tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37422048055172728262024-02-19T09:32:23.352+05:30Arsenal BlogzAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.comBlogger194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-9996976575003243442015-06-09T18:23:00.000+05:302015-06-09T18:23:49.739+05:302014/15: Arsenal's season blogged<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
I'll admit that it was Gunnerblog that inspired me to adopt this feature. It seemed like a good idea to use it for my blog as well,
so I thought, what the hell, let's do it!<br />
<br />
Essentially what I've done is snapped excerpts from my articles on this blog throughout the expired season and compiled the best bits into a mega-nutshell, in an attempt to recreate the whirlpool of events that was 2014/15. It's fun to see what I got wrong, what I got right and how my mood pendulumed as the season panned out.<br />
<br />
Okay, let's get on with it. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/06/sanchez-answer-to-pace-problems.html"><span style="color: red;">Sanchez the answer to pace problems? | June 21, 2014</span></a><br />
"Sanchez
would fit in like a glove. He, along with Walcott, would be zooming on
the wings, enhancing Ozil's creative hunger. I really feel we wouldn't
need a striker that badly if Arsene manages to lure Sanchez. He'd be a
terrific addition to converting to wing play.<br />
<br />
If there's any lesson to be learnt from this World Cup, it's that
possession football has well and truly died. I've been saying (for a
year now) that Arsenal should be giving wing-play more importance to
tiki-taka football. Sanchez would be a massive step in achieving that."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/06/cesc-proves-that-loyalty-and-trust-is.html"><span style="color: red;">Cesc proves loyalty and trust is a lost virtue in football | June 13, 2014</span></a><br />
<span class="st">"Wenger should have bought him. Fabregas confirmed that
Wenger rejected him, thus indirectly strengthening his rival Mourinho.
The only way I'll forgive Wenger is if he uses his funds well. A quality
<a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140613/sagna-set-to-join-manchester-city"><span style="color: red;">right-back,</span></a> a reliable DM, backup goalkeeper and centre back and Balotelli up front, and Cesc would be soon forgotten.</span><br />
<br />
But I don't trust Wenger to do the right thing. In fact, I don't trust
anyone anymore. Even so, Fabregas' departure taught me a valuable
lesson. Loyalty and trust mean nothing in football - maybe even in this
cold, dog-eat-dog world. When the chips are down, everyone thinks of
themselves. Moralistic laws are shown the door.<br />
<br />
And that is why I'm not at all convinced that players like Wilshere and
Jenkinson are to stay here for life. Money and trophies have officially
obliterated footballistic morals, and Arsene needs to deliver them.The
Fabregas damage is profound, but it isn't irreparable. Buy some quality
players, win the Community Shield and all of a sudden, you have a
buzzing atmosphere with a team raring to have a crack at the Premier
League title. We'd be laughing at this day.<br />
<br />
We have seen loyal players turn their backs on us for fatter paychecks
and accolades. We've failed enough to know the tonic for success. For
once, let's get out there and achieve it. Or three years from now, you
might find this blog calling Mesut Ozil a traitor."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/07/fabregas-forgotten-as-puma-unveil-in.html"><span style="color: red;">Fabregas forgotten as PUMA unveil in Sanchez-tional style! | July 11, 2014</span></a><br />
"The Sanchez purchase is significantly different from that of Mesut's.
You'd be wrong in thinking that Ozil was part of a long-term plan when
hurriedly bought, but Wenger has now rightly sought to build the team
around him. Sanchez goes a long way to doing that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlcqTGa5wEvEul7tMKSoXAAAez-ifl3Lhuk97qucuj1HJ638-WOLt5uJS2b5y9tMNSuU4MbIOiWw1skF3ljHlkK9JXUe6n1T0vf6oHgUi51angnwePKp4ibVSs6OT-nW9skM7QeF32Mo/s1600/Sanchez+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlcqTGa5wEvEul7tMKSoXAAAez-ifl3Lhuk97qucuj1HJ638-WOLt5uJS2b5y9tMNSuU4MbIOiWw1skF3ljHlkK9JXUe6n1T0vf6oHgUi51angnwePKp4ibVSs6OT-nW9skM7QeF32Mo/s400/Sanchez+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Make no mistake, we've bought the real deal. For some time I've been
clamouring for Balotelli to be shipped in, yet I couldn't be more
pleased by Wenger's choice. Sanchez is speedy, strong and has a
devastating eye for goal. He's the perfect blend of Walcott and
Podolski. He's a superb choice for a lone striker. He's a mile ahead of
Mario. It would take something truly remarkable to oust the
excitement of knowing that the title contenders-cum-football artists of
Arsenal FC are showing definite signs of resurfacing.<br />
<br />
And for that, I owe Arsene Wenger my congratulations and an apology. My
strong suspicions that the boss was planning to procrastinate until the
last week of the window were completely unfounded. The timing of the
transfer pleased me just as much as the quality of the player. Arsene
has shown that he is willing to be proactive and combine it with
uncharacteristic ruthlessness, for which he deserves kudos."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/07/is-wenger-feeling-positive-after.html"><span style="color: red;">Is Wenger feeling the positive after-effects of winning the Cup? | July 16, 2014</span></a><br />
"Arsene Wenger is maddeningly stubborn. Aside from showing a
chronic reluctance to closing on major deals, he also has a tendency to go into
several matches tactically unprepared. He
displays an incurable liking towards the diminutive-shaped creative midfielder, adding
them to Arsenal despite us having surplus. In addition, his constant
overplaying of essential Arsenal cogs infuriate me. I used to be a huge critic
of Arsene Wenger.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
[However, recently] What we saw from Arsene was proper ambition. They were
always doubts on whether he had the desire left to take the league home, doubts
propagated by his refusal to buy Fabregas, Costa and Vela. However, day before
yesterday’s actions showed little room for doubt. Wenger was saving up to push
the boat out, because he wants the big prizes.<br />
<br />
Winning the FA Cup has rekindled the fire within him. Le Professeur
has been reborn.<br />
<br />
I still expect some tactical naivety from him in big games,
and I still expect his annoying habits of overplaying key players to continue.
That’s just who he is. However, for the first time in a long time, I expect his
focus to be greater than ever in delivering the trophies fans rightly demand
for."<span style="color: red;"> </span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/08/thoughts-on-transfers-arsenals-defence.html"><span style="color: red;">Thoughts on transfers, Arsenal's defence, Gerrard, Sanogo, Joel, Sanchez and Khedira exclusive | August 3, 2014</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
"<b>Ospina...</b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wenger may have changed, but his habits of lesser
rotation and poor tactical approach will still remain, and Ospina may be
a victim of that. I'm more than happy that Wenger has bought a keeper
of Ospina's caliber, but what's the point of buying good keepers and not
using them much? Playing time was a major factor in Fabianski leaving,
and unless Wenger plays Ospina more (apart from 3-4 Cup games), we may
have to replace him in two-three years again.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Calum Chambers...</b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Almost every person I know has highly valued his
ability, and Southampton have a darn good academy. I know I shouldn't
take everything at face value, as people might have overstated due to
happiness out of our transfer activity. All I'm saying is that the signs
seems good, albeit 16m was a touch too much.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chambers' role as right-back is pretty much confirmed, now that
Jenkinson has made way. That would mean that apart from Mertesacker and
Koscielny (50% of whom won't be available for the start), we have no one
to rely on.<b></b><br />
<br />
<b>Finally, Alexis!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's obvious why we need him as a striker. He
played in the middle as a substitute and looked understandably
unfocused, but one highlight in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC0Bv75Li1M"><span style="color: red;">this video</span></a>
showed exactly why we bought him (skip to 2:30). Giroud wouldn't have
made the runs the way Alexis did. Sanchez gives us that pace and
trickery only Walcott has."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/08/arsenal-0-1-monaco-its-only-pre-season.html"><span style="color: red;">Arsenal 0-1 Monaco: "It's only pre-season", hopefully | August 4, 2014</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"One might brush this game aside as a mere hiccup in a match
that didn't matter anyway, but let's not forget that the team we had out
there was as good as our starting XI. Owing to the fitness fiasco and the "nothing at stake"
justifications, it's tempting to call yesterday a one-off. However, the
team still needs to go up from here. Citing a crisis and hashtaging
WengerOut would be a touch too far, but refusing to address some obvious
deficiencies in the team under the pretext of "It's only pre-season"
would be equally foolish."<span style="color: red;"> </span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/08/arsenal-3-0-man-city-welcome-to-new-age.html"><span style="color: red;">Arsenal 3-0 Man City: Welcome to the New Age | August 11, 2014</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"These three months that have passed by have seen a number of significant
moments engulf the club. There was the obvious example of the FA Cup
triumph, followed by proactive purchases of Sanchez, Debuchy, Ospina and
Chambers. But more than that, the club has also seen a revamp at a
fundamental, backroom level.<br />
<br />
Andries Jonker and Shad Forsythe <i>have</i> to be better than Colbert
and Brady, which would mean lesser injury crises and better youth
products. While our scouting network remains chronically flawed, our
newfound PUMA wealth means that we don't have to depend as much on our
scouting reach as before.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The swift, three-month transition from top-four
club to top-one ended yesterday. The three months of change are over,
and it has left us in a terrifyingly exciting position. The manner of
our win yesterday underlined what many had only logically guessed; the
times of Arsenal being pretenders rather than contenders are gone. After
a decade of hibernation, The Gunners are back.<br />
<br />
Welcome to the New Age."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/08/realistic-expectations-for-arsenals.html"><span style="color: red;">Realistic expectations for Arsenal's 2014/15 campaign | August 13, 2014</span></a><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"Premier League: Top two</span></b><br />
<br />
Man City and Chelsea are tied as prime contenders for the league, so I believe our challenge must be to <i>at least</i> topple one of them bigshots and usurp second, if not first. As of now, even though I hope we win the league, my mind says <a href="http://crazyaboutepl.com/2014/08/13/predicting-the-201415-barclays-premier-league/"><span style="color: red;">we'll finish third</span></a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Champions League: Semi finals</b></span><br />
<br />
If
this season isn't the time to have a genuine shot at the CL, then I
don't know when is. After qualifying for the group stages, we need to
make absolutely sure that we top the group, so that we <a href="http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/16940618"><span style="color: red;">likely</span></a> face an easy team in the Round of 16. Hopefully, that'd send the ball rolling.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">FA Cup: A ticket to Wembley</span></b><br />
<br />
I
have always looked at the FA Cup as a sort of consolation prize. But,
even for a club like Arsenal - one starting to gain the 'big club'
mentality - sometimes we have to make do. The FA Cup still remains a
prestigious knockout competition and one that could hold decisive while
judging a season."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/08/arsenal-2-1-palace-some-start.html"><span style="color: red;">Arsenal 2-1 Palace: Some start! | August 17, 2014</span></a><br />
"We really should be hoping for more from this team. This was the exact
same team that played against Manchester City so well, so arguing that
match fitness was key in our sluggish play is incorrect. A managerless
Palace in the Emirates Stadium is as good as it gets in the Premier
League, and we almost made a right mess of it. Even though results are
greater than performances, we really should be delivering both. This
isn't a performance that we will get away with on another day."<span style="color: red;"> </span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/08/besiktas-0-0-arsenal-another.html"><span style="color: red;">Besiktas 0-0 Arsenal: Another unconvincing performance raises doubts | August 20, 2014</span></a><br />
"Based on the clear evidence of yesterday, buying a defensive midfielder
will not solve our problems. For all our defensive personnel crisis and
cries for a DM, it is our star-studded attack that's faltering. <br />
<br />
However, all I know is that we need to sort out our attacking problems
quickly. We have the players to do it, and based on Arsene Wenger's
previous Arsenal teams, we have the manager to do it. But for some
reason - reasons I haven't worked out yet - our attacking dimension of
the team seems completely dysfunctional. Giroud was a part of that
yesterday, but by no means was he the sole reason."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/08/everton-2-2-arsenal-late-drama-masks.html"><span style="color: red;">Everton 2-2 Arsenal: Late drama masks team's disorganization | August 25, 2014</span></a><br />
<br />
<b>"Martinez must love facing Wenger...</b><br />
It was well-documented that when Arsenal lost 3-0 to Everton in April,
Martinez pulled off some tactical wizardry in playing Lukaku against
Monreal and Podolski. The effects were highly fruitful. Two of Everton's
three goals came from our left hand side, with the third being an own
goal.<br />
<br />
Wenger made it even easier this time around. By playing Ozil instead of
Podolski he made a worse mistake, if not the same.
Insanity is trying the same thing over and over, expecting different results. Albert Einstein said that.<br />
<br />
<b>Is this a repeat of summer 2012?</b><br />
We're entering into the last week of the transfer window, and we're still 2-3 players short. In my opinion we need <i>at least</i> one defender and a defensive midfielder, but it doesn't look like Wenger's serious to go for them."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/09/leicester-1-1-arsenal-wenger-is-wasting.html"><span style="color: red;">Leicester 1-1 Arsenal: Wenger is wasting an excellent team and an excellent opportunity | September 1, 2014 </span></a><br />
"For the fifth time this season we've looked unconvincing. Our main
striker is injured for half a season. Our FA Cup legend Ramsey is
looking lackluster and lethargic. Formation and tactics are ruining
Mesut Ozil. We need three players, but it seems Wenger <a href="https://twitter.com/bbcsport_david/status/506406384683220993"><span style="color: red;">won't even buy one</span></a>. It's definitely time to panic now.<br />
<br />
I concede. On deadline day, I concede that the <a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/07/is-wenger-feeling-positive-after.html"><span style="color: red;">optimistic proclamation</span></a>
I made, on seeing a bright future. Somewhat foolishly, Sanchez,
Forsythe and Jonker sold me an untrue gleam of hope. I believed that we
were two inches away from the glory days, and that this season would
cement our status as a top club. I was wrong. It was all a lie.<br />
<br />
Sanchez,
Ozil and Ramsey will be overplayed to injury. The team will fall short
of one or two players. The bank balances will remain bright. Arsenal
will qualify for the Champions League. Supporters will say "Give Wenger
another season". Nothing will change. We're stuck in a cycle of
stagnation for years to come, and unless we educate fellow Gooners and
overthrow the Wenger rule, this will continue."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/09/welbecks-scapegoat-wengers-sinner.html"><span style="color: red;">Welbeck's the scapegoat, Wenger's the sinner | September 2, 2014 </span></a><br />
"<i><b> "Even though there is time for it, the summer is already showing signs of
turning into anarchy. Late deals, panic buys, injury crises, unprepared
squads... this will turn into a repeat of summer 2011 under
Wenger. I guarantee it. And I'll quote this on September 2nd (that is,
if Wenger stays, of course)."</b></i><br />
<br />
I wrote that on <a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/05/arsenal-vs-west-brom-match-preview.html"><span style="color: red;">4th May,</span></a>
four months from today, confident, but not exactly thrilled, that I'd
be proved right. Arsene Wenger, stubbornly predictable as he is, has
once again left Arsenal unprepared number-wise to compete for the
league, panic purchasing Danny Welbeck when fans and the media were
closing in on him.<br />
<br />
What Wenger has done has been criminal and inescapable - in a
transfer window which was supposed to help us compete - he's led the
club towards a completely unnecessary risk, assembling only six
defenders for four positions. Ivan
Gazidis said that we could compete with Bayern Munich by 2014. Tell me
right now if you think that Arsenal are capable of winning the Champions
League.<br />
<br />
I don't have high hopes of any competitive trophies this season.
And that's sincerely no disrespect to the players - who I find a very
good bunch to support - but it's completely down to the manager.
Regardless of his deadline day ditherings Wenger has a very good team on
his hands, but I can still bet top dollar that he will not bring out
the best of them.<br />
<br />
Knowing Wenger, there's a good chance the likes of Sanchez, Ramsey and
Ozil are going to face injuries directly connected to fatigue. Knowing
Wenger, he's not going to design specific tactics to nullify the
opposition's strengths. Knowing Wenger, he's not going to buy a defender
unless Calum Chambers breaks his ankle. Knowing Wenger, he's not going
to push for first if his money isn't on the line.<br />
<br />
Some ambition. Some era."<span style="color: red;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">A</span><a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/09/arsenal-2-2-man-city-should-have-won-it.html"><span style="color: red;">rsenal 2-2 Man City: Should have won it, lucky not to lose it | September 14, 2014</span></a><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><b>"We better hope Arsene has a DM trick up his sleeve...</b><br />Isolating the DM
in a 4-1-4-1 has put more pressure on them and made a further mess of
our defence. Now, I know that since the transfer market is over Wenger
can't go for a defensive midfielder (and by the looks of it, he didn't
want to), but I hope that he has a trump card in his deck. Maybe he
thinks Diaby has shook off all his injury woes for good, or he thinks
Coquelin can make the cut, I don't know. But I hope that he has
something up his sleeve. Time will tell.<br /><br />
<b>Wenger doesn't know substitutions...</b><br />Why wait until Debuchy
is injured to make your first substitution? Why not shut up shop after
Alexis scored a belter to take us on the brink of an important win? Why
not bring a goal-getter on instead of Arteta? Wenger's substitutions
were as baffling as his tactics. I guess they go hand in hand.</span><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">To turn this around and become title challengers, we need to start clicking or tweak the system, starting Tuesday. Time will tell if we do.</span></span>"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/09/dortmund-2-0-arsenal-predictable.html"><span style="color: red;">Dortmund 2-0 Arsenal: Predictable tactics, predictable set up. Predictable result. | September 17, 2014</span></a><br />
"What's the point? We talk problems and offer solutions but in the end
Wenger won't give a fuck. He'll continue with 4-1-4-1 and overplaying
and mispositioning Ozil and Ramsey, because either he's too stubborn or
too foolish. Not unless the whole crowd is on his back and implores him
to change the structure will he do the needful, albeit reluctantly.<br />
<br />
The only genuine silver lining is that people are finally realizing Wenger's deficiencies <i>on</i>
the pitch, 5 years too late. That's one thing they can't attribute to
money or referees. That's pushing him further out of the exit door.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I feel fortunate that I'm so young, for I will be in prime age
to see an Arsenal without Wenger, one that actually progresses."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/10/justice-to-arsene-wenger-is-inevitable.html"><span style="color: red;">Justice to Arsene Wenger is inevitable | October 20, 2014</span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNVFhV7ncnUdyIuolyAZ9SQhNueWi1b6Ccxs51mlkor0Vboes73jMUVn9dd6_aUfIkaZZtB4uvltF9678eIGb6equJk3riu6CvdOJw7nOskmVyUHpxpd1hrJ4k8ZkJXAginQkaHHGi2Y/s1600/Wenger+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNVFhV7ncnUdyIuolyAZ9SQhNueWi1b6Ccxs51mlkor0Vboes73jMUVn9dd6_aUfIkaZZtB4uvltF9678eIGb6equJk3riu6CvdOJw7nOskmVyUHpxpd1hrJ4k8ZkJXAginQkaHHGi2Y/s400/Wenger+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"The perception of this man has gone to such ridiculous wavelengths that I
feel Wenger's legacy is come to be one of the greatest cover-ups in
world football.
Except I don't think he'll pull it off.<br />
<br />
Wenger has made a lot of blunders over the years, but none more so than
choosing to stay on after the FA Cup win. He could have retired
peacefully, bidden his time, written an autobiography praising everyone
and inflated his personality. He could have been perceived as an Arsenal
messiah and a revolutionary for the rest of his life, or a guy that
nobly bore the pressure amongst ungrateful fans and stood out against
financial doping. The Wenger Out clan wouldn't have been able to
convince many about his true nature, and the truth would have drowned
forever.<br />
<br />
But he didn't. He screwed it up. He falsely believes that he can get
away with whatever swindle he's trying to pull off in the next three
years. He thinks he can 'achieve' Champions League scraps and earn <span class="st">£</span>8m per annum whilst complaining about lack of funds and still recover the same fondness. No, he won't.<br />
<br />
Clearly the manager underestimates most of the fans, by thinking that he can spoon <span class="st">£24m
out of the club and leave a hero in 2017. However, by then I feel his
incompetence would be so apparent that he'd exit the club with the
reputation he deserves - that of a fallen legend. Here's me, longing for
that day.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">You heard it here first."</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/10/anderlecht-1-2-arsenal-were-wasting-our.html"><span style="color: red;">Anderlecht 1-2 Arsenal: We're wasting our time looking for the perfect goal | October 23, 2014</span></a><br />
"It's unbelievable how much we're trying to emulate Barcelona. We're not
even doing it correctly. Barcelona aren't as tippy-tappy as we are
around the box. As soon as the likes of Wilshere or Ramsey reach the
edge of the box, they either hopefully try to dribble through or pass it
sideways to Welbeck. Barcelona have always been more clinical. Either
Messi successfully dribbles past the players and slots it past the
keeper, or they quickly get the ball wide and get a low cross in.<br />
<br />
The players we have are almost perfect for a more counter-attacking wing-play <i>Real Madrid-esque </i>kind of football. Wenger is curbing this team's attacking potency by sticking with possession football."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/10/sunderland-0-2-arsenal-misfiring.html"><span style="color: red;">Sunderland 0-2 Arsenal: Misfiring cannons bailed out by magnificent Catalan | October 26, 2014</span></a><br />
"There's no denying that Sanchez is carrying the team <i>at the moment. </i>His
winning mentality and desire to press the ball is what's turning one
point into three. People may say that both the goals he scored were a
bit of a fluke, but the undeniable fact remains that without him
harrying the opposition, those mistakes would not have happened.<br />
<br />
My worry remains with what happens further down the line. Players like
Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez were bought to push the club to the next
level. However, instead of the team stepping it up a notch to augment
these players, it's them having to carry the team. Ozil sunk into the
mediocre vibe around the dressing room, and it's not beyond the realms
of possibility to suggest that Sanchez might follow."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/11/arsenal-3-0-burnley-sanchez-is.html"><span style="color: red;">Arsenal 3-0 Burnley: Sanchez is masterclass | November 2, 2014 </span></a><br />
"Gooners, in particular, have been guilty of overrating players. We tend
to accentuate the positives and conveniently filter out their negative
traits aplenty. Perhaps it's because most of the fanbase - loyal to
Arsene Wenger - want to justify the Frenchman's persistence to his
puzzling decisions. They'd hail every Mesut Ozil tap-in, touting him to
be worth every <span class="st">£</span>42m penny. They'd figure the reason for Giroud's constant inclusion lies in his "remarkable" hold-up play and pinball passing.<br />
<br />
Theo Walcott, in his absence, has turned into Arsenal's most important
player. Mesut Ozil, in his absence, has become the reason why we
struggle to open up defences nowadays. Our tendency to put players on an
unnecessary pedestal in a vainly attempt to find an answer to our
current hardships has, in turn, put undue pressure on the player to
perform once he returns.<br />
<br />
The same, however, simply cannot be said of Alexis Sanchez. He is a player who I find nigh on impossible to criticize."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/11/arsenal-3-3-anderlecht-2016-just-repeat.html"><span style="color: red;">Arsenal 3-3 Anderlecht: 2016. Just repeat 2016. | November 5, 2014</span></a><br />
"Honestly, it was hard to feel overly upset at this result. Not because
it has little consequence on our chances to qualify for the Round of 16,
or that we had a couple of excuses to fall back on - pertaining to an
injured Arteta and an offside goal. For me, though, the collapse was too
repetitive and predictable to feel any sort of aggrieve or frustration.<br />
<br />
Change
has to happen of its own accord. If Paul Merson had called Arsenal
"tactically clueless", a year ago, he would have gotten a lot of stick.
Yesterday though, not one AKB (again, my apologies) came to Wenger's
defence. That's change. It will take a lot of time for even Arsene's
staunchest supporter to question the direction we're heading under him,
but it will happen. I'm afraid the WOBs instigating quarrels and abusing
Wenger's backers will serve to change the subject and delay the
process."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/11/swansea-2-1-arsenal-farce.html"><span style="color: red;">Swansea 2-1 Arsenal: Farce | November 10, 2014</span></a><br />
"Can you imagine having 8 players in the other half of the pitch when
your team is holding a 1-0 lead? It's reckless, treacherous, and -
judging on the events of our last CL encounter - downright stupid. How
many different kinds of moronic do you have to be to repeat the exact
same mistake twice in five days? Much as I loathe
that guy, I'll be damned if I ever saw a Jose Mourinho team do that.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtuXfAw-Ne9s93uAnBv5AyhjgGktzgU8Pf3rap00gTS8rIBc_dccIyKB-JxUYaPGog-UYLVCzOQU9BI-lkXQlXHfVC1K3lVPr5ncKSVbfxbjDgIuZqZ1a45Wb1TXtmq5alK3gslncEm8/s1600/asasasa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtuXfAw-Ne9s93uAnBv5AyhjgGktzgU8Pf3rap00gTS8rIBc_dccIyKB-JxUYaPGog-UYLVCzOQU9BI-lkXQlXHfVC1K3lVPr5ncKSVbfxbjDgIuZqZ1a45Wb1TXtmq5alK3gslncEm8/s400/asasasa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much similar to Anderlecht. Five days ago.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I do feel some frustration, but that's in
no way connected to an opportunity we missed to climb up the table, or
to the fact that this team isn't nearly performing as well as it should.
The frustration lies solely in the fact that there seems to be no hope
at Arsenal. The reaction to not being able to
beat Swansea was apocalyptic, but Wenger could still royally balls-up
another game in the not-too distant future and not bat an eyelid.<br />
<br />
His post-match conference was another sign of millions as to why faith in him is at an all-time low. <br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /><i><b>"We lacked some spark."<br /> <br /> "Why did you lack spark?"<br /> <br /> "Because they didn't give up." </b></i><br /> <br />
How are the two variables connected I'll never know, for I don't know
of any team that gives up when they're 1-0 down. So we didn't play well
because Swansea refused to lose?<br /><br /><i><b>"It's difficult to explain how we lost that lead."</b></i><br /><br />Maybe it was because you didn't sign a defensive
midfielder and two defenders, and you didn't focus on consolidating the
lead by keeping most of the players in your half and getting Chamberlain
to work tighter towards Montero? Oh deary me, I'm sorry, that was an
opinion, and as we all know, unless we've managed half a day in football
they're all worthless.</span><br />
<br />
It's this ego and condescension that has
become the fall of him. The smart, visionary and revolutionary man has
gone, only to be replaced by this shadow of a man who refuses to accept
he's not good enough and keeps sucking eight undeserved millions from
Arsenal's paycheck. Remember when he said that he had "righted the
wrongs" and that Paul Merson's comments were farcical? Wrong - <i>this </i>is farcical."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/12/back-to-basics-always-short-term-option.html"><span style="color: red;">"Back to basics" always a short-term option for Wenger | December 1, 2014 </span></a><br />
"Perhaps the 2-1 loss to United was some blessing in disguise, because it
finally seems Arsene has gone back to the very rudiments of the game.
It's not hard, is it? Keep the full-backs in check, protect the defence
with a double-pivot and don't commit once you've got the lead. Quite
unbelievable it took Wenger three consecutive specimens to realize that.<br />
<br />
Wenger
chose one of his last resorts with a more cautious "first, do not lose"
approach, but don't kid yourself he's fancy on sustaining it throughout
the season. The 4-2-3-1 workable style of play isn't a long-term plan -
it's Wenger's reaction to the degrees of pressure he currently faces.
Once the burden on him temporarily lifts, he'll lull into a false sense
of security and try his outdated methods again."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/12/arsenal-1-0-southampton-giroud-sums-up.html"><span style="color: red;">Arsenal 1-0 Southampton: Giroud sums up Wenger's man managing flaws | December 5, 2014</span></a><br />
"This game highlighted a lot of long-stated facts. Welbeck and Alexis are
too jaded to be thrown into the deep end continuously. A Ramsey and
Arteta baseline helped the team look secure at the back.
Oxlade-Chamberlain will have his off days, which is why there is
something called depth in the shape of a German smiley.<br />
<br />
I don't get why Arsene Wenger is so averse to rotation. Okay, maybe
against a team like Southampton it's preferable to play your best
players, but why not ensure they're mentally and physically fit enough
to perform? Why play a clearly jaded Alexis, Welbeck and Santi Cazorla
for West Brom? There were plenty of occasions earlier this season when a
Rosicky or a Podolski could carry the cargo and hand our key men a
rest. It serves two things - ensures that the team's vital cogs are
well-oiled, and that the fringe options aren't too rusty."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/12/stoke-3-2-arsenal-not-remotely.html"><span style="color: red;">Stoke 3-2 Arsenal: Not remotely unexpected, but not remotely disappointing either | December 8, 2014 </span></a><br />
"Personally, I didn't feel especially pissed off or have
"oh-my-day-is-ruined" emotions. I was actually laughing like Walter
White in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWfK5JyD2bA" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Breaking Bad</span></a>
when I thought Bojan scored the fourth. Even losing to United didn't bring the
levels of disappointments that I had
planned to anticipate. It was more of tepid disapproval than raw,
animalistic angst.<br />
<br />
Even though I cling
on to Arsenal like a husband does to a dying wife (that's a terrible
analogy), it won't dissuade me from the fact that being a Gooner is not
fun right now. I went to see Mumbai City FC play Atletico de Kolkata in
the stadium yesterday in a crunch Indian Super League encounter, and
despite the team I support - Mumbai - being bottom of the table, I
supported the shit out of them. Honestly though, if I ever get the
opportunity to visit the Emirates as of this moment, I'm uncertain if
I'll recreate the same passion.<br />
<br />
The difference between the two teams is obvious - hope. With Mumbai,
even if they're last in the league, at least there's some semblance of
hope and possibility of unpredictability. At least I know that if things
aren't going well, the club will do all they can to make things better
and aim for the winner's spot eventually.<br />
<br />
None at Arsenal, though. Being fiercely loyal to the red and white
doesn't mean I'll ignore that the club are currently in limbo. That
under Arsene Wenger, hoping for anything more than Champions League
qualification and genuine competing for major honours is fanciful at the
least. Since <a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/10/justice-to-arsene-wenger-is-inevitable.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">I don't think</span></a> justice to the fallen legend is around the corner, all I can
do is bide my time until it does come."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/12/waiting-for-this-inevitable-debacle-to.html"><span style="color: red;">Waiting for this inevitable debacle to end... | December 15, 2014</span></a><br />
"It's going to be a long while until Arsene Wenger faces the tangible consequences of his repeated incompetences. The fans will get there. The board will get there. But until then, here I
stand - an immunized, desensitized Arsenal supporter waiting for this
ridiculous debate to end the way I know it will, hoping that these
talented crop of players Arsenal have keep the patience and stick it out
until then."<br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/12/liverpool-2-2-arsenal-getting-difficult.html"><span style="color: red;">Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal: Getting difficult to rephrase the same old | December 22, 2014</span></a><br />
"Familiarity breeds contempt. It also breeds difficulty in blogging.<br />
<br />
Wenger disappointing fans has become routine. The only question is <i>how </i>he
does it. Against Stoke it was a fluke-ish half-comeback, which fed hope
to Arsenal fans and poisoned their souls. Against United it was
dominance followed by sucker-punching. Swansea was just hopeless. Today
was more of well we played turd but by some happy accident we're in the
lead but it doesn't look like we can keep it at all and oh shit we just
gave away a free header and what the fuck and why bother pretending to
be pissed when honestly it was pretty much expected and deserved."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/12/my-predictions-for-arsenals-201415.html"><span style="color: red;">My predictions for Arsenal's 2014/15 campaign | December 25, 2014 </span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>"Premier League : 4th (sigh)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">On
paper, I believe Arsenal have the squad to rival Manchester City's.
However, we certainly don't have the manager to flourish the team's
potency. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I must confess that I
didn't think Louis van Gaal would have the players and the know-how to
get United above Arsenal after assembling an unbalanced squad</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Even
if I don't know the Dutchman, if I had to give the benefit of the doubt
to either Louis van Gaal or Arsene Wenger, I'd reluctantly choose the
former.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Champions League : Quarter-finals</b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If
we want to be the best, we have to take out the best. Most of the
pretenders get filtered out in the Round of 16, as we have done all
these years. When it comes down to the quarters, only the elite remain.
And seeing that Arsenal find it difficult to hold on to a lead against a
10 men team without a striker, it's very hard to see the same team
putting a sword to Europe's finest four months down the line.</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>FA Cup</b></span><br />
<br />
While
I would love another cup run, last season did have some element of luck
to it. Granted, we faced Spurs, Liverpool and Everton, but we also
never left London, rode our luck with playing Sanogo against Liverpool
and Everton, and it was touch and go against Liverpool, Wigan and Hull.
Of course it wasn't undeserved, but it still could have easily gone the
other way. Looking at the form and the morale of the team (not to mention
the state of its players), I don't think we'll retain the Cup."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/12/west-ham-1-2-arsenal-signs-of-progress.html"><span style="color: red;">West Ham 1-2 Arsenal: Signs of progress | December 30, 2014</span></a><br />
"The only positive that I found was about our attack starting to click. I
know that many were fans of the Welbeck-Alexis-Giroud trio, but I
personally prefer Oxlade-Chamberlain into the mix. The forward trio we
had out there, sandwiched with Santi Cazorla in the middle produced one
of the finest attacking displays this season."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2015/01/how-can-mesut-ozil-regain-his-arsenal.html"><span style="color: red;">(How) can Mesut Özil regain his Arsenal spot + Coquelin thoughts | January 21, 2015</span></a><br />
"What I especially liked about Ozil bulking up was that it showcased a
certain degree of commitment to making it at Arsenal. When he came into
the club, for the first season or so I got the impression that he didn't
care much about the successes and failures of Arsenal Football Club.<br />
<br />
Clearly
Mesut Ozil is the long-term option in the No. 10 role. Even a player as
energetic and buzzing like Tomas Rosicky must be thinking about his
retirement plans sometime soon, and Cazorla has reached that dreaded
age-30 phase. However, if we want to attain maximized outputs from Ozil,
we need to "stick him in there more often", so to say. How could we do
that and not displace the mercurial Santi Cazorla?<br />
<br />
The only possible solution, to my mind, is shifting Cazorla's position.
Footballers tend to experiment in deeper positions in order to prolong
the twilight of their careers.
I don't reckon shifting Cazorla to a central midfield position, alongside a defensive midfielder is a bad idea by any stretch."<br />
<br />
-- <br />
<br />
[Since I took a hiatus from blogging for around two months, excerpts from Arsenal's FA Cup run and general run of form won't be available. Christ I wish I was more regular back then!]<br />
<br />
-- <br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2015/03/monaco-0-2-arsenal-lather-rinse-repeat.html"><span style="color: red;">Monaco 0-2 Arsenal: Lather, rinse, repeat | March 18, 2015</span></a><br />
"Blaming Arsene Wenger and trying to expose his flaws is almost becoming a
moot point. I know he's incompetent, I know he's not the final key to
Arsenal's success, and I trust that there are others who know the truth
as well. I know that under Arsene Wenger, Champions League scraps and
elite purgatory is something of a given.<br />
<br />
I'd love to say that the reason I haven't been blogging for the past two
months was because of work commitments, which is partly true. However,
although I have had my pockets of opportunities to vent my thoughts on
Arsenal, I've <i>chosen </i>not to take them. I love Arsenal and I love
the supporters and the players, but seeing Wenger waste yet another
season (and, crucially, not seeing the board do anything about it)
has bored me. I haven't written because Arsenal, to an extent, have begun to bore me.<br />
<br />
I want the CEO of one of the world's biggest organizations to grow a
pair. I want a manger past his sell date to depart. I want
unpredictability. I want competitiveness. Is that too much to ask from a
football club as big as Arsenal?"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2015/03/szczesny-coquelin-and-theo-walcott-saga.html"><span style="color: red;">Szczesny, Coquelin and the Theo Walcott saga | March 27, 2015 </span></a><br />
<br />
<b>"The Szczesny-Ospina situation...</b><br />
Look, I entirely get why Szczesny tends to rub people up the wrong way,
but in my mind he's the better keeper. Even if he's not, the portrayal
of him being a Flamini or an Almunia is ludicrous. It's almost as if
fans reboot their thinking at the dawn of a new season and forget the
immediate past, because Szczesny was ace last season. There are no two
ways about that.<br />
<br />
<b>Francis Coquelin's emergence...</b> <br />
If I have a worry about Coquelin, it is that there yet exists the real
danger of him fizzling out like Flamini did, should opponents get wise
to him. We have to make sure that Coquelin's form, as welcome as it has
been, is not the big all and end all in terms of Arsenal's defensive
midfield woes. Buying an extra defensive midfielder is yet mandatory,
because Arteta and Flamini aren't getting any younger, and there are
doubts over the Ramsey-Wilshere pair in central midfield as well.<br />
<br />
<b>Is Theo Walcott Arsenal quality?</b><br />
What I found really typical about this whole Theo Walcott issue was that
several pro-Wenger fans (sorry for the labeling) knee-jerked their
opinions too quickly the moment it became apparent that Arsene Wenger
does not rate Walcott anymore.<br />
<br />
Opinionated websites like <a href="http://arseblog.com/2015/02/arsenal-2-1-leicester-unconvincing-but-three-points/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Arseblog</span></a> are not ashamed to point out his deficiencies in his overall game <i>now</i>
(and rightly so), but where was all this analysis a year ago when
Arsene Wenger was bigging up his absence? No Arsenal fan could be
delusional to such an extent that they yet believe that before his
injury, Walcott was not bang-on average when he wasn't scoring or
assisting?"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2015/03/why-arsenals-recent-run-of-form-is.html"><span style="color: red;">Why Arsenal's recent run of form is a mirage | March 30, 2015</span></a><br />
"Upon reflection, only the wins against Hull City, Stoke, Manchester
City, Villa, Middlesbrough and Monaco could be considered convincing.
And mind you, matches against Hull, Stoke, Villa and Middlesbrough (at
home) are games any above-average team are expected to win. Only the
wins against Manchester City or Monaco could be considered a barometer
of our progress.<br />
<br />
Expectations may have been raised
higher than is appropriate. Truth be told, I think our record could
level out to something
approaching an accurate reflection of our ability in the future. On
paper, the results may be looking to go toward Arsenal's way, but in all
honesty we've only done disproportionately well. Gooners are, once
again, flirting with the familiar danger of being overly optimistic."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2015/04/arsenal-4-1-liverpool-uncharacteristic.html"><span style="color: red;">Arsenal 4-1 Liverpool: An uncharacteristic ruthless dismantling | April 5, 2015</span></a><br />
"A title challenge is a crazy assumption, but looking to overhaul
Manchester City is very much possible, and whichever way you look at it,
that's progress.<br />
<br />
The psychological impetus of beating a potential FA Cup finalist must
also be noted. Liverpool are the only team left in the competition
capable of ruining the party for us, but having that edge and
relinquishing the 5-1 loss last season would go miles into calming
nerves for the big day, should it arrives.<br />
<br />
All that's left of this season is a potential second place fight and an
FA Cup win, but make no mistake, that's more than most clubs in England.
With players returning from injury and the squad looking to have some
serious depth, if we keep this up, we could make 2014/15 a very
memorable one indeed."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2015/04/burnley-0-1-arsenal-thatll-do.html"><span style="color: red;">Burnley 0-1 Arsenal: That'll do | April 12, 2015</span></a><br />
"Clearly the last few matches would suggest that it hasn't diminished his
[Ramsey's] output, but it's still intriguing why Wenger has shunted him there.
It's not as if there's a severe dearth of options - Walcott and Danny
Welbeck can both do "a job" there. Heck, to me, Tomas Rosicky seems a
better fit to that role than Ramsey!<br />
<br />
Ramsey's obviously doing a good job
out there, but I can't help but feel that we could bring more out of him
by playing him in a more favourable position."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2015/04/jurgen-klopp-to-leave-should-ivan-make.html"><span style="color: red;">Jurgen Klopp to leave, should Ivan make his move? | April 16, 2015</span></a><br />
"My fear is that Klopp could go the way of Wenger, because I'm not sure
he's a manager someone like Ivan Gazidis can control. I don't want a
dictatorship at Arsenal, I want a collaboration. I want the likes of
Forsythe, Jonker and Bould give Klopp their input, and for Jurgen to
take that data and create something special. I don't want Klopp's aim of
raw hunger for success skew, to controlling power at Arsenal - like it
did with Wenger.<br />
<br />
Klopp may go the way of Wenger, he may not. Heck, we may never know, for
his chances of ever managing Arsenal don't sound great. But call me
crazy (and you will), but I'd be willing to take that risk. As I said,
Klopp's not perfect, but he may be worth the gamble.<br />
<br />
Again, I don't believe Gazidis has the guts nor the authority to make
the change in the first place. This entire discussion may well be
pointless. But then again, you can't expect Wenger to stick around and
keep performing forever. Arsenal need to make the leap sometime soon.<br />
<br />
Why not this June?"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2015/04/reading-1-2-arsenal-aet-world-class.html"><span style="color: red;">Reading 1-2 Arsenal (aet): World class makes the difference | April 19, 2015 </span></a><br />
<b>"Sanchez wasn't playing well but he made the difference...</b><br />
...and that's what matters. Alexis sprayed his passes all over the
place, buffered in front of goal too often and gave the ball away, yet
he popped up when it was necessary - to put away two Ozil passes, even
though he had a bit of luck with the second one. In a way, he was the
perfect symbolism of how Arsenal played yesterday.<br />
<b> </b> <br />
<b>Mesut Ozil carried the team...</b><br />
Arsenal were sluggish and way too
cautious, but Mesut was the only one willing to pull the strings. A
person looking at the glass half-empty would say "Well it's only
Reading", but be mindful that this was the FA Cup semi finals as well.
Ozil didn't slouch under the occasion, especially when his teammates
seemed to. It's a vast improvement on last season.
Would it be too much to consider him as Arsenal's second best player of the season?"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2015/04/arsenal-0-0-chelsea-answering-post-game.html"><span style="color: red;">Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea: Answering the post-game FAQs | April 28, 2015</span></a><br />
"The greatest criticism that comes toward Jose Mourinho is why he chooses
such a boring, almost cowardly approach to games when he has all the
billions to spend in the world. You could definitely weigh that argument
against him in his Inter Milan and Real Madrid days, but certainly not
his second-spell Chelsea ones. While this season his balance between
attractive football and ruthless pragmatism was not perfect, it was
close enough. And hey, it won him a league title.<br />
<br />
The least we can do is
not be hypocrites, act classy and congratulate Chelsea on winning the
league through gritted teeth. Know when you're beaten. We should have
done better this league season, but there's still plenty of honour in
being runners-up."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2015/05/arsenal-0-1-swansea-one-of-those.html"><span style="color: red;">Arsenal 0-1 Swansea: One of those? | May 12, 2015</span></a><br />
" "Why would anyone change a winning team?"<br />
<br />
After yesterday's first half performance it became clear why. I fully
understand that this is a team in form and probably merit their starting
berths, but rotating players is not all to do with bringing squad
players inside after injuries or suspensions. Sometimes, even the best
players need a rest, or need to lay back and reanalyze their game.
The same tactics and personnel won't work against every team on Earth."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2015/05/arsenal-0-0-sunderland-second-would.html"><span style="color: red;">Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland: Second would have been progress. Third is not. | May 21, 2015 </span></a><br />
"Second would have been huge for Arsenal. It's been, what, nine years
since we finished runners-up? As mentioned above, it would not have made
much difference on paper, but the psychological implications would have
been huge. The media would have portrayed us as Chelsea's biggest foe.
Potentially great players in the team would have been more recognized.
We would have had the edge on most games simply because of the fear
factor associated to being a title contender. The fact that we could not usurp second whilst Manchester were dealing with their baggage under little pressure is worrying.<br />
<br />
Arsenal can buy top players because we have the money, but we sure as
hell won't keep them if we keep stalling as we are. It's been pretty
clear that Arsene Wenger cannot and will not get us past the 3rd-4th
threshold into elitism. If Ivan Gazidis and the board do not take action
on the managerial situation soon, Wenger's last memories of managing
Arsenal would be overseeing a mass exodus of players who were meant to
be the bedrock of our future. It's up to the board to ensure that they
do their job.<br />
<br />
Or three years from now, we'll be looking back at this time and thinking
"Why didn't we nab Jurgen Klopp when we had the chance?" "<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2015/05/fa-cup-final-preview.html"><span style="color: red;">FA Cup Final Preview | May 30, 2015 </span></a><br />
"Back in October if I was told that Arsenal would finish third and win
the FA Cup I'd have jumped on it the same way James Franco did when he
saw a puddle of muddy water (muddle?) in <i>127 Hours</i>. I know it's
underachieving compared to the lofty ambitions we had back in August,
but we've had way worse falls from expectations before (read 2010/11).<br />
<br />
If
we want to mount a sustained Premier League challenge for tomorrow, we
need to secure this win today. If we want to make our real rivals
Chelsea uneasy, we must win today. If we want to (at least) restore an
illusion of genuine competition, we must win today.<br />
<br />
If we want to justify Arsenal's illustrious and staggering history of accolades, <i>we must win today."</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2015/06/arsenal-4-0-villa-boys-turned-men.html"><span style="color: red;">Arsenal 4-0 Villa: The boys turned men? | June 1, 2015 </span></a><br />
"Neither Arsene Wenger nor the fans saw this match as some kind of ultimatum.
But this was the cup final. And incidentally, the final of
probably the greatest knockout competition football has ever known. This
was a tournament where Manchester City and Chelsea are knocked aside
for being a touch too complacent. Winning the cup, let alone retaining
it and carving a new record for yourself, is not something to be scoffed
at.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZOZq-XuK2KYDE3wyNaVgM232O2qVn15q3InhJWrbVCDOCwXVAkXDIrvs_B2JKOoRKf9ac6InmMrN_gUcYR6ObUTtQ9cyD9Soy3bxzvDzDDFPdZOnSJL1sw1wkSTFdAxHpP7cCD851nU/s1600/FA+Cup+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZOZq-XuK2KYDE3wyNaVgM232O2qVn15q3InhJWrbVCDOCwXVAkXDIrvs_B2JKOoRKf9ac6InmMrN_gUcYR6ObUTtQ9cyD9Soy3bxzvDzDDFPdZOnSJL1sw1wkSTFdAxHpP7cCD851nU/s400/FA+Cup+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Look at the team from a very objective point of view. Aside from
competition for Coquelin and replacing possible departures, this team is
respectfully stocked in every position. I understand concerns for the
team to upgrade on positions such as goalkeeper and striker, and I'm all
for it too. But if we fail (or if Wenger chooses not to strengthen),
our contingency plan isn't too shoddy.<br />
<br />
If Wenger fails to win the Premier
League with this bunch due to overplaying them and not employing the
right tactical formulae, then that's on him. However, if he focuses on
the opposition's weaknesses game-by-game and rotates his egalitarian
squad respectively - forget Premier League contenders, the Champions
League skirmish could see a wild card entry, too.<br />
<br />Optimism. It's a beautiful thing. Get the minutiae right, and it becomes a reality."<br />
<br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />
<br />
Wow, can't believe that's that for 2014/15. It was a pleasure serving
you lot, and apologies since I wasn't around for a huge chunk of it.
Hopefully my life would be more idyllic to properly enjoy next season's
roller-coaster.<br />
<br />
Right, let's get that Petr Cech bloke shall we?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S. Also read:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/06/the-moment-i-became-france-supporter.html"><span style="color: red;">The moment I became a France supporter! | June 12, 2014</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/11/arsenal-wounded-by-time.html"><span style="color: red;">Arsenal: Wounded by time | November 12, 2014</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/12/whats-really-going-on-at-arsenal.html"><span style="color: red;">What's really going on at Arsenal? | December 9, 2014</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2015/06/201415-end-of-season-awards.html"><span style="color: red;">2014/15: End of season awards | June 8, 2015 </span></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">-Santi [Follow me on Twitter</span></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40arsenalblogz" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">@ArsenalBlogz</span></a> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-89538778565677454622015-06-08T22:55:00.000+05:302015-06-08T22:55:46.106+05:302014/15: End of season awards<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
Well, here we are. Building on last year's awards, this is my way of closing the book on this season. Obviously since the season ended so late it was difficult for me to put together a piece so soon - the Champions League final didn't help.<br />
<br />
The various sections of prizes are given below, and the winners are handpicked by me. A'right, let's go.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Best player of the season:</span></b><br />
<br />
NOTE: This award is handed to the player who put in the best number of
performances throughout the campaign. It is given to the person with the
most talent, as well as the most likeable personality.<br />
<br />
To use the phrase "there can surely be no competition" may be a bit extreme, because there were players who had impressive seasons. Francis Coquelin solved our midfield problems. Laurent Koscielny ironed out his mishaps to become one of the best in the league. Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud were at their best in the second half of the season. Santi Cazorla bounced back from a terrible season to being simply undroppable. And to be honest, had Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain managed to keep his ligaments intact, he could have given the winner a tough time to claim this.<br />
<br />
As it turned out, <b>Alexis Sanchez</b> was the runaway winner here. "Runaway" is right, for it was his excessive hustling and harrying to top his plentiful goal-assist ratio that truly caught the eye. What makes this award all the more pleasing to distribute is that he was a player everyone wanted to do well.<br />
<br />
They needn't have worried. Ozil may have had a sublime half-season, but Sanchez truly stepped up to the plate when his team needed him the most. He dwindled a bit in the second half and others chipped in, but he ended the season strongly, highlights of which were important goals against Liverpool, Reading and Villa.<br />
<br />
His passing is set to improve under Arsene Wenger, and unless he does not entirely burn out in the Copa America, there's every chance we could see the same Alexis next season. I cannot wait for the day he's called electrifying.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Worst player of the season:</span></b><br />
<br />
NOTE: This award is handed to the player who has had the least impact
and is becoming a liability to the team. Also in consideration should be
the number of performances the player has made. Joel Campbell, for
example, cannot be a candidate for this award since he's hardly featured. The irritating self-imposed clause of not including players who've hardly featured throws out the usual suspects of Yaya Sanogo and Lukas Podolski out of the window.<br />
<br />
I've time and time asserted that this is probably the best squad we've assembled in the last 10 years. Having said that, there were some disappointments. Wojciech Szczesny's discipline more than his goalkeeping howlers pushed him out of the frame. Jack Wilshere may have ended the season with a goal to remember, but was largely underwhelming in a make-or-break season. I can't bring my heart to award this stinker to them, though, for I still see promise in their Arsenal futures.<br />
<br />
One player who got a fair amount of games but didn't cut the mustard was <b>Mathieu Flamini</b>. Despite Coquelin's timely emergence, Arsenal still needed a defensive midfielder, and Flamini was always going to be a short-term fix. I don't have anything against the guy. Indeed, the fact that he "won" the award goes to show the level this squad is on, in terms of personnel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5qtq637kYHqs5B6FItSFklwLoUWTZCfdCMIsC8ZiktLqCh3hUxL8xgPuXvslleJ5Up8Ti3HsqSiaf27H26fZcmKcJHb2Ki60HCcO-8U30POzjbG0pRtJqYSVjoFyWkiwt0duMWlUvAM/s1600/Season+awards+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5qtq637kYHqs5B6FItSFklwLoUWTZCfdCMIsC8ZiktLqCh3hUxL8xgPuXvslleJ5Up8Ti3HsqSiaf27H26fZcmKcJHb2Ki60HCcO-8U30POzjbG0pRtJqYSVjoFyWkiwt0duMWlUvAM/s400/Season+awards+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's time to cut our losses with him. He came in on a freebie when we needed him and did a good job of it, but this had to end sometime. To at least compete for the league, a better competitor to Coquelin is needed.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Revelation of the season:</span></b><br />
<br />
NOTE: This award is given to the person who, despite all odds,<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">rectifies a lot of his faults, shocks the critics and becomes an integral member of the team.</span><br /><br />
It could have been Hector Bellerin for his cameo at right back rendering him undroppable. It could have been Nacho Monreal for learning from his stint in center half to become a very, very solid left back for Arsenal. Hell, it even could have been Oxlade-Chamberlain or Calum Chambers, had their playing time not being truncated for various reasons.<br />
<br />
However, it's hard to look beyond one man for this award. I say "one", but the workrate <b>Francis Coquelin</b> suggests he cannot be one man. His energy, his solidity and most iconically, his Coqblock slide tackles have put a firm cork on Arsenal's DM problems for now. We need reinforcements, sure - but even if we fail, the contingency's not that bad. Not bad at all.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Letdown of the season:</span></b><br />
<br />
NOTE: This award is given to the player fans had high hopes of, but
ultimately failed to live up to the hype. He didn't necessarily have a
bad season, but could have, and should have done much better.<br />
<br />
There were more contenders for this award than I had initially thought. Kieran Gibbs failed to push on from a decent 2013/14. Jack Wilshere had a largely insipid 2014/15, not helped by his injury woes. Per Mertesacker's incompetence was perhaps more down to the tactical set up than him alone. And <a href="http://transfernewscentral.com/2015/06/07/5-reasons-to-keep-faith-in-wojciech-szczesny/"><span style="color: red;">despite my faith</span></a> in him to come good, Szczesny's failure to progress has made his future dicey.<br />
<br />
Harsh as this may sound, I've decided to reluctantly hand this to <b>Danny Welbeck</b>. When he arrived, I had (perhaps foolishly) thought he could signal a change in Arsenal's approach play. Aside from lobbing balls to Giroud and hoping for him to pinball it to a midfielder, I thought Welbeck's pace could instigate a much more freeflowing Arsenal, reminiscent of the early 2000s.<br />
<br />
I was disappointed. Perhaps I bought into the hype everyone generated without having an opinion of my own, but his uninspiring performances as a striker was disheartening. He had a fairly average season glossed by that memorable winner at Old Trafford.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong - he offers squad depth and has an admirable engine in him, but that's it. He's wishy washy. He's second rate. And this season was meant to be the one that propelled him further than that.<br />
<br />
Unless he taps into something bigger than himself, I'm afraid he'll always be no more than "dat guy".<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Best match of the season:</span></b><br />
<br />
NOTE: This award is given to the most entertaining match, or the one that provided most happiness and optimism.<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />
<b>Manchester City 0-2 Arsenal. </b>I'm expecting all the backlash.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
Look, I effing loved retaining the Cup and beating Manchester United in the process. However, I'm not ashamed to admit that I felt the solid win at the Etihad promises more for the future than the FA Cup.<br />
<br />
This was the first time that Wenger showed that when under the spotlight, he <i>can </i>work out the nitty-gritties and have a game plan. There was a proper way to go about this game - maintain your shape, let them have the ball, force them out wide, and pick them centrally on the counter. It didn't quite pan out at Stamford Bridge, but worked a treat here.<br />
<br />
And look, if we employ a similar attitude against all the big teams next season, we have a huge chance to compete for the league until the last kick of the ball. Scrapping out draws and wins against Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United could be vital in the long run. While Wenger is not attentive enough to reframe his tactics against every team he faces, the fact that he's at least willing to do it against the big boys is more encouragement to me than swatting aside an appalling Villa.<br />
<br />
Retaining the Cup was given its credit further below (spoilers?), and I simply wanted a way to hand a fictional award to Arsenal's win in Manchester. This was my chance.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Worst match of the season:</span></b><br />
<br />
NOTE: This award is given to the most anguishing, disappointing or damaging game for the club. Perhaps also one that rubs salt in old wounds. <br />
<br />
The first half of the season was definitely agonizing. Slumping to a declining Dortmund, blowing a cushion against Anderlecht, and predictably capitulating against Swansea, Stoke and United. These games made me wish I had a black box in my mind to dump them all in and toss in a corner.<br />
<br />
Ironically enough, the <b>3-1 loss to Monaco</b> happened in a much happier second half of the season. Don't let that fool you though - this game was turd, and the fact that it happened yet again when the pressure was on the club was a suspicious coincidence. This really should have been the season when we made a Champions League run. Seeing that we've fallen to Pot 2 for next season, I suspect Arsene Wenger will have an excuse up his sleeve for not competing next season too.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Highlight of the season:</span></b><br />
<br />
NOTE: This award is given to the moment, the person, the action, or the
decision that had a vastly positive impact on the team, a moment that
the season will be remembered by.<br /><br />
<b>Retaining the cup</b> must be a platform for next season, although I doubt it will be. Nevertheless, it was a brilliant day, an eerily cool display and the fantastic scenes later really made my day. Honestly, this is what football should be about, not passing off bank balances and stadiums as zeniths.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lowlight of the season:</span></b><br />
<br />
NOTE: This award is given to the moment, the person, the action or the
decision that had a negative impact on the game, and broadly the season.<br />
<br />
Once again, Arsene Wenger's <b>inability to challenge for the very top prizes</b> i.e. the Premier League and the Champions League is what adds a "what could have been" spin on this season. Despite having excellent players and an excellent backroom team, Wenger's refusal to do what's necessary to make the percentile difference to the top has cost him another chance to sign off from Arsenal with a bang.<br />
<br />
Despite my ill-feelings toward him, I genuinely hope his legacy won't be a mass exodus owing to a distinct lack of ambition from him. I understand if he's not <i>capable </i>of winning the league, but he at least needs to have his focus at the right place to convince the players we do have that this is the place to be.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Goal of the season:</span></b><br />
<br />
NOTE: This award goes to the most technically perfect goal or one scored after some sublime passing. However, the importance of the goal with respect to the game (or season) is a major factor. <br />
<br />
Thank God I chose to not post this around the 30th of May, otherwise <b>Alexis vs Villa</b> would not have gotten its well deserved merit. Aside from it being on the biggest stage England offers, the sheer panache and craziness Sanchez managed to conjure on that strike was truly mind-blowing. Shay Given's resigned smirk says it all - this was one of the most "triffic" goals the FA Cup has seen.<br />
<br />
While Freddie Ljungberg's curler against Chelsea remains my favourite, this certainly comes close. I'm still convinced that after Sepp Blatter saw that goal he realized the true meaning of football and stepped down in shame.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Picture of the season:</span></b><br />
<br />
NOTE: This award is given to the most iconic photograph in Arsenal's 2014/15 season.<br />
<br />
To be perfectly honest, I thought of this award because I wanted a reason to not type an awkward exit post to this blog. Might continue this in season's to continue, too.<br />
<br />
So here you go, Gooners. Feast your eyes on a picture you would have thought brilliantly Photoshopped had it popped up on your screens two years ago.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8irDRQC76f6USVrGUkJDLruv3bunNOMEJbOGtmvZVZEDOW3cH2HAO2JmU8vD7y57JM4e7Xckqvsr4AP98mwo18TbW8G_WBuh-sghrbwPcBuzoLo0XFGwS0FLY4zj6htUfO0jctzLMn4/s1600/Season+awards+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8irDRQC76f6USVrGUkJDLruv3bunNOMEJbOGtmvZVZEDOW3cH2HAO2JmU8vD7y57JM4e7Xckqvsr4AP98mwo18TbW8G_WBuh-sghrbwPcBuzoLo0XFGwS0FLY4zj6htUfO0jctzLMn4/s400/Season+awards+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">-Santi [Follow me on Twitter</span></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40arsenalblogz" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">@ArsenalBlogz</span></a> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-83897393956857014742015-06-01T01:06:00.000+05:302015-06-01T01:06:23.733+05:30Arsenal 4-0 Villa: The boys turned men?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTcaANViGNUZVvRINZzgcV7d7fV83U4v7tvZi1ln4XiNK1kEPCf3DDKD3S_wFQ51VeQRV2eIqOoY7pj5Kl0X4k2vq2C1PUe3nbpuaUcn8Ua4z2tOV9kbLGF9ru5fkMmkl2tbuGYqMz8A/s1600/Villa+4-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTcaANViGNUZVvRINZzgcV7d7fV83U4v7tvZi1ln4XiNK1kEPCf3DDKD3S_wFQ51VeQRV2eIqOoY7pj5Kl0X4k2vq2C1PUe3nbpuaUcn8Ua4z2tOV9kbLGF9ru5fkMmkl2tbuGYqMz8A/s400/Villa+4-0.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1415/post/first-team/arsenal-v-villa-match-report"><span style="color: red;">Match Report</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150529/highlights-aston-villa-v-arsenal"><span style="color: red;">Match highlights</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150530/wenger-on-fa-cup-win-alexis-and-walcott"><span style="color: red;">Wenger's thoughts</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My, oh my. Be it Aston Villa, I had definitely prepped my nerves for something more life-threatening.<br />
<br />
What an absolutely scintillating response to a traditionally tense stimulus that was. Granted, the stakes were lower than last season. As I had said <a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2015/05/fa-cup-final-preview.html"><span style="color: red;">yesterday,</span></a> neither Arsene Wenger nor the fans saw this match as some kind of ultimatum.<br />
<br />
But this was the <i>cup final. </i>And incidentally, the final of probably the greatest knockout competition football has ever known. This was a tournament where Manchester City and Chelsea are knocked aside for being a touch too complacent. Winning the cup, let alone retaining it and carving a new record for yourself, is not something to be scoffed at.<br />
<br />
The fact that we made it look so easy was, I must say, surprising in the bestest of ways. Villa came out looking for a fast start but were utterly overwhelmed within the initial 10 minutes, resorting to "tactical" fouls and hoofing the ball to Benteke. It was meat and drink stuff for Mertesacker and Szczesny (and incidentally, I'm having a bit of mutton as I type this!)<br />
<br />
Chances came at a canter for Koscielny, Ramsey and then Theo, who so agonizingly missed out on a tap in thanks to a Kieran Richardson block. I won't lie - at that point, I worried that the spilled milk would come back to haunt us. Even though Villa looked as threatening as a stray kitten with a pink bow on it, it would be so Arsenal to let them take the lead through a defensive mishap. <br />
<br />
It turned out we were simply bidding our time, and our time came when Walcott laced home a loose ball. The manager's decision to start him ahead of Giroud reaped the rewards of ruthless pragmatism (apologies for the House of Cards reference). Walcott ensured our play was much more fluid and new to Sherwood, whose defence simply could not cope.<br />
<br />
From then on it was all Arsenal - we managed to see the game off with frightening electricity in the build up, Ozil and Cazorla at the heart of it. Quite obviously the pick of the lot was Alexis Sanchez's thunderbolt. It makes me quite thankful that I decided to postpone the <a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/05/201314-end-of-season-awards.html"><span style="color: red;">awards</span></a> for this season, for that's definitely a contender.<br />
<br />
The end-of game celebrations were funny and heartwarming, although for some reason I had a strange fear that the podium on which the players stand to hold high the trophy was going to fall, killing everyone. Apologies for the mental imagery.<br />
<br />
There was the usual comments from the players and from Wenger, but what I particularly enjoyed was from <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150531/walcott-this-is-our-best-group"><span style="color: red;">Theo Walcott,</span></a> when he said:<i><b> </b></i><br />
<br />
<i><b>"It’s a great achievement to win the FA Cup on consecutive years and it just shows this is a special team<span>. </span>We want to do this more and more for these
guys because they deserve it and this group of players deserve it. I’ve
been here for a long time and this is the best group." </b></i><br />
<br />
I completely concur. Say what you will about Arsene Wenger getting a lot of things wrong this season (and I'd be the first to show you the list!), but he's done a lot of right, too. He changed his tactical approach against the very best teams. He adjusted his priorities with respect to the cup. And most of all, as mentioned above, he has assembled the best Arsenal side since the Invincibles.<br />
<br />
Look at the team from a very objective point of view. Aside from competition for Coquelin and replacing possible departures, this team is respectfully stocked in every position. I understand concerns for the team to upgrade on positions such as goalkeeper and striker, and I'm all for it too. But if we fail (or if Wenger chooses not to strengthen), our contingency plan isn't too shoddy. Ospina and Szczesny may have their faults, but they're both very decent and talented players. In the striking department, so are Walcott, Giroud and Welbeck.<br />
<br />
It's a far cry from having to be stuck with the likes of Almunia and Bendtner when our grand plans failed. Even if Arsenal do not have any influxes or exoduses this summer (which I <i>pray </i>won't happen), the players we have are yet talented and committed enough to frighten any team in the Premier League.<br />
<br />
There really should be no excuses now. We have a team any manager in the world would swell with pride for, not least the manager who collected them over the years. 95% of this team, in Wenger's own words, is going nowhere. The team has built relationships and rapports which have definitely solidified following yesterday. Aside from Alexis Sanchez, they have a relatively idle, if not truncated pre-season.<br />
<br />
We have a rival too, if you haven't noticed. Arsenal vs Chelsea could be one of the greatest stalwarts for the Premier League since the United-Arsenal rivalry. Everything about the two teams is so polarizing in terms of manager, style of play, history, financial approach (even the Hazard vs Sanchez parley) that there's no love lost between them. Obviously at this moment Chelsea are better, but if we look up to a rival like them instead of looking down at Tottenham, the sheer will to trounce them will really push us on.<br />
<br />
If Wenger fails to win the Premier League with this bunch due to overplaying them and not employing the right tactical formulae, then that's on him. However, if he focuses on the opposition's weaknesses game-by-game and rotates his egalitarian squad respectively - forget Premier League contenders, the Champions League skirmish could see a wild card entry, too.<br />
<br />
Optimism. It's a beautiful thing. Get the minutiae right, and it becomes a reality.<br />
<br />I don't know about you, but Arsenal can fix me in ways no other person, object or concept can.<br />
<br />
What a way to come out of 2014/15. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">-Santi [Follow me on Twitter</span></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40arsenalblogz" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">@ArsenalBlogz</span></a> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-6555433239596456932015-05-30T12:53:00.000+05:302015-05-30T12:53:19.930+05:30FA Cup Final Preview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ldWBE3eX2G2_c5sX_wewp9svX_-xd0-lccEJ2NHk69Gc7v4DDbuIZ_TXYtgHRRM4l0aiTXZnTeyCCHKBCzZMTNVIO5W246f8TicLk3KbRIYmE53_Le8IlcEeolYKPF-ZIAl4c85N7-A/s1600/FA+Cup+final+preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ldWBE3eX2G2_c5sX_wewp9svX_-xd0-lccEJ2NHk69Gc7v4DDbuIZ_TXYtgHRRM4l0aiTXZnTeyCCHKBCzZMTNVIO5W246f8TicLk3KbRIYmE53_Le8IlcEeolYKPF-ZIAl4c85N7-A/s400/FA+Cup+final+preview.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1415/pre/first-team/55923/arsenal-v-aston-villa-match-preview"><span style="color: red;">Preview</span></a> | <a href="http://player.arsenal.com/player/6351-press-conference"><span style="color: red;">Pre-match conference</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150527/team-news-welbeck-debuchy-ox"><span style="color: red;">Team news</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
FIFA getting themselves in hot water (about time!) may have deviated minds slightly, but coming into what is arguably in the top five of important matches this decade, there is no doubt where the focus is. The FA Cup may have lost some of its sheen (or a lot, admittedly), but for a season that has been largely underwhelming, provides colossal reason for relief and celebration.<br />
<br />
Of course, the pressure on the players and the manager is not nearly as immense as it was last season. Last May's trip to Wembley had so much at stake, the stadium should might as well have had a board outside with a disclaimer for people with heart problems. Arsene Wenger's legacy and the patience of 27 million people was compromised. Had we lost, which at a point seemed increasingly likely, people would have been out on the streets for blood.<br />
<br />
Losing to an Aston Villa managed by Tim Sherwood would be ridiculously disheartening, but it won't be as catastrophic as last year could have been. Aside from the obvious inherent pride and hunger to win among the players, manager and supporters, there isn't much at stake. Wenger's future is sealed until 2017 (unless <a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/10/justice-to-arsene-wenger-is-inevitable.html"><span style="color: red;">this</span></a> happens), none of the players are viewing this game as a decider for their Arsenal futures, and if you hadn't noticed, we broke the trophy drought last season. Despite the significance of today, one foot is already into preparing for next season's title challenge.<br />
<br />
However, I'm firmly of the opinion that as long as Arsene Wenger is in charge, a Premier League win is <i>impossible. </i>If his Arsenal failed to grab second away from an unstable United and a City in reckless form, I don't see him overtaking Mourinho over 38 games. Winning an FA Cup and assembling a starcast of Gunners is the closest he can get to the perfect farewell swansong.<br />
<br />
Anyway, today's not a day for this argument. <br />
<br />
In terms of team news, everybody except Danny Welbeck is fit. Oxlade-Chamberlain's run out against West Brom means that there is a likely chance he will be involved, if not fit enough to start. The vast availability for Wenger comes with its problems of leaving some out; a really good problem, in hindsight.<br />
<br />
The reasons for and against starting Szczesny in goal are so varied and so many that Wenger might as well go all Harvey Dent and decide it on the toss of a coin. As such, I hope he starts Szczesny. Leaving him out of last season's finale at the expense of a goalkeeper who was a definite goner was unfair toward him. Szczesny's been at Arsenal for around nine years - he's lived the trophy drought as painfully as we have. He deserves to <i>earn </i>a trophy. In addition, it would ensure that Wenger's newfound protocol of playing a "cup keeper" in every game remains intact.<br />
<br />
The back four of Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny and Monreal should pick itself, but it's the midfield trio that could provide another conundrum. Should Wenger assume that Villa will set up to play pragmatic football, and play two of Ramsey, Wilshere and Cazorla in central midfield, dropping Coquelin altogether? Or should he be a bit proactive himself by starting Coquelin, and substituting him if it becomes clear that Villa are looking for little more than soaking the heat?<br />
<br />
I hope it's the latter - playing two attack-minded midfielders in front of our back four could be perfect for someone like Fabian Delph. Even so, there's wiggle room for understanding even if Wenger opts for a more courageous Ramsey-Wilshere duo instead.<br />
<br />
And then there's the question of who partners Coquelin, assuming he starts. The more obvious answer seems to be Santi Cazorla, with Ramsey playing on the right. I really hope that's not the case - Ramsey is not capable of giving Arsenal width or protection on the wing. Wilshere is marginally better but he's also hardly favourable. It's time for Wenger to be ruthless and drop either one of Ramsey or Cazorla for a player offering width. As much as it pains me to say it I hope it's Santi, because he doesn't have the energy to be buzzing for all 90 minutes, or a possible 120.<br />
<br />
Come to think of it, Mesut Ozil seems the only certain starter in midfield today.<br />
<br />
Alexis Sanchez should occupy the left flank with hopefully Theo Walcott and not a central midfielder on the right, which leaves Olivier Giroud to play as the lone striker. I really hope he has a good game today, because he doesn't seem to cut it under pressure. Thierry Henry was marginally right about him when he said Arsenal need better. Giroud has a fantastic work ethic and hunger, but he's still pretty second rate. It's time for him to up his game when it counts.<br />
<br />
While I'd fancy a more <i>Szczesny - Bellerin - Mertesacker - Koscielny - Monreal - Coquelin - Ramsey - Ozil - Walcott - Sanchez - Giroud </i>lineup, I suspect Wenger will instead find a way to fit Cazorla in, at the probable expense of Theo. Don't forget that the coin toss means Ospina has a 50% chance to start too!<br />
<br />
To be honest, back in October if I was told that Arsenal would finish third and win the FA Cup I'd have jumped on it the same way James Franco did when he saw a puddle of muddy water (muddle?) in <i>127 Hours</i>. I know it's underachieving compared to the lofty ambitions we had back in August, but we've had way worse falls from expectations before (read 2010/11).<br />
<br />
It's debatable whether we've made progress or not this season, but there'd be little debate we've gone backwards if we lose today. While my opinion that Wenger may never win major honours again stands, FA Cups such as these stall the departures of the world class we do have at Arsenal. They need to believe that Arsenal is the place to be if we're hoping for post-Wenger success. They won't stick around if the club isn't winning things or, at least, competing for them.<br />
<br />
Come to think of it, there <i>are </i>stakes for today. If we want to mount a sustained Premier League challenge for tomorrow, we need to secure this win today. If we want to make our real rivals Chelsea uneasy, we must win today. If we want to (at least) restore an illusion of genuine competition, we must win today.<br />
<br />
If we want to justify Arsenal's illustrious and staggering history of accolades, <i>we must win today.</i><br />
<br />
Come on you Gunners - and Gooners. Make today special.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">-Santi [Follow me on Twitter</span></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40arsenalblogz" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">@ArsenalBlogz</span></a> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-13692716055679930462015-05-21T20:44:00.000+05:302015-05-21T20:44:45.405+05:30Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland: Second would have been progress. Third is not.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapjg-C_Wk_Um8spkqd71tT5nki4wK2vCnrafne2XWR_IMfSfj-0SBj6WSUBghmUus__I8__ZwgPa56o9D_fXBuVjF31MEPGDJ10MEYL0PlMIEuzIJV9VuSuc1JmShacfQUWHvoTodp2k/s1600/Arsenal+0-0+Sunderland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapjg-C_Wk_Um8spkqd71tT5nki4wK2vCnrafne2XWR_IMfSfj-0SBj6WSUBghmUus__I8__ZwgPa56o9D_fXBuVjF31MEPGDJ10MEYL0PlMIEuzIJV9VuSuc1JmShacfQUWHvoTodp2k/s400/Arsenal+0-0+Sunderland.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1415/post/first-team/arsenal-v-sunderland-match-report"><span style="color: red;">Match Report</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150519/highlights-arsenal-v-sunderland"><span style="color: red;">Match highlights</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150520/boss-on-a-point-pantilimon-and-wilshere"><span style="color: red;">Wenger's thoughts</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I do not understand why people do not understand the difference between second and third.<br />
<br />
"Footballistically", as Arsene Wenger would put it, there isn't any. Neither Manchester City nor us would have to go through the sadomasochism of the Champions League qualifiers that Manchester United will experience. I imagine the gulf in monetary rewards by Barclays will not be mammoth. And, considering the difference in points between us and the Citizens, anyone could argue that it could have been us at second.<br />
<br />
And that is what does not rub with me. The fact that we could not usurp second whilst Manchester were dealing with their baggage under little pressure is worrying. It won't be nearly as easy next season. City will look to bounce back with a new manager and a new goal. United have already started on their summer business, nabbing Gundogan and Depay. Chelsea will strengthen to push on for Champions League glory.<br />
<br />
I have accepted that Wenger will stay at Arsenal until 2017, but I hoped (perhaps foolishly) that we would at least <i>compete </i>for something worthwhile under him. That, other teams' incompetence and our general impressive individual qualities would overshadow Arsene's tactical limitations and his man-management flaws. I was wrong - to overtake a Jose Mourinho team or the Bayerns and Barcas of the Champions League, you need a modern, competent manager who can cover that percentile difference.<br />
<br />
Second would have been huge for Arsenal. It's been, what, nine years since we finished runners-up? As mentioned above, it would not have made much difference on paper, but the psychological implications would have been huge. The media would have portrayed us as Chelsea's biggest foe. Potentially great players in the team would have been more recognized. We would have had the edge on most games simply because of the fear factor associated to being a title contender.<br />
<br />
More than that, the players would have <i>belief. </i>Confidence in an Arsene Wenger side is key. It's what makes them play zippy football and score slinky goals. I'm not saying it would guarantee us Premier League 2015/16, but at least it would have provided the "big club" illusion which would keep world class like Ozil and Sanchez at Arsenal until Wenger leaves for a better manager.<br />
<br />
But, no. Third and FA Cup is hardly huge progress from fourth and FA Cup (one could argue that Liverpool's decline is what pushed us up to third, too). Baby steps such as these aren't going to convince the quality players we do have that this is the place to be. I'd imagine that if Arsenal don't compete in the Premier League or the Champions League next season, Mesut Ozil would well call it a day.<br />
<br />
And you wouldn't blame him. Say what you will about Sterling's agents having a greedy hand for wrecking his PR Image, but I'll be damned if Raheem's actions are <i>100%</i> dictated by his advisers. All top players are winners. Sterling's willingness to leave Liverpool is as much propelled by the lucre of major honours as it is of making big bucks.<br />
<br />
Arsenal can buy top players because we have the money, but we sure as hell won't keep them if we keep stalling as we are. It's been pretty clear that Arsene Wenger cannot and will not get us past the 3rd-4th threshold into elitism. If Ivan Gazidis and the board do not take action on the managerial situation soon, Wenger's last memories of managing Arsenal would be overseeing a mass exodus of players who were meant to be the bedrock of our future. It's up to the board to ensure that they do their job.<br />
<br />
Or three years from now, we'll be looking back at this time and thinking "Why didn't we nab Jurgen Klopp when we had the chance?"<br />
<br /><b><span style="color: blue;">-Santi [Follow me on Twitter</span></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40arsenalblogz" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">@ArsenalBlogz</span></a> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-66368793081682188962015-05-12T21:13:00.001+05:302015-05-12T21:13:36.157+05:30Arsenal 0-1 Swansea: One of those?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1415/post/first-team/arsenal-v-swansea-the-story-so-far"><span style="color: red;">Match Report</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150508/highlights-arsenal-v-swansea-city"><span style="color: red;">Match highlights</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150511/wenger-on-defeat-swansea-and-fabianski"><span style="color: red;">Wenger's thoughts</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>The lineup...</b><br />
The argument around the Arsenal (Twitter) camp stirred when there was no Jack Wilshere, no Theo Walcott or at a stretch, no Tomas Rosicky given a start. Retorts followed: "Why would anyone change a winning team?"<br />
<br />
After yesterday's first half performance it became clear why. I fully understand that this is a team in form and probably merit their starting berths, but rotating players is not all to do with bringing squad players inside after injuries or suspensions. Sometimes, even the best players need a rest, or need to lay back and reanalyze their game.<br />
<br />
The same tactics and personnel won't work against every team on Earth. I agree that playing Ramsey on the right flank worked well against Liverpool and Hull City, but that does not mean shunting him there against every opposition. Back against Liverpool, we were dazzling. Today, we were narrow.<br />
<br />
Selecting a starting eleven depends on the traits of the opposition as much as it depends on the traits of ours. Team selection is a subjective concept, not an objective one. However, Wenger's refusal to change a winning team will not only cost us in the short term, it will also cost us in the long term when the likes of Wilshere, Walcott and Rosicky will leave for lack of game time.<br />
<br />
Rotation is important for morale as well as for keeping players physically fresh. I've been pointing this flaw out throughout our winning streak simply because it's so avoidable. Today, the game needed the flair of Wilshere and Rosicky, and the pace of Walcott.<br />
<br />
We aren't getting injuries because there's a huge gap between matches having little importance. This won't happen between August-February though, which is why learning the practice of rotation is imperative.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>The tactical approach...</b><br />
Toward the end of the first half, Mesut Ozil proved his true wizardry when he <i>himself </i>seemed to
be forming a tactical gameplan of his own. Realizing that Giroud was
getting crowded by Swansea and Arsenal attacks were breaking down when
they got to him, he decided to drop deep and spray balls from there. It
worked to great effect because Giroud is always prone to pinballing passes when he gets them from afar, which resulted in some quick passing and, invariably, chances.<br />
<br />
Was this masterminded by Wenger? Unlikely, because any manager looking to deploy their most creative midfielder at the center of the pitch would not opt to remove the defensive support (aka Francis Coquelin) from there.<br />
<br />
Also, Mesut Ozil's general tendency to drift toward pockets of space (here, the middle of the park because Swansea had no proper striker to hound the defenders and the midfielders), and Wenger's track record of his general one-dimensional tactical approach also speaks against him.<br />
<br />
The impression I got from the manager was that he sensed a goal was coming, so he stuck with his plan. It's not a foolish idea - it seemed to be working in the second half and we were creating chances. My concern, however, lied when he withdrew Coquelin. The move reeked of "Losing/chasing? Bring off Coquelin for a forward. Doesn't matter
how we're playing or what the other team are doing, just do it."<br />
<br />
The pre-plannedness of this Wenger move worried me, as it did everyone.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>David Ospina...</b><br />
He should have saved that - it's ridiculous to even debate it. He's been augmented by a very good defensive unit in recent times and has been on a good run himself, but using that argument to support the fact that he flapped a straightforward parry is baffling. For the Indian audience, it's almost like justifying Salman Khan's crimes because of the Being Human that followed.<br />
<br />
I've always felt Szczesny was the superior keeper despite his supposedly arrogant personality, and I hope to see him more often after yesterday. Obviously I'd be more than welcoming should Wenger decide otherwise and <i>buy </i>a goalkeeper, but considering the dearth in the market and Wenger's general tendency to put faith in his players (Ospina's a newbie, too), it seems unlikely.<br />
<br />
It could be worse. Juggling between Szczesny and Ospina is better than juggling between Almunia and Fabianski.<br />
<br />
<b>In conclusion...</b><br />
We weren't poor by any stretch, and should have won this game regardless of Wenger's choices of hoofing Coquelin and playing Walcott as a center forward, so I'm tempted to coin the unlucky term on this game. However, seeing the entire team with no structure nor organization ever since Francis left the pitch was very worrying, and reminiscent of Anderlecht, Monaco, Manchester United and indeed, Swansea away. I understand the manager's ineptness, but surely the players ought to have had the nous to leave more players than Koscielny and Ospina behind the halfway line?<br />
<br />
P.S. Apologies for the dysfunctionalism of this post - but I've been a bit busy over the times. Hopefully that should change soon. Until then.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">-Santi [Follow me on Twitter</span></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40arsenalblogz" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">@ArsenalBlogz</span></a> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-41960674435694582422015-05-04T19:18:00.000+05:302015-05-04T19:18:21.244+05:30Hull vs Arsenal: Match Preview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1415/pre/first-team/hull-city-v-arsenal-match-preview"><span style="color: red;">Preview</span></a> | <a href="http://player.arsenal.com/player/6256-press-conference"><span style="color: red;">Pre-match conference</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150430/team-news-who-is-fit-for-the-hull-game-"><span style="color: red;">Team news</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With Chelsea sealing the Barclays Premier League crown, at least all of our hopes can be pinned on something more realistic i.e. second. It's a job made much easier after Manchester United (heh) fell prey to West Brom. And for obvious reasons, it would be an important step toward challenging for the title next season.<br />
<br />
I feel that we really need to curb on injuries if we want to win the league, though. Obviously variables like Wenger's relatively one-dimensional tactical approach won't change, but his rotational policy has shown signs of progressing. Not enough of course, seeing that the likes of Theo Walcott and Tomas Rosicky don't play even though the season approaches its formality stages.<br />
<br />
Mesut Ozil was overplayed whilst carrying an injury against Bayern Munich and Chelsea and missed the subsequent two months or so. Alexis Sanchez burned out around the January-March phase because he played straight 90s for around a dozen games. Look at Chelsea - despite their superior training regime and relatively relaxed style of play, everyone minus Hazard ran out of steam in the second half of the season.<br />
<br />
Giroud was on an enforced quarterly break and came back a lot stronger, partly because he was augmented by Danny Welbeck, who played in the FA Cup to take some of the burden from him. Now compare that to the Giroud of last season who seemed like running through cement because he was knackered toward the tail end of 2013/14. No prizes for guessing which policy is better.<br />
<br />
We don't need Ozil nor Sanchez to intimidate or overrun a Hull City as good as immune from relegation. In fact, the only two games needing a full-strength squad are against Manchester United and the FA Cup Final. Bringing in a few fresh legs at this point would not only take the heat of our more prominent personalities, but would also make squad players relatively positive about their Arsenal futures. Making certain that our top players don't get long term injuries now is also part of preparation for next season title assault.<br />
<br />
Hull caused us plenty of problems in recent times with the 2-2 at the Emirates and the FA Cup last year, but we weren't in the best of places back then, and a marginally better Arsenal easily saw them away 2-0 a couple of months later. If we manage to make hard work of this then that's on us but I suspect we won't. Won't we?<br />
<br />
Right, till then happy St. Totteringham's in advance (I'm that confident!) and take it easy. Later.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">-Santi [Follow me on Twitter</span></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40arsenalblogz" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">@ArsenalBlogz</span></a> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-23567917402760123582015-04-28T02:56:00.000+05:302015-04-28T02:56:05.428+05:30Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea: Answering the post-game FAQs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1415/post/first-team/arsenal-v-chelsea-match-report"><span style="color: red;">Match Report </span></a>| <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150423/highlights-arsenal-v-chelsea"><span style="color: red;">Match highlights</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150426/wenger-on-a-draw-chelsea-and-mourinho"><span style="color: red;">Wenger's thoughts</span></a><b><br /></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I was about to embark on my usual way of reviewing this game by reporting events and squeezing my thoughts in between them, but the variety of arguments and subplots meant that I was better off attacking issues individually, than to conjure jumbled up dysfunctional garble in one post.<br />
<br />
Yesterday was odd for many reasons - many people did not know what to feel about Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea's approach and Arsenal's result. And look, such is football. There are things that dazzle and things that bemuse, and yesterday had perhaps more of the latter. What I provide below are not the answers, but just my own views on yesterday's events. It's called having a blog.<br />
<br />
So if you wish to clear your mind or want the open mindedness to hear
the other side of the debate, feel free to hunt for your query below!<br />
<br />
-- <br />
<br />
<u><b>1. Did Arsenal deserve to win the game? </b></u><br />
If not anything, this game at least demonstrated that Arsenal had progressed just an inch further. <a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2015/04/arsenal-vs-chelsea-match-preview.html"><span style="color: red;">I had said</span></a> in the preview that Chelsea parking the bus right from the off must not be taken as a given, and that we shouldn't look to bombard men forward from the word go.<br />
<br />
Wenger heard my concerns - he seemed to have put a more focused team out there. Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez were the only players who had the goal of moving forward in their minds. Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla expressed caution, but rightly threw that to the winds once Chelsea retreated in their shell late on. It didn't hurt to see Coquelin and Alexis sticking their foot in and roughhousing Chelsea. We need more of that. <br />
<br />
I firmly believe that a final scoreline is always deserved, <i>barring</i> referee interventions. This game certainly had their share of contentious decisions by a referee who refuses to penalize Arsenal. The first one was - in my opinion - definitely not a penalty, the second was stonewall (Szczesny did something similar against Bayern and was sent off), but the Fabregas one tends to divide opinion.<br />
<br />
In my opinion, it <i>is </i>a penalty. This is modern football - in the penalty box, if a player goes to snatch the ball but mistimes it, it is always a penalty <i>regardless of the force exerted on the fouled player</i>. I don't like it, but this is what modern football has come to.<br />
<br />
The Gary Cahill handball was, in my opinion, a penalty too, but had the referee given all the above decisions, Arsenal were potentially 2-1 down. Basic mathematics dictates that Arsenal actually benefited from the referee's incompetence.<br />
<br />
The fact that Arsenal had more of the ball but couldn't win the game is down to our incompetence. You can't excuse Ozil and Cazorla missing chances under the pretext of "Arsenal had more of the ball". Possession doesn't win matches - goals do. We had a shade of fortune with respect to the refereeing but otherwise deserved what we got.<br />
<br />
It matters little if Ozil had snuck in the late chance. The way I see it, Wenger knew the way Mourinho was going to set up. He was armed with an entire week of preparation and with in-form players to work a way around an uninspiring Chelsea (at home), but still failed.<br />
<br />
Let's face it - we're firmly second best.<br />
<br />
<u><b>2. Should Arsenal be more like Mourinho's boring Chelsea?</b></u><br />
Look, I have absolutely no problem with negation football. It's what Arsenal did in the George Graham years and what Chelsea are doing now. I honestly feel that style of play matters little when it comes to trophies. Winning is all that matters in football. I don't remember too many people complaining when Arsenal parked the bus against Manchester City and triumphed. If you place style of play over major honours, you have little reason to moan over Arsenal's trophy drought.<br />
<br />
Different situations require different styles of play - it just needs a manager and players who can work that system effectively.<br />
<br />
Jose Mourinho, always criticized for grinding wins in any time of the season, actually found the right balance between beautiful football and parking the bus this season. He played the most attractive football in the country for the initial two-thirds of the season, and became pragmatic when it was time to hold nerves. Let's not forget that Jose only truly parked the bus against Arsenal after the 65th minute, when it really mattered.<br />
<br />
The greatest criticism that comes toward Jose Mourinho is why he chooses such a boring, almost cowardly approach to games when he has all the billions to spend in the world. You could definitely weigh that argument against him in his Inter Milan and Real Madrid days, but certainly not his second-spell Chelsea ones. While this season his balance between attractive football and ruthless pragmatism was not perfect, it was close enough. And hey, it won him a league title.<br />
<br />
Chelsea's final step toward unofficially sealing the league was making sure Arsenal dropped points (which we did), so I see no problem in Chelsea celebrating as if they won the league because yesterday, to be honest, they practically did. And don't kid yourself, you wouldn't be embarrassed of Arsenal if this time next season Per Mertesacker was bouncing around Stamford Bridge after Arsenal played out a 0-0 draw which practically sealed Arsenal as champions.<br />
<br />
The least we can do is not be hypocrites, act classy and congratulate Chelsea on winning the league through gritted teeth. Know when you're beaten. We should have done better this league season, but there's still plenty of honour in being runners-up.<br />
<br />
<u><b>3. Was I right in booing/applauding Cesc Fabregas? </b></u><br />
Many people have different reasons to hate Cesc Fabregas. For some, he's a mercenary. For some, he's a gold digger. For some, he backstabbed Arsenal when they needed him. Personally I don't care much for Fabregas, but I do want to add another dynamic to this debate.<br />
<br />
Take your mind back to summer 2010 and remember the situation when Barcelona had
an interest for Fabregas. Wenger told him to stay and give his Project
Youth one more chance, didn't he? Fabregas obliged, but after the post-Birmingham collapse
he understandably had had enough. Fabregas wanted a club who could satiate his ambitions, and Barcelona provided that.<br />
<br />
However, Wenger wasn't willing to hold up his
end of the bargain in 2011 because Nasri had allegedly said "if Cesc goes, I go"
(or something like that).<br />
<br />
Anyway, an angered Fabregas
felt betrayed by Wenger went on strike and probably sulked around for
precisely this reason. When Wenger realized he couldn't keep
Fabregas around, he had accept the lower rate from Barca. And look, many players would have gone on strike if they had a deal and the manager did not hold his end. The days of Tony Adams signing a contract with his eyes closed are long gone. If you want your best players to stay, you lucre them with money and trophies. That's modern football for you.<br />
<br />
Even if you want to believe that Fabregas would have backstabbed Arsenal regardless of promises and circumstances, try this. Arsene Wenger rejected Fabregas when he wanted to leave Barcelona. Just as Fabregas apparently rejected Arsenal when we needed him the most, Wenger rejected Fabregas when he needed us the most. Again, that's modern football for you.<br />
<br />
I
understand that you would want to hate Fabregas because he was once an
Arsenal player and is now at Chelsea, but using the 'he forced his way
out' angle to justify it probably isn't right. To suit your conscience, a better
reason would be his quotes after he signed for Chelsea, clearly saying he CHOSE them after having
"considered all the other offers very carefully", which means that he
did not have Arsenal in his mind at all after he realized that Wenger did
not want him back.<br />
<br />
Boo him for <i>choosing </i>an Arsenal rival despite many options, or stay mute because your thoughts are fixated on Ozil and Cazorla. However, in all honesty, I don't believe for a second that when Fabregas was celebrating his goal at San Siro, or Arshavin's against Barcelona, the first thought in his mind was "Stage One: Gaining the trust of the Arsenal faithful to betray them in the future, check!"<br />
<br />
<u><b>4. How many of Thierry Henry's comments were senseless?</b></u><br />
Right, time to take this one at a time.<br />
<br />
*Henry on Giroud: <i><b>"I think Giroud is doing extremely well. But can you win the league with him? I wouldn't think so. He does a job, and he does it ever so well, but you can't win the league [with him as striker]."</b></i><br />
<br />
While others have interpreted this as Thierry not knowing much about Giroud's current form or being hypocritical by swaying along with the mood of the club (he just massively praised Giroud last week), I think differently.<br />
<br />
I don't think Henry managed to convey this very well, but I think his point was that Giroud is a fairly decent player but Arsenal need an undoubted world class player as striker to win the league. Look, Giroud is important to Arsenal's attacking approach and is currently playing very well, but you always feel that he's punching above his weight, and will fall to something along the mean in the near future.<br />
<br />
It's a crude example, but look at Southampton. Mathematically they were in it for fourth most of this season, but many people perceived that as a team merely on a purple patch, who will go back to their level once their honeymoon period is over. It's the same with Giroud. What Henry was trying to say (I believe) is that while Giroud has done a good impression of a world-class player these past few weeks, in reality he is not one. Arsenal need the real deal, not an aspirant.<br />
<br />
*Henry on Arsenal's transfer needs: <i><b>"I think they need to buy four players - they need that spine. They need
a goalkeeper, they still need a centre back, they still need a holding
midfielder and, I'm afraid, they need a top, top quality striker to win
this league again."</b></i><br />
<br />
Here's where Henry sounds a bit like a 12 year old kid who just started watching football saying "Get me Messi, Ronaldo and Neuer and we'll win everything." I think he fails to take into account the players that Arsenal do have at present.<br />
<br />
Buying a striker is easier said than done - Arsenal have recently bought Welbeck and are unlikely to let him go after one season, especially since Wenger seems to rate him. Maybe Wenger could sell Walcott, push Danny to the wings and make way for a striker, but even so, the market does not seem to be awfully buzzing with forwards.<br />
<br />
Defensive midfield and goalkeeper are understandable concerns, but centre back is probably not. Per Mertesacker is an excellent defender in a system not including the offside trap. Laurent Koscielny is almost always reliable. Gabriel Paulista is capable of doing the dirty work and Calum Chambers is a promising lad.<br />
<br />
It's easy to admire Thierry's ambition, but he really should have put some thought in what he said.<br />
<br />
*Henry on Fabregas and Ozil: <i><b>"I would have benched Ozil for Fabregas [if the Spaniard had been brought back to Arsenal]. I will single out Mesut Ozil. It was his
eight game today against a top four side, he has zero goals and two
assists. That is not enough, overall since he’s been at Arsenal he has
14 assists. Now if you take Cesc Fabregas, he did that in one season
with 16 assists."</b></i><br />
<br />
This is impossible to defend because it seems like Mister Henry has climbed onto the "Ozil is amateur" bandwagon as well. It's a real shame because he's an Arsenal fan and seems to be a person who really understands football, but has passed a hugely uninformed opinion. Loads of Chelsea fans will look back at Henry's comment and use that against Arsenal fans which is unfair, because his comment is truly irrational.<br />
<br />
Such criticism on Ozil would have made sense back in October, but it doesn't now. Ozil has been pulling the strings and carrying Arsenal's creative burden for some time now. Even the manner of the criticism does not make sense, for he has taken Ozil's assist record against three teams and compared it to Cesc's assist record in the entire season.<br />
<br />
The only reason Wenger should have bought Fabregas in the summer was so that a club like Chelsea could not have gotten their hands on him (<i>again</i>, that's modern football for you), but I'm still relatively happy with how things turned out. Mesut has been at Real Madrid proportions since January. Fabregas has the edge over him in defensive workrate and versatility, but Ozil is creatively superior.<br />
<br />
Either this was nostalgia with Cesc getting the better of Henry or he was paid to say this, but either way, it was hugely flawed and I'd love to hear a follow up from anyone in the near future.<br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />
Right, that's that. Just as a footnote, I'd like to mention that if you have any feedback about my thoughts I'd prefer them in the Comments section than in a personal email. I'm sure others are interested in your views too :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">-Santi [Follow me on Twitter</span></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40arsenalblogz" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">@ArsenalBlogz</span></a> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-77199471518115773642015-04-26T18:47:00.000+05:302015-04-26T18:47:40.225+05:30Arsenal vs Chelsea: Match Preview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgIRikNmpXO-UtINv6MMgdvIcmKKbHyxxGeRz2ktdBBrQl0UFnjgCkwezpcu6gYkoSr47Bwe0ZXNlez9HvxiPsTb-vIeCrjmNc6EZBlcQTnHNmLTC8dCEsitIdsw6avmFBt7bekgVM6M/s1600/Chelsea+preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgIRikNmpXO-UtINv6MMgdvIcmKKbHyxxGeRz2ktdBBrQl0UFnjgCkwezpcu6gYkoSr47Bwe0ZXNlez9HvxiPsTb-vIeCrjmNc6EZBlcQTnHNmLTC8dCEsitIdsw6avmFBt7bekgVM6M/s1600/Chelsea+preview.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1415/pre/first-team/arsenal-v-chelsea-match-preview"><span style="color: red;">Preview</span></a> | <a href="http://player.arsenal.com/player/6228-press-conference"><span style="color: red;">Pre-match conference</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150423/team-news-mertesacker-ox-arteta"><span style="color: red;">Team news</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Mathematically, this match is almost an irrelevance. We won't miss out on Champions League nor snatch the crown from Jose Mourinho's hooked nose based on today's result. Today's not a day for sealing top four or having a go at the title. In the context of the present season, absolutely nothing hinges on this game.<br />
<br />
However, today could bear huge implications with respect to next season. There's indeed no use in crying over this season's spilled milk, but we could look to make amends by laying foundations for a title challenge next season. Winning against Chelsea could bring about a big-club perception Arsenal have been lacking for too long.<br />
<br />
You don't need an expert to tell you that that's vital. We've been compared among the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham, even Everton for too long. Rising to a better class of football clubs does psychological wonders for the club. Smaller teams are too afraid to take a shot at causing an upset. Bigger teams exercise caution. The inferiority complex dictates that most home matches are won before the ball is kicked.<br />
<br />
Arsenal terribly need some of the hubris, and breaking Mourinho's curse would go a long way to restoring that. Mourinho's record against Wenger is not a jinx or a curse, it's simply because he's a better manager. Calling it a curse promotes the "luck" factor and invariably inaction, just like Arsenal's injury woes. Both of them were not down to luck, they were down to incompetence.<br />
<br />
However, despite their managerial skills, Arsene still has a chance to put one over Mourinho today. Chelsea know they have won the title and they don't look too bothered about today, whereas Arsenal are in roaring form and know that this match is not about three points. The moral of the players could make all the difference today.<br />
<br />
Arsenal and Chelsea have both been on phony runs of form lately, but the players of Chelsea seem to know that their performances have not warranted the results. Conversely, however, Arsenal believing that their run of form have been supported by brilliant performances reeks of ignorance, but provides the confidence that Arsenal needed to smash Liverpool away. That same confidence could help them overturn a skeptical Chelsea, not to mention provide credence to the "Ignorance is bliss" statement.<br />
<br />
Having said that, I fear Mourinho may be leading Wenger into a trap. Having a whirl at Chelsea is all well and good and definitely characteristic of a "big team", but it must be exercised
with caution. The whole world is
rambling on how Mourinho would look to park the bus and hit Arsenal on
the break. There is the possibility that, for the sake of catching that particular assumption off-guard, Mourinho
might do something different.<br />
<br />
Where is the guarantee that Mourinho will set up to merely get a point at the Emirates? Granted, he did that against Manchester United (at Stamford Bridge, no less), but that doesn't mean it's set in stone he'll do the same today. For safety's sake, Arsene at least needs to exercise
caution at least for the initial minutes and then have a crack, should it transpire that Jose has indeed employed the expected gameplan. Be brave but not foolhardy, certainly not 6-0 foolhardy.<br />
<br />
Most of the team pretty much selects itself. David Ospina should start in goal; I'm guessing Mathieu Debuchy would get the nod over Hector Bellerin; Nacho Monreal will take over from Gibbs, and presuming that Mertesacker won't make it, Gabriel should slot in to partner Koscielny.<br />
<br />
I would have preferred Mertesacker to make it today. David Ospina is certainly the better keeper on form, but he still exudes a certain nervousness at set pieces, which Chelsea specialize in. Paulista and Koscielny would amount for terrific pace, but with Chelsea looking to start an aging Didier Drogba, that pace may not be all necessary.<br />
<br />
Francis Coquelin is a sure starter in midfield, and based on current form, Ramsey, Cazorla, Ozil, Alexis and Giroud would play ahead of him. I don't see it happening, but I hope Cazorla is benched for Theo Walcott. The Spaniard has looked out of touch in recent games, probably because there are too many similar players in that team. Walcott would add a different dimension in terms of width, and his knack of scoring against Chelsea could be crucial today.<br />
<br />
However, if Cazorla starts (which seems likely), I'd prefer <i>him</i> on the wing than
Ramsey. While both of them do not have the skill set to provide Arsenal
width, Cazorla is certainly more tactically aware than Ramsey. I've
heard the argument that a more energetic Ramsey could stifle Hazard on
the left but it doesn't rub with me, because Ramsey spends half the time
in the centre of midfield. While Cazorla tends to drift in, he
certainly does not do it to Ramsey proportions.<br />
<br />
To me, though, it's only Alexis Sanchez or Mesut Ozil who could make the difference for Arsenal. Mourinho had ensured Azpilicueta was onto Sanchez in the previous encounter which had hugely minimized his impact. Perhaps home support or the danger of having other players in form to mark would mean that Sanchez gets more space to work his magic, but I don't see it happening.<br />
<br />
Alexis has been documented as Arsenal's runaway best player by everyone in the footballing world, so much so that they've overestimated his impact to the team. They're wrong - in the second half of the season, Cazorla, Ozil and Giroud have contributed more than Sanchez. However, Jose is likely to jump on the bandwagon and make Sanchez his top priority, which could be of huge advantage to us.<br />
<br />
Mesut Ozil could have a screamer today because his run of form hasn't been caught on by the media yet. It's amazing that they still perceive him as some overpaid flop who doesn't run around enough to make the cut for Arsenal, but it could work to our favour today. There is the possibility that Jose could underestimate Ozil's (or even Giroud's) importance for Arsenal. He certainly has the ego to think that.<br />
<br />
<br />
I have a feeling that Arsenal might draw, but I certainly know that today is winnable. Chelsea are uncertain and they don't have a lot to fight for, but we do. And while today would not have much inkling on this season's Premier League winner, it certainly could on next season's. Today is an important step in future Premier League (or maybe, maybe, Champions League) glory for Arsenal. We need to take it.<br />
<br />
P.S. If you're wondering why I haven't mentioned the Cesc Fabregas subplot today, the answer is simple: I don't care much of him. He taught me a valuable lesson about loyalty and trust, but that's about it. He doesn't owe Arsenal anything and nor do we, him. I'd rather focus on the creative players who ply their trade for Arsenal than Chelsea. I suggest you do too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">-Santi [Follow me on Twitter</span></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40arsenalblogz" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">@ArsenalBlogz</span></a> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-6014852679818521312015-04-19T18:52:00.000+05:302015-04-19T18:52:35.396+05:30Reading 1-2 Arsenal (aet): World class makes the difference<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hmvAn2SREL5XFseS9D33yy8uUIGI7fzxUdJ9b-y_Lcpd-mr6i-ac-nfpQHtiWAYSG3SqaPLblA21M2eoRGhO_06CrWEkyHs5HXQFesq3flxKjyW_OpqwY_Fw3arlf0OgaT_J9OdQMFo/s1600/Arsenal+2-1+Reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hmvAn2SREL5XFseS9D33yy8uUIGI7fzxUdJ9b-y_Lcpd-mr6i-ac-nfpQHtiWAYSG3SqaPLblA21M2eoRGhO_06CrWEkyHs5HXQFesq3flxKjyW_OpqwY_Fw3arlf0OgaT_J9OdQMFo/s1600/Arsenal+2-1+Reading.jpg" height="211" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1415/post/first-team/reading-v-arsenal-match-report"><span style="color: red;">Match Report </span></a>| <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150416/highlights-reading-v-arsenal"><span style="color: red;">Match highlights</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150418/wenger-on-reaching-the-fa-cup-final"><span style="color: red;">Wenger's thoughts</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<b>I didn't mind the rotation...</b><br />
I don't see the virtue in having the likes of Wilshere, Walcott, Welbeck and the lot if they aren't going to get a chance to play at least once every three or four games. I get that all of the players who were rotated in did not play well at all (except perhaps Theo), but I more than understand the logic of giving them game time against Reading. If Danny Welbeck doesn't play well against a Championship side, that's his prerogative, unless there was something hugely amiss in the tactical setup.<br />
<br />
Personally, however, I would have given the likes of Kieran Gibbs, Mathieu Debuchy, Danny Welbeck (or maybe even Szczesny) a game against Burnley, rather than Reading. In hindsight, it doesn't take a genius to note that yesterday had higher stakes than last week.<br />
<br />
<b>Arsene Wenger teams don't thrive under pressure...</b><br />
Accept it, it's fact. It's not even a particularly monumental one. Parts of yesterday were frustrating and worrying, yes, but they weren't <i>nerve-racking</i> because I was subconsciously aware that Arsenal make a hash out of big occasions. Knowing that Wenger is probably here to stay for two years, it's best if we buckle up and set expectations as per.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>I still don't understand playing Ramsey on the right...</b><br />
I'd love some clarification for this. All throughout the game Ramsey was drifting way too centrally, crowding the box and not providing an outlet on the right. You can't blame him, it's not in his DNA, so to say.<br />
<br />
The result was that we had an in-form player slowly sapped out of confidence, looking bewildered at times. The Ramsey of last year would have taken the two chances he had with a shrug. This one didn't - and the reason why is apparent. Confidence.<br />
<br />
<b>Wojciech Szczesny is a confidence player too...</b><br />
It's funny, I thought Szczesny would wipe his game up when he was given the chance to prove his worth. Now, he didn't have an entirely terrible Southampton-esque game at all, but was still worrying.<br />
<br />
Szczesny, to me, seems to have lost his mojo. He's no longer seems like the likeable cheeky prat with the Bendtner levels of ego to shield his self-doubt. True, Reading's equalizer was more down to Gibbs' incompetence than the Polish goalkeeper's, but that doesn't entirely absolve him of blame. He didn't show enough urgency to prevent the ball going over the line, and parried a simple shot all over the place previously.<br />
<br />
Ospina thoroughly merits his place above Szczesny, but I wonder if this signals the end of Szczesny at Arsenal. I would hope not, for he's been an Arsenal through-and-through, but if his attitude continues till the end of the season, he may force the manager's hand.<br />
<br />
<b>Sanchez wasn't playing well but he made the difference...</b><br />
...and that's what matters. Alexis sprayed his passes all over the place, buffered in front of goal too often and gave the ball away, yet he popped up when it was necessary - to put away two Ozil passes, even though he had a bit of luck with the second one. In a way, he was the perfect symbolism of how Arsenal played yesterday.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Mesut Ozil carried the team...</b><br />
Although I don't think I've said it too many times, I am guilty of having the opinion of Ozil being a fair-weathered footballer. To me, he always felt like the player who would put the icing on many cakes and only work his magic when the conditions suited him. In addition, I didn't think him to be a player having the bottle to carry Arsenal from a hidey hole.<br />
<br />
Yesterday was different. Arsenal were sluggish and way too cautious, but Mesut was the only one willing to pull the strings. A person looking at the glass half-empty would say "Well it's only Reading", but be mindful that this was the FA Cup semi finals as well. Ozil didn't slouch under the occasion, especially when his teammates seemed to. It's a vast improvement on last season.<br />
<br />
Would it be too much to consider him as Arsenal's second best player of the season?<br />
<br />
<b>Theo Walcott was livelier...</b><br />
I know that Walcott has his limitations and is a bit one-dimensional, but we still need him. I for one don't believe we're elite enough to consider him surplus to requirements. Sure, he may find himself to be below the pecking order when a more dynamic Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain shows his face, but until then Wenger should be giving him way more game time, especially when Ramsey on the right doesn't seem to be working out.<br />
<br />
I'm not saying that Walcott should be the first on the team sheet or that he's the best forward we have, but I honestly think he's better than Danny Welbeck. If you gave me a choice between a forward who doesn't score goals but is more "involved" and a forward who actually scores goals, I'd gladly pick the latter. I was among the hordes who foolishly joined the Welbeck bandwagon, but I still have the sense to see that the <span class="st" data-hveid="64">£16m we shelled isn't looking too pretty.</span><br />
<br />
<b>I hope we get Liverpool...</b><br />
I know they'll be way more difficult to get past than Aston Villa, but I believe they have the tendency to crumble in big games like we do. Besides, I badly want Arsenal to be the reason Gerrard does not get a proper farewell.<br />
<br />
Gerrard lost my respect when he called Arsenal <a href="http://en.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/368019.html"><span style="color: red;">a lesser club</span></a> and blocked the Suarez move. I know he's been a largely classy player and an iconic Premier League figure of a club I happen to like, but I still feel he should get his comeuppance. He's been largely juvenile for a long time now, and I would relish us to have a crack at setting him straight.<br />
<br />
If you excuse me, I think I need a psychologist now.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">-Santi [Follow me on Twitter</span></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40arsenalblogz" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">@ArsenalBlogz</span></a> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-62553005473339075072015-04-18T15:30:00.000+05:302015-04-18T15:30:22.647+05:30Ethan Rowe from BiggestFreeBets previews Arsenal's Wembley venture<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ethan Rowe - tipster from <a href="http://www.bigggestfreebets.com/"><span style="color: red;">BiggestFreeBets.com</span></a> and Arsenal fan gives<br />
his view on Arsenal's upcoming match against Reading at<br />
Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Arsenal come into the match arguably the form side in Europe having won their last 8 Premier League matches in a row and winning their last 16 of 18 matches. Mr Wenger knows his side are in great shape to retain the FA Cup and will create history in doing so as Arsenal will have won the competition more than other side. However, a match against Reading isn't a foregone conclusion, especially as we all remember a trip to Wembley in the League Cup Final when they went into the match against Birmingham City only to be on the end of an Obefemi Martins 90th minute winner.<br />
<br />
Good for us as Reading have really had a poor season so far and given their terrible league position they will have seen the FA Cup as something of break from their Championship woes. The Royals will come into the match as massive underdogs but will be in good voice at a full Wembley on Saturday evening.<br />
<br />
Arsenal will likely field a similar side to the one that ground out a 1-0 win at Turf Moor on the weekend with this season's revelation Francis Coquelin expected to retain his position in the side. Oliver Giroud will lead the attack and will be hoping to add to his goal tally after his run of 6 goals in 6 games came to an end at Burnley. I must say I've been impressed by the performances of our defence something that seems to have been forgotten amongst the goals and fine performances, there seems to something less showy about Ospina in goal and he's growing in confidence with each win and clean sheet to his name.<br />
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Forgive me, but I'm still unconvinced by Mesut Ozil and the quality he brings to the Arsenal side. It's fine for him to play in a Real Madrid or Germany team that possess world class places across the whole side but for an Arsenal side that has a splattering of world class players can we really afford a luxury such as Ozil and an expensive luxury at that. I'm confident the German never really dreamed of a move to Arsenal and I've no doubt the player is one of the best players to ever grace a football field, but maybe if it were 10 years ago back in the invincible days the German would have been much more effective in the style of Robert Pires. I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see Ozil depart - if not this summer, 100% the next.<br />
<br />
My next thought is Danny Welbeck - a player who has really impressed in his opening games for Arsenal but has similar to his player style drifted out of the team. It's clear Mr Wenger thinks highly of the England international but Louis van Gaal's comments of the former United player not scoring enough goals seem to be true, although it's undoubted he's a player of immense quality and as an Arsenal fan I'm happy to see him play. However, I don't seem him as a natural striker and more of the opposite of a Thierry Henry. Is he a striker we can turn into a winger?<br />
<br />
It's certainly worth mentioning Aaron Ramsey after he recorded is 150 game for the club and I for one was more than happy to eat my hat after a player I was highly critical in his early years and blossomed into one of the finest midfielders in the modern game. Ramsey hasn't been a prolific as he was last season but with him in the side there are goals coming from areas that we have found tough in recent years and something I'm grateful for. Hopefully Ramsey can enjoy his find Wembley scoring run and grab one against Reading on Saturday.<br />
<br />
One thing I'm confident about is another win at Wembley and all eyes will be on a possible meeting with Liverpool; certainly something that will get my pulses racing and give our team the opportunity to get revenge on Liverpool after Michael Owen devastating double. A final against Liverpool would be all the more memorable given it would be Steven Gerrard's last match for Liverpool, something even I can appreciate.<br />
<br />
It's clear the semi final will be a fantastic day out for both sets of fans, and for us Arsenal fans who are now becoming regulars at the home of English football (it's starting to feel like a second home!) we'll likely leave North-east London the happier.<br />
<br />
I'm thinking we'll win this match comfortably by 2 or 3 goals - I'm going to back Oliver Giroud to find the net in this one, which should hopefully cover the cost of the expensive ticket! <br />
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All is left to say is sit back and enjoy the match and fingers crossed we don't make this harder work than it needs to be!<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-Ethan Rowe [Follow our website <a href="http://www.biggestfreebets.com/"><span style="color: red;">BiggestFreeBets</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-45657389838499419472015-04-16T11:52:00.001+05:302015-04-16T11:52:43.709+05:30Jurgen Klopp to leave, should Ivan make his move?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
Well, well, well. One of the hottest stories of football is out, and if Arsenal manage to make their move on this, it could be monumental for the future of the club. Ready? Here it comes...<br />
<br />
Wellington Silva has a Spanish passport.<br />
<br />
Okay, I'll get serious.<br />
<br />
The opportunity regarding Jurgen Klopp is huge. I know and I fully understand that he has flaws, but as innumerable clubs would tell you, there aren't many perfect managers out there. I can't be the only one in thinking that at present, he's the better manager to Arsene Wenger. Considering the age, the pedigree and Klopp's experience in German and European football, it's certainly an irresistible opportunity.<br />
<br />
I agree that circumstance matters a lot. Arsenal are currently on a high, which means that the sentiment surrounding the club is primarily, yet absurdly, pro-Wenger. Arsene won't break a 2-year <span class="st" data-hveid="67">£</span>8m contract unless the mood surrounding the club is toxic, which only seems vaguely feasible if Arsenal get spanked by Reading. Manchester City and Real Madrid look likelier to snare Klopp owing to managerial instability in their camps. The possibility of Klopp being an Arsenal manager next season (or indeed, ever) is very slender.<br />
<br />
And yet, there is the faint hope that remains that Klopp <i>could be </i>at Arsenal come 2015/16. Perhaps Wenger could call it a day, perhaps the fans could force him to, or perhaps Ivan Gazidis could think the grass is greener on the other side, honourably "relieving" Wenger of his duties. The chances are low, yet they exist. And don't lie, whatever your views on the present manager, there had to come a time when you contemplated if Klopp should be the future manager for Arsenal, whenever that time comes. Wenger's not getting any younger.<br />
<br />
But <i>is he</i> the right man to replace Wenger?<br />
<br />
Klopp has his faults, sure, but so does Arsene Wenger. He has his merits, but well, so does Wenger. Perhaps our best course could be to weigh both of their traits and faults, even though they may prove futile in the end.<br />
<br />
For the extremist pro-Wengerite, should you feel that it's disrespectful in measuring Wenger to someone else, kindly don't read the rest of the post. You may want to bathe in the past, but I'd love to think about our future.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Tactical approach</span></b><br />
<br />
It's well known that Arsene Wenger isn't the most astute tactically. He's been guilty of "focusing on his own strengths" than looking at the other teamsheet. His teams have been susceptible to tons of schoolboy errors with regards to set-piece defending, even in the glory days. Thierry Henry's autobiography also stated that Wenger had not properly prepared for the Champions League final!<br />
<br />
There have been mitigating factors behind the rare times he's shown tactical adaptability. Firstly, all of them were times under pressure, which suggests that Wenger doesn't do pre-game planning unless his neck is on the line. Manchester City was, according to <a href="http://gunnerblog.com/2015/01/22/is-arsenals-victory-over-manchester-city-down-to-the-manager-or-the-players/"><span style="color: red;">Gunnerblog </span></a>(a huge pro-Wengerite), a result of player pressure than his own brilliance. The tactic of pressing Liverpool high up the pitch seems like an exception rather than the norm. In any way, Arsenal stopped pressing after the initial minutes. In addition, I have yet to understand the real reason behind shunting Ramsey on the right, and I won't pretend to.<br />
<br />
Even if you could find convenient loopholes in my argument to opinionate that Wenger is not as bad tactically as I'm making it out to be, the fact remains that Klopp is a much better tactician. His pressing style and defending as a unit is a promising philosophy, certainly better than possession football, which even Pep Guardiola admitted is behind its time. He sends his team out with a plan and does not believe in the concept of "pre-planned" substitutions, as Wenger appears to.<br />
<br />
Arsenal have players like Sanchez, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud, Ramsey, Welbeck and many others who have the stamina and the will to press, which could make them ideal for Klopp's philosophy. Perhaps the only flaw in Klopp's pressing approach is that it pushes players to the limit which results in injuries, but hey, we were getting plenty of them under Wenger already weren't we?<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Performance under pressure</b></span><br />
<br />
I need hardly remind how badly Arsenal play under pressure. When the chips are down, there's barely any shape nor plan to go forward with. When confidence is flowing high and there isn't much onus on the team, an Arsene Wenger side is capable of producing truly breathtaking football. But beyond that?<br />
<br />
Falling away in the title race in 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2014 was not down to lack of money, it was because the manager could not get his team over the line when the spotlight was on them. We've lost to Birmingham, Bradford and Blackburn under pressure. We've thrown away two, three and four goal leads when things started to go wrong. We barely scraped past Wigan Athletic and Hull City when the FA Cup came to the business end. It's no coincidence that Wenger has never defended a league title.<br />
<br />
You could perhaps say the same about Borussia Dortmund under Klopp as well, except that Jurgen <i>has </i>managed to defend the Bundesliga title (from Bayern Munich). I'll admit that Klopp sides sometimes tend to dwarf under pressure, but not nearly as much as Wenger sides do. Klopp is still capable of cajoling his troops when things are going wrong. Wenger hardly gets off his seat.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Squad building </b></span><br />
<br />
Thankfully, Wenger has seemed to learn from the days of Almunia, Eboue, Cygan, Diaby, Denilson, Chamakh, Park et al and now buys players after careful inspection. Sure, that still doesn't hide the fact that Arsenal have Sanogos and Flaminis to get rid of their current squad, but this Arsenal team is still one of the most talented I remember. Wenger's hope was to leave Arsenal with a better team, facilities and infrastructure. He seems to have gotten that together.<br />
<br />
I haven't followed Dortmund over the course of seven years, obviously, but it seems that Klopp is a pretty good squad builder himself. At Dortmund, he saw his star players lured away by bigger clubs. That won't happen at Arsenal, Ivan's sponsorship deals have seen to it.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>The big stage</b></span><br />
<br />
Let's not lie - while money has been a factor in Wenger not competing for the league in early years, it wasn't the reason why Arsenal did not win the league last season. Money's not why Arsenal fell to Monaco, nor did not challenge for the league this season. Money wasn't why Blackburn, Birmingham and Bradford defeated Wenger. Putting every single Wenger failure entirely down to lack of money was one of the biggest cons the club pulled. I'm surprised that Arsenal fans - otherwise very intelligent and analytical - did not pull the club out on that cheap trick.<br />
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Whisper it quietly, but Wenger cannot perform on the big stage anymore. When he came in the mid-90s, football wasn't global. However, he knew the French market and raised level of competition by his Thierrys and Vieiras as well as introducing a new diet and fitness regime. <i>Back then</i>, he was ahead of the times.<br />
<br />
He's not now. Teams know how to play against Arsenal's possession style. Wenger doesn't have that tactical edge over managers in the Champions League - a stage where Arsenal needed to compete this season. We weren't close to winning the league this season; the only reason we're second is because the teams around us - aside from Chelsea - have regressed as well. Arsene is running out of steam.<br />
<br />
Wenger's been on the job for 18 years. Think about that for a second. Surely the rigours of the job would be getting to him?<br />
<br />
Klopp offers more. He offers progress. He's young, energetic, he offers new ideas and dynamism. He'll come to Arsenal all the wiser from his exploits from Germany and he'll have a plan. It could backfire - sure - but it's definitely worth a go. Klopp's done more than enough to warrant a chance at an elite club, or at least, a club striving to be one.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Personality </span></b><br />
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The only major issue with Klopp is this - he's too much of an ego. I understand that managers need to be egoistic and dominatory for their club to reach the pinnacle. Sir Alex Ferguson was an egoist. Jose Mourinho is an egoist. Arsene Wenger is an egoist.<br />
<br />
And therein lies the problem. Arsenal is definitely <i>not </i>a club suited for egoist managers. The Arsenal board of directors do not have the footballing knowledge to demand proper accountability from the manager. Stan Kroenke might not want to risk Wenger leaving and his failsafe Champions League money to come under risk.<br />
<br />
Wenger has cut a dictatorial figure at the club - I think we all know that. Andries Jonker and Sir Chips Keswick have said as much. Since most of the board are filled with businessmen who lack
footballing knowledge, Wenger’s given a free reign. In terms of transfers,
players, positions, formations – Arsene Wenger calls all the shots. Since David Dein's departure, his degree
of power even eclipsed Sir Alex Ferguson’s at Manchester United.<br />
<br />
Arsenal regressed for a while under this rule. None of Shad Forsythe, Andries Jonker and Steve Bould are given much of an
input, because Wenger does not take kindly to criticism. Remember his reaction
to Jacqui Oatley’s <a href="http://metro.co.uk/2014/10/19/arsene-wenger-issues-rude-patronising-response-to-jacqui-oatley-interview-questions-following-arsenal-draw-4911700/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">probing questions</span></a> and Paul Merson’s <a href="http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/15205/9550297/champions-league-paul-merson-slams-tactically-clueless-arsenal-after-anderlecht-draw" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">post-Anderlecht</span></a>
analysis?<br />
<br />
My fear is that Klopp could go the way of Wenger, because I'm not sure he's a manager someone like Ivan Gazidis can control. I don't want a dictatorship at Arsenal, I want a collaboration. I want the likes of Forsythe, Jonker and Bould give Klopp their input, and for Jurgen to take that data and create something special. I don't want Klopp's aim of raw hunger for success skew, to controlling power at Arsenal - like it did with Wenger.<br />
<br />
Klopp may go the way of Wenger, he may not. Heck, we may never know, for his chances of ever managing Arsenal don't sound great. But call me crazy (and you will), but I'd be willing to take that risk. As I said, Klopp's not perfect, but he may be worth the gamble.<br />
<br />
Again, I don't believe Gazidis has the guts nor the authority to make the change in the first place. This entire discussion may well be pointless. But then again, you can't expect Wenger to stick around and keep performing forever. Arsenal need to make the leap sometime soon.<br />
<br />
Why not this June?<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">-Santi [Follow me on Twitter</span></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40arsenalblogz" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">@ArsenalBlogz</span></a> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-88393465092651120902015-04-12T17:45:00.000+05:302015-04-12T17:45:45.154+05:30Burnley 0-1 Arsenal: That'll do<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH28Kd1SZJ_WcUpT8POnwxUnAQdK93giqSChf98vK8zaT5LasNiLWQ_a2pB5TcicCTr9qhSQitAdSv6kTW1wGjHF-nr6hrb6LsT_wH_OyMNtRAKgEILKfy9GYzBucI7EN81sq5TU_vtpA/s1600/Burnley+0-1+Arsenal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH28Kd1SZJ_WcUpT8POnwxUnAQdK93giqSChf98vK8zaT5LasNiLWQ_a2pB5TcicCTr9qhSQitAdSv6kTW1wGjHF-nr6hrb6LsT_wH_OyMNtRAKgEILKfy9GYzBucI7EN81sq5TU_vtpA/s1600/Burnley+0-1+Arsenal.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1415/post/first-team/burnley-v-arsenal-match-report" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Match Report</span></a> | <a href="http://arsenalist.com/2015/04/11/burnley-vs-arsenal-highlights/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Match highlights</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150411/wenger-on-victory-consistency-coquelin" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Wenger's thoughts</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'd be lying if I said I hadn't hoped for something more stylish, but then again, a good, solid 1-0 win in an away Premier League is not the worst thing in the world. It means we stay ahead of pace of the two Manchester clubs and keep Chelsea on their toes. Or one toe, at least.<br />
<br />
I won't sugarcoat it when I say the team sheet disappointed me. While I agree that the likes of Ospina, Ozil, Giroud or even the Mertescielny axis at a stretch needed to be there to keep the spine of the team (and most of them were in undroppable form), this really should have been a game where we rested our big guns.<br />
<br />
As I said <a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2015/04/burnley-vs-arsenal-match-preview.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">in the preview,</span></a> while it's apparent that someone like Theo Walcott is not rated by the manager (and for valid reasons), I refuse to believe that he would have produced a substandard performance against a team like Burnley. Surely, going into the second half, his pace would have been an asset?<br />
<br />
Strength in depth is not only to make the bench look pretty, it's also to act as backup while the main men are out getting massages. With all respect to Sean Dyche's men (who put up a good fight), it's against inferior oppositions like these where a manager can <i>afford </i>to play squad players. This is a problem Wenger has been guilty of for ages, and also a contributing factor in why our star players tend to get injured more frequently. If you make the same players play all the games, the probability of them getting crocked gets higher, that's basic mathematics.<br />
<br />
I know it sounds petty, but it's an important issue nonetheless. The matter has been swept under the rug because we've gotten away unscathed, but imagine if one of our players had turned victim to one of oh-so-many Burnley fouls. The effects it would have had on an upcoming FA Cup semi final could perhaps have been decisive.<br />
<br />
Right, anyway. The football.<br />
<br />
As expected we dominated the hold of the ball and created a couple of early chances. Heaton made an elementary save to a Sanchez free kick, minutes after which the Chilean could have gotten an early goal but instead blazed it over. The two chances were sandwiched with a decent save from Ospina after a Vokes shot, where Mertesacker's lack of pace was apparent.<br />
<br />
Aaron Ramsey got the opener after what seemed like a trillion of deflections. It started when Alexis decided to take matters in his own hands. His shot was deflected onto Ozil, Mesut forced a good save from Heaton, but Aaron pounced on the parry to strike a fine one in the roof of the net.<br />
<br />
Amidst all the shower of praises over Ozil, Coquelin, Giroud and the lot, it's easy for Ramsey's resurrection to go under the radar. I reckon that'd suit him, though. He seems like a confidence player - I wouldn't want to burden him with expectations.<br />
<br />
Having said that, though, I found Wenger's decision to play him on the right a bit curious. <a href="http://news.arseblog.com/2015/04/ramsey-happy-to-do-a-job-out-right/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">On that,</span></a> the Welshman said:<br />
<br />
<i><b>"I’m doing a job out there. I like to be involved in the
game a lot more in the middle but I’ve had to do a job there. I’ve had a couple of assists and a goal in the last couple of games,
so I’m having an impact out there, but I’d like to be more involved in
the game!"</b></i><br />
<br />
Clearly the last few matches would suggest that it hasn't diminished his output, but it's still intriguing why Wenger has shunted him there. It's not as if there's a severe dearth of options - Walcott and Danny Welbeck can both do "a job" there. Heck, to me, Tomas Rosicky seems a better fit to that role than Ramsey!<br />
<br />
I always presumed in the last couple of games that Mesut Ozil would play on the left flank with Alexis on the right, but the manager's apparent alternative is odd. It appears that Coquelin and Cazorla are playing deeper with Ozil in the center and Ramsey on the right. I know that Wenger had played Ramsey on the right flank back in 2012 in an attempt to resurrect his form, but I feel it's unnecessary to stick him out there <i>now</i>. Is this just a mishmash of fitting the most in-form players in eleven slots, or are there bigger tactical balls at play here?<br />
<br />
Ramsey's obviously doing a good job out there, but I can't help but feel that we could bring more out of him by playing him in a more favourable position.<br />
<br />
Anyway, the rest of the first half trudged on through rare highlights involving an Ospina save from a Trippier free kick and a Cazorla free kick whizzing past the post. Was I the only one to feel that Mike Dean blowing his whistle on a load of fouls disrupted the momentum of the game? Perhaps the game would have been more eventful had he been more ruthless.<br />
<br />
Ozil was probably the only highlight of the second half as he lit up Turf Moor with two brilliant pieces of play. The first - a backheel to Sanchez - forced a good save, while the second was a lob to Ramsey who couldn't get his shot away due to a truly brilliant block. If there's one microcosm of how hard Burnley toiled around the pitch, that was it.<br />
<br />
Danny Ings tried to create trouble when he hit a cycle kick - again, terrific save from Ospina there - and Mee put in a delicious cross at the death to which no one got their heads to, but other than that I don't remember a moment where Burnley genuinely threatened to equalize.<br />
<br />
Indeed, it was us who could have doubled our tally during a four minute spell. Ozil could have played a better pass to Welbeck on 85, four minutes after which a cross from Bellerin was too loopy for Sanchez to get much power on.<br />
<br />
Wenger's late substitutions merely compounded the aforementioned lack-of-rotation problem, but apart from that we had enough stomach to see them through. Every point in the Premier League is important, so it's great to see us nabbing all of them. It also makes the Manchester derby a lot more relaxing to watch.<br />
<br />
There was the usual post-match gaffle from Wenger and the players about the fighting spirit, but what caught my eye was <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150411/per-i-m-not-thinking-about-title-race" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">a show of sense</span></a> from Per, when he said:<br />
<br />
<div class="copy-paste-block">
<i><b>"It [the title] is not in our hands anymore. They [Chelsea, who else?] have a decent lead so it’s very difficult
for us. At the moment, we’re just focusing on ourselves and that has made
us very strong in recent weeks.<span>"</span></b></i></div>
<div class="copy-paste-block">
<span></span></div>
<div class="copy-paste-block">
<span></span></div>
<div class="copy-paste-block">
<span><br />He, and every other rational person, is spot on. I agree that second wasn't the objective at the start of the season, but it's still a goal that deserves merit. It could have been much worse back in January, so while I'm not at all suggesting that second should remain the be-all and end-all of our ambitions, it's nice to see an Arsenal trying for something higher than the absolute minimum i.e. fourth.</span></div>
<div class="copy-paste-block">
<span><br /></span></div>
<div class="copy-paste-block">
<span></span></div>
What's realistic and gains greater credence than 2nd starts next week. The FA Cup may not be a major trophy in itself, but coupling that with a runners-up finish in the Premier League amounts to progress most clubs would kill for. It shouldn't be where our aspirations halt (although I fear it is) but it's a good starting point.<br />
<br />
Saturday would go a long way into satiating that.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-Santi [Follow me on
Twitter</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40arsenalblogz" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@ArsenalBlogz</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-8390057392569753012015-04-11T18:03:00.000+05:302015-04-11T18:03:17.932+05:30Burnley vs Arsenal: Match Preview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZGrO7UaBGgZ78qvfE-6EYpL2SLo9ED878GxXCicF-xmacPeMfTsBRAZd3vxgfzc8xUhxLqc7yXXo7HKypePqqIlf5jexNXI27mH7mhIyTdQcvswXQz-reZsowLeztG4_26iClZzllZM/s1600/Burnley+preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZGrO7UaBGgZ78qvfE-6EYpL2SLo9ED878GxXCicF-xmacPeMfTsBRAZd3vxgfzc8xUhxLqc7yXXo7HKypePqqIlf5jexNXI27mH7mhIyTdQcvswXQz-reZsowLeztG4_26iClZzllZM/s1600/Burnley+preview.jpg" height="278" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1415/pre/first-team/burnley-v-arsenal-match-preview" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Preview</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/pressconference" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Pre-match conference</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150409/team-news-debuchy-szczesny-koscielny" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Team news</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It's important to keep the momentum going, not only because of how the table stacks, but also because there's an FA Cup semi final on the way. Burnley are one of the weakest teams in the league, yes, but any away game in the Premier League has the potential to be quite tricky, as Manchester City found out at Selhurst Park.<br />
<br />
And look, this game could be a perfect tune-up on how to approach next week. Both teams - Burnley and Reading - are of a similar ilk, which makes it rather probable that a similar mentality may be required to dispatch away both of them.<br />
<br />
Sure, Burnley could be like how Granada were for Real Madrid - earmarking the games they need for survival and entirely giving up on the rest. However, I wouldn't put it past <strike>Heisenberg</strike> Sean Dyche to look to snatch something away from this game. They've been rather good against the top sides - especially City - and they burst a lung for the smallest half-chance.<br />
<br />
This is just one of those games that we need to get through to get to the matches carrying greater credence like against United, Chelsea and next week. However, we shouldn't look to underestimate this opposition. We had a tough time at St. James' and Selhurst Park. There's every chance that today could be akin to those struggles.<br />
<br />
Having said that, I'd prefer some rotation. The likes of Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud are in monstrous form, but are due a breather despite having a week of rest. I understand why players like Theo Walcott are not trusted by Wenger, but surely he's Premier League standard enough to get a game today?<br />
<br />
While Ospina is a nailed-on certainty in goal, the right back position could offer the manager some food for thought. Mathieu Debuchy is fully fit and raring to go, while the lad from Barcelona is in fine form. Personally, despite progressing as fast as he runs, I still have minor positional doubts about him. That, coupled with the need to rotate a 20 year old fullback who's played almost every match in the past 3 months means that I hope Debuchy gets the nod today.<br />
<br />
Gabriel should act as an ice pack for either Mertesacker or Koscielny today, and I hope Kieran Gibbs gets a chance too. There are doubts about his defensive contribution, but again, he should be more than capable of holding out Burnley. Lest we forget this is the same Gibbs who made acres of strides last season and was the undisputed starting left back for a while.<br />
<br />
Francis Coquelin should start in midfield along with Ramsey, but it's the rest of the front four that intrigue me. While I think Arsene will choose the safer option of overplaying Cazorla, Ozil, Sanchez and Giroud, I hope at least two of them are rested. We have players like Rosicky, the returning Wilshere, Walcott and Welbeck to provide much needed backup. There's really no point in having these players if they don't get the nod in matches like today.<br />
<br />
My gut says that today could be a close match, simply because there doesn't seem to be enough seriousness coming into the game. Wenger was right when he said that we need to stay focused because the two Manchester clubs are breathing down our necks, and I hope we approach this game with the requisite rubber gloves. Certainly not by showing Burnley too much respect and taking them on the counter, but instead by cautiously imposing our style of play and consolidating once we get the lead.<br />
<br />
Right, time to catch the second half of the Everton game. See you on the other side.<br />
<br />
Up The Arse!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-Santi [Follow me on
Twitter</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40arsenalblogz" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@ArsenalBlogz</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-12284664149732971732015-04-05T18:51:00.000+05:302015-04-05T18:51:47.559+05:30Arsenal 4-1 Liverpool: An uncharacteristic ruthless dismantling<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1415/post/first-team/arsenal-v-liverpool-match-report" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Match Report</span></a> | <a href="http://arsenalist.com/2015/04/04/arsenal-vs-liverpool-highlights-5/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Match highlights</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150404/wenger-on-victory-ozil-and-bellerin" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Wenger's thoughts</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'll gleefully hold my hands up in guilt for <a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2015/04/arsenal-vs-liverpool-match-preview.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">overestimating Liverpool</span></a> and underestimating ourselves after us absolutely tearing them to shreds. The goals were all audacious and spectacular, yes, but it was the manner of exuberance and ego we showed on the pitch that was far more encouraging.<br />
<br />
Make no mistake, although Liverpool were average, we took ruthless advantage of that. It's no exaggeration to say we strangled them to submission right from the off. Were it not for some below-par initial finishing from Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey, we could have sealed the game in the opening 5 minutes.<br />
<br />
Our recent winning streak may have been <a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2015/03/why-arsenals-recent-run-of-form-is.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">exaggerated</span></a> to a degree, but it brought along with it a factor that ultimately proved pivotal in Liverpool's dismantling - confidence. We didn't show Liverpool the respect we showed Tottenham or even Monaco earlier this season, pressing them and hardly letting their back three (especially Kolo Toure) build from the back.<br />
<br />
Brendan Rodgers wasn't to be outdone yet, though. I noticed he was penciling notes around the 16th minute, after which he seemed to get his plan across. Having weathered the early storm, Liverpool were confidently playing on the counterattack and growing into the game, taking advantage of Arsene Wenger adopting a high line. It almost worked when Coutinho released Markovic but the Russian (heh) couldn't find Sterling with his pass.<br />
<br />
I couldn't have been the only one worried then. Per Mertesacker was drifting toward the wing, Mesut Ozil was losing focus with his touches, Francis Coquelin was forced into making too many last-ditch sliding tackles and Bellerin seemed to be taking too many risks with the ball. With each passing minute, the early Ramsey miss was beginning to feel more and more synonymous to Jack Wilshere's against Manchester United.<br />
<br />
I realize the irony when I say that all of those worries were put to rest with a Bellerin risk. Ozil found Ramsey who was drifting to the right for most of the half, Aaron played it on to Bellerin, and for me, he just seemed to have that "Screw this scrappiness, I'm taking the law into my own hands here" moment when he went past Moreno and curled in an absolute beaut with his weaker foot. As much as it is easy to notice Liverpool ineptitude in defence there, it is easier to, well, not give a shit.<br />
<br />
With Liverpool rocking, Arsenal took full advantage and found a second. Mesut Ozil won a free kick barely two minutes later and launched a technically sound curler into the far post. Mignolet, who was having a great game until that point, really should have done better because the shot wasn't fiercely struck, but again, who really cares apart from Liverpool?<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLg4Qv0SCe8AArEA18fvrDlXjX-D5e9cQ1X11deS41hIui8hZ_DfrOh-yw5MsMw5-j2nW-0t2bPTjxWlNezCCcUzvl7WIOcQsX4BShlHzchmWP-hz7DkVPjOlvsWp-11Ak0OB7OoEIT3s/s1600/Arsenal+4-1+Liverpool+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLg4Qv0SCe8AArEA18fvrDlXjX-D5e9cQ1X11deS41hIui8hZ_DfrOh-yw5MsMw5-j2nW-0t2bPTjxWlNezCCcUzvl7WIOcQsX4BShlHzchmWP-hz7DkVPjOlvsWp-11Ak0OB7OoEIT3s/s1600/Arsenal+4-1+Liverpool+2.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
With Arsenal, 2-0 up is hardly game over but Liverpool didn't seem to think so, as they absolutely lost the plot and failed to keep any sort of structure. After Giroud headed over an Ozil corner, Bellerin (was it?) initiated some world-class football by playing it on to Ramsey. Aaron's turn was sublime, his pass was perfect, and Sanchez gave the perfect cream to ice the cake. Taking the ball on the bounce and getting away from an appalling Kolo Toure challenge, he rifled in one of the fastest and most Podolski-esque shots you would see this season. You can't really fault the goalkeeper for that. I'm surprised he even saw it.<br />
<br />
Rodgers tried to save face in the second half by bringing on Daniel Sturridge and employing a 4-1-4-1 with Sterling on the left, but really, even by Arsenal standards this game was done and dusted. Whatever Liverpool were looking to throw at us was so easy to the defence it was almost enjoyable. Indeed, we could have got a fourth in the 54th minute when Mignolet tipped over a Giroud header, but aside from that it was strolling in the garden stuff, with the only minor cause of frustration being Alexis giving the ball away on the counterattack.<br />
<br />
They did get a faint lifeline when Sterling was felled in the box and a penalty awarded, which Henderson barely converted. There's a fair case to say that Bellerin should have gotten a second yellow (and I'd agree), but well, he didn't, and today's not a day to focus on what could have been when what actually happened was a 4-1 thumping. Having said that, Bellerin's gamble which failed (but not punished enough) was another reminder that he's merely 20 and will make mistakes. We mustn't look to Harry Kane him for a fall from grace.<br />
<br />
After Emre Can was shown the door and Santi hit the post, Giroud made sure Arsenal ended on a high by scoring a pearler from an Alexis pass, ending Liverpool's misery. A terrific performance against an in-form team and some star performers to thank for.<br />
<br />
Mesut Ozil, after getting the second goal oozed class. He's a confidence player like Giroud, which is why it was great to see those little flicks and movements when Arsenal in general were cruising. Perhaps what was more heartening to see was Wenger subbing him around the 73rd minute for Danny Welbeck, when the game was over and Ozil needn't be overplayed.<br />
<br />
I know it's far from the father of the thought, but Welbeck continues to worry me. I've never expressed on this blog enough my discontent at his sheer lack of end product. Yes, he's a good squad player who puts himself about, but that's about it. Goals are what we need from a forward, which is why I'd prefer Theo Walcott to him.<br />
<br />
While Alexis Sanchez won the official MOTM award, I've got to hand it to Francis Coquelin. The man's playing like an absolute beast. He revels in the art of defending and being the lone sweeper, and is currently a prime reason why our 4-1-4-1 is ticking. He'll definitely do a job till the end of the season, but I still feel that we need one more specialist in that position to be absolutely secure. It's an unnecessary risk to be overly reliant on him, and competition on all fronts should be the bedrock of an elite team. Mikel Arteta may be a model professional and all that, but he hardly offers competition for Coquelin.<br />
<br />
All in all a fantastic job done by the players and the fans. Many had expected Arsenal to win this game (I confess I wasn't one of them), but the manner in which we made it possible bodes well for what's left of this season. A title challenge is a crazy assumption, but looking to overhaul Manchester City is very much possible, and whichever way you look at it, that's progress.<br />
<br />
The psychological impetus of beating a potential FA Cup finalist must also be noted. Liverpool are the only team left in the competition capable of ruining the party for us, but having that edge and relinquishing the 5-1 loss last season would go miles into calming nerves for the big day, should it arrives.<br />
<br />
All that's left of this season is a potential second place fight and an FA Cup win, but make no mistake, that's more than most clubs in England. With players returning from injury and the squad looking to have some serious depth, if we keep this up, we could make 2014/15 a very memorable one indeed.<br />
<br />
Go on Arsenal.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-Santi [Follow me on
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-12266100486422551112015-04-04T13:17:00.000+05:302015-04-04T13:17:05.830+05:30Arsenal vs Liverpool: Match Preview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhKlETby_f9ja14wc7Up5e6TH2Gpk1tLIjq5r625_UXb0lMsRaZAbsGoxgcJfaybAYUAniODKyhjXF4fKhhKjcV9KNVIdJg7vzvLtPBPSMX783Kkm881s0Vjc5eY0J0SB8eOPql4btTk/s1600/Rodgers+Wenger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhKlETby_f9ja14wc7Up5e6TH2Gpk1tLIjq5r625_UXb0lMsRaZAbsGoxgcJfaybAYUAniODKyhjXF4fKhhKjcV9KNVIdJg7vzvLtPBPSMX783Kkm881s0Vjc5eY0J0SB8eOPql4btTk/s1600/Rodgers+Wenger.jpg" height="346" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1415/pre/first-team/arsenal-v-liverpool-match-preview" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Preview</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/pressconference" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Pre-match conference</span></a> |<a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150402/team-news-arteta-welbeck-and-wilshere" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"> Team news</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The race for second is much better than the race for fourth, but we're in just as much of a risk of falling as we are of rising.<br />
<br />
That sounded like a Batman quote, didn't it?<br />
<br />
I'm not sure if I'm supposed to be nervous or excited for tomorrow. Our run of form has been encouraging, yet thoroughly overrated. The expectation of defeating Liverpool almost comfortably tends to turn into pressure very quickly, and we don't react favourably to that.<br />
<br />
An early goal could be vital here. Once our nerves are settled there's no denying we can devastate almost any opposition. Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil, in particular, tend to flourish when the atmosphere is more relaxed. Liverpool have been on a good run but the loss to United would have hurt, and an early breakthrough could turn their confidence to ash.<br />
<br />
We must be going for the win. Manchester City are crumbling, and Crystal Palace could take advantage of that. On the other hand, United have a pretty straightforward encounter against Aston Villa. Dispatching away Liverpool will not only keep United at bay and give us a shot at second, but would also do away with Liverpool for good.<br />
<br />
I'm wary of Liverpool. They looked like a clueless side earlier this season, but it turned out Rodgers had a plan. Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen are playing well, Sterling and Coutinho give them the extra edge, and they may be missing Martin Skrtel, but Sturridge is seemingly going to make it. It's easy to forget that he almost scored thrice at the Emirates last season.<br />
<br />
David Ospina seems set to start in goal, and he should, for he hasn't done anything apocalyptic to warrant a dropping. Mertesacker, Koscielny and Monreal would start in defence, and despite Debuchy returning from injury it seems he may not be match fit enough and Bellerin may get the nod.<br />
<br />
The only worry I have about Bellerin is that he tends to drift towards the center a bit too much, but that may work to Arsenal's advantage as Liverpool's presumed left winger - Coutinho - tends to cut inside rather than run down the wings. Alberto Moreno may give him pause for thought though.<br />
<br />
I like Bellerin, but if Debuchy is fit enough I hope he's given a start because his experience could bode well for us. This is the business end of the season and an extremely important game, which is why I'd rather not see any mucking about.<br />
<br />
Francis Coquelin is the obvious candidate in central defensive midfield, but it's his midfield partner who could win us the game. I really hope that one of Jack Wilshere or Tomas Rosicky are given a role in this game - assuming their fit enough, of course - because this is the kind of game they tend to revel in. Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla are technically sound, yes, but Wilshere or Rosicky add that extra bite and flair in midfield to counter that of Henderson's. It's the manager's call, of course, but I would really prefer seeing a Rosicky or a Wilshere on the pitch.<br />
<br />
Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are somewhat of a given to start, but the question lies as to where to start them. Sanchez should play on the right flank, no doubt, as Bellerin will need defensive support. My gut says Ozil would play on the left with Cazorla in the center, but I really hope that's not the case. Ozil only ever played well once on the left flank (against Aston Villa at home - hardly a barometer of his quality). If Ozil is to start, I don't see any other place to play him than in the hole. If there's no place for him in central attacking midfield, fine, get a Walcott or a Welbeck in there, but please don't diminish his powers out wide.<br />
<br />
Giroud's improvement has been fantastic, and we need another performance of that ilk today. There'll be huge pressure on him to cut the mustard, and rightly so. We need an early goal, and we cannot afford to see Giroud have a stinker, like against Monaco. Say what you will about his current form (and I'd probably agree), but Monaco at home was the only other match where the stakes were really high. Giroud has been scoring against big teams this season, which is great, but for me he still has to do more to convince me that he's a <i>reliable </i>Plan A.<br />
<br />
We're really wedged in between City and United, and it goes without saying that we need to win all of our games to have a greater comfort zone. This is definitely the time of the season where results are all that counts, even though good performances invariably lead to good results. Take this one game at a time, rest and rotate players whenever necessary, and we could get out of this pivotal stage looking handsome.<br />
<br />
This game ought to be really difficult, but it's still winnable. Flying out of the blocks is key, because an early goal will leave them rocking. Maintaining focus is pivotal too. We rode our luck a lot against them in the 2-2 draw against December. Instead of showing them too much respect or give them confidence, we must intimidate and bully them. Because I see little chance of an Arsenal victory if we play on the back foot or keep handing them the initiative.<br />
<br />
Come on Arsenal!<br />
<br />
Extra reading : <a href="http://crazyaboutepl.com/2015/04/03/arsenal-vs-liverpool-match-preview-and-prediction/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Crazy About EPL | Arsenal vs Liverpool : Match Preview and Prediction</span></a><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-Santi [Follow me on
Twitter</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40arsenalblogz" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@ArsenalBlogz</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-31264333048104758962015-03-30T21:51:00.000+05:302015-03-30T21:51:57.395+05:30Why Arsenal's recent run of form is a mirage<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QV9gXJbaGX31e5t6Vu86Ys6beGEIrlsQNA-SLg_I0jfFGNjgCgenCa6hHT10xRgNMUAJVohsl_GIJZmS1uqXKNl16beRCfFb0pS2gDfkbU1f1vVGR_sSuqB5IFac8cBrxA9ruxg1_xY/s1600/AFC+recent+run+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QV9gXJbaGX31e5t6Vu86Ys6beGEIrlsQNA-SLg_I0jfFGNjgCgenCa6hHT10xRgNMUAJVohsl_GIJZmS1uqXKNl16beRCfFb0pS2gDfkbU1f1vVGR_sSuqB5IFac8cBrxA9ruxg1_xY/s1600/AFC+recent+run+1.jpg" height="248" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It's wrong for supporters to base their entire perception of the team on <i>results. </i>Yes, we're in a results business and they hold greater credence than performances. I'd rather see Arsenal winning ugly than playing pretty tiki-taka football but not getting the requisite points.<br />
<br />
My chief problem lies with Arsenal making a habit of it. Invariably, it's a good performance that leads to a good result. Scrapping victories when the team is not at the races may be fine for a couple of games, but a run stretching beyond that quickly turns to papering over the cracks.<br />
<br />
Recently, our well-documented run of form since the Southampton game has read WWWWW<b>L</b>WWW<b>L</b>WWWWWW. That's 17 games with two losses in between to Tottenham and Monaco. It may seem excellent on face value, but a closer analysis suggests otherwise.<br />
<br />
Let's hold our hands up and admit it - wins against QPR, Crystal Palace and Everton were far from convincing. We were quite uncertain for large parts of the game and these encounters could have gone either way. A recent showing against Newcastle could also be part of this category.<br />
<br />
Leicester City was, on a performance-based level, quite disappointing as well. We have terrific players and supposedly huge ambitions as a football club - it's almost a right to expect more in terms of domination (or indeed, goals) against a disinterested Nigel Pearson side.<br />
<br />
I understand why people were chuffed by winning against Manchester United in their own den, and I was too. However, that performance was hardly convincing for a huge chunk of the game. United being quite dire helped our cause, even though they pretty much dominated the first half. Their odd Plan A of lobbing the ball to Fellaini was meat and drink to us as it would have been to any other team not fielding Oompa-Loompas in their starting XI.<br />
<br />
Welbeck's goal was a gift - Angel di Maria's sending off was even better. It's also worth remembering that on another day, a worse ref could have awarded United a penalty. I'm not saying Arsenal were particularly awful, but United being, well, crap (apologies for using the technical term there) was a bigger factor in our victory. Kudos for that win, but on that day even Burnley could have got something.<br />
<br />
In fact, upon reflection, only the wins against Hull City, Stoke, Manchester City, Villa, Middlesbrough and Monaco could be considered convincing. And mind you, matches against Hull, Stoke, Villa and Middlesbrough (at home) are games any above-average team are expected to win. Only the wins against Manchester City or Monaco could be considered a barometer of our progress.<br />
<br />
Winning ugly is a sign of champions, yes. However, making a norm of it is not, and certainly not against teams like Leicester and QPR. We've been stumbling our way from game to game and getting through the finishing line, which would have been great if the teams or the occasion was monumental. Most of these matches haven't been of the same ilk.<br />
<br />
Expectations may have been raised
higher than is appropriate. Truth be told, I think our record could level out to something
approaching an accurate reflection of our ability in the future. On paper, the results may be looking to go toward Arsenal's way, but in all honesty we've only done disproportionately well. Gooners are, once again, flirting with the familiar danger of being overly optimistic.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-Santi [Follow me on
Twitter</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40arsenalblogz" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@ArsenalBlogz</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-86385242833691052462015-03-27T01:30:00.000+05:302015-03-27T01:30:15.054+05:30Szczesny, Coquelin and the Theo Walcott saga<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
You wouldn't have to be a terribly avid follower of this blog to know that the posts have dried up the past couple of weeks. Or months.<br />
<br />
Incredibly, The Arsenal have chosen to move on without me.<br />
<br />
Jokes aside, these past few months have seen plenty of developments take place. The emergence of Coquelin and Bellerin, the falling out with Szczesny, the goals of Giroud and the whole Theo Walcott saga. There was also the customary falling out of the Champions League and the possibility of reclaiming the FA Cup.<br />
<br />
Because I haven't had the time slash interest to carry on for a while (wait, hadn't you heard?), the Arsenal part of me was exploding inside. And since I'm too selfless to keep my deranged thoughts to myself, here I go.<br />
<br />
Let's start from the back shall we? <br />
<br />
<b>The Szczesny-Ospina situation...</b><br />
Look, I entirely get why Szczesny tends to rub people up the wrong way, but in my mind he's the better keeper. Even if he's not, the portrayal of him being a Flamini or an Almunia is ludicrous. It's almost as if fans reboot their thinking at the dawn of a new season and forget the immediate past, because Szczesny was ace last season. There are no two ways about that fact.<br />
<br />
I do not doubt Szczesny's quality. Even though he's had a hiccup this season, for me he retains the frighteningly exciting potential to be Arsenal's David de Gea. To an extent, I don't even doubt his attitude. True, I would be loathe toward a player who has all the cockiness but none of the skill (a la Nicklas Bendtner), but at least Szczesny has the accolades and the talents to justify that.<br />
<br />
And as long as we're being perfectly honest, I felt his errors against Southampton were way overblown. Sure, for the first one he was almost entirely at fault, but I didn't think the second one was down to him. Upon watching the replay of that goal again, it becomes apparent that there was nothing Szczesny could do apart from kick the ball away in desperation. There was chaos in the box, and Szczesny did not have the time to collect it. Sticking a foot at the ball was more of a last resort.<br />
<br />
Now look, if Arsene Wenger decided to drop Szczesny for Ospina purely on a disciplinary level then that's grand. That's his stance and a really good one. But please, don't confuse his goalkeeping skills with his smoking ones is all I'm saying. I really think we should stick with Szczesny, especially after seeing what's gone on with David Ospina.<br />
<br />
While I was all for giving Ospina a chance, I must say that his performances have been significantly overrated. Yes, he's a decent kicker of the ball and dives really well. However, his parrying technique is all wrong and he simply cannot instill calmness during set-pieces. He doesn't have the height for the game either. Moreover, I cannot be the only one to think that his dives are way too
Hollywood. There are times where he unnecessarily leaps into the air to
push around the post a strike that a goalkeeper like Szczesny would
simply collect.<br />
<br />
The only advantage that Ospina seems to have on Szczesny is that he doesn't muck about and try to dribble players before hoofing the ball halfway. <br />
<br />
Ospina's not a terrible keeper by any stretch, but him getting the confidence of the Arsenal supporters was more down to a settled defence and the "a new option is always better" mentality than his actual quality.<br />
<br />
Szczesny responded brilliantly for more than a season after being dropped for Lukasz Fabianski two years ago. I am firmly of the opinion that should Wenger find a path for bringing Szczesny back into the foray, we could see a Pole performing at that similar ilk.<br />
<br />
<b>Francis Coquelin's emergence...</b><br />
I'm not going to rehash all of the "well if you had told me this lad was barely playing at Charlton over three months ago I would have called you my drunk uncle's wife" stuff because while I'm over the moon for the guy, it's getting boring to hear of people bleeding out his resurrection.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn46OwveKqSYJXJ-CnKB2QDzISe4dpY1QlBNPqRuWv4Pvid2578NohZ2bxbrC9rTFjb9j5mJWq22pccgWem17J04zG2Yeya09XoqJIIcacD2LUtzBr8YtcUJo-vxl0QQNLFvdHCmsCzGA/s1600/Szczesny,+Coquelin+and+the+Theo+Walcott+saga+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn46OwveKqSYJXJ-CnKB2QDzISe4dpY1QlBNPqRuWv4Pvid2578NohZ2bxbrC9rTFjb9j5mJWq22pccgWem17J04zG2Yeya09XoqJIIcacD2LUtzBr8YtcUJo-vxl0QQNLFvdHCmsCzGA/s1600/Szczesny,+Coquelin+and+the+Theo+Walcott+saga+1.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know we wanted a combative DM, but this is ridiculous!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
What I will say about Coquelin is this - he was exactly what we needed. We didn't need a complicated player, we needed a straightforward one. Essentially, what we needed was someone to do the dirty work who would spare no chance in welcoming his opponent to the British way of playing. Arteta is too nice to lose his cool even if someone ruffles up his hair. Flamini was a great short-term solution until he just, faded away.<br />
<br />
If I have a worry about Coquelin, it is that there yet exists the real danger of him fizzling out like Flamini did, should opponents get wise to him. We have to make sure that Coquelin's form, as welcome as it has been, is not the big all and end all in terms of Arsenal's defensive midfield woes. Buying an extra defensive midfielder is yet mandatory, because Arteta and Flamini aren't getting any younger, and there are doubts over the Ramsey-Wilshere pair in central midfield as well.<br />
<br />
We have the resources, so I don't see a reason why Francis must be shown the light of complacency, if that makes any sense.<br />
<br />
<b>Is Theo Walcott Arsenal quality?</b><br />
What I found really typical about this whole Theo Walcott issue was that several pro-Wenger fans (sorry for the labeling) knee-jerked their opinions too quickly the moment it became apparent that Arsene Wenger does not rate Walcott anymore.<br />
<br />
Look, I try not to attack portions of Arsenal's fanbase directly but these levels of hypocrisy irk me.<br />
<br />
When Arsenal oh-so predictably ceded the title last season, Wenger spared no expense in shifting the blame to <a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/05/why-arsenal-wouldnt-have-won-league.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">injuries,</span></a> injuries that wouldn't have happened if he hadn't overplayed the likes of Ramsey, Ozil and Koscielny until they could barely walk. Overrating the absence of pace (why not buy in January, then?) meant that people could overstate the importance of Theo Walcott to the team. Suddenly Theo was the Robert Pires of past - an indispensable cog to Arsenal's attacking engine.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to this season, and people have already made their peace with Walcott's potential departure because, let's face it, Arsene Wenger has. Don't get me wrong - while I think Walcott is a good player, he is by no means absolutely essential to the success of Arsenal Football Club.<br />
<br />
What bugged me, however, was the blind following toward Wenger akin to original logic.<br />
<br />
When Francis Coquelin was loaned out to Charlton as a death sentence, no one really rated him. However, when he was forced to come back after four injuries and did excellently, no one was willing to eat humble pie, but were instead praising the manager's "unbelievable" faith in the Frenchman. What tosh. To add to the aforementioned debate, most of the reason Wojciech Szczesny gets a lot of undeserved stick is not because he's a terrible goalkeeper, but because he has quite obviously lost the faith of Wenger.<br />
<br />
Again, don't get me wrong. My argument is not related with the quality of the player, - it's to do with the supporters adjusting their thoughts to suit their basic "Arsene knows all" argument. If Lukas Podolski was not on loan to Inter Milan and was getting games at the club, I truly doubt people would be giving him the amount of flak they do now.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
Theo Walcott typifies this situation. Opinionated websites like <a href="http://arseblog.com/2015/02/arsenal-2-1-leicester-unconvincing-but-three-points/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Arseblog</span></a> are not ashamed to point out his deficiencies in his overall game <i>now</i> (and rightly so), but where was all this analysis a year ago when Arsene Wenger was bigging up his absence? No Arsenal fan could be delusional to such an extent that they yet believe that before his injury, Walcott was not bang-on average when he wasn't scoring or assisting?<br />
<br />
For the record, I'd like Walcott to stay. In fact, to add a little spice to my argument, I'd like Arsenal to try playing him as a center forward, if there are issues about his defensive workrate on the wings. It's about time we try to adapt to an attacking approach with a faster striker, because while Giroud's improvement has been terrific (before you get all "I told you so", I was <a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/02/a-case-to-defend-olivier-giroud.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">one of his backers</span></a>), I still think he should be a Plan B option. I'm not a fan of the traditional-target-man approach with build up plays involving pivots and back-to-goal hold ups, because it does not guarantee a huge goal output. Olivier Giroud may be huffing and puffing and scoring goals, but Arsenal will always remain offensively static with a limited striker like him up front.<br />
<br />
Part of the reason I was excited about Danny Welbeck's signing was because I felt he could herald a new beginning to a more fluid, dynamic Arsenal. In that respect he has disappointed, because his finishing is pretty mediocre. If we want to score more goals and find a proper use for Theo Walcott's pace and finishing, playing him as a lone striker wouldn't be a bad idea. Obviously he's no Thierry, but Theo's pace means that he may be an acceptable surrogate.<br />
<br />
And of course, if it should work the black lining to the silver cloud would be having to tolerate the "Arsene Wenger is a tactical genius" comments from the same people berating him right now.<br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />
Right - I understand that there have been way more developments over the past months than I have touched upon, but the international break means that I have the liberty to spread my opinions throughout this following week of torture. And I intend to take advantage of that.<br />
<br />
Finally, apologies for being absent for most of this season. 2014/15 for me has been a real blur at times and I haven't quite been myself with respect to my Arsenal life. Hopefully all that claptrap ends soon.<br />
<br />
Until then, cheers, enjoy, laugh at the awkward ending of this post, but don't watch the Cricket World Cup finals. It's not interesting now that India's shown the door.<br />
<br />
Later!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-Santi [Follow me on
Twitter</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40arsenalblogz" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@ArsenalBlogz</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-68844023117650208792015-03-18T19:09:00.000+05:302015-03-18T19:09:16.219+05:30Monaco 0-2 Arsenal: Lather, rinse, repeat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_zuDd0heCWQeI-rk65UZuZZrrDL4fovmw22dUAEDznX5mvaQ4dda7OMNByQXWXo8IKCFS7j00lK2Bhn8WTmdqQGkjr2jMPkCT5mpaQn01fBXV6Cw63HyEMMG0HGQYVxWMydsG2gEIXM/s1600/Monaco+0-2+Arsenal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_zuDd0heCWQeI-rk65UZuZZrrDL4fovmw22dUAEDznX5mvaQ4dda7OMNByQXWXo8IKCFS7j00lK2Bhn8WTmdqQGkjr2jMPkCT5mpaQn01fBXV6Cw63HyEMMG0HGQYVxWMydsG2gEIXM/s1600/Monaco+0-2+Arsenal.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1415/post/first-team/monaco-v-arsenal-match-report" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Match Report</span></a> | <a href="http://arsenalist.com/2015/03/17/monaco-vs-arsenal-highlights/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Match highlights</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150317/wenger-on-champions-league-last-16-exit" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Wenger's thoughts</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's hard to feel any regret today. Yeah, you read that right.<br />
<br />
On earlier occasions I would have been downright furious at the referee for not awarding Alexis Sanchez a penalty. Or towards Giroud, for his intervention towards the end meant the Chilean could not head the ball in the net. Or, predictability, towards Arsene Wenger and his suicidal tactics which led to the 3-1 deficit in the first place.<br />
<br />
Not today. Familiarity may breed contempt for some, but it tends to make me bored. I didn't feel enough anticipation or excitement last night because, well, we've already seen this before haven't we? At Munich, against Milan and against Barcelona. We know the spoilers. We know how it ends.<br />
<br />
Last night was a commendable performance, but it still doesn't do anything for the progress of the team. It's not turning a corner and it's not a significant morale-booster. Much as we'd hate to admit it, this season was yet another wasted one.<br />
<br />
Yes, we can win the FA Cup and we can finish higher than fourth and I'd love it if we do. But is that what we should come to expect of Arsenal FC? <a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/05/norwich-0-2-arsenal-are-you-happy-with.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">When last season ended</span></a> I immediately expressed my expectation of wanting to see Arsenal challenge for major honours next season. I refuse to believe I was alone in that line of thinking.<br />
<br />
Look at the fourth prediction (heh) I had given <a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/05/a-truthful-gooner-quits-club-201415.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">last season</span></a> about this season.<br /><br /> <i><b>"4. Arsenal will not win the EPL, nor will they come close to
winning the Champions League. We might win the FA Cup or the Capital
One, but we won't win trophies a club of Arsenal's stature should win."</b></i><br />
<br />
It's about time we stop easily forgiving failure. It's about time we call a spade for a spade and realize that while Arsene Wenger has done excellently in building a base for the club, he is not the one to reap its rewards. We cannot afford to be mucking about when it comes to the success of Arsenal FC.<br />
<br />
I trust that many would agree when I say that Arsene Wenger is not bigger than Arsenal, but I'm unsure they understand the significance of that statement. It means that we should keep sentiment to the side and look at options who offer progress. While Arsene has assembled a very good team, he looks incapable of making them realize their potency. And make no mistake, if we give Wenger yet another opportunity to make things right "the next time around" and he fails, the players won't be as forgiving.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/06/cesc-proves-that-loyalty-and-trust-is.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Cesc Fabregas' transfer to Chelsea</span></a> proved that footballers do not think about loyalty, gratitude or repayment anymore. All they want, understandably, is money and success. The brilliance of Ivan Gazidis has brought the big bucks to North London, but Arsenal are yet to witness any major trophies since 2004. Gems like Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez will not wait around for Wenger to resign to witness a rejuvenated Arsenal. They don't have the same levels of loyalty and patience towards the club as we <strike>do</strike> did.<br />
<br />
The exodus in 2011 and 2012 wasn't entirely down to lack of funds. It was because players had lost faith in Wenger ambition and were hungry for footballistic success, not monetary ones. The warning signs were there back in the mid-2000s, when Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira left because they felt the team was losing ambition.<br />
<br />
We took a huge fall in 2011. We lost Cesc, Nasri, van Persie, Clichy and Alex Song because they no longer believed in Arsene Wenger. Upon reminiscing, you may be reminded that it was a long and painful journey back to restoring their enormous voids and having a relatively stable platform again. It took a lot of time, money and patience to get back to the threshold of the elite again. However, Arsenal may be setting ourselves up for failure once again if we aren't proactive enough.<br />
<br />
And by we, I mean Ivan Gazidis. Blaming Arsene Wenger and trying to expose his flaws is almost becoming a moot point. I know he's incompetent, I know he's not the final key to Arsenal's success, and I trust that there are others who know the truth as well. I know that under Arsene Wenger, Champions League scraps and elite purgatory is something of a given.<br />
<br />
However, the onus is on Gazidis to ensure that we don't fall into the same manhole twice. Yesterday was a reminder of how far Arsenal are away from Champions League and Premier League success, but it was also a reminder of how we can get there. In terms of players, we almost have the real deal. All Gazidis needs is a manager who can make them flourish, and he needs him fast.<br />
<br />
I'd love to say that the reason I haven't been blogging for the past two
months was because of work commitments, which is partly true. However,
although I have had my pockets of opportunities to vent my thoughts on
Arsenal, I've <i>chosen </i>not to take them. I love Arsenal and I love
the supporters and the players, but seeing Wenger waste yet another
season (and, crucially, not seeing the board do anything about it)
has bored me. I haven't written because Arsenal, to an extent, have begun to bore me.<br />
<br />
I want the CEO of one of the world's biggest organizations to grow a pair. I want a manger past his sell date to depart. I want unpredictability. I want competitiveness. Is that too much to ask from a football club as big as Arsenal?<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-Santi [Follow me on
Twitter</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40arsenalblogz" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@ArsenalBlogz</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b></span><br />
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-37259795213581822562015-01-21T23:40:00.001+05:302015-01-21T23:40:59.562+05:30(How) can Mesut Özil regain his Arsenal spot + Coquelin thoughts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9P3P6Ef1Zdy0K1gvjUrKwyqv0F7An5ueNZxRZaJ3t19HmwD3HW0SxdrymaaF9-PJM4ANzuuKDRyfLIoMdNCnTDiwdZfb4XLCMDN_vC5j8W29K-qF4_K_9EjofFJQgJJbZs_1UbXJQihg/s1600/Ozil+Santi+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9P3P6Ef1Zdy0K1gvjUrKwyqv0F7An5ueNZxRZaJ3t19HmwD3HW0SxdrymaaF9-PJM4ANzuuKDRyfLIoMdNCnTDiwdZfb4XLCMDN_vC5j8W29K-qF4_K_9EjofFJQgJJbZs_1UbXJQihg/s1600/Ozil+Santi+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Santi Cazorla was outrageous on Sunday. There's a reason he's my favourite player, and that's not entirely down to his general teddy bear-ness and his India connection. Sprint speed and aerial ability aside, this guy has everything. He can pass, he can shoot, he's ambidextrous, versatile, tricky and robust. It's worth mentioning that he started all of Arsenal's Premier League games two seasons ago yet never got injured. He may give out an Arshavin-esque feel, but he's far ahead than the Russian in terms of workrate. Give him pace and he turns into a more effective Alexis Sanchez.<br />
<br />
His form has come at a very inconvenient time for a certain wide-eyed German. Mesut Ozil was, in my opinion, wrongly criticized for his performances leading up to his injury. He was poor against Manchester City and Dortmund, yes, but followed that up with three very good performances against Aston Villa, Galatasaray and Tottenham. Against Chelsea he was poor, but people seem to overlook that he was injured during most of that match. Wenger overplayed his hand with Ozil's knee injury and lost.<br />
<br />
Ozil may be on the verge of producing big things for Arsenal, but are we sure that we are willing to sacrifice Santi Cazorla for that? I know I've just come to Ozil's defence and all that, but I'm very much of the opinion that when on top form, Cazorla offers more than Ozil in that attacking midfield position. Ozil is, merely, a marginally better passer and has superior ball retention to Cazorla.<br />
<br />
Santi, however, offers goals, tracking back, unpredictability (with both of his feet) and proper versatility. He won't stink the place out as much as Ozil does when they're deployed on the left. And I know that Ozil is a bona fide world-class player and has excellent movement and is rated highly by just about any footballing personality in the know, but that doesn't hide the fact that Cazorla has done nothing to merit a dropping from the squad.<br />
<br />
It's mooted that Ozil will get the nod in the weekend's FA Cup clash against Brighton away, but that's not a match which would speak volumes of Ozil's ability lest he performs. With all possible respect to Brighton, Ozil would have to perform on much higher stages to prove his mettle to make it in the Premier League. A convincing performance against Brighton would only half-convince me.<br />
<br />
Even so, it would be nice to see if Mesut has learned anything new since his time out. Footballers tend to analyze their game during a lengthy injury layoff and assess their flaws. Olivier Giroud did something of the sort and came out a lot stronger, using his physicality and scoring important goals against important teams.<br />
<br />
What I especially liked about Ozil bulking up was that it showcased a certain degree of commitment to making it at Arsenal. When he came into the club, for the first season or so I got the impression that he didn't care much about the successes and failures of Arsenal Football Club. Hell, that may still be the case, for Shad Forsythe and Arsene Wenger may have forced him to build his muscularity. However, I'd be surprised if that was the truth.<br />
<br />
Clearly Mesut Ozil is the long-term option in the No. 10 role. Even a player as energetic and buzzing like Tomas Rosicky must be thinking about his retirement plans sometime soon, and Cazorla has reached that dreaded age-30 phase. However, if we want to attain maximized outputs from Ozil, we need to "stick him in there more often", so to say. How could we do that and not displace the mercurial Santi Cazorla?<br />
<br />
The only possible solution, to my mind, is shifting Cazorla's position. Footballers tend to experiment in deeper positions in order to prolong the twilight of their careers. Steven Gerrard went from attacking midfielder to defensive midfielder. Wayne Rooney, once a lone striker, is now seen pumping lobs from the centre of the park. Two of hundreds of examples.<br />
<br />
I don't reckon shifting Cazorla to a central midfield position, alongside a defensive midfielder is a bad idea by any stretch. It's a point to note that when Arsenal's central midfield crisis was ongoing, Rosicky and Cazorla were asked to play in that role periodically. It turned out to be an enforced masterpiece, so to say, because Santi in particular truly impressed me in that role.<br />
<br />
I am of the opinion that we can get something out of Cazorla in that deep-lying playmaker role. Ramsey is having his ups and downs and Wilshere is perennially injured, so what's the harm in trying? Cazorla has already proven his willingness and adeptness at dropping deep to win the ball back. In addition, this also allows Mesut Ozil room in his preferred No. 10 role to spray passes to Sanchez and Walcott and give us all orgasms.<br />
<br />
When Ozil first came to Arsenal, plenty couldn't wait to see how Cazorla and Mesut would link up. As it stood, having Ozil in the centre and Cazorla on the left yielded inconsistent results. Perhaps moving Santi Cazorla closer to the DM rather than away from it may bring more creativity and solidity to our defence.<br />
<br />
Final note for today - Francis Coquelin. Look, I'm over the moon for the lad and really happy for the club as well as the player, but Coquelin isn't a <i>specialist </i>in his role by any stretch. In fact, the exaggerated praise that he's receiving is the result of Arsenal being used to not seeing a proper DM since the days of Gilberto Silva and Patrick Vieira. Coquelin is walking and talking proof that all Arsenal needed was a <i>proper </i>defensive midfielder, not the half-moulds of Alex Song, Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini.<br />
<br />
Obviously I would not be averse to handing Coquelin a new deal and would want him at the club, but if Arsenal really want to be like the Bayerns and the Barcelonas, they need to get in a defensive midfielder specialist in his position, like Morgan Schneiderlin. Francis has done a job and has probably proven that he can fill the gap until the summer comes. He's done a huge favour for Arsene. I hope he realizes that that favour has a rapidly approaching expiry date.<br />
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-Santi [Follow me on
Twitter</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40arsenalblogz" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@ArsenalBlogz</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-18083904185486440402015-01-16T21:37:00.001+05:302015-01-16T21:37:24.226+05:30A theory on why Arsenal never buy the requisite amount of players<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
It's pretty apparent Arsene hadn't a plan coming into January 1st.<br />
<br />
If he would, there would have been finalized targets and deals in progress, nearing completion. True, transfers can only happen during the summer or in January, but negotiations and enquiries can happen any day of the year. Deals can be concluded behind the scenes and the formality of the paperwork and signing of the checkbooks and contracts can happen once the FA permits i.e. the transfer window.<br />
<br />
I may be a tad wrong on the specifics here, but I'm certain I'm accurate in suggesting that there <i>can </i>be a certain element of proactiveness before the window actually opens. There are so many deals like the Daniel Sturridge or the Demba Ba ones which were concluded pretty early in the transfer window because the hard work was done before the window opened. Even the Lukas Podolski loan deal happened pretty early.<br />
<br />
Now, I know that there have to be two consenting parties to finalize negotiations behind the scenes, but there can still exist a measure of prearrangement from the approaching party, such as scouting the target, estimating a price and setting aside the money on hand.<br />
<br />
Not at Arsenal. Note that before the transfer window started, Arsene Wenger quite clearly stated his intention to buy whenever it was convenient to, and not from the word go.<br />
<br />
<b><i>"There is a need but the right opportunity has to come up. To buy [just] to buy <u>is not what we want to do</u>, but if the right opportunity comes up, we will do it."</i></b><div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
In no way at all does that signify a desire to strengthen out of ambition. Essentially, what the manager is saying that he won't buy a Pepsi unless a truck full of it stops in front of him and offers him a special discount. Not only does that happen rarely in the January transfer window, but it also means that if it indeed doesn't, Wenger is ready to shank another season to keep the "long-term" plan in mind.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At this point, I have to ask, what is the "long-term" plan? Every January <b>without exception</b> the fans are hopeful Wenger will plug the gaps to propel a decent cup run or win the title. Every time the transfer window ends, the same fans are quite understandably frustrated but lie themselves into believing that the manager will make amends in the summer, when players and clubs are more open to a move.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The result?<br /><br />January 2014 expectations: Centre back, defensive midfielder, striker</div>
<div>
Reality: Injured defensive midfielder</div>
<div>
End of summer transfer window, 2014: Lack of depth in centre half or defensive midfield</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
January 2013 expectations: Centre back, striker</div>
<div>
Reality: Panic-purchase left back</div>
<div>
End of summer transfer window, 2013: Lack of depth in centre half, striker</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
January 2012 expectations: Attacking midfielder, backup striker</div>
<div>
Reality: Thomas Eisfeld</div>
<div>
End of summer transfer window, 2012: Lack of defensive midfielder, striker<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's fairly obvious that Arsene Wenger has, religiously, failed to plug the gaps in the summer. Fans consoling and deluding themselves only serves to continue this vicious cycle.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The question lies as to why does Wenger not buy the required quantity/quality of players. Some may say that he is incapable. I disagree. From what I know about Wenger, I think that he can sign a player if he has his heart set out on him. He's bought a lot of good players last season and convinced a <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2404838/Real-Madrid-pair-snub-Arsenal-Angel-Di-Maria-Mesut-Ozil-determined-reject-Premier-League-move.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">not-for-sale</span></a> Mesut Ozil to jump ship from Real Madrid too.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Notice the "if he has his heart set out on him" clause, though. Personally, I don't think Wenger is really interested in this transfer window. There's no Schneiderlin, Hummels or Winston Reid deal happening behind the scenes. Even if it were, it would be a reactive measure to injuries than a planned assessment of "Is this player just right for Arsenal"?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b><i>"We are more (in the market now). We work really hard morning until late night to try to get one or two players in."</i></b><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Even with long-term injuries to Debuchy and Arteta, I don't expect anything more than Bielik and a defender (loaned, probably) as our January showings. Recent past and the manager's general stubbornness gives that theory weight.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Which brings us back to the question - why does Wenger not buy the necessary? It's not because he can't, nor is it because he doesn't have the money. Call me crazy (and you will), but I think Wenger <i>chooses </i>not to buy the players.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wenger knows he's inept. He must know - so must all the fans - that even with world-class quality at his disposal, his outdated and one-dimensional tactics would screw them over. He doesn't have the in-game management acumen nor the motivational skills to bring the best out of any team. Not anymore. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FOjHVdsNePEV_jrL8Qo6eLKW_fwvUw_NyyeClHJbHHAiEzvWnQwzNeyWLasoZt0i_j1dj_oFth91CU0HQBp0cleUTUAVFMTJj8bPiFVpYOKEUxIB9bDk8dLpLfvSJ-0lrODH9YAZYbQ/s1600/Tweet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FOjHVdsNePEV_jrL8Qo6eLKW_fwvUw_NyyeClHJbHHAiEzvWnQwzNeyWLasoZt0i_j1dj_oFth91CU0HQBp0cleUTUAVFMTJj8bPiFVpYOKEUxIB9bDk8dLpLfvSJ-0lrODH9YAZYbQ/s1600/Tweet.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the date.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Imagine if Arsenal had Vidal, Hummels and Reid in the team and were still struggling (mind, it could happen under Wenger). The tirade of the fans would aim directly at Wenger, for it will undoubtedly be his fault that the team aren't living up to their potential. There would be protests and there would be chantings at the Emirates calling for his removal (if we don't have enough of that already). Because, honestly, who else would you blame?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you think such a case is impossible, think again. Look at this season. Look at the squad objectively and think of the quality it offers. Definitely more than Southampton's, definitely more than Manchester United's and probably equal to Manchester City's, in my humble opinion. Yet we're languishing somewhere fifth in the table.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Money is not the answer to everything. There are anti-Wenger bloggers who have been saying this before the PUMA and Emirates deals struck us gold. Mark Hughes at QPR proved that simply buying players does not solve the problem. There are a lot more aspects - such as playing the player in their best positions, using the best formation, specific tactics against specific opposition, resting and rotating at the right times and a lot more - which makes the percentile difference.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It is for this reason I believe Wenger was right in not buying Cesc Fabregas again. There really would have been no point. The problem wasn't a lack of midfielders, it was a lack of tactical acumen and proper formational structure from Arsene. Wenger played Ozil on the left, Ramsey as an attacking midfielder and left Arteta alone to guard a mishmash defence. These are not problems relating to transfers, they are pertaining to the manager's ability to read and strategise in a game. If we had bought Fabregas and played him in a 4-1-4-1 he would have tanked or gotten injured in a few months time due to him being overplayed in an incorrect position.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think it's pretty obvious Wenger knows in which areas are his squad lacking. Only a fool would deny a centre back or a defensive midfielder is not of the utmost necessity. I think Wenger himself knows that he can get the required players that can fill the gaps, if he tried. <br /></div>
<div>
However, he knows that not buying the necessary players leaves room for excuse. He knows that should Arsenal lose, the fans would bemoan the lack of defensive quality and attribute that as the underlying cause. He knows that he can buy time by letting the fans believe that simply buying one or two players would win us the Premier League.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Because the truth is, Wenger would struggle to win the Bundesliga even if he was in charge of Bayern Munich.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-Santi [Follow me on
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-40919888615295769332014-12-30T00:07:00.000+05:302014-12-30T00:07:36.804+05:30West Ham 1-2 Arsenal: Signs of progress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHGoSAVTz9ewAI9luGJwNlNUhL-2wTGoEWsrH82CCkEn29Xyt-X4ntgFodECy6MPvSx_kcarbl6HAVao55d3kwqyY6WZLXhVsSMhqWwm3jDwiecRFgmf8uCZk3D_bZ-gMXqUpexoH2ak/s1600/Santi+Welbeck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHGoSAVTz9ewAI9luGJwNlNUhL-2wTGoEWsrH82CCkEn29Xyt-X4ntgFodECy6MPvSx_kcarbl6HAVao55d3kwqyY6WZLXhVsSMhqWwm3jDwiecRFgmf8uCZk3D_bZ-gMXqUpexoH2ak/s1600/Santi+Welbeck.jpg" height="211" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1415/post/first-team/west-ham-v-arsenal-match-report" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Match Report</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20141223/highlights-west-ham-united-v-arsenal" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Match highlights</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20141228/wenger-on-victory-coquelin-and-top-four" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Wenger's thoughts</span></a></td></tr>
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I'm not one for unnecessarily bringing hopes up by overrating the positives. I don't think, for instance, that defending that lead till the death is a huge step or a turning point. West Ham were impressive until we sucker-punched ourselves into the lead - that doesn't mean we were <i>assured </i>as such. The impressive defending that spanned across the calendar year of 2013 looks to me like a one-off, not something we've taken heart from and progressed.<br />
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Francis Coquelin was impressive. I for one always rated him whenever I saw him on the pitch, but I assumed he might have regressed since he barely got games in for Freiburg and Charlton. However, I don't really think this might be some sort of career landmark moment for him. He was an emergency player and performed admirably as one. I would like to give him a run of games, for he certainly seems calmer than Mathieu Flamini, but asking Wenger to give someone a chance has become foolish thought nowadays. The man hardly ever rotates.<br />
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However, the only positive that I found was about our attack starting to click. I know that many were fans of the Welbeck-Alexis-Giroud trio, but I personally prefer Oxlade-Chamberlain into the mix. The forward trio we had out there, sandwiched with Santi Cazorla in the middle produced one of the finest attacking displays this season.<br />
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West Ham at home, particularly this season, are not to be undermined. Manchester City faced them and couldn't find a goal because the likes of Cresswell and Song were so influential. For this jaded Arsenal side to find three valuable points and legitimately claim that we could have won by more is not to be scoffed at. With the defence yet to settle down, I have a feeling our attack may have to carry us for the games to follow.<br />
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On a final point to this alarmingly microscopic match report - don't for one second bear any illusions of Arsenal stumbling into the title race. From an Arsenal perspective Chelsea are impossible to overtake, while although Manchester City are not different class as such, we still have a lot to work to do and a lot of fine margins to reach before thinking about them. Imagining Arsene Wenger remedying the minutiae is laughed at for a reason.<br />
<br />
Speaking of Arsene Wenger, here's a superb <a href="http://arsenaltruth.squarespace.com/arsenal-truth/2014/12/23/wenger-has-hubris-syndrome-disorder.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Arsenal Truth piece</span></a> that goes miles into describing him.<br />
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Until then, Happy New Year!<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-Santi [Follow me on
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-68707447977208530082014-12-27T12:10:00.000+05:302014-12-27T18:40:56.806+05:30Arsenal 2-1 QPR: Super Sanchez seals nervy points<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOumbpZAh_qGQjlTAaU6kxQOEBSnqm-5up6Oii1GAropqEAOwUI95bwJU-HDshtW53L3uodc1DEs3KeHfYYYU_4LSJmllSozLu1vT0UXLqkZFRKJo0mwDVX2iloY-7t3RZdHM2VZDWC0/s1600/Sanchez+Rosicky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOumbpZAh_qGQjlTAaU6kxQOEBSnqm-5up6Oii1GAropqEAOwUI95bwJU-HDshtW53L3uodc1DEs3KeHfYYYU_4LSJmllSozLu1vT0UXLqkZFRKJo0mwDVX2iloY-7t3RZdHM2VZDWC0/s1600/Sanchez+Rosicky.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1415/post/first-team/arsenal-v-qpr-match-report" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Match Report</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20141223/highlights-arsenal-v-qpr" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Match highlights</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20141226/wenger-on-win-giroud-and-podolski" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Wenger's thoughts</span></a></td></tr>
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We've had so many unconvincing wins this season that yesterday seemed almost routine. The pattern was almost familiar - a possession-dominated Arsenal side failed to impress in front of goal, only to be bailed out by the magnificent Sanchez, yet almost found a way to Arsenal it all up. I guess Jesus was on our side for this one, because despite not getting some of the decisions our way, we were fortunate to not concede a penalty which many referees would have given.<br />
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The lineup hit me as a bit of a surprise, but on second thoughts, I realized there didn't seem to be much choice for Wenger than to bring Tomas Rosicky for the injured Oxlade-Chamberlain. Apart from that the only other change was Nacho Monreal for Calum Chambers. While I appreciate the rotation, on a personal level I would have tried to being Podolski into the fold, for either Sanchez or Welbeck.<br />
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I know that Podolski isn't rated highly by the manager, but it's not exactly a monumental task to trust him to deliver the goods against one of the worst teams in the league at home. He does have his faults in terms of his defensive contribution and his workrate, but he also has utility to the team. He wasn't and isn't a German international by fluke.<br />
<br />
Wenger spoke about rotation in the Christmas period, coming out against it with some pretty ludicrous quotes:<br />
<br />
<b><i>“The difficulty is finding the right balance between rotation and the balance of the team without destabilising it. Therefore you sometimes have to limit the numbers of rotation.”</i></b><br />
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To me it seems like a poorly thought out way to window dress his man management skills throughout the years and promote inaction. Anyone who plays football - it doesn't even have to be Premier League standard - knows that their body is a temple. Carefully managing the team throughout the season (which include the training sessions as much as the Matchday fixtures) is very important. The answer to winning all games isn't playing all the best players by default, especially when you take into consideration that most of the players Arsene has assembled are relatively brittle and are playing football week in, week out since a tender age.</div>
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It's amazing how readily people dismiss and downplay the consequences of overplaying a footballer to defend their manager. Any football authority worth their salt will tell you its of huge importance, none more so than Shad Forsythe. However, in the end, Shad doesn't pick our starting XI, Arsene Wenger does. And it is this overplaying that increases the casualty list after almost every match.<br />
<br />
Ospina's injury was down to poor management (he's fit now though, bless him). Koscielny, Ozil, Arteta and Ramsey were definitely exerted. It isn't unfair to suggest that at this going rate, the likes of Mertesacker, Flamini, Cazorla, Alexis and Welbeck could pick up an injury pertaining to muscle strains. Even playing them too much too quickly increases the balance of probability in them picking up an impact injury.<br />
<br />
Should Mertesacker, for instance, get injured, it will be hard to blame the medical staff. The reason for his injury will be down to him being physically and mentally strained, which goes back to the transfer market. However, Wenger still has control over the Cazorla, Alexis and Welbeck situation. He has players like Rosicky, Podolski and Campbell who can do a job for a few games. He needs to stop using the same group of players and trust other portions of his teams too.<br />
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On any manager's level, though, it's easy to understand the temptation to play Sanchez regularly. Even (or especially) when he makes an error in Arsenal proceedings, he hustles and harries to make amends.<br />
<br />
After some steady pressure, Traore showed exactly why Wenger let him go when he foolishly felled Sanchez in the box. The Chilean's penalty was admittedly up to the standard of Traore's challenge. I don't know if he was overly confident or what, but he shanked that. Wenger hinted in the post-match presser that Cazorla was supposed to take the spot-kick. And while that speaks of Sanchez's selfishness, it also spoke of his determination.<br />
<br />
At that point, I felt that we were going to give the game away. Never mind it was QPR and Harry Redknapp, Arsenal remain Arsenal. I couldn't trust this team to beat Arsenal Ladies anymore. It did seem for a while that things were starting to go haywire. Mertesacker was mispositioning himself into the final third. Around the 32nd minute Sanchez chose not to cross to Giroud, seemingly out of lack of concentration. Even a classy player like Rosicky was only starting to get into the game. A better team than QPR might have punished us.<br />
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Thankfully, we punished <i>them</i> for their lack of opportunism. Welbeck picked up the ball around the centre of the park and fed Santi on the edge of the box. Cazorla, with his back to goal, rolled in Gibbs, who crossed towards the far post. Armand Traore's positional sense was shot to pieces when he realized he left Sanchez in so much space I thought he was offside. Green didn't help by leaving his goal open either, and Sanchez took the gift with both hands. Or his head. You know what I mean.<br />
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Stephen Caulker almost negated the lead within a minute, but missed his header. No matter, as Arsenal took advantage of QPR's meh-ism and bossed the ball. Around half-time I remember possession stats reading 71% in Arsenal's favour. I always love that when we're winning.<br />
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Of course, all those feelings of "thank God we're finally getting it together" we're squished early into the second half when Giroud got himself needlessly sent off. And look, I know that I get some stick for being a Giroud supporter (people who support Giroud but not Arsene Wenger live in a lonely world, believe me!) and I'm not at all advocating his head-to-head stupidity. However, I really think had Onouha not done his bit of theatrics and instead rivaled with Giroud's head, the both of them would have been on yellows. It's happened a lot of times in the league where two players have had a coming together, gone on each other's faces but stayed on the field. Maybe it's just my opinion, but I feel that Onouha contributed decisively to Giroud's sending off as much as Olivier did.<br />
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Another point to consider - why wasn't Rio Ferdinand shown a second yellow when he physically manhandled Giroud? Needless to say it's another joke on the FA when they choose to ban him for three games for abusing an internet troller but won't lay a finger when he catches the back of someone's neck on the pitch. I know it's a bit off-topic, but something has to be done.<br />
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Leaving aside the mitigations of the situation, the red for Giroud was expected and once again invited a mentally frail Arsenal to make hot water of an easy task. Wenger went with a weird ten-men formation which had Welbeck on the left flank, Sanchez as striker, Rosicky as a right attacking midfielder, Cazorla in left central midfield and Flamini playing defensive midfield. Picture that in your mind if you can. Of course, employing such a "formation" left only Debuchy guarding the right side. Harry Redknapp tried to exploit that by taking off Traore for Hoilett.<br />
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It started to work, but not before Sanchez took the team on his stocky shoulders again. Picking the ball dead center, he went past two Rangers defenders before finding Rosicky in space. The Czech showed his rustiness with an uncertain strike, but a kind deflection and an even kinder goalkeeper helped the ball into the net. Regardless, you could see what that goal meant to him. He wasn't different class on the pitch, so to say, but he did make himself known when he was given the time. Hopefully (ha!) Wenger gives him an extended run.<br />
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QPR brought on Zamora for Jordan Mutch. It was supposed to seem that they had nothing to lose, but on the pitch it seemed like Arsenal were 2-0 down! What particularly struck me as baffling was when Mertesacker and Debuchy went ahead for a corner around the 76th minute. It's one thing to go 10 men down and leave only Debuchy to guard the right hand side, but it's very much another for even the Frenchman to abandon his much-needed post.<br />
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Of course the corner came to nothing and QPR broke. They waltzed forward into the final third - where Rosicky was playing left back - and Hoilett found himself with space on Arsenal's right side. A retreating Debuchy stuck out a nervous foot at Hoilett, he went to ground and the ref pointed to the spot. The decision was debatable, but was partly the consequence of our own actions. Leaving a 10 men side that exposed is criminal.<br />
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Charlie Austin converted the penalty and then it was back to the walls stuff for Arsenal. We aren't very good at it in all honesty, and legs were also starting to tire. Wenger made his first change at - I kid you not - 83 minutes when he took off Rosicky for Chambers and later Welbeck for Coquelin. If you don't count Bellerin as a first-team defender, we had all of our fit defenders on the pitch at that moment.<br />
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They had a late Zamora penalty shout, which I felt should have been given. Obviously I was chuffed that it wasn't, but it was just another example of how panicky we tend to get under pressure. It isn't a personal thing for Gibbs by any means - it happens to almost every Arsenal player during the crunch time. Last season we kept our heads very well, but we seem to have regressed massively on that front this time around. It's cost us a lot of points already, and almost did yesterday.<br />
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Arsene Wenger has his own opinion of why Kieran sort of lost it, saying:<br />
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<b><i>"The last five minutes were a bit edgy because we conceded a late goal last week and you could feel that was a bit in our mind. But overall I think we were in control for big parts of the game and in the end we have shown resilience and <u>fortunately</u> got the three points."</i></b></div>
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I always love me some Boxing Day points, but today was another example of how at Arsenal mistakes aren't rectified and minds aren't set straight. Today we were bailed out by a quite remarkable Chilean and an unconvincing opposition, but West Ham tomorrow won't be as polite.</div>
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There's a reason why they are above us in the table. We have to start exhibiting some of those, too.<br /><br />Extra reading | <a href="http://crazyaboutepl.com/2014/12/27/arsenal-2-1-qpr-match-report/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Arsenal 2-1 QPR : Rangers fail to take man advantage [Crazy About EPL]</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">-Santi [Follow me on Twitter</span></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40arsenalblogz" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">@ArsenalBlogz</span></a> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-65400632126809391612014-12-25T18:51:00.000+05:302014-12-25T18:51:46.164+05:30My predictions for Arsenal's 2014/15 campaign<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wEjjGXY93zzdz7mbzfjudPjHVUdXdSjRS_0pwp31zUaAuV-6T0LKf4GDZswSgoiaiEdnkDo7nPkqRgEnBVWV-y6GmH79hNvDYiCyEIccyt9W2wVeaIEcnacbZYeUb9qJbLbdCTWbP5o/s1600/Arsenal+resurrection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wEjjGXY93zzdz7mbzfjudPjHVUdXdSjRS_0pwp31zUaAuV-6T0LKf4GDZswSgoiaiEdnkDo7nPkqRgEnBVWV-y6GmH79hNvDYiCyEIccyt9W2wVeaIEcnacbZYeUb9qJbLbdCTWbP5o/s1600/Arsenal+resurrection.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
With the Champions League die cast, the data is laid for me to make a prediction on how Arsenal will fare come May. <a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2013/12/my-predictions-on-arsenals-201314.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Last season around</span></a>, I had predicted Arsenal to finish third in the league and get knocked out by Bayern Munich, adding that the January transfer window would be part of the reason why. In that regard, I don't believe I was entirely off the mark.<br />
<br />
Regarding the FA Cup, I did say that last year's team were strengthened, confident and united enough to potentially win it. However, I also said that Arsene Wenger's "insistence to play reserve players against a mediocre side is what's
going to cost us another trophy, with a side like Swansea or Norwich
possibly knocking us out in a shock one-niller." Obviously I was proved wrong, but Yaya Sanogo's looming figure against the likes of Everton, Wigan and Hull (games we almost lost) suggest that fine margins dictated my inaccuracy.<br />
<br />
Anyway, this post isn't to check the validity of my previous prediction. Even if I had predicted Arsenal to win the Premier League and the Champions League last season I'd still be here, trotting away of what I reckon is to come. So, without further ado, here I go.<br />
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Season spoiler alert!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Premier League : 4th (sigh)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's not even consider Arsenal finishing above Chelsea. Manchester City may, on the off-chance, get close to unnerving Mourinho, but on the whole it's not at all unreasonable to suggest that Chelsea may well walk this league campaign.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On paper, I believe Arsenal have the squad to rival Manchester City's. However, we certainly don't have the manager to flourish the team's potency. That, according to me, leaves us with third or fourth to fight for.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I must confess that I didn't think Louis van Gaal would have the players and the know-how to get United above Arsenal after assembling an unbalanced squad. Don't get me wrong - their run of good form may have been a happy-go-lucky incident. However, their efficient dismantling of Liverpool would have done wonders to their confidence. And confidence, as we found out last season, can lead to <a href="http://arsenalblogz.blogspot.in/2014/05/the-drought-is-over.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">tremendous dividends</span></a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even if I don't know the Dutchman, if I had to give the benefit of the doubt to either Louis van Gaal or Arsene Wenger, I'd reluctantly choose the former.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Champions League : Quarter-finals</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, we got Monaco out of all the possible monsters and parasites of Real, Bayern and Barca, and it's fantastic that fortune favoured us at last. But does it infinitely increase our chances of winning the competition? Of course not.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Monaco have delayed, not prevented the inevitable. Expecting to win the Champions League without facing any of the top teams is not going to happen, and even if it does, it won't feel deserved. Do you remember we had faced Real Madrid, Juventus and Barcelona on the way to Paris 2006? Picking random balls from the pot may help us infiltrate the outskirts to a certain extent, but it won't give us a safe and sure passage into the castle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If we want to be the best, we have to take out the best. Most of the pretenders get filtered out in the Round of 16, as we have done all these years. When it comes down to the quarters, only the elite remain. And seeing that Arsenal find it difficult to hold on to a lead against a 10 men team without a striker, it's very hard to see the same team putting a sword to Europe's finest four months down the line.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>FA Cup</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's always hard to predict what the Cup may present season after season, because the draw is completely random and there are no time to make amends if the team slips up. Looking at Arsenal, a team that have made hot water of Swansea, Hull, Leicester, Stoke and whatnot, there is an element of assumption in saying that draws against Coventry and Wigan. In addition, since the league is pretty much over with Chelsea comfortably leading the line, the likes of Manchester City and United may shift focus to the Cup.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't think Arsenal will get past Chelsea or Manchester United should we meet them in the Cup. There is a chance for us to beat Manchester City if that time comes, though, because they don't seem to be as good in holding their nerve as many would have you believe. Balance of probability still comes into play, though.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
Obviously it's nigh on impossible to study the permutations and the probabilities and come up with the exact round where we may get knocked out and against which team, but if I have to guess, I think Arsenal will be eliminated somewhere beyond the quarters, because that is when the Championship and the League one and two teams exit and the Premier League teams remain.<br />
<br />
While I would love another cup run, last season did have some element of luck to it. Granted, we faced Spurs, Liverpool and Everton, but we also never left London, rode our luck with playing Sanogo against Liverpool and Everton, and it was touch and go against Liverpool, Wigan and Hull. Of course it wasn't undeserved, but it still could have easily gone the other way.<br />
<br />
So, yeah. Looking at the form and the morale of the team (not to mention the state of its players), I don't think we'll retain the Cup.<br />
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--<br />
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To end this post on a somewhat brighter note, I just want to wish all my readers a Merry Christmas. Now I'm no huge believer in the origin story of Jesus Christ, but nevertheless I'd like to extend my gratitude to my regular readers on this joyous occasion. I have had a lot of disagreements and fights with Arsenal supporters on email, Twitter and in person, but I've tried hard to not think ill of any Gooner, regardless of their stance on the Arsene Wenger subject. In the end, the support I get is amazing and the banter on Twitter is awesome.<br />
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Thanks a ton for introducing me into the Arsenal world with such warmth!<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">-Santi [Follow me on Twitter</span></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40arsenalblogz" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">@ArsenalBlogz</span></a> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670632438500863997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3742204805517272826.post-15464769968544331682014-12-22T23:43:00.000+05:302014-12-22T23:43:05.518+05:30Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal: Getting difficult to rephrase the same old<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1415/post/first-team/liverpool-v-arsenal-match-report" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Match Report</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20141219/highlights-liverpool-v-arsenal" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Match highlights</span></a> | <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20141221/wenger-on-the-draw-and-late-goals" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Wenger's thoughts</span></a></td></tr>
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Familiarity breeds contempt. It also breeds difficulty in blogging.<br />
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Let's be honest - much of what happened yesterday weren't anomalies. We knew that we are injury ravaged, yet we don't do the minimum rotation we can. I know it's an increasingly redundant debate and definitely not the father of the thought, but why isn't Lukas Podolski getting a game in? Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez have to be in crimson zones, forget red. Such overplaying and elementary errors seek to compound already complex injury situations.<br />
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Arsene was forced into playing half-fit Oxlade-Chamberlain in a relatively unknown position. On second thoughts, "forced" may not suffice appropriate terminology. It's more of driving into a ditch he can see. Mikel Arteta, on his last legs, isn't physically capable of holding it together on one of the most physical positions in the park. Aaron Ramsey played a pointless game against Galatasaray. Mesut Ozil played in every game since he returned from international break, and was instructed to complete 90 minutes against Chelsea despite picking up a serious knee injury. Jack Wilshere is the exception to this norm.<br />
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Laurent Koscielny was overplayed. So was Monreal. So <i>are </i>Chambers, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Flamini, the aforementioned Ox, Cazorla, and the front trio. The Theo Walcott and David Ospina situations weren't well-handled. And we wonder why Arsenal pick up injuries?<br />
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It's not sheer misfortune, it's appalling man management from the manager. And, for obvious reasons, it's costing us.<br />
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I wish I could use the "less said about the game the better" phrase and try to run away from getting into the excruciates, but I don't see the point in keeping this blog, then. Which is why, for the zillionth time, I will trudge on.<br />
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To an extent I rate Brendan Rodgers tactical nous (especially in the attacking sense), but to me, it seems like Wenger made him look good. His 3-4-3 was meant to pack the midfield, and clearly it worked. Arsenal couldn't play the way they wanted to, which stung confidence and momentum. What does Wenger do?<br />
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Rodgers played Sterling as a false nine striker, but later switched him to the left flank in an attempt to discomfort Chambers. Clearly it worked. On more than one occasion Arsenal were exposed on their right flank. What does Wenger do?<br />
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Okay, despite playing abjectly (to say the least), the team managed to take the lead through the only discernible attack I can remember. Okay, there are lack of options on the bench owing to the injury crisis. I still don't see how that justifies removing Giroud for Coquelin. We needed Olivier's hold-up play, set-piece defending and ability to keep ball. Chances were we'd be lumping a lot of balls clear which meant he could have harried those clearances and made a nuisance of himself. Instead, we put a tiring, wishy-washy Welbeck as striker.<br />
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I can begin to understand the logic of Coquelin coming on. I like him, unlike others who have formed opinions on him solely on Arsene Wenger's say-so. But by looking at this objectively, won't hooking Flamini (treading lightly on a yellow) or Oxlade-Chamberlain (half-fit, lest we forget) be a better call? Not for Wenger.<br />
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Despite Arsenal's phenomenal attempts to throw the game away, Liverpool go a step further. Fabio Borini came on for Kolo Toure and promptly got sent off. At this point, Liverpool were 10 men with no strikers and Sakho and a bandaged Skrtel manning their defence. How could Arsenal <i>possibly</i> screw this one over?<br />
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By giving Skrtel a free header, of course. Arsenal probably decided to keep all men in their box to add to the banter than to genuinely try to defend it.<br />
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And so ended another innovative Arsenal methodology of Arsenal-ing a game up. As I had said weeks before - Wenger disappointing fans has become routine. The only question is <i>how </i>he does it. Against Stoke it was a fluke-ish half-comeback, which fed hope to Arsenal fans and poisoned their souls. Against United it was dominance followed by sucker-punching. Swansea was just hopeless. Today was more of well we played turd but by some happy accident we're in the lead but it doesn't look like we can keep it at all and oh shit we just gave away a free header and what the fuck and why bother pretending to be pissed when honestly it was pretty much expected and deserved.<br />
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I could go on about the management, the injuries, the fourth agenda, the Wenger Out propaganda, the Joel Campbell situation, the transfer window, but instead, I'm just bringing this post to an abrupt end. Because, while I was writing this piece, I just realized that I've ran out of different ways of saying it.<br />
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Besides, Wenger will give me plenty of opportunities to look out for them.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">-Santi [Follow me on Twitter</span></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%40arsenalblogz" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">@ArsenalBlogz</span></a> <b><span style="color: blue;">]</span></b></div>
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