Sunday, December 26, 2010

Recovery Act for both the clubs

I can't believe we never showed up against United of Manchester. I would have hoped for a better performance than that. The loss puts us back where we rightly belong, NOT at the TOP! Lets face it, we need to find out a way to defend a high line but at the same time, learn to always have one more guy holding in front of the defense.

Chelsea game is going to be more defensive game than the united one. We need a couple of our players to stand up and be counted. Its a good thing that we did not play last weekend and so the players should be fresher. However, we will also be playing mid week and hope we dont switch off at home again and again and oh yes, AGAIN!

The last defeat must be playing on our players' mind and also the fact that the Fulham game that we won, had plenty of shaky moments. The offside trap is risky especially when our CBs are not really playing with each other for a long time. Fabregas and RVP will play some part of the game. I expect Fabregas to start the game. Chamakh seems to be the obvious choice but if he is fatigued, we have Bendtner and RVP to take his place.

I dont expect us to win tomorrow. I can't believe I am saying that. The last time I wrote that, we won against City and I had to eat my own words. But boy, I will take that any day over an Arsenal win. I hope, if not a win, we could at least draw the game against them. United are currently running away with a lead, with a game in hand if I am not wrong. This leaves us with having just one game in hand and still a little bit of catching up to do.

Spurs are catching up with us and so is Manchester City. If we drop a few more points, Wenger will start resting players in FA cup and Carling Cup as an excuse and chuck it away as well. We have a serious possibility of winning the Carling Cup this year and I hope Wenger does not throw that away.

Team Prediction:

xxxxxxx Fabianski xxxxxxxxx

Sagna X Koscielny X Djourou X Clichy

X Song X Diaby X

Nasri X Fabregas X Arshavin

X RVP X

Score Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Carling Cup, FA cup and general views

The Spu*s game was a clear lack of concentration and switching off at the wrong time. I mean, it takes a lot to lose from a 2-0 position. The first goal was lack of cover against the counter attack. Clearly, with Defoe coming on as a Sub, Harry had changed the plan to attack with long balls and run behind the defenders. We know every team tries to do that against us. I was hoping one of Song or Denilson would keep up with the striker all the time. If Denilson saw his effort when he was tracking Bale for Spu*s' first goal, he should feel ashamed. The Braga game was one of them games, that we have seen a few times over the past five years. We do the playing part, they do the defending part and we end up losing on the counter. I know, we always go for a win even when the other team tends to play with a 8-1-1 formation. The most important thing in such circumstances is to mark the striker, the pivot of their attack! But what we do instead is let him run and pass! We can do better than that. Hell, that's what everyone is taught!

I seriously feel that Wenger can't teach defense. He should at the least hire someone to do that for us. Someone like a Keown or Adams will make someone like Denilson, Song, Wilshere and even Ramsey better holding mid fielders. Every time, I talk about our weaknesses in defense, with my friends, I can't help but mention Makelele. He wasn't the tallest person. but his positional sense was fantastic. He played with the high flying galacticos of Real Madrid. Even, Zidane acknowledged the fact that they could play attacking football thanks to the defensive cover provided my Makelele. That's exactly what we need, someone to do the job of a holding mid-fielder, if not a Defensive mid-fielder.

It looks like Wenger is going to allow RVP, Bendtner, Vela and Theo to get involved with the Carling cup. I find that very comforting. This year we have a big squad with a few of our reserve players, who are nearly good enough to make the first team squads. So it's a great time to make sure our actual first team players, who have a point or two to prove must play and push the other players.

Last night, Ramsey played for Notts Forest in their game against Leister City. He did alright. Didn't seem to have had any problems in the 30 minute run-in that he had. It will be good to seem him get match fit for out crucial run in. We often slip around the Champions League knock-out round. It would be nice to have some cover and possibly hoping Ramsey will push himself in to the starting XI.

The FA Cup is going to be a not-so-easy game as well. Leeds might have fallen down a couple of leagues now but the anticipation of playing a Premiership side will certainly motivate the Leeds' players. Talking of motivation, I wonder if our players are motivated enough some times, or its just something that Pat Rice and Wenger take for granted. Some of our players had a problem with Gallas but I feel we need a player like him who can shout at other players. The lack of shouting at each other on the field bugs me! I know, in this modern day and age when all players are professionals and what not, this is something that is frowned up on. But, that's something that I find will always motivate me!

As always, we stay positive and hope that we will succeed in at least one of the competitions that we are playing in, if not all. To be honest, I don't see us winning the Chmpns League but Carling Cup is achievable and so is the League and the FA cup.

If you reached this far, I thank you for reading this and as always welcome your comments. My wrong score predictions continue and not really happy about it. Thanks.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Attack thy neighbors, love your own!

I was so happy to see that we won against Brums! I was so wrong and am glad I was!
Everton win helped us snatch the second place in the Premier league table below Chelshit. Anyways, I have decided to stick to the games that I feel are important. Thats right! Its my fcking blog and I reserve that much right.

The title of this article needs a little explanation. Well, the first part is easy to understand, the second part is a little twisted. Don't get me wrong, I love the Emirates stadium. But, sometimes we go as quite as a graveyard. I know, its easy to say since I never attend games at the stadium and I am JUDGING from my sofa seat but seriously, we are very silent sometimes. We need a little cheer, especially when the team is down a goal, aka like New Castle game or even West Brom. Shouting might just wake up the team. We are not really the 12th man, when it comes to cheering. But a little more singing ought a do it! We need to show a little love for the players sometimes, thats all I feel.

Spurs have started to use a non 4-4-2 formation these days. Crouch up top, with Vaart behind him. On the wings its Bale and Lennon/Bentley. If old 'arry is worried about defense, he just puts in two holding mid fielders and 3 CBs and one full back. I wont be surprised if he plays that against us. Counter attack through Bale and vaart is there plan A! Bale will be up against Sagna which should be an interesting duel.

Our team has a few worries in terms of fitness to important players. Sagna, Djourou, Nasri, Arshavin all played for more time than they should have. On the other hand, van persie seems to have come back with his entire skeleton intact! Wenger must have celebrated that, I'm sure. Even Van Persie must have enjoyed a little massage on his way back, just to relax a bit! Chamakh will start, no question on that. Fabregas and Spain, both had bad games. Hope that fuels him to do better on Saturday. People keep complaining about Arshavin being lazy. Although he seems to not last more than 70 minutes in a game, it is obvious that we need him. He is one of the few player that we have who is not afraid of taking on the defenders and shooting from just outside the box. We do need some smart defending against the drop header from Crouch. Song would have to be on top of his game for this one. I feel Jack should not be risked to start in this game. This is because, not only do we need extra defensive cover against Bale and Vaart when Song goes up the field but also for those damn drop-headers. Fabianski needs to keep shouting especially on set pieces.

Probable line up:
xxxxxxx Fabianski xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sagna xxxx Squillaci xxxx Djourou xxxx Clichy

xxxxxxxxxx Song xxxxxxxxx Denilson XXXXXXXXXXX

Nasri xxxxxx Fabregas xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rosicky

xxxxxxxxxxxx Chamakh xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Subs: #53 W.S., Gibbs, Eastmond, Jack, Arshavin, Bendtner, RVP.

Score Prediction: Arsenal 3 - 1 Spu*s

Probable scorers: Fabregas, Song and Chamakh. Spu*s to score on set piece.

If you reached this far, thats just AWESOME. Don't forget to comment. Thanks.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Manc City vs Arsenal

We have been talking about team spirit, how money can't buy you team spirit and all that. City have been more focused on telling us that they are serious and focused on winning the game and keep the target of premiership in sight. To be honest, they have the biggest squad to keep them in contention, even more than Chelsea if injuries were to hit any of the squads.

The Whore that went north (Ade) has been suggesting how eager he is to play against Arsenal after scoring a hat-trick in Europe. I think if Manchini plays him instead of Tevez, it would be far better for us, simply because he wont be really useful in counters, nor one on ones. Man, I do wish he plays for at least the first 60 minutes.

Paul Merson has given a very logical and possible game prediction. He suggested that Arsenal will control the game, have plenty of possession but won't finish their chances. On the other hand, City will play on counter and set pieces and wait for Arsenal to commit plenty up the field. I hope Clichy and Sagna (Eboue) whoever plays would keep a close eye out for breaks. Song, for f's sake, dont push into the 6 yard box before making someone else step back to support the CBs!

I am really upbeat for this fixture with Cesc looking fit and Arshavin rested. Wenger will probably play his baby Abou, since Wilshere is suspended. I hope Eastmond is also kept on the bench just in case. Diaby slows down the game a lot more than anyone else. I just hope everyone is on the same wavelength.

Probable Team:
============= Fabianksi =========================

Sagna ======= Squillaci ===== Djourou ===== Clichy

============= Diaby ========== Song ==============

==================== Cesc =========================

Nasri ---------------------------------- Arshavin

--------------- Chamakh ----------------------------

Subs: Schezny, Gibbs, Denilson, Rosicky, Bendtner, Lansbury.

Score prediction: Mancs 2 - 1 Arsenal
Tevez, Yaya Cesc (penalty)

HOPE I AM WRONG. VERY VERY WRONG AND ARSENAL WINS!

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Thank god, I was wrong!

What a relief! I am glad I had to eat my own words! Clearly the game lacked that energy which should have been, considering our previous meeting in the premiership. Clearly Wenger had warned the players that no bust ups will be acceptable with the tall money whore who wears a Money City #25 jersey. I think this is where the players lost the desire of pushing for the three points.

The game started slowly and stayed that way. There was some urgency at the end of the first half but soon faded with the end of the half. Mancini may deny it but he had clearly planned not to concede in the first half come what may! He was playing with three holding mid fielders in Viera, Dejong, Barry. The three forwards were trying to provide cover to the full backs more than going forward.

The second half was almost the same story. Viera was replaced by the #25 Wh%@e around 53rd minute. Johnson was shifted to the midfield and from 4-3-3, Manchini made it 4-5-1 with Tevez and Bellamy dropped back as well.

Theo made a couple of useful runs but with no output. Sagna and Theo weren't working at the same wavelength. Campbell was like Tevez's shadow all the game. Hence Tevez was awfully quite. Silvestre was good today. He did what he could, tried to keep up with the forwards, made some useful interceptions. He deserved to be applauded today, no doubt about it. Diaby was wasteful for most of the part. Apart from his little battles with Viera, he was not that useful. Song was stable in the central mid field. Nasri and Rosicky dribbled and passed and did nothing else. Robin clearly was missing a striking partner. The back four of City kept a close watch on him.

The game was dull as I said before. I think Wenger should have let a few sparks fly. He keeps telling us how the squad is young and growing and I feel a few fights here and there would have helped us more. After all, we are playing at home. The spectators tried to brighten up the atmosphere but the players hardly responded to it.

Never the less, two points dropped due to the lack of fire shown by the players. I think they took the boss's warning way to seriously. I would have loved to see a bad tackle on the whore. Robin's 50-50 tackle was punished by mike dean.

I am glad we didnt lose the game. Wenger was sitting down on his chair for most part of the game even when we had not scored. Clearly he did not wish to push the players. Lets see what we do at Blackburn next.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Arsenal vs Money city

Alright, it took me a while to shake off the embarrassment we suffered last week. It wasnt pleasant but taught us the importance of good substitutions. I dont think anything at the club has changed because of it. Wenger is still releasing official statements from arsenal.com about Adebay(whore), Viera and useless things like we are not stupid and so on.

If you cant play mind games with the other manager, just shut your pie-hole. Talk about the players, there response in training to the defeat. Just try to create a positive atmosphere instead of talking about respect for Ade, Viera and foolish things.

I DONT THINK WE WILL WIN THIS SATURDAY. I could not say it clearer. Mancini will play counter attacking football. There will be 9 players defending along with a world class keeper. Only one player will be at the half line waiting for a counter attack. On the other hand, we will be pressing with 8 players in their half and our CBs all exposed and waiting to be exploited. Dont forget that our keeper is not confident either. Tevez, Bellamy and Johnson are fast and can dribble.

Try and think about the similarities in the games of Chelsea and Manu. They didnt care we had the possession. They didnt care if they could pass the ball well. All they wanted to do was hit on the break. Its simple. Mancini is also a tactician. He is not like Wenger. Just plan A is not for him. He is an Italian coach. What comes to them naturally is a strong defensive side.

We will be missing most of the senior players like last game. Song has a chance to play. If he is fit, I am sure he will have a go at some point in the game. It will be interesting to see who plays at the GK position.

My post today has been highly negative compared to all my other posts. Its just that I somehow dont see the squad ready for a big game like this. Lack of experience, yes, lack of plan B, sure. But most importantly, the team morale is down.

I hope the game turns out differently. I hope I have to eat my own words. I pray that Wenger will prove me wrong. Lets see what unfolds.

Arsenal XI

..................Fabianski.........................

Sagna.....Campbell..........Silvestre...........Clichy

........Nasri......Eastmond/Song......Diaby

........Eboue.......Van Persie............Bendtner

Subs: Rosicky, Eduardo, Vela, Merida, Traore, Eastmond, Mannone


My XI:

.....Fabianski.......

Sagna...Campbell....Bartley....Clichy

Eboue...Nasri...Eastmond...Diaby

.........van Persie......

...............Bendtner............


Prediction:

Arsenal 1 - 3 Man City

PLEASE PROVE ME WRONG. PLEASE PROVE ME WRONG. PLEASE.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Wigan vs Arsenal

I dont think any gooner is really excited or nervous about this game. Sure on paper we are better but with those injuries, I think it just ain't that pretty!

I think Wenger should give a chance to the likes of Luke Freeman, Kyle Bartley, Craig Eastmong instead of playing Silvestre or someone else out of position. We have too many players who can play just behind the striker and Wenger should play only one of those players there and seriously think of traditional 4-4-2 till we get our injured players back. Diaby is not a CDM and to help him, we end up playing the likes of Denilson to support him. Denilson is injured so I dont want to see Eboue doing that work now. Eastmond can play there very easily. That position comes to him naturally. Even in under 18 and reserve games, the reports always display a good rating for him as a CDM rather than a CB.

I think we can win this game. There is no reason why we should slip up now. Play for your future, play for your positions. If nothing inspires you, play for our damn red and white colors.

I hope our old boys at the back can play 90 minutes even after playing the game three days ago. Its time for Fabianski to make up for his horrors. Fin flapping Dolphunia should not start. Campbell can take up captains duties if needed.

Latics are playing for survival. Every point they earn helps them stay in the Premiership. I would rather see the likes of Wolves, Stoke or Burnley go down than to see the Latics fall. But for our game, I dont want them to take any points.

Lets play for the three points and forget about the title.

Team Probables:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxAlmuniaxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sagna.....Campbell....Silvestre....Clichy

nasri.....Diaby....Rosicky

xxxxtheo.....Bendtner.......van Persie

Subs: Fabianski, Eboue, Vela, Eastmond, Traore, Eduardo

Score predictions: Wigan 1- 2 Arsenal

If I were to select the team,

........Fabianski...............

Sagna......Campbell.......Bartley......Clichy

..............Eastmond....................

.......Nasri.......Diaby..........Rosicky

............RVP..........................
.................Bendtner................


Subs: Vela, Eduardo, Traore, Silvestre, Theo, almunia