Apr 01
I regret I don’t have the time nor analytical skills to write one of the lengthy erudite previews that regular posters have come to expect from some of the more esteemed contributors to this site, but since people are clamoring for a pre-match thread, here it is.
Judging from the headlines, Torres’ play and/or Arsenal’s defense of him is the key to this match-up.
Toure and Wenger Agree: Stop Torres and We Stop Liverpool
Benitez: Arsenal Fear Torres
Obviously there’s more to it than that, so have at it. How do you think Arsenal will fare playing Liverpool three times in 6 days? Familiarity breeds contempt, no doubt.
Discuss!
38 Responses to “CL Quarter Final 1st Leg: Arsenal vs. Liverpool”
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April 1st, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Bloody hell. As the old saying goes, if you don’t ask…….
Tomorrow should be a good game. Arsenal are not scared of Liverpool. Liverpool are not scared of Arsenal.
If Arsenal do not get too wrapped up in the dangers of conceding an away goal I am confident we will put in a good performance and score some random goals. Similar to the randoms we scored against them at the Emirates last year.
It won’t happen, but I would start Bendtner tomorrow night. I like the way he links up with the team, and if he irons out a few kinks in his game and has the confidence and trust of his teammates he could be a big asset. He showed more of his potential with a fine goal against the Czech’s last week.
I would bring on Adebayor with thirty minutes to go so he is fresh enough not to reveal the more frustrating parts of his game and can instead instill fear and panic into the Liverpool back line.
3-1 Arsenal.
April 1st, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Should be an entertaining match tomorrow.
I would love to see them crush Liverpool in the CL. Could care less about the League.
IMO, Liverpool’s back line is weak. I do like Skrtel, but if Ade matches up with Carragher, he will tear him up. I just hope the whistle does blow when Carragher sits on someones back, or goes for the piggy back ride like the last meeting.
We need Walcott on the wings. His pace will outclass a lot of Liverpool’s midfielders.
April 1st, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Ideally most Arsenal supporters would like to see 1-0 (or more, but let’s be realistic, 2-0 is unlikely), but as with the previous round v Milan, 0-0 would suit me fine. That away goal is so important in this competition - you could feel that the Italians were under immense pressure not to concede in the San Siro. Assuming 0-0 at the Grove, I would then like to see 2 myths put to rest next week - first the Anfield crowd effect and secondly the Benitez tactical nous - both are extremely overrated and have to come to an end some time - why not against the Arsenal?
I have mixed feelings about Bendtner - on one hand IMO he wins many more balls in the air than Adebayor, but on the other hand he seems indecisive with the ball at his feet and facing goal, sometimes losing possession while thinking about whom to pass to. Tough call.
April 1st, 2008 at 7:58 pm
I don’t think either team has fear of the other. Respect, maybe yes.
Both teams know they can beat the other… and be beaten by the other.
We slapped around Liverpool twice in like a week @ Anfield last year… so we know that can be done.
I am just not sure which Arsenal team will show up, the first half against Bolton or the 2nd half. The team that beat AC Milan in Milan, or the team that can’t be Brum & Wigan.
I have to say… I have idea.
I am hopeful. But would not be surprised if we lost.
2-1 Arsenal?
April 1st, 2008 at 8:01 pm
I see L’pool trying to contain Arsenal and snatch a goal on the break, or by pumping long balls (high and low) for Torres to chase.
If Arsenal Redux shows up tomorrow, we can out hustle them, spread them thin by bombing down the flanks, and get a goal in each half. Toure and Gallas should see off Torres (who’s basically ineffective away from home).
Everton were dire on the weekend and L’pool still couldn’t really polish them off. They are a team that can dig in and shut a game down. But I’m not really sure when a Rafa team has really gone for it apart from those Gerard-inspired 6 minutes in the 2005 Final.
I see us going for it and winning 2-0 for a real glory night.
April 1st, 2008 at 8:04 pm
PS Does anyone know the words to the “obscene,” “disgusting.” “disgraceful,” etc, song that the Everton fans were directing at Steve Gerrard’s missus?
It was tantalizingly alluded to in some match reports.
April 1st, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Any St. Louis gooners out here? I recently moved to St. Louis and I would love to get info on local pubs that show Arsenal games.
April 1st, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Mazza, when last has Bendtner scored a meaningful goal? His last was an own goal. He started against Bolton and did not do much, started a few with Ade and did not do too much. He is not in the class of RVP or Eduardo and does not provide the pace or work ethic to open up games which Ade offers.
Starting him in a game of this magnitude would be sheer folly unless we go for an attacking 4-3-3 formation with him sharing the duties up front with Ade/Walcott and RVP. Can’t see Arsene going that way but who knows after last week’s substitution at Bolton.
Can’t see Arsene go 4-5-1 either because that takes RVP out of the game We probably will start the game in a 4-4-2 with our holding MF player, Flamini most likely, deeper than normal and tracking Lampard all over the field in an attempt at neutralization. Hopefully,
If we can contain Torres and Lampard we should be able to eke out a 1-0 victory from a RVP goal in the second half and be on our way to a 1-1 draw at Liverpool in the return leg. It’s always nice to dream and I stick by it (LOL).
April 1st, 2008 at 8:48 pm
“We probably will start the game in a 4-4-2 with our holding MF player, Flamini most likely, deeper than normal and tracking LAMPARD all over the field in an attempt at neutralization. Hopefully,
If we can contain Torres and LAMPARD we should be able to eke out a 1-0 victory from a RVP goal in the second half and be on our way to a 1-1 draw at Liverpool in the return leg. It’s always nice to dream and I stick by it (LOL).”
Since when Lampard is a Liverpool player? Did he join them in January?
lol
Just kidding, you’ve probably meant Gerrard
As for the game, I think Wenger will gowith 4-5-1 with Ade upfront and Flamini, Cesc, Hleb, Diaby and Walcott in midfield. Eboue should start at right back, we need Toure in CB to deal with Torres’ pace, coz obviously Gallas and Senderos are too slow to contain him. But with AW you never know, we will see tomorrow who plays and who doesn’t
It’s gonna be tough to beat them that’s for sure and if we beat them it’s gonna be 1:0, or 2:1, I can’t see us winning with more than one goal
April 1st, 2008 at 8:57 pm
goonerjack:
Try emailing this guy:
http://www.arsenalamerica.com/branch-offices/st-louis/
Good luck!
April 1st, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Here’s an excerpt from a Wenger Interview
“Wenger’s men then visit Old Trafford on Sunday week.
He added: ?Those four games will define our season and it will be the biggest challenge for me.?This is a vital period for us and the result of the first game in this sequence will be crucial in that run”
The last sentence is the key on what we can expect…..i think Wenger will throw caution to the wind for this one…..we’ll come out with all guns blazing…just get a feeling that if it works out..the result of this tie will probably be decided today itself.
Hoping for a good game tonight….
Cheers,
Wayne
April 1st, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Here’s an excerpt from a Wenger Interview
“Wenger’s men then visit Old Trafford on Sunday week.
He added: Those four games will define our season and it will be the biggest challenge for me.This is a vital period for us and the result of the first game in this sequence will be crucial in that run”
The last sentence is the key on what we can expect…..i think Wenger will throw caution to the wind for this one…..we’ll come out with all guns blazing…just get a feeling that if it works out..the result of this tie will probably be decided today itself.
Hoping for a good game tonight….
Cheers,
Wayne
April 1st, 2008 at 10:34 pm
I’d echo Stags thoughts - we’re currently unpredictable form-wise.
Wenger doesn’t have many options, other than the pure speculative which aren’t his go.
Sagna is a huge loss. I’d play the tea lady rather than Eboue at RB. I’ll suffer him at wide right, and then bring on Walcott with 25 mins to go. When Eboue plays at RB he inspires a potent and pure strain of manic panic in his defensive partner, hardly a desirable outcome. He needs time-out in Tibet with the monks, to find his centre, restore his karma…… Arsene book his ticket. I still think back to Eboue the gladiator when he first arrived on the scene, sadly those memories are fading.
So…..
…………Adebayor…RvP
Hleb……….Flam……Fab…….Eboue
Clichy…Senderos…Gallas….Toure
………………Almunia
April 1st, 2008 at 11:05 pm
I think Mazza hits a hot point - “If Arsenal do not get too wrapped up in the dangers of conceding an away goal…” Yes indeed, we need to play our game at home. Typically, these matches are cagey affairs for quite awhile, but I do think we have to be extremely attack-minded, especially at home.
I am entralled with the idea of bringing on Ade at half or at 62′ - you know it might end up that he’s had his 15 minutes of fame (developing into being THE MAN with RvP out so long, and since RvP has been back, Ade has crawled into a hole) - and maybe his real future is being that “6th man / John Havlichek” type of a player who can change a game single-handed.
Problem is that we don’t have Eduardo to team up front with RvP. I expect Ade to start with RvP.
So, with fingers crossed, salt thrown over my shoulder, and thinking our back four can actually play as a solid force, I say…
Arsenal 3 - 1 Liverpool.
April 1st, 2008 at 11:47 pm
“I am entralled with the idea of bringing on Ade at half or at 62? - you know it might end up that he’s had his 15 minutes of fame (developing into being THE MAN with RvP out so long, and since RvP has been back, Ade has crawled into a hole) - …….”
are you serious TG or have you been out back smelling the turps with Mazza?
Adebayor as a sub might work at present - but only because the guys fatigued having dragged us around on his back all season with almost no support.
To suggest he is nothing better than a super-sub seems a tad ungrateful if not ridiculous given our paucity in the striking dept and what he has achieved this season. If we had real options up front to compete for a starting spot - then ok, argue away. But comon, a rusty robin, a crocked Eduardo and a green Dane. What message would it send to the whole squad if Wenger jettisoned the only striker who had demonstrated responsibility?
Before we assume too much about RvP let’s remember he hasn’t carried Arsenal to any glory whatsoever….we’re all speculating that he is an answer assuming that he can stay on the field. But at the start of this season the main question was can he mesh with the side - given his highly individualistic style. That remains to be proven.
I’m certainly hopeful that RvP will be a key component in the new Arsenal but let’s let him demonstrate that.
April 1st, 2008 at 11:49 pm
No chance of Bendtner starting this one. He is too slow, even Carragher might outrace him.
Only question is Senderos or Toure? I am tempted to start with the former but the latter might win considering Torres’ “pace”.
I desperately want a clean sheet. 1-0 would suit me just fine.
April 1st, 2008 at 11:51 pm
“I am entralled with the idea of bringing on Ade at half or at 62? - you know it might end up that he’s had his 15 minutes of fame (developing into being THE MAN with RvP out so long, and since RvP has been back, Ade has crawled into a hole) - …….”
are you serious TG or have you been out back smelling the turps with Mazza?
Adebayor as a sub might work at present - but only because the guys fatigued having dragged us around on his back all season with almost no support.
To suggest he is nothing better than a super-sub seems a tad ungrateful if not ridiculous given our paucity in the striking dept and what he has achieved this season. If we had real options up front to compete for a starting spot - then ok, argue away. But comon, a rusty robin, a crocked Eduardo and a green Dane. What message would it send to the whole squad if Wenger jettisoned the only striker who had demonstrated responsibility?
Before we assume too much about RvP let’s remember he hasn’t carried Arsenal to any glory whatsoever….we’re all speculating that he is an answer assuming that he can stay on the field. But at the start of this season the main question was can he mesh with the side - given his highly individualistic style. That remains to be proven.
I’m certainly hopeful that RvP will be a key component in the new Arsenal but let’s let him demonstrate that.
April 1st, 2008 at 11:53 pm
aaahhhhh duuno why it posted twice!
April 1st, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Two things we should remember from out Anfield game.
Don’t allow Gerrard to shoot from distance. Never give him a free sight on goal.
On free kicks, make sure the wall is properly set and defends the way Almunia wants it.
Flamini will be a crucial player.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:28 am
@Kiwi - I understand your point. I don’t mean to be ungrateful regarding Ade’s contribution to the squad this season, which was nothing short of massive for quite a stretch.
But my point was that I have a hunch that he can be even more dangerous coming in fresh when the other defense thinks they might have control of the game.
And I’m just speculating that his future may very well be as a starter for 1/3 of games and a “super sub” for the rest. Whether that will work will depend on (1) our future forwards (in the next few years) and (2) Ade’s willingness to play that role - not easy.
I don’t have the delusions that we have real options like you point out - which is why I think he will start with RvP. We’re not deep enough to take a gamble with a lesser pairs of striking starters while waiting for Ade to wear a John Havlichek cape…
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:07 am
@TG…..all fair comments and I see where you are coming from.
My hunch is that Adebayor is one of those guys who has seized his opportunity. His work ethic and classical centre-forward attributes give Wenger such flexibility with team formation. He’s still a bit raw but the goals he has scored this year will likely give him the confidence any young striker needs going forward. If Wenger boosts our striking depth in the summer…..let’s see.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:26 am
We better to change;
Adebayor RvP
Hleb Flam Fab Walcott
Clichy Gallas Toure Eboue
Almunia
In anyway, we can beat Liverpool again as:
ARSENAL (1) VS LIVERPOOL
+1) RVP
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:51 am
of cos we are going to play Ade. no brainer. put it this way, if we don’t play Ade, where the pace coming from up front?
and if Liverpool know that we don’t have enough pace to trouble them, it’s like inviting them coming out to attack us looking for that away goal, knowing that our counter attack game may not be as effective without Ade.
and as we all agreed the Liverpool central halfs lack pace, yet good in the air. so why should we play to their strength?
April 2nd, 2008 at 8:27 am
this whole start-bendtner-use-ade-as-a-supersub thread is a nonstarter. no way bendtner’s ready to start a game as big as this one.
April 2nd, 2008 at 8:58 am
Quite frankly all that will happen is that we will start with a 4-4-2 with Eboue and Hleb. Then 5 minutes in we will find RVP running down the left wing and Ade up on his own. You heard it here first
April 2nd, 2008 at 9:06 am
I just think we have nothing to lose playing Bendtner instead of Adebayor up front. I mean, we’ve played Ade as a starter at the Emirates all season and what has he done in the first halves? Very little apart from a good header against Newcastle in the league. Aside from that, he spends the half over-excitedly making a mess of nearly every intricate move, and making useful runs in behind only to miscontrol time and time again. His profligacy in terms of missing runners and mis-controlling the ball kills our momentum and dynamic. It’s only late on in the game he seems to be able to clarify in his mind what he wants to do and possess the confidence to hold the ball a bit more and weigh up the options.
I understand the fear about Liverpool possibly pushing up if Adebayor doesn’t play but I think Liverpool will instinctively sit deep in the first half regardless and Bendtner is fairly adept at making intelligent runs to occupy them- at least until he has does his disappearing act in the second half. That’s when Adebayor come in anyway.
The point is Arsenal are impotent force attacking wise in the first half at the Emirates. Every game we basically give up the half and give the opposition a free ride. A big part of that, in my opinion, is Ade’s over-excitable play and lack of composure. We need to try something new and the Great Dane, or the Green Dane, has shown the ability to keep it simple and concise in the opening stages.
I don’t even think we should view this as that big a game. It’s the first leg of two tie match and even of we get through we face Chelsea, which looks to be almost an impossible taks for us as it stands. Why not just go for a new dynamic and turn Ade and Bendtner into a tag team. I say it worked on Saturday as Ade played a very threatening last thirty minutes.
April 2nd, 2008 at 10:19 am
oh yeah lets try something new in a very important match.
you contradict yourself saying adebayor hasnt done anything in the first half while advocating bendtner. bendtner has not scored any goals in the first half this season. and he looks COMPLETELY lost when he starts. every time he starts, adebayor gets more credit from wenger, because not only does he have a really low workrate he just cant hold the ball.
our midfield is SLOW, RvP is slow, and Bendtner is the SLOWEST of them all.
u are no genius, thats for sure.
April 2nd, 2008 at 10:31 am
Bendtner scored against Steau Bucharest in the first half, and has barely started any games. He has created alot more than Ade in the first halves anyway. Remember those crosses to Eduardo in Seville and Diaby at Blackburn. Probably not, being the ignoramus you are.
I said we should drop Adebayor six weeks ago due to his poor form. What did he do after that? Absolutely nothing and our title bid has gone down the toilet.
I’ve forgotten more about football than you ever know. Think you would have piped down by now after all the total crap you’ve talked this season. i.e Diaby being on the same tier as Rosicky.
April 2nd, 2008 at 10:52 am
steau bucharest??? WHOOPTY DOOOO!
crosses to eduardo?? crosses, thats what its about these days? eboue has also made crosses you know?
you are just an egomanical piece of shit who comes on here to try to get your quota of self-worth that you obviously dont get in your life.
after mouthing off complete BOLLOCKS over the last few weeks, pissing your pants that your predictions that the team was useless and lacked character……after the bolton game it flew into your face and u decided to find a way to pipe down, what a cunt……
u have been asking for adebayor to be dropped six weeks ago????? really??? six weeks ago after he scored against blackburn???? a quick search on here will show that is not true…..
you are such a shameless, pointless LIAR its incredible.
just the same way you LIED point blank that you watched hleb and rosicky in their teens in the late 90s…….LOL
pathetic!
April 2nd, 2008 at 11:11 am
Said Arsenal lacked bottle, not character. As I said before, two different things. Can’t you get it through your retarded head that being 1-0 up to Chelsea with twenty minutes to go is a different kind of pressure than being 2-0 down with ten men to crappy Bolton. Can’t you comprehend that one situation inspires trepidation and test of temperament while the other scenario often leads to ‘fuck it’ response from players who feel that they may as well just go for it? Fred, are you THAT thick that cannot understand the difference. It seems like your the one whose lacking self-worth and wants so desperately prove how ‘incorrect’ I was.
As for Adebayor, it said just after Blackburn and it was before the run of four draws. I think I remember it creating quite a response then.
April 2nd, 2008 at 11:35 am
and how does somebody with character lack bottle??? pathetic logic.
u know what just forget it.
April 2nd, 2008 at 11:40 am
Yep, forget it. Your talking shite and have realised it. Belatedly.
Keep trying to hide behind definations. Most intelligent, unbitter individuals will know exactly what I’m talking about.
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:15 pm
On the day of a major match, you need your attention fix.
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:24 pm
You just keep complying Fred, like the muppet you are.
I mean, I could you not see that wanting a Danish international to start over an under-performing striker was a complete wind-up. You really are slow these days……
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:32 pm
“HOW could not see”……..
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:25 pm
just let it go. he’s just having a laugh.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:31 pm
I can appreciate both sides of whether Bendtner should start or not. Adebayor’s been awesome but, based on current form, we need to change something and Bendtner could be that change. Besides, who looks stronger off the bench if we need a spark late in the game? Bottom line is Wenger isn’t going to do that shit.
Also, we miss Rosicky. While we’ve had lots of possession and controlled matches, we haven’t created as many genuine chances as we did when Tomas was in the side. It’s nice to have RvP back as he’s chomping at the bit to make goals but we miss Tomas.
We should still have enough to beat Liverpool. People have pointed out how Flamini has abandoned his defensive duties. We need for him to play a disciplined game tonight and it could prove sufficient. Also, if Crouch comes on later, we’ll need Senderos to play and our fullbacks to cut out crosses. Clichy’s been a bit silly lately going for balls he can’t get. He needs to get his timing right.
My other concern for tonight is Babel. Strangely enough, I’d rather have Eboue on him instead of Toure. Like I said, strangely, I just believe Eboue would match up better against Babel than Toure. Maybe Eboue is a bit quicker. Maybe I’m trippin’.
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Yep, Rosicky is massive. Real football connoiseurs can grasp that.
With him injured, I see no option but to flog Hleb every game for the rest of the season. If Rozza was fit then we could had him on the left and Eboue on the right on Saturday.