Here we are again… Out powered, out performed and out fought.

November 30, 2009

Highlights|Reaction

I’m not sure who is going to provide my ears with more propaganda this week. The Politicians, celebs and elites attending the Copenhagen summit (Meat free Monday), or Arsene Wenger, with his, ‘everybody’s fault bar ours‘ speech.

‘We have nothing to be ashamed of. It all went Chelsea’s way and I was not especially impressed with what happened on the pitch’

Really?

Almunia

Sagna Gallas Vermaelen Traore

Song Fabregas Denilson

Nasri Eduardo Arshavin.

I guess the first thing Geoff and I were wondering was why Denilson and Song both got a start. One can be stomached, two in the same team leaves me wondering how much Wenger truly rates wonderboy Song. A perplexing midfield trio. Don’t give me defensive stability either… Denilson does not offer stability against the power of Chelsea. The only way we were going to beat the scum from out west was to outplay them. For me, you play your best players…

Arsenal dominated the early possession, without ever really having a cutting edge. If playing football in the final third won you trophies, we’d be putting them in storage to accomodate an over crowded trophy room.

Chelsea gave us the first scare when Anelka capitalised on some sloppy play from Nasri. He broke into the box, Sagna got in between him and the ball and pulled him over. The ref decided it wasn’t a penalty, Arsenal fans could breathe again… it was stone wall for most.

It struck me early on that our game plan was slightly flawed. We were hitting the wings and whipping crosses into a forward line with an average height of about 5ft 7. Kind of like me trying out punch Mike Tyson in a bar brawl.

The first warning signs that Chelsea were warming up came when Drogba managed to get a free header in our box. It did make me wonder what the manager talks about before the game? Do they highlight the oppositions strengths, or just gloss over them and hope certain players don’t turn up?

Nasri had the first shot for Arsenal. He jinked inside Ivanovic and fired into the arms of Petr Cech.

Traore managed to get himself booked after a minor tussle on Frank Lampard… surprising after the ref allowed Mikel to get away with a cynical challenge on Eduardo.

Arsenal broke forward with Eduardo controlling the ball, he fed Arsh who cut tha ball back and played it into an empty box.

Then came the moment we were dreading. Terry passed to Cole… Cole crossed to Drogba… Drogba deftly flicked it in off the upright… the trio of filth combined to put Chelsea ahead. Gutting.

Soon after, the most hated player in football, Ashley Cole, whipped a ball into the box, the keeper and Vermaelen failed to communicate which lead to the Belgian slipping it into his own net. Poor defending from a team who continue to ship goals at an alarming rate. This was something I warned about earlier in the year… when the goals dry up, what happens?

The second half started, Song came off for Theo Walcott. Fair play, Song wasn’t exactly having the blinder people were hoping for.

Arsenal started well. Eduardo forced a save from Cech, the ball deflected out, Arshavin took an age to shoot, the ball ended up in Cech’s hands, Eduardo raised his foot above Cech’s shoulder, he dropped the ball, Arsh scored. Goal disallowed. Arsene, when a footballer who is 5ft8 has his ankle higher than a 6ft5 keepers shoulder, the ref is going to blow up.

Vela and Walcott didn’t really impress me. I think Theo is one of the most over hyped players at Arsenal and I really don’t believe he deserved a massive great new contract based on what he’s done for Arsenal. Vela hasn’t had a lot of time to shine, so it would be unfair for me to critique his performance today. Needless to say, we’re struggling to replace Robin effectively.

Chelsea absorbed the pressure and continued to dominate us with their power. Drogba demonstrated his superior strength when Traore literally bounced 6 feet off him after an attempted shoulder barge. Shortly after, Arshavin suffered the same indignity when challenging Ivanovic.

Shortly after, Drogba capped off Arsenal’s shameful afternoon by slotting a shot into the top corner from a dead ball situation. More world class keeping from Almunia, more humiliation for the home fans.

Lets not beat around the bush here, today really was a pitiful result. We were out played, out powered and out scored by 3 goals and we’re supposed to be competing for the league? The shame of it was we all knew it was coming. We all knew deep down we didn’t really have a chance. It’s ground-hog day, it’s December and we’re out of the Premiership again

So what did we learn from today?

  • Well, playing the ball out wide and looking for crosses when you’re playing against the best aerial defence in the Premiership is dumb. Playing crosses into the box when you’ve got no one above 6ft is dumber
  • Denilson and Song in the same team is unambitious in the extreme. People thought Geoff was joking when he said this would happen, sadly it wasn’t a joke… it was a prophetic statement.
  • As for Song dominating the midfield. Well, we didn’t see that did we? I thought his performance was shoddy at best.
  • Our goalkeeper needs to be changed. I don’t know how long Wenger is going to let him play badly before he ships him out. We’ve allowed 41 shots to land on target this year, we’ve conceded 18. Un-fucking-believable.
  • Money buys you experience, power and winners. When has an Arsenal team ever achieved success without those ingredients?

Very disappointing. If this team is ready and it’s no longer young, well, we’ve got some serious shopping to do in January. There is only so long you can keep on talking about tomorrow.

“In England people think that the Solution is always to buy”

Arsene, that’s what people think all over Europe and guess what? They’re fucking right. We’ve got ourselves a young team of players who don’t know how to win. We need super human players like Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry and Bobby Pires. We need to start giving the real talent games and stop trying to stop gap with poor players.

Talk about finishing all you like, we didn’t create chances. Blame the referee, we’re not entitled to get every decision. Moan about missing Van Persie, he wasn’t going to keep Chelsea out three times. We’ve got the same fundamental problems we’ve had for the last three years. No power, not enough world-class players and a lack of a winning mentality. We’ve lost to Sunderland, Man City, Man United and Chelsea. That’s not title-winning form. If we continue to ignore the issues we have with the squad and continue to praise how young they are and how amazing the business model is, we’ll always be here, every year, moaning about the same things.

Arsene’s got it dreadfully wrong again, just a little later than he did last year.

The kids are no longer kids, they’re failing adults. Time for a rethink.

Ratings:

Almunia: Give me a keeper who knows how to communicate with his defence, has the guts to come from crosses and can stop shots. If anyone knows of one, please forward his name onto keeper.solutions@arsenal.com. 5

Sagna: Some typically woeful crossing from the Frenchman and a terribly clumsy challenge in the first half. Harsh on the crossing. I guess asking a full back to hit one of our ‘target men’ is a pretty impossible task even for the most gifted of wide men. 5

Gallas: Terrible mix up for the two goals. He’s there to stop dangerous balls and he failed. I wasn’t overly impressed with his Drogba hug at the end of the game either. 5.5

Vermaelen: Not his best game. He should have been more composed when clearing the Cashley cross and he could have given a penalty away in the second half after rugby tackling John Terry. 5

Traore: Not a bad game considering how many people consider him to be the weakest left back to ever wear an Arsenal shirt. 6

Song: I thought he had a very poor first half. He gave the ball away cheaply, struggled to keep up with players who are 7 -8 years older than him and hardly dominated in the way so many people promised he would. Not just that, he suffered the shame of being hooked off for the equally average Denilson. 6

Denilson: Why oh why would you put him in the same team as Song? Surely one defensive midfielder is enough? Passed better than Song, but offered nothing of note to the game. Irritating how often he smiles when he plays badly. A very odd decision from the coach. 5

Cesc: Never really got into the game. Against more powerful opposition, he needs to be protected. He wasn’t, so he couldn’t perform. 5.5

Nasri: Looked lively in the first half, but failed to really impose himself past the first 20 minutes. Very disappointing. Am I the only person who feels like all our players are indentikit versions of each other? I feel like I’m playing top trumps and I’ve got 5 Alfa Romeo’s (There’s a metaphor in there somewhere)… Rosicky, Nasri, Cesc, Arshavin, Vela… they’ve all got the same qualities, all got the same weaknesses. 6.5

Arshavin: Sorry? He played? I can hardly remember seeing him! Struggling to motivate himself playing in our team? Well, if that’s the case… he’ll miss out on that move to Barca this summer. They’ll only want players who perform. Time to think about the team who pay you £80k a week, time to stop being such a girl and get over your World Cup failure, time to start delivering on that reputation you have. 3

Eduardo: What happened to our confident, cool, calm striker? Where did he go? He was off the pace today and very quiet. Like he normally is, bar the goals. 3.5

Subs:

Walcott: I’m sorry, as an outed xenophobe, I feel ashamed to admit it, but I just can’t get excited by the pride of English football. He gets the ball, either touches it behind him, 15 feet in front of him, or palms it off as a pass. Very average and totally undeserving of a 60k a week contract. 5

Vela: Eduardo off, Eduardo 4 years younger on. He even has the problem of not getting penalties because he looks like the Crozillian. 5

Rosicky: Kind of got things going, should have started really. Must have been pretty shocked that he is finally fit and the coach preferred to stick Denilson in there. A bit like finding out your boss has asked his 13 year old son to head up a multi-million pound project at work instead of putting you forward. 5

So a day on and I’m still getting ‘Happy Days’ text messages from Chelsea fans. Geoff and I were planning a podcast for this morning… kicking off that chapter of Le Grove off with a miserable episode didn’t seem right.

Still, we must dust ourselves down and hope that Manchester City’s dismal run of draws comes to an end when we beat them this week. I have a spare for that game, 2 for Stoke and a few others if you’re interested.

Have a great day Grovers! See you in the comments.

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Posted by Pedro

We have a point to prove today, win the midfield, win the match.

November 29, 2009

That’s the way I see it, we need to nullify the midfield threat of Essien and Ballack or Lumphard, if we stop them bullying us, we will win the game.

I read an interesting article on the life of Alex Song today and how he went to Paris aged eight and replaced Diaby in a French club called Red Star, he sadly lost his dad when he was young but it made him determined, Alex, I didn’t know that, that’s a shame, but the one thing I have always said is, that you were a trier.

Today we need you to boss the midfield, you need to shove your 6′ 1″ frame around the pitch and show them which team is going to win the league, this team of chavs is too old to beat us, today we show them what youth is all about. Start the game by giving Dogbreath a smack in the ribs, once you’ve done him, let potato head know who you are, let Cesc deal with the German. Do that and the midfield is ours.

With our pace and movement I expect us to tear them a new arsehole, I don’t want a patient build up, I want us at them from the off, no Djourou or Diaby today, so expect no own goals, today I expect a real message going out to the rest of the Premiership, today I expect nothing other than a resounding win, today we will find Jerusalem!

Ancelotti won fuck all at Milan, why would he win anything with the chavs? Those inbred players support every manager they have ever had, of course they do, that manager picks them, remember the days of Ranieri? They were going to strike if he got slung out, how many top, top paid twats have they supported since? 4, yes 4 top managers in as many years, what a bunch of slimy fucking hookers those players are.

Today we go forward with the same manager, the same team and the same crowd, because unlike the chavs, our fans have been around a lot longer than theirs, and our fans pre-date Abramovich.

Go on the Arsenal, show them who we are and who are the real pride of London, don’t sit back and wait for their onslaught, let them have ours.

Oh and Arsene, please go out and buy a world class striker or bring back Thierry, with the hand ball problem he has to carry, it may be time to bring him home, where he’s loved and where he feels safe, he knows he only has a couple of years left, that would suit us both.

Have a great day Grovers, today we show the world who the Arsenal are.

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Posted by Geoff

The defining moment has arrived! You’re on your own.

November 28, 2009

So Arsene Wenger has said his team cannot be regarded as kids anymore and it’s time to show what they can do against the likes of the chavs, he said last years mauling was the nightmare week of the season, well has a year made a difference? We’ll soon find out, what will he do if we lose, give up the experiment?

The thing that worries me after that comment, is we sold two top players and bought in an unknown, yes he is world class, our very own Martin Keown again, but considering we were already 2 players short, it was an odd decision, because in my book and DB10′s book, we are still 2 players short.

Ok forget that because I think this team will win, I just hope we do it by playing football and not by matching their kicking lumps out of us, I also hope we do it in style and make them look like the mugs they are, it’s time someone put the bully boys from west London in their places.

Not sure what the team will be, but I’m going to have a guess here.

Almunia

Sagna Gallas Vermaelen Eboue

Rosicky Song Cesc

Walcott Eduardo Arshavin

Or

Almunia

Sagna Silvestre Vermaelen Traore

Nasri Song Cesc

Walcott Arshavin Rosicky

Let me say this would be the team that I would pick (the first one), and I put Song in there because I think we need the aggressive type of player in midfield, and as far as he’s concerned, the players he’s up against are the real enemy, Ghana and Ivory coast, he will have an African point to prove and I’m backing him to do it, this is where we will all see how he matches up against Essien, I think he will want to prove something here.

I have a feeling though we’ll see the same midfield as we did midweek and Denilson will be in there. The opportunity for Wenger to play Song, Denilson and Eboue all at the same time may be too overwhelming.

It’s also time for the forward line to prove just how good they are, Walcott was supposed to be the saviour of England, now’s the time to prove it Theo, don’t forget your first ever Arsenal goal came against this shower of shit, we need to get down the wings and open them up, something we didn’t do against Sunderland or Liege, I’m surprised Wenger didn’t tell them that at the time.

Tomorrow they’ll be no hiding place, tomorrow we show how good we are, or far behind we are, tomorrow he’ll either see he has enough to win the league or not enough and has to buy.

The great Dennis Bergkamp has said two new players would do it, that’s all many of us have ever said, still if we beat the Chavs with the team that the boss believes are good enough, then I will start believing, and indeed consume a few helpings of humble pie, and I really hope I have to.

Alex, I’ve picked you ahead of Nasri and Ramsey who are flair players and Denilson, who for me is a defensive midfielder, I hope you show me why I was wrong to doubt you, I hope you kick lumps out of Essien, but save a few for Drogba, don’t forget a bit of African pride here!

Only a day to go Grovers, let’s hope the Villa get a draw against the spuds.

842 Comments | New Review | Permalink
Posted by Geoff

If Lump-hard is fit from a thigh strain how come Billy’s not?

November 27, 2009

This is the bit I can never figure, a week ago fat Frank had a thigh strain, he was out of the England squad and out of the Arsenal game, then Robin gets injured and decides to go in for horse placenta treatment, then Fat boy does likewise and now he’s back for the Arsenal game, Gallas gets a black eye and he’s doubtful.

If that’s true then it’s unbelievable, how can he be doubtful for a black eye??? Well I hope it’s not true because he will be up for this game and his partnership with Vermaelen is looking awesome, to play this without our forward line is slightly dodgy, to play it without our defence is suicidal.

What is it about Arsenal and injured players? It’s like every game something happens, new boot technology can’t have made all our footballers weeds, they are far fitter than they used to be, why are they always out?

Why does it only ever seem to be Arsenal players?

Anyway we have home advantage, we have the crowd, we have a 100% record this season, and we need to win this to stay in the race, 11 points down in December I think will be a bridge to far, we need to win, win well, and send a message out to the Premiership that they aren’t as good as Sky Sports are telling everyone, and to be honest the Mancs were the better team.

Considering we were better than the Mancs at their gaff, we ought to beat the chavs, I don’t think giving Drogba a dig in the ribs would be the worst idea, and I’d love to see him having a fit again, that was truly pathetic. When I did my ribs, I just got up and poured myself a lager, what a wimp he is.

Well Anelka returns to the Grove this weekend and I for one so wish we had signed him, we could have had him for half of what we sold the whore for, I still think he’s one of the top 5 in the world, ho-hum.

News today is that Dubai is on the brink of titsupness, they want to delay their £35 billion debt on their world development that many EPL footballers invested in, twats, anyone could see that would never fly, still the question I have is will that affect us? The money they paid was up front, so we’re okay there, what chance though we can slide out of it and rebrand ourselves the Coors Light stadium and finally pay off the stadium debt?

Something to think about, have a great day Grovers, today I’m playing golf!

507 Comments | New Review | Permalink
Posted by Geoff

Fear not, we are about to make a big signing!

November 26, 2009

Yes you heard right we are about to sign QPR wonderkid Raheem Sterling, he’s 14 years old but if you live that long it’s great news. I remember when Henri Lansbury was captain of the England under 17′s, they said he was the heartbeat of the team, now we are debating whether or not to renew his contract, I guess we would if he wasn’t English, oops!

The press say we have made enquiries about horse face from Madrid, hmmmm, not a bad move I have to say, as cover, though I would still prefer Numbchucks, and Dennis is after a coaching role in England, Arsene, I think Pat is after retiring, could be a great move, think about it and call me if you want a chat.

Drogba and Fat Frank are back for the game on Sunday but so will William Gallas be, so I have no fear, I really think we’ll beat them, why? Because I think we are by far the better team.

Now we need to clear up the Song issue, let me tell you all that I don’t have a problem with him, we spend far too long debating him  and we ought to move on, he’s in the team, he’s first choice and I fully support him, so let’s forget about it and talk about the real issues.

Denilson made a lively start by scoring his second goal of the season, yes his second goal of the season, we had a number of people on yesterday correcting Pedro on him scoring a goal, Pedro said it was his first, but he forgot his pearler against Everton, you know what, it’s not an offence, sometimes we get it wrong, I apologise to all those that remembered the first goal, let’s hope it’s not his last. The goal I meant, not the mistake!

What was funny though was Wenger almost annoyed that he had a shot from distance, Standard Liege had two that hit the post, maybe we should do it a bit more, you never know we may score more if we do and we may even get the fans behind us and staying in their seats in anticipation.

We need to be at our best to beat the chavs, but we need to be at our best against anyone, including Sunderland, that’s what you have to do to win things, play each game like it counts, why? Because it does, every game between now and the end of the season needs to be played like a cup final, if there’s anything to be learned from the loss at the weekend, it’s that.

I read that the spuds are in for Micah Riichards, you know what? We should be in for him, he’s a gooner, he’s versatile and he’s what we need, yes he’s a party boy, but we can sort that out in a heartbeat, we need big strong players at the back and he could be perfect, don’t lets lose another good player to the spuds, who did we lose you ask, Niko Kranjcar, for me he would have been a good signing.

We need ready made players, signing another 14 year old is just bollocks, however good he is, I remember signing Pennant, look what happened there.

Sunday is a long way away, but I have to tell you, I’m feeling confident, I think they will come thinking they’re playing the team that lost to Sunderland, I’m thinking they’ll meet the team that beat Wolves.

The final word must go to Andre Arshavin, he got riid of Hiiddink says the press, well done son, now go to work on Ancelotti, but try and do it before Sunday.

Have a great day Grovers, not long now, if we win this one, we’ll be sending out a message. We’re going to win the league!

534 Comments | New Review | Permalink
Posted by Geoff

Massive disappointment once again. Player ratings and match review

November 25, 2009

I don’t know… Arsenal players make it tough on themselves don’t they? Last week Gibbs threatened to break his foot for the under 21′s, this week he went through with the threat by smashing his foot into the underside of a Liege players boot. Kieron’s broken his metatarsal and he’ll be out for the next two months. What a gutter.

Will boot manufacturers ever wise up and build more protective footwear? I mean, we are talking about football here. The difference of 0.1 seconds worth of pace on a football pitch over a protected foot? Well, surely it’s a no brainer. So for Sundays game, we’ll either see Traore or Silvestre. Nice…

Onto the game.

Again, it’s a tough one to report on. I’ve got to give it to your straight and I’m worried that if I dish out too many superlatives, I’ll be doing you an injustice. Standard Liege are a poor team. A poor team on the level of Wolves. We beat them convincingly and played some pretty special football at times, but if you take off your blinkers for a second, you’d have to admit that we could have drawn or lost that game last night because of the silly mistakes.

Despite dominating possession for a majority of the ninety minutes, Standard still managed to hit the woodwork twice. More worryingly, a freekick flew into the box, bounced 8 yards out, luckily Almunia wasn’t beaten by the oncoming striker. I can sit here and talk about how we could have bagged 6, it’s true, but we’re playing Chelsea this weekend and those chances that an incredibly poor team carved out, will be goals if we continue to take a sloppy approach to defending this Sunday.

Arsenal started in a hungry fashion. If Wenger let rip with a 4 letter expletive in a press conference, you can imagine the mood in the dressing room. Fair play to the boss, molly coddling grown men is never going to get your results. Song went close early on after he miscontroled the ball and was fortunately let back in by some poor defending. Fabregas and Nasri also had chances in the first five minutes.

Song continued to impress going forward, neatly cutting the ball away from his challenger, releasing Nasri who inexplicably crossed it to the back post. Our next chance… or 4 chances, came from a Fabregas corner which Bolat saved the resulting Arsh header, Vela had a toe poke cleared off the line, Gallas had a double shot saved, before Arshavin nearly had his head taken off by a Verminator thunderbolt! Humorous stuff.

Then came the usual sucker punch. Mbokani, skillfully worked his way into some space at the expense of Vermaelen and let off a rasping shot that nearly snapped the upright! Outrageous how things like that only ever seem to happen to Arsenal.

Our time was upon us. Vermaelen sensing Mulemo was uneasy with long balls, fired a 45 yard looping ball to Nasri, the Liege defender inexplicably slipped over, the ball bounced on the 18 yard box, Sammy followed the ball in and clipped the ball on the bounce into the bottom corner. An amazing finish!

Moments later, Eboue played a poor pass outside our box, Goreux picked up the ball, Gallas shoved him over in pub brawl style fashion and unbelievably, the ref waved play on. Perhaps feeling guilty about not giving Eboue a penalty earlier in the night (Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention that. He really has cleaned up his act, hasn’t he?).

The ball went up the other the other end moments later, Denilson looked up and smashed a 30 yard screamer at the goal. The ball moved 3 times enroute and deceived the keeper to give our young Brazilian his first of the season. Denilson and I have a strange relationship… I didn’t enjoy his contribution in preseason, but last season, I preferred him as the holding midfielder. If only he had the bulk…

The second half was a bit of a write off. Arsenal mostly controlled the play and nothing of note really happened bar of course some shoddy defending and another woodwork effort with seven minutes to go. Theo managed a run out and looked powerful and pacey and Cesc was being praised for keeping his cool when Carcela-Gonzalez went for the head butt. The press didn’t mention Cesc slapped his face moments before in the challenge, but fair play to the captain for keeping things under control.

So in conclusion. William Gallas wears a gum shield. Samir Nasri is a sly finisher. Cesc has his temper under wraps. Denilson has promised to deliver us more screamers. Eboue is still a diving cheat. Gibbs is out. Arshavin bleeds for the cause. Willy G looks like the elephant man. Gibbs is injured. Arsenal are going to have to out score the Chav’s on Sunday, because we’re not going to out defend.

Ratings:

Almunia: Hard to rate a keeper who had very little to do, yet still nearly managed to concede 3 times. The ball bouncing in the box was a particular worry. He’ll need to dominate his area on Sunday if we’re to have a chance. 6

Gibbs: I thought he was having a good game at left back, I’m just gutted his been cursed by the same injury Clichy suffered with for so many years. Someone needs to invent foot-pads for defenders… or metal boots. 7

Vermaelen: I love the guy, he is always keen to get forward and defends with his heart on his sleeve. However, we’re still looking susceptible at the back and he is part of that. 7

Gallas: After a nasty collision with Arshavin, it would have been easy for him to go off. He didn’t and he fought on despite looking like he’d just been involved in a nasty car crash. I’m giving him an extra 0.5 for that. 7.5

Eboue: Sloppy passing, loads of running into the opposition half with no end product and a customary dive. We’ll get the old cut and pasters telling us that he’s really improved this season, I’d beg to differ… he’s still the same player. The irony of being a cheat and having a God message on your shirt is not lost on many of us. 6

Denilson: I thought the Brazilian had a pretty solid return to action. His passes in the main went forward, he joined well with the attack and he played in an intelligent manner. Oh, and he even managed to bag his second of the season, first of the Champions league. 7

Song: One of the players steadily moving out of the marmite category, straight into blind love pile. He can do no wrong amongst some of you, which leads to cries of man of the match after every game, tales of spectacular control of the game and comparisons to some of the all time greats. He played well yesterday, but to hear some of you harp on about how amazing he is, is quite beyond me. He’s supposed to protect the back 4, we have the worst opening season defensive record in our history. 7.5

Cesc: Played superbly well, hustling and putting his weight about in defence, creating and crafting out chances going forward. He’s been unlucky on the goal scoring front, but he’s still the form man in our side at the moment. Give him movement up front and he’ll give you chances. 8

Nasri: Drifts in and out of games, but after 3 months out, that’s to be expected. A laboured performance from our Frenchman today and a very tidy finish. 7

Vela: Didn’t really have much of an impact on the game. We have to give him time though, he’s really quite green to the first team. He does have a lovely touch and he knows how to turn his marker inside out. I’ve got high hopes for the new Robbie Fowler. 6.5

Arshavin: Far too much criticism from the fan base over the contribution of Arsh. It’s normally the people telling you Song should take the Balon D’or right now. He is a dream of a player, every person I speak to about Arsenal talks about our Russian green with envy. He is a once in a lifetime player, enjoy what he does and stop moaning when he doesn’t give you 4 goals a game. He’s feeling his way into this season and he’s still managed some powerful, tangible stats (Tangible as in goals and assists, intangible as in Hleb assisting the assister). He even bled for the cause tonight. 7

See you in the comment Grovers!

679 Comments | Match report | Permalink
Posted by Pedro

For fu*ks sake the world cup is in June, you cannot be serious!

November 24, 2009

That little outburst was not from me, but from our Gallic manager when asked if Theo would be going to South Africa, good going boss, that’s the spirit!

Onto January signings he went on to say ‘Why would Bordeaux sell Numbchucks for a million euros?’

More to the point, why would we only offer a million? If he was worth a bid in the summer, Arsene must rate him, if he is free to go in the summer, and he’s that good, then every other big team will be in for him and they will all offer him more that we would or indeed could.

So why on earth would we not go in and offer them £5m, they’d bite our hands off and we’d get a good squad player for very little, good business if you ask me, plus we get a much needed top class player that’s fit.

In other news Song has extended his contract until 2015, so any thoughts you may have had about a new DM have now gone, he is the one that Wenger wants. I wish my boss would give me a 6 year contract, he won’t though because he’s a tight bastard, If only Wenger ran my company!

Cesc has said ‘why not’ to finishing his career at the Arsenal, good for you Cesc, that’s the way to deal with the Barca crap, that should shut them up for a few weeks, yeah right!

Andre Arshavin says Wenger should spend big in the January window and if it upsets a few youngsters, then that’s fair, if we want to win the league, we need some world class players, Andre, I can’t disagree with that my friend. Ha, ha, I bet he gets dropped for saying that!

Onto tonight, the European game where we can qualify for the next stage, the game where I expect to see a few experiments in team selection for the chav game this weekend, tonight’s selection will be interesting.

Yes I know he wants to give Vela a run, and that I applaud, but we have a lot of young forwards that get injured a lot, what we need is a few options up front that don’t get injured so often. We’ve had Bendtner, Theo, Robin, Vela, Eduardo and even Arshavin injured this season, so I don’t think we would have selection issues, do you?

All we need is a point tonight, all three and we go forward as winners of the group, I think that also helps with our ranking points, so all to play for, I just hope we don’t treat this as an exhibition game, I hope we can better the spuds score and send out a message, so I’m going to break with tradition and predict a 10-1 result, I’ll give them one because it wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t concede.

I have a feeling he may give Eastmond an airing tonight, either that or we’ll see Denilson back and he’ll rest Song so he’ll be fit for the chavs on Sunday.

Talking of the spuds, I always thought we should have had a look at Defoe when he was at West Ham, bit of a gamble, but he is a gooner, but not to have had a sniff when he was leaving Portsmouth was a little careless, he does know where the goal is doesn’t he?

We also need to show we can score goals with a short forward line and given the shit the players got from Saturday’s debacle, I expect them to come out the blocks on fire.

Here’s my team for tonight.

Mannone

Eboue, Senderos, Vermaelen, Gibbs

Rosicky Denilson/Eastmond, Cesc

Walcott, Arshavin, Vela

With Eduardo, Nasri and Ramsey making up the bench.

Two great things came out of yesterday, one was Cesc told Barca very politely to fuck off, and Wenger told the World cup hopefuls to remember who pays them, good advice and further proof if you needed it that Wenger does indeed read Le Grove.

Have a great day Grovers, tonight we show the world that we really are true contenders.

1,011 Comments | New Review | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Geoff

They played it like a cup tie, so should have you Arsene.

November 23, 2009

So we get the usual rhetoric from Arsene, we lacked sharpness, they wanted it more, we didn’t get behind their defence and now he says they played it like a cup tie.

Well Arsene, so should we, when you have a number of players in your team that earn in excess of £60k a week, they should play every game like it was a cup tie, every game, if we want to win something, it’s time we played each game like it counted, because you know what? It does.

We had a chance to send the chavs a message, the only message we sent them was all you have to do to beat us is shut us down.

All this on the weekend the spuds draw level with us, what a shit weekend, the only thing that made life worth living was Lee Westwood and the English cricket team.

Tomorrow we have the chance to get back to winning ways, but we’ll win that, we are playing a very poor team and I expect to see a lot of fringe players staking their claim to a place.

What was apparent against Sunderland was we should have replaced Ade-the-whore, you can’t lose a big lump like that and not replace him, maybe we’ll sign Numbchucks or someone in the window, if history has taught us anything, it’s we will always end up with more injured players than fit ones, unless of course we get into a final, then they’ll all mysteriously get better. AKA Ashley Cole.

Kolo Toure became the latest bitter ex-player this weekend, when on some kind of show with his brother he dissed an Arsenal player for getting him dropped, he also said he would have been happy to see out his career at Arsenal.

I don’t know whether I’m annoyed with Kolo for bitching, or annoyed with Arsene for allowing the French mafia to influence the team, one thing is for sure, I do believe it happened.

Anyway, with the sour taste of the weekend behind us, lets hope we score a hatful tomorrow and smash the chavs on Sunday, for me nothing else will ease the pain.

If we don’t beat the chavs at home, our premiership hopes will be over by Sunday night, not wishing to be negative, but that’s the reality, I mentioned money at the start of the evening, I really don’t think Arsene realises how much £60k a week is, and when you earn that, not being sharp shouldn’t be an option, every game should be a cup final, every game.

It is to us! Have a great day Grovers, don’t read the papers and get ready for the spuds new DVD, it should be out by about 5pm today.

611 Comments | New Review | Permalink
Posted by Geoff

Oh dear… a lesson in focus dished out by Sunderland. Review and Ratings

November 22, 2009

I’m not sure if I’m lacking in enthusiasm or my stream was too poor… because I have nothing in the locker for this post.

The team laid out avoided most of the marmite temptations Wenger usually indulges in and I thought it looked like a side more than capable of dishing out a spanking.

How wrong was I?

The game was a cagey affair, with most of it spent in midfield. Sunderland did a brilliant job of nullifying the threat we posed, leaving long shots as the main goal threat. Arsenal never really got any fluency going with their passing and whilst no one had a particularly bad game, too many of our starting 11 stayed firmly in 2nd gear at about 2000rpm (Low revs is what I’m saying guys…).

I thought Song played pretty well, industrious and creative with his passing. He powered through the Sunderland midfield linking up nicely with Eduardo, who scooped wide. Some claimed Song should have finished it, I’d say the man is a holding midfielder and he was never going to finish.

Ramsey didn’t play particularly well. When he comes off the bench he looks like a terrier, when he starts, he sometimes fades into the back ground a little. I must confess, I wasn’t aware he was playing until about 20 minutes in.

Arsenal left themselves exposed on countless occasions and if it wasn’t for the poor finishing of Marlbranque, we could have been a couple down after the first half. Isn’t it odd how pleased we all are with Gallas-Vermaelen, yet we’ve shipped record goals this season?

Sunderland made it to half time and that was a worry.

The second half didn’t see much of an improvement from the Arsenal boys. The Black Cats created chances as did Arsenal, this was going to be decided by one goal and sadly it fell to Sunderland. A corner was whipped in, it fell to the back post where Frazier Campbell went unchallenged by Rosicky, he cut it back and who else was going to be there waiting to bundle it into the net? Darren fucking Bent… jeez…

A real sloppy goal for Arsenal to concede.

We kicked into 3rd gear after the goal but it was too little too late. Arshavin, Vela and Walcott tried to change the game, but they failed to make an impact.

Arsenal stumbled to defeat in the North in a flat, disappointing manner. Once again, the victims of the International Football curse.

I guess the only silver lining I can provide right now is we have an abundance of choice if changes are to be made in the next game. Arshavin, Theo and Vela will all be hungry to impress and if Wenger doesn’t fancy those three, well, we could always put Eboue and Denilson in there to strengthen things up!

I hope this is a lesson in focus. If you want to win the league, you have to be one your game, every game. The Premiership is too strong to take teams lightly. Wenger didn’t do anything wrong today, the players did. They need to dust themselves down, not let this affect them and concentrate on getting back on the victory path.

Keep the faith Grovers, we’ve got an important month come up, by the end, we’ll know what this team is made of.

Player Ratings:

Almunia: Made a couple of good saves and dealt well with the aerial threat. Had a bit of a clown moment towards the end of the half. Wasn’t to blame for the goal. 6

Sagna: Has become pivotal to our attack with his marauding runs. If he could cross it, the guy would be one of the most valuable players in the Premiership! I thought he defended well today, which is what he’s paid for. 7

Vermaelen: It’s a sorry situation when the player trying to get your attack going is your centre back. He tried the most outrageous volley from a most outrageous angle in the second half… what a goal that could have been! He reminds me of John Terry in an attacking sense. 7.5

Gallas: Booed with every touch today by the most retarded of supporters. Why do they care about the Irish? Had a solid game today, I was a bit worried about the hobble. It’s customary for Arsenal to have defensive crisis around this time of the year, so expect the worst. 7

Traore: I was so happy he was granted a start ahead of Silvestre. Too many people want to slate this lad down before he’s even had a chance. Today, I thought he played well. No hairy moments and great big dirty tackle at the end. I was impressed. 7

Song: I powerful performance in the middle of the park and nearly a goal. He doesn’t always come out with the ball, but he does enough to break up the play. His range of passing is improving by the game and his positional sense is gaining maturity. 7.5

Cesc: Plenty of long shots and creative thinking out there today, just a shame the rest of the team didn’t really work for him. 7

Rosicky: Showed some nice moves in the first half, but still a little rusty for my liking. It’s kind of how I remember him. A very good player, but rarely a game changer in my eyes. 6.5

Eduardo: Another of our new signings who failed to shine today. If he’s not scoring goals, generally he’s not doing much. We have to give him the chance to settle into the centralrole and I’m sure the goals will come… I’m just a bit worried about his overall team play. 6

Nasri: Workman like performance from a player we’re yet to see the best of. Hey, I know it might sound crazy, but I still don’t understand his role in the team… what does Nasri do that makes him a great player? I’d like to think we’ll have that answer at some point this season, but like Rosicky, he seems like he’s just there to link the play. I want more from my midfielders! 7

Rambo: Quieter than all the Spurs fans in my office at the moment. Didn’t really have much involvement in the first half bar a couple of duff shots. I rate this guy, but he didn’t do much to stake a claim today. 6

Subs:

Arshavin: Not enough time to influence the game. Actually scrap that, 30 minutes is plenty… he didn’t influence the game. 6

Vela: Came on, ran around a bit, was denied a nailed on penalty. I really hate that fat little referee… laughing an joking with the players like he’s their best mate. 6

Theo: Loves a scan this boy… Came on, didn’t hobble off. That’s a good performance in my eyes. 6

Have a great day Grovers! See you in the comments!

410 Comments | Match report | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Pedro

I’m glad we’re not facing Roy Keane today, I love him now!

November 21, 2009

Really he’s the only person who’s come out and said to the FAI, get over it, that’s the spirit. Perhaps we should ask UEFA for a replay against Liverpool when Babel went down for a penalty, or ask for the FA cup back when Henchoz handballed it when we lost to them in Cardiff.

All any of the commentators talk about that day was Owen skinning Adams and Dixon.

If we could get one of those games replayed we might have won the European cup, paid off the stadium and had a lot more local kids supporting Arsenal.

Watch the Liverpool game today, I’ll bet you there are a minimum of 10 incidents of cheating, go on count them, and I mean, gaining yards at throw ins, claiming corners that weren’t, claiming goal kicks that weren’t, faking injury, getting away with fouls, being offside and shaking their fingers at the ref, fouling someone and putting their hands up and saying they didn’t.

All the above is cheating and no worse that what Henry did, you can’t say I’m not a murderer because I only murdered one person, cheating is cheating no matter what you did, you can’t only cheat a bit, remember that when you watch today’s live game.

Onto today and the Sunderland game, we will probably rest Gallas and Sagna, as they played extra time on Wednesday, I expect to have Robin back leading the line and as he has has horse placenta injected, I also expect an increase in pace, we’ll see.

So at the back I think it will be Eboue, Senderos, Vermaelen, Silvestre.

In the middle I expect Rosicky, Song and Cesc and up front Arshavin, Eduardo and Nasri with Theo, Wilshere, Denilson, and Ramsey on the bench.

Diaby won’t play as he is injured otherwise he would have played up front and I’m putting Rosicky in the midfield but I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see Denilson in there partnering Song.

With players like Walcott, Nasri, Rosicky, Ramsey and Wilshere available, it could be a very exciting team, but with players like Denilson and Eboue around it could be a very average team too, I think the chance for Wenger to have Eboue, Denilson and Song all on at the same time may be too much for him to resist, I hope to god I’m wrong, but we’ll find out soon enough.

Either way we need to win today, do that and next week’s showdown could be fantastic, especially if Wolves can get a point against the chavs.

Don’t forget to share your links for todays game nice and early, enjoy today Grovers, it’s a big one, and it’s a game we ought to win.

1,153 Comments | New Review | Permalink
Posted by Geoff

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