Arsenal vs Stoke City, 2-0: Full time thoughts, analysis and player ratings
The Game
Finally!
There was a moment where I thought this was going to end 1-1 but the lads were brave enough to hold on and glad to see the strikers helping out in defence when we were under pressure.
Of course this could have easily ended 4-0 or 5-0, but as I said above, it could also have easily ended in a draw. For sure, is that this win will be a morale booster ahead of next week’s away trip to Anfield.
And Chelsea lost.
Match Video Highlights
Match video highlights are available in the Videos section of our website. If not there yet, rest assured they will be up in a matter of hours.
Player Ratings
Almunia: 5 – One of the few who didn’t convince me today, very, very insecure in dealing with high balls.
Traore: 7,5 – I’ve said it in the past, he’s a beast going forward, maybe better than Clichy and Gibbs. His only weakness is when defending has to be done but he dealt with that pretty well today.
Gallas: 7,5 – Incredibly solid at the back. He used all his experience to keep Stoke away, let’s just hope it’s just a minor injury the one he suffered in the end.
Vermaelen: 7 – Also did well, very quick to clear the danger and good in the air as well.
Sagna: 7,5 – Nothing went passed him at the back. If he improves his crossing ability, he’ll be a monster of a player.
Rosicky: No Vote – Very disappointing game from the Czech International and Wenger said he suffered an injury so that could be the reason for his anonymous display, no fair to rate him.
Denilson: 5,5 – It’s an average rating this one. His first half, which I would rate a 4 was shocking but he did well in the second, for which he deserves a 6.5. For sure is that he’s NOT the answer to replace Alex Song but then again, if not the Brasilian, who?
Eboue: 6,5 – I think he did pretty well. He was causing Stoke all sort of damage in midfield with his runs.
Nasri: 7,5 – He clearly is back, fully recovered from injury and glad to see.
Fabregas: 6 – A so-and-so game for the captain. Everyone can miss a penalty of course, but he was easily dispossessed in the first quarter of the game and looked frustrated. He recovered as the game went on.
Arshavin: 7,5 – Finally up front! I lost my voice calling for Andrey to start as a striker and this confirmed HE is the one who should replace Robin. If I am to be picky, he failed to make the most of two clear chances, but glad to see him back to almost his best.
(Subs)
Vela: 6,5 – Quiet start but didn’t stay put, dropped deeper and deeper, enough to produce a brilliant tackle to start the move which led to the so-important second goal.
Ramsey: 7 – Second goal which was scored by Aaron, and I’m so glad to see him put City behind him and produce such an amazing display. Great goal, great finish!
Silvestre: No Vote – Only five minutes for the Frenchman.
![[Video] Blackburn vs Arsenal highlights: Big win as we go second in the table!](http://www.thegunninghawk.com/wp-content/themes/arthemia-premium/scripts/timthumb.php?src=/wp-content/uploads/video.jpg&w=80&h=80&zc=1)
All I have to say is thank goodness we were up 2 when Silvestre entered!!!! Sorry to hear that Rosicky is hurt again, I am afraid that we are not going to ever see a fully fit Rosicky, Walcott or even Eduardo this year. I thought Rosicky showed moments of his great skill and creativity, but just does not have the quickness or obviously the fitness he had previously. I am afraid he is not going to return to the player he was before the injuries.
Traore did have a much better game and to me looks more and more confident on the ball each game. He sure can get forward well and puts in a nice cross.
Arshavin really showed what Vela and Eduaro lack up top as the single striker and should stay there in front of those two (let them play out left where they are far more effective). However, I do get tired of his continually quitting on plays when they don’t pass him the ball. At times he worked his tail off, other times he looked like a little baby throwing his hands in the air when he didn’t get the ball.
What a world of difference there is between Denilson and Song in all areas. Denilson was serviceable is all I can say, similar display to what got all of us so frustrated with him last season. Not horrible, but too many little things he continually does that drive me crazy and not a real impact on the game like Song would have.
Was glad to Nasri more central alternate with Fabregas to drop back. He really looked sharp, but did tire.
Ramsey had a brilliant goal with the outside of his foot shot and had another long shot that he struck well, still looks a bit lost at times where he should be defensively and off of the ball, but did show glimpses of what we all expect in the near future.
A final word about our crossing, with the single forward we are continually crossing a ball (whether it’s a good cross or not is not relevant really) to a 5′6″ player in the middle of four 6′2″ or so defenders and a tall goalie with no chance of scoring. We just are not getting numbers in the box on crosses and should not be sending some of them in when we can still maintain possession (or even dribble in a bit and draw a defender and give others time to get forward). Hard to believe Wenger can’t see that. We do best playing the ball back on our crosses to players a little more withdrawn from the back defensive line.
Overall though was glad to see the win and would rather have seen City and Chelsea tie (so both drop points), but with a game in hand and a 8 point deficit things are looking better.
Thanks for your contribution mate, always appreciated.
Yes, Andrey used his body better than Vela and Eduardo today, confirming that he can be a striker after all. Although on Eduardo, I believe his “problem” is more that he’s not fit enough, the pre-injury Dudu knew a thing or two on what it takes to be a striker and score goals
Well,what I have to say is ‘NOT IMPRESSED”…
Man City just handled their business and took care of Chelsea…!!
They are in fact knocking at the top 4’s door…
Nasri was the best player in the game (by a long mile) with Arshavin…
We did handle the physical part of the game,but at what cost… Few players got injured (again)…
It is always the same story and the record is now totally broken and disposed in the bin…
We need physical players (even average) to complete our skilled (but too short) players…
Again, WAKE UP WENGER !!
good game but still a lot of misses that could have cost us…and arshavin could have scored at least one more goal…but let’s be happy with the win and look forward…
with rosicky out i wonder with liverpool if vela will start…it will be a very difficult game..
and i hope torres will be out…
AND NO MORE INJURIES PLEASE !
It depends if Diaby and Bendtner are back next week.
great game by Arsenal but still miss RVP.
After the horrible last few weeks Arsenal has had, it’s just nice to see a win (as well as Arshavin returning to top form). It was made that much nicer seeing Chelsea flame out completely, without a single score by one of their players and six bookings. With a showing like that, I’m not nearly as pessimistic about Arsenal’s chances as I was last week.
My oh My how we missed song! we are so unbelievably thin in defense and striking!!! If Gallas is truly injured we are screwed! Senderos and Silvestre are not good enough options for one of the top 6 UK clubs!
Arsharvin gave us a million more options than eduardo + I actually think its his best position. eduardo would not have scored that goal. I’m not sure Eduardo should get back in the first team. Bendtner to partner Arsharvin, with Merida and Vela stepping up to cover rosicky. Wilshere to partner Ramsey on the Bench
Fabregas was not very good – maybe he missed the assurity of Song behind him??
Gooners this was not an impressive game! if we had been playing tougher opposition do you think we would have won?
What training techniques do we use to continually f**k our players????
Van Parsie, Walcott, Cliche, Gibbs, Diaby, Bendtner, Eduardo, Rosicky, and now Eboue, Gallas and Traore?????? This too wierd. It’s like they all secretly take muscle retardants?
I call us Top 6 now because we more often than not cannot beat Chelsea and Man U, Whilst are only 50-50 at winning against City, Liverpool and Tottenham.
Just hope that Man C take another year to overtake us, and that Liverpool are going backwards quicker than we are.
I know our fully fit side is breathtaking but injuries cannot be our demise year after year. Depth and rotation is part of a good team. It’d be like a tennis player who is Amazing but doesn’t have the fitness to play 3 sets let alone 5!
We have midfielders to last us 10 years! pls spend some of your millions and millions AW on another Defender to dive us Gallas, Vermaelen and (one more tall defender). And another striker to give us RVP, Bendtner, Arshaviin/ Vela and (I more tall powerful striker)!
another goalie would be good. Almunia and Fabianski are soooooooooo suspect!!
u think this is a bloody supper market, grab a trolley and throw your stuff on what a clown
Nope, I just know when the larders getting empty. If we need players we need players! I’m not the only one who thinks we’re light on in Strikers and CD’s….and decent Goalies. I’m just saying that Wenger cannot possibly say he has no cash. 20 + from Adebeyor (we know) …plus how much money do we have tied up in fringe players that we really don’t utilise or could make way for much needed re-inforcements??? Senderos, Eboue, Eduardo, Almunia…….we have money is my point! It up to you to argue how yo’d rather have Eduardo over Dzeko.
Has Eduardo actually scored yet? He’s got a few deflections and a couple of own goals that we’re attributed. I have seen him miss a lot of 1 on 1’s???. I like the guys but he’s not going to win us a trophy!
Man U have Roony, Chelsea have Drogba and Anelka? Manu have Tevez and i hate to say it but..(adebeyor is plaing OK this year as is Bellamy). Liverpool have Torres! we at the moment have Eduardo????????????…..I’m not qite sure what his strong points are but I’m happy to be enlightened.
Well actually that’s why I believe yesterday’s line-up is a winner. Nasri, Arshavin, Rosicky(or better Vela) and Fabregas can all find the net and contrary to Chelsea, they did mighty well to create and exploit spaces in the Stoke defense.
And if we had RvP or Bendnter that is taller, it could work better.
PS.. I know we have Djourou, we need him as well. 60 games + injuries?? ther’s be plenty of games to go round
Hell I know you’ve got at least 20 million. So sell fringe players…Eduardo 6 million, Senderos 5 million, Almunia 7 Million, Eboue 6 Million.
That’s a good 45 Million in the Kitty?????
18 million for a striker, 10 million for a defender, 10 million for an established keeper….and you’ll still make a profit whist give us a better shot at titles.
Dzeko + Haangland + ……Not sure on the Keeper (jaaskalinen is better than our 2 if they were in goal together!)
Who thinks I should be AW’s new assistant in recruitment??????????
Arsene already told that Dzeko is to expensive. We should buy Guillermo Ochoa xD
Dzeko is expensive because he is good, but at the absence of RVP and Bendtner, he is king of player we need. Tall, good in the air, and nice first touch …. and off course 40 goals in 74 matches for Wolfsburg is not a joke.
why arsenal play so breathlessly, so anxiously? yes they miss chances, comically at times, but so did barca today till 80th minute, but this sense that if they will not cushion 2,3 goals in the get go of the first half they are doomed, crazy state of affairs. I am amazed at your reluctant and pedestrian evaluation of Arshavin , who at his best is miles ahead of anyone else on this team in his football vision and foresight of moves,there is no one in this team Fab included IMHO that is on his wavelength, not just his cleverness in using his skill, his deceptive strength and tenacity, but also and mainly his desire and WINNERISM which is so much lacking in this team i.e a belief that he can turn things around, and he usually does. Ridiculous to put him on par with Nasri today (and I like Nasri )or any other day, or Ramsey. hopefully Arsh will not be regularly wasted and frustrated on the wings. he had a point to prove today, he knew that he is not at his peak and yet he proved it with interest .
the case of Rosicky: sadly possibly he never will be the player he used to be, Where is his shot? people remember what an amazing shot outside the box he used to have, like his compatriot Nedved, and he is so easy to push off the ball these days.
Switching immediately after to the City game and see how they overrun Chelsie MF in long patches it pains and yet so simple and obvious again to see that our last weekend is no fluke and what we miss is a no-nonsense aggressive DM terrier like deJong, no genius , just a dedicated relentless tough tackler and ball winner. like Diarra was alas.Song is nice but not really it by himself. I followed Denilson today, he is so static and practically ignored as first option by his teammates passing too . Alternatively why is it that our 2,3 hobbits in midfield do not make it their business to crowd out the opposition everytime they win the ball, this is something that I rarely see, could and should be our best front line of defense instead of always abandoning this to Song?. Further, are there more passive indecisive and Unbrave keepers in the premiership now then Almunia? when you see a Givens today and know he was available, this lingering problem is even more incomprehensible.I do believe that Gallas and Vermaelen is NOT a sufficient partnership, chelsie game showed it clearly, against the toughest opposition they are not complementary. I would then pick Vermaelen no question about it. Gallas is a warrior who saved us many times but it is high time to groom top notch strong CD.I have no complains about Traore, he does his job on the left fine, Sagna played great he knows his art yet if he could only cross better, but cross to whom?, and here we go back again to our main problem..But Arsene knows it all right?
What you’re saying basically is that Arsenal is a shit team.
Why on earth are you supporting them?!
…or maybe you don’t support them.
I think we controlled the midfield better than Chelsea did; we were just tooth-less upront.
…and I doubt Gallas would’ve started that game (considering his injury from the mid-week game) had Djourou been available.
It’s good to level criticisms appropriately i.e without malice and placed in a context.
We had Robin, Nichaulas and Abou absent on that occassion.
Re-Imagine that game without Drogba and Anelka; playing against our preferred squad?
Do you think they would’ve scored?
Don’t you think we’ll be victors, considering how sh~aak~y the Chelsea backline performs when met with good opposition?
“Great teams defend as a unit: from front to back.”
This is something this young team is building and they need our support to help get them over the hurdle.
Arsenal has never been a ’splash the cash’ club (with or without Wenger) and the board are not so stupid as to place undue pressure on our manager, with respect to the spending bracket we’re in.
I believe the reason we’ve made the changes (to our buisness model), including moving to a larger venue is to be able to ‘compete with Man United’.
…so, the sooner the stadium and housing debts are paid off the better.
Paying £30 mil for a player and then writing it off as a bad purchase (asuming the player fails to perform) is not an option for this club.
We take calculated risks and there is a lot to admire in that (not withstanding the current economic climate).
There actually is a reason our scouting system spend considerable time on a talent before purchasing.
For a self-confessed sore loser, I highly doubt Monsieur Wenger prefers to age 10yrs (in the space of 4yrs) just ’cause he wants to rear some young-guns.
I’m fairly certain he’d rather be lording over Mr Ferguson with his serial winning invincible teams, but that sadly is a not the reality.
Arsene’s a man of great principle and having committed to the club’s project is seeing it through.
‘News Agents’ have a principle; to make as much money as is possible.
Rather than committing so lucidly to their propaganda, it might be worth learning more about the history/structure of the club you claim to support. If nothing else, you’ll know how to better to criticise them.
We have very good players; not finished articles, but remembering what Henry was like when he first arrived on these shores, I can’t think of a better pair of hands to guide them.
This youth thing is here to stay regardless of your perception of it.
Against them: their progress will be slower
Fight with them: the journey into elysium will be a lot shorter
Please decide who you’re supporting
Victoria Concordia Cresit
Got to be quick…but in response. without Anelka and drogba yes they would have won. Kalou is beast as well. we did win the midfield but that didn’t win us the game. WE couldn’t score!!!!! and didn’t look likely to either (unless you consider that goal mouth scramble / penalty) Gallas and Vermaelen are great. I’m saying another defender because we need more cover, Djourou is not enough! are Gallas and Verm to play the next 40 matches?
the REAL DIFFERENCE AGAINST CHELSEA IS THIS…..THEY HAVE NO WEAKNESSES!!! WE HAVE A FEW!!! EVEN IF THEY GET INJURIES THEY HAVE PLAYERS TO STEP IN AND WILL STILL HAVE NO WEAKNESSES. THIS DOESN;T MAKE THEM UNBEATABLE BUT IT MAKES IT DAMN HARD!
I don’t support arsenal just becasue they’ve had success Rtard!!! if that was the case I wouldn’t be on here now becasue it doesn’t look like there’s trophies coming our way anytime soon if AW’s anti transfer market words will come to fruition
Don’t insult other readers please.
And Chelsea do have weaknesses and City exploited them yesterday.
I agree we need another defender and I’m fairly certain the manager is also searching for one.
…and no, our backline was less likely to concede with Kalou as the primary and sole striker.
I concede that we were tooth-less upfront.
Contrary to your/the British Media’s belief, Chelsea have weaknesses as demonstrated by Man City yesterday.
Very few teams are in the position to exploit them at the momment.
@ Mr Fresh
Dzeko _ £18 mil
Haangland _ £10 mil
…and you think I’m the “Rtard”?
lol
joker
Picked up knocks to Traore, Gallas, Arshavin, Rosicky, Eduardo was a late withdrawal and Eboue. Damn Stoke!
ok can anyone tell me why eboue plays as CF. He is a great tackler and shows detirmation, he showed it when he lost the ball to stoke and chased the guy half the field to retrieve it back- the thing was that was his only tackle in the game. Fabregas made more tackles then him and got back in defense more.
I can see why Wenger played him forward for his pace. But everytime he went forward and touched the ball he stuffed it up, even denied fabregas a goal. He is just not clinical enough eboue ith his passing and shooting.
We need to play him in midfield not as DM, but next to the DM kind of like ray parlour or gattusso, just using his stamina, pace and strengh to win the ball back. so fabregas can push forward.
Arshavin should of played ST in the first place against Chealsea, I even play him ST on Fifa. His positioning right on the defense lines and his runs are astronomical, and fabregas doing his through balls that his does so well could of beat chealsea for us. We broke their defense maybe 6 times with those through balls and should of scored another two times. Arshavin should of got his hatrick by all means.
I think arsenal have to take it easier in defense, we try to win the ball back to eagerly, wasting energy and pulls players out of position. We need to get players back in defense and stay in position and just block off passes and intercept, stop them from paying football like chealsea did to us. Not always go in for the tackle, but be calm.
Anyway we need to buy INLER or someone like him
sigh … and we wonder why people think arsenal have shit fans? first of all @herbert, man city are certainly not ‘knocking at the top 4s door’(they cant even beat hull) and even if they were, it would be at the expense of liverpool. now that wev estabished that herbert is a DUMBASS lets move on. next @fresh last season against the 5 teams u mentioned we got 3 wins, 5 draws and 2 losses(in the prem) which equals 14 pts(7 pts just against chelsea and man u) and we only lost 2 matches(chelsea nd man c) so more often than not we CAN beat chelsea nd man u. this season we thumped spurs 3 – 0 and we only lost to man u because of a flukey own goal and persistant fouling/biased refereeing and btw since when was eduardo a fringe player u spastic!. this means that fresh also goes into the DUMBASS category. But most of all nearly everyone who comments on articles like this are always negative.(even when we win!) so why dont people just enjoy the win and look forward to watching a fully rested alex song dismantle steven gerrard next week
btw iv always said that arshavin should be given the central role and he proved a point today. ARSHAVIN = AWESOME PLAYER, PREDATOR IN THE BOX!
After so long.. I think this game is above average.
For defence wise, Aluminia appeared to be shaky when long throws and crosses come in. I thougt he should catch some of the balls but instead he punched it away.
Gallas and Vermaelen did ok, considering Stoke not pushing hard at the central defence.
Sagna got better in this defending and hope he keep up the good work.
Traore impressed me actually because of his ability to attack. For his defence ability, there is room for improvement.
Denilson was kind of average play today. As some of you commented, i also realise the players don’t really pass the ball to him. He is like someone who is can easily be subsituted. However, he does do his job in picking up loose ball and grabbing back possession.
Nasri improving his game as time pass. He can be a good supporting striker too.
Rosicky has moment of shine when he took possession of the ball. However it was unfortunate he was injuried.
Eboue, quick on the ball, hardworking and nothing else to say about it. Abit unlucky he block that goal. But i like his workrate.
Fabregas , not his best game today. I must admit, he was unlucky today. 2 chances for him to score but was denied. Don’t worry, this only means, he will be scoring the next game. I got nothing to say about his passing. Great skills and vision.
Arshavin, finally as lone striker. Good finish, and my preferred choice over vela and eduardo as striker. Can see how he used his body and skills to control the ball.
Sub:
Vela: I just wish he could score. Showing his danger as time pass. I believe one day he will be the next Henry.
Ramsey: 7 – Cool finish. I think he did well. Hope he continue to do well and he could fight for a spot in the starting 11.
Silvestre: No comment.
Arsene Wenger, this match is played at Emirates. So i actually expect more goals. This match reflects the believe in the players and how they all play to win the game. The first half was very exciting and again the players shut off the 3rd quarter of the game. Tactic wise, that is one of the best squad he could come up with all the injuried players he have. I know wenger need something now. He needs good luck. He needs to pray that no more player gets injured.
Lets support Arsenal all the way…..
Good luck Wenger.
I know what you mean, i too believe he will one day fill the void left by Henry. The only thing missing is the goals.
Vela is the next Vela.
Comparing him to Henry will only lead to disappointment….and more than likely, you calling for Wenger to sell him (while neglecting his true qualities).
Please let him be him.
Yeah! The next Henry, sure!
Man! Of course he is not going to be the next Henry, not because he is bad (I’m of the ones who believe that he should start instead of Rosicky) just because he isn’t of the same position.
I hate Almunia. he is one of the most experienced player on the pitch, but he is the one that is nervous when highballs approach. He does not have confidence as the world-class goalkeeper have.
Denilson was rubbish yesterday.
Abusing his on the daily really builds his confidence.
Yep denilson had no impact on a team like stoke. he was out of his depth against chelsea……he’s very slow getting back. and passes the ball sideways hence the high percentage in accuracy he recieves. I like him but not sure where he fits in
We don’t need new striker, we will soon lose song and eboue, we need new def mid…like, Matuidi, Inler, Senna, Yaya, Makoun or Melo…ohhh way we sell Lassana
I like to mention something about the transfers… I see everyone are talking about dzeko and other players…but they played in champions league and we can’t use the there…wenger said he needs a world class player who doesn’t play in ch leag and he’s right..
a player I admire very much is the captain of sporting-miguel veloso who can play as a DC and a DM and he didn’t play in Ch L…but he might be too expensive as well..
for a striker there are many great strikers out there but they are expensive and unavailable for cl…at least 25-30 milions (dzeko,chamakh,luis fabiano)
luis suarez,agbonlanhor,marcus berg are also great
a very good keeper is akinfeev…i wonder what is the price tag on him
Why can’t we just enjoy our victory? We have a great team. Period.
I didn’t catch the game.
How did the five-man midfield work out?
As I can see the midfield starting line-up looked like this:
Eboue – Denilson – Fabregas – Nasri – Rosicky
A couple of comments:
- It’s remarkable that Wenger fielded no less than three no. 10’s, who all play the same role naturally (Fab, Samir and Tommy), next to each other. Did they get in each other’s way?
- All the creative eggs was put in the left-sided basket (Samir/Tommy). Did this mean that all the attacking build-ups came through that side?
- Were we to keep this formation, where would Alex fit in? Surely not in Denilson’s place, but rather behind Cesc (I’d say).
Cheers
I agree Alumina has serious confidence issues with high balls- 5.0
Sany- 8
Galas- 7.5 is sitting back too much (due to lack of defesive mids quality)
Vermy- 7.5 same thing
Traore- 5.5- went forward well, but has NO right foot, and apears to lack stick in the challenge, PL is a little too fast for him yet…
Denilson- 5.5 was sort of invisible, and what is with all the passing behind players instead of on stride? Did not seem to use the fields width well
Eboue- 6.0- at least went forward with determination.
Cesc- 6.0- I thought had an off day- seemed o be looking at the rest of the team for contributions
Rosicky 6.5- was sort of invisible for long spells but linked up nicely with a few 1-2’s
Ashy- 9.0 work his butt off..you caqn tell he knows how to move about in all areas of the pitch.
Nasri- 5.5 too much of a light weight in the challenges and holds the ball too much.
Ramsy- comming along fine, just needs to polish up his passing in densive end of the field
Walcott- utilizing his speed way too much…trips over the ball…not sure about his left foot dribbling abilities
We still need a defensive middie (or 2) first, Gk 2nd, Striker last.
Same game? Walcott wasn’t even in the bench.
Arshavin7.5? he was head and shoulders above the rest, and not just because he smartly created the penalty, scored and extremely tough first class fantastic goal, but because he is the man in this team, and that is the truth.
I think you speak often in a very patronizing way about a player who is not just very good but extraordinary.
to rate his game like Traore, Sagna Ramsy,etc. that is ike anyone else on the pitch on the day is totally strange to put it mildly
You can’t deny he missed two clear chances though, no?
And as far as I know, Traore, Sagna and Aaron made no mistakes out there.
And please no comments under different names, we can understand your point the first time we read it.
these were not “clear” chances: to have to control the ball and round the keeper, or shoot, in one flash second move is a chance that many of the best miss often, ( see Drog yesterday!, and Zlatan AND Messi too for heavens sake) what counts are those taken,his was top, AND those created , their quality, their importance in the game. Who else in arsenal is good enough to carve their own chances by the way?
Point is I believe you underrate Arshavin. This is a legitimate position but you have give account
Pick a name and keep it please, either SublimeArse or Arshavin Top Dog.
Ratings are nice because they are different. I rated him 7.5, you rate him 10, it’s alright
wit respect I can call myself whatever I see fit, there is no insult in that, is there?.I am trying to make a conversation with reasonable arguments and below people did respond , so that is already good. I do not think you take or address my points seriously, nor do I think you provided match analysis at all. you can let people chat without your hands on supervision. everyone here is a good friend of arsenal, there are just many different ways to see what that good of and for arsenal means.!
Yes, you’re free to call yourself as you wish, but if you reply to your own self with a different name, people may think you’re a little “crazy”.
I didn’t provide any match analysis no, that’s because in an hour the usual day-after thoughts will be published. You just need to make a small research to understand how I publish articles, it’s not hard, really
look we ve got a alright team and i think vermaelen can defensive mid and i am telling you now
GUILLEMERE OCHOA IS ONE HECK OF A KEEPER CHECK HIM OUT ON YOUTUBE
imagine vela reccomends him to arsene they re both mexican
A huevooooooooooooooo!!!! (Mexican expression)
I mentioned him in some comments, he is way better than Almunia, and there was a rumor (here in Mexico) that ManU was looking for him.
And it Guillermo no Guillerme xD
one miscontrol, what else? but not relevant since every scorer misses chances, also Messi misses chances, but how many he creates? and what is his RATIO of Chances/goals, I bet it is very very high.The penalty was his to take and no fluke either, most players would look for the pass where he was, but you could just see how smart and gutsy he is,going in and seeing it all ahead,but there is more to it, the OVERALL contribution,and the QUALITY of everything good and promising that came fro him , to my mind, Arsenal yesterday was anything but reassuring Fab Rosick, Samir were not at their best and Arshavin took it upon himself to make sure we were winners, even Aaron’s goal(sweet and classy after his terrible midweek game)) came from a last ditch pass/assist while he was floored,without Arsh arsenla would not have made it, so it seems to me. that makes him the Man.
I like the full time analysis as it is opens up a lot for discussion.One has to view the performance as a positive,as lately one never knows which team will turn up, and as usual especially at home,we dominated,even though we can’t play a regular eleven every week,mainly due to injuries.Arshavin typified this yesterday for on his day he is a real match winner,yet he has been largely anonymous the last few games.Consistency of results is the key to success, and considering our restrictions in an over inflated market,we are doing well by currently being third and into the group stages of the champions League, and the downside is that things will not change much in the near future.
Trophies are great to win, but supporting the team at all times is something that is a deal for life.Criticise by all means and if one takes the stance that first and foremost we support Arsenal,then the manager will always get plaudits as well as coming under attack.Wenger has his own vision,which has been the most successful in the club’s history but the break up of the invincibles coincided with the bar being raised by Chelsea with a huge in put of money, which United could manage to wade off,but with the new stadium we just couldn’t compete financially.Here lies the mistake,we let certain players go such as Flamini,Gilberto,Pires and didn’t replace like for like.The emphasis was to mainly buy young raw talent and also one or two with questionable characters.
No one could foresee the injuries this season,however Eduardo and Rosicky and Walcott have all had long term injuries and there is no guarantee that the first named two will ever recover and Walcott could turn out to be the most expensive flop ever No real provision was made for those long term injuries..Vela is rated by many, but yet again he was not given a starting role,and only came on as Rosicky was injured..
Senderos is not wanted by the club anymore, once described as a future captain of the club, and i feel he has mentally been shattered and would do better in a not so high profile club.
Now when fit we have three left backs and perhaps Clichy will be sold as it won’t be long before Gibbs challenges him for the number one position.
Bischoff was a joke acquisition,even though he was free, and United would never have sold Silvestre(who also has two years of injury) if they valued him.
But the biggest problem for me is Almunia.he is just an average keeper(and to think we could have got Given for a few million) and if you look at his body language,he seems to be in another place,his concentration has gone.Wenger looks a worried man, his frustration and anger has increased,and with City now joining the elite sooner rather than later,the pressure will be even greater.
For football’s sake “money is the root of all evil” and we have to steady the ship until normality returns,which it undoubtedly will.
I am happy.And you know why??Because our team have such great players like Arshavin who can win a game by their own..This is a hope for the future.With a strong defensive midfielder(i hope yaya toure-I know him and when he was playing here in Greece)this team has the quality to fight about the premier league and Champions league..And maybe we need one more defender for back up..
convincing game indeed.
As i said last week that city boosted there confidence and now beat chelsea leaving arssenal
only h pts behind if they win game in hand a win against anfield on sunday will really put arsenal in a strong postions as most of there game will now be at home.
Well done wenger..
5* points
We have 40 million from selling adebayor and toure PLUS any transfer money left over after we bought vermaelen.
I for one think its clear for all to see
almunia OUT!! We are the only team in the top four without a world class keeper (van der sar, cech and reina) even city have got given who we couldve signed!
Goalkeeper – Hugo lloris from lyon 10 million – Claims crosses, Commands his box, relieves pressure on the defense and can save one on ones. New casillas.
Striker – Luis fabiano from sevilla 15-20 million – Strength, desire, experience, pace and FINISHING!!!!!
Defensive Midfielder – Goekhan Inler of udinese 8 million – Strength, positioning and DISCIPLINE in the role, Incisive passing and good range of passing.
Another centreback but i cant think of any.
All can fit into the squad immediately. Maybe we cant buy them in january but definately BEFORE the world cup or their prices will sky rocket!
Are all these players ‘available’ or are we just naming ‘em for the sake of it?
Check this video, this is the kind of keeper that we need.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBYb7-hv3-o
Reading through the comments, I am surprised that everybody hails playing Arshavin as a lone striker. From what I saw, he was helpless against defenders in terms of physical strength. Yes he scored and won a penalty, but he got these through his moves, tricks – what he usually performs in all areas of the pitch. He couldn’t gain the space in front of the opponent’s goal (as could RVP and Adebayor), and crosses from Traore and Sagna were useless. My conclusion – Arshavin should be in a supporting role to a physically strong striker in front.
Rocisky, Denilson – silly game, and I don’t believe they will get any better.
Nasri – I hope he will get better, but right now he is not sharp and gets tired.
I know views on Diaby’s performance are very different, but with Song and Diaby we were more solid in the midfield.
Overall, I didn’t like team’s performance against Stoke (unless we agree Arsenal is an average team).
I think we need a central defender (the risk of loosing Vermalen and Gallas), DM (Song will go in JANUARY), and a physically good striker. But I don’t believe Wenger will address all of these issues.
Sell Almunia
Sell Senderos
Sell Clichy
Sell Eduardo
Buy a world class Right Centre Back (i.e., Naldo, Albiol or Chiellini)
Buy Mamadou Sakho
Buy Romulu Lukaku
…………………………………….Szczęsny/Mannone/Fabianski…………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………Naldo/Gallas/Djourou…………..Vermaelen/Sakho/Silvestre…………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……Sagna/Eboue/Gilbert………………………………………………………Gibbs/Traore/Botelho…….
…………………………………………..Song/Sakho/Djourou…………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………….Denilson/Nasri/Ramsey/JET…………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………….Fabregas/Diaby/Nasri/Ramsey………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
….Walcott/Arshavin/Rosicky/Eboue/Watt………………Arshavin/Vela/Diaby/Nasri/Wilshere……..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………..Van Persie/Bendtner/Lukaku/Arshavin…………………………………..
Almunia is one of the weakest links in this team but I do not think we need to buy to solve our goal keeping crisis. If you watched the Fulham game this year then you will realise what an incredible talent Mannone is. True he is still young and raw but he seems to have that aura of invincibility that the top keepers have. Having said that I think Mr Szczęsny is perhaps our most talented keeper of all. That’s not to take anything away from Fabianksi who I also rate highly but Fabianski has continually displayed lapses of concentration despite being a better all round keeper than Almunia in my opinion. Maybe age and experience is all he needs to reach a commanding level of surety. The point is we are quite well stocked in goalkeepers and I feel it is imperative to let Almunia go to blood in these younger, technically better players.
Almunia is a disaster waiting to happen. Many Arsenal fans hold a dislike to certain players, like Denilson, Diaby or Eboue, unfairly perhaps but no one annoys me more than Almunia.
With Senderos hoping to leave and with Djourou out for a long time it leaves us with only Song as cover at Right Centre Back (RCB). With Gallas’ age now at 32, I think it’s time that we are in the market for a world class RCB with the view of taking over from Gallas.
I can’t see much of a future for Eduardo either. With Van Persie and Bendtner out the natural choice would have been him to be the front man but he has proved to be so ineffectual there that I now regard Arshavin, Vela and Diaby to be better candidates for that position. He MAY have been a cool finisher in a 4-4-2 with a taller striking partner but in a 4-3-3 or 4-5-1, his lack of pace and strength is hurting us. It’s not his fault but the change in formation has not benefitted him at all despite it progressing the rest of the team. This is an area we must strengthen in. Luis Fabiano is a good cal but I think he will be a lot more than 15-20 million, we are talking about the best Brazilian striker currently. Experience is not neccessarily a pre-requisite because we have Bendtner coming back soon and Van Persie in a few months, what are they gonna do, sit on the bench? But we must buy a talented young player who has strength and pace. Even tho Wenger has said no to Barotelli, I think he would be a great signing. However, Lukaku would be cheaper but Chelsea are very keen also but he would be the best signing to make especially on our budget. We can’t afford £30 million stikers.
Another option may be to bring back Henry who is being wasted on the wings at Barca. It may give our players and fans a welcome lift. Return of the King? Yes please.
In my opinion, Song, Denilson and Diaby has been our best midfield trio and all three have a great understanding of each others game, particularly Denilson and Diaby.
Man U were helpless against this trio in midfield.
Sorry Fabregas but £50 million (at the least) is a lot of money.
I believe Vela will pull through.. He had not played in a long time.