Arsenal 2 – 0 Blackburn

February 11, 2008

Listened to this one while driving from NY to DC this afternoon. Philip Senderos and Mathieu Flamini both shook off knocks to start while Gilberto started in center midfield and Cesc moved out wide.

Just minutes after kickoff, Arsenal were ahead thanks to a Senderos headed goal. The big Swiss defender was all alone at the far post during a corner and smashed the ball in from just a few yards out.

It would be another 85 minutes until the match was truly won, when Adebayor scored his twelfth goal in nine games, and that was that. Everything in the middle was a bit frustrating to be honest. I’m not sure if it was as frustrating to watch as it was to listen to, but it just kept sounding like lots of half-chances coming to nothing for the Gunners. Meanwhile, Blackburn had only three shots on goal, all of which were handled with ease by Jens Lehmann, making a second consecutive start in place of the injured Manuel Almunia.

Coupled with Chelsea’s draw against Liverpool, and Man United’s loss to Man City, Arsenal’s win today finds them up by five points above Man U, and eight points ahead of Chelsea at the top of the table with twelve matches to go. The table is nice viewing as of late, and it’ll stay that way for at least another two weeks as it’s an FA Cup weekend coming up on Saturday. The match of the round is our fixture away to Man United. Kickoff is just after Noon Eastern, and the game will be on Setanta PPV here in the US.

Posted by mikek | Filed Under Match Report

Comments

131 Responses to “Arsenal 2 – 0 Blackburn”

GunningSteve Says:
February 11th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
Great result. Week day matches suck but luckily I went into my 3:30 meeting knowing Arsenal was up 1-nil. Done and dusted as they say I suppose.

Senderos is fine. No, not better than Toure- he returns to start. Biggest problem I see with Senderos is he typically takes time to play well with the 1st team. How long will Gallas be here though- hopefully a while. Remember the guy is 23. Compare him to Cygan- fine just remember Cygan had 5 more years of playing in a position that experience is worth its weight in gold.
It is an eternity before the next PL match so we should have quite a few players back. Van Persie I hope most of all.

Because it is Man U people are thinking Wenger will field the strongest squad- I am not so sure. Fixture wise I’d be happy to concentrate on PL and CL. I think it will still be a strong squad but I’d like those fighting fatigue or injuries to have a bit of a breather before AC Milan. Fine, drop Gilberto but see what Bendtner can do for 60 before bringing Adebayor if needed. van Persie if fit should be a sub for AC Milan with 30 minutes. Eboue should be back as well for Man U so no matter a side with the capability of winning.
MarylandGooner Says:
February 11th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Considering our threadbare bench, we had little margin of error in this match. That we started fast, kept the lead and finished strong shows a a ton of character and a professional approach. I don’t care about the frustration of missing chances, and we didn’t need to dominate from start to finish.

Now four days of rest, plus an injection of RVP, Rosicky, and some Toure for the Cup is just what the doctor ordered!
vibe4arsenal Says:
February 11th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Did anyone else notice the interplay between Hleb and Ade in their post-match interview? When asked how he felt about being set up by Hleb on the goal, I understood Ade to say words to the effect of “I saw he had the ball and I knew he wasn’t going to shoot it, so I asked for it.”

Fair point, but the look on Alex’s face suggested he found it amusing that Ade would actually say it out loud (and in this context).

When he was handed the MOTM bottle of champagne by Ade, Hleb said sarcastically (but good naturedly) “Oh really? I get to keep it??” As if it’s not like Ade to give such things up.

My overall impression is that it was like watching an older brother interact with his talented but headstrong little brother. And that Ade has a big head but it comes across so guilessly that one just has to smile. Plus, you know, he’s scored 19 in the Prem, so one is inclined to smile.

I know it’s a small point and full of my interpretation. But I don’t get to see many candid interviews (as opposed to the PR spots on ATVO) with the Gunners, so I find any insight into their personalities interesting.
ChicagoGooner Says:
February 11th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
With the way Dudu and Ade have been playing, I think they should both start against AC Milan (which I think we all regard as the more important of the next 2 matches), regardless of RVP’s health. If RVP is ready against Man U, put him in to give one of the other two a rest. Gilberto should not play in either game, and Toure should replace Senderos, IMO.
MarylandGooner Says:
February 11th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
I’d like to give the Ade-RVP partnership a roll-out. Perhaps Birmingham would be ideal, but I’d love to see RVP running at Milan’s superannuated back 4!
CaribKid Says:
February 11th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Just a slight correction, Cesc started on the right flank with Flamini and Gilberto in the middle and Hlieb on the left.

Watching it on Setanta I was never satisfied until Ade clinched it with the second goal. All in all, a very gritty and determined performance considering our injuries, although Blackburn had their fair share also.

It will be interesting to see the line up for Manu but I expect Arsene to field his first choice team with the likes of Senderos, RVP, Bendtner, Rosicky (due to lack of match fitness), Gilberto and Diaby on the bench.

The match is being aired on Setanta PPV in the US but the Moreland Brewhouse Cafe in Atlanta is showing this witout a cover charge.

Here’s to us beating Fergie this Saturday.
kbarham Says:
February 11th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
To be guaranteed top of the table for around a month because of the lack of EPL fixtures is a huge boost.

I am really looking forward to the clash on Saturday ($15.95 on DirecTV or try to find it on the Web). I hope it prepares them well for the CL match next week.

The team has exceeded all but the most optimistic expectations and they deserve a massive show of support for these next two matches.
Fred Says:
February 11th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
toure should start immediately he comes back. he is far, far superior….except in the air in which he is pretty much utterly hopeless.

our best CB combinations are toure-gallas, toure-song or gallas-senderos. we must keep toure and senderos apart at all times!

with the FA cup coming, that will be the 3rd game for lehmann in a row………do you think he will keep his shirt for the Milan game? i think playing almunia in that game after not playing the 3 games previously will be a blunder.

so there is a high likelihood lehmann will hold on to his spot even longer.
nipuna Says:
February 11th, 2008 at 11:51 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.
Fred Says:
February 11th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Song has made the ACN team of the tournament list. He is just 20….and things are really looking bright for him. I am definitely a fan.
Fred Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 12:03 am
If the short term injured are all fit. i would like to see a team like this for the Man U game.

lehmann
sagna – gallas – toure – clichy
eboue – song – diaby
rosicky
bendtner – eduardo

bench of: fabianski, senderos, hleb, fabregas, adebayor

we MUST start with our first choice defense. hoyte, traore and co will be shredded into a million pieces if they play, so no point putting them in there.

lets just go with a first choice defense and have song, eboue and diaby cover the defense.

then give rosicky a free creative rein, lets see what he can do. the bendtner/eduardo partnership is solid so would suffice.

this lineup will mean fabregas, hleb, flamini and adebayor have sufficient rest and are fired up for the Milan game. it is also solid defensively.

it also sidesteps gilberto and walcott, which is always good.
Fred Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 12:06 am
a nightmare scenario is if there is a replay !!!!! that would be bad.
Fred Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 12:18 am
this was from ferguson in early january:

“”I’m hoping it’s an Ivory Coast and Ghana final, just to keep Arsenal and Chelsea’s players occupied. It’s no use kidding, Arsene Wenger and Avram Grant know what I’m hoping for. In fact, I’m hoping the final goes to extra-time, penalties and maybe even a replay.”"

LOOOOOOOOOOL !!!

anybody else wonders why pompey sold 12 goal benjani (one of the top scorers in the whole league) and bought defoe????
an absolutely idiotic transfer move!
Fred Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 12:41 am
and to conclude my series of posts….one must not overlook the contribution of real “leadership” to this team.

henry, gilberto and toure are woeful leaders. infact gallas is the only natural leader in this team and the fact wenger made him captain was vital in retrospect….i mean even our dear sendy is calm beside him.

wenger getting the whole transfer policy and the gallas captain thing right should give him re-inforced immunity for another few years…………….except he goes back to 4-5-1
3upfront Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 1:21 am
I rate Toure as a leader. I’d follow that guy into battle. Gallas is effective as a vocal leader, and it’s working, but Kolo has captained this side to a bunch of victories this season.

The win against Blackburn was fantastic. I’ve just watched it on Setanta. It was one-way traffic for large portions, and Hleb and Cesc showed signs that they could have some magic in store.

http://www.wickeddeflection.com
Fred Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 1:40 am
toure is NOWHERE near a leader. he is PANICKY and at all times the exact opposite of calm. henry and gilberto also captained us to a “bunch of victories” and they are also nowhere near leaders.
nipuna Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 2:10 am
Cesc got himself an unnecessary yellow. He is now on 9 and I think when you reach 10, you miss two games (or is that one?). Fingers crossed that it does happen against the big three.
nipuna Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 2:29 am
Notice that Eduardo is taking all the left footed corners and Cesc is taking the right footed ones.
arthur3sheds Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 3:51 am
vibe4arsenal @3 yeah that was quite interesting, I think it showed how well they get on more than anything else. Ade was taking a lighthearted dig at Hleb not shooting, Hleb found it funny and responded by eluding it was his great pass that made the goal. it was all in good humour, sounded like they get on really well.

As for the Champagne bit when Hleb says “Oh really? I get to keep it??”, I think he is alluding to a previous interview a while back with Ade and Cesc, when Cesc was voted man of the match and Ade was given the Champagne to present to Cesc and he said thank you and after a light hearted speech walked off with the champagne as if it was his own, I think the commentator at he time missed the humour and thought Ade thought is was for him. I can’t remember the game though but I think it may have been over Christmas.
arthur3sheds Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 4:29 am
I think I started the should Toure replace Senderos? debate in the last thread which everyone seems to be alluding to now. I know it was going to be controversial and most people will disagree with me, but I think it deserves discussion. As Toures greatest fan (he is the only players who’s name I have ever put on any of my Arsenal shirts over the years) and Senderos’s greatest critic it sounds like a Bently/Cashley like treason for me to suggest that Senderos should not be dropped, without cause.

Yep let me stick out my neck on the line and bring the controvesy to this thread and wait for a the axe to be wielded by the likes of Fred and DannyT! But the key words are “without cause”. Senderos has been near enough excellent since Toure has been away. Toure is a much better player than Senderos undoubtedly, but I think Senderos’s great vain of form deserves some reward like that of Flamini and Almunia. In the last thread Andez (who also disagrees with me, I think I was not persuasive enough to shift his opinion) and I discussed how Wenger may find it difficult to drop Senderos considering his policy concerning Flamini/Gilberto/Diarra and particularly Almunia/Yens. Sendoros could well be a changed man, maybe… maybe all those blunders are behind him ala Tony Adams. Did you know Tony Adams used to be berated by the Arsenal faithful like Senderos has been, but now he is considered one of our greatest ever defenders. Not that I am saying Senderos is ready or good enough to replace Toure on a permanent basis but I believe his recent run of form deserves the reward.

However Fred or was it Danny made a good point in the last thread, can we trust Senderos against the Milan and Man Ure, I feel almost scared to answer that one. However if it is not broke why try to fix it, as they say.

I would also question Kolo’s form at the moment taking into account his performance against Egypt which saw him make two errors, one was quite comical really that cost Ivory Coast two goals and possibly a place in the ANC final. Not trying to “get on his back” over one bad game, but putting him straight back in the side could be more of a gamble than leaving Senderos in there on his current form. IMO Senderos should be given the same amount of favour that Almunia and Flamini has been given and Kolo as much as I love him should have to reestablish himself when Senderos is injured or God forbid and help us if Senderos has a relapse and reverts back to the “goon” of old.
nipuna Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 5:43 am
The ManU attack is full of pacy and fast players – Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez, Nani, Anderson, etc. They cross the ball a lot more than we do, but without RvN, I think they score a lot less from headers now than before unless it is set-plays. In such a case, Toure would be a better option than Senderos.

The same applies to the Milan game. I know many feel that Milan are an ageing team, but Pato, Kaka, Ronaldo, Inzaghi, etc. are not exactly tortoises. They also happen to be a side that likes to keep the ball on the floor. Again, I feel Toure’s pace and agility will be needed more than Senderos’ aerial strength.
nipuna Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 5:48 am
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_3132015,00.html

This article is very interesting. We saw how the ManU fans created a furore over whether City fans would keep quiet during the silence. Now it seems the same fans are selling on eBay the memorial scarves which were given free to all who attended the game. Way to go!!
Arsenal vs Blackburn Highlights | Goalcentre.com - Soccer Highlights and Videos Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 6:23 am
[...] Arsenal took full advantage of Manchester United slipped up when the gunners defeated Blackburn Rovers 2-0. [...]
DannyT Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 6:39 am
I think a Senderos relapse is as tentative as a case of recurring hemmorroids. He is still nervous on the ball, he treats it like a cobra – kick it away before it bites.

Even yesterday he was dangerously close to a couple of major cock ups, like when he passed too short to Gallas then didn’t know whether Gallas should go get it or retrieve it himself. A small incident against Blackburn maybe, but against AC Milan or Man Utd a small error can soon become a massive error and his fragile confidence will easily fall apart. Anyway, he’s simply too slow to play against the likes of Rooney, Ronaldo and Tevez.

Why take that risk and leave Toure sitting on the bench? Suicide if you ask me. You don’t mess about in big games like that.

Also, there is a difference between Toure/Senderos and other positions where changes have been made. Flamini came in for Gilberto and proved to be a much better player in every department when he got his chance, but you can’t say Senderos is far superior to Toure. Lehmann was dropped for poor form – hence Almunia’s arrival, Toure was never dropped.

Put Toure straight back in, if Senderos doesn’t like it and wants to leave then goodbye. His career at Arsenal has been comparitively wretched and there are scores of better defenders out there.
hakyn Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 8:18 am
“Put Toure straight back in, if Senderos doesn’t like it and wants to leave then goodbye. His career at Arsenal has been comparitively wretched and there are scores of better defenders out there.”

Interesting thing is at the beginning of the season similar sentiments were shared concerning Flamini and Cesc. Virtually everyone – virtually b/c Mazza (no disrespect) might respond and say he didnt say so – said “drop flamini: play last season’s player of the year”. If recall correctly chant reached it’s peak after the Liverpool game when he was blamed for Gerald’s goal.

The only valid arguments against playing Sendie on Sabbath are

- that ManU are a different proposition to the rest of the league but then Liverpool were a different proposition to the rest of the league when we played them with flamster.

- this is a cup (one loss and you are out). b/c of this point my head says play Kolo but my heart (good ole sentimental romantic soul that I am) still says play Sendie. After all what’s good for the goose is good for the gander

bbq me
netminder Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 9:52 am
I think Wenger will give Toure some rest instead of putting him straight in. Tournaments wear on a player, and I think with our limited options in the center of defense, giving Toure a rest in the ManU game and using him for the CL encounter against AC MIlan is what I think will happen. I definately prefer Toure to Senderous, but I want him available for the PL and CL games vs the cup. By the way good win yesterday. 2 – 0 vs a team that seems to give us fits at times. I would hae liked to see some better finishing, but padding our lead at the top of the table was the main concern.
DannyT Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Flamini plays in a position where making a mistake can be recovered, Senderos is usually last man – if he has a horror show it’s goodnight Arsenal. And as you say, one loss you’re out, why play with fire?

I think there’s an element here of let’s punish Toure for going to the ANC for six weeks, but the only team likely to get punished by dropping him is Arsenal.

What next, drop Van Persie when he’s fit for Eduardo? Drop Rosicky for Diaby. Would you? No. You play the best players when fit.
Fred Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 10:07 am
wait, lets stop this comparison of flamini and senderos, they are NOT in the same category. flamini is the BEST CM at arsenal after fabregas.
senderos is still the fourth best CB even after song.

we are all very happy that he has played well and showed good form but please…..pato, ronaldo the fat, tevez, ronaldo and rooney are power, pace and guile players. toure is by far the best antidote to that.

the titus bramble story should teach you all…….a CBs scenario is pretty precarious as the last man……..you can play a blinder for 95% of the game and a simple balls up and the game is suddenly lost. apart from when the ball is airborne toure does not f-ck up.
Andez Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 10:08 am
The Senderos, Toure thing is not a major issue, either way it’s a good thing for us, now we have some depth back in the defence.

Van Persie personally I don’t think we should rush and start him in the next few matches. He’s going to be a joker for our title charge, most important thing is to make sure he won’t get injuried again. So use him as a super subs (which he shone in this role early of his Arsenal career), give him 20-30 mins per game for the next few fixtures, until he’s fully fit.
nipuna Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Looks like only Toure and Eboue will be ready in time for ManU. Not much to choose from.
hakyn Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 10:13 am
btw, I just saw this fixture and i think it’s this 2 week period that will define if we win or lose the title except ofcourse CSKA London and Man USA decide to do us a favor and lose the majority of their games before March 23

Chelsea v Arsenal (23rd March)
Bolton v Arsenal (29th March)
Arsenal v Liverpool (5th April)
Man Utd v Arsenal (12th April)
nipuna Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 10:14 am
RvP will be most needed when we play the top 3 in a short span of time. Till then, there is no reason to risk him.
nipuna Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 10:15 am
#31, that’s exactly when we will need all players fit and ready.
Andez Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 10:19 am
@Fred. But let’s dont forget Flamini is not the best CM at Arsenal after Cesc until he gets to play regularly.

@ Danny. I can understand where arthur and co coming from. It’s not about harming Senderos’ morale. It’s about the team as a whole.

Because when AW dropped Gilberto and Jens, he cited that it’s because the replacement did well during their absence and deserved the start. Fair enough.

Now if AW bring Toure, Almunia back straightaway when they are fit, AW will be swallowing his own words. How he’s going to explain to Jens, Gilberto? And how his creditability to the team as a whole from now on?

Anyway, personally I dont’ really care who’s going to play. If anything, Toure is probably the player I like most with this current Arsenal team. It’s the chemistry of the team I concern. But i can understand how difficult a job modern day manager is facing – it’s very difficult to strike a right balance.
nipuna Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 10:41 am
I think you have see if the replacement is playing as well as or better than the person replaced. Flamini did a lot better than Gilberto when the latter was not around due to the Copa America. Almunia did not make any mistakes when Lehmann had made 2 in 2 games.

Is Senderos doing as well as Toure? I don’t think so. He did have a few shaky moments but they did not cost us. I’d be very surprised if Senderos plays ahead of Toure unless there is an injury concern.

As for Lehmann, he did have two solid games. He came out of his line very well against both City and Blackburn. And he will play on Sat as it is the FA Cup. That is a much tougher call for Wenger to make.
Fred Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 10:56 am
yeah, now imagine a tricky FA cup tie put in the middle of that. that is why i am of a mind that we should forgo the FA.

we need the CL for prestige, we need the PL as a basic to get back on top of things. the FA cup is way way down for me.

the last time we went in for a treble was in 2004….and we came up with just the league (which would be awesome this time) but then we had far greater depth and fewer injuries.
Fred Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 11:00 am
gilberto is an easy call to make, no need to explain anything, send him to the bench, or stands. lehmann is a much tougher call to make though. he has cut out ALL the bullshit. he doesnt act idiotic at corners or setpieces, he comes out for crosses and his behavior is spot on. i have never been his best fan but he should start from now on.

against milan and Man U we will need spectacular saves and he is more likely than almunia to make those.
Andez Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 11:07 am
I think how well the replacement compared to the old starter is very subjective, to individual opinion really. Say Almunia, did he really not making any mistake? Yes or not. Bottom line is our team was still getting result when he’s in goal. So fair play to him.

I think of those finge players, Bendtner, Diaby, Denilson, Walcott the likes. Or even the departed Diarra. I believe what AW told him was “keep working hard, you will get your chance when u play well”. Those who BELIEVE what AW said, they chose to stay. Those who didn’t believe, left.

Again, fair enough. but now if they see other finge players like them got their chances, did well, then dropped soon after the regular starters return. How would they feel?

There are two school of thoughts: one is sticking with the “pecking order”. Basically that’s what AW did early of his Arsenal reign. Say, when Gilberto fit, regardless how well Edu did, he’s gonna win back the starting place straight away. And Seaman, Adams, Vieira, Henry’s places were always safe.

I had no problem with this system.

Another one is to award the players who did well. That’s what AW been doing since he started dropping Henry for a period of time last season. And he has been doing this since.

I have no problem with this system neither.

But i do believe it’s important to be ‘consistent” with your policy.
4_Arsenal Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 11:22 am
“against milan and Man U we will need spectacular saves and he is more likely than almunia to make those.”

I don’t know. I tend to agree with nipuna. Lehman made the mistakes that cost him his spot, along with his injury. Almunia hasn’t let us down. He deserves the spot in the CL. Let Lehman play the FA Cup game this weekend. Same with Toure. He hasn’t messed up for us, you can’t hold his play in the ANC accountable. Different team all together, different style. He should get the start as well for CL and the rest of the season. Give Sendy a run out in the FA Cup. If he can’t cope with Manure’s pace bring on a change.
coach_ed Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Anyone notice how Arsenal seem to be doing better in set pieces this year? Senderos talks about how the team has been focusing on it more in training:

http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1766_3135006,00.html

I dont know what the stats are on our performance on set pieces this year versus previous years, but we seem to be better this year (Birmingham aside). As much as we dominated teams with our beautiful possession game in previous years, it would be incredibly frustrating to give up points on a few set pieces. Last year, there were so many games where we dominated possession, got 10 corners and the other team would score on their 1 or 2 corners. I really wondered why the hell we never put just a little more emphasis on this area because the other big 4 teams (especially Chelsea with Terry) would just kill us. I have always thought it would be an easy way for us to pick up vital points just to shift some of our training from the intricate passing to improve our conversion/defending rate on set pieces

But perhaps Wenger has adapted to the reality of the situation and we are starting to pay a little attention to this glaring deficit. It certainly FEELS like we are doing better in this regard and I think its one of the reasons we are 5 points clear at this point.
Andez Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
totally agree coach_ed. m also glad of the decision to let Eduardo be the rightsided corner taker, his crossing looked far more dangerous than Cesc’s from corner.
ChicagoGooner Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Go with Lehman against Man Ure. For some reason he always plays incredibly against them. I think we all remember this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mf-L9GE6NM8

The look on Ole’s face is priceless.
coach_ed Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
#17 nipuna.

Yesterday, Wenger was praising Cesc for showing much more maturity. So much for that. Did anyone notice what a silly yellow card Cesc took in the dying minutes of the match? It was a totally unnecessary and petulant foul.

This is one of the biggest concerns I have going into our title run. Nipuna is right, another yellow means missing 2 games. Anyone watching the first half of the game when Blackburn settled down knows that we do a lousy job maintaining possession and controlling the flow when Cesc is not in the middle. Cesc played wide right, and when he dropped into the middle in the 2nd half and we played 4-5-1 did we start to flow again. The point is that his passing and vision are totally critical to our play. I guess it would help to get Rosicky back and Gilberto out if we had to play without Cesc, but I’m praying this yellow card doesnt come back to haunt us.
Brendan K Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
@ 38

I believe Ralph Waldo Emerson said “consistency is the hobgobblin of simple minds”
Fred Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
@ 39: errr….almunia has made quite a lot of mistakes this season. the only difference is that they have not cost us so far.

it would be very foolish to play a keeper who hasnt played for the last month against milan for no good reason. lehmann had a lot of baggage but he seems to have cut that out….and at least with him we are sure we can get last-minute saves in CRUCIAL games like those he made in the CL of 06 and against Man U and a couple of teams last year.

almunia does not come out for crosses, he times his runs terribly and he lets in goals at the frigging near posts.

lets be real almunia is a mediocre keeper.
Andez Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
just look at yesterday’s game – Blackburn didn’t trouble us with their setpieces (usually u would have concerned of their setpieces threat). As Bentley skyed all the free kicks they got. While all the corners Blackburn had, our defenders did not need to head a SINGLE clearance, as Jens came and collected or cleared them all.

if we do play Toure and Gallas, I think it will help more with Jens in goal for their lack of height.
dkqgooner Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Wenger has no choice but to play Lehman now, even if Almunia is fit for the weekend. Lehman has the hot hand at the moment. Remember that Almunia came to the forefront when Lehman was injured and fortunately for Arsenal, Almunia was able to put in very strong performances, during Lehman’s absence. Most top teams have two top goalies that can easily start for their respective teams. In fact, it is the 3rd choice goalie that is garbage. Luckily for us, we did not have a first choice goalie like Paul Robinson (except in the Blackburn v. Arsenal game with Lehman’s clanger).

Wenger’s decision on who starts as goal keeper should be based on current performance. Sentimentality wins you nothing, a’la Giggs and Scholes performances in ManUtd’s past two games.

I hope Arsenal have a great Spring and Van Persie gets back ASAP, he has a sweet left foot.

David, the Arsenal fan NYC
ctpa Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
#43 makes an interesting point about the yesterday’s starting CM pairing. Flamini and Gilberto did not work and it allowed Blackburn back into the game at the end of the first half. That’s what caused Wenger to put Fabregas back into the middle. Fabregas has not ‘matured’ enough for my liking. That was a silly yellow to take on a player lumbering to get out of his own end.

Senderos is only as good as his last game. His last game has been very good. He is not the first, second, or even third choice for a reason. He is improving but he is not what I would call a ‘lead’ defense man. He is a secondary defense man in the defensive pairing. Look at Dawson for another example of what I’m talking about. With a King or Woodgate, Dawson becomes a reliable number two in the pairing. When asks to be a ‘one’ with Kaboul, he was a disaster. With Toure and Gallas, you have two lead defense men in the pairing. Toure against Egypt not withstanding, the body of his play has been excellent.

Lehmann should start against ManU but he is not and should not be the no.1 because he’s made more mistakes this season in fewer starts and this includes his near disaster against Austria. His clock is winding down just like Kahn’s.

Hleb didn’t score but those rockets from outside the box shocked everyone, me included.

I hoped Capello was watching how the next “Beckham” was played into a stupor inducing performance.

Blackburn will never be confused with Barcelona. When the EPL goes global, they will be advised to keep teams like Blackburn hidden from world for the sake of marketing success.

I hope ManU play the same lineup from their 2-0 loss to Man City. Rooney will be back but who cares. This will be game where ManU will try to send a message about the title race. After the game, hopefully we can say to ManU: “Can you hear me now?”
hakyn Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
“When the EPL goes global, they will be advised to keep teams like Blackburn hidden from world for the sake of marketing success” – well said.

This is my reason for been perplexed by the overseas matches (of course I’ll go see a game if it comes to the US), the truth is apart from perhaps the top 7, the rest of the league is literally Division 1 standard. DannyT compared the ANC to Conference (not that I agree since I’m african and I’m got my pride at stake), but the truth is the apart from the passion of the EPL the bulk of the teams there arent that far from Conference Level. Imagine marketing that.
SToneD_emirate_hooker Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
My pimp comes into the grad studio and asks me if I watched the game yesterday. I sheepishly reply, yes I had and I had watched the fixture early Sunday as well.
I’m trying to be dignified and polite without screaming, hell yeah I saw the game it was awesome, tedious but fantastic that the squad made an ugly game a winner and pulled 5 points clear of your team. I offer up a conciliatory, oh well having Citeh win on your grounds once in 34 years isn’t all bad. Citeh hadn’t won at ManUre’s grounds since 1974. That said, I’m sure it felt as crushing as Arsenal getting trashed 5 to 1 by Spuds just a few weeks ago. He turned and left the studio and I went back to working with the students but not before I punched the air asking, did I watch the match yesterday, does a bear defecate in the woods or does a fish drink water.

That about sums up why I love the EPL, if ManUre were just a bunch of poxy hacks, aimlessly hoofing the ball up and down the pitch then Arsenal being at the top of the table wouldn’t mean as much as it does to me today. I really am a whore for footy and the only other sport that matters to me is sailing which isn’t too exciting to watch on TV so I just like doing it. The beauty of footy is all you need is a ball and not a second mortgage.

The EPL is already global and the secret of BlackbUrine is already out of the bag. Long live the Arsenal!!!
kbarham Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Petr Cech said the Gunners had an unfair advantage because the team played a day later than Chelski. What a tool!

http://tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=78362

It doesn’t matter that Arsenal had a full side of injured and international players. No, it was that extra day that was slated 7-8 months ago that made the difference!
vibe4arsenal Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Art @ 19…Thank you for additional context on the champagne business. Puts that in perspective.
irakli Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
It was four years this week that Arsenal won 2-0 to establish a five-point lead at the top of the table, with Henry’s late strike taking his tally to 19 league goals.

Adebayor matched that tally with his goal at the death against Blackburn, with the game also finishing 2-0 and Arsenal going five points clear.

Adebayor, 23, believes the only important statistic is for the current team to carry on as ‘The Invincibles’ did in 2004 and win the title.

Ah…the ghosts of Christmas past! UP THE ARSE!!!
irakli Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1766_3139860,00.html

Massive!
Colin Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
I think this is it guy’s and gal’s.

I can’t believe we’re STILL in the mix considering where we started from
pre-season and where the other BIG 4 looked so very strong.

I believe we’re really gonna be Premier League champion’s 2007/2008.
DannyT Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Let’s not get carried away – we drew at home to Birmingham not long ago, another game like that and before you know it the lead is down to 3 points and we’re a defeat away from being toppled. The further we get in the cups, the more fixture congestion there is. The heat is not on yet – far from it, but we’re in a great position.
arthur3sheds Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Vibe4@19 thats cool… & apologies for my overreaction on a previous thread.

DannyT@24 I know it doesn’ t happen often but I think I have to agree with most of your comments (although I don’t know what “recurring hemmorroids” are), so much so you have made up my mind that Toure is less of a gamble for these particularly big games. However it will still be a hard decision for Arsene to make as Senderos’s errors in the last six weeks have been as minor as Toure’s odd errors here and there in the past. But the pace and mental strength he is lacking could be a big factor. Fair point Fred@28, I knew I could count on you to disagree with me!

The Jens Vs Al issue is also another interesting one. Firstly I disagree with Fred’s statemant “errr….almunia has made quite a lot of mistakes this season. the only difference is that they have not cost us so far.” Al has been outstanding I cannot remember any major errors at all since Jens has been out. Up until the year of our Champions League run Jens used to make so many errors, I even berated him more than Senderos. Al has made some excellent saves since replacing Jens however Jens has not really been tested since Al has been injured. Although he does look as

If Wenger is going to replace Senderos with Toure then he should replace Jens with Al, as Al is currently our 1st choice keeper IMO,
DannyT Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Almunia is similar to Senderos for me, you just feel that an error is never very far away. I still have more confidence in Lehmann, but do have more faith in Almunia than I used to.

I know from experience of playing football, and it doesn’t really matter what level you play at, but when you’re playing with people you consider inferior it affects your own game play. Basically, you try and avoid giving them the ball – their nervousness is very easily transmitted. Especially at the back, it’s crucial the players have full confidence in each other.

As the season progresses the pressure will increase and increase, we are talking about the very highest level now – trying to win the Premier League and Champions League, there’s really not much room for error – you want your best players fit and playing for the run in without exception. If there are injuries that can’t be helped.

By the way, thinking about Adebayor, have you ever seen an Arsenal player improve so much in one season? I think his improvement is even bigger than Henry’s was. Adebayor could hardly control a ball for the first year, the fans were getting on his back and he kept missing sitters. Now look at him. It’s almost unbelievable – the guy is deadly. Last night, he didn’t have his best game – but the way he took that goal last night was superb. His touch has improved ten fold. Let’s hope this is the way it will be from now on, of course there will be rough patches – but what a weapon!
SToneD_emirate_hooker Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
# 57 arthur3sheds question to DannyT @24

I think recurring hemorrhoids are ones that you’ve had cut off but then keeping coming back popping their heads out of your ass like a turtle, but turtle heads cooked in a hot soup first – OUCH! Isn’t that what they say in all those cooling cream and gel commercials?

If that’s not what recurring hemorrhoids are then I have some acquaintances or colleagues who’d fit the bill.

____________________________

#19 arthur3sheds – I liked your spin on the Setanta “man of the match champagne”. That’s how I’m going to look at it.

I had wondered at Hleb’s initial double take on Ade’s comment. After he said it, I thought Hleb might be thinking where were you when that ball rebounded of the goal post at a hundred miles per hour.
Andez Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
u gotta take the hat off for Wenger. I honestly don’t think there are too many managers in the world would have as strong, and stubborn a faith towards his players (those his trust) than Arsene Wenger.

I mean, it’s easy to have faith when a player is doing well. Yet in Adebayor’s case, he had endured a great deal of criticism since joining Arsenal. That means not too many ppl really believe in him. Luckily, the one matters does – his boss.

And Flamini, everyone is hailing him now. But if i remember it rightly, even after the impressive performance early of the season, still not everyone fully convinced by him. At least I still heard ppl questioning Wenger’s decision to not playing Gilberto. Once again, AW’s stubborness prevail.

I am amazed by Flamini’s improvement as well. He looks more and more like a real deal that we must keep now. I am paritucarly impressed by his reading of the game. It seems that he has suddenly developed a knack on reading the play and be at the right place the right time to break up opposition’s attack.

Flamini to me is one of Arsenal’s top 5 performancers this season. Consistency wise, probably just behind Adebayor and Sagna.

I look at the finge players at the moment – Diaby, Denilson, Walcott the likes. They too have been getting their share of doubt and criticism. Yet the fact remains – none of them has have an extended run of matches. So who knows how far they can go? And who can say they won’t turn out to be another Flamini and Adebayor?
Fred Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
yeah, adebayor is about 10 times the player he was this time last year lol.
for a defender he is a much tougher striker to play against than henry.

his goal was nearly perfect because every defender in the world would have fallen for that and the every keeper would have been beaten by the snap shot.

however i think his control is still a bit off. the difference is that now he makes his first touch set him up….rather than try to make the ball stop completely.

whichever way works for him….as long as he continues to score!
nipuna Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
“I think how well the replacement compared to the old starter is very subjective, to individual opinion really.”

Andez, I agree with that and the individual who matters here is Wenger. I do believe that this is how Wenger decides it and that is why I feel Toure will be back. But I am undecided between Lehmann and Almunia. I am sure Wenger is struggling too.
netminder Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
@ Fred – I agree Ade has come a long way since arriving at Arsenal. His height, pace, and power make him a nightmare for any defence. As he continues to improve his touch and on the ball skills, he will become perhaps the most dangerous forward that the PL has ever seen. His hot streak has carried us since the break. It is great to see him realizing some of his unbelievable potential.
netminder Says:
February 12th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
@ Fred – I agree Ade has come a long way since arriving at Arsenal. His height, pace, and power make him a nightmare for any defence. As he continues to improve his touch and on the ball skills, he will become perhaps the most dangerous forward that the PL has ever seen. His hot streak has carried us since the break. It is great to see him realizing some of his unbelievable potential.
nipuna Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 5:17 am
Expect a lot of ManU players to step on Lehmann’s toes and try to wind him up.
Andez Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 9:32 am
i think one reason Jens so easily to get winded up when defending corner is he’s someone who likes to come out to attack the cross. when opponent put a man standing in front of him to block his path, he’s p*ss, and he tried to draw the ref’s attention or to force the “block-er” out of the way.

for those keepers who like to clue to the line, then whether the opposition put a man in front of him or not become irrelevant. he’s not going to come out anyway.
Andez Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 9:53 am
http://www.footballfancast.com/blog/liverpool/it-time-benitez-and-liverpool-adopt-arsene-wengers-blueprint/2070#comment-6610

it’s always nice to see rival fans acknowledged the way Arsene and Arsenal running our club.
GunningSteve Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 10:22 am
I think the Lehmann decision is pretty easy. He starts for FA Cup. If he stands on his head he starts the rest of the way. Wenger’s consoling words is Lehmann is gone end of this year and #1 is Almunia’s to lose next. Wenger will slowly return Almunia to start if he wants to anyway.

Wenger will make the Senderos decision look easy too. He played through a knock and better to rest him… Still think if priorities are PL, CL. then FA then it is fine to start Senderos at Man U. Let Toure heal a bit more and be ready for CL.

Are we sacrificing the FA Cup? I don’t think so. Gilberto will be dropped- Eboue back in that is a +… We will field players that we’ve won this year already. Don’t risk Rosicky- we aren’t playing mid-week (this week) so the players will be fine.

Bendtner & Rvp up front for Birmingham- have played there on loan all lasat season he should be well suited for the pitch, the environment and well-motivated as well.
Andez Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Pretty much agree with u GunningSteve. My guess of the FA Cup lineup is:

AW will start Jens. Probably will stick with Gallas + Sendy, to give Toure a bit more time recovering from ANC and the knock he picked up. Full backs will be the same.

Cesc is a MUST. Probably will rest Flamster (he’s yet to fully recovered from his knock). Start Gilberto. Got a feeling Walcott probably will get a start as well (by the fact he’s on the stand Vs Blackburn, either AW has lost the faith in him, or resting him for FA Cup, cos i don’t think he was that tired after playing an England U21 match almost a week ahead of the Blackburn match).

Up front Eduardo will start. Not sure who will partner him though. Bendtner as shown in the Spurs match is not ready to lead the line in a big match. But we simply CANNOT AFFORD to lose Adebayor for the remaining of season. Can he possibly playing 3 crucial matches in a week? particular with the way he’s running so hard every game.
villagegunner Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Wenger states in an interview available on bbc.com that he will rest 2 to 3 players from Monday’s game when Arsenal plays ManU on Saturday. He suggests Fabregas may be one of those players (particularly because he had been sick for three days prior to Monday) but it will depend on his recovery from Monday’s game. Also mentions that Adebayor has slight problem with his hamstring that arguably hampered his performance against Blackburn. This too suggests that Adebayor is one of those Wenger is considering resting on Saturday.
coach_ed Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 11:38 am
#60. Agreed.

I enjoy ruminating about the players and reading/participating in the banter of everyones opinions… but lets face it, Wenger is so vastly superior to anyone of us at judging talent and bringing them onto a world stage. While I can criticise a player’s performance and express doubts on their long term viability on the team (Almunia, Sendy), I have a really hard time really bashing anyone without a decent run in the team, because time and time again, Wenger’s patience has been rewarded (this year, Flamster, Adebayor, Clichy). I also had serious doubts about Dudu early on, as he looked lost and was pushed off the ball so easily, but he is coming on strong. Diaby has started to improve his decision making so who knows? Theo… I would write him off except you know there must be some reason Wenger continues to stick with him.

We are all privileged to follow Wenger’s Arsenal. Aside from the beautiful football we watch every week, we as fans all get to try to figure out this massive jigsaw puzzle he creates every season; plucking obscure youngsters out of the universe for a few million here, a few million there, and letting us all argue about who is and who isn’t going to make it. In some ways it would be easier just to be lazy and say, lets spend 25million quid on the established superstar but isn’t it more satisfying when you get a guy like Adebayor for 5? Lets buy Ribery for 20 we all said last year… but I’ve been watching this 18year old kid Vela (Osasuna) dance around right backs and cant wait to see if he can cut the mustard in the EPL next year. The examples go on and on.

I think we would all have less to talk about if Wenger took the easy option and spent the big bucks like ManU and Chelsea.

5 points clear when most thought we would finish 5th! Its good to be an Arsenal fan!
netminder Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I agree with Coach Ed in #71, but if we did buy high priced players, we would still have plenty to talk about, just possibly an entirely different tone. With the way Wenger buys, and develops, we get to talk about the potential of the youngsters, how they are developing, their future, and try and piece togather what Wenger may do from match to match with his lineup. If we had brought in high priced, established players, we would be talking about the need to win now, and not so much about the future. Expectations with the established high priced stars are always higher, and even if they play well, are we satisfied with the money spent to bring them in. I’m sure on a Chelski chat, people talk about Ballack and others not being worth what they paid for them. We do have it good as fans because our team plays an attractive style, have many talented youngsters to watch develop, and are exceeding most peoples expectations of them. I am enjoying the ride.
SToneD_emirate_hooker Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
The best part of being an Arsenal fan is that we always have something to hope for. I realize that many of the other EPL clubs don’t have the advantage that the Arsenal have in being one of the EPL’s top 4, yet they also have hope.

Every year we have one of the three cups or the EPL title there’s always something. Come March sometimes it’s only our position in the top 4 but we always have something. Are hopes haven’t been in staying in the EPL like others.
As a foreign supporter this makes following our club that much easier because we know we’re going to see games either in the EPL, CL, FA or CC.
In the end as a foreign supporter it’s seeing games and not reading about them that makes being a Gunner that much better.
Sachin Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Read that Milan’s Ronaldo was injured just few minutes after coming on as a sub for their league game today. So not sure which one of Ronaldo, Kaka or Pato will be fit next week. Or if any of them will be there? No Gattuso either for Milan next week. Inzaghi is back though.
ctpa Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
#58, #60, #71, #72, #73. We are truly lucky and blessed to be Arsenal supporters and to a coach named Wenger. Whatever may unfold for the rest of this season, we are exciting today and will be for many tomorrows. We have a team that now gives us hope and may one day give us expectation.

The Man was at the San Siro tonight scouting a depleted 5th place AC Milan team that dropped points to 15th place Livorno in a 1-1 game. This was the game in hand that would have allowed Milan to overtake Fiorentina for the final CL spot.

AC Milan rested Nesta, Maldini (39yo) and Seedorf. They started their latest wunderkind Paloschi with the dreadful Gilardino up front and had the media-linked Arsenal target Gorcouff in the Kaka (no.10) position. Paloschi is not Pato who has been surprisingly dynamic with 4 goals in 6 games.

Wenger would have seen a poor defensive clearance (Kaladze) give Livorno the lead with a curling far post shot from 18yds out. He saw the RB Oddo deliver poor crosses into the box, play too close to the CB leaving acres of space for Clichy/Diaby/Rosicky to exploit. He saw the LB Favalli not delivering any crosses to speak of, being out of position in injury time and allowing Livorno a one on one chance (for the win) in the box at the far post that my dead, wheelchair-bound, blind grandmother would have scored. He would have seen that flank attacks will expose AC Milan interior defense. Without Kaka, AC Milan have no one to push the ball up for counter attacks. Only Kaka and Pato are capable of actually beating defenders one on one. If Kaka can’t play then we need to shut down Pirlo/Seedorf to isolate whichever non injured CF shows up. Ronaldo came on in the 2nd half and left injured after just 5min. His knee gave out without any contact and those are always bad news. Just ask Michael Owens. He would have seen that Gattuso is a yellow card waiting to be given. AC Milan have a similar situation in goal as we do. The no.2 Kalac gets the nod because Dida has been terrible for two years running. Talk about second chances. Kalac is a solid, steady GK who will come up with the spectacular save as he did against Siena to preserve the 1-0 win.

The AC Milan bottom line is this: If Arsenal keep their nerve/head in defense and play up tempo attacking football without fear, they will win. The back four are vulnerable because they are old, ball watch, and the FBs can’t cover the speed we possess out wide.
ctpa Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
AC Milan update: Ronaldo has suffered a severed tendon in his (L) knee and that will probably mean the end of his career. That is too bad because he still had something left to give at the top level as witnessed by his start at AC Milan. This is why Wenger was so wise in letting Henry go. Arsenal players are now coming out of the wood work saying what we all knew: Henry’s ego (not in so many words but you have to read between the lines) was inhibiting the development of Arsenal young players.

Ancelotti expects (and prays) that Kaka will play.
irishgunner Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
For Man U, I would put out the following team:

Fabianski
Hoyte-Senderos-Gallas-Traore
Eboue-Gilberto-Song-Diaby
Bendtner-Walcott

If Diaby isn’t fit, play Rosicky if he is. Toure can be left out because of his “injury” from the ACN. If that team keeps a clean sheet (or is unlucky), there would certainly be a case for keeping Senderos against Milan. With that team, if they lose, so what. You could put Toure, Eduardo, Hleb and Rosicky on the bench. It also postpones the Almunia/Lehmann decision.
coach_ed Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
ctpa-

thanks for your milan scouting reports. i’m thinking our high tempo game should be able to run those old geezers into the ground, but what i am worried about is that they are very experienced, and know how to sit back and absorb pressure… like in the CL final last year against Liverpool. i get worried that they can hit us on the break with the speed of Kaka and Pato. Pato looks like the real deal and I’m assuming they will both be fit to play us.

one thought about milan… they rotated an awful lot of guys against livorno today. perhaps they have given up on serie-A and are totally concentrating on the CL. but i couldnt ever imagine wenger resting so many first team regulars in a league game.

perhaps its the squad depth, but out of the top 4 in the epl, i think we rotate our squad the least out of anyone. manure seem to have more options… chelski under mourinho would NEVER ROTATE but under Grant they seem to tweak the side more liberally. we all know about rafa’s pitfalls. Wenger really likes to stick with established players unless there is an injury.

given our squad depth, i say hell to the FA cup and even hell with the CL. the trophy i want is the EPL title, and since we have a 5 point lead at this stage of the season, i say full priority to this over anything else.
Andez Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
I am with you coach. All I know is we simply cannot afford to have gone so far in the league and blow it in the end. It would be a killer blow which I am not sure whether our younger players could recover for next season. Not to mention the pressure would inevitably be built up again by the media – “you can’t win with kids”, “Arsenal BOTTLE it”. Well, we can all see it coming can’t we?

Another thing is – with Cup comptitions, there is no guarantee for anything. We could have blown away all the coming oppositions 3-0, 4-0 on the route to the final, one mistake in the final, a shot hit the post, or a crucial ref mistake, all your previous effort may get flushed right down the toilet.

Yet with a 5 points margin in the league. We have a geniue good chance of winning it. Giving the circumstance, so I definitely agree – let’s put all the eggs into the basket of EPL. Lift a league trophy this season, ease the pressure. With the squad a year more matured the next season, we can think of compete in all fronts.
DannyT Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
I wonder if Man Utd will play a weakened team, they are also in the Champions League – I bet they don’t.

I think it’s silly to play a weakened team. First of all resting players doesn’t always work – the players had a long rest before the Birmingham game and drew, and secondly if you put out a weakened team and they get hammered how is that going to help confidence-wise before the Milan game? The papers will be on their backs dredging up their “getting dumped out of everything in a week” stories. Players can just as easy get injured in training as a proper game anyway. Arsenal should go for Utd, winning the double would very nice motivation. That’s what I love about the FA Cup, the prospect of winning the double, few clubs achieve it.
arthur3sheds Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
We can win both the EPL & CL this year and it would be sacrilegious to simply bow out of the FA cup. Although I have always believed we could win the EPL this season, based on our pre season performance, I think it is wise NOT TO place our eggs in one basket.

Our players will not be injured all season and Arsene is prudent enough to have collected players who are capable of playing in a number of positions. Therefore I think our current squad should be able to hold out until the injured squad members return to fitness.

I admit we may need to rest players in the FA cup but I would find it unbelievable that Wenger would field a weakened side at this stage in the CL. It is is the only significant trophy Wenger and Arsenal have never won. Although I would rather win the EPL this season more than anything else, I would never sacrifice the CL as a result. Lets not underrate our squad they are more than capable of wining two trophies this season and with a bit of luck the treble.
GunningSteve Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Irishgunner, that is pretty much our CC side.
Lehmann was slated to play this match even before Almunia was injured. Playing him Saturday is not making the decision. If Almunia is fit for Milan then that will be decision time. Traore- no. Hoyte – no. Gilberto- please no. Is Song fit? I’m ok with Traore at LM actually but think Walcott more likely to play there than him. IMO Gilberto and Hoyte would be dangerous decisions- too slow. The CDM for this match will be critical to cover for our FBs attacks and to disrupt any Man U breaks. Wenger will field a team to win and I believe a CC side for an FA tie against Man U. is too weak.

Going with 3 squad members substituting for 3 1st choices means resting Toure, Fabregas, and Adebayor leading to this squad potentially
Lehmann
Sagna Gallas Senderos Clichy
Eboue Flamini Hleb Walcott
Eduardo Bendtner

Subs: Ade, Toure, Fabregas, Rosicky, Fabianski
Dreaming a bit b/c Wenger won’t but Hleb in the middle with 4 men but I prefer that choice over Gilberto. Okay with Song as CDM as Flamini is versatile enough to be more attacking- he just won’t deliver the quality of passes as Fabregas.

Wenger rotates the wide players most then strikers (when 1st choices are available! RvP!!) then (at least this season) RB. He likes a strong back 4 so perhaps Toure is in. Rest Fabregas if not 100% but leave Adebayor in. Diaby gets the nod of Walcott if fit. Better yet let’s wait for the injury report then make prediction. Nite all!
vibe4arsenal Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Guys, small point. Can we agree there’s no such thing as the EPL?
nipuna Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 12:13 am
There are two points for Wenger to consider -

1. How much can he really rotate? It all depends on the injury situation.

2. How much of a confidence loss would a defeat be?

This season, we have dealt with defeat very well. I believe that even if we lose on Sat, we will do well against Milan. But a lot still depends on the injury situation. If we don’t have too many players fit, we can expect two wins out of two games.

Even though it would crowd our schedule, playing for a draw on Sat (and a replay) may not be a bad idea. Let’s trust Wenger to make the call. Last season, he admitted spending too much on the FA Cup which hurt our CL ambitions. Don’t be surprised to see a few changes on Sat.
nipuna Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 12:43 am
I don’t think Fergie will play a weak side. No way. Not after losing to City at home.

ManU play away in the CL, while Arsenal play at home. There will be more pressure on Arsenal to get a result than ManU. This will affect Wenger’s and Fergie’s team selection. My feeling is that Fergie will play a strong team and Wenger will not.
groovehouse Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 2:06 am
One thing that is missing from this Blackburn game analysis is how ineffective Cesc was playing on the wings. Maybe certain people can now understand why Diaby will have to struggle having to play out of position.
Kiwi Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 3:22 am
I think we should play our strongest team. Obviously injuries, niggles and knocks may influence that, but I don’t like Wenger tinkering with the team. I tend to side with the school of thought that injuries are the natural way to ‘rest’ players. We’re into the business end of the season, the players are mostly young, fit, enthusiastic, they don’t need overt pandering. Most of them are busting a gut to go out and play and be part of a winning team.

It’s nice that we can be fairly relaxed about the selection dilemma over Almunia/Lehmann or Toure/Senderos. Wengers call. All of them are performing well.

Ade was well marshalled by Blackburn. But Hughes got it right, despite being well marshalled (and perhaps a little off his game) he has the ability to score (and always works for the team).

I liked the look of Dudu again. It’s just that adjustment period he’s going through. But the signs are clear that he is getting more involved and linking with his team-mates. Once he reaches a greater level of comfort with the pace of the EPL I think he will be awesome.
nipuna Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 4:20 am
The team we would all like to see vs Milan would be

Almunia
Sagna Toure Gallas Clichy
Hleb Cesc Flamini Rosicky
Ade Eduardo

Almunia, Toure, Cesc, Flamini and Rosicky are either injured or carrying knocks. It is very likely Wenger would like to rest some of them because of the injuries, not because they have played too much. What are the options?

Lehmann, Senderos, Hoyte, Song, Gilberto, Eboue, Diaby, Walcott, Bendtner.

Again, Senderos, Song, Diaby and Walcott are either injured or carrying knocks. Not much to choose from.
joshuad Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 6:04 am
Nip, I disagree that the pressure is on us more than Utd. They just lost a derby at home and fell five points back. The onus is on them to ensure they don’t lose a second consecutive home match. They’ll want to make a major statement as their season could unravel if they go out of this competition to Arsenal (especially at home). This is a much bigger game for them than for us.

Almunia kept his place in the team because he played well when Lehmann was unavailable. Flamini has kept his place in the team because he’s played well when Gilberto was unavailable. We should expect the same for Senderos.

I think it would be ideal to play a fairly strong team against Manchester and just tell them to go out and enjoy the moment with no pressure; to think of this game as a scrimmage for the Milan game. I don’t care if we win or lose this weekend and I don’t think Wenger does either. The focus should be more on the performance. The guys that have picked up knocks should get a rest for Milan as well as a few of the guys that need a game should get a game.

It’s a shame to see that Ronaldo’s career is over. He was just about to grace The Emirates pitch next week. A torn patellar tendon is a very significant injury. At his age, his career is done. Any real football fan will have fond memories of him. I became a PSV fan because of this incredible footballing genius. He’s a genuine artist of the game and one of the best we’ve seen in this generation, if not the best. I haven’t said these things to start a debate but to pay tribute to a truly phenomenal footballer.
nipuna Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 6:33 am
Josh, re-read my comment #85.

On Sat, the pressure is on ManU. In the mid-week CL games, there is more pressure on Arsenal to get a result than ManU (because we play at home). That’s why I said ManU will play a strong team on Sat. Arsene may play any kind of team, but he will be more focussed on the CL tie.
hakyn Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 7:47 am
@85 … I actually thot of raising that point to remind all those who give Alex, Tomas and Abou grief that playing out of position is a really tough thing to do but then I realized i’ll just be opening an old can of worms (or arguments)

btw, I just realized that 2 games ago, Man U had to rely on a last minute equalizer and then last game they get beat by Man City. Any body else here thinks that if it was the Arsenal the media (and not to mention Lord Red Nose himself) would already be talking about our demise/collasp?
hakyn Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 7:48 am
that would be #86 not #85
Sheed Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Here is a preview for Saturday. What we can expect is here

http://youtube.com/watch?v=_0fEONx21Mg
DannyT Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Although I’d rather Wenger did not rotate, here’s the team I’d like to see face Man Utd.

Lehmann
Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy
Eboue, Flamini, Diaby, Eduardo
Bendtner, Walcott

Don’t put Diaby on the left, and don’t play Gilberto – if he keeps giving away sloppy passes all day we might as well not turn up.

Keep it tight for first 60-70 minutes, then use Hleb, Adebayor, Cesc to win the game.
Andez Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Agree with Josh, I think Man U will go with a full force. They r not done in the title race, far from it. but the truth remains – it’s out of their own hand. So the 5 pts gap made a difference psychologically – the FA Cup now means more to Man U, while dropping lower in our priority.

@83, As for the term EPL, I think it’s just for the sake of convinence. No such thing as CL as well, but nobody would bother to type 15 letters while a 2 letter words are enough to make ppl understand.
Fred Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 11:47 am
@ 88: nah, i dont want to see almunia against milan. lehmann is MUCH better for the big stage….will you seriously drop lehmann after he has played the last 3 games for almunia who hasnt played for a whole month……for our BIGGEST game of the season so far??
Fred Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 11:49 am
@ josh 89: yeah, i agree, ronaldo between 95 and 98 was probably the best footballer i have ever watched. he truly was phenomenal back then.
Fred Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 11:56 am
@ hakyn 91: well there is a difference between fabregas and hleb/rosicky.
fabregas is a “static” attacking midfielder. he relies on his superior passing and game control. he is not a “runner” or a “dribbler”. so on the wings he is pointless.

hleb/rosicky are “runners”, “dribblers” and “roamers”. they can NOT play in the center of midfield in a 4-4-2. they can only play on the wings or as a second striker.

i repeat….NO coach will play hleb or rosicky in CM in a 4-4-2. that is a recipe for disaster.

as for diaby, he can play on the wings because he is too one-footed and to be honest a bit one-dimensional.
Andez Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
A few years ago, Ronaldinho had a couple good seasons, and his hype went over the roof. I always wondered what all those fuss was about.

Surely he had some great performance. Yet IMO it’s not even close to Rivaldo at his peak. Not to mention Ronaldo.

Ronaldo, when he’s at Barcelona, he’s unstoppable. not simply being a great goalscorer, but a great dribbling skill which was the best I ever seen since Maradona.

i have seen plenty of great Brailizan footballers, take way Pele the likes who’s before our time, I’d say Ronaldo was the best I ever seen, up there with Zico and Romario. Kaka still has a long way to prove. At the moment, he’s no better than Rivaldo at his peak.
GunningSteve Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
From Arsenal.com :
“For the record the full injury list is: Johan Djourou (groin), Robin van Persie (thigh), Abou Diaby (calf), Manuel Almunia (sick), Denilson (hamstring), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring), Walcott (thigh), Clichy (hamstring), Sagna (personal reasons) and Senderos (knee/thigh).”
If these injuries eliminate the players from contention then the squad practically picks itself! Then again I get confused with reports earlier in the week even within the Thursday news conference.

Lehmann
Hoyte Gallas Toure Traore
Eboue Fabregas Flamini Hleb
Eduardo Adebayor

Bench: Bendtner, Gilbert, Giberto, Bergkamp (jk), Fabianski, ??
A pretty strong squad except the FBs. Hopeful Clichy shakes off the knock.Toure will be needed in the middle.
nipuna Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8742_3146575,00.html

This artcile exactly echoes my sentiments on why Fergie will field a strong team and Wenger will not.
Fred Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
The Sagna and Clichy “injuries” are clearly made up by Wenger….so that it wont seem like he was resting them.

if gilberto, hoyte and traore start on saturday i am 99% sure of us getting thoroughly beaten. we can take playing one of them….but all 3 together is a disaster.

i dont see the point of resting clichy and sagna and not fabregas and hleb. it is clear the latter duo are going to be the deciding factor against Milan.
Fred Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
actually thats an interesting article nipuna….the more i read the more i started to get convinced that we should just out a FULL carlings cup squad over there – but with lehmann and eduardo.

lehmann
hoyte – senderos – toure – traore
eboue – song – gilberto – diaby
bendtner – walcott

bench: fabianski, gallas, fabregas, hleb, adebayor.

let them just play and take the beating.

advantages of this approach:
- it wont affect the first team physically or psychologically.
- we can just say we used our “kids” as an excuse.
- they will now have MORE matches to play, while we concentrate on the two big fish titles.

- lastly if by some big-time luck we win THEN that would really be humiliating for them.

most importantly though lets not mix and mash the team. we should either use a really strong team or a CC team.
neova Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I’d say put out the strongest team to play ManU in the FA cup. If we win, it will give us a psychological boost to carry on and win our next games. We’re riding high and you don’t want that high to come falling down because of a setback.

If we lose at Old Trafford, it will give our title rivals confidence while ours will suffer a bit. It may even hamper our game at home to Milan – as there would be een more pressure to win it as a way for us to bounce back.

Treat the FACup game like an EPL game and field the strongest team. It think sometimes momentum is more important than prioritizing your games.
ChicagoGooner Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Nipuna @ 101. I read that article earlier today too, and I must say I agree with it as well. (I was gong to post it here as well, but you beat me too it!)
GunningSteve Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Fred, neova. Both approaches have merit.
Man U are struggling a bit, dropping points- Do we want to be the rallying point? Our selection woes should diminish for Milan and we should rotate for Birmingham a bit too- I really think Bendtner is a smart choice then.
I especially agree with handling 1 of 2 of Hoyte and Traore in our squad. Hoyte should be able to play ok in a backline with Gallas, Toure, and Clichy fine. Gilberto would probably be ok against Milan- it would have the end-to-end pace of a PL match and he’ll have a little more time to dwell on the ball.
If I lean one way it is to field stronger on Saturday. The players have until Weds. to recover and others may suit better for a CL tie than one against Man U.
GunningSteve Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
it would NOT have the end-to-end pace of a PL match and he’ll have a little more time to dwell on the ball. -Correction..
DannyT Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Fred @ 98: Actually, Hleb played central midfield for VfB Stuttgart.
Fred Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
@ danny, he played central midfield in a 4-5-1 or 4-4-1-1. he has NEVER played central midfield in a 4-4-2.
Mazza Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Stuttgart played 3-5-2 and Hleb often played in the centre of a three man midfield condensed with the wing backs overlapping. So he had two more defensive minded players around him. There was a time though when Balakov and Hleb were tearing it up so Hleb may have played slightly left of Balakov. Either way, Stuttgart always had the insurance policy of the wing backs or a libero behind.

Hleb would never played consistently centrally in a 4-4-2, although i’m sure Stuttgart at some point tried it. After all Hleb was probably only 21 or 22 at the time of experimentation.
DannyT Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
I can’t say what the formation was, don’t get much access to Bundesliga in England – but I know he played centrally and occasionally left-side. For me he is definitely better playing left midfield than right midfield.
joshuad Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Whenever Balakov was in the team, Hleb played wide right. By the time Hleb got to Stuttgart, Balakov was already getting old and didn’t play every week. Balakov was a player/coach who just played in the big games; kinda like Barca uses Thuram now. He was a fan favorite because of his sheer brilliance. He was Magath’s main man and I personally think he was better than Stoichkov.

When Hleb played central, Stuttgart played a 3-5-2 that switched to a 5-3-2 whenever they didn’t have possession. Lahm and Hinkel were the fullbacks who liked to get forward and provided width to the team. Lahm used to get forward so much that I didn’t realize he was a defender until he went back to Bayern. Weird that Lahm is the only player I’ve ever seen go on a two-year loan with the understanding that he was going to be gone for two years and then coming back.

Anyway, Magath was a genius because the formation played to everyone’s strengths and they were an incredible team. They beat Man Utd in the CL and should have beaten Chelsea, except for a Merida own-goal. Hleb and Lahm were so freaking good in those CL games. The whole team was good, except Kuranyi, who couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn against Chelsea. Anyway, it was 3-5-2 and not a 4-4-2.
Mazza Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Fernando Meira was a beast as well, sweeping up at the back.

Hleb is a much better player on the left. Wenger did initially play him there in the early months but after his knee injury he switched to the right. However on the left his balance is alot better and seems more confident. Either way, we should be thanking our lucky stars that we have him. I would rather Adebayor get injured than Hleb, that’s how important he is in my opinion.
Andez Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
If Adebayor get injuried, we would be in big trouble.

Not so much of his goals. but with the style of play this current Arsenal side been adopting, the target man up front is so vital. if the target man can’t hold the ball up, our midfield would not be able to join the attack in time.

The Spurs defeat was an example. Theo was so small, while Bendtner didn’t do a good job holding the ball up neither (and at times dropping too deep). We basically couldn’t start any attack, and the build up play kept broken.

This side is very different than the 2004. Back then we relied a lot on fast pace, high tempo game. so a strong targetman was not that important.

the class of 2008 do not have that kind of pace, relying more on a patient build up. This style of play a strong target man up front is a must.
DannyT Says:
February 15th, 2008 at 6:51 am
I would much rather Hleb got injured than Adebayor. Goals win games. Adebayor is scoring from everywhere, doesn’t seem to matter who supplies him.
nipuna Says:
February 15th, 2008 at 7:23 am
Adebayor has been carrying the Arsenal team since the Everton win scoring 8/14 league goals. If he was injured or away at the ACN, we would have been out of the title race by now.
Mazza Says:
February 15th, 2008 at 8:51 am
I still think the drop off in quality when someone replaces Hleb is greater than when somone like Bendtner replaces Adebayor. While Bendtner can be incredibly frustrating at times I still he feel meshes better with Eduardo than Adebayor. For all Adebayor’s qualities, releasing the ball early is not his greatest strength. Alot of Eduardo recent forays beyond the opposing defence have gone unnoticed because Ade doesn’t quite have a sharp enough footballing brain at this point. He generally spreads the play instead of putting Eduardo through or attemptoing to at least. Bendtner does see these things very early so I think in Ade’s absence Eduardo could come to the fore a bit more. A bit like when Henry was injured a few years ago for games. Everyone thought we would be screwed but yet the likes of Wiltord or Kanu would adapt and bring their own stamp to the attack. No doubt though that Ade would be a big, big loss.

If Hleb gets injured however 50% of our playmaking ability goes out the window. Fabregas becomes a lesser player(by his own admittance), and in comes Eboue or Walcott who pump about 10% of Hleb’s playmaking abilitities back into the side. As a result Arsenal spend less time on the ball, less time in the opponents third of the pitch, and thus there is less opportunity for guys like Adebayor to make an impact. The outball to Adebayor via Clichy or Toure becomes our only real weapon.

Notice how I don’t mention two theoritically relevant players in this point, Rosicky and Van Persie. Why? Because they’re always fecking injured!
Fred Says:
February 15th, 2008 at 11:00 am
stop talking out of your broad ass…..GOALS win games and put points on the table. i know you have the arrogance, trying to prove that your favorite is all-important and all that but please – adebayor is single handedly carrying us in the title race right now.

the alleged “drop off in quality” in passing f-cking triangles and holding possesion does NOT win anything. fancy footwork, great build up, beautiful passing does NOT win you games.

adebayor scores the majority of his goals by hardwork, or brilliance. of those 19, not more than 3 are from hleb-assists.

make no mistake, if ade is injured our title challenge will go puff because there still is no goals from midfield – and maybe some people here will be a bit happier seeing as they predicted we would be somewhere between 6th and 4th anyway.

your favorite player is not that critical to the league race. get over it!
Fred Says:
February 15th, 2008 at 11:01 am
and why is there talk about one of our own players getting injured anyway??? u wanna jinx it?
Mazza Says:
February 15th, 2008 at 11:14 am
oh yes he is Fred. Of course, you being a footballing illiterate and all, of course that will go over your head.

I think it’s still a little sore point for you that the player you wanted gone last season and is in fact proving to be vital to our title challenge. And with Arsenal, triangles and beautiful passing does play a large part in winning games. Your ignorance on this still astounds to this day when it comes to this ‘minor’ detail.

You still going on about predictions I see. How about trying to move on Fred and stop acting like a little girl whose had her teddy taken away.
DannyT Says:
February 15th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Hleb’s contribution is very important, but when you have a striker that is on fire like Adebayor is, nothing, but nothing is more important than that. He is banging them in for fun and is the No.1 player at Arsenal as it stands right now.

That could change of course, but right now he’s irreplaceable, the only player I would have to stop and think about if there was a choice between one of them being missing is Gallas for Adebayor – especially with these massive games coming up.
Mazza Says:
February 15th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Anway Fred, of course both players are vital. Adebayor for the goals and Hleb for being the main playmaker. Only a juvenile like you would attempt to interpret praise for Hleb as a scathing attack on Adebayor.

When it comes to Arsenal, the team is the all important. For me Hleb makes the whole team tick, so much so that I’m confident if Ade ever got injured I’m sure the team could compensate and someone like Eduardo and Bendtner would step up. If Hleb was away for a period of time, like we saw against Newcastle and Boro, the team dynamic would take a greater hit.

Injuries are pertinent at this point because we have a shitload of them. The jinx has been there with Arsenal for the last three years.
Mazza Says:
February 15th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Gallas, Fabregas, Hleb, and Adebayor. The four indespensables.
hakyn Says:
February 15th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Said I didnt want to start a flame war (not that I’m taking glory for starting it) but it’s obvious to me that we all have different levels of appreciation for each player (barring some xceptions like Gallas, Sagna and perhaps Clichy) in the current team.

For instance, I totally agree with Mazza’s comments @117. Infact I think (and this might sound like sacrilege to some) Cesc is just good alone but with either Tomas or Alex, he is almost great (he’s still young). Now that’s b/c Alex/Tomas are both also a little BETTER than GOOD. A couple of other pple think that Alex/Tomas are both just a little better than average though and that they are the part of the current midfield that would be easiest to do without. Thing is – it’s all a matter of personal opinion that doesn’t change the current status of the team – TOP OF THE TABLE – so I’ve decided not to argue any more about it.

Hope we win tomorrow even with our weakened team
hakyn Says:
February 15th, 2008 at 11:36 am
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/martin-keown-i-rang-my-wife-after-the-game-shes-usually-very-supportive-but-she-said-i-think-youve-gone-and-done-it-now-782328.html

nice article i think
Andez Says:
February 15th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Of the point Mazza brought up about Ade didn’t feed Eduardo’s run enough, I understand where r u coming from. Nevertheless, i think it’s a bit more complicated than Ade’s inability to spot his run.

One of Edaurdo’s strength, apart from scoring, is his run. he knows where to run, and very quick on doing it. Bare in mind Adebaory is never like Henry, he run a lot. And whenever he get the ball, inevitably there are 1,2, sometimes 3 or 4 markers surrounded him. He needs to hold the ball up first, before making a pass. A guy like Henry things are easier for him, cos he usually stand there ballwatching for most part of the match, by the time the ball reach him, he has a clear vision of where his teammates are.

the reason Ade failed to spot Eduardo IMO is – by the time Ade hold the ball up (that’s the priority), Eduardo already sneaked behind the back 4 and in an offside position. Even ade spots him he couldn’t have passed to him.

Another thing is, Eduardo at times is a bit selfish. Prior to Senderos’ goal against Blackburn, i was mad at Eduardo for not passing to Ade when he’s wide open. Luckily we scored straightaway from the next corner.

i think for the forwards, if your partner don’t pass the ball to u when u r wide open, naturally u may not be as willingly to pass the ball back to him. Human nature i guess.
Mazza Says:
February 15th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
True Andez. Eduardo can be just blind as Adebayor sometimes. With Eduardo though it seems to be more to do with his lack of confidence in his right foot than anything else.

Like with RVP and Ade, I don’t think Eduardo and Ade are smooth partnership yet but they both compromise enough to make it work to an acceptable level. Both are still getting to know eachother yet have the individual quality to make the difference regardles.
rocka23 Says:
February 15th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
I would say they are both vitally important (Ade and Hleb), but I would say that Cesc is more important than both of them.

If Hleb gets injured, then maybe just maybe Rosicky, Diaby, and Flamini, and Cesc can pick up his playmaking duties.

If Ade gets injured, and (this is a big if) but van Persie comes back fit and in form then we should be able to compensate for the loss of Ade’s goals (this doesn’t take into account all his other hard work tho).

If Cesc is out tho, we have no-one who can playmake from central midfield. If we still had Diarra, a midfield of Diarra and Flamini with Helb and Roskiy on the wings might have carried us. Now I think we are player short. Unless Song starts playing like he did at the ANC.

Does anyone know how serious his injury is?
coach_ed Says:
February 15th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Fred and Mazza… but especially Fred in post #118… why are you guys so damn stupidly childish? We are trying to have an enlightening discussion here and it really takes away from a valid and thoughtful discussion point; that being what is more important to a team’s success… the creative and linking playmaking midfielder or the person that ultimately bangs in the goals?

I lean towards the current menace of Adebayor’s play being the most vital contribution, but not necessarily because he’s been a very prolific goal scorer. Yes, we, like all teams definitely need someone to bang them in but I feel we are getting goals from a variety of sources and if some of his goals dry up there are other sources to exploit. The thing that makes Ade very useful to our team is highlighted in Andez remarks, because we have discovered a new way of playing when he is in the team. He is so strong, good in the air and can hold the ball up that teams cant just compress us and play a high line. The guy works tirelessly for the team and he plays like wall up there on his own… every time a midfielder knocks it up to him, he bounces it back to another running midfielders allowing us to build up play through him and not always relying exclusively on passing through slicky morphing midfield triangles.

At the same time, I do agree philosophically with Mazza’s bias, which is to favor players with the creativity and touch needed to break down defenses. Personally, I favor the contributions of players with creativity and ability to make the team tick all around the pitch than someone that can just bang them in. There are people that disagree with this, but then go ahead and watch a long ball team that thumps it to a scorer…. there are plenty of those around but ultimately those types of teams are much easier to defend. Teams with a lot of creativity like Arsenal are much harder to stop. This is why Hleb and Fabregas are so vital to the team. I also include guys like Rosicky, who I believe Mazza is a supporter of, as well as RvP into this analysis. Dudu is improving his ability to work with the team, but when RvP is around, there is always a little extra magic available in the final third.

Personally, even with the IMMENSE contributions of Adebayor and Hleb this season, I still think Fabregas is the most important link. His form hasnt been as good as the beginning of the season, where he was like GOD, but even so, his contribution shouldnt be underestimated. He plays both sides and just keeps our attacking engine running. Recently, I think he has tried a bit too hard and has gotten a bit impatient in playing the “final” ball…. sometimes its just not there so keep the ball moving around until it is. But if you notice, on most of the scoring, if he hasnt supplied the final ball, he is usually critically involved in the buildup. I remember 2 passes… he sent Hleb through on a very nice ball to square to Ade vs Blackburn, and he also released Flam to provide another delicious ball to Ade vs Newcastle. So Fab’s contributions have gotten a bit more subtle, but remain IMO the most vital to our success.
coach_ed Says:
February 15th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
I’d like to further comment on the diversity of attack that Adebayor brings. Last year, we had basically all the same slick midfield passing and buildup. Everyone said we were trying to walk the ball in the net and we lacked the finishing touch. I personally don’t think we lacked finishing as much as we got used to the same sort of buildup which teams figured out how to defend. They all just sat very narrow and very deep and patiently waited to pick off a misplaced pass.

With Ade in, we can knock it up high, or low to his feet. He runs both channels tirelessly, pulling central defenders out of shape and opening up space for others. He also gives us option of delivering high crosses from the wings, an attacking option that was essentially non-existent in our game last year.

Because we now have more threats from more different areas, he’s opening up the space for a more varied attack, which is much harder on opposing defenses.

The one area I would like to see us improve is on delivery of low, whipped in crosses. ManUre are very good at this…. I recently watched Sevilla play, and they are also very good at this. This could add yet another avenue of attack.
jizzyk Says:
February 15th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
low,whipped in crosses are the speciality of Martin Petrov.watchin him against Man Utd last week made me realise how shrewd Sven is.this guy would have been devastating for us.we lack crossers of the ball.maybe its not wenger’s game up until recently.we let possibly two of the best crossers of the ball in the premiership to leave us,bentley and pennant

as for the indispensibles argument…would agree fully with coach_ed.some people are attracted to the crash,bang ,wollop of ade and the silky skills of hleb but fabregas is the anchor ot all our goals,assist and general keep-ball.without him we would be literally fucked.ade has backup.hleb has less backup..rosicky only one of creative note.fabregas has no back-up.we have all imagined rosicky or hleb fitting in there but wenger knows that they wouldnt be functional.therefore fabregas is the most important until we find an understudy

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Arsenal 2 – 0 Blackburn

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