Blackburn 0-4 Arsenal
September 13, 2008
Right then. The league games return after the two week gap that almost felt like eternity. Arsenal will be able to get in 7 games before the next international break a month away. The next seven games kick-off with a three game road trip starting on Saturday against Blackburn followed by trips to Kiev and Bolton before home fixtures against Sheff Utd (Carling Cup), Hull and Porto (Champs League) and an away game to Sunderland on Oct 4.
The good: Mark Hughes is no longer at Blackburn so there is some hope that Ewood Park might not be the kicking fields that it once was. Theo’s hat-trick on Wed night should give him much needed confidence and would bode well for his upcoming games.
The bad: There wasn’t enough resting time for some Arsenal players who were away on international duty, so fatigue might play a part especially in the later stages of the game.
The testing phase
Each game this season will be a test for this Arsenal team but the upcoming week will be the first real hurdle given the timing of these games after the international fixtures. In a way, it is good to see the team face such a challenge this early on in the season because that would give them a taste of things to come later on, especially during the fixture congested December timeline.
Injuries, etc
As it stands, it is unclear if Nasri will feature on Saturday or how long he will be out for. Vela will probably be rested given he returned late from Mexico’s 2-1 win late Wed night. Silvestre and Diaby are still injured.
For Blackburn, Robbie Fowler should be available on the bench but given the presence of Roque Santa Cruz and Jason Roberts, Fowler’s services might not be needed. Santa Cruz, who was injured during Blackburn’s 4-1 loss away to West Ham, returns after he had a good week for Paraguay as they top the table in the South American qualifying group.
That other game
The early game on Saturday has Liverpool hosting Man Utd. Will Rafa’s Liverpool ever beat Man Utd in a league game?
When Saturday Comes…
Prediction, analysis & discussion..over to you guys
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September 13th, 2008 at 2:31 am
for some reasons i m not too confident when we playing away this season. frankly i don’t care much of the lack of depth or inexperience stuffs, i m a firm believer if you want to win bad enough, you will find a way to win it regardless.
my concern is this current side seems to be too nice, and lack of steel. playing at home with home fans cheering on u and watching you is one thing, players are naturally more easily to be motivated under this circumstance. but playing away, without the watchful eyes of the home fans, some players tend to go hiding. that’s how i felt after the Fulham match. it wasn’t really that defeat sadden me, it’s we didn’t really put up a fight.
at moment like this it really made me missing players like Martin Keown. now winning and losing is part and parcel of the game. the opposition knew it well enough Keown can be beaten, but they were also fully awared that in order to beat Keown, they would have to pay a price for it. as Martin was never someone who would give up without a fight.
following the departure of Flamini, there is basically no one who gives me this feeling anymore – perhaps with the only exception of Gael Clichy.
playing away, without the home fans support behind you, the inner drive of individual player is crucial, as they will have to find a way to motivate themselves.
that to me will be the KEY factor to decide our season, not the strength in depth, not the players’ age, or anything else.
September 13th, 2008 at 2:34 am
oh yeah saching,u asked the same question i been asking myself for a long time – will Liverpool ever beat Man U, and in particular when things matter?
it appears to me they always bottled it at the past. but hell, football is a funny game. perhaps they are going to break the curse this wkend.
September 13th, 2008 at 5:25 am
I have to concur with you on this one Andez. Liverpool always bow down to Man U even losing at home on a regular basis, much to the shame of their fans. It is like Arsenal Vs Spuds for the majority of Liverpool fans, that game is more important to them than the Everton game.
Just like Arsenal’s total domination of Spuds it cannot go on for ever. Liverpool will have the best opportunity to beat Man U than they have for years in the fact that Man U are traditionally slow starters. However Man U will be up for this one , as Ferguson has gone on record as saying these are the most important games for him as a manager and i would suspect Beratov will have something to prove.
Well let’s hope for the best, I’d rather a Liverpool victory than a draw as it might dent Man Us confidence a little.
As for our away form, these games will be a test of whether we have regressed back to 06/07 when we could not hold our own away from home. It will be very interesting. If we can win at both away at both Blackburn and Bolton it wil tell us that we are ready to compete for the title, if not…. well who knows.
September 13th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Wow, football is really a funny game! Liverpool did it!
September 13th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Andez. I finally got my answer today. Liverpool have BEATEN Man Utd in the league. Wow. And that too after Udt took a third minute lead which I thought would last. Finally. About time.
September 13th, 2008 at 9:48 am
And tell me Ronaldo is not important!
September 13th, 2008 at 9:48 am
yes sachin, exactly, it’s about time!
September 13th, 2008 at 10:10 am
This is the kind of game I am normally scared of…..but after seeing the familiar face of Paul Robinson in their goal I am feeling so much better now.
September 13th, 2008 at 10:14 am
What a pass from Walcott and Van Persie with a cool finish.
September 13th, 2008 at 10:15 am
MASTERPIECE play by Walcott. Absolutely perfect.
Paul Robinson….I LOVE HIM.
September 13th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Nice to see Ade has that offside business nailed at last………
September 13th, 2008 at 10:47 am
I was just thinking the same thing. As much as I appreciate him, the offside thing is really frustrating me.
By the way Mazza don’t you ever have anything nice to say?
September 13th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Ade is the Dade!
September 13th, 2008 at 10:51 am
I think Denilson deserves equal credit
September 13th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Ade is the Dade? Strike?
September 13th, 2008 at 10:52 am
beautiful work and vision by Denilson for the second goal, noted Eboue was offside and waited for Ade to get into postion before sending in the cross
September 13th, 2008 at 10:52 am
i see it differently. when a striker kept get caught offside, it means only one thing to me – he’s doing his best working the channels, one defensive mistake, he’s on the money. read Inzaghi.
this 2nd goal is crucial. as i thought Toure and Gallas were having a tough time handling their big striking pair. i was really worrying we couldn’t hold the 1-0 lead till half time. now the 2nd goal will give us some breathing space.
September 13th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Yup, definitely is….especially in that BDSM relationship he has going on with Paul Robinson.
I said it before….I was so scared going into this game…but once I saw Robinson’s mug and Ade in the pre-match jogging I knew it will be alright!
At least no heartache this weekend. Good.
September 13th, 2008 at 10:54 am
yes wayne, groove, it’s one clever play by Denilson. great technic on the cross as well.
September 13th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Your right Wayne I am just have a little dig at Mazza.
September 13th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Come on Mazza, here is another opportunity to say something positive about our team. Come on… give it a try.
September 13th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Anyone have a sopcast channel recommendation? Which ever one I am watching is a bit choppy. Like Blackburn will probably be in the second half! Bizzzzing!
Good work in the first half. I hope we go out and get an early third. No handbreak stuff. I think Theo gets one on a counter. C’mon Arsenal!
September 13th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Yup..he may not be the big strong DM that a lot of people wanted..but he’s doing a good job so far…I think this is his third assist in the league this season..plus he’s scored a goal..not bad I say
September 13th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Espn sopcast is decent. Goes a bit strange when there’s a chance though.
Arthur, steady on fella. We’ve still got 45 minutes to feck it up. Our defence is not exactly looking water-tight.
September 13th, 2008 at 11:04 am
I hear you Andez, just think he can time it a lot better because it has not due to him running from deep where it is much harder to time you run in relation to the offside trap. He has been in a virtually stationary position from what I have seen, as such he should be able to see the line and stand a little behind in the event that they try to push up. Thus today I an unable to find an adequate excuse for him.
However I am happy he has shut Mazza up, momentarily at least.
September 13th, 2008 at 11:07 am
OOOhhh Mazza. What are we going to do with you! LOL
Brendan/Stag
how about installing TVU player in future you will have more choice.
September 13th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Newcastle losing 2-0 at home to Hull City!!! I can’t believe it
September 13th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Poor Eboue! injured himself diving! LOL
September 13th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Until they started giving us too much room around the 60m mark, this team has not overplayed. Yes, they take some wild shots. But at least they’re all having a go. I’d rather Theo and Eboue smack in a shot then dally waiting for the perfect pass. Actually, watching balloon his second long-range effort, I take that back.
Then again Van Persie’s first half free kick was pretty comically too.
Still, two nice goals.Clichy’s international hangover hasn’t been punished. And Gallas has yet to let loose a tirade. And ManUre lost. What’s not to like – apart from Toure’s hair!
September 13th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Oh feck. I was so busy writing that last post, I missed the icing-on-the-cake goal.
September 13th, 2008 at 11:49 am
I don’t think that was a dive..his trailing leg was caught..and i think he fell badly..that injury looks bad.Hope he recovers soon..he’s played an important part in Arsenal’s performances in the last couple of matches
September 13th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Beautiful!!!! ..Ramsey and Adebayor!!
September 13th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Ade hat-trick. Mazy dribble from Walcott. 4 goals and another clean-sheet
off to Kiev now.
September 13th, 2008 at 11:56 am
as stated, when u keep working the channel, u will get ur reward, even as clumsy as a striker Ade!
a good game. love the response of us following that Fulham defeat, 3 striaght wins, 3 cleansheets, and scored lot of goals.
Denilson to partner Cesc offers us something different – unlike Gilberto and Flamini, he has the ability to create chances himself, not needing to look for Fabregas. His passing today are superb.
Theo’s confidence is rocket high at the moment.
it’s a wonderful feeling seeing the youngsters growing and improving!
September 13th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Andez, you doubted us!
I’m sticking with the man from Alsace. Arsene Knows
September 13th, 2008 at 11:59 am
ramsey, despite with only a 10 mins, he does got the touch doesn’t he?! we are now reaping the reward of 7 subs! even baby Wilshere got a piece of action!
September 13th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
I have to agree
Have always had faith in Denilson..and i believe he can become very very good for Arsenal.
Have to put in a good word for Eboue and Walcott too..apart from the usual suspects i.e Sagna, Clichy, Fabregas and RvP. And to top it all Nasri and Vela were absent today. If this continues..then I don’t think Rosicky will be guaranteed a start when he returns.
Defence was a bit sloppy..but it’s been a Brilliant performance again!
September 13th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Lovely defence destroying pass from our young Welshman, and great run and finish from the Dade although Robinson credit to him made it difficult.
September 13th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
btw, this game does get me thinking – is our weakness really our DM like the most ppl been suggesting? Denilson looked pretty solid since Cesc’s back. Song came on at 2nd half looked even more natural a defensive midfielder.
do we really need to buy someone to block their path?
personally i think our biggest weakness is our central defence. we did look unable to cope with Blackburn’s two tall strikers during the first half. that’s why i think Ade’s 2nd goal (of Arsenal) was so vital.
but if our defence plays like that against teams with better finishers, we may have a problem.
September 13th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
I am one of Eboue’s greatest fans but….
If he hadn’t left his trailing leg behind to be caught (ever so slightly), he would have not landed so awkwardly on his standing foot.
To be fair to him, he may have dived to avoid what looked like a reckless challenge.
September 13th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Toure and Gallas partnership is a joke. We need to replace one these guys
September 13th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Well you have to take the good with the bad
But on a serious note..i hope he’s back soon…he gives us another option when we require it
September 13th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Got the new Arsenal Home Jersey yesterday and was wearing it for this match…guess it worked
Man Utd unveiled their new high profile signing today and lost…Arsenal play with kids and totally outclass Blackburn. And i’m listening to Elvis ‘s “The Wonder of you” as i type this…I know Arsenal won’t win like this every week ..but this one has been a great weekend
September 13th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
The great chicken and egg question is applicable here, were we very good or were Blackburn just poor and lacking confidence after conceding?
Anyway, who cares. Nice performance and we looked liberated playing more vertically(yeah , I know, direct). Eboue had a stormer and Denilson looks good alongside Fabregas.
Ramsay seems to have got back on track. This was more like the aggressive, ballsy player I saw at Underhill in pre-season.
Brilliant
September 13th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Andez,
Denilson played extremely well for most part, a few wayward passes and ill advised tackles but looked great going forward and had a high work rate. In fact, he might have had a better game than Fab today.
BUT, with Denilson and Fab together we have no DM and that’s why we were exposed so many times in the 1st half and the first few minutes of the second. When Song came in we immediately had defensive balance and still had the forward thrust. We may get away with Fab and Denilson against lesser teams but will be severely punished by the big boys.
My contention once again, is with Fab and Denilson as the CM’s we have no defensive balance and this exposes our back four. When Song came on our back four suddenly looked solid because he was occupying the opposing AM’s, worked across the entire width, passed out of defense well and broke offensive pressure.
Great result, but it could easily have been 4-2 in for Blackburn at the half. It is too easy to blame the back four, but when they are not getting adequate defensive help from the MF they can not be unduly blamed. Arsene’s theory that Eboue provides defensive balance is becoming more and more tainted as Walcott provided more defensive help today and Eboue has not been fulfilling that role for the past 3 games.
In the past we would say that Gilberto was the invisible wall at DM, today, the wall was invisible in the first half because there was no wall.
September 13th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
There was a lot of knee-jerk concerning Denilson after the Fulham game but we always knew he had quality. I’m glad he had another good game.
Also glad Adebayor has gotten on the board in the league. We’ve got Theo sky high from the Croatia game and now the Togonator is shooting fools down. We don’t have to worry about van Persie’s confidence as he’s the cockiest player in the squad. Good stuff.
Honestly, Blackburn are looking like early candidates for the drop. They’ve lost some of their best players, to include rat face but they’ve also lost Friedel to Villa. We’ll see how they do.
September 13th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
One thing to notice in the last 2 games…..with the injection of pace…the classic Arsenal counterattack is well and truly back …it happened a couple of times again today..although we couldn’t convert. Almost a flashback..to Henry Pires and Ljunberg..tearing it up in 2004.
September 13th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Personally I didnt expect any better from our CBs. But nothing anyone can do about that.
Denilson lost pretty much every single 50-50 challenge he went into. He is still a poor CM against any team that attempts to play physical.
He is admittedly better creating … but he does that only when playing beside Fabregas. Denilson still doesnt win the tackles or cover any ground.
He will be best as a RM instead of Eboue.
Lets note that Blackburn didnt kick us at all (apart from a few early tackles by that bloke whose name I cant remember). They were also very kind as to make their pitch very nice and slick. I fear a lot of other more cynical teams wont be that welcoming.
Our strikeforce is still our strength. And Ade is still the Dade!
PS: Rosicky is not going to play again till around February or so. Incredible really.
September 13th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
If only we had some depth for re-enforcement.
September 13th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
We ended the game with Song (21), Denilson (20), Ramsey (17) and Wilshere (16) in midfield. That’s an average of 18.5 years. Amazing.
Thanks to the 7 sub rule.
September 13th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Denilson did look good floating the ball for an assist amongst other things, but he lost every single fifty-fifty ball and cover little ground.
The difference btw the Fulham games and the proceeding ones are that Fulham played very physical while the rest have NOT.
September 13th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Great result. Missed the game b/c no Setanta must remedy that soon. Anyone in the states using their broadband option? Would like an opinion. Also, any good places/channels to watch Arsenal footie in PR? Any place in San Juan will suffice I am pretty familiar with most neighborhoods there and work is taking me there for the next month almost on a weekly basis.
Unlike others, I will admit I wasn’t convinced about Denilson and I still haven’t seen enough of his play to know for sure but I like the good reports. I was a Flamini supporter before it was en vogue so I know the track record. Solid start- is it just me or is the division actually more balanced this year?
Finally, just watched Robinho score from a free kick off of Obi Mikel’s glancing header- brilliant. Hopefully Chelsea drop point today too!
September 13th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
I think we started discussions on the new season with this very same argument. I still maintain that it’s one way or the other…there can be no middle ground.
Walcott has emerged because he was given the chances last season. Clichy emerged because Arsene threw him straight in when Cole left….Denilson is emerging with every game….Eboue has been remarkably consistent in the last 3 games…and I can go on and on.
We were worried last season about lack goal options..and I felt that Wenger will sign one wide midfield attacking playeralong with Vela ..and we will be set. Nasri was the guy and he’s slotted right in. Walcott, Bendtner were expected to have breakout seasons ..and so far we are seeing the kind of quality Walcott will bring in. I can say with 100% certainty that if he was not given the initiation last season..we wouldn’t have been seeing the Walcott who has now emerged.
Defence remains the problem…with Djourou and Song long term options..we need a bit of composure there…and I believe Silvestre can provide that as stop gap. I hate to say this..but along with the one wide midfield signing…i had also posted that Wenger will probably bring in a over 30 player to give us that depth until the players grow up…the idea was laughed at that time..but we do have Silvestre now
The thing with kids is that they can surprise you with how much they can improve in one year..with the very same kids we may not have had the required depth last year…but 1 year makes a lot of difference..and i think we are adequately covered this season. Ofcourse we could have done with a replacement for Flamini..but then somethings don’t work out the way you want it..my guess is someone is going to step up to grab this chance.
September 13th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Fergie continues his campaign for “one rule for ManU and another for the rest”. -
“We had several bookings and a red card. Is that a reflection of Man United being a dirty team? I don’t think so. I think the crowd plays a part.”
September 13th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Can’t stop LOL at this one
)
http://blog.emiratesstadium.info/2008/09/13/disjointed-arsenal-scrape-lucky-win-at-blackburn/
September 13th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
I think the main point is what Wayne made regarding of Denilson.
Of course he’s not a finished article yet. This is his first full season. And he’s only 20. how good Flamini was when he was 20?
the bottom line though is –
today we look at Theo, we hailed his improvement. but you gotta PLAY him in order for him to improve at the first place. He ain’t going to improve by warming the bench.
it is exact the same case with Denilson. he still got A LOT to learn, especially defensive wise. but important thing is – he hasn’t turned out to be a disaster while learning his trade.
here’s two alternative –
(1) buy an older guy to play as DM, with Denilson continue warming the bench, coming on here and there once for a while. will Denilson improve under this circumstance?
And how OLD we plan to continue playing him as a squad player until he’s ready? this year he’s 20. next year he’s 21. if we don’t play him when he’s 20, he will be the SAME player as he’s 20 when he turns 21. He ain’t going to improve by warming the bench.
that means ONE DAY you will have to play him, or you sell him. And does anyone really want us to sell a youngster with so much upsides? If not, if we are going to play him, why not NOW?
I can honestly say, should we continue to start him, in 2 or 3 years time, nobody would be talking about Gareth Barry. the big question by then would be “how will we be able to KEEP Denilson”.
the likes of Barry, what you see today will be exactly the SAME what he will be in 2 or 3 years’ time. His upside is limited. And he’s no longer young.
Denilson, on the other hand, you look at his all around technic, it’s rock solid. Barry could never do the thing Denilson been doing when he himself was 20.
in a few years time, if Denilson continues to develop, he will become an unique midfielder – one with a good passing range while at the same time could defend.
remember, we still got Song and Diaby. perhaps not all 3 of them would come through, but there’s a good competiton there among the 3. the last thing you want is for a new older guy coming in and all 3 of them end up back to the bench.
Wenger had started collecting all the young prospect a few years back, and i don’t think he only planned to keep them there on the bench for display or exhibition.
with young players, they will learn and grow much faster than a player who’s already in his mid 20s. if you don’t play them when they are 19, 20. by the time they are 22, 23 then breaking into first team it will be too late.
September 13th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Fred, what do u mean Blackburn didn’t kick us at all? Did u see Keith Andrews’ tackle on van Persie and Fabregas (not even a single booking)?
I consider ourselves lucky that van Persie didn’t end up back to the treatment room. that guy had no intention to get the ball at all.
September 13th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
You guys are being buoyed by the 4-0 victory and are simply overlooking the obvious and missing a key point.
Outside of Walcott, the MF did very little defending and we should have been down at the half. You can not expect the back four to be your only defensive options and hope to be successful against the top teams, especially with attacking wing backs.
The team we started today had no defensive balance and Denilson, as good as he might get, is not a defender, he is a Fab clone. We keep slaying the CB’s but they are not getting any defensive support. I don’t care if we had Ferdinand and Terry back there, they would still have been exposed.
September 13th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
How does that explain still having NO backup at all for the wings and having very few bodies overall.
Saying it is one way or the other is equivalent to saying things are either black or white. And that is plain wrong.
Flogging Walcott and Nasri into the ground because is bad. Not having any backups for them is poor planning.
As for Denilson, he still hasnt passed the physical test yet. He lost every 50-50 challenge today.
September 13th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Wasn’t so hard was after all was it Mazza
September 13th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Its funny you are worried more about Denilson being on the bench than anything else.
Bendtner and Vela are better strikers than Denilson is a CM….yet you are not aggrieved that they dont get enough playing time.
You can use the same argument that every player needs time to improve … that would mean every single player deserves playing time.
Bendtner and Vela have done much more and have had more impact with their time and they are the same age as Denilson.
So I dont see why you are worried about Denilson’s personal position and not about Vela and Bendtner. After all, these two very talented 19 year olds have BIG-TIME 24 year old strikers in front of them.
Denilson is not nearly as good a CM as our two backup strikers are as forwards.
September 13th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Those were 2 early tackles that the ref. stopped.
Good refs stop those and bad ones dont. But that is not actually “English” physical play. The Fulham midfield didnt do anything exceptionally dirty. They just went in very hard for 50-50 balls, were very robust in their challenges.
September 13th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
U can’t be that naive can u Fred?
Vela and Bendtner are strikers. Strikers get to rotate. and it won’t harm the team’s shape and flow.
how often u see teams rotating around their CM position when the starters are fit?
there are some positions you can rotate – wingers, strikers.
there are some positions u don’t if u want consistency – CMs, back 4, keeper.
Football 101.
September 13th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
That is exactly what am saying, but everyone still seems to think its all rosy.
Can we really get away with this kind of play against a proper team.
We have a brilliant but dimunitive playmaker and then we pair him with a wannabe who gets shoved off the ball easily and has never won a 50-50 challenge.
Denilson is completely irrelevant from a defensive point of view and from an attacking point of view he wont do anything if Fabregas isnt standing right there with him.
A possible stop gap solution till January is for Denilson to be shunted to the wings to backup Walcott and Nasri (since Rosicky is out forever anyway)….while Song takes over in CM.
You cant shove Song off the ball and you can see immediately he came on that he is in a different class defensively. He keeps it tidy and simple … and is passing is very, very good.
September 13th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Bullshit talk!
Yet Man U last season had Carrick, Hargreaves, Scholes and Anderson, while having only two fit striker and a half crock in Saha.
Yet Chelsea flood their team with CMs NOT strikers.
Same with the vast majority of teams.
All teams rotate their CMs but play their best options in the top games.
For some reason up till LAST season Wenger also believed in flooding his team with CMs.
But now all of a sudden you are more concerned about Denilson’s personal situation. Even though is output is decidedly less than that of Bendtner and Vela as strikers.
With this sort of argument you would say we should have given Hoyte a chance … instead of say going out and getting Sagna.
Walcott showed he deserved a chance by showing meaningful glimpses last season.
Denilson has NEVER proven he is a good DEFENSIVE midfielder. And that is his first job.
September 13th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
“Can we really get away with this kind of play against a proper team. ”
Please defines a PROPER TEAM?
or do u mean the teams that beat us? as i have an impression whatever teams we beat, they are either soft, didn’t kick us, their pitch are nice. in short, we didn’t beat them because we were better, merely because they are NOT a PROPER team.
that got me wonder – how many PROPER teams are out there? since now even Blackburn no longer a proper team.
September 13th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Anyone else think it’s amusing that we – the kings of the headless chicken CB duet – currently have the tightest defence in the Prem?
September 13th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
well of course he has NEVER proven he’s a good defensive midfielder…. YET.
that’s why he needs to play and learn and improve. i believe that’s my point wasn’t it?
September 13th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
It amazed me more that Hull City are now at 4th place!
September 13th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
tell me then, the time u followed Arsenal, in particular under Arsene Wenger, had u ever seen Wenger rotating around his CM pair when they were fit?
how often Wenger dropped or rested Flamini and Fabregas when they were fit? how often Wenger dropped or rested Vieira and Gilberto when they were fit?
how often Wenger dropped or rested Vieira and Petit when they were fit?
flooding the the team with CMs? yes, we did that too last season. but how often Diaby, Denilson got to start the game in CM position? didn’t diaby spend most of his time on the left? and WHY did u think Diarra left if Wenger wouldn’t mind rotating around his CMs?
September 13th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
That assumes the top two are strong and very competent and do THEIR JOB.
Go watch the full match again and if you can notice any 50-50 or even 60-40 challenge he won then get back at me.
Talking about Vieira, Gilberto and Petit is BS … ancient history. In injury reality has changed completely and you know it.
September 13th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Can you show me a play where he has won a 50-50 ball?
Young players do their job, but do it inconsistently.
Denilson doesnt do ANY defensive work at all …. so there is nothing to improve on!
All the goal scares we had today, Denilson was NO WHERE near the plays.
So he needs to play and improve hey? Well the same could have been said for Hoyte and Eboue at RB.
Denilson is even worse in that he doesnt do even bother with the defensive part … but that is his job.
September 13th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Guys I don’t think Denilson is supposed to be a totally defensive midfielder in the mold of say… Makalele or Song for that matter. I believe Arsene is expecting them to share the responsiblity, when he wants to hold a lead he brings in the archetypal DM; Song.
Fab has great defensive qualities, much more than people give him credit for, the AC milan game emphasised that. However this is something he had to develop, Denilson is trying very hard that is why he has been making so many fouls this season, and really bar a lenient referee he would have been booked today. But his effort, doubt it not he gives 100%, may well bring rewards.
Don’t expect him to do what Song does. Arsene does not want that type of player in the starting line up, he wants 2 box to box CMs. Flamini was used as a CM, he had such great defensive abilities but was not highly creative as such people saw him as the more defensive of the pairing, but he was essentially a box to box CM as is Denilson.
September 13th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Fabregas was sensational defensively in Milan- as was Flamini- but that was more of an exception than the norm.
Fabregas usually tends to coast- by Milan standards- through games and by default he is far from the perfect midfielder defensively. I’ve argued that point for a while and that’s why possession is so important to us defensively as well offensively. Look at the penalty we gave away against Liverpool in the ECL last season and you’ll see that before Toure tangled with Babel, Fabregas had a perfect opportunity to stop Babel in his tracks but he lazily let him go by. Fabregas does that quite alot. He had a similar dozy attitude in our defeat against United in the F.A Cup. He also DISAPPEARED when United and Chelsea upped the tempo in those away league games last season, as well as flagging in the home game against United. Flamini went AWOL as well, which is why I’m glad he left.
Anyway, Fabregas is good enough defensively most of the time- and definately better than Denilson and Eboue- but long term he really needs a defensive presence in there with him. Which is why I would plump for Song to partner him.
Having Denilson in there encourages a ding-dong afffair which can lead to numerous chances and goals for either side. Today we managed to convert and pull away but it’s not a style of game I would be confident of engaging in week in week out. Denilson would have to be plugged in offensively all the time to offset such an inherent fragility.
September 13th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Apparently we are running the ruler over Mineiro, the 33yo DM who turned down a contract extension w/ Hertha Berlin. He played for Arsenal in a closed door reserve fixture against Fulham this past Wednesday (3-0 Arsenal). So the report of him being seen at Arsenal was true. Now there is a report that Chelsea are sniffing around him as well. He may play another reserve game for us on Wednesday against Portsmouth. This info is courtesy of the Young Guns blog.
Paul Ince was a pretty rugged player in his day and Blackburn have not forgotten how to kick players. Andrews should have been booked for that late foul on RVP. Eboue and Clichy may be out for the Kiev game
W/ Traore on loan and injured today, that leaves us w/ Silvestre (if healthy), Gallas (w/ either Song or Djourou starting) or bringing up Gibbs ( a hugh leap from reserve ball).
Man U were awful today and just begging to be put to the sword.
Hopefully Nasri will be a go on Wednesday.
Why are people flogging Denilson? IMO, no harm, no foul. Besides when he does make a mistake then you can criticize him but until then, relax and let the boy learn as he goes.
September 13th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
So he is not a DM … yet he doesnt do (or attempt) the Flamini work?
September 13th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Agree, agree, agree, Mazza, our team defense, emphasis on TEAM, has been shabby without a holding MF and we suffered against the big boys last year because of this.
September 13th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
I see I’m bringing up the rear on the Mineiro story, never mind.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article4748552.ece.
Two things here: some issues w/ apt sales which is to be expected in these days and times. The board probably have no idea just how many units will fail to sell. The 2nd point is our wages to turnover is now <50%, the lowest in the league. You could read that as an indication of our frugality or as I prefer that our turnover has increased while our wages have remained stable (or stagnant from a players’ perspective.) Either way we are no. 3 on the list.
September 14th, 2008 at 2:38 am
The Arsenal curse strikes once more.
Hleib out with torn ankle ligamments.
Henry left out of squad for game.
Barcelona has 1 point from 2 games.
September 14th, 2008 at 2:54 am
Looked like a very bad injury..and he was in considerable pain…and a bad tackle at that.
September 14th, 2008 at 4:28 am
arthur, a good point u made. that AW perfers 2 box to box CMs rather than an out and out anchorman.
i think AW basically wants all of his 10 outfield players being the “ball players”. that probbaly explains why he didn’t bring in a traditional big strong commanding central half stopper – someone who doesn’t have much game, but good on stopping opponents to play. instead, opted for 2 not so commmanding CBs, yet both has the ability to take the ball out of defence.
another thing is probably down to our formation. AW is very much a 442 man. last season he swifted to 451 a lot had much to do with the fact van Persie was injuried. i said at that time when Ade and van Persie both fit, we would always go for 442.
with a 442 it’s difficult to play an anchor man, like Makelele at Chelsea (even Chelsea would play another 2 CMs in front of Makelele under Mourinho).
as if u play an anchor man with 442, u kinda hinder the movement and balance of the team. under Wenger’s system, i believe he much perfers flexiblity, interchange movement, and the whole team going up and down together.
a 451 however, we could put an out and out anchorman there, say Song. and get him just sitting back at our own half, we would still have enough bodies going forward to start our pass and move player interchanging attack.
so the way i see it, AW will stick with Denilson and Fabregas when we play 442.
should he decide to employ a more defensive approach against stronger attacking side, he probably would shift to 451, with Song sitting back as anchor.
i don’t see Song taking over Denilson in the pecking order unless Denilson flops badly. the only interesting thing is what’s going to happen when Diaby is back? Diaby is even more attacking minded a CM than Denilson. while without a doubt his best position is CM. playing down the flank is a total waste. can he and Fabregas plays together in CM?
September 14th, 2008 at 5:37 am
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/andy_dunn/article25175.ece
I m not interested in posting a link of our latest injury, silly words from our manager, or any negative stuffs being said about Arsenal. then use it as an opportunity to have a go on our beloved club… especially now when we had won 3 straight when it’s kinda difficult for the critics to nitpick anything aiming on our actual performance.
so the above link, if u r Man U fan, Bottenham fan, don’t bother. but if you are a true red-and-white, take a minute or 2 logging in to take a look, u may find it quite enjoyable a piece.
September 14th, 2008 at 6:17 am
So now he can have surgery, rehab and learn Spanish better. Nobody can be a soothsayer but some reporter if he has a brain and reads this blog will write a chronicle of players who have moved away from the mothership and how poorly the majority of them have fared.
Henry dropped for “poor” form. Scores for France to save that a-hole Domenech but can’t find his way home from the wilderness on the (L) wing. Go figure. Guardiola is as thick as Rijkaard as far as Henry is concerned and won’t last nearly as long
September 14th, 2008 at 6:30 am
Arthur does provide a good insight into Wenger’s strategy. Was this also how the the Dutch played during their “clockwork orange” days-2 to-box-to CMs. Not to be patronizing but I prefer what Wenger is trying to do w/ Denilson who has definitely shown more offensive presence than Flamini ever showed and he’s done it in just 3 games.
September 14th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Someone in the British media finally gets it. Now for the England supporters to get a grip. This not Michael Owens redux. This will in time be better barring misfortunes. I still haven’t forgotten a from the behind tackle by Heskey last year when Wigan were properly beaten. You never know what a-holes are lurking in the hearts of players.
September 14th, 2008 at 7:11 am
ctpa, yes the comparision with Dutch side of 70/80s. the media often compared Arsenal to them. i know it’s over the top. we are not a total football side, but you can see the MENTALITY of Wenger’s football is quite similiar to them.
The Arsenal side under Wenger seldom have a “specialist” among our outfield players. the majority of them are “capable of” (if not a master of it) playing more than one position.
i believe FLEXIBILITY is the key word in Arsene’s football dictionary.
come to think of it, to buy a verstaile player who can play more than one position is like getting ourselves a bargain – spending one price getting two players! buy one get one free!
that goes back with my theory – position is dead. no player is born to be a CB or DM or Winger or Striker. if a player is intelligent enough, and foundatmentally solid, he could adapt to multi positions when call upon.
a while ago i read Steven Garrard commented “I am paying the price by my versatility” (referring to England’s tendency to continue playing him out of position). the Irony is – this is perhaps England’s one big problem – that too little players are capable of playing multi positions. as a result, when England lining up their formation, what you see on the TV screen formation chart is what you see on the pitch.
i love the sight of Eboue and Theo swifted flank, and Ade, van Persie took turn to drop deep, goes long yesterday. in short, they were kept asking different questions to the Blackburn rearguards. when they played like that, it’s a nightmare for opposition defenders.
September 14th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Barca fans have already warmed to his play, and are saying he has been their most impressive performer this season. They’re coming out with stuff like ‘we need him’ and ‘can’t afford to lose him’ already!
September 14th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Hey, did everyone notice who’s bottom of the table? Let’s hope Villa can keep them there.
September 14th, 2008 at 11:34 am
The annuel big spending “summer” Topfour Hotspur…. the all conquering preseason mighty Bottomham (7 wins out of 7 in preseason)…. until the real season starts.
September 14th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Mazza, cut that BS. lol.
During his 40 minutes he helped Barca to complete passing domination and fluidity without the scoring …. oh my where has that been done before.
September 14th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
And now AC Milan having a bad start to the league again with another defeat ….wonder what Flamini will have to say a few years from now
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=251223&cc=4716&league=ITA.1
September 14th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
How was Rikjaard or how is Guardiola thick with regards to Henry?
How about they just did not want him in their team at all? The board basically forced Henry down their throats. Its like that in Spain.
MSL beckons…I hope he comes to NY !!!
Even in old age mediocrity Henry is still about a light year ahead of most of the dribble you see around these parts.
September 14th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Caribkid was spotted on. this is the Ex-Gunners curse. it’s scary when u think of the majority of Gunners’ fortune or rather misfortune after leaving Arsenal.
September 14th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
If we are looking for a box-to-box guy to partner Fabregas then I would prefer Diaby in there. If he can ever stay fit.
September 14th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
In fact, some are saying ‘Ronaldinho, who?’
September 14th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
right where they belong.
also, AC Milan’s record is 0-2 and are currently ranked 2nd to last in SerieA. Hows that working for you Flamini and Senderos?
September 14th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Barca are also winless in their opening two games, losing on opening day and drawing yesterday. Hmm. And as pointed out above, Milan have lost both their opening games.
Ah. The charm of big clubs. I wonder what will happen when Barca have to play Madrid, Seville and Valencia, and Milan take on Inter, Roma and Juve.
September 14th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
I told you guys that Milan would struggle. They don’t have any strikers. Their arrogance will cost them big time. They tried to be cool by saying they really didn’t want Adebayor or Eto’o but I knew they were full of shit. They should have put up that money but had to settle for Shevchenko to save face. Assclowns.
Prophetically, Spurs situation is tough as they’ve sold their top three strikers this year and just brought in replacements way after pre-season has finished. Foolish way to do business as these new strikers have come to Spurs with their feet in the fire right straight away. You’ve got to give new guys a chance to gel with teammates and just focus on playing together and not have to worry about getting results right away.
It’s why I’m not a fan of Wenger’s infatuation with trying to get these last minute deals. However, I don’t agree with fans saying we should buy in January and expect that player to play in January. Remember in January how people were saying we should buy cover for Toure’s AFCON absence? Foolish.
September 14th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Arsenal curse continues, Senderos injured in training
September 14th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
They should have got Eto instead of Ronaldinho.
I fail to see the use of Flamini in their team. Ambrosini and Gattuso can do everything he can. Infact it is a bit pathetic using 3 non-creative players against a “small” team.
I really hope they fail to make the CL again this year. And I really hope Barca f-ck up again this year. Both are big time pests.
September 14th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
He’s playing right back.
September 14th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Really good point Andez, I didn’t consider the 4-5-1 strategy in my post. That is the other scenarios Arsene uses the traditional DM in.
I first remember him using that extensively in Europe on the run to the final, he used Henry as the sole man up front. I cannot remember whether he was partly forced into using that formation because of injuries. Either way it has become strategy that he views as being effective, and has imported for use the premier league on occasion.
The first time I remember Arsene using the 4-5-1 in the premiership to good effect was against man U at Old Trafford. Ade the lone striker, Gilberto I presume was the anchor man, but I can’t be sure. 1-0 to the Arsenal, I remember the scoreline though!
Another point you made, spot on, Arsene likes to play his 4-5-1 in a attacking way, the DM helps to free up the other four midfielders (or to be more precise the two box to box CM in front of him) to be more attacking, thus theoretically helping to compensate for the lone striker. However when we play that way the CMs tend to play much like they do when there are only two CMs in the middle of the park. In effect they do not compensate for the single striker enough. This is wear a more solely attack minded “CM”/AM may come into operation, someone that likes to play on the lone striker like Hleb did for us in the 4-5-1 / 4-4-1-1 whatever youwant to call it. Someone like Bischoff maybe?
September 14th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Dennilson is not a DM; AW has pushed him into the lineup to give him playing time & build his comfort/confidence – knowing the risk is adding pressure to the CB’s; when Cesc is out of the line up – the team loses its fluidity and mojo. With 50-60 matches, Cesc must be given rest each month and AW see’s Dennilson as Cesc back up.
Eventually Song should take over the DM role.
September 14th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
The Diaby question is an interesting one. I rate Diaby for his technical ability more than anything else. Some say he lacks vision and they may have a point. He does tend to hold on to the ball when good opportunities to pass appear to be available. But my biggest criticism of Diaby is what I perceive to be low work rate. I would not categorize him as lazy, but rather as a little too casual for my liking. To me, most of the time he appears to play with a lack of urgency and determination at times (to be fair may be part to do with him being played out of position). This is something you can not accuse Denilson of, he tries really hard.
I believe Diaby can develop the defensive qualities needed to be a an outstanding CM in the “Arsene favoured formation”, but does he have the mentality needed to be the mad-dog we need in the mold of Flamini or Vieira. He needs to be tenacious to be a box to box man and he needs be more efficient with his use of the ball. When he holds on to the ball he wastes energy holding of players and dribbling when he doesn’t need to, he needs to learn to be more simple. I think he probably has the engine to be box to box but at the moment not the mentality to use it, maybe he’s too concerned about trying conserving his energy, who knows…
Saying all of that if Diaby can develop in those areas I think he will be a better player than Denilson will ever be no disrespect to him and be a better partner for Cesc. However without contradicting myself, Denilson I think has displayed a real fighting spirit, he has shown that he is willing to work very hard, he is determined, already tenancious and uses his engine. With the mentality he possesses, the sky is the limit as he has the ingredients for massive improvement ala Flamini.
It will be interesting to see what transpires in our CM over the coming seasons if Diaby can stay away from injury.
LOL! I suppose that was a really “on the fence” kind of answer though, LOL
September 14th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
I am starting to wonder whether you are an obeah man
September 14th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Wenger has in fact said that he is not interested in players who say they are a (fill in the blank) because it artificially restricts the player and his coaching options.
When we are on song, players moving, rotating, finding space, passing, passing, passing and then BOOM, I salivate at our spectacle.
September 14th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Imagine that. Flam goes to AC milan to become a right back, pathetic! He convinced Arsene to allow him to play in his perferred position CM, only to opt to be played in ad-hoc positions for Milan.
How is this going to affect his international career? I am sure France have a better RB than this makeshift one.
He probably always be too proud to express any regrets, but if Milan flop and Arsenal succeed he won’t need to say a word. Then again neither will you aye Mazza?
September 14th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Only 28 and the magic of Madrid is long gone for Ronaldinho. We can look back and see that was his peak. The WC was flat for both him and Brazil and now he is faded from being jaded.
AC Milan continues to be a burial ground for players living on their reputations. AC Milan have become a joke. Galliani is as clueless in the transfer market as Dennis Wise. He bring in Oddo to replace Cafu at RB. Cafu had guile and skill while Oddo was a disaster in both attack and defense. Now they have Flamini who is trying to play masturbatory 1-2s. He doesn’t have Fabregas, Walcott or Eboue like Sagna has. He has Gattuso. Nuff said.
Flamini, well paid but playing for a team that is not up to even his level.
Barca 1 point from 2 games w/ minnows. They are playing labored football. They are flat. Xavi and Iniesta are not Deco in turns of creativity. You never know if Messi is going to give up his, err the ball. Alves who drove the Sevilla attack and not the MFs is now in shackles (but he’s also well paid).
September 14th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
RB? Wow…so he rejected 50k at CL playing Arsenal for 60k at UEFA cup AC Milan …. only to find himself playing at RB.
The guy is a bonafide dummy.
From a cynical point of view, he should have accepted 50 from us…. hustled for an increase next summer and then left in 2 or 3 seasons having already established himself completely in CM with France.
He is not very smart as he seems.
September 14th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
2nd job Arthur
September 14th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
As the Brit’s would say, “Spot on mate”.
Flamini is apparently in it for the money and not the love of the game. Complained when he was being used in a utility role with Arsenal but is cool with it at 60K.
Sorry Flamini lovers, Arsenal don’t need those types of players.
And Fred, he’s no dummy if he is only into the money, just a businessman
September 14th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
The question is, can we afford such on the job experimentation the likes of which resulted in our debacle at Fulham.
Shouldn’t these things be addressed in the off season or have the player sent out on loan to get the experience? On the job training in the world of football can be rather costly don’t you think.
September 14th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
By the way, I do agree with you that Denilson is not a DM, he is a Fab clone.
September 14th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
The Arsenal curse strikes again
Currently on-loan at Norwich City from Fiorentina, Arturo Lupoli admits he was too hasty in quitting Arsenal two years ago.
The Italian striker said: “I’ve thought about it for a very long time and maybe I made too hasty a choice. I had a contract with Arsenal until June, but in February I had already signed for Fiorentina.
“I should’ve waited until the end of the season before deciding.”
September 15th, 2008 at 2:03 am
My 2c on Denilson and the CM debate.
Some points that people made about needing box to box CMs in Arsenal’s 4-4-2 are interesting. I believe that with Arsenal’s attacking philosophy in which both full backs are usually attacking, it is imperative that one CM does a lot of defensive work. Irrespective of whether he is a proper defensive CM or just a box to box CM.
Flamini did that role pretty well last year and times when he was not doing it, we actually suffered. Last season told us that how we defend in crucial games will be key to success (particularly the CL) and I believe that still remains the case. Considering our not so secure CB partnership (despite the best defensive record so far), I think we need a strong CM who can defend and defend well.
September 15th, 2008 at 2:26 am
I have submitted an article which supports your theory. Hopefully it will be out soon so we can have a rabid discussion