As with all games there were positives and negatives, there were good performances and the less so, however overall I was generally encouraged by what I saw. In retrospect I think Arsene got his starting eleven slightly wrong, we did lack width and this meant Liverpool could defend a bit more comfortably than we should have allowed, especially after Cole had been sent off to leave them with ten men.
We started well, we controlled the first half and looked by far the better side. The problem was that we didn't convert our overt domination into chances and shots on goal. It was all a bit lacking in width and some of the the build up was a tad slow, the passing was quite as quick and sharp as it can be. Eboue and Arshavin offered very little and Chamakh looked a bit isolated. Nasri was looking dangerous, Wilshere had an ok first half and Diaby played with real discipline in a deeper role than he normally takes up.
The moment that changed the game when Joe Cole was quite rightly shown a straight red card for a reckless late lunge through Koscielny's leg, after he had cleared the ball. The expected banter of 'he's not that kind of player' and 'there was no intent' materialised on Guttersports but this didn't really cut the mustard. It wasn't a blocking challenge, it was a challenge that was directed through Koscielny's leg, this makes Cole that kind of player, it was a poor tackle that could have resulted in serious injury. Even Mark Lawrenson felt it was a clear red card on MOTD2. Well done to the referee for having the bottle to send off a Liverpool player at Anfield, they do so often get away with murder, in Gerrard's case quite literally. In fact Gerrard was very lucky to stay on the pitch yesterday, his first half tackle on Eboue was shocking, a yellow card at least and he then went on to be commit two or three yellow card offences in the second half.
At half time most Gooners would have been rather optimistic but this didn't last long. A bit of sloppy play saw a bit of a hospital pass sent towards Jack Wilshere who tried to be a bit ambitious with it, failed to control it, this then saw Ngog played in, he belted the ball into the top corner at Almunia's near post. Personally I don't think you can blame the goalkeeper for being beaten by such a pearler, the blame must go to those who gifted the ball to Liverpool in such a dangerous area. After that goal Liverpool sat back, we huffed and puffed but didn't really threaten, until the final twenty minutes or so.
Theo, Rosicky and RVP had come on by this time and all three made a real difference. Theo's gave us more of a cutting edge and some width. Rosicky gave us some push forward from the centre of midfield and RVP gave us that aggressive drive that he always does. We started to create a few chances, Rosicky swung in a nice cross that Vermaelen headed wide, Theo hid a great free kick with Reina saved well, Rosicky went on a brilliant run and after a neat one-two forced an astonishing save from Reina.
The equaliser then came, Reina and Carragher were caught napping as a cross was swung in, only the hard working Chamakh attacked it and he had his reward, he bundled it onto the post, it then rebounded to the back tracking Reina who fumbled it into his own net, 1-1 it was. We had a great chance to win it when Theo again found space in the wide right area, unfortunately his cross was headed over at the back post. The ref, who lost the plot in the second half, sent off Koscielny with an astonishingly poor decision for the second yellow card, the ball was belted into his arm from point blank range, he simply couldn't get out of the way. The ref finally booked the violent Gerrard in the second half but if anyone deserved red, it was this thug of a scouser who committed at least three stonewall yellow card tackles in the game.
Overall a point at Anfield is a good point, Liverpool will be very decent this season under Hodgson who always gets the best out of his players. The positive was the way we controlled and dominated the game with the teams even in number. The negatives included the lack of clear cut chances despite the possession and our lack of width. It is harsh to judge Andrei Arshavin on the basis of one game, especially when he has only just experienced a tough return trip to Russia, but he does need to up his game this season. Despite his slightly erratic nature Theo does give us something extra, his pace scares teams and pushes them deeper, he also creates a lot of space for other players just because of his threat. Koscielny also did well when he was asked to defend, that moment when he outpaced Torres was good to see. Overall a point gained, but the gaps in terms of goalkeepers and centre backs remain.
Monday, 16 August 2010
Sunday, 15 August 2010
Big day and refereeing inconsistency
It simply doesn't need repeating or emphasising, today's game is huge. Arsene reckons whoever he selects in goal today will be our no 1 for the season, so if it's Fabianski then I will be f*cking furious, I just hope and pray we see anyone else in goal other than the hapless Pole. Apparently the keeper will be selected based on pre season form, therefore if Arsene selects Fabianski on this basis I suggest he book himself in at the opticians as a matter of urgency. Arsene seems to be hinting that he will stick some experience in the side where he can, I think it is highly likely Diaby will start while he almost hints that Song is very close to playing as well. We need to defend well and I think our season will be shaped by this game.
I watched bits and bobs from the other Premier League games from yesterday. Chelsea were strong, West Brom were not, Blackpool surprised everyone. I felt Steve Bruce was way out of line with his post match comments about the referee, Anthony Taylor, he deserves to be punished and this kind of criticism should not be accepted. Bruce has only Lee 'the c*nt' Cattermole to blame for his side going down to ten men. He escaped action early on for a clear elbow that left a player bleeding from above the eye, he was then quite rightly booked for a deliberate cynical short tug, he then got his deserved second yellow for a clear rash tackle through the back of Lee Bowyer. Cattermole is a thug, he is a good example of what is wrong with English football.
It sounds like another Arsenal youngster may have a broken leg thanks to out footballing culture and what is allowed by referees. How often does this kind of thing have to happen before people start standing up and taking notice. I thought Kenwyne Jones' injury against Wolves was another classic case in point. Jody Craddock slid in from behind with a huge amount of force, he got a bit of the ball but his non tackling leg came through with a follow through that was deliberately designed to injure. No one has condemned this appalling Craddock tackle and the referee didn't even give a foul for it. It wouldn't surprise me if Gerrard does one of his two footed lunges today and a free kick isn't even given, it will just emphasise what is wrong with our footballing culture in England. No wonder it happens so often when the referees who stand up to the violence get so openly criticised by the likes of Bruce in public with so little protection from the governing bodies such as the FA.
I watched bits and bobs from the other Premier League games from yesterday. Chelsea were strong, West Brom were not, Blackpool surprised everyone. I felt Steve Bruce was way out of line with his post match comments about the referee, Anthony Taylor, he deserves to be punished and this kind of criticism should not be accepted. Bruce has only Lee 'the c*nt' Cattermole to blame for his side going down to ten men. He escaped action early on for a clear elbow that left a player bleeding from above the eye, he was then quite rightly booked for a deliberate cynical short tug, he then got his deserved second yellow for a clear rash tackle through the back of Lee Bowyer. Cattermole is a thug, he is a good example of what is wrong with English football.
It sounds like another Arsenal youngster may have a broken leg thanks to out footballing culture and what is allowed by referees. How often does this kind of thing have to happen before people start standing up and taking notice. I thought Kenwyne Jones' injury against Wolves was another classic case in point. Jody Craddock slid in from behind with a huge amount of force, he got a bit of the ball but his non tackling leg came through with a follow through that was deliberately designed to injure. No one has condemned this appalling Craddock tackle and the referee didn't even give a foul for it. It wouldn't surprise me if Gerrard does one of his two footed lunges today and a free kick isn't even given, it will just emphasise what is wrong with our footballing culture in England. No wonder it happens so often when the referees who stand up to the violence get so openly criticised by the likes of Bruce in public with so little protection from the governing bodies such as the FA.
Friday, 13 August 2010
Unavoidable negativity
It is hard not to be slightly fearful with the new season almost upon us and I think that says a lot. Even the ever optimistic Arsene Wenger was just 'hopeful' going into Sunday's game at Anfield. When you have a great squad and a decent chance of the big titles then one has this eagerness and anticipation combined with an almost naive over confidence. I don't have that this year, I am looking forward to things starting but I am not massively confident for the season ahead.
Everyone can remember the 4-4 game from the 2008/9 season, everyone remembers the brilliant Arshavin goals, something that few remember is that Fabianski was in goal that day and he was very poor, arguably to blame for at least two of the goals, if not three. How some things haven't changed in three years.
Fabiasnki is a complete and utter liability. It seems that virtually all Gooners are in agreement that Almunia is a far better goalkeeper and he should be the one playing at Anfield. If Fabianski starts then it will be proof that Arsene has lost the plot, his blind faith in certain players will have gone too far this time. I sincerely hope we have anyone else but Fabianski in goal. The goalkeeping position has been so badly managed, our lack of centre backs is also a big big concern.
Liverpool are likely to have Torres out, but new signing Poulsen may feature. It would appear likely that Cole and Gerrard will start, I wouldn't be surprised to see Ngog play as a lone striker with a five man midfield behind him. We have all seen in recent seasons how Hodgson has been very sharp tactically against us with Fulham, they pass the ball well and press very effectively. A lot will depend on how fit various players are including Cesc, RVP and Diaby. This would be my Arsenal eleven assuming that Cesc, RVP and Diaby are not ready to start the game:
Almunia
Sagna Koscielny Vermaelen Clichy
Eboue Frimpong Nasri
Walcott Chamakh Arshavin
If Diaby were fit then I'd start him ahead of Frimpong in the deeper holding role. It's tricky to leave out Jack but I think Nasri has been so outstanding in pre season and if Arshavin is fully fit then it's hard to leave out either of those two, but it is almost tempting to stick Jack in the midfield three, Nasri further forward and keep Arshavin as a super sub. To get anything out of the game we are going to have to defend well and this will be the key, Liverpool will always bombard us for periods and it will be down to our ability to absorb pressure. I really hope we can do it and get something out of the game. Come on you Gunners!
Thursday, 12 August 2010
England, sick Jack and Schwarzer saga grumbles on
Last night's England game was a rather useful exercise for many reasons, it also showed just how wrong some people including Fabio Capello have been in the selection of players. The lack of pace and width at the World Cup was obvious and last night the introduction of the likes of Walcott, Johnson, Young and Gibbs made a huge difference. Walcott had a fantastic first half, incisive and dangerous throughout. Johnson had a decent game, Ashley Young was outstanding in the second half, Kieran Gibbs did brilliantly at left back and made some fantastic forward bursts. Of note Zamora also did very well as a second half substitute. Poor old Jack Wilshere was unlucky enough to spend the night before the game in hospital with abdominal pains, this meant he was limited to a very short ten minute run out at the end. The 'goal' given to Hungary by a rather stupid French linesman was yet another solid reason why video technology needs to be used in football in the modern age.
It is obvious Capello blundered with his world cup selections, and it is also obvious that various so called experts have repeatedly failed to notice how important pace and width are at international level. Capello took Joe Cole to the world cup and didn't play him, he played a deeply average player with no pace by the name of Milner; Johnson, Young and Walcott were left at home. It is clear that Gerrard and Lampard cannot play together as they both like to take that space behind the striker in the attacking part of the midfield. Hart was the best English keeper last season but was never given any England games.
It is also clear that those who bemoan that the foreign players are killing the England team are speaking rubbish. There is a very good crop of players coming through; the likes of Hart, Young, Walcott, Johnson, Wilshere and Gibbs just need more games and their time will come. It is funny how many people are so keen to point out how Arsene Wenger never gives English players a chance, however this is the man who has sculpted the best youth system in the land which is now producing the best English talent around, it is very silent in the media as regards pointing this fact out, strange that. It is also ironic that sides like the Spuds who have their side full of overpriced English players have youth systems that are producing very few English players who are up to proper first team football.
The Mark Schwarzer saga looks set to rumble on. I may be way off mark but reading between the lines it appears that Fulham are trying to hide the fact that he has made a formal transfer request to the club. This is a tad dishonest from Fulham. Obviously Fulham are within their rights to try to hold on to their own player, but if he has made a transfer request to them and they are dishonestly denying this fact, then that is out of order. Players are entitled to make formal transfer requests and if Mark Hughes is being a bit naughty in hiding this, then it is entirely in character as he is a rather unpleasant individual, something I believe he partially learnt from 'Sir' Alex. No wonder Schwarzer wants out, spend a season struggling at the wrong end of the table with a Welsh authoritarian at the helm or a nice move to the Emirates, not a hard choice is it.
ps I noticed that Goodplaya has made some similar points about the bitter sniping about the Arsenal youngsters in the England squad. It is strange how some people will whinge when there are no good young English players and blame Arsene Wenger for it, yet then when we start producing some of the best young players around they whinge for a completely different set of reasons. Some people just don't like Arsenal, their pathetic hypocrisy stinks.
It is obvious Capello blundered with his world cup selections, and it is also obvious that various so called experts have repeatedly failed to notice how important pace and width are at international level. Capello took Joe Cole to the world cup and didn't play him, he played a deeply average player with no pace by the name of Milner; Johnson, Young and Walcott were left at home. It is clear that Gerrard and Lampard cannot play together as they both like to take that space behind the striker in the attacking part of the midfield. Hart was the best English keeper last season but was never given any England games.
It is also clear that those who bemoan that the foreign players are killing the England team are speaking rubbish. There is a very good crop of players coming through; the likes of Hart, Young, Walcott, Johnson, Wilshere and Gibbs just need more games and their time will come. It is funny how many people are so keen to point out how Arsene Wenger never gives English players a chance, however this is the man who has sculpted the best youth system in the land which is now producing the best English talent around, it is very silent in the media as regards pointing this fact out, strange that. It is also ironic that sides like the Spuds who have their side full of overpriced English players have youth systems that are producing very few English players who are up to proper first team football.
The Mark Schwarzer saga looks set to rumble on. I may be way off mark but reading between the lines it appears that Fulham are trying to hide the fact that he has made a formal transfer request to the club. This is a tad dishonest from Fulham. Obviously Fulham are within their rights to try to hold on to their own player, but if he has made a transfer request to them and they are dishonestly denying this fact, then that is out of order. Players are entitled to make formal transfer requests and if Mark Hughes is being a bit naughty in hiding this, then it is entirely in character as he is a rather unpleasant individual, something I believe he partially learnt from 'Sir' Alex. No wonder Schwarzer wants out, spend a season struggling at the wrong end of the table with a Welsh authoritarian at the helm or a nice move to the Emirates, not a hard choice is it.
ps I noticed that Goodplaya has made some similar points about the bitter sniping about the Arsenal youngsters in the England squad. It is strange how some people will whinge when there are no good young English players and blame Arsene Wenger for it, yet then when we start producing some of the best young players around they whinge for a completely different set of reasons. Some people just don't like Arsenal, their pathetic hypocrisy stinks.
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
Is Schwarzer on his bike?
Mark Schwarzer has handed in a transfer request. Mark Hughes will not be keen to let him go but is his arrival at the Emirates now rather likely?
He certainly has experience and has been very solid for Fulham over recent seasons. However question marks do remain over his ability to perform at the highest level, his world cup performances were hardly brilliant and he does not have age on his side. Still, when Lucasz Fabianski has his eyes on the No1 spot I would take anything else. The bonus of signing Schwarzer would be that Szczesny could be groomed to take over in a year or two's time when Schwarzer retires to a coaching role. A solid character with experience may be just what we need at the moment.
He certainly has experience and has been very solid for Fulham over recent seasons. However question marks do remain over his ability to perform at the highest level, his world cup performances were hardly brilliant and he does not have age on his side. Still, when Lucasz Fabianski has his eyes on the No1 spot I would take anything else. The bonus of signing Schwarzer would be that Szczesny could be groomed to take over in a year or two's time when Schwarzer retires to a coaching role. A solid character with experience may be just what we need at the moment.
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Trickles and squad thoughts
I'd imagine most Arsenal fans are thinking the same things at the moment. The season nears and there are still some rather big gaps in our squad, most of us are waiting to see what happens over the next few days particularly on the goalkeeper and centre back front. In some areas we are very well equipped, others not so, these are my brief thoughts for what they're worth.
The goalkeeping situation makes no sense to me. Almunia is our best keeper but has hardly featured in pre season, but when he has he has looked far far better than Fabianski. Fabianski is not good and a liability when between the sticks, if continental opposition can target him effectively as such a weak link, think what the likes of Bolton and Blackburn will do. Szczesny is a great talent and has shown a lot of promise thus far. Mannone looks decent. Overall I am just a bit perplexed at the management of our goalkeepers, we have no stand out no 1, our best keeper does not have backing and the error prone flapping one is being given too many chances.
We are very well equipped at full back with two quality players on both flanks. At centre back it is another matter, the fledgling partnership between Koscielny and Vermaelen needs time to develop, there are some concerns that this pairing may be a little too lightweight for the rigours of the Premier League. Perhaps if Johan Djourou can shake off his injuries and become a bit more aggressive then there is a chance he could form a partnership with TV. Either way with Bartley out on loan for the season, we badly need one more centre back for the squad, three centre backs is not enough for the long season ahead.
With all our players fit we are well off for midfielders. Song, Diaby, Denilson, Cesc, Nasri, Arshavin, Rosicky, Wilshere, Ramsey, Frimpong, Lansbury, Eboue is a decent collection of players. The main thing is getting the balance right between defence and attack, without Song we always tend to struggle to shield the defence adequately, hopefully Frimpong can add a bit of bite from time to time, while it will also help if our more attacking players can get stuck in as well. One thing I have noticed in pre season is that Nasri and Wilshere have been getting their feet in when needs be, this kind of application will be needed from everyone week in week out.
Up front we are nicely stocked, Chamakh looks a tidy player, RVP is fit for the time being, Bendtner's injury woes continue and he is out for at least another month or so. There is a real chance for the likes of Walcott and Vela to make a claim for a few more starts, Theo needs to refine his game and become more efficient in retaining the football, it is make or break time for Vela.
Overall it's potentially a rather open title race this year, although I don't think it's quite as open as Arsene suggests. Man City have spent massively and have assembled a large squad, they may push on. Chelsea and Manu don't look any stronger but they don't look any weaker either. If Arsene can make the right additions to the squad in the next few days then I think we could have a good chance of being in the mix this year, but that's a big if isn't it? Anfield on Sunday is a great chance to see if we have what it takes.
The goalkeeping situation makes no sense to me. Almunia is our best keeper but has hardly featured in pre season, but when he has he has looked far far better than Fabianski. Fabianski is not good and a liability when between the sticks, if continental opposition can target him effectively as such a weak link, think what the likes of Bolton and Blackburn will do. Szczesny is a great talent and has shown a lot of promise thus far. Mannone looks decent. Overall I am just a bit perplexed at the management of our goalkeepers, we have no stand out no 1, our best keeper does not have backing and the error prone flapping one is being given too many chances.
We are very well equipped at full back with two quality players on both flanks. At centre back it is another matter, the fledgling partnership between Koscielny and Vermaelen needs time to develop, there are some concerns that this pairing may be a little too lightweight for the rigours of the Premier League. Perhaps if Johan Djourou can shake off his injuries and become a bit more aggressive then there is a chance he could form a partnership with TV. Either way with Bartley out on loan for the season, we badly need one more centre back for the squad, three centre backs is not enough for the long season ahead.
With all our players fit we are well off for midfielders. Song, Diaby, Denilson, Cesc, Nasri, Arshavin, Rosicky, Wilshere, Ramsey, Frimpong, Lansbury, Eboue is a decent collection of players. The main thing is getting the balance right between defence and attack, without Song we always tend to struggle to shield the defence adequately, hopefully Frimpong can add a bit of bite from time to time, while it will also help if our more attacking players can get stuck in as well. One thing I have noticed in pre season is that Nasri and Wilshere have been getting their feet in when needs be, this kind of application will be needed from everyone week in week out.
Up front we are nicely stocked, Chamakh looks a tidy player, RVP is fit for the time being, Bendtner's injury woes continue and he is out for at least another month or so. There is a real chance for the likes of Walcott and Vela to make a claim for a few more starts, Theo needs to refine his game and become more efficient in retaining the football, it is make or break time for Vela.
Overall it's potentially a rather open title race this year, although I don't think it's quite as open as Arsene suggests. Man City have spent massively and have assembled a large squad, they may push on. Chelsea and Manu don't look any stronger but they don't look any weaker either. If Arsene can make the right additions to the squad in the next few days then I think we could have a good chance of being in the mix this year, but that's a big if isn't it? Anfield on Sunday is a great chance to see if we have what it takes.
Monday, 9 August 2010
Harry Redknapp is not the brightest
I happened to stumble upon this in the papers today:
I have highlighted the particularly stupid bit. Individually and collectively the best club sides are far far better than the England side, this has been the case for many years. In fact even though we have been slightly off the pace in Premier League terms for the last three years, I would argue that our side is still way stronger than the current England team.
Many of our players would walk into the England squad. Other than centre backs and Rooney, there are very few England players who would get anyway near the Arsenal first eleven. Chelsea and Manu are stronger than us, so the same points hold even more strongly for them.
Wilshere hasn't played many games, but he is being included because of the form he has shown for Bolton last season and for us in pre season. Given the shortage of midfielders with any creativity in the England squad, it seems wise to get Wilshere involved early. I wonder which other midfielders Harry feels deserve a place in the squad more? It is pretty poor that the media allows Redknapp to have little petty digs like this, especially when his comments are so poorly thought through like this.
'It's unusual that players not in their club's team are in the England squad...... Wilshere is a good prospect but I thought England were supposed to be better than than any club side. Maybe Arsenal are better than England.'
I have highlighted the particularly stupid bit. Individually and collectively the best club sides are far far better than the England side, this has been the case for many years. In fact even though we have been slightly off the pace in Premier League terms for the last three years, I would argue that our side is still way stronger than the current England team.
Many of our players would walk into the England squad. Other than centre backs and Rooney, there are very few England players who would get anyway near the Arsenal first eleven. Chelsea and Manu are stronger than us, so the same points hold even more strongly for them.
Wilshere hasn't played many games, but he is being included because of the form he has shown for Bolton last season and for us in pre season. Given the shortage of midfielders with any creativity in the England squad, it seems wise to get Wilshere involved early. I wonder which other midfielders Harry feels deserve a place in the squad more? It is pretty poor that the media allows Redknapp to have little petty digs like this, especially when his comments are so poorly thought through like this.
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