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
Friday, December 17, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
...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
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.
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 isa 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
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
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
Friday, December 10, 2010
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
Victoria Concordia Crescit
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
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.
Victoria Concordia Crescit
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.
Victoria Concordia Crescit
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