Arsenal 4-1 Liverpool: An uncharacteristic ruthless dismantling

Match Report | Match highlights | Wenger's thoughts

I'll gleefully hold my hands up in guilt for overestimating Liverpool 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.

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.

Our recent winning streak may have been exaggerated 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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Go on Arsenal.

-Santi [Follow me on Twitter @ArsenalBlogz ]

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Match Preview

Preview | Pre-match conference | Team news

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.

That sounded like a Batman quote, didn't it?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 reliable Plan A.

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.

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.

Come on Arsenal!

Extra reading : Crazy About EPL | Arsenal vs Liverpool : Match Preview and Prediction

-Santi [Follow me on Twitter @ArsenalBlogz ]

Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal: Getting difficult to rephrase the same old

Match Report | Match highlights | Wenger's thoughts

Familiarity breeds contempt. It also breeds difficulty in blogging.

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.

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.

Laurent Koscielny was overplayed. So was Monreal. So are 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?

It's not sheer misfortune, it's appalling man management from the manager. And, for obvious reasons, it's costing us.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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 possibly screw this one over?

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.

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 how 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.

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.

Besides, Wenger will give me plenty of opportunities to look out for them.

-Santi [Follow me on Twitter @ArsenalBlogz ]

Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool: Dare to dream?

I don't care if it was lucky, I don't care if it was risky. I don't care if refereeing decisions favoured us (for once!), and I certainly don't care that I sounded increasingly critical of our chances prior this game.

This is the FA Cup: It is results, and results alone that rule the tournament. Screw the performances - the final scoreline is a fact that cannot be disputed by anyone. And the fact is: Arsenal two. Liverpool one.

This win HAS to be one of the highlights of this season, however mitigating the circumstances may be. Unbelievably and unexpectedly, players like Lukasz Fabianski, Nacho Monreal and Yaya Sanogo were the star men and stepped up in the absences of Szczesny, Gibbs and Giroud. It's amazing to imagine that a defence of Fabianski, Jenkinson and Monreal somehow kept out Coutinho, Sterling, Suarez and Sturridge. To witness it transcend into reality is a quite different thing altogether.

Admittedly, I had no confidence in the team going into the match at all. Aside from a seemingly mediocre lineup, Olivier Giroud's confession of cheating on his wife merely highlighted the negative mood at the club. I don't want to comment on Giroud's personal affairs on a purely football blog, instead I just hope that it doesn't affect his performances at the club.

Even if Giroud hadn't confessed before the game, I'd have still fancied Wenger to give Yaya Sanogo the start. Frankly, the fact that Wenger held this match in such incorrect priorities didn't infuriate me - I almost expected such complacency from him. The team sheet just made it official.

After our weakened team was announced, I'm not exaggerating when I say I had no faith left in our season. I actually had made my peace with it before the game kicked off, for I truly felt that Liverpool would dominate us to a comfortable victory, which would unofficially seal another trophyless season for us.

If we beat Liverpool now it'd be the second miracle since Jesus walked on water. #COYG #AFC
— Freddy Dennis (@ArsenalBlogz) February 16, 2014

The early signs seemed to suggest that as well. Sturridge missed two chances which on another day he would have taken, and we looked distinctly average up front. I don't remember much of the initial highlights, mainly because I was seeing it with such passive indifference, dreading the inevitable that I thought was certain to come.

Amazingly, it didn't. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain broke the deadlock after Sanogo impressively muscled his way through and smashed a volley. It deflected off Gerrard and fell politely to the Ox, who dispatched it away with ease. Somehow, a severely depleted Arsenal side managed to go one up on a full-strength Liverpool.

The second goal, I think, was even better than the first. Ozil finally got what he wanted - a player making a productive run off the ball. Motivated to prove his doubters wrong, Mesut played an inch-perfect pass to Chamberlain. Podolski stormed into the center, gave Chamberlain an easy pass to execute and connected with the ball perfectly, past a helpless Jones. Two-nil to Arsenal... who would have thought?

Of course, then we proceeded to blow it in Arsenal fashion. Lukas Podolski needlessly challenged Suarez in the box when Monreal appeared to have it all covered. Steven Gerrard got the spot-kick and promptly scored, to provide the Mugsmashers with hope.

It wasn't enough, thankfully. Neutrals would say that Liverpool deserved at least a replay - they were arguably denied another fair penalty, and messed up presentable chances to Agger and Sturridge. Suarez had peppered the goal with shots, and the Kops might've felt that one of them was bound to enter.

Gooners have a fair argument as well. Sturridge and Gerrard committed offences worthy of bookings; Gerrard in particular was fortunate to not have been handed a second yellow card. Moreover, Suarez seemed to have made the most of light contact from Podolski; which had led to Liverpool's opener. Not to mention that Santi Cazorla really should have hit the target here.

The point is moot, anyway. I understand that a healthy section of Arsenal supporters emphasize that the performance was worrying, and it papered over the cracks. I think I agree with them - while the result was a huge morale-boost, this match did showcase some of our glaring deficiencies.

However, this is the FA Cup. It's results that matter here, not how we get it. At the end of the day, we're one tantalizing step away from Wembley and skyrocketed in confidence going into one of the biggest challenges of this season. Liverpool are out, and Arsenal are neck-deep into a competition which only poses Manchester City and Everton as genuine threats. One hopes that we don't slip a chance for silverware against the Toffees.

What pleased me the most was how the players understood their deficiencies and worked really hard to cut them down. Fan pressure has had a positive reinforcement on players like Jenkinson, Monreal, Arteta, Ozil and Sanogo, who showed their supporters how able they were to improve on their game and appease the fans. I'd especially like to extend my personal congratulations to Yaya Sanogo, who put in a toiling shift despite looking rusty throughout.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think I saw blueprints in this team that could cause problems for Bayern Munich on Wednesday. The unique combinations that the manager attempted worked out beautifully, and could really help us in midweek. I'm not suggesting that Arsenal have a great chance to defeat Bayern, but we seem to have the potential to give them a real push over two legs.

We've made the Emirates Stadium a fortress. Aside from Steven Gerrard's penalty, the previous goal we conceded here was against Everton back in December. If we manage to maintain this home form until the end of the season, I'd fancy a productive 4 months for us.

Right. Now on to hosting the best club in the world in two days. Come ON Arsenal.

-Santi (Follow me on twitter: @ArsenalBlogz )

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Match Preview

This match might just be our biggest of the season.

The FA Cup represents our best chance of a trophy this season. I'd argue that it is our only chance, seeing that we can't come close to competing with City's and Chelsea's world-class squads in the EPL. When one sorts out priorities, it becomes painfully obvious that winning the cup is much likelier than the league or the CL. I still think that we are quality enough to win this coming game, if the manager plays his cards right.

But will he play his cards right? He's said as much that he's looking to rotate his squad for one of the biggest games of our campaign. Why would he increase the chance to get eliminated from the Cup? So that he loses by a lower margin to Bayern Munich?

Liverpool also view the FA Cup as their best chance for a trophy, so one can be sure that they will field their best possible lineup today. With no European competition for them to look 'forward' to in midweek, I'm certain that we will see a lineup featuring Gerrard, Coutinho, Suarez and Sturridge. Remember, it's a lineup that so comprehensively defeated us merely a week ago, and is well capable of doing so again if we remain so complacent, distracted and uncommitted in defence.

So why are we looking at rotation here? I can understand some changes - players like Flamini, Podolski and even Fabianski and Bendtner are tolerable because our key men need a breather. However, if Wenger decides to play Jenkinson, Monreal, Gnabry or (god forbid) Yaya Sanogo, then he shall have little excuse should we lose.

And lose we will. Unless we play our strongest squad possible and remain mentally motivated, I see no way that Liverpool won't win today. Brendan Rodgers is a very good manager who will doubtless take advantage of Wenger playing a weakened side, yet it seems that such a scenario is plausible to unfold.

We have to face realities. Beating Liverpool at home in the FA Cup is much more probable and productive than beating Bayern Munich at home in the Champions League. I'd actually be okay if we play Wojciech Szczesny, Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud today, and be forced to field Lukasz Fabianski, Tomas Rosicky and Nicklas Bendtner against Bayern. To me, today's game carries much more significance than Bayern's.

However, I'm sure Wenger doesn't see it that way. Even though we have quality players that can smash the Mugs, expect to see Lukasz Fabianski, Carl Jenkinson, Nacho Monreal and Nicklas Bendtner in the starting XI today. Of course, I'd want Arsenal to win even if they field eleven Yaya Sanogo's out there, but I wouldn't count on it.

While Santi Cazorla is out for this match, I suspect a motivated Lukas Podolski would make a seamless transition on the left flank. However, it's the other positions that worry me. I'm praying for a lineup of The Back Five guarding the goal, with Flamini and Wilshere in midfield. I'd love to see Chambo on the right and Podolski on the left, with Mesut Ozil or Tomas Rosicky just behind Giroud or Bendtner.

However, such is the stubborn mindset of Arsene Wenger that he almost considers it protocol to rotate in an FA Cup match, be it against Liverpool or Bournemouth. I'm expecting dreading to see Jenkinson, Monreal, Gnabry or Yaya Sanogo in this match, with key men like Gibbs and Giroud benched. I can only hope that our substitute lineup pulls the surprise of the season by beating one of the best Liverpool sides in a long time.  

Manchester City's victory over Chelsea means that they are the only other top side remaining in the FA Cup. We need to take advantage of that and defeat Liverpool at the Emirates today, or else our season will disappear in a trice. Winning the Barclays Premier League is a step too many for this side, while winning the Champions League remains the most wildest of fantasies.

If we are to win this game, I'd promptly call our next FA Cup match as one of the biggest of the season. However, a loss is unacceptable, mainly because it would all but confirm a fact that most have feared about.

A ninth trophyless season.

P.S. I know that Arsenal have announced a £120.6 million profit, which would mean that at least £100m would be available at Arsene Wenger's disposal. Don't get too excited though, you can't trust Wenger with all that money. Remember Project Youth?

-Santi (Follow me on twitter: @ArsenalBlogz )

Liverpool 5-1 Arsenal: Worse than the 8-2

I'm the kind of guy who loves to say "I told you so." Especially in predicting stuff about Arsenal, where I'm generally accurate. I understand Wenger; I understand his managerial decisions, the logic behind his transfer dealings and the reasons behind his recent successes and failures. I pride myself on knowing the near-exact functioning of Arsenal Football Club, and I can make confident predictions based on that.

However, what happened yesterday transcends logic. It was simply shameful to concede 5 at Anfield, so shameful that I still can't quite get my head around that. It's true - apparently - a team with the best defence in the league and Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and Olivier Giroud in attack somehow managed to lose spectacularly against (what I still consider) an inferior Liverpool side.

If there's one thing that I learnt from this game, it was to not take anything for granted. I had said that I fancied Arsenal to nick this game by one goal, but was proven dead wrong in 20 minutes. Coutinho, Sturridge, Sterling and Suarez completely tore us to ribbons, cutting open the famous Mertescielny pair with effortless ease. In the aftermath of the game, people have seemed to ignore that defensive problem, instead focusing on the complete ineffectiveness of Ozil and Giroud in the match.

I have a very disturbing theory for our horrible defence, though. You may not want to believe it - I don't want to believe it either - but I have a sneaky suspicion that my guess is close to correct. It's a logical guess, but it's a guess all the same, so I hope it's a wrong one.

On 28th January, in the aftermath of our 2-2 draw against Southampton, I wrote:

"Wenger knows how to make a solid attacking side, I'll give him credit for that. While he's completely incompetent in teaching his team how to defend (shame, seeing he was a center back), he has Steve Bould to sort that out for him now. (Speaking of which, was our disorganized defence a sign that Wenger's interfering with Bould's training again?)"

After our win against Crystal Palace and a nice clean sheet for us, I put this question out of my mind, regarding Steve Bould's diminishing influence on the club. Shortly afterwards, Per Mertesacker gave a pretty candid interview, in which he lauded Bould's defensive work on this team. He said:

"Steve likes to work with us, especially with the back four. We are grateful for his influence, his tips and his little hints as to what we might do better in any situation. We've worked just on details and that's what it's about, that's what really pays off now. From the start, he tried to be an influence. He's a good addition on the coaching staff."

What worries me that immediately after this interview against Liverpool, we witnessed some comical defending largely reminiscent of Wenger's defending throughout 2007 to 2012. I never bought into few people's allegations that Wenger is egoistical enough to take credit for everything that happens at Arsenal, but I think I am now.

It's only a theory, but I fear that Mertesacker's comments on Bould led Wenger to think that Bould was hogging some of the limelight, which he wanted. I think that he interfered with Steve's training sessions and took it himself, in an attempt to assert his power. This must have resulted in the team being completely unprepared defensively, and paying the price against outstanding strikers like Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.

Again, it's only a theory, but it's the only logical one that I can come up with. If it indeed turns out to be true and this continues, then I must immediately emphasize that Arsenal are in grave danger of facing a dead season. This Arsenal side have almost completely depended on their defence; it has almost been their fail-safe this season. If Wenger got paranoid enough to take that strength away from us against Liverpool (and fearfully beyond), then our title hopes have zilch chance of surviving.

Wenger's Arsenal always managed to stay in the mix for the title in seasons like 2008, 2010 and 2011 because we had the attacking flair to hide our defensive frailties. However, few would argue that due to a clear lack of cutting edge and movement up front, our attack is currently not good enough.

Due to Steve Bould getting his space, this time we had our steelness in defence to hide our attacking woes, quite the contrary compared to previous years. If Wenger cuts that from the team as well, then I hate to imagine what is to happen to this team in the coming months.

Bar Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey, we had our best possible squad out there, every bit as capable of defeating Liverpool. However, it was Arsene Wenger who killed our chances to win this game, by two glaring errors in the team sheet. When I realized that Monreal was selected above Gibbs in the lineup, I immediately tweeted:

Have reservations on Nacho Monreal picked above Gibbs. Sterling's pace could hurt us on the left. #AFC #LFCvAFC
— Freddy Dennis (@ArsenalBlogz) February 8, 2014

I don't mean to brag, but I was right. Sterling made Nacho Monreal look like Andre Santos, getting in behind him from time to time again. After we conceded our first goal freakishly early in the game, the team was completely demoralized, and Wenger failed to motivate them. Instead, we used our own redundant 'pass and pivot off Giroud' tactics that didn't work, and Wenger sat clueless on the touchline instead of changing it.

Why Mesut Ozil started this game is beyond me. Even the most deluded of Arsenal supporters will now know that he has been woeful for us since Everton, which was in the beginning of December. His statistics mean nothing to me - on the pitch I just see a player who completely lacks confidence, workrate and concentration. I understand that everyone wants Ozil to be more than just the player who lifted the team psychologically, but that doesn't mean that we completely ignore his deficiencies and laud his minor contributions as potential game changers.

At this rate, there's no way that he's going to replace Cesc Fabregas or Dennis Bergkamp. He was solely at fault for the third and the fourth goal he conceded, and frankly, he didn't seem to give a fuck about it. Mesut Ozil is a world class player who we NEED in world class form for us to contend for the title; but at the moment, we need to bench him.

Oh, but Wenger won't. There's almost a monopoly of the central attacking midfield position now, neither Rosicky nor Cazorla gets an input into that role when Ozil is fit. I strongly suggest that we bench Ozil for the United clash, play Cazorla there and Lukas Podolski on the left, but I strongly suspect that Wenger will do that. His tactical naivety and an inability to motivate his team is what holds Arsenal back, rather than propel them forward. For me, our Premier League season was over when Wenger failed refused to buy a striker in January.

While I don't know about our FA Cup hopes now, I'm getting familiar with a much more worrying prospect than a failure to win a trophy for the ninth year running. It's not related to Mesut Ozil's awful form, and it's not related to a lack of business in January. It isn't about Arsene Wenger either, at least not to some extent.

It's about Steve Bould unable to get his messages through to his defence. In my opinion, it was Bould's coaching and Mesut Ozil's signing that had revolutionized Arsenal's form over the past 5 months. Now that the gloss of Ozil's buy has worn off and a suspicion of Wenger overruling Bould in the training ground has arisen, I'm actually terrified to see what is to become of us in the upcoming matches.

I have written some realistic solutions to turn our form for the better, although I am sadly confident that Wenger won't do any of them. Anyway, here they are:


Bench Mesut Ozil: 

At least for the United and the Liverpool game, Ozil needs to be benched. Irrespective of his performances, he is long overdue a breather. In addition, Wenger benching him will lead Ozil to realize that his place in the starting XI is not guaranteed, and we might see more rejuvenated performances from him. In the meantime, may I suggest playing Santi Cazorla in his position and Lukas Podolski on the left flank?

Motivational team talks:

Even though there has been no indication from anywhere (except this report) that Wenger is incapable of motivating his side, I think that it's true. Again, it's another logical guess, but it perfectly explains why Wenger's Arsenal collapsed after the Carling Cup disaster at Wembley and Eduardo's injury, both against Birmingham.

Of course, many would say that a feature of this season's Arsenal has been its ability to bounce back from disappointments. We did it against Aston Villa, Manchester United as well as against Manchester City. However, I refuse to believe that it is Arsene Wenger who instigated these bounce-backs.

You may accuse me of being blinkered with my hatred of Wenger, refusing to give him credit when it's due. You may be right as well, I don't know. However, I am much more inclined to believe that it is leaders like Per Mertesacker, Jack Wilshere and Mathieu Flamini who motivate the team, for I see these players as genuine Arsenal through-and-through's, who want the team to do better.

Hand over the defence completely to Bould: 

This, I am certain, is the most important tonic to success. Our recent wins have largely - if not completely - been down to Steve Bould's work with the back four. After this match, I am left worried that Bould may be getting overruled by the dictator that Wenger is, which I pray is false.

If it's true, then our season is dead. There is absolutely no chance of recovery, because we'd have a poor defence and an average attack. Maybe we would get a clearer idea of where our defence stands when we face United on Wednesday, seeing they have a dangerous attacking trio of Mata, Rooney and van Persie.

--

To say that all of the reactions to yesterday's game were justified would be incorrect, though. I disagree with people who consider players like Monreal, Arteta, Giroud and (would you believe it) Wilshere to be liabilities to this club. I support all of these players, especially Olivier, and feel that they are being held scapegoats for a tactically crippled Wenger.

Jack played with more heart than everybody out there. I doubt that half of the Arsenal fanbase would have put in that much effort were they 4-0 down at Anfield and in Wilshere's place. Nacho Monreal did not need to start the game - Gibbs would have held the threat of Sterling much more capably. Arteta is being the victim of old age and Wenger's insistence to play him as a deep lying midfielder; to say that he doesn't deserve to wear the shirt is a bit unjustified.

I have long since vouched for Olivier Giroud, and I continue to do so today. Wenger is messing him up - instead of getting a pacy player who can finish difficult chances (a raw Luis Suarez if you will), Wenger is heaping pressure on Olivier and draining him of stamina. While his lack of hardwork in this game was a bit surprising, I'd give him the benefit of the doubt, because I know he must be as jaded as Mesut Ozil is.

I don't think that this is a beginning of a collapse from Arsenal. Players like Mertesacker, Arteta, Wilshere, Flamini and Rosicky would never allow it. However, if the above solutions are not taken, I strongly feel that we are going to run out of stamina and ideas towards the end of the campaign. By the end of March, I fear that the gap between us and the leaders would be insurmountable.

Understandably, there were a lot of varied reactions to the drubbing at Anfield. Below I have picked out the tweets that I feel are the most realistic reactions to this game, and what it means for our future.

It's not losing to a good Liverpool side that hurts. It's the pathetic manner of our loss. And yes, I blame Wenger. Buck stops with him.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 8, 2014

And Ive thougt Özil could be the new Bergkamp. Yes its his first season but Bergy was never that lazy. Özil never puts up for a fight.
— ArsenalAndFlyer4Ever (@arsenalmad79) February 8, 2014

Ozil has been overused by this inept coach and has very little around him so he's been run to the brink, it's not even March!
— Le Saboteur (@soriano21776) February 9, 2014

Wenger doesn't get the importance of tactical changing from match to match. Mourinho benched Oscar at the Etihad for example
— Arsenal Action (@arsenalaction) February 8, 2014

Everything that goes wrong with #Arsenal directly or indirectly falls to #Wenger. Anyone who absolves him of blame is a fucking moron.
— Freddy Dennis (@ArsenalBlogz) February 8, 2014

Every single Arsenal fan knew we needed a stronger squad in January window. Wenger ignored us all. Remember that in May. #Afc
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 8, 2014

I cannot believe that the cycle of failure, "In Arsene We Trust", bare transfer activity and CL scrap is set to follow. Again. #Arsenal #AFC
— Freddy Dennis (@ArsenalBlogz) February 8, 2014

The sad thing is Arsene Wenger can get away with absolutely EVERYTHING.
— Football Expert (@CrazyGooner007) February 8, 2014

If #Arsenal supporters remove the "Arsene Knows" phrase and look at things practically, they'd uncover a huge footballing deception. #Wenger
— Freddy Dennis (@ArsenalBlogz) February 8, 2014

Finally, a word of congratulations to Liverpool. As shit as we were, Brendan Rodgers saw through Wenger's one-dimensional tactics and fielded the team perfect enough to clobber us. However, Wenger simply stuck to his pass and move philosophy with the same predictable lineup, and deservedly paid the price. What wouldn't I give for this manager to be replaced at the end of the season.

I still have faith; not in the manager, but in the players. Let's hope that they can dig in and win something, despite the manager putting obstacles along the way.

-Santi (Follow me on twitter: @ArsenalBlogz )

Liverpool vs Arsenal: Match Preview

Even the straight men admire Ollie.

I don't know if the wheels of Liverpool's season are coming off, or if I overestimated them earlier in the season, but either ways it seems like they weren't club they used to be when we faced them in November. I still feel that we were a bit fortunate to win by 2 goals back then, even though our defence was a bit suspect.

However, the team's defence has undoubtedly solidified since then. While Liverpool's defence is certainly not the best, they have a superb SAS partnership to shield those flaws. It's quite the opposite with Arsenal, who have a terrific defence and only a decent defence. The stadium being Anfield makes this match all the more difficult, but I think that we'll come out with three massive points today.

Wenger thinks that the last game's result will give us a morale boost going to Anfield, by saying:

“You always think about the psychological impact of the last result on the morale of the team, as well as the confidence and happiness of everybody. You think the only way to deal with it is to just focus on the next one and win it, then everything will be alright."

If you asked me to choose a victory against Liverpool in the Premier League or in the FA Cup, I'd readily cash in on the cup. A loss at Anfield would hardly be the end of our title hopes; it's only February, for crying out loud! The FA Cup yet remains our only realistic hope for a trophy, which is why I'd prefer a cup win over a league win.

But such is football that Arsenal can win both encounters, which would provide the team a massive fillip ahead of the Bayern Munich task. We really need it, because I'm still unsure that we can beat Manchester United at the Emirates. Liverpool is a winnable game (whether home or away), - and as title contenders, we should hope for nothing less than 3 points today.

I think we'll play with the same lineup that we did against Palace owing to nothing much developing in terms of injuries. I'd hope for Rosicky to be given a start; Ozil should be rested, he will be needed four days later against United. In addition, Tomas had an electrifying game in the reverse fixture, and I think his flair will help us a lot today.

I have great respect for Liverpool. Even though I detest Luis Suarez's personality, I'd be a fool to turn a blind eye to his breathtaking performances. Brendan Rodgers seems like a good manager, and players like Coutinho and Flanagan seem like promising talents. I actually reckon that had a club like Arsenal did not exist, I'd be a Liverpool supporter.

Think about it. They, like us, have been waiting for a major trophy (the Carling Cup barely counts), and have endured more than their fair share of disappointments every season. Steven Gerrard is an individual whose loyalty I respect - one senses that Jack Wilshere can go along the same way with Arsenal. I have long sensed a mutual respect between these two clubs, and it's something that I admire in times of pure loathing among rivals.

However, there is no doubt that I'd be rooting 100% for Arsenal in the coming match. I know that our team is "quality" enough to beat the Mugsmashers, we have an excellent defence and a fairly dangerous attack. Three point is a must, whichever way we get it. Let's hope we do.

#COYG

P.S. Sanogo is fit again. If anyone cares.

-Santi (Follow me on twitter: @ArsenalBlogz )

Arsenal 2-0 Liverpool: Rosic-key to our success

A Santi Cazorla volley and an Aaron Ramsey screamer ensured that Arsenal clinched three seemingly convincing points against Liverpool. And while there are still problems in this squad that were evident in this game, no one can deny that the pros largely outshone the cons on a memorable night for the Gunners.

It all started at the 19th minute through a Santi strike. I thought that Arteta's pass to Sagna to start up the move was really good. He is often criticized for playing the ball too square and slowing the game down, but that sure wasn't the case when he placed an inch-perfect ball to Bac. Sagna's cross was good (Is it just me, or has his crossing markedly improved after the Dortmund game?), Santi played a one-two with the post and rocketed it in. A good move wrapped up in some style.

However, if the first goal could be classified as good, the second had to be called world-class. Olivier Giroud held up the play successfully at the right flank, (once again, and he's getting really good at that now), and he played a back pass to Ozil. Mesut flicked it onto the path of Ramsey, who fired an exceptional strike into the top corner, leaving Mignolet absolutely no chance. This was the kind of strike a player would only attempt at such sky-high confidence, but he actually pulled off that shot. And while that goal did show some selfish play, it was just reward for our domination over them.

A happy manager said:

"Today was an important win for the team, for the club, and overall nobody would dispute that we deserved to win this game. It was vital to win, I said that before the game and I don't change my mind, because had we not won people would say 'yes, Arsenal at home they cannot win the big games'. It is done, in a convincing way. We had a good solidarity, a good focus."

A simply stunning result where we maintained good control over the game and found the goals through convincing and effective play. And while we deserved to win this game, I'm a bit surprised as to how many Gooners quickly forgot how easily we could've lost it.

It is a myth that Mertesacker and Koscielny managed to keep out the threats of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge. The SAS were a constant danger throughout the game, and were unlucky or not clinical enough to not score. Our defence was porous, and if luck wasn't on our side, we would've easily shipped in goals. Had a Henderson howler, a disallowed goal, Suarez grazing the post, a mistimed Sturridge header, Szczesny's rebounded kick and another Suarez miss gone the other side of the post, we would've convincingly lost this game for sure.

I just don't feel that most of our back four deserves credit for our win, because they were pretty below par. Suarez and Sturridge were finding spaces and causing constant problems for us, and we wouldn't have kept our clean sheet if Szczesny and Sagna weren't at their reliable best. Szczesny was simply out of this world in the game, claiming crosses and punching headers away. Indeed, if he hadn't almost gifted Liverpool a goal through a deflection, I would've rated him a Perfect 10. If rumours are to be believed, he has been given a 4 year contract worth £100,000 per week. Saturday's performance thoroughly justifies that bumper deal.

Sagna - I have no idea why he hasn't been given a contract yet. He played his 250th game in an Arsenal shirt with remarkable consistency once again. One of his few flaws - crossing - seem to be taken care of at the moment. He came back from two long term injuries and a disaster of a last season to continue being one of the best right backs in the country. I'd even go so far as to say that he has been one of our unsung heroes this season. There is actually no valid reason left to not give him a deal anymore.

While Sagna and Szczesny were at their best, I felt that the game was truly won in the midfield. Arteta covered the absence of Flamini and showed how much he still has to give for the club, Ramsey capped off another energetic display with a goal and Santi Cazorla showed glimpses that he was going back to his best. It shows how brilliant our midfield is that our worst midfielder on the pitch against Liverpool was considered to be Ozil, who got his 150th career assist for Aaron Ramsey's goal.

However, it was Tomas Rosicky who certainly stole the show. His unpredictable runs, sublime one-two's and dribbling skills made me wonder if he was getting younger every year. He was all over Liverpool, and allowed players like Gerrard no space. The Mozart was definitely the man of the match for me, and I hope he doesn't get injured any time soon.

Finally, a word to our fans, who were brilliant on this memorable night. I had expressed my doubts that we weren't turning this place into a fortress, and that the away fans were silencing us too often. Oh, not a sign of that was seen in the match. Like the entirety of Liverpool's midfield, the away fans were largely silenced by a rocking Emirates Stadium, who got behind the team they love from the start and saw us march on to victory.

This win and the Spuds drawing against Everton (hahaha) means that we are five whole points clear at the top of the table, bettering our Invincibles season by getting 25 points of a possible 30. And while this victory wiped off the memories of that damaging Capital One Cup loss, I hardly need not emphasize how important the next match is going to be for our Champions League qualification hopes. Playing Borussia Dortmund at an intimidating Westfalenstadion is certainly the kind of game that can dent our current feelings of ecstasy.

However, more on that on Wednesday. I'd just like to add three words:

Mind. The. GAP.

-Santi (Follow me on twitter: @ArsenalBlogz )

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Match Preview

Arsenal will face off Liverpool in what would undoubtedly be an entertaining clash today. It's hard to say which team has the edge - but I would go with Arsenal, because we're playing it at the Emirates Stadium.

Even so, we haven't been as clinical at home as one would want us to be. Recent defeats to Dortmund and Chelsea have dipped the mood of the Arsenal faithful a bit. We aren't making the Emirates a fortress, which was evident when the chants of 9000 Chelsea fans singing "Jose Mourinho" outshone the 50,000 quiet Arsenal fans. We have a fantastic away support, no doubt, but the fact that we're struggling for results in our own home is a bit of a worry for me. We are going to play about 50% of our games there, you know.

Anyway, be it at the Emirates or Anfield, a win would be simply great because it would maintain our lead and put our title rivals five points off the pace. However, I would be really surprised if we manage to win this game, especially because Liverpool have been largely impressive thus far. Brendan Rodgers and Daniel Sturridge are looking like men possessed, who want to prove a point this summer. The return of Suarez was followed by 6 goals in his past 5 games, which is nothing short of astounding. Despite my distaste of his character, I can't deny that Suarez is in the form of his life.

It's a frightening thought to put our unpredictable defence against the most potent attacking duo in the Premier League. Without Flamini (who might return for the Manchester United clash), our defence looks more porous than ever, and it would truly be a marvel if we manage a clean sheet in this fixture.
 
Wenger sees this game as an opportunity to prove our title credentials, by saying:

“Yes, [it’s a big week] considering the quality of the opponents. But we have a good opportunity on Saturday to make a difference and we want to take it. We play against Liverpool at home, it's an exciting game but, as well, it's of massive importance for us.”

The team should line up in the usual back five of Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny and Kieran Gibbs. I think that Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey will occupy the central midfield role, with Ozil playing as an attacking midfielder. While Santi is set to start on the left wing, the manager has a dilemma as to whom to start on the right. I think that he will opt for Jack Wilshere over Rosicky, which for me, is the right choice. Jack seems to be finding his feet on the right wing, and while it is only temporary, at the moment, he's the best we've got there. [UPDATE: Reports suggest that Wilshere has aggravated his ankle injury. Rosicky seems set to start now] Of course, Olivier Giroud will start as our striker, and will hope to damage their defence.

It's a tough game to call this, but I'm going for a draw. In hindsight, it won't be a bad result, because we would still maintain our lead on the top, albeit only by goal difference if Chelsea win by a one-goal margin. A win would be a brilliant result, and would show that this team can indeed give a good fight for the title. We should be in for a cracker, either ways.

Come on Arsenal. If you want to be the best, you need to take out the best.

-Santi (Follow me on twitter: @ArsenalBlogz )