yes, yes.
I think that’s the first time 5 of something did anything for me. So it’s true it’s not the size but how you use it. 5 never felt so good!!!
Go you Gunners – I’ve got something for cannons
February 11th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Yeah Andez I was thinking the same thing concerning the resemblance between the Almunia and Lehman situation and Toure, Senderos thing. You are right Toure has far more quality than Senderos however I am not sure about his form, if you saw the mistakes he made against Eygpt they were shocking they cost the Ivory Coast two goals and possibly a place in the final. With the way Senderos has been playing, I would say like with Flamini/Gilberto, Yens/Manuel… “if it’s not broken why fix it.”
However it will be interesting to see what Wenger will do, I think he will stick with Phil though.
February 11th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
hleb deserves massive credit in my book for being the only one to really take it to the blackburn defense, both with his relentless dribbling and his two very impressive shots. it seems he really has replaced cesc as the creative engine for the team, at least temporarily.
anybody watch the postgame interview with alex and ade? cute.
February 11th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
yeah arthur, i think Kolo still bothered by his injury a bit. so it’s a good opportunity to give him a bit of rest.
and fairplay to Gilberto. he did better tonight. still had some awful passing. but at least defensively he won back more possessions than his previous matches.
February 11th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Have a look at Senderos’s picture on front of the soccernet page. Not sure how long it will be up for it is good. It is as if he is blessed
Or he is thanking the heavens.
February 11th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
sachin, maybe he’s trying to copycat eboue’s pregame prayer!
February 11th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Sorry, Andez, I thought Gilberto was our worst player (again) tonight.
Ponderous, unadventurous, giving the ball away with shocking regularity.
It’s like a world turned upside down from last year, when Sendy was the liability and Gilberto was the inspirational leader, heading in breakthrough goals from corners.
I like Gilberto. He was candid in the Guardian podcast about the pain of not being first choice. But right now, his sense of entitlement has got the better of him. He’s not THAT old, for one thing. But mentally, he took losing the captaincy and his starting place very badly. So badly, in fact, that he’s kind of sabotaged his own form.
I’d love him to get his bite back, but so many of our attacks and counterattacks fizzle when the ball passes through him. He doesn’t make the quick-witted forward pass (did he ever?), most often he just sends it out wide – and slowly at that.
Overall, it was a decent pro performance from the boys. We let them back in a bit, but in the second half it was never in doubt, even if the second goal took an age to arrive.
Cesc is still not primo, but it’s great to see Hleb drifting in and shooting.
On their respective current form, I’d say Sendy deserves to keep his place and Toure needs a bit of break. But B’burn are not ManUre or Milan, so I really don’t know. Help!
February 11th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
I wouldn’t go overboard, good performance from Senderos, but I wouldn’t risk playing him at Man Utd then AC Milan just yet. If the old Senderos resurfaces we could be out of two major cups in 5 days.
He has played well recently, but 5 or 6 half-decent games on the trot does not convince me his clown days are over. Toure has proven to be far more durable, and a far better defender – he deserves to get his place back immediately injury permitting.
February 11th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
didnt find it as frustrating or nerve-racking as usual.wenger has alluded to the control we have on games when we take the lead now.yes we all wanted another goal but blackburn were restricted.even at set-pieces they were stifled.nice to see hughsy havin a go at the end with three strikers.
thought cesc was great..almost back to somewhere near his best at the crucial time.i have fond memories of him dictating the play against real away and juve at home two seasons ago.hopefully he will be capable of the same again come tuesday.yes hleb is the magic but cesc is the creative engine.wihtout his passing we lack control
great to see us top with a gap.but i would still fear a utd and chelsea run come april.hopefully my prediction that we are not ‘there yet’ will be unfounded.at the moment it looks like i will be proved wrong.
February 11th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Andez@160 it funny you should say that cause I was just about to go onto a rant about how hard he tries to score against us when he plays us. But I thought I would just keep it short. I never picked up on the free kick thing but I remember when he first played against us for Bb he hard he tried to score the amount of wild attempts at goal. I also never forget the celebration when he dragged Toure to the floor in the penalty box and won a ill deserved penalty, in one game.
That ungrateful little turd, and he is supposed to be an Arsenal fan. He chose to leave because he did not have the guts to fight for his place, and then comes with all sorts of sorry excuses, absoultely no dignity whatsoever. When he had the cheek to pull out of representing the England under 21s, showed again that the boy has no loyalty to his country as well as his football team, punk.
I am not one for name calling but that boy really gets up my nose, therefore he is an exception to the rule.
February 11th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
DannyT @168 I got to say I also feel a bit uneasy about him against Milan and Man Ure too but, the ways he’s being playing he could well pull it off. Maybe a big maybe the old Senderos is gone for good, he has been consistent of late. And did you see Toure against Egypt? I am probably making a meal of it but those mistakes were frightening if those errors were characteristic of Toure’s form then I would be even more scared of playing him. But hopefully that game was a one of.
As for Gilberto, I counted three possibly four wrong passes tonight, you should have heard the fans cheer when he did something good and get on his case when he messed up, he is really under the spotlight right now. But he did not have a shocking game at all. But I must say “ponderous & unadventurous” is the perfect description of his attitude, oh yeah and slow (surprised me how sloew he looked. However he did not geive the ball away as much as people perceived, I promise you no more than four wrong passes and a wayward header, he gave the ball away less than Cesc today but to be fair Cesc was much more involved and adventurous. However I would find it hard to find anyone who played worse than Gilberto, I would have said Ade (if he hadn’t scored) and Eduardo were both disappointing today, Cesc was not great apart from his two/three good shots on goal. Hleb was by far our best player, but I don’t think anyone deserved the tiele of a worst palyer as I don’t think anyone played badly.
I am looking forward to the return of RvP, I think our victories may well be more comfortable with him as an addition to our squad.
February 11th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
It was a frustrating game to watch for long periods. I agree the passing was miles better in the 2nd half, after Fabregas started playing in the middle and Eduardo dropped off to cover a wider position. Forget the Fabregas on the right experiment….we need our central midfield general. I agree Fabregas hasnt hit his form early in the season, but he is still MILES ahead of everyone in terms of controlling the tempo and keeping our passing engine going.
Hleb had a pretty good game. I love those cynical comments earlier showing how surprised everyone was that Hleb actually got off 2 shots! He could (should) have taken about 5, but for him, that’s great progress. Its too bad he didnt score cuz they were good shots and we need for him to keep shooting.
February 11th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
I’m going to side with Arthur abit on this one. I would like to see Senderos get a bit more playing time. He plays much better when he is next to a strong personality like Gallas who will take charge in the back. Senderos and Toure, however, is a disaster waiting to happen. The thing I like about the Senderos/Gallas combo is that it gives us height, which is something that Toure doesn’t have. The flip side of that is Toure has amazing recovery speed and Senderos doesn’t.
February 11th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
I think it’s a bit unfair to get on Toure’s back for his cock up against Egypt – to be honest the defending in that tournament was farcical from every team and the pitches were bad too.
I’m not excusing Toure’s error, but when you play with clowns it’s easier to get disoriented make schoolboy errors. Toure has given us brilliant service, sure he’s not perfect – on crosses in particular, but he’s never ever been as bad as Senderos was, and Senderos is nowhere near as good as Toure is.
Can’t believe people are even considering dropping Toure in favour of Senderos. I’m please Senderos is performing better, but I still feel uneasy whenever the ball comes near him and will never have total confidence in him until he starts performing well in the Champions League against the biggest teams in Europe – not 4-5-1 where he is cocooned by other defenders and sits deep, but in an attacking 4-4-2 system.
February 11th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
@at 174, I think Toure is miles ahead of Senderoos and should regain his position, however, you say :”when you play with clowns”. Do you consider Egypt that beat a star studded Ivorian team a bunch of clowns
February 11th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
I watched quite a few games in the tournament – they all looked like clowns to me.
I can’t take that tournament seriously, at times the quality is like Conference football, then someone will score an outrageous goal. It’s fun to watch, but lacks discipline on every level.
February 11th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
But for a 15 min spell at the end of the first half, we were in control. Of course, a quick second goal would have helped. But in tense games, this kind of result is perfect.
A word of advice to Eduardo. Don’t go looking for fouls and penalties. And try shooting with the right foot too.
I think if Toure is fit, he will definitely play ahead of Senderos. Lehmann will play on Sat as it’s the FA Cup. It will be interesting to see who plays against Milan.
I think Wenger has a big decision on how to approach the next two big games. A lot will depend on our injury situation. But do not be surprised to see a “weaker” team on Sat.
February 12th, 2008 at 3:27 am
DannyT@174 I don’t get on peoples back, I leave that to the likes of you and Mazza! And the Ivory Coast team are not a bunch of clowns thats what I call “unfair”, they are a very good team. However Toure’s errors had nothing to do with his team mates, just his own bad judgments. I would consider dropping anyone for anyone else if that “anyone” appears not to be in good form.
I agree Toure is miles better than Senderos. But as Andez and I discussed, Arsene is a fair manager who should be consistent as well. He kept Flamini and Almunia in the side because they were playing well, I think it would be only be fair to do the same for Senderos, Toure can reestablish himself as the number one when Senderos gets injured (thats hoping he doesn’t get dropped because of the old Senderos style blunders) .
By the way DannnyT I watched about half the ANC live and the rest in highlights, it is patronising for you to to say they “lacks dicipline on every level”. Actually quite stereotypical, reminds me of your dumb Gypsy comment and your suggestion that Americans don’t know anything.
I got to agree with you sometimes the games were boring, many long balls poor crosses and the like. However there were some very good goals and excellent football at times especially from Eygpt, Tunisa and the Ivory Coast. But to compare it to conference football is a bit much. Not trying to start some sort of feud with you DannyT but sometimes the things you say make you look like the “clown”. But I suppose Danny would not be Danny without saying something outrageous.
February 12th, 2008 at 6:22 am
Why are you stirring up controversy where none exists? If I think they defended like clowns at the ANC, so what? Not exactly an outrageous comment. Do you work for a newspaper? You’re good at taking things out of context and blowing them out of all proportion.
February 12th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Sorry DannyT, didn’t mean to get on your back or blow things out of proportion. Just I found the clowns reference etc patronising and annoying. So I wrote what I felt. But you have a right to be vexed. My sincere apologies.