The transfer window closes at 11pm tonight BST, and Arsenal have finally sprung into action. Arsene Wenger had said all summer long that he would spend the money available to him if players were available to improve Arsenal's squad. He had said he was looking for players of "super quality", but it seems he has finally decided Arsenal simply needed players of ability and experience.
When Gael Clichy was sold to Manchester City he said that no replacement would be bought, as Kieran Gibbs and Armand Traore would both be capable of playing there. However, Gibbs is yet again on the treatment table and Traore was sold to Queens Park Rangers yesterday. Arsenal appear to have a deal set up to sign Andre Santos from Fenerbache in Turkey to play at left back.
He's a 28 year old Brazilian left back who has played 22 times for his country, and he looks like he could be a very valuable addition to the squad. He has a few career goals to his name, and he looks likely to offer more going forward than Clichy ever did. Hopefully he can add some of the defensive stability Arsenal were so badly lacking against Manchester United last Sunday.
He's not the only defensive addition Arsenal will be making, as up to two central defenders look likely to be on their way too. In a very busy day for the club yesterday Per Mertesacker apparently arrived at the club for a medical and will be revealed as an Arsenal player today. Mertesacker has been a long time target for Arsenal and he also looks like he could be a very good buy.
He's the club captain at Werder Bremen and he has played 75 times for Germany as a central defender. His 6'6" tall, and his height and experience could be of real benefit to the Arsenal defence. It will make a pleasant change for an Arsenal defender to be towering over his opponents at set pieces.
There's still a possibility of either Gary Cahill or Christopher Samba arriving before the day is out, and the future looks bleak for Sebastien Squillaci at Arsenal. The arrival of Mertesacker will make him fifth choice at best, and if another central defender arrives there will probably be no place in the Arsenal squad for him. It remains to be seen if Arsenal will attempt to offload him before the day is out.
The only player Arsenal have actually confirmed the signature of is Park Chu Young from Monaco. He's a 26 year old striker who is the current captain of South Korea and he has been signed on a two and a half year contract apparently. He arrived for a very reasonable price, but that could be because he has his Korean military service to do when his contract is up.
His arrival could mean the long protracted sale of Nicklas Bendtner will eventually go through today, but there's no indication of where he might go yet. It looks like Stoke City could be a possible destination for him, but they're a long way from the top European clubs he claimed were interested in him. At least he will get to play in the Europa League if he signs for them.
There are plenty of other rumours of potential arrivals at Arsenal, as the need for a creative midfielder must surely be foremost in Wenger's mind. Both Mario Gotze of Borussia Dortmund and Marvin Martin of Sochaux were heavily linked to the club yesterday. Eden Hazard has been a target for Arsenal for quite a while now, and the rumours also persist of his imminent arrival. It's anybody's guess which of those players might arrive, but hopefully one of them will.
It should be a fascinating day for Arsenal fans, as they are glued to their TVs or computers waiting for the latest news. The 8-2 defeat at Old Trafford last Sunday may or may not have been the catalyst for Wenger's splurge, but I would hope he knew how much his squad needed strengthening before that game. Surely it took more than one game for him to realise how threadbare his squad was, and all of this transfer action was lined up anyway.
The biggest disappointment of the summer for me was the loss of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, but almost equally disappointing was Arsenal's inability to get their transfer deals completed much earlier. There three Premier League games in August were sacrificed due to the transfer inactivity, and hopefully it wouldn't have too serious an effect on their final league position.
UPDATE:
Arsenal have just announced the signature of Andre Santos on a long term contract from Fenerbache. Hopefully there will be more to follow.
UPDATE NO 2:
Arsenal have confirmed the signature of Mertesacker.
That's it for today.
Here's a little look at what Arsenal's new striker can do.
See You Tomorrow.
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Six Bizzare Facts About Arsenal FC.
Arsenal are currently celebrating the 125th anniversary of the foundation of the club. During that long and illustrious time Arsenal have won 27 major honours which includes 13 league titles and 10 FA Cups. They have a history of playing consecutively in the top tier of English football for 93 consecutive years which no other club can match.
During all of that time some strange and bizarre events have occurred at the club, and I will try my best to detail some of them in this article.
Arsenal's Promotin To The Top Tier Of English Football in 1918:
Arsenal's Promotin To The Top Tier Of English Football in 1918:
Arsenal were founded in 1886 and in the next 33 years they were a run of the mill club with no major honours to their name. They had suffered relegation from the top tier of English football in 1913 after financial problems had forced them to sell some of their best players. The first World War arrived soon afterwards, and when it ended English football was reorganised in 1918.
Arsenal's league position had not merited promotion to the top tier, but after a vote among league chairmen they found themselves dining at the top table again. The team who suffered relegation as a result of Arsenal's promotion were Tottenham Hotspur, and it still rankles with their supporters to this day. There were claims of bribery and corruption at the time, but Arsenal have never looked back and have never suffered relegation since then.
Dial Square:
Arsenal's league position had not merited promotion to the top tier, but after a vote among league chairmen they found themselves dining at the top table again. The team who suffered relegation as a result of Arsenal's promotion were Tottenham Hotspur, and it still rankles with their supporters to this day. There were claims of bribery and corruption at the time, but Arsenal have never looked back and have never suffered relegation since then.
Dial Square:
When Arsenal were first founded it was as Dial Square, which was the name of a factory workshop at the government munitions factory in Woolwich, south east London. They were effectively a works team formed by four friends at Royal Arsenal, but from those humble beginnings the present day club was born. The name of Dial Square didn't last very long, as it was soon changed to Royal Arsenal.
Royal Arsenal didn't last too long either, as the club changed it's name to Woolwich Arsenal in 1891. The final name change came when the club moved to Highbury in north London in 1913, and since then they have just been called Arsenal. They moved across the road to the Emirates stadium in 2006, but thankfully no name change accompanied the move this time.
A New Manager in 1925:
Royal Arsenal didn't last too long either, as the club changed it's name to Woolwich Arsenal in 1891. The final name change came when the club moved to Highbury in north London in 1913, and since then they have just been called Arsenal. They moved across the road to the Emirates stadium in 2006, but thankfully no name change accompanied the move this time.
A New Manager in 1925:
In 1925 Arsenal manager Leslie Knighton was sacked by club chairman Sir Henry Norris. He advertised the post for a new manager in "Athletic News" and the advert was strikingly similar to what many people consider to be current policy at the club. It went something like "Gentlemen whose sole ability to build up a good side depends on the payment of heavy and exorbitant transfer fees need not apply".
Thankfully the chairman decided it was worth paying the price for a new manager, and Herbert Chapman arrived fresh from back to back league titles with Huddersfield Town. He went on to become a legendary manager at Arsenal, as he led them to their first senior trophies. Sadly his time at Arsenal was cut short when he died of pneumonia in January 1934, but his legacy is still felt at the club to this day.
The Battle Of Highbury:
Thankfully the chairman decided it was worth paying the price for a new manager, and Herbert Chapman arrived fresh from back to back league titles with Huddersfield Town. He went on to become a legendary manager at Arsenal, as he led them to their first senior trophies. Sadly his time at Arsenal was cut short when he died of pneumonia in January 1934, but his legacy is still felt at the club to this day.
The Battle Of Highbury:
Italy won the World Cup in 1934, but England didn't take part in the tournament until 1950. On November 14th 1934 Italy came to London to play England in an international friendly at Highbury. It was the Italian team's first match since winning the trophy, and the English press dubbed it "the real World Cup Final".
The England team on the night contained seven Arsenal players in it, as they had won two successive league titles and another was on it's way to them. No England team before that night or since it has ever fielded seven players from the same club. The England team went on to win 3-2 in a vicious game which saw tackles and injuries which would not be tolerated in the modern game.
Italy had to play almost the entire game with 10 players after Arsenal's Ted Drake broke a defenders foot early on, but it wasn't the only break on the night. There was a broken nose and a fractured arm among the English team before the game was over too. The Arsenal team of the day could certainly have been considered to be the best club team in Europe, but sadly it was another 20 years before the European Cup came into existence.
Arsenal's Love Of Italy:
The England team on the night contained seven Arsenal players in it, as they had won two successive league titles and another was on it's way to them. No England team before that night or since it has ever fielded seven players from the same club. The England team went on to win 3-2 in a vicious game which saw tackles and injuries which would not be tolerated in the modern game.
Italy had to play almost the entire game with 10 players after Arsenal's Ted Drake broke a defenders foot early on, but it wasn't the only break on the night. There was a broken nose and a fractured arm among the English team before the game was over too. The Arsenal team of the day could certainly have been considered to be the best club team in Europe, but sadly it was another 20 years before the European Cup came into existence.
Arsenal's Love Of Italy:
Arsenal have had some bad nights on their travels in Europe, but they are the only English team to have won away from home against the three great clubs of Italian football. The first victory was in the second leg of the 1980 Cup Winners Cup semi-final when a last minute Paul Vassen goal saw them beat Juventus 1-0 to reach the final. Sadly the final ended in disappointment when they lost on penalties to Spanish club Valencia.
In November 2003 Arsenal traveled to Inter Milan for their away group game in the Champions League against Inter Milan. Arsenal had already lost 3-0 at home to the same opposition in an earlier group game, and they needed a win to keep their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages alive. It was 1-1 at half time, but Arsenal had the upper hand and took the lead early in the second half.
In the final five minutes of the game Arsenal tore Inter apart and added another three goals for one of their greatest European nights ever. It was a night to remember for all Arsenal fans.
In March 2008 Arsenal traveled to AC Milan for the away leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie. They had drawn the home leg 0-0 a couple of weeks earlier, and the stage looked set for the Italian club to progress. They were the reigning European champions and they were playing at home to a relatively inexperienced Arsenal team.
Arsenal turned in a magnificent performance on the night, and late goals from Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor gave them a 2-0 victory. It meant Arsenal had the full set of top Italian scalps on their travels, buy unfortunately they didn't progress past the next round.
League Titles Won At Rivals Grounds:
In November 2003 Arsenal traveled to Inter Milan for their away group game in the Champions League against Inter Milan. Arsenal had already lost 3-0 at home to the same opposition in an earlier group game, and they needed a win to keep their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages alive. It was 1-1 at half time, but Arsenal had the upper hand and took the lead early in the second half.
In the final five minutes of the game Arsenal tore Inter apart and added another three goals for one of their greatest European nights ever. It was a night to remember for all Arsenal fans.
In March 2008 Arsenal traveled to AC Milan for the away leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie. They had drawn the home leg 0-0 a couple of weeks earlier, and the stage looked set for the Italian club to progress. They were the reigning European champions and they were playing at home to a relatively inexperienced Arsenal team.
Arsenal turned in a magnificent performance on the night, and late goals from Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor gave them a 2-0 victory. It meant Arsenal had the full set of top Italian scalps on their travels, buy unfortunately they didn't progress past the next round.
League Titles Won At Rivals Grounds:
Arsenal have made a bit of a habit of winning the league title at the grounds of some of their greatest rivals. Of their 13 league titles so far they have won two of them away from home against their nearest rivals of the season in which they won it, and another two away to their local rivals Spurs. It's the sort of habit Arsenal fans are very proud of, as it increases bragging rights by such a degree.
The first time it happened was in 1971 when they won 1-0 away to Spurs on the last day of the season to clinch their first domestic double. In 1989 Arsenal pulled off what was probably the most dramatic league title victory of all when they won 2-0 away to Liverpool to beat them on goals scored to the league title. Both teams finished level on goal difference, but Arsenal were crowned champions because they had scored 73 goals to Liverpool's 65.
In 2002 Arsenal won their third double and they claimed the league crown away to Manchester United. United were not only the current champions, but also the only team that could prevent Arsenal from winning the title. A Sylvan Wiltord goal on the night was enough to bring the title and the glory back to north London.
The invincible Arsenal team of 2004 won the title with four games to spare, and they had the pleasure of doing it at Spurs yet again. The game ended in a 2-2 draw, but it was all that Arsenal needed to claim their 13th league title. They went on to become the first English team in over 100 years to complete a season unbeaten in the top tier.
And Finally:
The first time it happened was in 1971 when they won 1-0 away to Spurs on the last day of the season to clinch their first domestic double. In 1989 Arsenal pulled off what was probably the most dramatic league title victory of all when they won 2-0 away to Liverpool to beat them on goals scored to the league title. Both teams finished level on goal difference, but Arsenal were crowned champions because they had scored 73 goals to Liverpool's 65.
In 2002 Arsenal won their third double and they claimed the league crown away to Manchester United. United were not only the current champions, but also the only team that could prevent Arsenal from winning the title. A Sylvan Wiltord goal on the night was enough to bring the title and the glory back to north London.
The invincible Arsenal team of 2004 won the title with four games to spare, and they had the pleasure of doing it at Spurs yet again. The game ended in a 2-2 draw, but it was all that Arsenal needed to claim their 13th league title. They went on to become the first English team in over 100 years to complete a season unbeaten in the top tier.
And Finally:
With the transfer window about to close in just over 24 hours, Arsene Wenger looks set to make his most bizarre move of all as Arsenal manager. It actually appears that he is going to spend a fair deal of the huge transfer kitty he has at his disposal, and Arsenal are set to see a host of new players arrive. After Sunday's drubbing against Manchester United, Arsenal needed to invest in their squad and the fans wishes appear to be answered.
For a manager with such a cautious approach to transfers Wenger suddenly appears to have entered the market for almost any player that is available. Arsenal have lost so many players to transfers and loans this summer that major surgery on their squad was needed, but most fans believed it was too late. It will make for a very interesting few days, as Arsenal rush to register players and apply for work permits for some of them as well.
That's it for today.
It's not too late to join over 750 teams in my Fantasy League and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, tumblr and Facebook too.
See You Tomorrow.
For a manager with such a cautious approach to transfers Wenger suddenly appears to have entered the market for almost any player that is available. Arsenal have lost so many players to transfers and loans this summer that major surgery on their squad was needed, but most fans believed it was too late. It will make for a very interesting few days, as Arsenal rush to register players and apply for work permits for some of them as well.
That's it for today.
It's not too late to join over 750 teams in my Fantasy League and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, tumblr and Facebook too.
See You Tomorrow.
Monday, 29 August 2011
Arsenal Reach A New Low As They Lose 8-2 To Manchester United.
Where do I begin to write about the events of Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford. The Arsenal squad was depleted due to injuries and suspensions in the run up to the game, and the news that both Thomas Vermaelen and Bacary Sagna were to miss the game was ominous. They are the two rocks on which Arsenal's defence is built, and it meant Armand Traore and Johan Djourou played from the start.
In my preview of the game I predicted a 2-1 win for Arsenal, as I always predict an Arsenal win. When I actually saw the starting 11 I genuinely feared about the possible outcome of the game. I tweeted my thoughts and fears and most other Arsenal fans shared them with me too.
The defensive midfield role was taken by young Francis Coquelin in the absence of any of the first team squad being available to fill the role. It gave the Arsenal team a very young and inexperienced look to it, but United had a team which was by no means full of age and experience either. If Arsenal were to stand a chance they had to keep the game as tight as possible, but it was clear early on that they intended to do nothing of the sort.
There were pivotal moments in the game for me and the first one came when Robin Van Persie missed a penalty at 1-0. He normally strikes his penalties very hard, but this time he chose to stroke the ball towards the corner of the net. If he wanted to put so little behind his effort he surely had to get the keeper to make his move first.
With half time approaching Arsenal were 3-0 down and Theo Walcott managed to claw a goal back to give them some hope. The second half started well for Arsenal as they pushed forward in search of a way back into the game, but they missed a couple of chances and United gradually got on top again. Then for some inexplicable reason Arsene Wenger decided to take Coquelin off and replace him with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
It left Arsenal with nobody to defend in front of the back four, and the defence went to pieces after that. Another five goals were shipped and Arsenal conceded eight goals for the first time in more than 100 years. Arsenal are celebrating their 125th anniversary this year, and this was one of their very worst days in all of that time.
When RVP pulled a goal back to make it 6-2 at one stage I didn't even cheer, and I cannot remember that happening ever before. At the final whistle I sat in disbelief at what had unfolded in front of me, and I'm still trying to come to terms with it now. I have supported Arsenal for almost 41 years through thick and thin, and I cannot remember the club ever being in such a shambles during that time.
There have been highs and lows of course, but I always felt the manager of the team was acting in the best interest of the team. At the moment it's very difficult to believe that Wenger has the best interests of the team in mind, as he fumbles his way towards the end of the transfer window with up to £80 million in his back pocket. I do not believe he can offer a rational explanation for his inability to reinforce the Arsenal squad with the players of genuine quality that are so obviously needed.
In his desire to save money he has sacrificed Arsenal's league games in August, and they are now eight points behind the pace setters after only three games. Thankfully Champions League qualification was guaranteed with the midweek win over Udinese, but the current Arsenal squad doesn't have to depth to play all the extra games they now have. I have been an avid fan of Wenger for a long time, but if he fails to add the players needed to the squad in the next few days I cannot believe he has the best interests of the club at heart any more.
Some of the players who were asked to perform at a level which was beyond them yesterday could take a long time to recover from the mauling they received. Carl Jenkinson, Coquelin and Oxlade-Chamberlain are all real prospects for the future, but they were thrown to the lions yesterday and I hope it doesn't affect their futures. Those three players should all be learning their trade in the Arsenal reserves at the moment, and not asked to spend the worst 90 minutes of their professional careers in Manchester on a Sunday afternoon.
It's obvious to one and all that Tomas Rosicky can no longer last the full 90 minutes against any sort of opposition, but he was asked to do so yesterday. I thought he should have been withdrawn instead of Coquelin and I also though Andrey Arshavin should have been withdrawn too. He looked like a man who almost wanted to get sent off, and Arsenal were lucky to finish the game with 10 players.
The tactical ineptitude shown by Wenger yesterday was quite astounding, and it has to bring his judgement into question. United's defence was short of three of their regulars, but that didn't mean that Arsenal should try to play an open game against them. They showed how easy it is to pick off a team that doesn't consider defending a priority, and Wenger has to learn something from it.
The players won't get to play for Arsenal again for another two weeks, as there are international games to be played and it's probably a good thing. It does mean there will be very little time for the players to work together before their hectic club schedule returns. Any new players signed will have to fit in very quickly as the suspensions continue to mount, and the injury problems worsen almost by the day.
When the players return Arsenal will have two games a week until the next international break, and it will again stretch their resources to the limit. Those resources have proven to be far from deep enough already this season, and other teams will attempt to exploit their obvious weaknesses. It could be a very tough time for Arsenal fans, but good results in those games will help to heal the wounds of Sunday.
I have held off on my preview of this season until the transfer window closes, and it appears that it was a wise move. In my opinion Arsenal have to buy a left back, a central defender and a couple of midfielders, as well as the striker they are believed to be in the process of signing. If they could not bring in those players in the last two months what are the chances of them arriving in the next two days.
It's a very tough time to be an Arsenal fan, and it's not such a good time to be an Arsenal player either. If things don't improve very quickly I think Wenger could quite possibly be out of a job, and he has nobody but himself to blame. He says he will only buy players who will improve the team/squad, but everybody could see yesterday that it wouldn't take much to do that.
Why has he not bought Leighton Baines from Everton, or why did he not buy Jose Enrique from Newcastle before Liverpool did. Why have the attempts to sign Gary Cahill taken so long with Arsenal so much in need of another centre back. How have there been no creative midfield players added to the squad after the sales of Cesc Fabregas and then Samir Nasri.
The club knew that both Cesc and Nasri wanted to leave, but they have chosen to be reactive rather than proactive in their transfer dealings. If Arsenal had four new players available to them yesterday they would have had a much stronger team. They might still have lost, but you can be sure they would not have conceded eight goals.
The manager and the board are at fault for the current state of the squad, and the embarrassment which occurred at Old Trafford yesterday. It's up to them to ensure there is still hope for the new season by bringing in players who will make a difference before it's too late.
The club are so embarrassed by the events of yesterday that they have offered to pay the cost of a match ticket for another away league game for the traveling Arsenal fans. The Arsenal fans could be heard singing loudly and proudly throughout the game, and they are a real credit and inspiration to those watching from afar.
That's it for today.
Here's the highlights from yesterday's game if you can bear to watch them.
It's not too late to join over 650 teams in my Fantasy League and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, tumblr and Facebook too.
See You Tomorrow.
In my preview of the game I predicted a 2-1 win for Arsenal, as I always predict an Arsenal win. When I actually saw the starting 11 I genuinely feared about the possible outcome of the game. I tweeted my thoughts and fears and most other Arsenal fans shared them with me too.
The defensive midfield role was taken by young Francis Coquelin in the absence of any of the first team squad being available to fill the role. It gave the Arsenal team a very young and inexperienced look to it, but United had a team which was by no means full of age and experience either. If Arsenal were to stand a chance they had to keep the game as tight as possible, but it was clear early on that they intended to do nothing of the sort.
There were pivotal moments in the game for me and the first one came when Robin Van Persie missed a penalty at 1-0. He normally strikes his penalties very hard, but this time he chose to stroke the ball towards the corner of the net. If he wanted to put so little behind his effort he surely had to get the keeper to make his move first.
With half time approaching Arsenal were 3-0 down and Theo Walcott managed to claw a goal back to give them some hope. The second half started well for Arsenal as they pushed forward in search of a way back into the game, but they missed a couple of chances and United gradually got on top again. Then for some inexplicable reason Arsene Wenger decided to take Coquelin off and replace him with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
It left Arsenal with nobody to defend in front of the back four, and the defence went to pieces after that. Another five goals were shipped and Arsenal conceded eight goals for the first time in more than 100 years. Arsenal are celebrating their 125th anniversary this year, and this was one of their very worst days in all of that time.
When RVP pulled a goal back to make it 6-2 at one stage I didn't even cheer, and I cannot remember that happening ever before. At the final whistle I sat in disbelief at what had unfolded in front of me, and I'm still trying to come to terms with it now. I have supported Arsenal for almost 41 years through thick and thin, and I cannot remember the club ever being in such a shambles during that time.
There have been highs and lows of course, but I always felt the manager of the team was acting in the best interest of the team. At the moment it's very difficult to believe that Wenger has the best interests of the team in mind, as he fumbles his way towards the end of the transfer window with up to £80 million in his back pocket. I do not believe he can offer a rational explanation for his inability to reinforce the Arsenal squad with the players of genuine quality that are so obviously needed.
In his desire to save money he has sacrificed Arsenal's league games in August, and they are now eight points behind the pace setters after only three games. Thankfully Champions League qualification was guaranteed with the midweek win over Udinese, but the current Arsenal squad doesn't have to depth to play all the extra games they now have. I have been an avid fan of Wenger for a long time, but if he fails to add the players needed to the squad in the next few days I cannot believe he has the best interests of the club at heart any more.
Some of the players who were asked to perform at a level which was beyond them yesterday could take a long time to recover from the mauling they received. Carl Jenkinson, Coquelin and Oxlade-Chamberlain are all real prospects for the future, but they were thrown to the lions yesterday and I hope it doesn't affect their futures. Those three players should all be learning their trade in the Arsenal reserves at the moment, and not asked to spend the worst 90 minutes of their professional careers in Manchester on a Sunday afternoon.
It's obvious to one and all that Tomas Rosicky can no longer last the full 90 minutes against any sort of opposition, but he was asked to do so yesterday. I thought he should have been withdrawn instead of Coquelin and I also though Andrey Arshavin should have been withdrawn too. He looked like a man who almost wanted to get sent off, and Arsenal were lucky to finish the game with 10 players.
The tactical ineptitude shown by Wenger yesterday was quite astounding, and it has to bring his judgement into question. United's defence was short of three of their regulars, but that didn't mean that Arsenal should try to play an open game against them. They showed how easy it is to pick off a team that doesn't consider defending a priority, and Wenger has to learn something from it.
The players won't get to play for Arsenal again for another two weeks, as there are international games to be played and it's probably a good thing. It does mean there will be very little time for the players to work together before their hectic club schedule returns. Any new players signed will have to fit in very quickly as the suspensions continue to mount, and the injury problems worsen almost by the day.
When the players return Arsenal will have two games a week until the next international break, and it will again stretch their resources to the limit. Those resources have proven to be far from deep enough already this season, and other teams will attempt to exploit their obvious weaknesses. It could be a very tough time for Arsenal fans, but good results in those games will help to heal the wounds of Sunday.
I have held off on my preview of this season until the transfer window closes, and it appears that it was a wise move. In my opinion Arsenal have to buy a left back, a central defender and a couple of midfielders, as well as the striker they are believed to be in the process of signing. If they could not bring in those players in the last two months what are the chances of them arriving in the next two days.
It's a very tough time to be an Arsenal fan, and it's not such a good time to be an Arsenal player either. If things don't improve very quickly I think Wenger could quite possibly be out of a job, and he has nobody but himself to blame. He says he will only buy players who will improve the team/squad, but everybody could see yesterday that it wouldn't take much to do that.
Why has he not bought Leighton Baines from Everton, or why did he not buy Jose Enrique from Newcastle before Liverpool did. Why have the attempts to sign Gary Cahill taken so long with Arsenal so much in need of another centre back. How have there been no creative midfield players added to the squad after the sales of Cesc Fabregas and then Samir Nasri.
The club knew that both Cesc and Nasri wanted to leave, but they have chosen to be reactive rather than proactive in their transfer dealings. If Arsenal had four new players available to them yesterday they would have had a much stronger team. They might still have lost, but you can be sure they would not have conceded eight goals.
The manager and the board are at fault for the current state of the squad, and the embarrassment which occurred at Old Trafford yesterday. It's up to them to ensure there is still hope for the new season by bringing in players who will make a difference before it's too late.
The club are so embarrassed by the events of yesterday that they have offered to pay the cost of a match ticket for another away league game for the traveling Arsenal fans. The Arsenal fans could be heard singing loudly and proudly throughout the game, and they are a real credit and inspiration to those watching from afar.
That's it for today.
Here's the highlights from yesterday's game if you can bear to watch them.
It's not too late to join over 650 teams in my Fantasy League and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, tumblr and Facebook too.
See You Tomorrow.
Saturday, 27 August 2011
Arsenal's Premier League Trip To Manchester United Previewed.
Arsenal make the trip to Manchester tomorrow to play last season's Premier League champions United. It's a venue where Arsenal have had their fair share of good results over the years, but it has been a very tough venue for them on other occasions. The team will have give all they have if they are to emerge with any sort of result from this game.
In team news Arsenal will be without the suspended Alex Song, Gervinho and Emmanuel Frimpong, as well as the injured Abu Diaby, Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and Sebastien Squillaci. There is a possibility that Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny will be both be available, but there will be more information on them closer to the game. Tomas Rosicky and Johan Djourou should be available too after coming through Wednesday night's victory over Udinese unscathed.
Added to all of those injury worries Arsenal are also in need of reinforcements to their squad, with Arsene Wenger admitting yesterday that he needed three new players. The transfer window closes in five days time, and it gives him very little opportunity to bring those players in. The players head off on international duty after tomorrow's game, and the last few days of the transfer window could be very busy.
Trying to predict a starting lineup for Arsenal is no easy task with all of those players unavailable, but I'll do my best to give it a go. It should be a similar team to Wednesday night with the obvious exception of replacing the three suspended players.
Wojciech Szczesny will of course continue in goal, as he has now made the position his own, and he showed again on Wednesday night how good he is. His penalty save was absolutely fantastic, and it makes a pleasant change for Arsenal to have a goalkeeper I have real confidence in. He's still only 21 years old, and when he reaches the peak of his career he will be one of the best goalkeepers in the world in my opinion.
I would imagine the defence will be pretty similar to Wednesday night with Koscielny possibly returning in place of Djourou. Both full backs should keep their places, and it will be a tough game for both of them I'm sure. United have players in wide positions who like to run at the opposition, and Sagna will be playing out of position and Jenkinson making only his second Premier League start ever.
As long as Thomas Vermaelen is passed fit I will have a lot of confidence in the ability of the defence to cope with whatever United throw their way. He has been quite magnificent already this season, and I cannot help wondering what might have been if he hadn't missed almost all of last season injured. In my opinion he's the best candidate for the captain's armband, but I'm happy enough to see Robin Van Persie with it too.
The real problems arise for Arsenal in midfield with so many players sold, injured or suspended, and it's difficult to know who will play. I think both Tomas Rosicky and Aaron Ramsey are certain to start, but the holding role is where the real problem is. I know Djourou has played there in his younger days and I wonder will he get the nod, or will it go to Henri Lansbury.
Besides those two players I just can't see who Arsenal have to deploy in that role, and it's very worrying. It's a role Lansbury is not at all suited to, but neither is Djourou and Arsenal's real hope for the day is that Arsene Wenger pulls a rabbit out of his proverbial hat. It's crazy that Arsenal are going into a Premier League game away to the current champions with so few options in midfield.
Wenger spoke yesterday of his desire to add a defender, a midfielder and a forward to the squad before the transfer window closes. I hate to bring it up yet again, but they are issues which should have been dealt with a long time ago. Arsenal are now playing their fifth game of the new season, and still their preparations are nowhere near where they should have been before the first game.
Tomorrow's opponents showed how transfer dealings should be completed early in the summer, and they have hit the ground running already this season. Two wins from their first two games sees them as favourites to retain their title after they added three players to their squad early in the transfer window. They identified positions that needed strengthening and acted on it as soon as they could, and they already look like a settled squad as a result.
In attack Arsenal will be led by RVP and he will probably be flanked by Theo Walcott and Andrey Arshavin. Walcott still frustrates me an awful lot at times, but when he gets past the defence on the left he is very good at finishing. Other aspects of his game leave a lot to be desired, but I don't doubt his commitment or his application when he plays.
Arshavin is a different matter as he looks almost disinterested at times when he loses the ball. He has not started this season well at all, and I sometimes wonder where the player who scored four goals at Anfield has gone. His passing is erratic at best, and it's hard to argue for him keeping a regular place in the team.
RVP was Arsenal's top scorer last season and I expect him to be so again this season, as long as he stays fit. He hasn't got a league goal yet this season in the opening two games, but then again the team haven't scored in those games either. In a tough game like this a player with his ability could be the difference between Arsenal emerging with something, or going home empty-handed.
In the game itself Arsenal are going to have to work hard and give everything they have to emerge with anything from the game. If the players can put in as much as they did in the second half on Wednesday night I feel they will have a chance of emerging with at least their pride intact. The more senior players in the team need to stand up and be counted, and lead by example too.
I always feel United are a little vulnerable without serial cheat Nemanja Vidic, and I'm delighted that he won't be playing tomorrow. Arsenal have had their difficulties with discipline already this season, but it has to be remembered that United continually get away with incidents which other teams are punished for. They should have had at least two red cards against Arsenal in different matches last season, but they didn't get any.
Vidic should have seen red at the Emirates when Arsenal beat United 1-0, but somehow his handball wasn't seen and Arsenal didn't get a penalty either. In the FA Cup game at Old Trafford Paul Scholes showed what a thug he was, but the referee chose to issue a yellow card when a red card was the correct decision. The ridiculous rules also mean that an incident cannot be reviewed after a game if a referee has given a yellow card.
If any contentious decisions go Arsenal's way in tomorrow's game you can be sure Wayne Rooney will be the first person screaming abuse at the referee. According to the rules of the game you cannot swear at a referee, but Rooney does it fir fun and never suffers the consequences. No matter who is in charge tomorrow United will be shown favouritism at home, as they always are and Arsenal will just have to deal with it.
I watched most of United's 3-0 victory over Spurs on Monday night, and it was obvious that the Spurs players tried to target United's new keeper. According to the fantasy football statistics he made nine saves on the night which is an awful lot for a home game. He has a poor record at saving long distance shots, but Spurs went a little overboard in their attempts to beat him from distance.
If Arsenal get a sight of goal from up to 25 yards out they should have a go by all means, but Spurs were shooting from up to 50 yards out which was a waste. It was good practice for David de Gea, as he attempts to fit into Premier League football. Without Vidic as a barrier I see him as a possible weakness, and hopefully Arsenal can exploit that weakness.
In midfield United no longer have a playmaker and the Arsenal defenders can expect a lot of players running at them with the ball at times. If Arsenal's patched together midfield can get hold of the ball often enough they might just give themselves a chance in this game, but it won't be easy.
United's home form was quite magnificent last season with 18 wins and one draw in 19 Premier League games, and it was the foundation for their league win. If Arsenal lose this game they will be eight points off the pace after only three games, and they will have a huge task ahead of them to get back into the title race. They will have to start winning games very quickly, but with 35 games to go they will still have a chance of course.
However, I'm predicting an Arsenal win, as I always do. Maybe it's because I'm an Arsenal fan that I have such blind faith in my team, or maybe I'm an eternal optimist. I think Arsenal will win 2-1 and that RVP could be the key man on the day for them.
I'm sure 99% of non Arsenal fans will disagree with me, but football is a game of opinions and mine is that Arsenal will win.
That's it for today.
Here's a look at Sylvan Wiltord's winner away to United in 2002 which clinched the Premier League title for Arsenal.
It's not too late to join over 650 teams in my Fantasy League and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, tumblr and Facebook too.
See You Tomorrow.
In team news Arsenal will be without the suspended Alex Song, Gervinho and Emmanuel Frimpong, as well as the injured Abu Diaby, Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and Sebastien Squillaci. There is a possibility that Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny will be both be available, but there will be more information on them closer to the game. Tomas Rosicky and Johan Djourou should be available too after coming through Wednesday night's victory over Udinese unscathed.
Added to all of those injury worries Arsenal are also in need of reinforcements to their squad, with Arsene Wenger admitting yesterday that he needed three new players. The transfer window closes in five days time, and it gives him very little opportunity to bring those players in. The players head off on international duty after tomorrow's game, and the last few days of the transfer window could be very busy.
Trying to predict a starting lineup for Arsenal is no easy task with all of those players unavailable, but I'll do my best to give it a go. It should be a similar team to Wednesday night with the obvious exception of replacing the three suspended players.
Wojciech Szczesny will of course continue in goal, as he has now made the position his own, and he showed again on Wednesday night how good he is. His penalty save was absolutely fantastic, and it makes a pleasant change for Arsenal to have a goalkeeper I have real confidence in. He's still only 21 years old, and when he reaches the peak of his career he will be one of the best goalkeepers in the world in my opinion.
I would imagine the defence will be pretty similar to Wednesday night with Koscielny possibly returning in place of Djourou. Both full backs should keep their places, and it will be a tough game for both of them I'm sure. United have players in wide positions who like to run at the opposition, and Sagna will be playing out of position and Jenkinson making only his second Premier League start ever.
As long as Thomas Vermaelen is passed fit I will have a lot of confidence in the ability of the defence to cope with whatever United throw their way. He has been quite magnificent already this season, and I cannot help wondering what might have been if he hadn't missed almost all of last season injured. In my opinion he's the best candidate for the captain's armband, but I'm happy enough to see Robin Van Persie with it too.
The real problems arise for Arsenal in midfield with so many players sold, injured or suspended, and it's difficult to know who will play. I think both Tomas Rosicky and Aaron Ramsey are certain to start, but the holding role is where the real problem is. I know Djourou has played there in his younger days and I wonder will he get the nod, or will it go to Henri Lansbury.
Besides those two players I just can't see who Arsenal have to deploy in that role, and it's very worrying. It's a role Lansbury is not at all suited to, but neither is Djourou and Arsenal's real hope for the day is that Arsene Wenger pulls a rabbit out of his proverbial hat. It's crazy that Arsenal are going into a Premier League game away to the current champions with so few options in midfield.
Wenger spoke yesterday of his desire to add a defender, a midfielder and a forward to the squad before the transfer window closes. I hate to bring it up yet again, but they are issues which should have been dealt with a long time ago. Arsenal are now playing their fifth game of the new season, and still their preparations are nowhere near where they should have been before the first game.
Tomorrow's opponents showed how transfer dealings should be completed early in the summer, and they have hit the ground running already this season. Two wins from their first two games sees them as favourites to retain their title after they added three players to their squad early in the transfer window. They identified positions that needed strengthening and acted on it as soon as they could, and they already look like a settled squad as a result.
In attack Arsenal will be led by RVP and he will probably be flanked by Theo Walcott and Andrey Arshavin. Walcott still frustrates me an awful lot at times, but when he gets past the defence on the left he is very good at finishing. Other aspects of his game leave a lot to be desired, but I don't doubt his commitment or his application when he plays.
Arshavin is a different matter as he looks almost disinterested at times when he loses the ball. He has not started this season well at all, and I sometimes wonder where the player who scored four goals at Anfield has gone. His passing is erratic at best, and it's hard to argue for him keeping a regular place in the team.
RVP was Arsenal's top scorer last season and I expect him to be so again this season, as long as he stays fit. He hasn't got a league goal yet this season in the opening two games, but then again the team haven't scored in those games either. In a tough game like this a player with his ability could be the difference between Arsenal emerging with something, or going home empty-handed.
In the game itself Arsenal are going to have to work hard and give everything they have to emerge with anything from the game. If the players can put in as much as they did in the second half on Wednesday night I feel they will have a chance of emerging with at least their pride intact. The more senior players in the team need to stand up and be counted, and lead by example too.
I always feel United are a little vulnerable without serial cheat Nemanja Vidic, and I'm delighted that he won't be playing tomorrow. Arsenal have had their difficulties with discipline already this season, but it has to be remembered that United continually get away with incidents which other teams are punished for. They should have had at least two red cards against Arsenal in different matches last season, but they didn't get any.
Vidic should have seen red at the Emirates when Arsenal beat United 1-0, but somehow his handball wasn't seen and Arsenal didn't get a penalty either. In the FA Cup game at Old Trafford Paul Scholes showed what a thug he was, but the referee chose to issue a yellow card when a red card was the correct decision. The ridiculous rules also mean that an incident cannot be reviewed after a game if a referee has given a yellow card.
If any contentious decisions go Arsenal's way in tomorrow's game you can be sure Wayne Rooney will be the first person screaming abuse at the referee. According to the rules of the game you cannot swear at a referee, but Rooney does it fir fun and never suffers the consequences. No matter who is in charge tomorrow United will be shown favouritism at home, as they always are and Arsenal will just have to deal with it.
I watched most of United's 3-0 victory over Spurs on Monday night, and it was obvious that the Spurs players tried to target United's new keeper. According to the fantasy football statistics he made nine saves on the night which is an awful lot for a home game. He has a poor record at saving long distance shots, but Spurs went a little overboard in their attempts to beat him from distance.
If Arsenal get a sight of goal from up to 25 yards out they should have a go by all means, but Spurs were shooting from up to 50 yards out which was a waste. It was good practice for David de Gea, as he attempts to fit into Premier League football. Without Vidic as a barrier I see him as a possible weakness, and hopefully Arsenal can exploit that weakness.
In midfield United no longer have a playmaker and the Arsenal defenders can expect a lot of players running at them with the ball at times. If Arsenal's patched together midfield can get hold of the ball often enough they might just give themselves a chance in this game, but it won't be easy.
United's home form was quite magnificent last season with 18 wins and one draw in 19 Premier League games, and it was the foundation for their league win. If Arsenal lose this game they will be eight points off the pace after only three games, and they will have a huge task ahead of them to get back into the title race. They will have to start winning games very quickly, but with 35 games to go they will still have a chance of course.
However, I'm predicting an Arsenal win, as I always do. Maybe it's because I'm an Arsenal fan that I have such blind faith in my team, or maybe I'm an eternal optimist. I think Arsenal will win 2-1 and that RVP could be the key man on the day for them.
I'm sure 99% of non Arsenal fans will disagree with me, but football is a game of opinions and mine is that Arsenal will win.
That's it for today.
Here's a look at Sylvan Wiltord's winner away to United in 2002 which clinched the Premier League title for Arsenal.
It's not too late to join over 650 teams in my Fantasy League and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, tumblr and Facebook too.
See You Tomorrow.
Friday, 26 August 2011
Predictions For Premier League Gameweek 3.
It's that time of the week again when I attempt to predict the scores in this weekend's Premier League fixtures. I didn't do too badly last week when I managed to get one perfect score, six correct outcomes and only three incorrect outcomes. It meant I managed 80 points in my predictions league, and moved up to fifth place overall.
From a fantasy football perspective things are starting to take a little bit of shape with the usual suspects making their way to the top of the Premier League. Newcastle United have had a very good start to the season defensively, and their defenders could possibly be worth a gamble, as well as attacking players from both Manchester clubs. Wolverhampton Wanderers have started very well too, and they deserve credit for winning their first two games.
Here's a look at how my predictions league table stands.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers:
From a fantasy football perspective things are starting to take a little bit of shape with the usual suspects making their way to the top of the Premier League. Newcastle United have had a very good start to the season defensively, and their defenders could possibly be worth a gamble, as well as attacking players from both Manchester clubs. Wolverhampton Wanderers have started very well too, and they deserve credit for winning their first two games.
Here's a look at how my predictions league table stands.
| Pos | Name | Week | Total |
| 1 | ahujag | 75 | 120 |
| 2 | Sofire | 95 | 115 |
| 3 | NickHemmings | 80 | 100 |
| 4 | Smashit_Tuckit | 30 | 80 |
| 5 | JamrockRover | 80 | 70 |
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers:
Saturday August 27, 12.05pm BST
Aston Villa have started a lot better than I thought they would after selling both Ashley Young and Stewart Downing. They have only conceded one goal in their opening two games, and they have looked quite impressive so far. If they can continue their current form their fans might even learn to like their new manager.
Darren Bent is still the most obvious Villa player to buy for any fantasy team, but Shay Given is making a case for himself as well.
Wolves have had a perfect start to the new season with two wins out of two games so far in the Premier League. If they can continue this form they could actually spend a season in mid-table rather than fighting relegation for a change. Their away form was far from impressive last season, but they look capable of changing that this time around.
Stephen ward and Roger Johnson are their best buys as defenders with Matt Jarvis doing the business in midfield. I still think Stephen Hunt will score plenty of points in midfield too, and both Kevin Doyle and Steven Fletcher look capable of scoring plenty of points too.
I think this should be a keenly contested local derby with both teams ending up all square.
Prediction 1-1
Wigan Athletic vs Queens Park Rangers:
Aston Villa have started a lot better than I thought they would after selling both Ashley Young and Stewart Downing. They have only conceded one goal in their opening two games, and they have looked quite impressive so far. If they can continue their current form their fans might even learn to like their new manager.
Darren Bent is still the most obvious Villa player to buy for any fantasy team, but Shay Given is making a case for himself as well.
Wolves have had a perfect start to the new season with two wins out of two games so far in the Premier League. If they can continue this form they could actually spend a season in mid-table rather than fighting relegation for a change. Their away form was far from impressive last season, but they look capable of changing that this time around.
Stephen ward and Roger Johnson are their best buys as defenders with Matt Jarvis doing the business in midfield. I still think Stephen Hunt will score plenty of points in midfield too, and both Kevin Doyle and Steven Fletcher look capable of scoring plenty of points too.
I think this should be a keenly contested local derby with both teams ending up all square.
Prediction 1-1
Wigan Athletic vs Queens Park Rangers:
Saturday August 27, 12.30pm BST
Wigan have started off with a couple of draws against teams promoted from the Championship last season. They get to play yet another newly promoted team this week, and it's a game they have to be looking to win. The struggled last season because they drew too many games and failed to score enough goals, and those problems are obvious again this season.
It's tough to know what Wigan players can be picked in any fantasy team, but Ali Al-Habsi is not a bad bet in goal at a reasonable price.
QPR managed a great win away to Everton last week after their opening day disaster at home to Bolton Wanderers. They are still trying to bring in some new players before the transfer window closes, and they will need them to survive. I thought they were more than a little lucky against Everton last week, and they could have been well beaten.
I'll be steering clear of QPR players for a while, but if I had to choose one Tommy Smith will score a few points as a striker and he costs very little.
It's risky to ever predict a win for Wigan, but I think they will get one in this game.
Prediction 1-0
Blackburn Rovers vs Everton:
Wigan have started off with a couple of draws against teams promoted from the Championship last season. They get to play yet another newly promoted team this week, and it's a game they have to be looking to win. The struggled last season because they drew too many games and failed to score enough goals, and those problems are obvious again this season.
It's tough to know what Wigan players can be picked in any fantasy team, but Ali Al-Habsi is not a bad bet in goal at a reasonable price.
QPR managed a great win away to Everton last week after their opening day disaster at home to Bolton Wanderers. They are still trying to bring in some new players before the transfer window closes, and they will need them to survive. I thought they were more than a little lucky against Everton last week, and they could have been well beaten.
I'll be steering clear of QPR players for a while, but if I had to choose one Tommy Smith will score a few points as a striker and he costs very little.
It's risky to ever predict a win for Wigan, but I think they will get one in this game.
Prediction 1-0
Blackburn Rovers vs Everton:
Saturday August 27, 3pm BST
Blackburn have had a poor start to the new season with two defeats in their opening two Premier League games. If they don't start getting some points very soon their manager will find himself under pressure before September is over. They have been without Christopher Samba for their first two games, and if he returns he might just steady their defence a little.
At the moment Blackburn players aren't looking like clever fantasy buys, but Junior Hoilett might not be a bad buy in the long run.
Everton should have beaten QPR last week, but they failed to put away the many chances they created. They struggled in front of goal last season, and it looks like they will do so again this time around. It also appears they can only delve into the transfer market if they sell one of their prized assets.
Everton have only played one game so far, but over the season Leighton Baines, Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta are all bound to be good fantasy buys in my opinion.
I think both of these teams will manage their first point of the season in this game.
Prediction 1-1
Chelsea vs Norwich City:
Blackburn have had a poor start to the new season with two defeats in their opening two Premier League games. If they don't start getting some points very soon their manager will find himself under pressure before September is over. They have been without Christopher Samba for their first two games, and if he returns he might just steady their defence a little.
At the moment Blackburn players aren't looking like clever fantasy buys, but Junior Hoilett might not be a bad buy in the long run.
Everton should have beaten QPR last week, but they failed to put away the many chances they created. They struggled in front of goal last season, and it looks like they will do so again this time around. It also appears they can only delve into the transfer market if they sell one of their prized assets.
Everton have only played one game so far, but over the season Leighton Baines, Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta are all bound to be good fantasy buys in my opinion.
I think both of these teams will manage their first point of the season in this game.
Prediction 1-1
Chelsea vs Norwich City:
Saturday August 27, 3pm BST
Chelsea have not been exactly impressive in their two league games so far, but they have four points to their name. They had to come from behind at home to West Brom last week to scrape a 2-1 win, and they look like they need some new blood in the squad. Juan Mata has arrived from Valencia, and I think a few more will arrive before the transfer window closes.
It's difficult to know what Chelsea players to buy because their best ones cost so much, but their attacking players could get a few points in this game.
Norwich have started with a couple of 1-1 draws and they have played quite well in both games. This game will be a big step up for them though, and if they don't get their defending right they could be in for a tough afternoon. They have shown how hard they are prepared to work, and they will have to show it again in this game.
Norwich keeper John Ruddy has had a good start to the season and he's a good buy at a very reasonable price, but maybe after this game.
I think Chelsea will have too much for Norwich, and should run out comfortable winners.
Prediction 3-0
Swansea City vs Sunderland:
Swansea have looked good in their opening two games, but they have failed to score so far. They play attractive football, but they will need to find an end product or it could be a long hard season for them. They have been compared to Blackpool last season, but the difference is Blackpool carried a real goal threat and Swansea don't at the moment.
Swansea's goalkeeper Michel Vorm looks like a real find for them, and he's not a bad buy at a very good price.
Sunderland started with an excellent draw away to Liverpool, but they undid the good work by losing at home to Newcastle last week. That result will have hurt their fans and they will be demanding a reaction against a team Sunderland will feel they can beat. I'm not overly impressed with the players they bought this summer, and I don't know if they will struggle or not yet.
If I had to pick a Sunderland player I think it would be Seb Larsson, as he poses such a threat from dead ball situations.
I think Swansea will get their first Premier League goal, but it will only be enough for a draw.
Prediction 1-1
Liverpool vs Bolton Wanderers:
Chelsea have not been exactly impressive in their two league games so far, but they have four points to their name. They had to come from behind at home to West Brom last week to scrape a 2-1 win, and they look like they need some new blood in the squad. Juan Mata has arrived from Valencia, and I think a few more will arrive before the transfer window closes.
It's difficult to know what Chelsea players to buy because their best ones cost so much, but their attacking players could get a few points in this game.
Norwich have started with a couple of 1-1 draws and they have played quite well in both games. This game will be a big step up for them though, and if they don't get their defending right they could be in for a tough afternoon. They have shown how hard they are prepared to work, and they will have to show it again in this game.
Norwich keeper John Ruddy has had a good start to the season and he's a good buy at a very reasonable price, but maybe after this game.
I think Chelsea will have too much for Norwich, and should run out comfortable winners.
Prediction 3-0
Swansea City vs Sunderland:
Swansea have looked good in their opening two games, but they have failed to score so far. They play attractive football, but they will need to find an end product or it could be a long hard season for them. They have been compared to Blackpool last season, but the difference is Blackpool carried a real goal threat and Swansea don't at the moment.
Swansea's goalkeeper Michel Vorm looks like a real find for them, and he's not a bad buy at a very good price.
Sunderland started with an excellent draw away to Liverpool, but they undid the good work by losing at home to Newcastle last week. That result will have hurt their fans and they will be demanding a reaction against a team Sunderland will feel they can beat. I'm not overly impressed with the players they bought this summer, and I don't know if they will struggle or not yet.
If I had to pick a Sunderland player I think it would be Seb Larsson, as he poses such a threat from dead ball situations.
I think Swansea will get their first Premier League goal, but it will only be enough for a draw.
Prediction 1-1
Liverpool vs Bolton Wanderers:
Saturday August 27, 5.30pm BST
Liverpool have looked quite good in their opening two games, and they really should have six points at this stage. They slipped up at home to Sunderland, but they showed a real killer instinct when Arsenal went down to 10 men last week. A win in this game would send them into the international break in a very healthy situation.
Liverpool look fairly solid defensively and any of their defenders might not be a bad buy for fantasy teams. In midfield Charlie Adam looks like he might be their best midfielder at the moment with Luis Suarez the main threat up front.
Bolton had a great win away to QPR in their first game, and they ran Man City very close last week. They have a never-say-die attitude which gives them a chance against any team, but this will be a tough game for them. Their defence will have to be tighter than it was against City last week if they are to get anything out of this game.
From a fantasy football perspective Bolton concede quite a few goals, but Gary Cahill looks like he might score a few himself this season. Ivan Klasnic has got his chance to start this season and he has managed two goals in two games. He can be bought at a very reasonable price too.
I think Bolton will give Liverpool a run for their money, but the points will go to Liverpool.
Prediction 2-1
Newcastle United vs Fulham:
Liverpool have looked quite good in their opening two games, and they really should have six points at this stage. They slipped up at home to Sunderland, but they showed a real killer instinct when Arsenal went down to 10 men last week. A win in this game would send them into the international break in a very healthy situation.
Liverpool look fairly solid defensively and any of their defenders might not be a bad buy for fantasy teams. In midfield Charlie Adam looks like he might be their best midfielder at the moment with Luis Suarez the main threat up front.
Bolton had a great win away to QPR in their first game, and they ran Man City very close last week. They have a never-say-die attitude which gives them a chance against any team, but this will be a tough game for them. Their defence will have to be tighter than it was against City last week if they are to get anything out of this game.
From a fantasy football perspective Bolton concede quite a few goals, but Gary Cahill looks like he might score a few himself this season. Ivan Klasnic has got his chance to start this season and he has managed two goals in two games. He can be bought at a very reasonable price too.
I think Bolton will give Liverpool a run for their money, but the points will go to Liverpool.
Prediction 2-1
Newcastle United vs Fulham:
Sunday August 28, 1pm BST
Newcastle have yet to concede a goal in the Premier League this season. They have only played two games, but they have looked very solid defensively in those games. I haven't been impressed with their ability to attack in those two games, but they will view this as a game they can definitely win.
So far Tim Krul has looked good in the Newcastle goal with Steven and Roger Taylor both looking impressive in defence. I'm no fan of Steven Taylor, but he has got the maximum bonus points in both of their games so far and he costs very little.
Fulham had a tough trip to Eastern Europe in the Europa League on Thursday night, and they don't travel well away from home in the Premier League. They haven't scored in their two opening games, and they need to start scoring very soon. It will be a very tough game for them against a Newcastle team who like to put themselves about.
At the moment it's very difficult to single out any Fulham players to buy, but over the season Clint Dempsey is usually a sound bet.
I think Newcastle will shade a tight match and win with the only goal.
Prediction 1-0
Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City:
Newcastle have yet to concede a goal in the Premier League this season. They have only played two games, but they have looked very solid defensively in those games. I haven't been impressed with their ability to attack in those two games, but they will view this as a game they can definitely win.
So far Tim Krul has looked good in the Newcastle goal with Steven and Roger Taylor both looking impressive in defence. I'm no fan of Steven Taylor, but he has got the maximum bonus points in both of their games so far and he costs very little.
Fulham had a tough trip to Eastern Europe in the Europa League on Thursday night, and they don't travel well away from home in the Premier League. They haven't scored in their two opening games, and they need to start scoring very soon. It will be a very tough game for them against a Newcastle team who like to put themselves about.
At the moment it's very difficult to single out any Fulham players to buy, but over the season Clint Dempsey is usually a sound bet.
I think Newcastle will shade a tight match and win with the only goal.
Prediction 1-0
Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City:
Sunday August 28, 1.30pm BST
Spurs have only played one Premier League game so far, but they were well beaten by Manchester United last Monday night. They have failed to bring in any new players in the transfer window, and Luka Modric didn't play in that game as he wants to leave the club. The centre of their midfield was very lightweight in that game, and it will have to be a lot better to get a result against City.
At the moment Spurs players are probably not a good bet, but over the season Rafael Van der Vaart is a very good buy in my opinion.
City have a 100% record so far this season, and they added Samir Nasri to their ever increasing squad this week. Their options are the envy of most other teams at the moment, and the bottomless pockets of their owners are a huge asset. They looked a little weak in defence in beating Bolton 3-2 last week, but they were very good going forward.
It's tough to pick which City players to buy at the moment, but David Silva is a must for me and Eden Dzeko looks pretty good too. I'm not sure whether Sergio Aguero or Carlos Tevez will get the nod alongside Dzeko which makes it hard to pick either of them.
I think City will continue their great start to the season by getting all the points in this game.
Prediction 1-2
West Bromwich Albion vs Stoke City:
Spurs have only played one Premier League game so far, but they were well beaten by Manchester United last Monday night. They have failed to bring in any new players in the transfer window, and Luka Modric didn't play in that game as he wants to leave the club. The centre of their midfield was very lightweight in that game, and it will have to be a lot better to get a result against City.
At the moment Spurs players are probably not a good bet, but over the season Rafael Van der Vaart is a very good buy in my opinion.
City have a 100% record so far this season, and they added Samir Nasri to their ever increasing squad this week. Their options are the envy of most other teams at the moment, and the bottomless pockets of their owners are a huge asset. They looked a little weak in defence in beating Bolton 3-2 last week, but they were very good going forward.
It's tough to pick which City players to buy at the moment, but David Silva is a must for me and Eden Dzeko looks pretty good too. I'm not sure whether Sergio Aguero or Carlos Tevez will get the nod alongside Dzeko which makes it hard to pick either of them.
I think City will continue their great start to the season by getting all the points in this game.
Prediction 1-2
West Bromwich Albion vs Stoke City:
Sunday August 28, 3pm BST
West Brom have had to play Manchester United and Chelsea in their first two games this season, and they were unlucky to lose both games. They have looked very good going forward at times, but they lost both games to late goals. If they can sort out their defensive issues they could have a decent season.
Shane Long has had a great start to his Premier League career with goals against both United and Chelsea. He costs very little and he looks like a must buy for fantasy teams.
Stoke have started off with a couple of draws this season, but they have also made it through to the group stages of the Europa League. European teams are in for a footballing culture shock when they come up against Stoke, but Premier League teams are learning to cope with their style of football. They're not pretty to watch, but their style can be very effective.
Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic looks like a good buy, as do a few of their defenders and possibly Matthew Etherington in midfield too.
I think West Brom might just shade this game, but it will be a tough task for them.
Prediction 2-1
Manchester United vs Arsenal:
West Brom have had to play Manchester United and Chelsea in their first two games this season, and they were unlucky to lose both games. They have looked very good going forward at times, but they lost both games to late goals. If they can sort out their defensive issues they could have a decent season.
Shane Long has had a great start to his Premier League career with goals against both United and Chelsea. He costs very little and he looks like a must buy for fantasy teams.
Stoke have started off with a couple of draws this season, but they have also made it through to the group stages of the Europa League. European teams are in for a footballing culture shock when they come up against Stoke, but Premier League teams are learning to cope with their style of football. They're not pretty to watch, but their style can be very effective.
Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic looks like a good buy, as do a few of their defenders and possibly Matthew Etherington in midfield too.
I think West Brom might just shade this game, but it will be a tough task for them.
Prediction 2-1
Manchester United vs Arsenal:
Sunday August 28, 4pm BST
United have won their first two games and only Man City head them on goal difference. They looked very impressive in the second half of their 3-0 defeat of Spurs on Monday night, and they will look to play at that pace again. They will know Arsenal have a lot of problems at the moment, and they will see it as an ideal time to play them.
I'm still not overly impressed with United's defence, as they have a few injuries at the moment and I think it will improve as the season progresses. In midfield both Ashley Young and Oliveira Anderson look good so far with Nani sure to show before too long. Wayne Rooney is looking very good yet again, but Danny Wellbeck is probably not worth buying with Javier Hernandez on his way back.
Arsenal have big problems with injuries and suspensions, and they have failed to score in their first two Premier League games. With Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri now sold they need to add some new players quickly. However, they managed a great win away to Udinese on Wednesday night, and they are capable of beating any team when they click.
It's tough to pick any Arsenal players at the moment, but Robin Van Persie is a good bet for the long run.
I'm an Arsenal fan and I always predict a win for them, but this will be a very tough game for them to get anything from. I'm predicting a 2-1 win for Arsenal, but only out of blind faith.
Prediction 1-2
United have won their first two games and only Man City head them on goal difference. They looked very impressive in the second half of their 3-0 defeat of Spurs on Monday night, and they will look to play at that pace again. They will know Arsenal have a lot of problems at the moment, and they will see it as an ideal time to play them.
I'm still not overly impressed with United's defence, as they have a few injuries at the moment and I think it will improve as the season progresses. In midfield both Ashley Young and Oliveira Anderson look good so far with Nani sure to show before too long. Wayne Rooney is looking very good yet again, but Danny Wellbeck is probably not worth buying with Javier Hernandez on his way back.
Arsenal have big problems with injuries and suspensions, and they have failed to score in their first two Premier League games. With Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri now sold they need to add some new players quickly. However, they managed a great win away to Udinese on Wednesday night, and they are capable of beating any team when they click.
It's tough to pick any Arsenal players at the moment, but Robin Van Persie is a good bet for the long run.
I'm an Arsenal fan and I always predict a win for them, but this will be a very tough game for them to get anything from. I'm predicting a 2-1 win for Arsenal, but only out of blind faith.
Prediction 1-2
That's it for this week, but as always feel free to tell me where I have gone right or wrong as the case may be.
It's not too late to join over 750 teams in my Fantasy League and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, tumblr and Facebook too.
See you tomorrow.
It's not too late to join over 750 teams in my Fantasy League and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, tumblr and Facebook too.
See you tomorrow.
Thursday, 25 August 2011
Udinese 1-2 Arsenal: Champions League Football Awaits Arsenal.
Arsenal travelled to Udinese in Italy last night for the second leg of their Champions League final qualifying round. They held a narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg, but with a number of players missing through injury it looked like they were in for a tough night. The prize for the victors was a place in the group stages of this season's Champions League, and a minimum payout of €30 million.
Arsene Wenger had very little choice with the team he picked on the night, and he changed his tactics slightly by deploying two holding midfielders. During the first half neither Alex Song or Emmanuel Frimpong seemed to take the role as a solely defensive one, and the Arsenal defence were vulnerable as a result. At half time Wenger withdrew Frimpong and put Tomas Rosicky on to try to gain more control in midfield.
Arsenal's first leg lead had already been lost at that stage due to a 39th minute goal from Antonio Di Natale. He found some space in the Arsenal box and looped a header over the helpless Wojciech Szczesny into the top corner of the net. Udinese came very close on a few other occasions in that first half, but Arsenal had a couple of good chances too.
Arsenal looked stronger from the start in the second half and it only took them 10 minutes to get the equaliser on the night. The goal came from Robin Van Persie, as he met a cut-back from Gervinho to sweep the ball home from six yards. Gervinho did very well to beat his man on the outside to create the chance, and Arsenal had a few players in the box waiting for the cut-back.
The tide had turned in Arsenal's favour, as Udinese now needed two goals to go through and Arsenal were clear favourites. All they had to do was keep things tight at the back and pick off Udinese on the break, as they pushed forward and tired. Of course it's never that easy with Arsenal and Thomas Vermaelen conceded a penalty soon afterwards, as he was adjudged to have handled the ball in a goalmouth scramble.
I thought it was a very harsh penalty, as he was pushed into the ball by a Udinese player, but he didn't protest too much about it. Di Natale stepped up to take the penaly, but Szczesny had a few words with him beforehand. He struck the ball really hard and Szczesny dived the right way, but he still had to put the full strength of his hand behind the ball to knock it over the bar. It was an absolutely fantastic save and it seemed to lift the Arsenal players even more.
Arsenal were now doing their best to play possession football, and Udinese were closing them down less as the game wore on. In the 69th minute Theo Walcott exchanged passes with Bacary Sagna and raced through on goal from the left hand side. I always feel Walcott has a better chance of scoring from the left, as the whole goal is open to him with his right foot.
He took his chance very well and put it past the keeper at the near post. It meant Udinese now needed three goals in 20 minutes, and they looked a tired and dispirited team. Arsenal again did their best to play keep ball, and they had the best of the chances in the last 20 minutes.
It means Arsenal will be in the draw for the group stages of the Champions League, and some of the pressure on Wenger and his players has been lifted. I thought Song had an excellent second half playing in front of the defence, and a few more performances like that will certainly help to improve Arsenal's league position. He is suspended for the next two games of course along with Gervinho, but there's still a lot of games left this season.
I was delighted with the effort and determination shown by the players last night, and I thought the introduction of Rosicky was a turning point for them. He was able to offer the creativity needed, and put his foot on the ball to slow things down when needed. I don't think he's capable of a full 90 minutes any more, but coming on at half time he had an awful lot to offer.
Arsenal will go the Premier League champions Manchester United on Sunday with a little more belief, but it will be with a depleted team. They also have seven more days to come up with the players needed to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes. Those players should be a little easier to attract now that Champions League qualification is guaranteed for the 14th consecutive season.
Hopefully Wenger can use the vast amount of money available to him to convince a few players that there is a bright future for them at Arsenal.
That's it for today.
Here's the highlights from last night's game with thanks to 101greatgoals as always.
See You Tomorrow.
Arsene Wenger had very little choice with the team he picked on the night, and he changed his tactics slightly by deploying two holding midfielders. During the first half neither Alex Song or Emmanuel Frimpong seemed to take the role as a solely defensive one, and the Arsenal defence were vulnerable as a result. At half time Wenger withdrew Frimpong and put Tomas Rosicky on to try to gain more control in midfield.
Arsenal's first leg lead had already been lost at that stage due to a 39th minute goal from Antonio Di Natale. He found some space in the Arsenal box and looped a header over the helpless Wojciech Szczesny into the top corner of the net. Udinese came very close on a few other occasions in that first half, but Arsenal had a couple of good chances too.
Arsenal looked stronger from the start in the second half and it only took them 10 minutes to get the equaliser on the night. The goal came from Robin Van Persie, as he met a cut-back from Gervinho to sweep the ball home from six yards. Gervinho did very well to beat his man on the outside to create the chance, and Arsenal had a few players in the box waiting for the cut-back.
The tide had turned in Arsenal's favour, as Udinese now needed two goals to go through and Arsenal were clear favourites. All they had to do was keep things tight at the back and pick off Udinese on the break, as they pushed forward and tired. Of course it's never that easy with Arsenal and Thomas Vermaelen conceded a penalty soon afterwards, as he was adjudged to have handled the ball in a goalmouth scramble.
I thought it was a very harsh penalty, as he was pushed into the ball by a Udinese player, but he didn't protest too much about it. Di Natale stepped up to take the penaly, but Szczesny had a few words with him beforehand. He struck the ball really hard and Szczesny dived the right way, but he still had to put the full strength of his hand behind the ball to knock it over the bar. It was an absolutely fantastic save and it seemed to lift the Arsenal players even more.
Arsenal were now doing their best to play possession football, and Udinese were closing them down less as the game wore on. In the 69th minute Theo Walcott exchanged passes with Bacary Sagna and raced through on goal from the left hand side. I always feel Walcott has a better chance of scoring from the left, as the whole goal is open to him with his right foot.
He took his chance very well and put it past the keeper at the near post. It meant Udinese now needed three goals in 20 minutes, and they looked a tired and dispirited team. Arsenal again did their best to play keep ball, and they had the best of the chances in the last 20 minutes.
It means Arsenal will be in the draw for the group stages of the Champions League, and some of the pressure on Wenger and his players has been lifted. I thought Song had an excellent second half playing in front of the defence, and a few more performances like that will certainly help to improve Arsenal's league position. He is suspended for the next two games of course along with Gervinho, but there's still a lot of games left this season.
I was delighted with the effort and determination shown by the players last night, and I thought the introduction of Rosicky was a turning point for them. He was able to offer the creativity needed, and put his foot on the ball to slow things down when needed. I don't think he's capable of a full 90 minutes any more, but coming on at half time he had an awful lot to offer.
Arsenal will go the Premier League champions Manchester United on Sunday with a little more belief, but it will be with a depleted team. They also have seven more days to come up with the players needed to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes. Those players should be a little easier to attract now that Champions League qualification is guaranteed for the 14th consecutive season.
Hopefully Wenger can use the vast amount of money available to him to convince a few players that there is a bright future for them at Arsenal.
That's it for today.
Here's the highlights from last night's game with thanks to 101greatgoals as always.
See You Tomorrow.
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Arsenal's Champions League Trip To Udinese Previewed.
Arsenal play Udinese tonight in the second leg of the final Champions League qualifying round. The prize for the winners is a place in the group stages of this season's Champions League, and a minimum payout of roughly €30 million. Arsenal won the first leg 1-0 at home last week, but since then they have had problems with injuries and they have lost Samir Nasri to Manchester City.
It was hardly a surprise that Nasri left, as he had refused to sign a contract since last summer. However, added to the departure of Cesc Fabregas last week his sale has left Arsenal fans feeling their team is short of top class players. There are only seven days left in the transfer window for Arsene Wenger to secure some much needed additions for his squad.
That squad also has problems with suspensions for their domestic games, but thank fully Alex Song, Gervinho and Emmanuel Frimpong are all available tonight. I would imagine that all three of them have to start, as none of them can play against Manchester United on Sunday. Arsenal will be without Kieran Gibbs, Laurent Koscielny, Abou Diaby and Jack Wilshere and possibly Johan Djourou, Armand Traore, Sebastien Squillaci and Tomas Rosicky too.
I'm hoping that Djourou will be fit, as he can slot in beside Thomas Vermaelen at the centre of the Arsenal defence with the same two full backs that played against Liverpool. It's a big ask of Carl Jenkinson again, but I think he has a better chance of coping on the right at least. I would prefer not to see Song in the defence, as I would like to see him form a defensive midfield barrier with Emmanuel Frimpong.
If Rosicky is fit I think he should play in front of those two, as the creative midfield player. I thought Aaron Ramsey looked very tired in the last two games and he still has a long way to go to reach the level he was at before his leg break. Rosicky doesn't have the pace to last 90 minutes any more in my opinion, so I think Ramsey should replace him with 30 minutes left if needed.
I don't think Arsenal can afford to play both Rosicky and Ramsey together, as I can't see either of them lasting the entire 90 minutes at full pace. If Song and Frimpong both play it will leave Frimpong free to venture forward occasionally from his holding role. He showed on Saturday that he has the power, pace and ability to do so, and with Wilshere missing he could be very important in my opinion.
He is only 19 years old and he missed all of last season through injury, but he showed that he is a real star of the future against Liverpool. Other players fail to impress when they get their big chance, but Frimpong was not afraid to play football and put himself about too. Unfortunately his desire to impress ended up with him getting a red card, but he will soon learn to control that.
Robin Van Persie will play the central strikers role and I'm sure Gervinho will play on one of the flanks. The big question is who will accompany him in the other wide role, as both Theo Walcott and Andrey Arshavin were very poor against Liverpool on Saturday. I have a feeling Arshavin might get the nod with Walcott introduced as an impact substitute at some stage.
Udinese showed how good they can be in the first game at the Emirates, and Arsenal were lucky to come out of it with a clean sheet. If Arsenal can play a little deeper tonight and attempt to hit Udinese on the break I think it could be of more benefit to them than playing their usual game. Arsenal do not need to over commit players when they are attacking, and they cannot afford to be hit on the break.
I think the inclusion of both Song and Frimpong would help Arsenal to play a deeper game, but it is a game which is a little alien to them. The most important thing for Arsenal tonight is the result, and they have to do anything it takes to achieve that result. The monetary rewards and prestige of Champions League group qualification are something Arsenal have never missed out on under Arsene Wenger, and it would be a huge blow for the club if it happened now.
Not only would an exit see Arsenal miss out on the Champions League group stages, but it would also mean they had to play on Thursday nights in the Europa League. That's not an attractive prospect in my opinion, as they would find themselves playing so many Premier League games on Sundays instead of Saturdays. It's a competition they would be well able to win, but it's not one I would like to see them compete in.
I think Arsenal might just about have enough to get the result they need tonight despite the injured players and those who have left too. I think RVP is due a goal and I hope he can be the man to inspire those around him. He's the new captain since Cesc Fabregas left, andhe needs to play a captain's role tonight. Personally I would have preferred to have seen the captaincy go to Vermaelen, but I do not doubt RVP's desire or love for the club for a moment.
I'm predicting a 2-1 win for Arsenal, but even if that scoreline is reversed Arsenal will go through on away goals. I think Arsenal have to score tonight, or they will be in for a very tough time defensively knowing one goal will even the tie up. I'm confident that this Arsenal team has goals in it, and tonight is the night for them to show it.
Wenger will be on the touchline tonight despite his impending two game ban, as Arsenal have lodged an appeal with UEFA. I think his presence on the line could be very important for the players, and hopefully he can help them to achieve the right result. The ban from UEFA was an absolute joke, but I expect no more than incompetence at best from them.
I'm hoping to see each and every Arsenal player fight for each other and the team too tonight, and show the fans how much it means to them to play for Arsenal. Some very good players may have left the club, but others will take their place, and Arsenal will continue to play some of the best football of any team in the world. Hopefully the new additions to the squad will be the impetus the players need to challenge at the very top in all competitions yet again this season.
For those Arsenal fans lucky enough to be at the game tonight I hope they see another memorable night in Italy. Arsenal have had great victories in Italy in past against Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan, and hopefully Udinese will become another victim of theirs tonight. Despite any reservations I have about how the transfer window has been handled I will always support Arsenal no matter what.
That's it for today.
Here's the highlights of Arsenal's last win in Italy against AC Milan.
See You Tomorrow.
It was hardly a surprise that Nasri left, as he had refused to sign a contract since last summer. However, added to the departure of Cesc Fabregas last week his sale has left Arsenal fans feeling their team is short of top class players. There are only seven days left in the transfer window for Arsene Wenger to secure some much needed additions for his squad.
That squad also has problems with suspensions for their domestic games, but thank fully Alex Song, Gervinho and Emmanuel Frimpong are all available tonight. I would imagine that all three of them have to start, as none of them can play against Manchester United on Sunday. Arsenal will be without Kieran Gibbs, Laurent Koscielny, Abou Diaby and Jack Wilshere and possibly Johan Djourou, Armand Traore, Sebastien Squillaci and Tomas Rosicky too.
I'm hoping that Djourou will be fit, as he can slot in beside Thomas Vermaelen at the centre of the Arsenal defence with the same two full backs that played against Liverpool. It's a big ask of Carl Jenkinson again, but I think he has a better chance of coping on the right at least. I would prefer not to see Song in the defence, as I would like to see him form a defensive midfield barrier with Emmanuel Frimpong.
If Rosicky is fit I think he should play in front of those two, as the creative midfield player. I thought Aaron Ramsey looked very tired in the last two games and he still has a long way to go to reach the level he was at before his leg break. Rosicky doesn't have the pace to last 90 minutes any more in my opinion, so I think Ramsey should replace him with 30 minutes left if needed.
I don't think Arsenal can afford to play both Rosicky and Ramsey together, as I can't see either of them lasting the entire 90 minutes at full pace. If Song and Frimpong both play it will leave Frimpong free to venture forward occasionally from his holding role. He showed on Saturday that he has the power, pace and ability to do so, and with Wilshere missing he could be very important in my opinion.
He is only 19 years old and he missed all of last season through injury, but he showed that he is a real star of the future against Liverpool. Other players fail to impress when they get their big chance, but Frimpong was not afraid to play football and put himself about too. Unfortunately his desire to impress ended up with him getting a red card, but he will soon learn to control that.
Robin Van Persie will play the central strikers role and I'm sure Gervinho will play on one of the flanks. The big question is who will accompany him in the other wide role, as both Theo Walcott and Andrey Arshavin were very poor against Liverpool on Saturday. I have a feeling Arshavin might get the nod with Walcott introduced as an impact substitute at some stage.
Udinese showed how good they can be in the first game at the Emirates, and Arsenal were lucky to come out of it with a clean sheet. If Arsenal can play a little deeper tonight and attempt to hit Udinese on the break I think it could be of more benefit to them than playing their usual game. Arsenal do not need to over commit players when they are attacking, and they cannot afford to be hit on the break.
I think the inclusion of both Song and Frimpong would help Arsenal to play a deeper game, but it is a game which is a little alien to them. The most important thing for Arsenal tonight is the result, and they have to do anything it takes to achieve that result. The monetary rewards and prestige of Champions League group qualification are something Arsenal have never missed out on under Arsene Wenger, and it would be a huge blow for the club if it happened now.
Not only would an exit see Arsenal miss out on the Champions League group stages, but it would also mean they had to play on Thursday nights in the Europa League. That's not an attractive prospect in my opinion, as they would find themselves playing so many Premier League games on Sundays instead of Saturdays. It's a competition they would be well able to win, but it's not one I would like to see them compete in.
I think Arsenal might just about have enough to get the result they need tonight despite the injured players and those who have left too. I think RVP is due a goal and I hope he can be the man to inspire those around him. He's the new captain since Cesc Fabregas left, andhe needs to play a captain's role tonight. Personally I would have preferred to have seen the captaincy go to Vermaelen, but I do not doubt RVP's desire or love for the club for a moment.
I'm predicting a 2-1 win for Arsenal, but even if that scoreline is reversed Arsenal will go through on away goals. I think Arsenal have to score tonight, or they will be in for a very tough time defensively knowing one goal will even the tie up. I'm confident that this Arsenal team has goals in it, and tonight is the night for them to show it.
Wenger will be on the touchline tonight despite his impending two game ban, as Arsenal have lodged an appeal with UEFA. I think his presence on the line could be very important for the players, and hopefully he can help them to achieve the right result. The ban from UEFA was an absolute joke, but I expect no more than incompetence at best from them.
I'm hoping to see each and every Arsenal player fight for each other and the team too tonight, and show the fans how much it means to them to play for Arsenal. Some very good players may have left the club, but others will take their place, and Arsenal will continue to play some of the best football of any team in the world. Hopefully the new additions to the squad will be the impetus the players need to challenge at the very top in all competitions yet again this season.
For those Arsenal fans lucky enough to be at the game tonight I hope they see another memorable night in Italy. Arsenal have had great victories in Italy in past against Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan, and hopefully Udinese will become another victim of theirs tonight. Despite any reservations I have about how the transfer window has been handled I will always support Arsenal no matter what.
That's it for today.
Here's the highlights of Arsenal's last win in Italy against AC Milan.
See You Tomorrow.
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Arsenal's 10 Worst Moments Under Arsene Wenger.
Arsene Wenger took over the reins at Arsenal in 1996, and now 15 years later he faces what is probably his toughest challenge at the club. Arsenal are already three games into the new season, but the squad is simply not strong enough to cope with all the challenges ahead of them. He has eight days left to bring some new faces into the club, or possibly write off a whole season as early as September.
There are rumours of a rift between Wenger and the board over the the club's future transfer and wages policies, and if they are true the whole club is paying the price. It has to be remembered that Wenger brought a style of football to Arsenal which was alien to them under George Graham, and he has delivered a fair share of trophies too. He was also the driving force behind their move to their new stadium, and the benefits of that will be felt in years to come.
If he can do the business required to strengthen Arsenal's team in the next eight days all will be rosy again, but as the days go by the fans are growing more restless. Champions League qualification is far from certain, and Arsenal are already five points off the early pace in the Premier League. Arsenal fans have suffered disappointments under Wenger before, and they will again I'm sure.
In this article I'll attempt to recall Arsenal's 10 worst moments under Wenger, and give my own perspective on them.
1999 FA Cup Semi Final vs Manchester United:
There are rumours of a rift between Wenger and the board over the the club's future transfer and wages policies, and if they are true the whole club is paying the price. It has to be remembered that Wenger brought a style of football to Arsenal which was alien to them under George Graham, and he has delivered a fair share of trophies too. He was also the driving force behind their move to their new stadium, and the benefits of that will be felt in years to come.
If he can do the business required to strengthen Arsenal's team in the next eight days all will be rosy again, but as the days go by the fans are growing more restless. Champions League qualification is far from certain, and Arsenal are already five points off the early pace in the Premier League. Arsenal fans have suffered disappointments under Wenger before, and they will again I'm sure.
In this article I'll attempt to recall Arsenal's 10 worst moments under Wenger, and give my own perspective on them.
1999 FA Cup Semi Final vs Manchester United:
Arsene Wenger led Arsenal to the double in 1998, and the following season they looked destined to repeat that feat. It was all going to plan until a last minute penalty miss by Arsenal legend Denis Bergkamp in the FA Cup semi final against Manchester United. The game went to extra time, and it was eventually won by a wonder goal by Ryan Giggs for United.
He seemed to beat almost half of the Arsenal team in a mazy run before finishing into the roof of the net past a hapless David Seaman. The goal was enough to give 10 man United the victory, and they went on to win not only the FA Cup but the Premier League and the Champions League too. It was a season of absolute glory for United, but if that penalty had gone in things probably would have been so different.
The goal by Giggs is still replayed to this day, and it still hurts as an Arsenal fan to see it 12 years later.
Leeds United 1-0 Arsenal May 1999:
He seemed to beat almost half of the Arsenal team in a mazy run before finishing into the roof of the net past a hapless David Seaman. The goal was enough to give 10 man United the victory, and they went on to win not only the FA Cup but the Premier League and the Champions League too. It was a season of absolute glory for United, but if that penalty had gone in things probably would have been so different.
The goal by Giggs is still replayed to this day, and it still hurts as an Arsenal fan to see it 12 years later.
Leeds United 1-0 Arsenal May 1999:
Arsenal had lost their hold on the FA Cup only a few weeks earlier when a stunning Ryan Giggs goal helped United to beat them in the FA Cup semi final. They were still favourites to lift the Premier League title though, and with two games left they were on top of the table. They travelled to Leeds United on a midweek night knowing that a win would put them in the driving seat, but their hopes were in tatters by the end of the match.
Nigel Winterburn had to go off injured with only 10 minutes left, and he was replaced by Nelson Vivas in the Arsenal defence. With only a few minutes remaining Vivas failed to pick up Jimmy Floyd Hasslebaink at the far post, and the Leeds centre forward scored the goal to break Arsenal hearts. Only a few weeks earlier Arsenal had seemed destined for yet another double, but they ended the season without a trophy.
Arsenal won their final game against Aston Villa, but United beat Tottenham Hotspur on the same day to set up their most glorious season ever. It was a season of what might have been for Arsenal, and they had to wait another three years before they won another trophy.
2000 UEFA Cup Final vs Galatasaray:
Nigel Winterburn had to go off injured with only 10 minutes left, and he was replaced by Nelson Vivas in the Arsenal defence. With only a few minutes remaining Vivas failed to pick up Jimmy Floyd Hasslebaink at the far post, and the Leeds centre forward scored the goal to break Arsenal hearts. Only a few weeks earlier Arsenal had seemed destined for yet another double, but they ended the season without a trophy.
Arsenal won their final game against Aston Villa, but United beat Tottenham Hotspur on the same day to set up their most glorious season ever. It was a season of what might have been for Arsenal, and they had to wait another three years before they won another trophy.
2000 UEFA Cup Final vs Galatasaray:
Arsenal had fallen behind Manchester United on the domestic front by the end of the 1999/2000 season, but they had a chance for glory in the UEFA Cup Final against Turkish side Galatasary. Arsenal were favourites going into the game, but it was a fairly even contest up until extra time. With no goals in 90 minutes the game went into an extra half hour with penalties to follow if the teams couldn't be separated.
Early in the first period of extra time the pendulum swung in Arsenal's favour when Galatasaray's Gheorghe Hagi was sent off. He was their star player, and Arsenal took the chance to pour forward in search of a winner. Their attempts were in vain as they missed chance after chance, and the game went to penalties.
In the penalty shoot out Galatasaray went first and scored each of their first three penalties. Davor Suker missed Arsenal's first effort before Ray Parlour scored, but when Patrick Vieira missed the third one their chances were all but gone. Galatasaray dispatched their fourth effort and Arsenal finished as the runners-up yet again.
2001 FA Cup Final vs Liverpool:
Early in the first period of extra time the pendulum swung in Arsenal's favour when Galatasaray's Gheorghe Hagi was sent off. He was their star player, and Arsenal took the chance to pour forward in search of a winner. Their attempts were in vain as they missed chance after chance, and the game went to penalties.
In the penalty shoot out Galatasaray went first and scored each of their first three penalties. Davor Suker missed Arsenal's first effort before Ray Parlour scored, but when Patrick Vieira missed the third one their chances were all but gone. Galatasaray dispatched their fourth effort and Arsenal finished as the runners-up yet again.
2001 FA Cup Final vs Liverpool:
Arsenal played Liverpool in the 2001 FA Cup final, as they tried to end a run of three years without a trophy. As the match progressed Arsenal eventually took the lead through Freddie Ljungberg, and they looked destined to win their third trophy under Wenger. It had been a controversial game at that stage, as twice Liverpool players had handled the ball to prevent Arsenal scoring.
As the game wore on and Arsenal missed chances their fans hoped they wouldn't pay the price. However, two goals in the final ten minutes from Michael Owen turned the tide in Liverpool's favour and Arsenal somehow lost a game they should have easily won. It was a bitter blow for them, but the team recovered from it very well and came storming back the next season to win the double yet again.
2006 Champions League Final vs Barcelona:
As the game wore on and Arsenal missed chances their fans hoped they wouldn't pay the price. However, two goals in the final ten minutes from Michael Owen turned the tide in Liverpool's favour and Arsenal somehow lost a game they should have easily won. It was a bitter blow for them, but the team recovered from it very well and came storming back the next season to win the double yet again.
2006 Champions League Final vs Barcelona:
Arsenal had a pretty poor season domestically in 2006, but they reached the final of the Champions League for the first and only time so far in the club's history. Their defensive record in reaching that final was quite fantastic, as a makeshift defence kept ten clean sheets in a row. They had to play Barcelona in the final and it was always going to be a very tough game for them.
Early in the game Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was sent off for taking down a Barcelona player outside the box and Robert Pires was withdrawn to enable Manuel Almunia to play in goal. Arsenal took the lead against the odds when Sol Campbell headed home a free kick before half time, and the dream was still alive. In the second half Thierry Henry had a great chance to kill the game off, but he missed from close range and the tide turned in Barcelona's favour.
Barcelona equalised with fifteen minutes left, and then took the lead with ten minutes to go. Arsenal had worked very hard to stay in the game, but the ten men struggled to find a way back against a very good team. The game ended 2-1 to Barcelona and Arsenal fans could only imagine what might have been if Lehmann had stayed on, or if Henry had taken his golden opportunity.
2007 Carling Cup Final vs Chelsea: Early in the game Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was sent off for taking down a Barcelona player outside the box and Robert Pires was withdrawn to enable Manuel Almunia to play in goal. Arsenal took the lead against the odds when Sol Campbell headed home a free kick before half time, and the dream was still alive. In the second half Thierry Henry had a great chance to kill the game off, but he missed from close range and the tide turned in Barcelona's favour.
Barcelona equalised with fifteen minutes left, and then took the lead with ten minutes to go. Arsenal had worked very hard to stay in the game, but the ten men struggled to find a way back against a very good team. The game ended 2-1 to Barcelona and Arsenal fans could only imagine what might have been if Lehmann had stayed on, or if Henry had taken his golden opportunity.
Arsenal had used a mixture of fringe players, young players and more experienced players throughout their Carling Cup campaign in 2006/07. It was a policy which was continued in the final as Armand Traore, Justin Hoyte, Denilson, Jeremie Aliadiere and Julio Baptista all started the game. Arsenal took an early lead through a very young Theo Walcott, but the lead was soon cancelled out by Chelsea's Didier Drogba.
Drogba struck again for Chelsea with only six minutes remaining, and Arsenal were unable to find a way back in the 13 added minutes played. The game continued for such a long time firstly because Abou Diaby had knocked John Terry out with a kick to the face while clearing the ball, and then because of a mass brawl in added time. Three players were sent off after the brawl, and Arsenal finished the game with nine players on the field.
It was a game where Drogba yet again proved to be the scourge of Arsenal, and Philippe Senderos in particular. Despite a very good performance from an inexperienced side they just didn't have enough on the day to meet the power of Chelsea.
Birmingham City 2-2 Arsenal February 2008:
Drogba struck again for Chelsea with only six minutes remaining, and Arsenal were unable to find a way back in the 13 added minutes played. The game continued for such a long time firstly because Abou Diaby had knocked John Terry out with a kick to the face while clearing the ball, and then because of a mass brawl in added time. Three players were sent off after the brawl, and Arsenal finished the game with nine players on the field.
It was a game where Drogba yet again proved to be the scourge of Arsenal, and Philippe Senderos in particular. Despite a very good performance from an inexperienced side they just didn't have enough on the day to meet the power of Chelsea.
Birmingham City 2-2 Arsenal February 2008:
Arsenal had sold Thierry Henry to Barcelona in the summer of 2007, and they appeared destined to fall behind in the battle for trophies in England. However, they more than held their own in that season, and headed the table when they paid a visit to Birmingham City on Saturday February 23rd. Arsenal started brightly, but after less than 10 minute the incident which ruined their season occurred.
Eduardo was crudely cut down by Birmingham's Martin Taylor, and the injury he suffered seemed to greatly affect the Arsenal players. It was an horrific injury from which he has not really fully recovered to this day, and he's a player who had such a bright future ahead of him at Arsenal. Birmingham took the lead, and Arsenal looked like it was all too much for them at that stage.
In the second half Theo Walcott struck twice to put Arsenal ahead and it looked like the points would be theirs. They had a legitimate penalty claim turned down, and then in the final minute the referee gave Birmingham a penalty. Gael Clichy dithered when clearing the ball and he was almost robbed, but he managed to react just in time.
However, the referee saw things differently and Birmingham took their chance to grab a draw. Arsenal captain William Gallas lost the plot and threw a major sulk instead of trying to support his teammates. Arsenal's league season then fell apart, as they took only seven points from their next seven games.
That run included defeats to both Manchester United and Chelsea who were the only teams to finish above them that season. In the end Arsenal put together a run of four wins in a row to finish the season, but they finished four points behind the eventual winners Manchester United. It was a season which could have ended so differently except for that fateful afternoon.
2009 Champions League Semi Final vs Manchester United:
Eduardo was crudely cut down by Birmingham's Martin Taylor, and the injury he suffered seemed to greatly affect the Arsenal players. It was an horrific injury from which he has not really fully recovered to this day, and he's a player who had such a bright future ahead of him at Arsenal. Birmingham took the lead, and Arsenal looked like it was all too much for them at that stage.
In the second half Theo Walcott struck twice to put Arsenal ahead and it looked like the points would be theirs. They had a legitimate penalty claim turned down, and then in the final minute the referee gave Birmingham a penalty. Gael Clichy dithered when clearing the ball and he was almost robbed, but he managed to react just in time.
However, the referee saw things differently and Birmingham took their chance to grab a draw. Arsenal captain William Gallas lost the plot and threw a major sulk instead of trying to support his teammates. Arsenal's league season then fell apart, as they took only seven points from their next seven games.
That run included defeats to both Manchester United and Chelsea who were the only teams to finish above them that season. In the end Arsenal put together a run of four wins in a row to finish the season, but they finished four points behind the eventual winners Manchester United. It was a season which could have ended so differently except for that fateful afternoon.
2009 Champions League Semi Final vs Manchester United:
Arsenal had qualified for the Champions League semi final in 2009, and when they drew Manchester United there was some real hope of another appearance in the final. Arsenal went to Old Trafford for the first leg and emerged with only a 1-0 defeat despite being completely outplayed. They needed to turn things around in the home leg, and to do so they had to be at their very best.
After only 11 minutes of the game at the Emirates Arsenal's chances were in tatters, as United led 2-0 through goals from Ji-Sung Park and Cristiano Ronaldo. Arsenal again failed to turn up when it mattered most, but they eventually managed a late consolation from Robin Van Persie after United had gone three up. Questions were asked of the Arsenal players' big game temperament, and those questions are still being asked now two years later.
Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Arsenal April 2010:
After only 11 minutes of the game at the Emirates Arsenal's chances were in tatters, as United led 2-0 through goals from Ji-Sung Park and Cristiano Ronaldo. Arsenal again failed to turn up when it mattered most, but they eventually managed a late consolation from Robin Van Persie after United had gone three up. Questions were asked of the Arsenal players' big game temperament, and those questions are still being asked now two years later.
Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Arsenal April 2010:
Arsenal had not been beaten by their local rivals Spurs in over 10 years in the Premier League when the two teams met in April 2010. Arsenal were still just about challenging for the Premier League title, but they had to win to keep their chances alive. Arsenal had quite a few injury problems, but they still had a fairly strong team on the night.
Spurs scored an early goal when Manuel Almunia failed to deal with a long range effort from Danny Rose, and Gareth Bale doubled their lead early in the second half. Arsenal suffered more injuries during the game, but when Robin Van Persie was introduced midway through the second half the tide turned in their favour. Nicklas Bendtner pulled a goal back for them late on, but it was too little too late, and another season ended in disappointment.
The bragging rights for north London also disappeared that night, and Arsenal have not beaten Spurs in two league encounters since that game despite having a two goal lead in each game.
2011 Carling Cup Final vs Birmingham City:
Spurs scored an early goal when Manuel Almunia failed to deal with a long range effort from Danny Rose, and Gareth Bale doubled their lead early in the second half. Arsenal suffered more injuries during the game, but when Robin Van Persie was introduced midway through the second half the tide turned in their favour. Nicklas Bendtner pulled a goal back for them late on, but it was too little too late, and another season ended in disappointment.
The bragging rights for north London also disappeared that night, and Arsenal have not beaten Spurs in two league encounters since that game despite having a two goal lead in each game.
2011 Carling Cup Final vs Birmingham City:
Arsenal hadn't won a trophy in six years when they met Birmingham City in the 2011 Carling Cup final at the end of last February. They were clear favourites going into the game, as they were challenging for the Premier League title and Birmingham were fighting a battle against relegation. Arsenal had to do without the services of the injured Cesc Fabregas, but they still had enough quality players to win the game.
Birmingham took the lead after half an hour, but Robin Van Persie equalised shortly before half time. During the second half Arsenal looked the most likely to grab a winner, but Ben Foster had his best game of the season in goal for Birmingham. Arsenal were a little shaky at the back, and in the very last minute calamity struck.
Wojciech Szczesny came to collect a simple ball into the box, but Laurent Koscielny swung wildly at it and the ball fell to the feet of Obafemi Martins. He rolled it into an empty net and Birmingham saw out the last few minutes to claim a trophy for the first time in a very long time. It's impossible to tell whether Szczesny called for the ball or not, but if he did the mistake was all Koscielny's.
It didn't really matter whose fault it was though, as Arsenal had fallen at the final hurdle yet again.
Birmingham took the lead after half an hour, but Robin Van Persie equalised shortly before half time. During the second half Arsenal looked the most likely to grab a winner, but Ben Foster had his best game of the season in goal for Birmingham. Arsenal were a little shaky at the back, and in the very last minute calamity struck.
Wojciech Szczesny came to collect a simple ball into the box, but Laurent Koscielny swung wildly at it and the ball fell to the feet of Obafemi Martins. He rolled it into an empty net and Birmingham saw out the last few minutes to claim a trophy for the first time in a very long time. It's impossible to tell whether Szczesny called for the ball or not, but if he did the mistake was all Koscielny's.
It didn't really matter whose fault it was though, as Arsenal had fallen at the final hurdle yet again.
Arsenal face into the new season with a team which looks weaker than at any other time under Wenger. If they are to finally end their trophy drought some new players must be added in the next eight days, or it could be a very tough season for them. They have some excellent young players coming through, but they need to add some quality and experience to the team to enable those players to progress.
That's it for today.
It's not too late to join over 650 teams in my Fantasy League and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, tumblr and Facebook too.
See You Tomorrow.
That's it for today.
It's not too late to join over 650 teams in my Fantasy League and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, tumblr and Facebook too.
See You Tomorrow.
Sunday, 21 August 2011
Arsenal's Squad Depth Is Exposed Again As They Lose 2-0 At Home To Liverpool.
Arsenal played their first home game in the Premier League this season against Liverpool yesterday, and they lost 2-0 after yet again being reduced to 10 men. The Arsenal team on the day was a weakened one due to injuries and suspensions, as well as the sale of star player Cesc Fabregas. The result leaves them with only one point from their opening two league games, and the prospect of a visit to champions Manchester United next Sunday.
Before that trip to United next week Arsenal have to travel to Udinese on Wednesday night for the second leg of their vital Champions League qualifier. It's a game Arsenal need to get a result from to ensure qualification for the group stages, and if they fail the pressure on Arsene Wenger will be huge. This summer has been a very difficult one for Arsenal fans, and he needs to strengthen the squad or the growing feelings of unrest could possibly tilt the balance against him.
The team selected against Liverpool was as expected with the exception of Samir Nasri getting his first start of the season in midfield. His expected transfer to Manchester City still hasn't gone through, and Arsenal's need on the day meant he had to be played. He was part of a midfield trio with Emmanuel Frimpong and Aaron Ramsey, and on the day he gave all he had in my opinion.
The Arsenal fans are far from happy with Nasri's refusal to sign a new contract, and the long drawn out saga of his move to City has made him a villain in their eyes. They understood Cesc's desire to return to his hometown club after eight years at Arsenal, but Nasri is perceived as being greedy. If Arsenal can get over €20 million for him from City they have to take it, as they cannot afford to let him leave on a free transfer next summer.
However, he is a quality player and if he is sold it will only weaken the Arsenal team further. If he is still at the club next weekend he has to be included in the team to play United. Arsenal's midfield options on the day will be so limited that they cannot afford to leave him out of the team.
Arsenal were far from impressive going forward yesterday, as Liverpool had the majority of possession and dealt effectively with any threat from Arsenal. Robin Van Persie had very little influence on the game, but it's not his fault those around him failed to bring him into the game often enough. Both Theo Walcott and Andrey Arshavin were almost non-existent for the entire duration of the time on the pitch, but neither Ryo Miyaichi or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlin were given a chance to show what they can do.
The early injury injury to Laurent Koscielny meant that Ignasi Miquel had to come on in the 16th minute to make his Premier League debut. He was impressive alongside Thomas Vermarlen who had a great game yet again. If Vermaelen picks up an injury I dread to think how the Arsenal defence will perform without him.
It meant the Arsenal defence had a very young look to it with Carl Jenkinson and Wojciech Szczesny also playing. They were fairly solid until the dismissal of Frimpong meant Liverpool simply had too much for them, and eventually got the goals they wanted. I was a little surprised to see Miquel on the bench instead of Sebastien Squillaci, but it was a pleasant surprise.
In midfield Nasri showed he is prepared to play if he is called upon, and Frimpong did very well on his Premier League debut. Unfortunately for Frimpong his youthful enthusiasm got the better of him, and he ended up seeing two yellow cards which meant he was sent off. Ramsey had very little influence on the game compared to the other two, and he already looks like he needs a rest to me.
The young players thrown in at the back and in midfield did well, but it's hard to understand why both Miyaichi and Oxlade-Chamberlain weren't given the same opportunity. With Arsenal's wide players showing so little on the day they surely could have done no worse, but it appears youth only gets it's chance when there is no choice at all. If they have the quality that's needed to perform at this level then they have to be given a chance when others aren't performing.
I thought Arsenal were finally starting to get a foothold in the game just before Frimpong went off, but his departure signalled a change of tactics for Liverpool which Arsenal's 10 men could not cope with. The first Liverpool goal was marginally offside, but it was so close it was hard for the assistant to see. The second Liverpool was virtually walked into the goal, as Arsenal attempted to push forward for an equaliser.
Frimpong's first yellow card was very harsh, as he did very little to deserve it in my opinion. However, the second yellow card should probably have been a straight red card, as his challenge on Lucas was a very dangerous one in my opinion. Frimpong had knocked the ball too far ahead of himself and he tried to chase it down, but his challenge on Lucas could easily have caused the Liverpool player a serious injury.
It means Arsenal will not have a defensive midfielder available to play against United next week, but at least there is a possibility of Jack Wilshere being fit. The Premier League suspensions won't effect Arsenal on Wednesday night against Udinese, and I think both Frimpong and Alex Song should play in midfield with Nasri. If City are going to buy Nasri they will not want him cup tied for the Champions League, but the needs of Arsenal outweigh their needs.
If Arsenal have to play Nasri to ensure qualification it should lead to a €30 million windfall, and that is more than City are offering for Nasri. If it means Nasri stays until the end of the season it will cost Arsenal around €20 million, but maybe it's a risk worth taking. Wenger has to do what is best for Arsenal, and Nasri's potential inclusion might eventually bring the whole sad mess to a conclusion.
Arsenal have now played two Premier League games without scoring in either of them, and they have also created precious few chances in those games. The free flowing attacking football they are noted for is not happening, and it needs to return before their title chances disappear all too early. The return of some of the injured and suspended players will help Arsenal to play better, but the team is crying out for reinforcements.
There are only 10 days remaining in the transfer window, and Arsenal's fate depends upon their ability to use those days wisely. There have to be players available to strengthen both Arsenal's team and their squad, and Wenger needs to move quickly to buy those players. The current glut of injuries and suspensions has shown up the lack of depth available to Arsenal, and if previous seasons are anything to go by they will continue throughout the season.
That's it for today.
Here's the highlights of yesterday's game with thanks to 101greatgoals as always.
It's not too late to join over 650 teams in my Fantasy League and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
Before that trip to United next week Arsenal have to travel to Udinese on Wednesday night for the second leg of their vital Champions League qualifier. It's a game Arsenal need to get a result from to ensure qualification for the group stages, and if they fail the pressure on Arsene Wenger will be huge. This summer has been a very difficult one for Arsenal fans, and he needs to strengthen the squad or the growing feelings of unrest could possibly tilt the balance against him.
The team selected against Liverpool was as expected with the exception of Samir Nasri getting his first start of the season in midfield. His expected transfer to Manchester City still hasn't gone through, and Arsenal's need on the day meant he had to be played. He was part of a midfield trio with Emmanuel Frimpong and Aaron Ramsey, and on the day he gave all he had in my opinion.
The Arsenal fans are far from happy with Nasri's refusal to sign a new contract, and the long drawn out saga of his move to City has made him a villain in their eyes. They understood Cesc's desire to return to his hometown club after eight years at Arsenal, but Nasri is perceived as being greedy. If Arsenal can get over €20 million for him from City they have to take it, as they cannot afford to let him leave on a free transfer next summer.
However, he is a quality player and if he is sold it will only weaken the Arsenal team further. If he is still at the club next weekend he has to be included in the team to play United. Arsenal's midfield options on the day will be so limited that they cannot afford to leave him out of the team.
Arsenal were far from impressive going forward yesterday, as Liverpool had the majority of possession and dealt effectively with any threat from Arsenal. Robin Van Persie had very little influence on the game, but it's not his fault those around him failed to bring him into the game often enough. Both Theo Walcott and Andrey Arshavin were almost non-existent for the entire duration of the time on the pitch, but neither Ryo Miyaichi or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlin were given a chance to show what they can do.
The early injury injury to Laurent Koscielny meant that Ignasi Miquel had to come on in the 16th minute to make his Premier League debut. He was impressive alongside Thomas Vermarlen who had a great game yet again. If Vermaelen picks up an injury I dread to think how the Arsenal defence will perform without him.
It meant the Arsenal defence had a very young look to it with Carl Jenkinson and Wojciech Szczesny also playing. They were fairly solid until the dismissal of Frimpong meant Liverpool simply had too much for them, and eventually got the goals they wanted. I was a little surprised to see Miquel on the bench instead of Sebastien Squillaci, but it was a pleasant surprise.
In midfield Nasri showed he is prepared to play if he is called upon, and Frimpong did very well on his Premier League debut. Unfortunately for Frimpong his youthful enthusiasm got the better of him, and he ended up seeing two yellow cards which meant he was sent off. Ramsey had very little influence on the game compared to the other two, and he already looks like he needs a rest to me.
The young players thrown in at the back and in midfield did well, but it's hard to understand why both Miyaichi and Oxlade-Chamberlain weren't given the same opportunity. With Arsenal's wide players showing so little on the day they surely could have done no worse, but it appears youth only gets it's chance when there is no choice at all. If they have the quality that's needed to perform at this level then they have to be given a chance when others aren't performing.
I thought Arsenal were finally starting to get a foothold in the game just before Frimpong went off, but his departure signalled a change of tactics for Liverpool which Arsenal's 10 men could not cope with. The first Liverpool goal was marginally offside, but it was so close it was hard for the assistant to see. The second Liverpool was virtually walked into the goal, as Arsenal attempted to push forward for an equaliser.
Frimpong's first yellow card was very harsh, as he did very little to deserve it in my opinion. However, the second yellow card should probably have been a straight red card, as his challenge on Lucas was a very dangerous one in my opinion. Frimpong had knocked the ball too far ahead of himself and he tried to chase it down, but his challenge on Lucas could easily have caused the Liverpool player a serious injury.
It means Arsenal will not have a defensive midfielder available to play against United next week, but at least there is a possibility of Jack Wilshere being fit. The Premier League suspensions won't effect Arsenal on Wednesday night against Udinese, and I think both Frimpong and Alex Song should play in midfield with Nasri. If City are going to buy Nasri they will not want him cup tied for the Champions League, but the needs of Arsenal outweigh their needs.
If Arsenal have to play Nasri to ensure qualification it should lead to a €30 million windfall, and that is more than City are offering for Nasri. If it means Nasri stays until the end of the season it will cost Arsenal around €20 million, but maybe it's a risk worth taking. Wenger has to do what is best for Arsenal, and Nasri's potential inclusion might eventually bring the whole sad mess to a conclusion.
Arsenal have now played two Premier League games without scoring in either of them, and they have also created precious few chances in those games. The free flowing attacking football they are noted for is not happening, and it needs to return before their title chances disappear all too early. The return of some of the injured and suspended players will help Arsenal to play better, but the team is crying out for reinforcements.
There are only 10 days remaining in the transfer window, and Arsenal's fate depends upon their ability to use those days wisely. There have to be players available to strengthen both Arsenal's team and their squad, and Wenger needs to move quickly to buy those players. The current glut of injuries and suspensions has shown up the lack of depth available to Arsenal, and if previous seasons are anything to go by they will continue throughout the season.
That's it for today.
Here's the highlights of yesterday's game with thanks to 101greatgoals as always.
It's not too late to join over 650 teams in my Fantasy League and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
Friday, 19 August 2011
Arsenal's Premier League Game With Liverpool Previewed.
Arsenal play their first home Premier League game of the new season against Liverpool tomorrow, and it's going to be a very tough assignment for them. The list of players Arsenal have unavailable through injury or suspension is bad enough, but added to that they have sold too many players without replacing them. Arsene Wenger is going to have some real problems putting together a competitive midfield against Liverpool, and Arsenal's chances could depend on his ability to do so.
When last season ended he said there would be changes in the Arsenal squad, and the club would be busy in the transfer market. He was absolutely right as Arsenal have sold Cesc Fabregas, Gael Clichy, Emmanuel Eboue and Jay Emmanuel Thomas and brought in Gervinho, Ryo Miyaichi, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joel Campbell. On top of the players being sold Arsenal have also loaned Denilson and Carlos Vela to other clubs for the season, and Samir Nasri, Nicklas Bendtner and Manuel Almunia look destined to be sold too.
I'm no mathematician but even I can see that the numbers don't add up and Arsenal are in dire need of at least four players to give their squad enough strength to compete in the Premier League. Of the four players signed only Gervinho can be considered ready to play in the Premier League, and the other three are teenage prospects and no more in my opinion. The question on the lips of so many Arsenal fans is how their club have arrived at this stage with less than two weeks remaining in the transfer window.
Wenger has maintained all along that he will only bring in players of "super quality" that will improve his team. He says Arsenal have that quality already and he wants to bring in players who will improve the team. The team Arsenal field tomorrow will be a long way short of the quality needed to compete at the very top in the Premier League and the Champions League.
I know there are problems with injuries and suspensions, but problems like those occur in every team throughout every season. Arsenal's current squad does not have the depth to deal with those problems, and only Wenger can resolve the problem. He has less than two weeks to bring in the players needed, or he may find the minority of fans who want him out growing very quickly.
The drawn out transfer of Cesc to Barcelona didn't help matters, and neither does the possible exit of Nasri to Manchester City. However, Arsenal had money available to spend at the start of the summer, and they have added to that with the sales so far. If he is willing to pay approximately €15 million for Chamberlain, why will he not pay similar figures for defenders who the squad so desperately need.
The midfield has been stripped of it's playmaker, and without a suitable replacement for Cesc the team will be a pale shadow of what it once was. Robin Van Persie is an excellent striker, but he is also very injury prone and Marouane Chamakh looks like he will be his only deputy. The performances of Chamakh since last January fill me with dread at the thought of a RVP injury.
I know there are still two weeks to go before the transfer window closes, but the football season has actually started and Arsenal have some very tough games before the month ends. So far the defence has held tight with two clean sheets against Newcastle United and Udinese, but tougher tests lie ahead in the next week. After tomorrow's game at home to Liverpool there are trips to Udinese and Manchester United before the dreaded international break returns.
Hopefully Arsenal will emerge from the other side of the international break with all of their players fit again, and some new additions settling into the squad. If the players are brought in and Arsenal fail to deliver the goods then at least they will have tried, but if no players are added and Arsenal fail I cannot see where Wenger has to go. If he does not add the necessary quality it looks like he is writing the season off as yet another trophyless one, and it's a situation that cannot be allowed to develop.
As for the game against Liverpool it's not too difficult to predict Arsenal's starting 11 with so few players to choose from. Alex Song and Gervinho are suspended for three domestic games each after their stupidity against Newcastle last week. Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and Abu Diaby are all injured, and Johan Djourou, Tomas Rosicky and Armand Traore are all doubtful too.
It could see Sebastien Squillaci recalled to the first team, and that's a sight which scares me. I don't think he is good enough to play at this level any more, and Arsenal look defensively very suspect when he plays. If he doesn't play it will probably mean that Carl Jenkinson starts as one of the full backs and makes his Premier League debut.
Jenkinson looks to be a very good prospect to me, but he was playing non-league football last season. That's hardly the "super quality" that has been promised by the manager, but I hope all goes well for him if he plays. I think he should be deployed at right back if selected, and Bacary Sagna should switch to the left.
The central defensive pairing of Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny is progressing well together, and hopefully they can continue that partnership. With Wojciech Szczesny in goal the defence will be relatively strong compared to some of the options elsewhere on the field. Andy Carroll caused Arsenal some problems with his height when he played at the Emirates for Newcastle last season, and I expect him to do so again.
In midfield the options are limited and it looks like Emmanuel Frimpong will have to start. He has virtually no experience at this level after he missed all of last season injured, but I can't see any other player being able to play the defensive role unless Djourou is considered for it. Aaron Ramsey will have to take on the creative duties for the day, but I still think he has a way to go before he reaches the form he displayed prior to his leg break almost 18 months ago.
The third midfielder will depend on the fitness of Rosicky, and if he's not fit I think Henri Lansbury has to be the man for the job. There are very few other options available to the manager and if Lansbury is to be a member of the first team squad he has to be able to play when needed. There is a good arguement for Arsenal playing four in midfield, but I cannot see Wenger changing his tactics.
Thankfully RVP will return from his Champions League suspension to lead the attack, and Arsenal have a real goal threat with him in the team. On either side of him I expect to see Theo Walcott and Andrey Arshavin, and both of those players are capable of finding the back of the net too. I was critical of Walcott after Tuesday's game against Udinese, but I still think he is a good finisher even if he is limited elsewhere.
There has been some suggestion that Arsenal will rest some players ahead of the return leg against Udinese in the Champions League next Wednesday night. I cannot imagine that the team could take any of the better players being omitted considering all of those missing already. Both Song and Gervinho should be well rested because of their suspensions, and that is more than enough in my opinion.
If Arsenal are holding off on buying new players until they have secured qualification for the group stages of the Champions League it's a dangerous game to play. I know qualification means roughly €20 million added to the clubs TV revenue, as well as at least three big pay days in home group games. However, the later the purchases are left the less likely the hances of them being completed.
Arsenal's confidence is so brittle at the moment that a collapse away to Udinese is far from unbelievable, and what players of true quality would want to join then. If the club have the players needed lined up then they must buy them immediately, or suffer the consequences on and off the pitch.
Liverpool have spent a fair deal of money this summer bringing in players who are good, but not exceptional. Despite all of Arsenal's current problems I still think they have a good chance of getting something out of this game, and if they can keep tight at the back I think they will. Call me a blind optimist, despite what I've written, but I think Arsenal will emerge with a 2-1 victory, and RVP will get his name on the scoresheet.
This has been an incredibly hard summer for all Arsenal fans, and it looks like it will continue right up until the final moments of the transfer window. On a personal level I will only be able to see the first half of tomorrow's game, as I have a wedding to attend. I hate missing Arsenal games, but family duties come first occasionally.
UPDATE:
The latest squad news is that Gibbs, Djourou, Rosicky and Armand Traore are all definitely out which means there will be a makeshift left back. Ryo and Samir Nasri are both in the squad though, and Ryo might get a chance at some stage. I would be shocked to see Nasri included in the team, as he didn't play on Tuesday night.
He is surely on the verge of a move away from Arsenal and the reaction of the fans to him could be quite nasty. Even if he is on the bench I think he might get an adverse reaction, and I cannot see how playing him could improve team morale. The sooner he is sold and new players come in , the better for all concerned.
That's it for today.
Here's the highlights from last season's 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool.
See You Tomorrow.
When last season ended he said there would be changes in the Arsenal squad, and the club would be busy in the transfer market. He was absolutely right as Arsenal have sold Cesc Fabregas, Gael Clichy, Emmanuel Eboue and Jay Emmanuel Thomas and brought in Gervinho, Ryo Miyaichi, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joel Campbell. On top of the players being sold Arsenal have also loaned Denilson and Carlos Vela to other clubs for the season, and Samir Nasri, Nicklas Bendtner and Manuel Almunia look destined to be sold too.
I'm no mathematician but even I can see that the numbers don't add up and Arsenal are in dire need of at least four players to give their squad enough strength to compete in the Premier League. Of the four players signed only Gervinho can be considered ready to play in the Premier League, and the other three are teenage prospects and no more in my opinion. The question on the lips of so many Arsenal fans is how their club have arrived at this stage with less than two weeks remaining in the transfer window.
Wenger has maintained all along that he will only bring in players of "super quality" that will improve his team. He says Arsenal have that quality already and he wants to bring in players who will improve the team. The team Arsenal field tomorrow will be a long way short of the quality needed to compete at the very top in the Premier League and the Champions League.
I know there are problems with injuries and suspensions, but problems like those occur in every team throughout every season. Arsenal's current squad does not have the depth to deal with those problems, and only Wenger can resolve the problem. He has less than two weeks to bring in the players needed, or he may find the minority of fans who want him out growing very quickly.
The drawn out transfer of Cesc to Barcelona didn't help matters, and neither does the possible exit of Nasri to Manchester City. However, Arsenal had money available to spend at the start of the summer, and they have added to that with the sales so far. If he is willing to pay approximately €15 million for Chamberlain, why will he not pay similar figures for defenders who the squad so desperately need.
The midfield has been stripped of it's playmaker, and without a suitable replacement for Cesc the team will be a pale shadow of what it once was. Robin Van Persie is an excellent striker, but he is also very injury prone and Marouane Chamakh looks like he will be his only deputy. The performances of Chamakh since last January fill me with dread at the thought of a RVP injury.
I know there are still two weeks to go before the transfer window closes, but the football season has actually started and Arsenal have some very tough games before the month ends. So far the defence has held tight with two clean sheets against Newcastle United and Udinese, but tougher tests lie ahead in the next week. After tomorrow's game at home to Liverpool there are trips to Udinese and Manchester United before the dreaded international break returns.
Hopefully Arsenal will emerge from the other side of the international break with all of their players fit again, and some new additions settling into the squad. If the players are brought in and Arsenal fail to deliver the goods then at least they will have tried, but if no players are added and Arsenal fail I cannot see where Wenger has to go. If he does not add the necessary quality it looks like he is writing the season off as yet another trophyless one, and it's a situation that cannot be allowed to develop.
As for the game against Liverpool it's not too difficult to predict Arsenal's starting 11 with so few players to choose from. Alex Song and Gervinho are suspended for three domestic games each after their stupidity against Newcastle last week. Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and Abu Diaby are all injured, and Johan Djourou, Tomas Rosicky and Armand Traore are all doubtful too.
It could see Sebastien Squillaci recalled to the first team, and that's a sight which scares me. I don't think he is good enough to play at this level any more, and Arsenal look defensively very suspect when he plays. If he doesn't play it will probably mean that Carl Jenkinson starts as one of the full backs and makes his Premier League debut.
Jenkinson looks to be a very good prospect to me, but he was playing non-league football last season. That's hardly the "super quality" that has been promised by the manager, but I hope all goes well for him if he plays. I think he should be deployed at right back if selected, and Bacary Sagna should switch to the left.
The central defensive pairing of Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny is progressing well together, and hopefully they can continue that partnership. With Wojciech Szczesny in goal the defence will be relatively strong compared to some of the options elsewhere on the field. Andy Carroll caused Arsenal some problems with his height when he played at the Emirates for Newcastle last season, and I expect him to do so again.
In midfield the options are limited and it looks like Emmanuel Frimpong will have to start. He has virtually no experience at this level after he missed all of last season injured, but I can't see any other player being able to play the defensive role unless Djourou is considered for it. Aaron Ramsey will have to take on the creative duties for the day, but I still think he has a way to go before he reaches the form he displayed prior to his leg break almost 18 months ago.
The third midfielder will depend on the fitness of Rosicky, and if he's not fit I think Henri Lansbury has to be the man for the job. There are very few other options available to the manager and if Lansbury is to be a member of the first team squad he has to be able to play when needed. There is a good arguement for Arsenal playing four in midfield, but I cannot see Wenger changing his tactics.
Thankfully RVP will return from his Champions League suspension to lead the attack, and Arsenal have a real goal threat with him in the team. On either side of him I expect to see Theo Walcott and Andrey Arshavin, and both of those players are capable of finding the back of the net too. I was critical of Walcott after Tuesday's game against Udinese, but I still think he is a good finisher even if he is limited elsewhere.
There has been some suggestion that Arsenal will rest some players ahead of the return leg against Udinese in the Champions League next Wednesday night. I cannot imagine that the team could take any of the better players being omitted considering all of those missing already. Both Song and Gervinho should be well rested because of their suspensions, and that is more than enough in my opinion.
If Arsenal are holding off on buying new players until they have secured qualification for the group stages of the Champions League it's a dangerous game to play. I know qualification means roughly €20 million added to the clubs TV revenue, as well as at least three big pay days in home group games. However, the later the purchases are left the less likely the hances of them being completed.
Arsenal's confidence is so brittle at the moment that a collapse away to Udinese is far from unbelievable, and what players of true quality would want to join then. If the club have the players needed lined up then they must buy them immediately, or suffer the consequences on and off the pitch.
Liverpool have spent a fair deal of money this summer bringing in players who are good, but not exceptional. Despite all of Arsenal's current problems I still think they have a good chance of getting something out of this game, and if they can keep tight at the back I think they will. Call me a blind optimist, despite what I've written, but I think Arsenal will emerge with a 2-1 victory, and RVP will get his name on the scoresheet.
This has been an incredibly hard summer for all Arsenal fans, and it looks like it will continue right up until the final moments of the transfer window. On a personal level I will only be able to see the first half of tomorrow's game, as I have a wedding to attend. I hate missing Arsenal games, but family duties come first occasionally.
UPDATE:
The latest squad news is that Gibbs, Djourou, Rosicky and Armand Traore are all definitely out which means there will be a makeshift left back. Ryo and Samir Nasri are both in the squad though, and Ryo might get a chance at some stage. I would be shocked to see Nasri included in the team, as he didn't play on Tuesday night.
He is surely on the verge of a move away from Arsenal and the reaction of the fans to him could be quite nasty. Even if he is on the bench I think he might get an adverse reaction, and I cannot see how playing him could improve team morale. The sooner he is sold and new players come in , the better for all concerned.
That's it for today.
Here's the highlights from last season's 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool.
See You Tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)