OK, Barcelona It Is

The hyperbole surrounding the Arsenal defeat at Old Trafford would have you believe that A) our season is over, B) Wenger has to go, and C)  Anderson is the world's best midfielder. Sorry to all of you naysayers, but with a little perspective such as that provided by the excellent writer at A Cultured Left Foot, Arsenal fans should still view this season as one of great possibilities.


A 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford is not a result worthy of the scorn and condemnation being heaped upon the squad. A disappointment certainly as Man U in its current form is far from the dominant force of years past, but we do have the return match to neutralize the three points lost. We can also appreciate the effort of our widely derided defensive pairing together with the emergence of a quality goalkeeper.


It is my contention that Wenger should have reacted better to the first half play. Other than the tenacity of Wilshere, nothing good was happening in the offensive end. Shifting Nasri to the middle sooner would have been a good start. Or keep him right and encourage Arshavin and Rosicky to take the ball into the center where space was available. It was frustrating to see Samir smothered, Arshavin predictably feeding the ball to Clichy going past on his left, and Rosicky refusing to shoot from range.


It was disappointing not to have a Plan B. There are times when I greatly admire Wenger's determination to "make it work" by sticking to his vision and belief in the players, but when the whistle blows and goals are needed, some flexibility is required. The ability to adapt to the circumstances in front of you are what make a player great, and the same is true of a manager.


Stoke will be a test. Pulis, in his desperate attempt to distract the Gunners with his ridiculous claims about Arsenal and Arsene, has exposed his own doubts about their ability to give us much of a game. Three points are what we need, a tonic of sorts following the outing at OT.


Barcelona. Fine. One (optimistic) way to look at it is that we would probably have to play them sooner or later to win the trophy, so why not sooner?


Another view (more pessimistic in nature), is that should we not get past them it would alleviate some of the pressure as we head to the conclusion of the Premiere League season. Assuming Chelsea and Man U go through, and Man City is occupied with Europa matches, our schedule (which is much lighter after the New Year) becomes far less hectic. It may bode well for a solid run to the League title.




Voctoria Concordia Crescit

...Missed

Manchester United  1  -  Arsenal  0


This season has produced several results which left many Arsenal fans questioning the players desire. All sorts of skill but focus and effort lacking. Tonight, the Gunners expended huge amounts of energy but were let down by errant passing and poor touch.

Neither team played particularly well, and though the statistics and many Man U fans may suggest otherwise, the final score was in fact the result of a fortunate deflection. To be fair, Park's header required quick and instinctive reflexes, and it floated up and over the outstretched hand of Sczezny clearing his gloved hand by inches. Nani was going for goal, but as so often this evening, Clichy was there anticipating correctly and getting his foot to the ball. Unfortunately that deflection sent the ball in front of goal and Park reacted quick enough to deflect it again, this time into the upper left corner.


Other notes:


Webb wasn't at his worst, but there were several inconsistencies and the call by the linesman to award Man U the penalty kick clearly a response to the pressure being applied by the home fans.


Wilshere was excellent. He handles the big stage like a seasoned pro.


Cesc and RVP are still rusty.


Sczezny absolutely has what it takes.


Clichy contained Nani, taking the ball away from him in several one-on-one situations. He had the toughest assignment defensively and performed well.


Clichy, like many others, were often let down by their indecision when they had a moment on the ball. "One-touch" became two or three and advantage lost.


Song seemed "out-of-sync". He had one of those games where every attempt to anticipate left him out of position and chasing.


We appeared much too reliant on Nasri to create some magic. 


Ferdinand deserved a yellow for his waist-high-leading-leg-shirt-cutting-superman impersonation.


The general feeling seems to be that despite the final score, there must be some satisfaction in the performance defensively. In addition, we have completed our away fixtures against Chelsea, Man U, Man City and Liverpool, and home wins against all of them a very real possibility.


Tough result, but not the end of the season.




Victoria Cocordia Crescit

An Opportunity...

Tonight Arsenal have an opportunity to "undo" some wrongs committed earlier in the season. Well, not "undo" so much as "offset" points lost in games played previously. As always, games against your nearest rivals begin to be seen as 6-point rather than 3-point affairs and a win at Old Trafford would have such an effect. The Chelsea-Spurs draw yesterday adds to the mix exponentially as points gained would also provide some cushion in the build-up to our return match with Chelsea at the Emirates.


That draw also takes some pressure off of the squad tonight, a win not vital in the grand scheme if we assume victories against both Man U and Chelsea are obtainable at home. Whether such a reduction in pressure allows Arsenal to play "looser" and more positive or less focused and lackadaisical will be revealed at the opening whistle. Let's hope for the former.


It can be argued that older, more experienced players have a better capacity for handling the pressure, yet often we have seen young players in sport, apparently energetically oblivious to concern, perform equally well. My contention is that the real drawback to youth, in particular on a team which has been so close to title glory, is that the players don't grasp the opportunity at hand. Seemingly spoiled by success they assume that these opportunities will be forthcoming for years to come. The list of players who have never held a trophy is long and certainly each of those on the list would admonish these young Gunners for not seizing the moment.


Apparently Fabianski is a doubt on the bench this evening, but his young compatriot seems to be the type of confident and hungry athlete more than happy to step in and prove his worth.


Cesc also looks doubtful and in many ways I am hopeful that he is not on the pitch so that he may heal fully.


Much has been made of Nani but my concern is the middle and our inability to coordinate our offside trap effectively. Rooney may not be in scoring form but he can push the pass well. Evra will hope to contain Nasri and it will be vital that Sagna pushes forward to apply offensive pressure.


The opportunity has arrived, let's make the most of it.




Victoria Concordia Crescit

To All Fans of Football

I urge all fans of football to read the latest posting by Gunnerblog. An important subject which he addresses with his usual finesse and clarity.




Victoria Concordia Crescit

Thinking the Unthinkable

At the weekend we witnessed the Unthinkable with Samir Nasri demonstrating pure genius, propelling Arsenal to the top of the League and himself to the top of every Player of the Season list.


Arsenal fans that have been following his career cannot be surprised at his ability, perhaps only the dramatic increase in goals not entirely expected. The absence of Cesc has allowed him to blossom, and despite my admiration for the Spaniard, it is my opinion that Nasri is the only Arsenal player capable of fitting into the Barcelona squad. His pace is the key. He has the close control skill of Hleb, the speed of Walcott and the "trickery" of Arshavin, mixed with a feisty intensity and desire that all great players must possess. Onward and upward Samir.


And likewise Arsenal. Written off amidst a dazzling start by Chelsea, the tradition of Man U and the expected rise of Man City, the top of the League was considered unobtainable by so many pundits. Yet here we are leading the pack in the month of December. The defensive frailty that has even ardent supporters concerned may wreak havoc on the heart, but it is a problem without a singular or definitive cause. Caught up in the momentum of misguided opinion, blame has shifted from goalkeeper to the new center backs and now to Song. But, as with all things great and small, perspective is needed.


A look back reveals that a missed penalty kick and one "brain freeze" handball have had at least an equal impact on our season than all of the supposed shortcomings in personnel. The Rosicky effort at Sunderland should have sealed the game and three points rather than just one. And the mental mistake by Cesc denied us at least one point against Spurs, and possibly three as we chased a third goal rather than play for a draw. At a minimum, three points given away needlessly. Of course those three points do not offset the poor performance against WBA. Two goals at home should be enough. But the result against Newcastle cannot be blamed on the defense, an abysmal effort that hopefully will be the low point of our season.


Of course we would all like to see Arsenal dominating teams week in and week out. But the League is a much different one than we enjoyed 6 or 7 years ago. No team is doing that today and may never again. Chelsea was considered a shoe-in for the title just a month ago, a team so full of talent, experience and strength it was considered naive to question their expected dominance. Yet, here we are, at the top of a very crowded table with more contenders for the crown than ever.


My point would be that while we all may have strong opinions with regard to strategy and squad strength, we must respect that Wenger has chosen to play for goals. Lots and lots of goals. Risky? Yes. Exciting? Certainly. Potential for greatness? Absolutely. Goals change games. Scoring first and scoring often means that the opposition must adjust their game and the advantage is gained. So, while others may cry out for more defense, I align myself with Wenger and push forward.


Now as the Gunners prepare to meet Partizan at the Emirates, we are discreetly forced to think about a much different "Unthinkable". This time not of glory, but rather of the potential for humiliation. No time for complacency, the ramifications of not qualifying for the next round are tremendous. Certainly in regard to financial reward, but more importantly to the psychology of the players. The confidence of the players would take a huge blow, the negative press that would ensue a daily reminder.


It could also have a long term impact on player personnel as witnessed at Liverpool. Established players find themselves traveling to strange places for matches in pursuit of a trophy that pales in comparison to Champions League glory. Suddenly the grass really is greener on the other side of the fence.


So a good effort is in order. RVP may start which may be his opportunity to regain his star status. His build-up play has been exceptional and he should feel quite satisfied, but at the heart of the Dutchman is a goal scorer who thrives on putting the ball in the net. Let's hope he announces his full return with such glory.




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Second Win(d)

Tonight marks a return to the Emirates for an important semi-final Carling Cup match against Wigan, and an opportunity to re-ignite the passions of Arsenal players and supporters alike.


The scent of silverware continues to linger despite the chilly conditions and a win would/should provide a much needed confidence boost. Success at Villa has certainly helped in that respect but a bit of perspective is in order. Without the dog-faced Agbonlahor, Aston Villa were rather weak going forward and Pires offered little threat. Even the GIANT Carew was muted. It was delightful to see our fluid offensive play with Arshavin back in favor, complementing the outstanding efforts of Nasri and Rosicky. The lineup may differ tonight but we should expect to see no change in the style and execution.


There has been plenty of analysis on the ups and downs of Arsenal with most choosing to berate the players "mental toughness". A convenient bit of jargon used when no specific cause can be ascertained. With the benefit of hindsight the specific reason(s) goals are scored/conceded can be pinpointed and contributing factors applied.


Despite the reluctance from fans and press, Fabregas has to be held accountable for the handball against Spurs. A moment of stupidity? An involuntary reaction? Perhaps he did not expect the ball to continue to rise, hoping to catch it on his chest below his upraised arm, but a blunder nonetheless. Of course one goal should not have turned that game. Wenger erred when he did not respond to the change by Tottenham at the half. Tired legs? Most certainly, and it is his responsibility to monitor the fitness levels of those on the pitch. A tactical change by the opposition? Definitely, as Bale was shut out in the first half so effectively they had no choice but to try their luck through the middle. Sadly, Denilson chose to replicate what must be his most glaring fault as a defender: an amazing ability to watch an opponent run past him and somehow NOT respond.


These mistakes are not about mental fragility as implied by critics. It is my contention that the only consistent area that we have shown vulnerability is in the air in front of goal. Sunderland, Newcastle, Spurs and Villa have all taken advantage of this and except for Villa, points taken from us. Some may point to our central defenders as culprits, while earlier criticism was leveled at Fabianski, but it would seem that regardless of who is at fault, better preparation is needed.


On a more positive note, the game played last night between Barcelona and real Madrid was quite entertaining. The "Great One" humbled and Ronaldo quieted. To his credit he did not lose his temper like so many of the other Madrid players. "Lass" Diarra was demonstrating why Wenger was so quick to let him leave, hacking away at anything that moved, while Barca showed that "tippy-tappy" football can work when done right. The pace of their passing (with the exception of Abidal, certainly their weak link) and quick movement, combined with incessant pressure on the ball, allowed Real very little opportunity into the game.


Cesc would have a hard time finding a place on that team, his lack of speed the drawback. Of the Arsenal squad only Nasri would seem to have all of the ingredients. His ability to control the ball at his feet, pace, and touch in front of goal the equal of many of those starting for the Spanish team.


As a team, Arsenal should seek to replicate the pressure Barca put on the opposition. It begins immediately and is continued throughout the pitch. There were no "soft" areas for real Madrid to settle in to and reorganize. While it is fascinating to watch the offensive prowess of Messi and his cohorts, much can be learned by observing the structure of the team when defending. They maintain a shape, often a "pentagram" of five players, that is incredibly effective. The five "points", one on the ball, two on either side marking close passing targets, the fourth and fifth ready to close down anyone entering the pentagram. This shape was maintained throughout the back half, shifting from side to side without interruption. The efficiency of this formation may be what allows their players to maintain energy levels throughout the match. Puyols was still at full speed when the final whistle blew despite his age and the threat of Ronaldo for 90 minutes.


Well, enough with my attempts to advise Arsene Wenger on the fine art of football. Enjoy the game tonight, stay warm if you are attending at the Emirates and let's hope we have good news to report afterward.




Victoria Concordia Crescit

1979 The Unexpected Journey

1979. My first visit to England, tagging along with my dad, his wife and their young daughter as I was taking a break from University following a depressing first year experience. Christmas in London is not much different from Christmas in Ohio. Same lousy weather. Same lousy Christmas decorations.


However, two highlights. A purchase of "London Calling" by the Clash, and my first taste of British football, Tottenham versus Aston Villa (or Aston Villa versus Tottenham). Maybe someone could tell me where the match was played, I honestly don't recall, and who the players of note were that cold evening, but they could never overestimate the intensity of the experience on my teenage mind.


First, the man behind the counter at the train station asking who we were going to watch and jokingly referring to Aston Villa as Aston "Vanilla", the team everyone liked to lick. Worth a chuckle perhaps, if only because we were possibly the only ones in London never to hear that reference before. Then the crowd, seemingly everyone dressed in dark winter coats, standing, packed in like sardines. At the half a visit to the vendor selling drinks, including some serious alcohol, then back to the match and more chants and songs and general mayhem. I couldn't tell you who won, time robbing me of such unimportant details, but I do know that at some point I purchased a Tottenham shirt. Yellow, long sleeved with blue cuffs, two blue stripes running vertically down from either side of a blue collar and the "Cock", on the chest. Admiral was the supplier then, their logo on display, and they would be the ones to blame for the disgusting synthetic material.


Viewing it today brings two questions to mind that leave me perplexed.


First, is it even physically possible for me to have been thin enough at 19 years of age to wear my souvenir? Honestly it looks to be about the right size for a healthy 10 year old. Fashionably tight some might say, especially for 1979, but this thing is ridiculously tiny.


My second question is more puzzling, and contrary to suggestion not about fashion or being fashionable. Why not Spurs? Why, after such an invigorating and  impressionable experience did I not attach myself to this football club? I still enjoy listening to London Calling, the chilly weather and dreary sky haven't put me off the occasional UK visit. My first taste should have lead to a lifelong appetite, so why not Spurs? Or better yet, why Arsenal?


This is where the doubters pounce. That gap in the story line which fuels their accusations, questioning the reason or reasons I chose to support Arsenal. Their claim is the choice was based on recent history which at the time included medals and glory, an undefeated season and just a bit of perceived arrogance. "Jumping on the bandwagon" they surmise,  because "everyone loves a winner".


If this were a Hollywood story I would indeed be a Spurs fan. My dramatic introduction to English football an integral part of a memorable trip overseas, reconnecting with a father distanced by divorce, and even the tiny jersey stored away in a box reemerging after so many years providing the requisite link to a precious memory.


But the truth is far too simple for such emotive drama. Fast forward nearly 25 years and my journey places me in the Golden Triangle of Kuala Lumpur. Life priorities have conspired to relegate football  well down on my list. The avid Asian interest in British football is just enough to allow me glimpses of the sport, but my head is elsewhere.


I wish I could recall the date of the match being played on my television that fateful evening. Up late, working at my computer, with no satellite or cable service, my choices for background noise were limited to just three local channels. With station sign-off usually occurring around midnight, my guess is that the football match may have been my only option. It wasn't that I no longer enjoyed watching football, but when faced with deadlines and poor reception, fuzzy green grass and unrecognizable players names usually conspired to keep my eyes on the Mac.


But this night was different. Perhaps taking a break, or genuinely finished with my computer efforts, I turned to the television. The team in red were lively. Their play easy and fluid. Having played the game myself, I could recognize the skill on display. Not just bursts but a continuous flow of excellent passing and teamwork. This, THIS, was football. Beautiful football.


That was the moment.


Everything else came after that. The name of the team, Arsenal. The manager, Wenger. The players names, the stadium, the history, all would invade me over the following weeks and months. My fascination turning to adoration, then to dedication.


I didn't "inherit" my Arsenal support from a father or an uncle. There is no geographical link nor school mate pressure on a playground to dictate my chosen team. The history of the club more foreign to me than the origins of the universe, my Arsenal experience, my Arsenal journey, began that evening in my one bedroom apartment half way around the world from Highbury.


When the doubters pose their question, my answer is simple and pure.


My choice is Arsenal, because they play THE BEAUTIFUL GAME.




Victoria Concordia Crescit

Test 1, 2, 3

Back from the US just in time to watch Nasri and Co take apart England. Samir and Sagna both played well and more importantly went uninjured (though arseblog is cautious regarding Sagna who was subbed late in the game). Gibbs looked rusty but considering he has been out for a while that was expected. RVP played 45 minutes for the Netherlands and by all accounts did well and looks healthy. Cesc had 45 minutes of frustration as Spain got spanked by Portugal. Hopefully the bitter taste will remain and he will be fired up for Spurs, while Chamakh maintained his taste for scoring, notching another for Morocco.


All things considered, the Arsenal have weathered the storm well enough this month. The defeat to Newcastle was painful, one of those games where you watch and wait, hoping that what you are seeing is some sort of dream being played out in the dark corners of your mind. Losing in and of itself is not the problem. Playing so poorly most certainly is. The game at Everton righted so many wrongs and, combined with results for Man U and Chelsea, left the Gunners in a very healthy state.


This weekend will be difficult. Spurs are a strong side, with attacking potential and the midfield will be put to a serious test. As much as I have enjoyed watching Song getting forward, restraint will be required Saturday.




Victoria Concordia Crescit

Pain in the Ukraine

Shakhtar 2  Arsenal 1

Prior to this game I was hopeful that a lineup of new faces, or at the very least relatively old faces at new positions, might lead to a spirited performance. As the final scoreline indicates the only spirit displayed was perhaps the ghost of past away Champions League displays by Arsenal.

The early goal by Theo was lovely but disguised the fact that the team was struggling to establish their game. A combination of Arsenal miscues and Shakhtar determination dictated play and denied the Gunners their usual display of flowing football.

At home, Shakhtar were energized by their boisterous supporters and obviously anxious to redress public opinion following the previous meeting at the Emirates. Errors in judgement by Arsenal were at the root of both Shakhtar goals but it would be disingenuous to deny that skill and tenacity put the ball in the net. They tested Fabianski several more times and were unlucky not to register a third.

Arsenal looked disorganized. Wilshere had a mixed game, with good play interrupted by the occasional poor pass. His shot on goal in the second half seemed to sum up his evening. A great opportunity to equalize undone by a slip in quality.

Eastmond was disappointing. He seemed to be out of his element and the close up of he and Squillaci just before the start of the second half was telling. Squillaci appearing frustrated, almost desperate, instructing a non-responsive Eastmond.

Eboue had nothing to offer. Usually I am a fan, happy with his bursts up the field to open things up for others around him, or his ability to defend in place of Sagna. But tonight he provided neither and gave the ball away when forward and out of position when retreating.

Overall a real disappointment, and perhaps most troubling in that the performance clouds the issues regarding squad depth and positional strengths rather than clarify.

Focus on the League becomes a priority now and confidence must be regained.

Victoria Concordia Crescit

Mix and Match

With all of the changes to the list of available players for tonights match, a game that should have been relatively straightforward becomes one which may offer surprises both good and bad.


New faces in a variety of positions playing at a formidable away stadium against a talented and determined opponent could be a recipe for a disheartening loss. On the other hand it could be the game which allows new talent to shine and reinforce the belief held by many that this squad may be the deepest in years.


The midfield will see the biggest shakeup with Cesc, Song, Denilson and Arshavin absent, in addition to the AWOL Diaby. Nasri, Rosicky and Wilshere are the logical starters, with Eboue and a "player to be named later" taking up the center of the pitch. No problems in the back, and up front options exist in the form of Chamakh, Bendtner, Theo, JET and Lansbury.


Prior to all the unexpected personnel changes, this game was destined to be the sort of fixture managers struggle to find methods or reasons for player motivation. Clinching advancement in the Champions League should be enough but that doesn't translate emotionally and can lead to flat performances. Now, with the potentially radical new lineup, we may be treated to spirited displays from those who view this as a real opportunity to impress.






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The Week Ahead

Early reports indicate that Fabregas and Song will miss the trip to Shakhtar for our Champions League match up. While the rest for Cesc and his hamstring will be welcomed, the quick succession of games that follow will serve as an accurate measure of his recovery.


Hamstrings are notoriously difficult to shake. Even worse is the affect it has on the player as, unlike a sore ankle or twisted knee, the hamstring doesn't send out a continuous stream of pain data, choosing instead to spring it's painful surprise in heated moments. Like Freddy Krueger, just when you think you have it beat, the claws come out. It messes with your head. Every run, every leap, is considered rather than instinctively pursued.

No word yet on why Song will be missing. Maybe Arshavin, tired of seeing Alex moving up the list of goal scorers this season, has hidden his boots. Or at least messed with his hair dye. Oh wait, he already did that. Anyway, he, like Cesc, will be missed.

The fan's choice to fill Song's role is probably Wilshire. A bulldog of a player, immune to injury and always willing to mix it up, the only position we may never see him play is Goalkeeper. Nasri, showing that his desire to play centrally is not wishful thinking, stepped up in the West Ham game to become playmaker, covering for the increasingly hobbled Cesc.

The month of November will be busy, the competition diverse, and the potential for reward immense. A victory Wednesday against Shakhtar will allow us to fully focus on the league fixtures. With four Premiere League games in a two week period before the return to Braga for Champions League action, Wenger will not want to be concerned with conserving energy. Four games, each offering a different dynamic but all feisty and physical.

Robin Van Perise, we anxiously await your return:

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/859783/van_persie_free_kick_against_sunderland/

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Delirious Song

Arsenal 1 West Ham 0


Quick notes:


Not a great game by our captain, but Nasri comfortably took over in midfield.


Walcott on the right makes space for those in the middle.


Chamakh needs a rest.


Bendtner is a hungry player.


Song is the new Verminator.




One of those games where the play was good but luck against us, particularly with our shots on goal, the near misses made Robert Green look very good. It may have been the West Ham game plan, or just a typical Scott Parker-inspired effort, but the match was tinkering on the brink of a foul-fest. How he finished the game without at least a yellow card is beyond belief.


Hopefully the victory will further boost the Gunners confidence, particularly in light of the Man City loss to Wolves. Onward Arsenal.




Victoria Concordia Crescit

Focus

The Arsenal find themselves in a familiar position tomorrow. Big wins, plenty of goals, progress up the league table as our closest competitors show weakness, and returning home to face a team battling at the bottom to avoid the relegation zone. This is a test which may provide us with the most accurate assessment of the evolution underway.

The criticism directed at Wenger and his youth-centric squad has often centered around our supposed inability to deal with the "physical"side of English football. The result against Man City provided proof that the Gunners are not intimidated by size or force. Teams who hope to bully Arsenal find they are up against a tenacious and determined opponent more than willing to mix it up, and critics are left searching.

For those of us who follow Arsenal, perhaps our biggest disappointments have come with poor efforts against inferior teams just as hopes have risen. Often described as "let downs" or "over-confidence", the beautiful football we expect doesn't materialize. The focus required is missing and critics are quick to proclaim the young Gunners lacking "maturity and/or mental toughness". A victory over West Ham will be seen as expected and probably not warrant more than a scoreline by the press, but to those who know this club it will signal an inspiring change of attitude. An emergence of the Champions within.

Victoria Concordia Crescit

Bendtner v Newcastle

http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/nicklas-bendtner-newcastle-7349342/


More please






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Newcastle 0 Arsenal 4

Fielding a nice mix of young players, seasoned 2nd team veterans and recently rehabbed starters, the Gunners moved into the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup with a hard fought and ultimately emphatic victory over Newcastle.


Szczesny started in goal and lived up to the hype. A big physical keeper with agility, he confidently dealt with a variety of Newcastle efforts. His only slip was early in the game, charging out to confront Nile Ranger who sidestepped the challenge and sent a shot toward goal. Koscielny was in position to block the effort, epitomizing the spirit and determination of this Arsenal team.


Play was physical and Gibbs an early casualty, the frustration evident as he made his way to the dressing room. He is only a few more good displays away from forcing Arsene into a difficult decision.


Most satisfying were the performances of Walcott and Bendtner. They appear fully fit and ready to become regulars in the Arsenal first team rotation.


Wenger will be pleased that his intentions to maintain the momentum gained following wins against Shaktar Donetsk and Manchester City have been realized. This victory showcased the abundance of talent at his disposal and bodes well for the long season ahead.



Victoria Concordia Crescit

Anticipation

Over the past few years pundits, opposition managers and fans have all criticized Arsene Wenger for his decision to field "reserve" squads in the Carling Cup competition. Now, when Man U, Spurs, Chelsea and the like have all elected to follow suit, those critics have gone silent. Not the first time Wenger has been proved right, and no doubt it will not be the last. His fiscal prudence and shrewd signings of young talent are already viewed as the future of responsible football management. So tonight, when we will likely see an Arsenal squad nearly full of "first-team" players take the field against Newcastle, we should expect a backlash of criticism with claims of "bullying" or even "desperation" in pursuit of silverware.

What I do not expect is for those same critics to comprehend why it is wise to use this competition, and more specifically this game, to reintroduce players such as Bendtner, Walcott, Koscielny and Gibbs following their injury layoffs. And give valuable minutes to Djourou, Denilson and Eboue. Players who may find the opportunities for playing time more and more scarce as the season progresses.

Vela, our constant when it comes to this competition, must be viewed as the man in the middle, caught between limited first team action and the mounting pressure from, ironically, the new youngsters. It certainly helps that he seems to always wear a smile and enjoys a good relationship with the Arsenal faithful, but rumbling through the blogs is a heightened anticipation of the potential of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Henri Lansbury. Both offer what Gunner fans have been craving; talent, determination and strength. While the Mexican can not be faulted for his skill on the ball and obvious poaching ability, those are talents others also possess. To his relief, Arshavin has not been setting the world on fire this season, and Eduardo's departure reduced the numbers in his favor. To his dismay, Samir Nasri has displayed a wonderful ability to be both playmaker and goal scorer, and Chamakh the type of player opponents fear ignoring.

Wojciech Szczesny is expected to play, another highly anticipated appearance, and his burden will be to match the hype. Earlier this year he declared his ambition and frustration, and the scrutiny will be intense.

Newcastle should not be taken lightly. Knocking out Chelsea was a huge feather in their cap and they must view winning this competition a real possibility. Playing them on their home ground is never an easy task and the young Gunners must be prepared mentally. The (restrained) euphoria following our win against City will hopefully be transformed into determined confidence allowing our superior quality to triumph.

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Satisfied

And well we should be. The Arsenal showed grit and determination in the sort of game critics usually point at to explain why the title is beyond our reach. City were physical and the atmosphere electric but to a man we held our ground, soaking it all up and even dishing it out.


Early anxiety was relieved with the sending off. Not so much at the thought of City down to 10 men (as we know from recent efforts not the walk in the park most assume) but more of an indication that the officiating was up to the task. De Jong amazingly seemed to be the only one on the pitch who was immune to review. His "body block" on Cesc was disgusting and subsequent "fouls" which earned yellow cards for players on both sides looked tame in comparison. The commentators even had the audacity to imply that Song was the man who should have been chastised earlier in the game, suggesting that his yellow card should have been his second and thus sent off. In a game filled with so many cards it is puzzling how De Jong could end the game without censure.


One of the many positives from the game was the "quiet" surrounding our defense. Squillaci did little wrong and generally was where he needed to be to interfere with the fired-up Tevez. Djourou was my early concern, finding himself on the wrong side of player and ball meant he was forced to play catch up too often. He can't match the speed of Clichy and Sagna and that meant others had to be positionally aware, shifting to fill openings. It was a relief not to be relying on offside traps to contain the City surges.


Perhaps the missed penalty is the only low note. Cesc telegraphed his intentions very early, leaning back as he approached the ball there was only one direction his shot could go. Maybe a petition sent to Wenger demanding that Nasri be the designated penalty kick taker is in order. His ability to disguise direction and pace, as demonstrated in the build-up and subsequent goal to open the scoring, is ideal for spot kicks.


Well done Arsenal. Carling Cup next and a game at the weekend which will require no let off in concentration. Momentum must be maintained.




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Return to Eastlands

"27 Minutes of Brilliance"

Tomorrow sees a return to Manchester City and an opportunity to show that Arsenal are legitimate contenders for the title. Last year was memorable for two reasons, one a display of arrogance and the other a display of poor football. Adebayor revealing to the world why he was no longer wanted at the Emirates and the Gunners looking very tired indeed following an international break. Despite a solid starting lineup, the team looked sluggish and uninspired.

This year there will be no Bellamy, which pleases me no end as he is one of those players who seems to find a way to make life difficult for our back four no matter what kit he is wearing. The downside is that Man City has a revitalized Tevez and a new face in Silva. Their midfield is stronger and we have to hope that Song wears the right boots and performs in the holding role in a manner more akin to last season. His elevation from "work in progress" to solid starter last season was not due to his touch in front of goal.

Defensively City look vulnerable and, as always, an early goal would most certainly help to unsettle their game plan. Like Chelsea, they are not a team that performs well when chasing. Pace will be important on both ends. In their defeat of Chelsea they displayed the tenacity and speed we were hoping to implement at Stamford Bridge, and it will be interesting to see if that blueprint is laid out today.

A win would be superb, delicious, massively satisfying and confidence boosted to dizzying heights. A draw acceptable but perhaps only to Arsenal fans, much in the same way as the Chelsea result. One only needed to witness the transition City made as a result of their victory over Chelsea to comprehend the importance of a win over a "top four" rival. Not only in the eyes of the press and pundits, but in the minds of opposition managers and their players. And most certainly to Arsenal players, their confidence and belief reinforced.

Wilshire missing is a blow. He seems to provide an energy in the midfield that allows Fabregas time on the ball while also relieving him of the physical burden required when having to be both playmaker and midfield "disruptor". With Song needed further back, and Diaby better suited to a more forward role, the responsibility may fall to Denilson.

Cesc played well and looked fit in the Champions League victory over FC Shakhtar Donetsk but hamstring injuries are notorious for never really going away. With the right effort from those around him he will be able to play his game without requiring the performance he heroically displayed last season against Aston Villa.


"27 Minutes of Brilliance"


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