Aston Villa dealt with / Arsene smiling about Cesc’s injury / Ratings and Review

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We all knew that this match was a season breaker. It wasn’t that we’d be mathematically out if we lost, it was more about being psychologically out. Our problem for many years has been our inability to capitalise on the misfortune of other teams. Lately, things seem to have been picking up. Could Arsenal pick up points against a team that looked fabulous against United a few weeks ago? Could the young guns pick up points in a highly pressurised match against a set of player who hit the wings and fire in this dreaded crosses all day long? All questions we were mulling over before the game…

The starting line up on paper didn’t look pretty. Denilson, Diaby and Song lined up in midfield. A lack of creativity was a major worry. It looked like Wenger has set up with solidity in mind. Cesc had been left on the bench. Up top we had Eduardo and Nasri either side of Arshavin. The back four saw the introduction of Traore which was a huge relief considering how Silvestre struggle with the pace Burnley had on offer.

The first half was cagey affair mostly fought out in midfield. Arsenal’s best chance came early when Eduardo turned in the box and tamely shot at Brad Friedel. Denilson and Nasri went close with a few long range efforts as well. Villa had a few close calls. Ashley Young was nearly on the receiving end of a huge piece of luck when his shot ricocheted off the back of Gallas and nearly looped over Almunia. We also allowed a corner to flash through the six yard box unchallenged and I’m pretty sure Milner had a chance on the edge of our box which he pushed wide.

Villa had a game plan which mainly involved soaking up the Arsenal pressure then hitting us with the long balls out wide to Young and Agbonlohor. The trouble was, both were playing very poorly. A.Young looked a million miles away from being a 20million winger and Agbonlohor was so off his game it was embarrassing.

There were a couple of dodgy moments from Almunia who still looks like a disaster waiting to happen. He did do well with a few of the long balls into the box, but it’s clear to me the defence don’t trust him one bit. Positives from the first half were Alex Song who looked very solid again. His passing wasn’t 100% but he broke up play superbly and made one or two very good last ditch tackles. Diaby also played very well bar holding onto the ball a bit too long. The ingredient we lacked was creativity. The forward three saw virtually none of the ball. Arshavin was having a very weak game misplacing passes all over the place.

The game needed something short, Spanish and very Cescy… and that’s what we got.

5 minutes into the second half, Wenger brought on the puppet master and almost immediately he was pulling the strings. The whole team was lifted, his ability to move the ball around the park in a positive way was clear. He sees every pass a second faster than anyone else and the rest of the players move for him.

Gallas nearly turned an Arshavin shot into Friedel’s net, from where we were sitting it looked in!

Cesc’s first warning shot came when he tried to put a 35 yard freekick in… it whistled narrowly over the bar! Shortly after, Arshavin broke down the left, cut Eduardo in who lost the ball, Cesc retrieved it and fed Eddy back in, only for him to miss. Things were spicing up!

Cesc was at his old tricks again on the edge of the box when he laid Arshavin in who shot and had the keeper at full stretch to tip wide. The key moment in the game came when Dunne pulled Cesc over on the edge of the box. Now, this is the point when I’m sure every fan at the game or sitting at home had something like this to say,

‘Why is Cesc taking it for? He always misses!’

I said something similar,

‘Cesc always chips it, however… this could be his time’… BANG!

Cesc launched a ripper into the top left hand corner! The crowd erupted, what a fantastic freekick!

Theo Walcott was introduced into the game and to be fair his pace didn’t frighten Aston Villa. No one dares to dive in on him, even experienced defenders aren’t sure how to play him. He still lacks the decisiveness to take advantage of this… he dithers with the ball for too long… but he did demonstrate on 80 minutes what he could be capable of. Traore launched a 50 yard long ball to him, he brought it down, powered down the pitch, slid the ball perfectly into Cesc who slipped the ball into the top corner past the keeper. A bitter sweet moment as it was apparent our influential Spaniard had picked up an injury…

Arsenal played out the final ten in exhibition style, knocking it around like a training session. Diaby picked the ball up in the centre, bombed forward twisting and turning between white shirts, then tucked the ball into the bottom corner from 20 yards out. A superb finish to a superb afternoon.

Arsenal firmly stamped their names on the title contenders sheet. We’ve once again capitalised on the misfortune of Chelsea and we’ll now only be one point off them if we win our game in hand against Bolton in January. Manchester United also looked very poor against Hull in the later match and as far as I’m concerned, we’ve got a fantastic chance to kick on in the new year and do some damage in the league.

Aston Villa were very poor today and that is a fact that can’t be denied. Let’s not get too carried away with the result and don’t forget how blunt we looked in the first half. For me, we still need reinforcements if we’re going to mount a long term challenge on any trophies this year because we’re two injuries away from a real problem. We’ve also got a lot of teams breathing down our necks who have a lot of quality.

We don’t have anyone who has the ability to make that central striking position their own at the moment and I think we’re hugely exposed in the middle of the park with Song leaving for ACN and Denilson picking up an injury. Arsene, please don’t blow the season in desperation to prove people wrong. If we have the money in place to make a couple of astute signing, surely that’s a more sensible approach than attempting to wing it on a hope and a prayer.

I’m hoping that Wenger’s smile when talking about Cesc was a smile that said he was ok… not a nervous, ‘What the fuck am I going to do’ smile. Keep em’ crossed Grovers!

I also want to say a big thanks to the folks Geoff and I met before and after the game…!

Ratings:

Almunia: Made a couple of half decent saves but still looked shaky at the back and still hasn’t regained the trust of the defence. Luckily he didn’t have a lot to do today. 6.5

Traore: I thought he has a superb game controlling the pace coming his way all game. He’s still prone to the odd gaff but he has speed in abundance and he seems to have a die for the cause mentality. 7

Vermaelen: Superb game from the Verminator. He dealt well with the aerial threat and used his pace to full benefit the whole game. He has so much drive and determination… a real star of this side. 8

Gallas: I thought he was the best player on the pitch in the first half. He read everything perfectly and controlled the back line in a very professional way. 8

Sagna: His crossing is what McDonald’s is to the good food guide. However, he defended resolutely today and not much got past him. 7

Song: I thought he had an immense game today. He bossed the midfield, broke up play all day and didn’t really allow them a sniff. His confidence is apparent for all to see and I’ll be sad to see him go. Lets hope his expereience away is an injury free one. 8.5

Diaby: What have the coaching staff been putting in his sandwiches? A superb display of power, discipline and passing ability. Diaby and I have always been best friends but we went through a rocky patch recently… I think we’re through all that now and if performances like that continue, I’ll be taking him out for a Peroni or two shortly! 8.5

Denilson: He played ok. I sat next to one of the Grovers and he said he’s a water carrier type player. That’s true… he’s never going to blow you away with his game, but he did a steady job and crabbed away admirably. 7

Nasri: Ahhh, I’m just not sure about this boy. He’s either on his game, or day dreaming about where he could be. Today wasn’t his finest performance. He was anonymous in the first half and only marginally better in the second. He needs to get one of those consistency coaches in to teach him a thing or two! 6.5

Arshavin: A very quiet first half from the Russian which was eclipsed by a much more productive second half. 7

Eduardo: Didn’t really do much for me today. Mind you, he’s a fox in the box, being played out on the wing. You wouldn’t expect a lion to catch many fish would you? Why are we expecting him to excel out wide then? If those sort of tactics don’t tell you something about the state of our squad… I don’t know what will! 6

Subs:

Cesc: The best 35 minutes of the season? I’d have to say so! A superb cameo appearance that include two goals and the lifting of a whole team! Cesc, get on the blower to that placenta woman and tell her you’ll have a double treatment… I’m sure the fans will have a whip round for you! 10

Theo: Came on and caused alsorts of bother and managed to grab himself an assist. Well played son! 7

Rambo: Didn’t really have enough time to merit a write up. I like him though. 6

P.S. Geoff back to his prophetic best?

I won’t predict the score as I know some of you get nervy when I do, however, I think we’ll score 3 more than they do.

289 Responses to “Aston Villa dealt with / Arsene smiling about Cesc’s injury / Ratings and Review”

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  2. Stu

    Considering what Hodgson has done with Fulham he is arguably one of the best in the league. Took them from relegation battlers to Europa leaguers in about 2 seasons.

  5. WB

    good news
    Meanwhile, Wenger has confirmed that Alex Song will stay with Arsenal until after this Sunday’s FA Cup tie with West Ham.

    The Cameroon midfielder will then link up with his country for African Cup of Nations duty.

    “Alex Song will join up with Cameroon on January 4,” said Wenger.

    “The rule is the same – we have to free the players two weeks before the competition starts, which is January 10, but Cameroon have chosen to join up later – that is their choice, we did not make a request.”

  10. gambon

    I think the one thing that stands out for me this weekend (apart from cesc) is the value of a great, not good or average goalkeeper.

    Birmingham have an extra point solely because of their keeper, Mancini has his first win due to a world class keeper who is worth 10 points a season.

    Unfortunately if you had put Almunia in Hart/Givens position in them games we wouldve dropped points.

  13. KM

    stu

    Chelsea are a very dodgy outfit – frm top to bottom

    after Song goes to to African nations,Denilson will play the holding role with Diaby supporting and Ramsey in Cesc’s role..however i would prefer Nasri in Cesc’s role with Walcott out wide.

  15. gambon

    Fingers crossed Wenger will make 2 signings right at the start of the window.

    That would give him a nice 7 odd days training to get them up to speed for their first realistic game.

    We cant do our business on the last day this time, if thats the case we may as well not bother.

  17. Keyser

    Essien’s out injured, is Anelka out injured aswell ? Because their going to need him to step up now, the Chelsea team looks soo slow without those two.

  18. WB

    agree with you gambon.almunia has hardly won us 10 points in his whole career,and i am afraid he has cost more.we need someone really commanding.

  24. Metal Gear

    Fulham need 2 get a second goal so that if Chelsea do score 2 Chelsea still drop 2 points. Drogba is always on the fukin floor how big is this guy? as 4 Roy.H best English manager in the game he knows so much more then the likes of Tango Man and Fat Sam simply cuz he travels abroad these idiots stay in there comfort zone and it shows.

  27. ritesh

    I have to disagree with some parts of your post today…. the whole team did well…. and Eduardo was good as well as Almunia. The team showed balance and bossed the match yesterday. Champions quality!

    Chelsea is really crumbling…. If that had happened to Arsenal, the media would be ripping us apart…

  67. AA23

    Their games during ACN are a piece of piss though unfortunately, I don’t think it will make a bit of difference to them

  70. Sabeel Indian Gunner

    aa23

    how can u say that/….u just saw them draw at st.andrews

    and u saw them struggle at HOME..all with the african brigade with drogba..

    and during ACN u think chavs wont struggle..i doubt that..hopefully turns out true..

  72. AA23

    I dont think they will struggle at all during ACN Sabeel.
    We all want them to but they dont have any difficult games really, mainly at home.
    Away to teams they should easily beat.

  76. gambon

    Sabeel,

    I think thats called wishful thinking. Lets face it, we would love that run of games.

    Lets just concentrate on winning our games.

  79. AA23

    I dont think those are hard away games sabeel, they will win both comfortably, they will beat Birmingham at the bridge too, maybe sunderland will give them a game but I doubt it. I can see them taking maximum points from all of those games unfortunately.
    Fulham had a great chance to twist the knife today and they blew it, I can see Chelsea kicking on now and putting a run together, i don’t think the ACN will slow them down 1 bit.
    cunts.
    Praying I’m wrong

  81. AA23

    We will see Sabeel, we just need to keep on winning our own games.
    We will get revenge on Chelsea in February, that I do know.

  86. Man

    “I have said we will keep our eyes open and if a good opportunity turns up we will do it, but at the moment I haven’t got any (names),” said the Arsenal manager. “I will have to look maybe as well at midfielders and how big the damage is. If we lose Denilson and Fábregas we will be short there. I don’t know yet.

    “Alex Song will join up with Cameroon on 4 January,” Wenger added. “The rule is the same. We have to free the players two weeks before the competition starts, which is 10 January, but Cameroon have chosen to join up later. That is their choice, we did not make a request.”

  88. Maciek

    Do You honestly think we do have any chance to win a trophy this season. We play against Villa, Chelsea, MU, LFC back to back, and I don’t really seee us winning these maches. Even Portsmonth can be a tricky tie without Fab.

  90. WB

    mike,
    i heard commmentators saying that drogba will now miss one more match that he were to miss due to ACN,i wish he miss against us

  91. Samir

    Milan are tracking young Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone, according to Affaritaliani.it.

    Milan have been unable to find a secure goalkeeper with injuries to Marco Storari and Christian Abbiati, while Nelson Dida has been inconsistent.

    The 21-year-old has made eight appearances in all competitions for the Gunners this campaign and is considered a hot prospect for the future.

    The English outfit prised the shot stopper away from the Atalanta youth side in 2005 and have been nurturing him ever since. This is the first season he has featured with any regularity under coach Arsene Wenger.

    Mannone has also earned a spot as an Italy Under-21 international, making his debut in November against Hungary.

  92. Samir

    Cesc Fabregas took Arsenal to another level on Sunday, according to Thomas Vermaelen.

    The Belgian defender did his bit to secure three priceless points against Aston Villa, helping Arsenal keep a valuable clean sheet at Emirates Stadium. But Vermaelen admits that Fabregas gave Arsène Wenger’s side an extra dimension when he emerged from the bench for an outstanding 21-minute cameo.

    Villa could not handle the Arsenal captain, who scored twice before limping off with a hamstring problem in the closing stages. And Vermaelen can appreciate how the Villa defence felt – because he has enough trouble stopping Fabregas in training.

    “He is the best midfielder I have played alongside,” said the Belgian.

    “He’s really smart in his game and in training if you play against him he’s really difficult to defend against because I think he has eyes in the back of his head. He sees everything.

    “He is a good captain too. He has a lot of qualities in football and I think that’s important for a captain. He talks in the dressing room, not too much but just enough.

    “For us he was very important on Sunday. He scored twice in 20 minutes so he was very important. I think before he came on we were the better team but we didn’t create too many chances and when he came on we controlled the game more and we created some more chances.

    “He played some good passes behind the defence, they were really dangerous. He has a great vision in the game.”

    Few would disagree with Vermaelen after watching Fabregas in action this season – he tops Arsenal’s scoring charts with 12 in all competitions and leads the way in assists too. But Vermaelen and company may have to do without their captain for up to three weeks after he suffered a recurrence of his hamstring injury on Sunday.

    The Belgian believes Arsenal can cope.

    “Cesc is very important for us but it’s the same with Robin [van Persie] who is also important for us but they’re injured and we have to do it without them,” he said. “I think we have other good midfielders who can fill that gap.”

  95. 78692

    From another blog:-

    The last rumour concerns the talented Liile teenager Eden Hazard, and it seems that the 18 year-old midfielder would prefer to move to Real Madrid, who also have designs on him.

    Wenger has been known to be a long-time admirer of the Belgian international, and it was expected that he would move to the Emirates one day, but, having said that, the report was in the Daily Mail, and might be total rubbish!

  96. choy

    If we can’t beat pompey who are at the bottom of the league,

    With all respect, we shouldn’t deserve to win the league.

  97. 78692

    Choy I agree with you 100%. If we cant beat the likes of Sunderland and Burnley, then we dont deserve to win the league.

  98. SUGA3

    choy,

    agreed, but they managed to beat Scousers by 2 goals and keep a clean sheet, but then again we love to bang in the goals into James’ goal almost as much as into dear ol’ Robbo’s, eh?

  101. Samir

    Henri Lansbury’s loan spell came to an end with Watford with the Hornet’s in talks with the Gunners to get the deal extended. The out-of-contract midfielder is yet to agree fresh terms with Arsenal so would be eligible to speak to other clubs next week. On the pitch, he forced an out standing save from Dean Gerken as Watford drew 2-2 with Bristol City.

    Will he start V WHU in FA cup?

  102. 78692

    Suga3, Choy to be fair to the Arsenal, teams like Burnley, Sunderland and Portsmouth always raise their game when they play us. They treat it like a cup final and play with ten men behind the ball.It frustrates me when a team like Sunderland beat us,but then lose to West Ham the following week.

  104. SUGA3

    786,

    if the team barricades the goal with 10 shitkickers, we need a plan B, as we all know that the typical Globetrotters stuff sometimes fails – power, power, power, one needs a battering ram to overcome a barricade…

    lesser teams up their game, as we are yet to regain the fear factor that Manure & Chavs seem to have – we use to have that for a short while and quite a few games must have been won in the tunnel or earlier…

  111. Pat

    We should get Matuidi as soon as the window opens. He can play where Song plays and where Denilson plays. A defensive, hardworking,playmaker.

  114. Pat

    We have to watch out for Piquionne. He gave us trouble at the Emirates and was unlucky to not score.

    O’Hara is suspended.

    Kanu, Yebda, and Belhadj got permission to play against us. Utaka and Boeteng available since their shit and can’t make their national squad. Dindane might play and might not.

    In recent seasons, critics have pointed to the Gunners’ inability to neutralise an aggressive side, and Grant has claimed that following his own side’s recent defeat to West Ham United, Portsmouth will be upping their physicality.

    “We need to be more aggressive,” the Israeli trainer expressed in The Sun. “Sometimes we can be too nice.

    “I like [Arsene] Wenger,” the former Chelsea boss added.

    “I like to do things that he likes, except in the game.

    “Arsenal are strong but every team has a weakness. We need to keep our eye on this.”

    Portsmouth are currently at the foot of the Premier League table, four points adrift of safety.

    Arsenal, meanwhile, are vying for supremacy at the head of the division.

  122. gambon

    He is as irreplacable as any player we’ve had, if we win things with him he will win the ballon d’or one day, no doubt!

    We just have to keep hold of him.

  123. chozzer

    From physio room

    C Fabregas Hamstring Injury 11th Jan 10
    T Rosicky Groin Strain 3rd Jan 10
    K Gibbs Metatarsal Fracture 6 Feb 10
    R Van Persie Sprained Ankle Apr 10
    G Clichy Back Injury 9th Jan 10
    N Bendtner Inguinal Hernia 9th Jan 10
    J Djourou Knee Injury Mar 10

  127. Confidentgoner

    Choy, If you watched the first half against villa, you’d understand the need for a creative player. If he doesnt score, he can at least have an eye for a good pass

  128. Samir

    Fabregas’s injury is not confirmed on Arsenal yet.
    It could be 2-3 days.
    Or 2-3 weeks if bad.

    Scan results have still not been released yet…..

  133. Armourist

    Eduardo just need games and goals, once he gets his confidence up, he will get back to his one chance, one goal form.

  136. ethangunner

    samir , wont happen .

    only chance of getting any keeper at all would be
    someone who is in his 30′s with 2 or 3 years left.

    like a friedel or given ..

    sorensen wouldnt be a bad buy either .but fab2 or the other pol. will be the long term option ..

    even vito :)

    id prefer vito on !

  137. Paul88

    “I have said we will keep our eyes open and if a good opportunity turns up we will do it, but at the moment I haven’t got any (names).”

    That tells me if we do bring someone in it’ll be in the early hours of 1st february like last year.

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