Arsenal [Archive] - Page 28 - PESGaming Forums

Stella Artois

10-12-2006, 18:24

Possibly win The Champions League and Uefa Cup again like he did with Porto.

To be honest, it's not as great an achievement as everyone wants to make out it is. The UEFA Cup is a poor competition and the Portuguese league is full of shite, so they don't have it as hard as other sides week in week out.

But anyway, good result today given we were missing 4 first teamers. I think Mourinho needs his head checked as well. We were without 4 key players, away from home to the Champions, and he accuses us of not trying to win the game. :rolleyes:

Then again when was the last time he talked sense? Answers on a postcard.

Bammers05

10-12-2006, 20:37

Shame we didn't win, but I'll take a draw. Now all we need to do is thrash them at home

martin_cranie

10-12-2006, 21:46

Flamini is starting in midfield. Oh God, help us.

Flamini ffs. The headless chicken. He has no positional sense and doesn't offer anything, other than a yellow card.

I remember you saying this just before the Liverpool game, and remember what happened then.

Flamini is a cracking player, in my opinion. He may not possess the creative skills of Fabregas or the positioning of Gilberto but you'd be hard-pressed to find a more committed player. The guy can and will run forever, chasing everything and everyone, making much needed tackles throughout. He also seems to have improved his finishing, which is coming in handy.

All in all, a good result today.

Viperized

10-12-2006, 21:58

I remember you saying this just before the Liverpool game, and remember what happened then.
I know.

The main reason I called him a headless chicken is the fact he just brainlessly dives in to tackles, causing him to be booked in almost every match he starts for us.

He did have a poor first half against Chelsea but it was a much improved second half performance though, and he bagged a goal, which was great to see.

vanNistelrooy

10-12-2006, 22:12

Shame we didn't win, but I'll take a draw. Now all we need to do is thrash them at home
Yep, and the final Champions League place will be yours :)

JoeyM

10-12-2006, 23:22

Overall a decent performance and a great result, we played very well in the first half, the second half was more even. Though I would have accepted a draw before the match, it's a bit annoying that we couldn't hang on for ten minutes.

We saw the best and worst of Senderos today, some fantastic tackles, and some stunning errors. Clichy played well, Gilberto was superb. Eboue was alright, a bit contained though, and Robben skinned him a few times. Djourou looked a bit supsect a few times, but was generally solid.

For all the criticism of Flamini, it must be said he's opportunistic. Thought he was pretty invisible and gave a away a few stupid free kicks, but he took his one chance well. Adebayor grafted well, and skinned both Terry and Carvalho, though he didn't really have any chances or service. Van Persie looked better on the left as well.

Viperized

10-12-2006, 23:25

Really? I thought Van Persie was pretty much wasted on the left. He is a much better player when shifted to the centre/right.

Stella Artois

10-12-2006, 23:29

Joey I completely agree with all of your points. I personally think it's just worth remembering just how young they all are at the back. I mean Eboue is 23, Senderos 21, Djourou 19 and Clichy is 21, so to play as they did was fantastic.

I thought Van Persie looked dangerous at times and I was pleased with his contribution as I was with Ade''s. He looks confident now and seems to want to get the ball to feet and turn and run at opponents. I think he and Robin compliment each other very well.

JoeyM

10-12-2006, 23:39

Really? I thought Van Persie was pretty much wasted on the left. He is a much better player when shifted to the centre/right.

I meant that his performance was better than his normal performance when on the left. I agree, he is better as a striker.

Viperized

10-12-2006, 23:41

Adebayor did produce some dazzling skills, and got past Terry or Carvalho on a couple of occasions with some ease, which was pleasing to see.

Senderos is definitely lacking the confidence, although by no means Drogba terrorised him again. I think Djourou may be our 3rd choice defender, overtaking Senderos. He has looked like the far more impressive defender and does appear to be less prone to mistakes. Then again, Senderos was fantastic in the CL last season.

I'm slightly worried at the fact Baptista is getting no games at all. The only way he'll adapt to the league is by getting games, but he is getting none at the moment. Hopefully he'll start against Wigan, with Walcott also starting. Wigan are in a poor run at the moment - they haven't won any of their last four or five games.

Joel

10-12-2006, 23:41

Do any of you sometimes wish that you took that £50M for Henry?

I mean he is the best striker in the world and us a excellent player all round. But a lot of times this season Arsenal has shown that they can cope without him. Manchester United, Tottenham, Porto and now today, you've done the job without him. And £50M could of been used very wisely by Wenger.

Stella Artois

10-12-2006, 23:45

Not a chance Joel. You can't replace Henry. End of story.

The finances are there, but when the squad is injury free and we're playing to our capabilities people will finally start to realise that there isn't much wrong with the team.

As I said to you on MSN Viperized, I reckon Senderos would be the dog's bollocks abroad, but I don't think he has the pace for the Premiership.

Viperized

10-12-2006, 23:46

Nope I don't Joel.

He is our captain, a world-class striker and our main goal threat. We don't have many finishers in our squad, other than himself, Van Persie and Baptista.

Doing well against United, Spurs and Chelsea without him can only be a good thing - it shows we aren't a one man team and can cope without him whenever injured or suspended.

He hasn't played very well this season though and has poor form. Once he'll hit top gear he'll be unstoppable, and will improve our team by a considerable margin.

JoeyM

10-12-2006, 23:47

tbh it wasn't really up to us, it was down to Henry, if he wanted to leave I don't think we would have stood in his way.

Viperized

10-12-2006, 23:49

Thats right.

Nturtle

11-12-2006, 07:52

Good result...thought we had them...but we had luck on our side in stoppage time for sure! Honours even so far. Like the reports on the spat between Cesc and Cashley...apparently Cole wrote something negative about him in his book! HA!

Ah well...onto a physical game at Wigan...hopefully a stirling result there will get us back in the game. Man U and Chelsea need to lose a few games though.

Ronaldo_is_fat

11-12-2006, 13:05

1-1 is a fantastic result as Chelsea had hit the woodwork a couple of times. We sure looked alot stronger in the midfield and defense, if we can play like the way we did today, I doubt Bolton or Everton can be much of a trouble.

Barry

11-12-2006, 13:42

Van Persie used to play on the left for Feyenoord, but I guess he got used to the centre/left positions at Arsenal and the NT.

Viperized

12-12-2006, 20:12

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=434865&CPID=8&clid=3&lid=2&title=Money+worries+for+Wenger

Interesting words by Wenger, and I do feel he is correct.

With more and more Billionaires taking over English clubs, what chance will we have when it comes to buying players?

Will we need a billionaire to run our club??

ATH10

12-12-2006, 20:14

Just imagine what it's like for newly promoted clubs.

Stella Artois

12-12-2006, 20:16

Promoted clubs don't compete with for the same sort of players as Arsenal do.

Engage your brain, then type.

ATH10

12-12-2006, 20:32

Promoted clubs don't compete with for the same sort of players as Arsenal do.

Engage your brain, then type.

Just imagine what it's like for newly promoted clubs joining a league where the teams are owned by billionaires and then having to compete with them each Saturday despite the huge gulf in finance and resources. Is that any better?

Stella Artois

12-12-2006, 20:36

Well the whole league won't be bought by billionaires which makes your point irrelevant.

martin_cranie

13-12-2006, 03:20

With more and more Billionaires taking over English clubs, what chance will we have when it comes to buying players?

Will we need a billionaire to run our club??

I don't think we'll ever need one. We've bought plenty of very good players during Abromovich and Glazer's reign, as certain players don't care for money or the sort of hierarchies that such clubs have (Vincent Kompany, Alex Hleb and William Gallas for instance), and of course we've found amazing young players who may well alleviate our need to spend big money in the future, when the likes of Chelsea are shelling out loads to replace their 'bargain buys' like Shevchenko and Wright-Phillips.

The new stadium's extra revenue will provide us with what we need in future seasons. And of course we shouldn't forget that if anything, ManYoo were far better off financially before the Glazer's took control. So all in all, billionaires are really not a pre-requisite for success.

Nturtle

13-12-2006, 05:02

Well said Martin...and really...the press dont' have much to do don't they? EVERYTHING is loaded in controversy...lol! Not worth repeating some of the hype sometime...."foreign ownership" foreing teams...no Englishmen...is it really THAT important?

The FANS are important...and the club should match that with good players, good football, good results...with whatever resources...end of story....whether it is Arsenal or Wigan.

Onto the game tonight...it's interesting to see Kirkland in goal for the Latics after needing a neck brace and oxygen after his accidental collision with a teamate at middlesborough...can't be in that good shape! Hopefully he'll faint when Walcott shoots....lol!

OK...Baptista...will he or won't he start? Hopefully he gets a chance in place of Flamini.

Viperized

13-12-2006, 15:48

It'll take a good few seasons until our debt is paid off though.

And yeah, Wigan tonight. Hopefully Walcott and Baptista will start. The Beast is only going to adapt to the Premiership if he gets games, and he is a superior player to Flamini.

Viperized

13-12-2006, 22:36

Arsenal 1-0 Wigan..

Wasn't overly impressed with the performance, but we got the points we needed.

Fabregas changed the game when he came on. What an assist!

Scarface

13-12-2006, 22:48

Yep, 'shit performance, good win' would sum tonight up in a nutshell, but i'd take that over another frustrating 0-0, when we carve open the opposition 30 times and fail to get the ball in the net.

Following the past few performances, i'm a little concerned about our form leading into the busy Christmas schedule. FC Porto was a bizarre situation, and Chelsea are a very tough team, so maybe i'm worrying too much, but these next few games are more than winnable, so we should look to take as many points as possible to solidify 3rd place, and hopefully get a little closer to 2nd.

Something that particularly concerns me, is our unnecessary risk-taking in defence, and hesitancy. The number of times the back four have been caught in possession and made a meal out of a simple clearance the past 3 games has been unnerving. A key example was in the last minute tonight, when rather than simply clear the ball down the other end, Gael Clichy attempts a flash turn, loses the ball, and could easily have paid for it. Cut it out. It's not impressing anyone, and it's going to end up costing us dearly, if it doesn't stop soon.

Nturtle

14-12-2006, 01:07

Well said Reyes!

Stella Artois

14-12-2006, 19:38

I thought Eboue was shocking last night, he needs a kick up the arse.

I also think we're becoming a one-man team again...except our most important player is the little 19 year old Spaniard we have as opposed to our captain...

Viperized

14-12-2006, 21:45

Yep, Eboue was shocking. He lost the ball countless of times.

Ljungberg was anonymous.

If we had Hleb in the team I'm pretty sure we would've done better. He has helped in attack tromendously. He is a very underated player. He works extremely hard both in attack and defence and creates many openings. I forgot to mention that it was Hleb who turned the Chelsea defence inside-and-out which created the space for Flamini to score against Chelsea. He also covers for Eboue and usually ends up winning the ball. If Hleb was able to score goals, he would be world-class. Every other aspect of his game is near-perfect.

Baptista was also having trouble and clearly isn't up to the pace of the league, but he has hardly got any Premiership games and is new here, so I can't really blame him.

It is no coincidence that our second half performance was much improved in comparison to our abysmal first half performance as we upped the tempo.

Stella Artois

14-12-2006, 22:03

I don't think Baptista is useful in anything but a 4-5-1, unless Wenger sticks his neck out and makes Baptista a second striker...

I agree with you about Hleb, he's incredibly undervalued by a lot of Gooners fans, he's technique and quick feet are amazing.

I feel Ljungberg is now only useful in a tight game where we need to battle. He really isn't needed against the likes of Wigan.

Canadian, Eh?

15-12-2006, 00:29

Would you blame Eboue for slacking? He has no competition? Who will he be dropped for Justin Hoyte?

Anyone remember Hoyte against City? He was shockingly bad, but that was at left back but I for one think Hoyte doesn't have a attacking enough mind set for the team.

The only way Eboue can get back up to snuf is either Toure kicking his arse, or Lauren coming back.

And I agree with Stella about the Baptista deal, he was wasted.

But then again playing a 4-5-1 at Wigan....errrrrr

Nturtle

15-12-2006, 08:58

Well...we'll need a better attack against Portsmouth...apparently they have no strikers to play...so...it'll be all men behind the ball!

pistolpete

15-12-2006, 12:12

so - psv for us in the last 16, looks like we got one of the teams we would have been hoping for.
Very winnable game for us, especially as Henry should be back and sharp by then.

Rossy Boy

15-12-2006, 13:06

I think we would of been better off keeping Reyes he is a good player and was always part of our attacks

Nturtle

15-12-2006, 14:01

I think we would of been better off keeping Reyes he is a good player and was always part of our attacks

Not much we can do Rossy Boy...he's gone...and we have Baptista...

I think A left footed winger would be useful...but hey...that's life...adn VP can fill that if need be in a 4-5-1. Hopefully we see a more attacking 4-4-2 tomorrow...v Portsmouth... :realmad:

Rossy Boy

15-12-2006, 14:33

Yeah we dont work aswell playing 4-5-1 when some of our best players are injured

pistolpete

15-12-2006, 15:23

I disagree, i think 4-5-1 works better when we are without some of our better players because it tightens the game up and there are more battles in the midfield, obviously though it depends on who is missing.

Good luck to the boys tomorrow, hope to see two upfront Ade and RVP.
Hleb left wing Walcott either right wing or come on as sub,
Rest of the side is starting to pick itself.

Viperized

15-12-2006, 16:08

I'm glad that some people agree with me.

Playing 451 against the likes of Wigan and Portsmouth is cowardly.

Canadian, Eh?

15-12-2006, 16:50

I guess its a perk of having a French manager?

'We will have 5 in the midfield, a Magenot Line of midfield!'

;)

Scarface

15-12-2006, 19:45

I think we would of been better off keeping Reyes he is a good player and was always part of our attacks

There's no point keeping players against their will. He wanted to join Real Madrid, so we had to sell. There's no doubt in my mind, as to who's the better player, but i'm sure Baptista can be a good player for us, once he settles in.

JoeyM

15-12-2006, 19:54

I wasn't to sad to see the back of Reyes considering how mostly average he was for us, but I wish we'd have gotten a replacement. Rosicky would have been fine on the left in a 4-4-2, but in a 4-5-1 we don't really have any true left wingers. Van Persie is wasted there, Jose wasn't spectacular on the left, but he racked up a decent amount of assists.

Anyway, PSV won't be easy, chances are they'll just try to keep it tight and capitalize on set pieces, which is pretty much expected from every side we face. But with Gallas and Henry fit we should have enough class to advance.

Nturtle

16-12-2006, 14:59

Finally...Arsenal play 4-4-2 vs Portsmouth! Yeeehaaa!

EDIT - Aliadiere gets a start!

EDIT 2: FFS...first half - injury time goal by Portsmouth...no foul by Clichy...but given...:realmad: *sigh*

Stella Artois

16-12-2006, 15:55

Yet another goal from a set-piece....unbeliveable.

Viperized

16-12-2006, 17:42

I heard we had countless of chances to finish off the game. Sounds like we didn't win due to poor finishing, again.

Rambo

16-12-2006, 17:43

I heard we had countless of chances to finish off the game. Sounds like we didn't win due to poor finishing, again.

Yes you did

JoeyM

16-12-2006, 18:19

Van Persie missed an absolute sitter, skinned Campbell and yet managed to hit the side netting from 6 yards out.

We played well for about 40 minutes, the first 20 we were dominant, and then the 20 after Ade scored we were excellent. Apart from that we were pretty poor, moved the ball around far to slowly, didn't look sharp enough, we just didn't really look like we were bothered. I really with Arsene would sort the team out mentally, I don't know if it's a motivation thing or what, but we never seem up for this type of game until we go down a goal.

Ade deserves special praise for saving our asses.

Bammers05

16-12-2006, 19:53

I think we were, perhaps, missing Thierry today, especially when we had that free-kick in the last few minutes that Van Persie missed. Having said that, Adebayor was excellent, he seemed to inspire the team when he came on.

ibz

16-12-2006, 20:35

JoeyM

16-12-2006, 20:44

He wasn't that bad today, showed a few neat touches when he got the ball but he didn't really impact the match. He's got talent, he's just been remarkably unlucky when it comes to injuries. Besides, this was his first real match in a while, so I'd cut him some slack.

Canadian, Eh?

16-12-2006, 21:07

Van Persie showed on that chance that he missed that he really has to develop his right foot.

Badgerman

16-12-2006, 22:43

Hmmm, I think Arsenal were lucky to get the draw today.

Of course I would have accepted a draw at the beginning of the day but letting 2 goals slip is a little disappointing.

But Still, Matty Taylor for England. He's scored about 4 in 3 now.

Ronaldo_is_fat

16-12-2006, 23:50

The same old scenario, everytime we concede first it'll definitely be a draw. So does luck always fail us? No, this has happened for a few times now and I am starting to doubt Wenger's ability as a top class manager. For instance, he is too stubborn to change his plan even though we are not doing well and for too many times he did not find a plan to counter these tactics.

JoeyM

16-12-2006, 23:53

Not much Wenger could of done today tbh, it wasn't his fault the team were lazy the first half and it wasn't his fault Van Persie wasted two chances.

Ronaldo_is_fat

17-12-2006, 00:01

First of all, I doubt if our players are mentally motivated and he could of improve the team's finishing instead of letting this happen every game.

Viperized

17-12-2006, 00:04

We had plenty of chances to finish the game. Van Persie should've definitely scored that. I can't believe he missed that shot.

It wasn't a bad performance, but we conceded the second goal down to sloppy defending. I actually thought we played fairly well despite not able to finish.

Walcott played well, Gilberto played well, Toure played well, Clichy played well, Hleb played well, Adebayor played well, Van Persie had his moments but on several occasions he was wasteful and his decision making was poor at times.

JoeyM

17-12-2006, 00:34

First of all, I doubt if our players are mentally motivated and he could of improve the team's finishing instead of letting this happen every game.

I agree about the motivation part, but there's still not much more he can do about wasted chances, Van Persie could've scored 1000 goals in training from that position and still have missed in the game.

Viperized

17-12-2006, 01:23

Complacency is appears to be a problem particularly against the smaller teams. We need to improve our finishing too. We are simply too wasteful in front of goal.

Clinical finishing is something we lack at the moment.

Ronaldo_is_fat

17-12-2006, 02:54

Van Persie seems to be too one dimensional at times. No doubt, he has great ability but still has alot of area to improve at mainly his positioning and his right foot.

Scarface

17-12-2006, 03:13

Nturtle

17-12-2006, 07:55

Aliadere was crap to be ohnest I don't understand why he is still a player at arsenal, he never showed any potential at any of the 10000 shitty teams he went out on loan for .. how can you expect him to be a starter at arsenal?! Anyway I think he blew his chance today, and I don't think arsene will rely much on him in the comming matches, he might opt for a much younger player who will possibly have a future at the club ..

I agree with Joel....Aliadiere isn't that bad...just hasn't had the luck...nor time to show it.

RE: the game...I missed both Arsenal goals...and I thought it was all over...

VP...I love the guy...and it might take a bit of time to get him into a good role...he hasn't replace Bergkamp at all...nor has he emulated Pires / Reyes in terms of finishing or service...so...you are right...it is difficult to see how we can turn out for us...but...we'll see. He is only 21?

Eboue is a shocker in defense these days...Lauren will get his chance I think. :realmad:

Scarface

17-12-2006, 10:40

What was it I was saying about our defenders tendency to overplay in dangerous positions, going to end up costing us dearly? Good job, Eboue.

I know Wenger likes to hide his frustration with the side in post-match interviews, and praise the players as much as possible, but when he uttered the words "great performance", I found it quite disturbing. We were diabolical for the majority of the match, and it took a 2 goal deficit and the introduction of Emmanuel Adebayor to wake us up. Another 2 points needlessly dropped.

Viperized

17-12-2006, 10:54

I love van Persie, but i'm afraid to say, I feel his future is away from Arsenal. He doesn't really fit into the Arsenal setup and, despite being a fantastic player and playing well for us at times, will probably move abroad to join a team, where he'll fit in better. We'll see, but that's the inclination I have, at the moment.
I disagree.

Van Persie's link-up play has been great lately. Once he gets an extended run of games up front, no doubt we'll see the Van Persie of the last season. But thats only of he finds his goalscoring touch again.

That chance he missed... I'm convinced he would've scored that last season.

calculus

17-12-2006, 11:24

Eboue is a shocker in defense these days...Lauren will get his chance I think. :realmad:

Eboue as good as he is going forward defensively hes messing up at the moment! but I dont think that Lauren is the answer remeber Chelsea at Highbury and J. Coles goal?

Bammers05

17-12-2006, 12:32

I heard somewhere that Wenger was sent off at half-time. Can anyone tell me if this is true or not, because I didn't see him in the coaches' area in the second half

Viperized

17-12-2006, 14:54

Eboue CAN defend.

He kept the likes of Robinho, Mutu, Nedved in his back pocket.

Stella Artois

17-12-2006, 16:28

Canadian, Eh?

17-12-2006, 18:50

I disagree.

Van Persie's link-up play has been great lately. Once he gets an extended run of games up front, no doubt we'll see the Van Persie of the last season. But thats only of he finds his goalscoring touch again.

That chance he missed... I'm convinced he would've scored that last season.

I disagree, I would beg that Van Persie wasn't in great form for a long spell last season.

I can't put my finger on it, but he looks akward on the ball. Like he needs 3 seconds more than he gets to do something special. And you can't really sence the urgency with him cause he always has to shift the ball onto the left foot to do anything. This allows the defence to close down on the build up play.

However I think he is wasted on the wings because of his lack of pace, Walcott, Hleb, Rosicky can beat their men with speed, Van Persie cannot.

I do agree that Eboue can defend, but I just don't think he has any pressure on him to play well. Which is odd because he plays next to the most passionate player out there.

Pierre

17-12-2006, 21:51

Badgerman

17-12-2006, 23:23

We were lucky? :laugh:

Now i've heard everything.

Hmmm, I thought I put "a little lucky".

Which I think you have to agree with, in all fairness.

Nturtle

18-12-2006, 03:13

I heard somewhere that Wenger was sent off at half-time. Can anyone tell me if this is true or not, because I didn't see him in the coaches' area in the second half

I believe Wenger was banished to the stands due to his complaints to theref Bennett that it wasn't a foul for the free kick that led to the first Portsmouth goal.

Calculus....remind me about the Chelsea goal? Anyway, If you read my piece...I said "THESE DAYS" and not that Eboue can't defend full stop...otherwise he shouldn't be playing in that position! I just feel he needs to learn properly...albeit even experienced players like Lauren screw up at times. :no:

So...onto the Carling Cup...I wonder what Wenger will do? Surely not the full team...but I think he is determined to win SOMETHING...and the Carling Cup might be a good one. I seriously hope he still bloods the youngsters...rather than waste all effort to win a secondary objective. :unsure:

calculus

18-12-2006, 09:03

Adebayor has proved that he can be a big-hitter player for us....

What I like about him is his fighting attitude, something that wasn't channel productively in Monaco, but works well for us..

He loves to be the man, which in turn helps the team...

That means hes gonna revert to playing badly when Henry walks back in the team!:rolleyes:

Calculus....remind me about the Chelsea goal? Anyway, If you read my piece...I said "THESE DAYS" and not that Eboue can't defend full stop...otherwise he shouldn't be playing in that position! I just feel he needs to learn properly...albeit even experienced players like Lauren screw up at times. :no:

Chelsea did the double over us last season! 1-0 at the bridge D. Drogba and 0-2 at highbury Robben and J. cole. Cant find the goal at the mo if I do I'll post it to refresh your memory!

And if you look at my post I said 'hes messing up at the moment' but I would still prefer him right back to lauren because he gives us more going forward!

Nturtle

18-12-2006, 12:52

Fair do's Calculus...I just remember Senderos letting Drogba get in for a few goals...and not Lauren... :(

Ah well...Let's see what the kids can do on Tuesday.

JoeyM

18-12-2006, 20:21

mufcsean

18-12-2006, 20:35

Eboue is awesome i rate him very highly how much did you get him for

JoeyM

18-12-2006, 21:01

Peanuts

Viperized

18-12-2006, 23:40

The fee was somewhere between £1-2m.

AgentZero

18-12-2006, 23:46

Peanuts

cashews?....sometimes it amazes me how good wenger is at finding really cheap francophones

pistolpete

19-12-2006, 11:18

I think that people are being a little harsh on Aliadiere, look at the tough time Adebayor had last seasn and early this season - i for one am prepared to eat my words on him as now he looks a different player with confidence.
People have to understand that when a player has been playing reserve football then comes up against a fairly useful defence protected by 5 midfielders like Portsmouth played, he isnt going to set the game alight,
He is, however, going to have to wok hard to stay in and around the 1st team but competition for places is a good thing.

Stella Artois

19-12-2006, 11:39

Hmmm, I thought I put "a little lucky".

Which I think you have to agree with, in all fairness.

Well that depends if you consider dominating the second half once you'd gone 2 up and missing chances to win the game as being lucky, yes I suppose I would agree if thats the case.

It's great to see Lauren is in the squad to play tonight. Welcome back!

Stella Artois

19-12-2006, 11:42

Lauren did give the ball to Joe Cole for his goal...but Lauren was playing left back, and it's pretty obvious he wouldn't have made that mistake if he was on the right.

As I've said before, Eboue is fantastic in 1v1 defending against tricky wingers, something Lauren is not, but Eboue's positioning and marking is quite poor, and he's been caught out a few times for it lately.

Are you talking about the 2-0 defeat last year? If you are, it was Sebastian Larsson not Lauren who gave the ball away.

Viperized, try about £250k at the most.

calculus

19-12-2006, 12:18

Are you talking about the 2-0 defeat last year? If you are, it was Sebastian Larsson not Lauren who gave the ball away.

It was definitely Lauren who gave the ball away remember that game like a scar on my hand! RVP disallowed goal robben about 5 minutes before half time, and Lauren playing left back it has been said trying to be too clever and getting robbed of the ball by Joe Cole before he shot low with his left foot passed Lehmann!

Im not bitter and I dont hate Chelsea :ninja:

Stella Artois

19-12-2006, 12:19

I guarentee you're wrong...

I'll prove it soon aswell! :P

calculus

19-12-2006, 12:29

I guarentee you're wrong...

I'll prove it soon aswell! :P

Ok I tried looking for the goal on youtube I'll try again!:cool:

calculus

19-12-2006, 12:35

Found it!

Heres the link dont know how to do that play in the box thingy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9ykkRnzqU4

I believe a sorry Calculus you were right you know your stuff is in order! :cool:

Stella Artois

19-12-2006, 12:45

Haha, fair enough.

I realise now the goal I'm thinking of was against West Ham.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDceN1CPXxE

But yes, I'm sorry, you were right!

calculus

19-12-2006, 12:48

Haha, fair enough.

I realise now the goal I'm thinking of was against West Ham.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDceN1CPXxE

But yes, I'm sorry, you were right!

:rolleyes:

Predictions for tonight!

I'm feeling optimistic 1-2 to Arsenal :w00t

Stella Artois

19-12-2006, 12:51

I don't know nor care.

I think we're going to play a fairly strong side - which I hope we don't.

Edit: The squad's been announced and I'm extremely happy that a lot of the youngsters have been included.

Kolo Toure - Age 25 - Ivory Coast
Philippe Senderos - Age 21 - Switzerland
Tomas Rosicky - Age 26 - Czech Republic
Julio Baptista - Age 25 - Brazil
Lauren - Age 29 - Cameroon
Denilson - Age 18 - Brazil
Alexandre Song - Age 19 - Cameroon
Mart Poom - Age 34 - Estonia
Manuel Almunia - Age 29 - Spain
Jeremie Aliadiere - Age 23 - France
Justin Hoyte - Age 22 - England
Theo Walcott - Age 17 - England
Armand Traore - Age 17 - France
Joseph O’Cearuill - Age 19 - Republic of Ireland
Fran Merida - Age 16 - Spain
Mark Randall - Age 17 - England

Nturtle

19-12-2006, 13:10

It's an interesting mix tonight...youngsters...and benchers...

Baptista, Walcott, Rosicky, Toure...MIGHT be the only first teamers....Senderos, Aliadiere...Denilson, Traore, Merida...mmm...some very young fellas in the mix! Definitely good to see Lauren back!

Full squad:

Kolo Toure - Age 25 - Ivory Coast
Philippe Senderos - Age 21 - Switzerland
Tomas Rosicky - Age 26 - Czech Republic
Julio Baptista - Age 25 - Brazil
Lauren - Age 29 - Cameroon
Denilson - Age 18 - Brazil
Alexandre Song - Age 19 - Cameroon
Mart Poom - Age 34 - Estonia
Manuel Almunia - Age 29 - Spain
Jeremie Aliadiere - Age 23 - France
Justin Hoyte - Age 22 - England
Theo Walcott - Age 17 - England
Armand Traore - Age 17 - France
Joseph O’Cearuill - Age 19 - Republic of Ireland
Fran Merida - Age 16 - Spain
Mark Randall - Age 17 - England

calculus

19-12-2006, 13:14

Stella Artois

19-12-2006, 13:19

calculus

19-12-2006, 13:24

Well they are in and around the first team squad as opposed to play reserve team football...

I'd guess the team will be:

Almunia
Hoyte Toure Senderos Traore
Walcott Song Baptista Denilson Rosicky
Aliadiere

Yeah, that teams not that bad considering what I think Liverpool will put out! Not sure about Song though what say everyone else?

Stella Artois

19-12-2006, 13:28

He needs to be given time, he's only 17. From what I've read Wenger paid £4m for him and gave him a 4 year contract, so he must see something in him.

calculus

19-12-2006, 13:33

He needs to be given time, he's only 17. From what I've read Wenger paid £4m for him and gave him a 4 year contract, so he must see something in him.

Yeah that blinding hair do! Just saw your post in 'LIVERPOOL' about benitez, funny didnt realise they were gonna be playing Gerrard and Alonso they are serious I hope we put them out just for that!:angry:

Stella Artois

19-12-2006, 13:42

calculus

19-12-2006, 13:46

The Liverpool squad is as follows:

Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Agger, Riise, Aurelio, Luis Garcia, Pennant, Gerrard, Alonso, Gonzalez, Crouch, Fowler, Bellamy, Kuyt, Dudek, Paletta, Peltier.

Nice to see Rafa is that worried he has to play his full strength side.

Does anyone but Arsene or Fergie play their youngsters? :rolleyes:

Cor blimey you sure this aint a rearranged premiership match? :rolleyes: Seems like he is worried by our young talent and Wenger I'm sure has every confidence that the team he sends out will do the justice! Really looking forward to the match now! Gerrard and Fowler combo is dangerous but I do like being the underdog!

pistolpete

19-12-2006, 16:27

It seems to be that the Carling Cup team maybe better suited to playing Liverpool away as they have already played well in the previous rounds, and they have the surprise factor, could catch them unawares.

Just had a thought - maybe start playing RVP on the right wing, i think he could be the next Pires in that regard, he could make runs into the box and wouldnt have 2 defenders on him when he gets there, Pires was a good finisher and so would RVP be if he could get into the habit of makking those sorts of runs - i even think he would score more goals than he does now.

Canadian, Eh?

19-12-2006, 16:37

Good to see Lauren back.

I couldn't care less about the Carling Cup, it does give our youngsters a good chance in the team. And we have seen performances from Quincy that were great over the years, and Lupoli. But if Liverpool want to field a strong team...good on them.

Be funny if we beat them

Viperized

19-12-2006, 16:52

I'm not surprised Liverpool are picking such a strong squad and I'm not surprised we have a very, very young squad. Wenger is likely to go for a 451 formation.

I think this is our best possible team:

..................Almunia
Lauren.....Toure.....Senderos. ....Troare
....................Denilson
...........Merida.........Bapt ista
.....Walcott.................. ....Rosicky
...................Aliadiere

Stella Artois

19-12-2006, 16:56

He won't start Lauren and he'll definitely start Song.

I can't see the team being any different to the one I posted.

Rossy Boy

19-12-2006, 16:59

I think Lauren will start to get him fit for bigger games

ATH10

19-12-2006, 18:35

Tonights game is in doubt due to heavy fog there's a second pitch inspection at 6.45, it's on the BBC's website.

Stella Artois

19-12-2006, 18:54

Liverpool's Carling Cup quarter-final tie with Arsenal has been postponed due to heavy fog at Anfield.

All the information is on the BBC website.

Viperized

19-12-2006, 19:10

Too bad.

I was looking forward to see the likes of Merida playing.

Ronaldo_is_fat

20-12-2006, 03:27

Liverpool is scared of our 2nd team and it'll be funny if we shit all over them. Don't you think it is ironic that our youngsters beat a full strength everton whereas our first team squad suffered to do so?

Too bad we'll not sign anyone in January, as I always hope for a quality winger like Ribery or the new French youngster Nasri.

Nturtle

20-12-2006, 03:55

Well...I wouldn't say Liverpool are scared...they just recognise that there is a lot of potential in our kids...that's all.

Well...onwards and upwards to the next game since this was postponed...what a bugger...January is going to be chocker full...not so good!

Viperized

20-12-2006, 09:12

pistolpete

20-12-2006, 11:33

I watched a Nasri video and he didnt look that good.
I dont see the need for signings in January (maybe a keeper)
The squad though could do with some finishing lessons - Hleb especially.
Not quite sure why Wenger sighs about having to rotate his squad when we are short because he lets so many go out on loan, Bentdner im sure would have played a part so far, and while we are short in Midfield - Muamba and Larrson are excelling themselves at Birmingham albeit against inferior opposition,
Still, i think if the team clicks we could go on a good run and cement
3d place, and hopefully move a little closer to 2nd.

calculus

20-12-2006, 12:54

The match postponement will hurt Liverpool more than Arsenal as the will field 75% first team wereas with arsenal this is like a fitness test/exp gaining exercise!

ATH10

20-12-2006, 14:26

ATH10

20-12-2006, 14:28

The match postponement will hurt Liverpool more than Arsenal as the will field 75% first team wereas with arsenal this is like a fitness test/exp gaining exercise!

It affect's both teams as much as each other, hence why both Benitez and Wenger wanted to play last night to avoid a slight fixture crisis.

pistolpete

20-12-2006, 14:50

It will affect Liverpool more because the team they would have fielded would have had more 1st teamers in it, Arsenals youngsters playing at a later date wont affect the 1st team much.

ATH10

20-12-2006, 15:05

Maybe but it's still another match you've got to contend with.

The Stig

20-12-2006, 16:02

How are we scared of your 2nd team?We ain't, He's just a big headed bastard.

pistolpete

20-12-2006, 16:46

Maybe but it's still another match you've got to contend with.

That is true but Gerrard, carragher, finnan, riise, kuyt, whoever else plays will have played an extra game.
Almunia, song, aliadiere, hoyte, traore etc - doesnt matter if they have another game under their belt, it will be good for them and they will be fresh.
Game has been rearranged for the 9th Jan, our youngsters will have hardly played but yours will have just come through the busy schedule.
As for you being scared of our 2nd team - i think he was joking.

calculus

20-12-2006, 18:53

That is true but Gerrard, carragher, finnan, riise, kuyt, whoever else plays will have played an extra game.
Almunia, song, aliadiere, hoyte, traore etc - doesnt matter if they have another game under their belt, it will be good for them and they will be fresh.
Game has been rearranged for the 9th Jan, our youngsters will have hardly played but yours will have just come through the busy schedule.
As for you being scared of our 2nd team - i think he was joking.

Well said, you back up my point eloquently:cool:

pistolpete

20-12-2006, 19:04

Thanks! It seems Liverpool fans need things explained in depth!

Actually they are much better than MANUre or Chelski fans.

Nturtle

21-12-2006, 09:41

LOL PistolPete...perhaps us Gunners have a wacky sense of humour on these forums!!!

Onto Blackburn for Saturday....even with a run of 4 games against lower ranked clubs...we can't catch up with ManU even if they lose every single game....a bit unlikely...but you never know!!

pistolpete

21-12-2006, 10:38

Hmm, we should beat Blackburn at home as their away record is poor.
Cant see Watford away being a problem and we should dispose of Sheff Utd, Charlton at home should be a banker.

Read today that Middlesborough are preparing a £2m bid for Hearts keeper Craig Gordon - surely at that price he's worth buying at that price. (Express)

Nturtle

21-12-2006, 23:55

Too bad.

I was looking forward to see the likes of Merida playing.

Me too....maybe in January then....

Pistolpete..Boruc is also being talked about...at 4-5M...and both he and Gordon seem good keepers.

Akinfeev is also mooted...so...you've got to wonder if it is the agents or the players rustling around trying to create interest!! HA! ;)

pistolpete

22-12-2006, 09:43

Im not a fan of Boruc, and dont know much about Akinfeev.
My 1st choice would be Hildebrand, i wonder if Lehmann could have an influence there? but most good German players go to Bayern, if not then Craig Gordon would fit the bill.
Got a feeling Wenger will go for Scott Carson if Charlton go down.

Saw on the Arsenal website that Diaby is now doing fitness work and they hope he will be playing again end of January.

-Rafa-

22-12-2006, 10:04

Carson is a Liverpool player and he is on-loan to Charlton, can't see Benitez selling Carson as he is going to be a important part of the team in the future

Stella Artois

22-12-2006, 10:12

Why the fuck would we want Carson?

We don't buy Liverpool rejects, you lot buy ours.

pistolpete

22-12-2006, 10:17

I cant see him being a huge player for you, Reina is Spanish and seems to be the trusted favourite of Rafa.
I dont rate him as highly as some but i think Wenger likes him.

calculus

22-12-2006, 11:05

But we've already said we are not buying anybody in the transfer window!

Its hard to say how our squad can improve any way because the talent is there I think maybe some years to mature gain experience and the right mentality could help!

pistolpete

22-12-2006, 11:13

Yeah but we need a keeper come the end of the season, Lehmann is off, im not keen on the prospect of Almunia or Poom between the sticks, both are ok reserves.

Does anyone know how Carlos Vela is doing, any chance of seeing him with us next season? If he's the same age as Walcott, surely if he is as good as we hear he should be around the 1st team.

Stella Artois

22-12-2006, 11:17

He needs to gain Spanish citizenship as he won't be eligible for a work permit. Last I heard he was doing well, but trying to find information is near impossible.

calculus

22-12-2006, 11:21

Hilderbrand or Carson for me! But the thing with Carson is that whenever I saw him play for Liverpool he never did well but for charlton hes amazing!

pistolpete

22-12-2006, 11:22

Searched for him on youtube and he looks useful, quite a prospect with the likes of him and Walcott, Fran Merida.

-Rafa-

22-12-2006, 12:40

Why the fuck would we want Carson?

We don't buy Liverpool rejects, you lot buy ours.
We do?

Viperized

22-12-2006, 16:01

Pennant, Anelka.

Joel Rojo

23-12-2006, 02:47

Carlos Vela was tied for top scorer in spanish second division before he got injured, he fell a bit after that, i think he lost like 4 games but as Stella said, it's hard to get information on him. Wikipedia is usually a decent source.

Vela also received the shirt number 9, so he got trust from his club, and he has been doing pretty good for a 17 yo.

-Rafa-

23-12-2006, 03:05

Pennant, Anelka.
Anelka was only a loan :tongue:

And he was shit

pistolpete

23-12-2006, 10:33

.
Vela also received the shirt number 9, so he got trust from his club, and he has been doing pretty good for a 17 yo.

What club is he at then, i thought it was celta vigo?

-Rafa-

23-12-2006, 10:47

It was Celta Vigo last season I think.

Zoolander

23-12-2006, 11:03

He's here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UD_Salamanca - 10 appearances (6 goals)

Viperized

23-12-2006, 15:30

15 mins gone.

Arsenal 1-1 Blackburn.

Nonda (pen)
Gilberto

EDIT: 30 mins gone. We're playing fantastic football - FINALLY!

Arsenal 3-1 Blackburn

Nonda (pen)
Gilberto
Hleb
Adebayor (pen)

Nturtle

23-12-2006, 15:33

Interesting game vs Blackburn....3-1 Gunners!

Viperized

23-12-2006, 16:48

Arsenal 5-2 Blackburn

Nonda x2 inc pen
Gilberto
Hleb
Adebayor (pen)
Van Persie x2

EDIT: Woah. 6-2. Flamini!

Final result:
Arsenal 6-2 Blackburn.

What a performance and a brilliant result. I can't wait to watch the full 90 on Skysports today - I assume this will be the game of the day.

Dr. Bob Kelso

23-12-2006, 17:05

Anelka was only a loan :tongue:

And he was shit

This can only mean you didn't see Anelka at Liverpool as he was brilliant for us.

kallum

23-12-2006, 17:30

Get in, top result.

Though we shouldn't be conceding like we are, if we want to uphold our ambitions.

But yeah, top result and I for one can't wait for MOTD.

On the subject of carson before, I don't know what was said. But for Lehmann's replacement, get Craig gordon of Hearts in. He's having problems with that lot now, and he's an amazing keeper for his age.

C'mon Wenger!

Rossy Boy

23-12-2006, 18:14

what a great game to watch brilliant football from and we definatly deserved the win

martin_cranie

23-12-2006, 18:37

I'm actually looking forward to MoTD for once. :)

Rossy Boy

23-12-2006, 18:43

they were great goals ;)

Yi-Long

23-12-2006, 19:11

This can only mean you didn't see Anelka at Liverpool as he was brilliant for us.

Agreed. Anelka is a brilliant player. Too bad his personality and/or his manager(s?) got in the way, which made him hop from 1 club to the next every season.
Those goals he scored for Arsenal, and the intelligence he showed already at that young age, was tremendous...
Really a shame he's a bit difficult, or hard to please, or whatever...

Anyway, glad to hear Arsenal playing very well today AND getting the result :) Cant wait to see MOTD either :)

martin_cranie

23-12-2006, 19:20

If Anelka had the right attitude, he could play for any club in the world. Considering how much we benefited from his sale though, I couldn't give a toss about him.

Yi-Long

23-12-2006, 19:30

He DID play for pretty much every club in the world ;)

ATH10

23-12-2006, 20:00

Hilderbrand or Carson for me! But the thing with Carson is that whenever I saw him play for Liverpool he never did well but for charlton hes amazing!

What about Jaaskelainen?

martin_cranie

23-12-2006, 20:22

He DID play for pretty much every club in the world ;)

:laugh: Very true.

What about Jaaskelainen?

A very underrated 'keeper. He would certainly be a better choice than Almunia or Poom. I'm still rooting for Akinfeev to replace Jens though.

ATH10

23-12-2006, 20:28

:laugh: Very true.

A very underrated 'keeper. He would certainly be a better choice than Almunia or Poom. I'm still rooting for Akinfeev to replace Jens though.

But Jaaskelainen has many years of Premiership experience. But then again Akinfeev is younger.

ThierryHenry14

23-12-2006, 20:44

I'm actually looking forward to MoTD for once. :)
same here
great result for us 6-2 and we were losing 3 minutes into the game so's that arsenal have the never give up spirit

martin_cranie

23-12-2006, 22:22

But Jaaskelainen has many years of Premiership experience. But then again Akinfeev is younger.

Akinfeev may be young, but he has a fair amount of experience. To date he has: 147 appearances (League/domestic cup/UEFA Cup/Champions League) for CSKA Moscow and 14 caps for Russia. He's also used to high pressure games, not to mention winning titles; in the last 4 seasons he's won: The UEFA Cup, Russian Premier League x3, Russian Super Cup x2, and he's also been runner up in the UEFA Super Cup and the Russian Premier League. All at 20 years old.

If we don't get this guy soon-ish, another top club will. He will be one of the very best 'keepers around in a wee while, so he'd be well worth buying.

Dragonfly

23-12-2006, 23:16

Flamini the goal machine :laugh:

JoeyM

23-12-2006, 23:21

Akinfeev may be young, but he has a fair amount of experience. To date he has: 147 appearances (League/domestic cup/UEFA Cup/Champions League) for CSKA Moscow and 14 caps for Russia. He's also used to high pressure games, not to mention winning titles; in the last 4 seasons he's won: The UEFA Cup, Russian Premier League x3, Russian Super Cup x2, and he's also been runner up in the UEFA Super Cup and the Russian Premier League. All at 20 years old.

If we don't get this guy soon-ish, another top club will. He will be one of the very best 'keepers around in a wee while, so he'd be well worth buying.

Well said, Akinfeev would be my number one releastic choice for Jens' replacement. Him plus Eboue, Toure, Clichy and Senderos/Djourou is our back four set for a decade.

Freestyle27

23-12-2006, 23:21

Flamini the goal machine :laugh:

just heard it on motd, wanker of a PA

accessgranted

24-12-2006, 00:15

Keep spreading the goals around Arsenal.
It's nice to see the others picking up the slack when Henry is away.
Let's hope they continue it when he is back.

Nturtle

24-12-2006, 05:51

Great result...shame about conceding a few stupid goals...

LOL on the quote of "Flamini the goal machine" - that PA needs a few screws tightened...although Flamini has scored a few good ones for us!

Gilberto as captain did very well...especially his goal. Fabregas was outstanding...and every site is saying how funny he left Savage stranded at the corner post....before unleashing a shot that was parried to Flamini's side-footed goal...

Wenger could still have substituted a few more earlier I feel...the tiredness crept in a bit...before Nonda's second goal pushed us to wake up a bit...Baptista and Walcott didn't get much time at all...a shame...

8 goals in a game...highest so far...

Well...no club is bigger than one player...VP highest scorer now...and Gilberto level with Henry on goals...not bad going!!

wrigh2uk

24-12-2006, 09:23

Com'on you know when Fab was at Barca he learnt that from Mr Messi lol...

But it was a great result, watched MOTD twice :)

Bammers05

24-12-2006, 11:21

Good to see RVP scoring again

Stella Artois

24-12-2006, 16:07

Shame about the other 2843423434 chances he missed.

Good performance in the end, but we were a bit slack when they got it back to 3-2.

Still, I can hardly complain, we came back from a goal down to actually win!

ThierryHenry14

24-12-2006, 17:29

i think van persie and adebayor have had a good season so far they seem to be getting most of our goals

Viperized

24-12-2006, 22:50

The scoreline should be 12-2, not 6-2!

We missed countless of chances, but we still scored a high number of goals and won, so I don't mind.

Thats true about Van Persie and Adebayor - they play well together. Van Persie has managed 7 Premiership goals now, and has a decent number of assists too.

Also, yesterday proved 442 is the formation for Arsenal.

pistolpete

25-12-2006, 00:05

Van Persie should keep cutting in from the right as Henry does from the left, he looked much better coming in off the right wing, and made a fool of the defender for his 1st goal

Nturtle

25-12-2006, 00:42

If you've not seen it....thanks to Archie and Gunnerblog & Cesc

http://gunnerblog.com/?p=491

4-4-2 is good...and defensively it was fine...Clichy didn't cover the cross for Nonda's 2nd goal....and might also be at fault for the 1st....and probably didn't have much to do with lack of defense from mid-field....

I'm impressed with Gilberto for rewarding the improving Adebayour the penalty chance...good captaincy and well converted. A sign things really still click without Henry....or the team has less inhibitions?

Edit: Justin hoyte didn't do too badly - honorable mention!

A merry Xmas to Gunner fans and football fans in general!

Ronaldo_is_fat

25-12-2006, 03:52

IMO, Van Persie shares alot of similarities with Pires. Van Persie is lefty who is better on the right and Pires a better player on the left with his right foot curling shots. The main problem with Van Persie is wasting too much time to alter his angle for his left foot. The most notable example is his near miss with his right against CSKA Moscow at home. He can be both predictable and unpredictable as he can turn the ball around defenders made it up. I just see him being a better player if he can find more confidence in his right.

Canadian, Eh?

25-12-2006, 04:22

Pires was more of a complete player however.

Good win, an odd one, but a win is a win.

pistolpete

25-12-2006, 12:20

Nturtle

26-12-2006, 06:23

Looks like Lehmannmay stay beyond the end of the season, he apparently said he would sonsider another year at Arsenal but would also look at offers from Spain and Germany - i hope he stays, even if just for whoever comes in to watch the way he works.

Lehman has been fantastic...and most goals haven't really given him much of a chance...(even though he flapped at Emerton's cross for Nonda's second vs. Blackburn). He had a few really good saves that day too!

We can speculate all we want...but it's up to Mad Jens and Le professor to see what's going to happen. To be honest...I dont know why we have Almunia and Poom as backup only...it's a shame for sure...unless Almunia can make the grade given his tender years...he's only 24? I'm one to go for Akinfeev...he reminds me of Given actually!

Onto Boxing Day Watford...let's keep the goals coming boys! Walcott to score...and Baptista! HAH! :w00t

calculus

26-12-2006, 11:50

Looking forward to this game should be a difficult match but I think we will win through in the end:cool:

pistolpete

26-12-2006, 16:24

Almunia can make the grade given his tender years...he's only 24? I'm one to go for Akinfeev...he reminds me of Given actually!

Almunia is number 24 but he is 29 years old.
Seen a bit of Akinfeev recently and he looks like a good prospect, id prefer Craig Gordon though and i think Wenger prefers his keepers to have a bigger presence.

Should beat Watford today, il go for 2-0 RVP and Ade, though id like more!

ThierryHenry14

26-12-2006, 19:31

2-1 i was expecting something higher but a win's a win , after liverpools 1-0 defeat to blackburn we now go 3rd

pistolpete

26-12-2006, 22:01

We didnt play very well tonight and Van Persie got us out of jail.
The defence looked very shaky at times when they put us under pressure but they are young and they battled well.

Van Persies goal was great and once again Walcott comes on and makes a difference with his direct approach, Hleb was terrible today. Rosicky played ok but he needs games.
Need another battling performance against Sheff Utd next game.

Stella Artois

26-12-2006, 22:04

I thought we were shite at times, Watford probably deserved a draw, but how many times have we drawn when we've deserved to win?

Good finish from Robin and Gilberto is becoming a goal machine!

Canadian, Eh?

26-12-2006, 22:07

Typical goal by Van Persie.

We usually draw or lose those games. Nice to see us win one.

calculus

26-12-2006, 22:10

Too late for a title tilt me thinks:rolleyes: We defended badly but credit is due to watford the way the played to our weaknesses!

Viperized

26-12-2006, 22:28

Typical goal by Van Persie.

We usually draw or lose those games. Nice to see us win one.
Yep.

That was a lovely finish by Van Persie.

Good to see we won this.

calculus

26-12-2006, 22:34

We are in trouble if we play like that against SU!

ibz

27-12-2006, 01:59

adebayour got injured, looks like he's noy going to play against sheff Utd .. Baptists should start, I think he did well when he came in, unlucky with his shot at goal, although it wasn't his strongest hit but it was very close ..

kallum

27-12-2006, 02:00

Good win for the boys, Gilberto again playing brilliantly.

Top goal by VP, and some good work by Theo in the build up, and around the goal.

If we keep some consistency against these teams we'll be a major force.

We've almost got the balance now, between, exprecience/youth/flair/and strength...If we avoid any drastic changes we'll be world-beaters again in let's say and year and a half?

Canadian, Eh?

27-12-2006, 02:07

Yep.

That was a lovely finish by Van Persie.

Good to see we won this.

It was exactly like Henry would do from the other side.

Just silky smooth.

Nturtle

27-12-2006, 03:07

Almunia is number 24 but he is 29 years old.
Seen a bit of Akinfeev recently and he looks like a good prospect, id prefer Craig Gordon though and i think Wenger prefers his keepers to have a bigger presence.

Should beat Watford today, il go for 2-0 RVP and Ade, though id like more!

Ah....got my head screwed on the wrond way re: Almunia then!! He's a good shot stopper...but doesn't have the overall qualities like Lehmann.

Good result RE: Watford - did Senderos coming back into the side make much difference to the defensively poor showing?

I'm increasingly impressed with Gilberto...and obviously the captaincy has given him a LOT of confidence...7 goals!! That's equal with Henry!! LOL! And VP did very well...and I see that Baptista missed by the barest margin..and Walcott again sounds good.

Onto Sheffield!

Canadian, Eh?

27-12-2006, 03:47

Good result RE: Watford - did Senderos coming back into the side make much difference to the defensively poor showing?

I'm increasingly impressed with Gilberto...and obviously the captaincy has given him a LOT of confidence...7 goals!! That's equal with Henry!! LOL! And VP did very well...and I see that Baptista missed by the barest margin..and Walcott again sounds good.

Onto Sheffield!

I thought Senderos really gave confidence to Toure at the back, they were both defending one another in scrums as well.

Gilberto has been the best player on the pitch this season, by far. Knows exactly when to come forward and join in attack, makes great tackles, like that one on Ashley Young when Clichy got burned.

pistolpete

28-12-2006, 13:27

No Adebayor for the game against Sheff Utd, i think Wenger will play Aliadiere, although id rather see Baptista supporting RVP.
Serves Wenger right for loaning out so many strikers!

Stella Artois

28-12-2006, 13:53

To be fair there's no guarentee any of them would set the league alight, is there?

I'd prefer the Beast to start, but I doubt he will as Robin can't play as a lone striker.

Yi-Long

28-12-2006, 13:56

Why not Theo upfront with Van Persie in a free role behind him?

Dragonfly

28-12-2006, 14:03

I keep forgetting about Theo, that would be good. We could send through balls and he can use his pace to get there. Although, I'm worried if he'd be strong enough to out muscle the SU deffenders.

Stella Artois

28-12-2006, 14:07

Because Theo isn't anywhere near strong enough to play up top on his own - he hasn't even played up front for us yet alongside someone else.

Nturtle

29-12-2006, 08:26

I hope the beast gets a start...at least give him a chance.

Walcott might start as right wing I suspect...and maybe a bit more rotation will help...Sheffied might field a 2nd XI as they play Boro in a bottom of table clash and will want max points from that I think...so...we'll see.

Yi-Long

29-12-2006, 10:55

Because Theo isn't anywhere near strong enough to play up top on his own - he hasn't even played up front for us yet alongside someone else.

Well... Theo doesnt NEED to be 'strong'. He needs to be fast and sharp.
Owen was never a strong guy. Lineker wasnt. He's still a kid so he'll only learn and get stronger by putting him in situations like this, which is what Wenger would want, I think. And now with the main strikers out, it would be a very good time to at least try it. If it doesnt work, you can always change at halftime (like the time when Wenger tried Lupoli, Lupoli didnt do a thing, Wenger brought on Quincy, and he was impressive).

I feel that Theo has all the qualities to function as a deep striker: fast, smart, and a team player. With Van Persie behind him to provide the throughpasses and combo's, and overlapping midfielders... it could, and should, work... (depending on how the opponent will adjust and defend against it, ofcourse...)

-Rafa-

29-12-2006, 11:27

Do you think Lupoli will go back to Italy?

As most Italians tend to play there? Or will he be able to cut it in the Prem?

Yi-Long

29-12-2006, 11:53

Do you think Lupoli will go back to Italy?

As most Italians tend to play there? Or will he be able to cut it in the Prem?

TBH, I have no idea. I have only seen him play occasionally, and that was in those carlington cup matches the BBC showed on TV (I think. Could also have been FA Cup).
He wasnt very impressive from what I've seen, but I also hear about him being really good for Arsenal's youth/reserve team or whatever it's called. It seemed like he's more a bit of an inzaghi-style player, who has the talent to be at the right place at the right time. I certainly didnt really recognize any 'big skills' in those few times I've seen him play, so I guess that must be pretty much what he's about.

Personally, I dont like to see that kind of players. In fact, I fucking hate Inzaghi. But it's hard to make a prediction to where his future might lie. I just know too little of what he can and cant do. If he's an Inzaghi-style player he'd be better off in Italy, cause I dont think Inzaghi would do very well in the PL.

edit" It's a shame that Quincy has left though. Now there was a guy where you could see the talent, and it was just a case of him getting his head together, making sure there was an endproduct, etc... but the raw potential was definately there and you could see it from the first few seconds you see him play...

pistolpete

29-12-2006, 12:01

Im sure Wenger will find the right combination, i think a win against SheffUtd on top of the last few results will give the team a real sense of belief that we can beat sides that will want to fight us and make the game physical, like Blackburn and in the end we embarassed them.

calculus

29-12-2006, 16:39

We wont fancy SU and normally I'd be worried with no Henry, Adebayor, Gallas, Eboue etc but I think with Super Silva in the middle we will pull through 2-1 :cool:

Scarface

29-12-2006, 16:50

Robin van Persie must love playing Blackburn. Within a few seasons, Arsenal could probably release a dvd of his career highlights against them :tongue:

Neil Warnock has hinted at using a weakened team against Arsenal, to give some of his more important players a rest, before some of the "six-pointers". Hmm, I doubt it, but let's see. Should be another tough match; any sort of win would be good.

calculus

29-12-2006, 16:52

^^ It still wont be a gimme because of the type of game they will play and besides I dont think he will rest too many!:cool:

pistolpete

29-12-2006, 20:22

Just read on Arsenal.com that Wenger will give Baptista a chance to impress (doesnt say when though) and that he admits he hasnt had much oppertunities to contribute. He also says he is leaning towards a decision as to wether or not to take him on permanently - but he wont say which way.
Hope he stays, i like Reyes but i think we are ok for wide players and he will never fulfill his potential in England.

Viperized

30-12-2006, 09:32

Walcott, Hleb, Adebayor and Djourou are injured according to BBC. I suppose this is the best possible team against Sheffield Utd:

.............Lehmann
Hoyte Toure Senderos Clichy
Aliadiere? Fabregas Gilberto Rosicky
......Baptista...Van Persie

I can't think of another winger... and Aliadiere has played on the wings for us before.
TBH, I have no idea. I have only seen him play occasionally, and that was in those carlington cup matches the BBC showed on TV (I think. Could also have been FA Cup).
He wasnt very impressive from what I've seen, but I also hear about him being really good for Arsenal's youth/reserve team or whatever it's called. It seemed like he's more a bit of an inzaghi-style player, who has the talent to be at the right place at the right time. I certainly didnt really recognize any 'big skills' in those few times I've seen him play, so I guess that must be pretty much what he's about.

Personally, I dont like to see that kind of players. In fact, I fucking hate Inzaghi. But it's hard to make a prediction to where his future might lie. I just know too little of what he can and cant do. If he's an Inzaghi-style player he'd be better off in Italy, cause I dont think Inzaghi would do very well in the PL.

edit" It's a shame that Quincy has left though. Now there was a guy where you could see the talent, and it was just a case of him getting his head together, making sure there was an endproduct, etc... but the raw potential was definately there and you could see it from the first few seconds you see him play...
Lupoli has been doing wonders for Derby in the Championship - a physical league.

He is an absolutely brilliant finisher, and him doing well in a physical league is surprising as he does look rather lightweight. He is not like an Inzaghi.

He has scored a good number of goals for Derby and from what it seems like he looks like a good striker and could have a future at Arsenal.

Jonny2J

30-12-2006, 09:46

TBH, I have no idea. I have only seen him play occasionally, and that was in those carlington cup matches the BBC showed on TV (I think. Could also have been FA Cup).
He wasnt very impressive from what I've seen, but I also hear about him being really good for Arsenal's youth/reserve team or whatever it's called. It seemed like he's more a bit of an inzaghi-style player, who has the talent to be at the right place at the right time. I certainly didnt really recognize any 'big skills' in those few times I've seen him play, so I guess that must be pretty much what he's about.

Personally, I dont like to see that kind of players. In fact, I fucking hate Inzaghi. But it's hard to make a prediction to where his future might lie. I just know too little of what he can and cant do. If he's an Inzaghi-style player he'd be better off in Italy, cause I dont think Inzaghi would do very well in the PL.

edit" It's a shame that Quincy has left though. Now there was a guy where you could see the talent, and it was just a case of him getting his head together, making sure there was an endproduct, etc... but the raw potential was definately there and you could see it from the first few seconds you see him play...You seem to have always had this impression than if a player doesnt have the technique and guile of Bergkamp that they aren't very good or you either dislike them.

pistolpete

30-12-2006, 12:22

Viperized, that team looks mgood to me although i would rather have RVP on the right wing, he's looked good when he has drifted out there recently and his 1st goal against Blackburn and the Watford goal have proved that.
Aliadiere i reckon may score today if he plays upfront, just got a feeling.
Reckon we will win 2-1.

Viperized

30-12-2006, 18:18

Fucking terrible performance. The slow-tempo European style tactic simply does not work in the Premiership.

Baptista and Rosicky have been awful. Both players are CONSTANTLY giving the ball away. But I'd only take off Baptista. He is suffering more. Flamini is a joke of a midfielder and Hoyte has been terrible.

What on earth was Toure doing there? He hasn't played well during the past few weeks. Fabregas must be brought on.

Zoolander

30-12-2006, 18:53

Oh dear!

The Stig

30-12-2006, 19:19

Sheffield didn't even have their best 11.

Viperized

30-12-2006, 19:26

Neither do Arsenal. And playing Baptista on the wing was a nightmare. We had absolutely no penetration on the wings. This game showed we needed a winger.

None of our players were trying. We played piss poor and deserved to lose. Rosicky, Baptista, Flamini, Van Persie, Toure, Hoyte were playing badly.

Losing Fabregas in the F.A. Cup is a big, big blow. He was the only one who took a shot from long range. I don't remember a single shot on target. I think we only took about 3/4 shots in total.

Wenger's pass first, shoot later theory is pretty stupid.

kallum

30-12-2006, 19:30

:realmad:

They fucking bottled it. Just when you think things were about to change with these kind of games the lads go and fucking bottle it.

It was like a team made up of 11 Reyes's.

Viperized

30-12-2006, 19:35

Nah. I'd say 9 Reyes'.

Clichy and Senderos played fairly well.

Canadian, Eh?

30-12-2006, 19:35

Baptista has to realize that its not Spain where you can take 15 touches like Ronaldinho and still get a shot off.

mufcsean

30-12-2006, 19:49

I was shocked when i loked at the score, bloodyhell that's a bad result

pistolpete

30-12-2006, 19:52

Another very frustrating performance, Clichy was the only decent one out there.
Aliadiere was nonexistant, why wouldnt he get in the box - thats all he does well, Baptista is struggling to adapt big time but i still think he will come good and at least he was trying hard.
Thank goodness Lauren is nearly fit as Hoyte is a liability, he cant defend, no attacking threat, no strength, he's just quick.
Cant quite understand the performances of Rosicky, the premiership and his position in the Arsenal side is tailor made for him yet he has no conviction.
Toure got done for the goal, Jens came out way too far, made up the strikers mind for him.
Injuries to the team didnt help along with an awful pitch but i expect better against an understrength SheffUtd team.
Then we get Wenger saying, we wont buy in January, Yeah keep our on loan players who are on fire,
I am posting soon after the game though and maybe my anger will calm down later.

kallum

30-12-2006, 19:52

I was shocked when i loked at the score, bloodyhell that's a bad result

Typical Manc Bastard, we know it's a bad result.

Now piss off chatting complete shite and clear, obvious (and so unnecessary) ramblings.

Stella Artois

30-12-2006, 20:30

Ignore the cunt.

Spineless performance. At this rate we'll be lucky to get a CL spot.

calculus

30-12-2006, 20:40

I said this would be a difficult game simply for the fact of how they play not the personel they had on the pitch! Saying that we still should of won though it was a poor performance in the extreme! Jag in goal for 30 minutes + and we didnt even test him! In saying that how can we improve on our team? Who do we buy that will eradicate this type of performance?

Rossy Boy

30-12-2006, 20:44

I cant fucking believe that, didnt wenger get that flamini was playing shit why didnt he take him off

Stella Artois

30-12-2006, 20:47

There was worse than Flamini...Rosicky was so poor it was unbelievable.

I can't see why Cesc didn't start, we desperately needed his creativity.

Viperized

30-12-2006, 20:50

Well, Denilson done more things in our midfield than Flamini, Rosicky and Baptista once he came on.

But Baptista did play out of position though.

Stella Artois

30-12-2006, 20:55

Irrelevant. He gave the ball away, played poor passes constantly and never looked like scoring despite being in several decent positions.

kallum

30-12-2006, 21:11

Charlton next?

Fucking joy. Another team that's up for a big fat 'in your face' game due to relegation troubles...with the added feel good of a new manager.

If they don't pull their fingers out we'll get done again.

-Jamster-

30-12-2006, 21:16

Will Adebayor be fit for the Charlton Game? I hope so...

Viperized

30-12-2006, 21:19

We'll have most of our good players back such as Walcott, Hleb, Djourou and Adebayor, so I'm not worried.

Joel Rojo

30-12-2006, 21:28

I almost threw stuff at the TV. But at least I liked what Denilson showed at the end. He made a great play in a pass to Baptista, which he then crapped over.

What was up with the players letting slow passes go out of the field?

Viperized

30-12-2006, 21:33

I blame Wenger's tactics for that. He is hell bent on playing a slow-tempo game in the Premiership.

Bammers05

30-12-2006, 21:54

I can't see why Cesc didn't start, we desperately needed his creativity.

Apparently Cesc had flu prior to the game, so thats's probably why he didn't start.

But I agree we did need his creativity today

JoeyM

30-12-2006, 22:45

Shit performance again, but this time we lost. Hoyte was shit again, awful first touch, caught out of position numerous times. Toure was skinned for the goal, he's been very poor recently. Senderos and Clichy were solid. Rosicky was fucking awful, clearly not a right winger. Flamini is only somewhat useless in a 4-5-1, but totally useless in a 4-4-2. Gilberto was half decent. RVP and Aliadiere were arguably the shittest players on the pitch. Van Persie was rattled by Morgan which is disappointing. I defended Aliadiere after his last start considering he didn't do too much wrong, although today he was consistently shit, how many passes to his feet did he fuck up?

As for Baptista, while he was undoubtedly shit, I don't think he was as bad as most people are saying. Yes, he wasted a few half chances, and he did give the ball away a few times. But at least he tried to make things happen by running at people a few times. Besides, I know I was one of the people who called Real idiots for wasting him on the left for much of last season, I'd wait until he gets a few chances in his preferred position. Hopefully he'll start up front against Charlton, considering Aliadiere has never shown anything that suggests he's good enough for anything above reserve football.

Nturtle

30-12-2006, 22:51

Spineless performance. At this rate we'll be lucky to get a CL spot.

Unbelievable that we played this badly.... :realmad: or maybe we should believe it....waste...so wasteful...

Stella Artois

30-12-2006, 22:52

Joel, to be fair we had no creative spark whatsoever mate, so Aliadiere was truly let down in that respect.

When you take Cesc out of the side, where is the creativity?

JoeyM

30-12-2006, 23:05

In Rosicky and Hleb, unfortunately with Hleb out we wasted Rosicky on the right. I didn't really want to say anything about injuries because I didn't want to look like I was making excuses for such a shit performance, but losing Hleb, Cesc, Eboue, and Ade really hurt us.

Stella Artois

30-12-2006, 23:08

-Jamster-

30-12-2006, 23:10

Anyone know how long Eboue is out for? Hoyte at right back again will kill us and Lauren probably isn't match fit yet.

JoeyM

30-12-2006, 23:14

Not to mention Gallas.

We were missing 5 names on the teamsheet, but enough on the injuries, we'll let Sheffield Utd and Chelsea do all the moaning about having players out.

I still think we're lacking wide players, I would much prefer to see Rosicky in a three in midfield with Cesc and Gilberto.

We've too many good players who can't fit into a system.

Whether we need another winger depends on what formation Wenger decides to opt with, if we stay 4-4-2 I'm happy with Rosicky on the left and Hleb on the right, Eboue provides good width and Theo looks to hug the line well. If we revert back to 4-5-1, then I definitely think we need a proper left winger.

Viperized

30-12-2006, 23:17

Not to mention Gallas.

We were missing 5 names on the teamsheet, but enough on the injuries, we'll let Sheffield Utd and Chelsea do all the moaning about having players out.

I still think we're lacking wide players, I would much prefer to see Rosicky in a three in midfield with Cesc and Gilberto.

We've too many good players who can't fit into a system.
442 midfield:

Hleb Cesc Gilberto Rosicky

Problem solved. But Eboue has to be present of course. He provides us width and does attack the opposition fullback, unlike Hleb, who just seems to pass the ball across the box instead.

Stella Artois

30-12-2006, 23:18

Thing is, in a 4-4-2, neither Hleb or Rosicky run at defenders, Hleb in particular seems to prefer to just turn back inside and we're giving full backs an easy ride at the moment.

I think we're lacking the sort of penetration that someone likes Walcott provides...

Viperized

30-12-2006, 23:21

As I said, Eboue has to be present.

But Rosicky's style of play differs from Hleb and doesn't turn back inside, looking to square the ball in the box. He does get behind his marker from time to time.

We were lacking the penetration today, but had we played a midfield of Rosicky Baptista Gilberto Hleb (players in their position) I don't think we would've suffered like today.

Stella Artois

30-12-2006, 23:24

I guess we'll see.

For me, Rosicky is best in a 5 man midfield trying to run the show, not on the left.

The other issue is why do we actually need Baptista? He's shown me nothing so far unfortunately.

Viperized

30-12-2006, 23:35

Unfair judgement on Baptista. He is new to the league, clearly hasn't adjusted, is still learning English, isn't fully settled etc.

Btw.. some news that'll please Joey and martin_cranie:

http://www.eurosport.com/football/premiership/2006-2007/sport_sto1037713.shtml
'Akinfeev keen on Arsenal move'

Go for him Wenger!

JoeyM

30-12-2006, 23:36

Well we don't need him at the moment, but I assume we got him to score the goals that no one else in our team (except possibly Ade) would have the bottle to score. He's said his best position is as a second striker or the attacking midfield role in our 4-5-1 (where Rosicky plays). Since we've now gone back to 4-4-2 I imagine he'd play as the second striker, but unfortunately with Ade and Henry out we don't really have anyone to lead the line so he doesn't really have a place in the team as of now unless he wants to be a target man.

Stella Artois

30-12-2006, 23:39

I agree, but I haven't seen much to inspire any confidence that he'll come good, maybe i'm being too pessimistic(sp?).

pistolpete

31-12-2006, 00:12

[QUOTE=Stella Artois;891328]

For me, Rosicky is best in a 5 man midfield trying to run the show, not on the left.

QUOTE]

That sounds as though it could work well, i think the right sided midfielder should be RVP as he could be on the right , what Pires was on the left for years.

Canadian, Eh?

31-12-2006, 00:15

Now that I reflect on the game today it made me think that Diaby would have been a good player in the game today.

Looking forward to him back in the side...even though I don't know where he fits. Kinda the odd man out unless with a five man midfield.

Nice to see Lauren on the bench today, he probably could have done left back better than Hoyte.

Dr. Bob Kelso

31-12-2006, 00:39

Stella Artois

31-12-2006, 00:42

Because you're an imbecile.

Dr. Bob Kelso

31-12-2006, 01:11

Because you're an imbecile.

Ooooo I did hit a nerve before didn't I.

Yi-Long

31-12-2006, 01:43

You seem to have always had this impression than if a player doesnt have the technique and guile of Bergkamp that they aren't very good or you either dislike them.

Bullshit. Someone asked me a question about Lupoli, and I made it quite clear I have only seen hima few times, and in those games, he didnt make much of an impression on me (which was also what the commentators and probably Wenger thought, since he subbed him). I didnt even bring up Bergkamp, plus I like lots and lots of players that dont even come close to Bergkamp's skills. I just like to see intelligence, hard work, creativity, etc in a player, which Lupoli didnt show in those few matches I saw of him.

However, I openly said I havent seen much of the guy, so I CAN NOT make a fair judgement on him, and that I have been hearing a lot of good stuff about his performances in the reserves.

So why even try and stir up some shit?