I can’t remember the last time Portsmouth gave us any real problems, maybe it was in 2004 when we went unbeaten, I seem to remember them giving us a close call at Fratton Park that year.
I fully expect us to start the new season at the Grove with a good old fashioned beating, I expect to see the young kids play, I hope to see Vela, Ramsey, Wilshere and Gibbs and a mixture of Arshavin, Bendtner and Eduardo up front.
It’s a shame about Theo, but if the England stories are true, then Wenger needs to remind the boy who pays his wages. I’ll give you a clue Theo, it’s not Capello.
The atmosphere should be great today with the crowd turning up for the first game of the season full of anticipation and expecting to win the league for the first time in years.
Yes I know a few weeks ago it was gloom and doom… but it’s not often we win our opening game 6-1 away and with the Celtic win, I feel like the England cricket team must feel right now, if we lose this we only have ourselves to blame.
Wenger has a squad and it’s games like this he should use it, maybe he’ll slot Djourou in alongside Vermaelen to give Gallas a breather, I would seriously consider buying Sakho or Taylor and blooding them this season, for those of you that took exception to the boy elbowing Eduardo last season, don’t, that’s just the sort of bloke this team needs, remember the Grimster?
I still think he’ll sign Numbchucks in the next 7 days but I hope upon hope he buys a defensive midfielder, and if that player is Matuidi or Diarra from Madrid then so be it, we need back up and if Song does come on, then he’ll be away in January, so we need options.
Enjoy today because next week it gets considerably tougher.
No silly predictions from me today, but I wouldn’t be surprised is one of the teams at the Grove today gets 5.
Have a great day Grovers!
P.S. Here is a picture of the new Cannon at the stadium if you haven’t seen it already (Cheers Drum4it)… apparently it was going to be Gold until they changed their mind at the last minute. Also, if you haven’t got a ticket for the game yet, I still have spare tickets going in the Exchange.
Looking good.
In other news, it might be worth mentioning that if you find us daily by clicking the link from Goonernew.com, you won’tt be able to do that shortly. They’ve asked us to pay to be aggregated on their site which totally goes against my beliefs regarding the world wide web. Nearly everyone they are hoping to charge creates content for free… so in my eyes, it should be distributed for free… so if you still want a daily does of Le Grove, check out affiliates in the side bar for news aggregation… or sign up to our RSS feed or mailing list.
Well i ain’t going to complain about our defensive errors. Today we have 2 defenders the rest were all attackers. We needed to score goals. Simple as that. And people complain about us letting portsmouth back into the game, remember chelsea last season, 4 nil up and conceding 3 goals.
Agree about song.He might struggle against nani’s pace a bit.But if he continues his form we will be able to dominate the central midfield.
lol Samir, read my mind. Great skill from Willi G.
How’d Denilson do and what was the formation. Also what is it 12 goals now and none for Arsh, RvP and Nik. LOL all thre should get a goal a piece against the Mancs.
@ nishanth, I agree about that Fergie may go slightly defensive, but does that mean we should do that too and playing a formation other than 4-3-3.
It gives us better fluidity and from the two previous games , better workrate.
no signings this week
Kevin, we had 4 defenders. Or dont Gibbs and Eboue count?
How i wish we had nasir available for that game.Anyways if everyone is fit he will play the same 11 that played against everton.
gibbs had a mare today but made 1 good tackle
All f uniteds goals have been from forwards while only 1 of ours has.
Gibbs didn’t exactly have a great game.His crossing was very similar to clichy.TERRIBLE
if the mancs would of dropped points again today it would of been the best time to go there now with them scoring 5 they will up for it
Stu, gibbs in my eyes is an attacker. And so is eboue. I think wenger has had enough of us struggling against inferior teams at home. That in my eyes explains why he played eboue. I don’t no why clichy never played.
Attacking full backs you mean. Because neither of them are midfielders and as such shouldnt be played there.
bbk
How are you?
You said we’d get 3 points from our first 4 games. How many points will it make to make you happy? or will even 12 not be enough?
g.m 12 points yes 12 points would make me very happy,im good tho,still think the defence need to buck up if we are to win something this season
kev…..the reason the full backs did’nt play is the two next fixtures which thankfully we are nearly full strength fot
Thats probably the case. We’ll see how much this team has developed against united.
what about rambo hey took his chance nicely
I hope Wenger won’t be scared to play 4-3-3 against the Mancs. It actually makes us better defensively and offensively.
We’ll be well up for that one, considering what happened in the CL
High balls into our box worry me bbk. Along the floor I like the look of vermaelen
yes me to,untill we learn how to deal with that we will struggle,that’s where almoonia is a worry aswell
Our defenders won practically every single ball swung into the box. No defender was at fault for Almunia’s awful error.
I just had some muppet in moderation asking if this blog is based in North Korea.
Ok, who told him? Come on I want to know.
well they were because no one stayed with him they just let him go free
we’ve had goals from
Cesc
Gallas
Denilson
Diaby
Ramsey
Dudu
and Eduardo
That’s a good sign
I don’t we have to worry too much.. once we were 2-0 up we kinda slept off.. at least a couple of players surely did..
We rested clichy and sagna so there were going to defensive lapses…
RVP wanted a goal so bad.. and arshavin wanted to go sleep i think..
Eduardo showed some lovely skill to set diaby up..
Gallas is our leading scorer
Anyone know if fab is seriously injured or was it just a precaution?
Choy it’s a precaution… Just an excuse to take him off early!
I missed the game.(honest)
Can someone please give me a true reflection of the good the bad and the average. Thanks
Kelsey N.Korea
Fabregas apparently had a hamstring problem..?
And Kelsey here are the highlights http://arsenalist.com/
kelsey. It was a pretty good performance. We started off very brightly and were incisive in the final third. After Diaby scored his second, we took our foot of the pedal a bit. Our defense was as usual, quite shocking from a high ball crossed in to the box.
After that, the lads stepped up again and everything looked fine, apart from a couple of lapses from Gibbs.
After the third goal we looked very comfortable. We were very decent attackin wise and played some great flowing footbll
No one had to follow Kaboul. A keeper’s main priority is to be boss of his 6 yrd. box. A keeper is ALWAYS favorite to win the aerial duals in the 6 yrd. box. Almunia is just shit.
Kelsey
The good = 4 goals…fantastic link up play for both goals…Scoring on set pieces continues…Gallas is our highest scorer now…and the likes of Ramsey and Merida are scary good.
The bad = We really shouldve scored more…but thats always the case isnt it? We switched off after scoring 2 early goals and our defense lost its concentration. Gallas couldve been red Carded.
The ugly = Almunia.
Today we won we scored four , why cant we just enjoy our fantastic start to the season.
We cant finished all the little chances we create our scores would be 10 + in every game.
The strikers , the physio who ever scores the goals they are scoring for us , i am more tham happy.
Arshavin has shown his class and its better if he takes the performances when we arent really clicking in the future….
Its a team game , we are playing with confidence and doing well , the defensive flaws are no longer THAT glaring , the fringe players and also rans have poicked their games up and we are top of the league after scoring 12 goals in three games this past week !
Its football and we wont win all our games and might even lose some , i wonder what ppl’s reaction will be to those results if you cant be happy now
FFS fans why do u want to explore the negatives when things are going our way. !!!!!
Thank you. Just watched the goals.Almunia was definitely at fault for their goal.Best 2 goals for me were the first and the last.
How are people looking at negatives from today?! Today will have very little to do with how our season actually goes, it felt like a pre season friendly, or training match! Pompey had given up before they’d started, and were probably the worst team I’ve seen visit the Emirates, they just didn’t give a shit. We cottoned onto that, scored a couple of goals, and then got complacent because it was just SO easy, but they were never going to get anything from the game, and both teams knew that from very early on.
Very very strange game, but 3 points and a 4-1 win is 3 points and a 4-1 win!
apparentlt Cesc said his hamstring felt tight at half time,so he wasn’t risked.Good Thinking AW.After the hammering he got at Everton,i was surprised he played midweek.
A
What you think about Arsene’s comment?
I cant believe it cesc has played 2 and half games and he is struggling with a tight hammy when will it dawn on AW we need reinforcements now not next season!!
Hi David.
I dunno, that pretty much sums up what Diaby COULD be, but I really don’t see it happening. He’s still so frustrating, a real enigma, does superb things then constantly messes up easy passes, or gets caught on the ball. He CAN win the ball back like Vieira, he’s really strong, but he doesn’t enough, because he doesn’t have the reading of the game imo
Thought Eduardo was good today, Ramsey did great when he came on.
Bendtner…was fun. Nothing went right for him today.
Arshavin had moments in the second half but struggled to get in the game in the first. Looked lost out on the right.
RvP – nothing broke for him today, ran his socks off but every ball on it’s way to him was either not good enough or cut out at the last minute.
Another solid performance from our CB pairing apart from at the goal – Kaboul was given a lot of space between Billy and Diaby, although Almunia should have bossed him and claimed it.
All in all…thought we never got out of second gear to day and still stuck four very good goals past them. All in all 3 points, 4 goals and a good days work.
Oh and Gibbs made a challenge in the second half which was awesome. He had a good too, as did Eboue.
Diaby took his goals very well and had a great first half.
4-1, in truth it could have been 10-3 great result as we were able to rest a few players and keep up our good form. Diaby had a great game and its interesting in that Wenger played with basically an attacking five, with Denilson while not really holding just moping up here and their. Certainly we looked slightly unbalanced and young Gibbs had a bit of a mare, but crucially Sagna, Clichy and Song rested and Diaby and Rambo throwing their hats into the ring. Arshavin was annoyed with himself as a few things he tried just didn’t come off but considering who we have injured and the scoreline its actually frightening how good we could be this year.
BRF – hard to think where Gibbs ‘had a bit of a mare’ – what did you see?
What are you talking about reggie?! We don’t need a reinforcement for Cesc, Ramsey is looking better and better, he’d be more than capable if cesc was out for a few games, and Merida is knocking on the door too.
The offensive depth of the squad is ridiculous now – today Wilshere didn’t make the squad, and Theo, Nasri, Rosicky, Vela all out injured.
A
dont laugh…but i agree with Arsene.
I’ve seen enough of diaby today to say he’s a changed man even before he scored the first goal…he’s not holding unto the ball for a dribble or two..he’s looking up and passing it one touch anti-crab style…there was the odd time when he did do his customary dribble almost lose the ball and shoot a half hearted shot….but boy if he keeps his head and stay injury free (big ask imo) he’ll be fantastic..
I think he’s changing…I think the whole team is changing. He very rarely misses his chances and thats another big plus in my book.
Gibbs was ok. Got caught on his heels a couple of times but recovered well
when diaby scores, he does score some absolute scorchers… not many people could take the first goal the way he did.
Gibbs was just rusty.. this was one of his first few games this season..
Rhyle
Bendtner was fun? hahaha…you mean like funny? As in uttter shite?
Rhyle he did almost cost us two goals, but I don’t blame him, the whole team was playing as if it was an exhibition match, I don’t blame anyone for a bad performance today, was a very weird game.
Yeah David I agree, Diaby is actually very clinical. If he stays fit and continues to develop he could be a big player for us.
The point i am making A is the squad is almost threadbare after 3 games and it should concern all goons, another couple of injurys and all the good work goes to waste, just a couple of players would take us to the next level!
what about eduardo.. the skill showed to get past his man and cut it back for diaby was brillian!
Threadbare reggie?! Wilshere can’t even make the bench such is the squad’s depth! Another couple of injuries, say to Diaby and Cesc, and Ramsey and Song come in, which is absolutely fine! Defensively I agree, and still expect someone to come in, but offensively the squad depth is incredible!
reggie
I share ure concerns as well….i wouldnt play Cesc for the Celtic game imo…they gave him a proper kicking in the first leg….but Ramsey and Merida can infact fill his position…or at least do enough for us to have a chance.
Who would u say we bring in?
Rhyle i love the kid but considering what he had to do today which wasn’t an awful lot, i thought Gibbs was poor. Pompey had a bit of joy down that side but it was easy for us today. Can’t wait for next week Celtic and then the Mancs. I think well see a few players rested during the week with the Man U game coming up. If we managed to turn them over that would be a six point gap, which would be massive so early in the season.
A the proof in the pudding is next week if we can get a result against the mancs i will gladly shut up wingeing!!
I thought he did okay. There was a challenge in the 2nd half which was immense and that’s really the only thing that sticks in the memory.
It was a very weird game. More friendly than a friendly, no real challenges, no real need to get out of second gear.
Yeah Rhyle, it really was surreal, it felt like one of those games at the very end of the season when the result didn’t matter to either team, but rather than both teams not caring about the result, it was as if both teams were resigned to the fact we were going to win easily, so what’s the point in anyone wearing themselves out in the process!
It is still not a reason why you should play like shite tho…bendy came on and was pathetic.
The crowd was weird as well – really up for for the first half an hour, the second goal and performance seemed to kill the atmosphere as much as Pompey. All I could hear for the rest of the game was that effing bell and drum…
David – I can kinda see where you’re coming from mate but 4-1, 3 points and no need to get too cream crackered before a CL qualifier? I’d have taken it before the first whistle and I’m happy with it after.
Where I was sitting whenever Bendtner got the ball there were whoops of excitement and gasps of joy and a lorra laffs when he fucked up. No word of a lie. It was FUN.
His performance today was like Eboues against Hull (when we lost) – lots of little tricks, trying to get past players and nothing coming off. Not his best showing.
For someone who’s trying to make the team as first choice it was a pretty horrid showing.
Merida came on and was fantastic. Ramsey came on and scored.
Of all the Subs…Bendy was juss shocking. It was an exhibition match but you it wasnt like he was tired…he juss came off the bench…show us your worth is all im saying!
The sooner Fabianski steps up…the sooner we will start dominating football.
Its funny because El tel was on last nite and was saying he would never predict a clean sheet with Almunia in goal. Funnily enough i think he predicted 4-1.
He was just trying too hard David, almost played in an absolutely lovely pass for Merida, but he was desperate to score after seeing how shit pompey were, but nothing was coming off for him. Eduardo was the best of our forwards today, Arshavin was shocking, VP was nice in the build up, lovely assist, but shocking in front of goal. He was similar to Bendy, absolutely desperate to score, and was trying too hard in that department.
Noone’s performance today in negative terms mattered 1 iota, otherwise Arshavin and Gibbs should be slated more than anyone else, but it was a unique game, and performances mean absolutely nothing in terms of how players will play in proper games.
I went for 3-1 and think the same thing no matter who’s in goal for the Arsenal – never be against us conceding. Look to one of my posts this morning – it’s there!
I know what you’re saying, it was a poor performance hidden by a poor Portsmouth and a good result but he did work hard and it was just one of those days at the office.
What did you of RvP today? Arshavin? Don’t think they were much better.
For me this 4-3-3 is not suiting our forwards. Look at where our goals are coming from:
Fab 2
Diaby 2
Gallas 3
Ramsey
Vermaelen
Denilson
Eduardo
OG
1 goal in 12 from our strikers.
I dont think you try to hard if you make 1 or 2 often enough piss poor passes or dribble the ball into a crowd of people and lose it…maybe you have a point…But im happy with the points…He is improving like Diaby but at a very slow rate! So FRUSTRATING!
I think the United game is the true test for this team…so far…we’ve dispatched simple teams…but we’ve failed in all our big games when it matters from last season….if we grab the 3 points in a comfortable manner then i think most if not all fears will dissipate…but thats the thing with this team…we can be exceptionally brilliant or piss poor…or both…you never know with Arsenal
Rhyle I really don’t care where the goals come from as long as wel score them! This system is designed for VP to be more of a creator than a scorer, midfielders running past the central striker etc, as long as we’re scoring goals it really doesn’t matter if it’s the forwards who are getting them.
It wasn’t a poor performance at all, it was just a training match, we didn’t even get into 3rd gear, because we knew we never needed to, so we just went through the motions. Next saturday is the big one, and we’ll be very fired up for it. Be interesting who starts in the midfield three with Cesc, which two of Diaby, Song, and Denilson play. Up top I’d be very surprised if it wasn’t Bendtner, VP, Arshavin, and the defence pretty much picks itself.
I think far too much is being made of our strikers not scoring. It’s only two games in, and it’s not like we have had a goal shortage is it?
If the forwards aren’t scoring, one could say that it’s because they have been too busy setting up goals for everyone else.
I don’t care who scores as long as we pick up three points
I give a fooking rats arse about who scores… almunia could score for all i care.. we’re winning and not conceding a lot.. its all good!
Ud start Bendy ahead of Eduardo?
HB / A – it’s not point and I’m not complaining believe me. They’re playing well in the main and we’re picking up points but who has a CF to create rather than score? In the first three games I think RvP has had half a dozen shots, that’s not going to get you 20 goals a season is it? I just don’t think 4-3-3 is suiting our forwards and I think their performances and no. of goals bear this out.
But, as you say, as long as we’re scoring and getting 3 points I’m okay with it…ish…
Oh…and I’ve spent a lot of tonight defending our performance so I have no issue with that at all. Happy!
Rhyle. Why do you want the forwards to get 20 goals a season? Have a think about that.
Anyway off to have a saturday night…
WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE…that’ll doooooooo!
Believe it or not…4-3-3 is for defensive purposes. We didnt play much of it today tho.
City want Riquelme. Now, that would be a major signing. When he was at Villareal, he was one of the best players in the world.
david.. smile a little.. we won
David yeah, I’m pretty sure Bendtner will start ahead of Eduardo. He’s much more tenacious, stronger, and it actually makes a big difference with Almunia’s kicks. Every single kick from Almunia, be it a goal kick, or from his hands, is aimed at Bendtner, he wins EVERY flick on, and knocks it to VP. Without Bendtner, if we can’t distribute quickly because they press the full backs, when Almunia kicks it we just give away possession, I think it’s something which has an importance that people overlook.
Rhyle we’ve played 2 games in the prem, VP has 3 assists, Arshavin 1, Eduardo has one goal. I’d say the forwards have contributed sufficiently to defend their role in the system…. It isn’t designed for one player, or a couple to score lots of goals themselves, but in it the team will score much more goals overall, and the forwards will score goals, but probably not prolifically.
Pat he was very good some 5 or so years ago! Last time I saw him play, which was about 2 years ago, he couldn’t run anymore! Still great technique and creative, but he just can’t cover any ground at all. Be an interesting signing for them, bit of a weird one.
A, he was never able to run!! He’s a very slow player, but hard to dispossess, a bit like Cesc. His free kicks/set pieces are only bettered by Juninho. He’s amazing. I’ve always loved the guy. Hope he comes back to Europe, but not to City.
Lol.
A,
YOure trying to insinuate that he’d doing all the things Ade couldnt do.
Well i hope so. I’d bring in Chamkh..and see how they both link up…WE’d be absolutely lethal in the air…
Fuck me, cesc might miss the Manchester games.
Cesc, Rosicky, Nasri could all walk into that United team.
Riquelme is legend.
When United played Boca Juniors pre-season he basically bossed the midfield….i hope they dont get him!
This team still lacks a defensively solid box-box midfielder.
Just switched on the milan match against Siena. Less than 2 minutes into the 2nd half and Flamini gets an assist for Pato (although the credit should go to Ronaldinho.
Im loving ESPN now. They have so many different leagues on show compared to sky.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article6806310.ece... has anyone seen this
why what does it say
louis.. That link doesn’t work
i will win fantasy grove, hahaha !
-BergkampLegends
Agbonlahor, Bassong, Kuyt, Hangeland and Noble still have to play !
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article6806310.ece
try it now.. arshavin interview
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article6806310.ece my bad try this
Just read that Louis.
AA isnt getting carried away unlike a lot of fans. If you look at things realisticly we have beaten two championship teams and had a good result against an Everton with internal problems.
This current team isnt going to win in the league. This current team definately isnt going to win the European cup.
I still hope we buy the DM. I would like to get a CB or classy forward that leads the line. Priority has to be a DM.
You can only beat the teams infront of you, of course. The real tests come in the next two league games.
This current team will finish third but finishing third is not good enough when we are two players away from winning the league.
yeah just read that
Test that’s your opinion,in my opinion the current team could, and will win the league. Noone we sign would come in to be a first team player, any signing would be a squad player to add depth, because our first team is the best in England, and could challenge for the champs league certainly.
Chelsea are better than us A.
Our first team is near the same level as United and Liverpool though. Where we massively lack and are still majorly unproven, is mentally.
We will seize up again when the moment comes? That’s the question mark. The likes of Arshavin and Eduardo won’t, but Cesc, RVP, Denilson, Clichy, Walcott, all get affected by pressure imo and this constricts them.
I don’t know about that though Paulinho, I won’t be judging Chelsea until around xmas time. Noone can have any idea how well they’ll gel with Ancelotti’s system, how well the system will adapt to the prem, whether Ancelotti will fall out with Terry and Lampard and be forced out of the club etc. Scolari’s Chelsea were much stronger than Ancelotti’s Chelsea currently look imo, so I’m reserving judgement on them for a good while yet.
We’re above Liverpool and Utd imo. I don’t get where Cesc, VP, and Theo get affected by pressure?! They’ve all done big things in big games before…. Whereas Eduardo and Arshavin havn’t?!
Hello A. mate. How you been man? Haven’t been on in a while at the same time you’re on here usually, but been meaning to say this when I got a chance; Have to give credit where credit is due, I think you were one of the few that had confidence in Vermaelen and were absolutely spot on. I wasn’t a boo boy but had my doubts on a dutch league player instantly being a starting CB in England and I recall you had predicted by October we would be singing his praises, and its actually been a lot sooner then that. So kudos my friend on calling that one!
Evening all!
That was extremely boring fare today!
I agree. Walcott didn’t look affected by pressure when he calmly chipped Villareal’s keeper. And how about Cesc dominating the San Siro?
These don’t look like players who can’t take the pressure in big games. Where we failed last season was the team’s collective mentality, which looks transformed judging by recent form. We look like we believe in ourselves and i think we will prove we can scrap and fight for every single point.
There’s no reason we can’t win both the big ones. But we will need some cover at CB and DM. Because we will sustain injuries to key players
A;
RVP is a complete no mark in any show piece occasion. Spends the whole match on the periphery and gets snuffed out.
Fabregas was shit in the F.A semi final and looked powder puff against United. He seems to be affected by pressure the more time goes on, always screws every shot wide in big occasion(apart from Milan) and yet in low pressure match connects cleanly.
I don’t know, I just notice little changes in their demeanour against United and Chelsea in pressure occasions. I don’t trust them to express themselves fully when we play them in crunch league games or cup matches.
Whereas with Eduardo and Arshavin I have no worries. They have a big match temperament, they are as cool as ice.
A
What does could challenge for the champions league mean? Is that like Barnet challenging for the FA cup every year?
I am talking about winning. Do you think we will win the champions league? This current team has no chance of winning the champions league.
I agree that the current team could win the league, given the correct circumstances Pompey could win the league. In my opinion (as you rightly point out) on the balance of probabilities we will finish third. I am talking about signing two class players, not some mugs that are understudys to Denilson and RVP who doesnt have a scooby about leading a line. Signing two players that will give us a realistic chance of winning the league, in the same way that Pompey are odds on favorite to go down, as opposed to the moon aligning with the earth sun and venus.
I know you were saying we would win the league pre season, so these results will only serve to strengthen your opinion, I however agree with Paulinho. I watched the invincibles season again today and far from plain sailing there were some tough questions asked of the team. No one knows if this team has the answers to tough questions, history would say not, obviously history is there to be re-written.
I agree that we are above Liverpool, as I said before they are as overrated as we are underrated. I disagree that we are above United, but we wont know until the end of the year.
The sun is out and all is gravy. This teams test will be when the shit hits the fan, we seem to have some fragile egos born out of inexperince. United lost 1-0 during the week, went away from home and responded by winning 5-0. If we can do that then your prediction may well come true.
I also have confidence in Rosicky and Nasri, in terms of temperament. Harsh on Walcott as well I suppose, he just lacks the quality rather than mentality.
What about RVP#s brace against Chelsea last season. Those weren’t the goals of a man who couldn’t take the pressure.
As far as Fabregas screwing shots wide. He does that against small teams too. I think he’s just quite poor at long range shots to be fair
Ha why thank you Lazer, he has settled in superbly hasn’t he!! I have been on here a bit, obviously was at the Emirates today so not here during game time today, but havn’t been away that much!
I agree HB – centre back and DM cover, and the squad is full. It seems like it may well be one or the other in the end though, rather than both, though I’d be very happy if a DM came in and Senderos stayed.
The offensive depth really is crazy, so many attacking players in the squad now, gotta have the most depth in that area since Wenger arrived by some distance!
Performance wise, I would say it was a walk in the park. It gets boring and your mind wanders to the next game. You loose your killer instinct and become too relaxed.
I watched the Man U game and they were lucky they didn’t conceed in the 1st half. However, WBA let the door open in the 2nd half. Why do they let them in always? They seem to be at their best against us, why?
Diaby was good today. Am scratching my head if we start him wide left instead of Arsh for celtic. The Russian needs to be fresh for ManU. I would also rest Cesc and play Rambo.
A, did you see VP starting to get a bit moody when he did not get the ball he wanted from team mates a couple of times, or looking like running was beneath him at times? I thought he was poor today and it does concern me that this system may not suit him or that he will not be able to adapt to it.
Cesc may be injured for Celtic anyways. Actually I believe Wenger said they will know more in the next 48 hrs but if it was a pull then he’ll be out for Manure as well. Sorry am the harbinger of shit news but that’s what he said I think.
I pray Cesc will be fit against the manc clubs.
Test challenging means that no team on paper SHOULD beat Barca, but we’d have a chance but never be favourites. It would be impossible for any team to say that they would beat Barca, unless you stole Barca’s players, which noone will be able to do.
I consider Utd to be the weakest of the top 4, and you agree we’re above Liverpool, Chelsea could well capitulate, so even if things don’t go perfectly for us I see us as having a chance, if things go well then I see us wiping the floor with everyone else!
I don’t see Utd losing to Burnley then beating Wigan as a sign of their strength, but losing to Burnley is a sign of their weakness! I expect us to win the league because we aren’t going to have to recover from results as bad as that, because we aren’t going to suffer them!
The Everton and Celtic games weren’t walks in the park, but showed a completely new dimension to us as a team, a fight, and physicality that hasn’t been there for years and years, that’s a big difference from last season, and shows the improved attitudes and mental strength imo. It’ll be tested in the next few games though, I think and hope it’ll hold up
Zorr0. I don’t think he was poor. He didn’t have his shooting boots on, but he had a good free kick and a brilliant assist for Rambo.
Confidentgoner. Just hope Diaby is fit, because he looked as though he picked up an injury today
yeah the offensive depth for once “should” take us through the season hopefully. Can’t say the same at Dm and Cb but everyone agrees on that. We basically got away with Denilson and Diaby in the mid today cause Portsmouth are just plain poor in possession. With the big boys we need a proper DM to protect the back 4, Song is in good form right now and seems the first choice but we will definitely need one for his ACN time from Jan. But who can be bought and settled in to play games?? Viera is not a DM.
Zorro most of the game, and most of his game I’d say was very good, and suited him, but the lack of a goal seems to be getting to him. He was obviously desperate to score, and was trying really really hard to get his goal in the second half, and when things weren’t coming off he was getting more and more moody, and being a real dick, waving his hands and shouting all everyone else when they didn’t pass to him etc.
He was just annoyed that he hadn’t scored though, I think the system suits him well, and his creativity is integral to it. Two premiership games, two assists from open play, he just needs to get his shooting boots back on, which he’s needed to do since towards the end of last season imo, even though the brace on the last day he still wasn’t really firing for a good while, but all round game is still invaluable.
Alumina has been very good this season, at least for these 3 games. No goal keeper is perfect. But this was his fault, due to too much error enforcing condition I stated above.
LAzer, Wenger said he can be out for 3 weeks. Thats a huge blow. Rosicky, Nasri, Cesc all out. Rosicky and Cesc could walk into any team in the PL, probably Nasri as well.
HB, true about the pass for Rambo, which he took really well by the way, but he hit 2 frees into the wall and 1 he got James to make a decent save from. I just thought he needs too many touches sometimes and his reluctance to use his right is annoying.
A Says:
August 22, 2009 at 21:38
Test that’s your opinion,in my opinion the current team could, and will win the league. Noone we sign would come in to be a first team player, any signing would be a squad player to add depth, because our first team is the best in England, and could challenge for the champs league certainly.
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Yaya TOure, M. Diarra….D. Forlan, Chamakh…Matuidi….the list goes on.
Hey A. how was the atmosphere at the ground today? Wenger commented on the fans in the press conf, so it seems the club realises they must do something to improve the support. I liked how he said the team must get the fans on there feet not vice versa, and is realistic that the support in a big city is different. It will not be fanatical manic singing for 90 mins like a britannia or turf moor.
Zorr0. I agree mate. RVP really irritates me sometimes when he runs into defenders. Or seems to rely heavily on being able to let the ball run across him and get his body in front of defenders. even though he is not strong enough to do that..
But then he just creates goals from nowhere and i realise just how important he is. It’s a team game, and i don’t mind if he doesn’t get a single goal this season if he continues to assist like he has so far
I seem to remember people saying we had proved we could cope physically when we beat Bolton 3-1 at their place last season and Blackburn as well.
I’m not sold, it has to be said, but Vermaelen definately brings us something in that area. I still think Song, and Denilson especially, will get found out against the top sides in terms of mobility and athleticism.
Paulinho Says:
August 22, 2009 at 22:00
A;
Fabregas was shit in the F.A semi final and looked powder puff against United.
I don’t know, I just notice little changes in their demeanour against United and Chelsea in pressure occasions. I don’t trust them to express themselves fully when we play them in crunch league games or cup matches.
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Thats because Cesc looks tired of playing with Average players…and Arshavin said it best…we need quality now….Cesc would be fantastic next to a De Rossi or another world class player that gives him the freedom to rome…but its the lack of quality around him syndrome imo…
A
I like your positive attitude mate.
If the team handles our first defeat as well as I am sure you will, we will not only win the league but we WILL beat Barca aswell
I have not seen the first 2 games in full, so am only really basing it on today and what others have said to me, so I hope it will work for him, but not convinced at present, certainly when he is playing the forward in the front 3.
Almunia was shite for the goal, although they should never have had the corner, but the lino was too fucking slow to keep up and flag for the player in the middle in the play before it!
Though Vermaelen looked quality, nice and aggressive and wanting to get to the ball first, which makes a change. Didn’t get a good view of Billy’s challenge on their forward, but it looked iffy from block 3!
I dunno Lazer, it was good at times, but towards the end of the game there were the odd gasps of annoyance aimed at Bendtner when he gave the ball away, but nothing too bad. It was weird though, because 20 odd minutes in we were cheering passes, it felt like a pre season friendly, as it looked like it on the pitch!
On another note I really don’t like the stadium announcer, more and more annoying all the time, he talks to the crowd like an entertainer at a kids party, and all the advertisments are irritating as well, he just needs to shut up at times let everyone get on with it, though I’m sure it isn’t necessarily his choice to be chatting before the match the entire time, and at half time.
Test what first defeat?! The invincibles mkII have been unveiled!!
LOL
David – Yaya is unrealistic, Diarra wouldn’t necessarily be fit to start for us, Forlan is old and VP is better, Chamakh and Matuidi were talked about as being brought in to add depth, neither would have been regular 1st choice….
I think it’s a bit of both David.
The situation would definately be allievated by better players around him, that’s for sure.
Blatant pen not given against Utd, surprise surprise
No alcohol gestapo around the ground, well at Che’s anyway so that was good.
Atmosphere was good at the start, but I think when everyone saw how shite pompey were they lost interest, and that was just the players! Seriously though, they were pants and it seemed after 25 minutes the team were taking it too lax, silly litle corner thing from AA and Fab summed it up. Then one error from the lino and 1 from Almunia and they are back in a game they were never in until that point!
Though the last 20 were only interesting to see Merida, who I thought showed some promise, but also a lot of inexperience, which is only to be expected, but nice to see him get on, although may have prefered to see LJW. Is he going to rotate those 2 on the bench maybe?
oh maaan that sounds horrid. I would be livid if I had to keep hearing some fellow muttering cheesy adverts and cracking one liners like a mascot at little Johnny’s 5th birthday during an Arsenal match. Sounds a bit Americanized to me, hope Gazidis hasn’t brought that over nor brings the shirt throwing and cheerleaders at halftime bit over. That would be a serious travesty.
For 25 million?
Very realistic.
Id go for M.Diarra…because he’s a brick wall…and i doubt he will go to the ACN because of his “injury”….we NEED Class people so Denilson and Song can learn from ffs….When Gallas goes upfront and Denilson plays CB….does that fill you with COnfidence?
Id say Matuidi would play over Denilson…and he’s a first teamer….
We were 2 players short last year…Its silly to keep promoting from withing the club when we have money to spend on Class players and not keep taking this risk.
Its not like we’re asking to change the whole team…we just want reinforcements in certain areas.
I dunno if Denilson is a first teamer now David, Song is our first choice DM, and Matuidi wouldn’t walk into the team ahead of him, neither would Diarra, noone knows what sort of a state he’s in after his injury, but if he is fit to play regularly then of course he’d go to the African Nations!
Barca wouldn’t sell Yaya for £25 mil, maybe next summer when they get Mascherano, but currently not a chance.
Denilson went to centre back when Gallas went off the pitch because he was only off temporarily and wasn’t going to be subbed!
I think Wenger will suprise a few and throw lJW into the big matches. Merida got the nod for the bench for a crap team cause Wenger probly expected a goal riot and some playing time for him. It would be a waste to have lJW have a go at them and risk injury. Merida is much further away and more important for him to get experiance in these games imo.
Incidentally why did Gallas run off the pitch?? What happened to him??
A
you have a clip of that?
A clip of what David??
Scholes should’ve been off, Vidic should’ve seen red, and Wigan should’ve had a pen. What’s up with match of the day’s commentator too, how biased can you get?!
A, normally he goes to take an Eartha!
I did hear there was trouble at Che’s after the game though. Plod acting very aggressive! Nothing to do with away fans at all.
for Celtic
—— —-Al—-
–eboue—Gallas—Verm–Clichy
—Ramsey—Song——Dennilson
Bent(Wilsh)——Dudu(RVP)——Diaby (Arsh)
For ManU:
—— —-Al—-
–Sagna—Gallas—Verm–Clichy
—Cesc——Song——Dennilson
Bent(Wilsh)——RVP(Dudu)——Arsh (Diaby)
with constant switching of the front three, it doesn’t really matter who plays where up front.
Are you watching the rematch?
Oh sorry David, watching match of the day
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/default.stm
The injury situation already is perilous. If Cesc is missing for 3 weeks then the team is literally down to bare bones.
With Djourou out wenger is forced to use Verm and Gallas every game. not great.
then in attack we are missing Ros, Nasri, Vela and Theo. If you add Cesc to that then its most of our creative attack.
if we are playing 3 strikers in a match then only Eduardo, RVP, Bendtner and Arshavin can fill those positions. 4 players for 3 positions is simply not healthy for a title challenge. we DO need a striker.
In midfield if Cesc is not fit, we have Diaby, Den, Song and Ramsey. After that, its youngsters like Wilshere and Merida. I think even this is too weak for a title challenge. With the injuries, its a weak squad. without injuries its a strongish squad. what does wenger do?
His comments about a defensive player to me sound like he means a defensive midfielder. we definitely need players. for me we need two more. an extra attacker and an extra defensive player – probably in midfield. With Song’s ability to fill in at centre back, and Vermaelen’s emergence, we may not need a centre back – at least until January.
Wenger seems to be alternating between Merida for one game and Wilshere for another, to keep them both happy.
Barca would sell for 25 mill
Especially since they have the likes of S.Kietta and Basquetes.