Arsenal vs Aston Villa, 3-0: Full time thoughts, analysis and player ratings
The Game
Would we have won without Cesc Fabregas’ cameo appearance? For sure is that today was very, very close to perfection. Watching Abou Diaby score the third made me jump out of my seat because he fully deserved the goal after such a monumental performance.
Cesc Fabregas
No comment on Cesc Fabregas, those 28 minutes speak for themselves.
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: 7 – Glad to see Manuel producing back-to-back solid performances. He did make that scary step forward-step backward dance at one stage in the first half, but we got away with it.
Traore: 7 – Brilliant game considering he was returning from injury, especially in the second half, so calm and collected.
Gallas and Vermaelen: 8 – Not much to say on these two. Billy produced the tackle of the game in the late stages and Thomas simply let nothing get past him.
Sagna: 7 – I was disappointed with him when going forward, but at his usual best at the back.
Diaby: 8,5 – For those who thought I “hate” Abou, believe me, you were so wrong. I’m so happy for his last two games where he showed what he really is all about.
Song: 7,5 – His last game, and a terrific one. See you soon, Alex, you’ll be missed.
Denilson: 6,5 – Brilliant first half but started the second one slowly, missing two passes and failing to track back. Having said that, I’m glad to see him do well now that Alex Song will leave.
Nasri: 6,5 – Worked his socks off for the whole game, never tired to switch wings and attack spaces.
Arshavin: 6 – Another below par game for the Russian who seems to be uncomfortable without Cesc. He in fact came to life after the captain came in.
Eduardo: 5,5 – Missed a golden opportunity and looked weak throughout, though today’s game will hopefully help him for the near future.
(Subs)
Fabregas: 10 – It’s funny. After the Hull City game, many were adventurous enough to say we can cope without him. Today, after replacing Denilson, he scored in the same way the Brasilian did against Hull, turned the game around, scored a second and then left as if to show that even 28 minutes are enough to show he’s irreplaceable.
Walcott: 6,5 – Inspired performance, set up Cesc for the second goal. Like Eduardo, he’s slowly coming back to full fitness.
Ramsey: No Vote – Only five minutes for the youngster.
![[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)
A very exciting game today and one that I felt we were fairly consistent throughout never really letting Villa get a strong foothold. Defensively we did a great job handling their back to the goal game and what a difference a little bit of extra effort going into challenges makes in terms of our overall game. Offensively created some great chances, brilliant goals by Cesc (both actually) and Diaby (who showed today the true potential he has). Still drives me crazy when on the right side we continually lose the ball or take it into the corner in very tight spaces vs quickly playing it back and across.
The positives for me were:
- Cesc – what more can you say, just hope his injury picked up does not set him back too much
- Song – all over the place, a few missed passes, but great game
- Diaby – makes it look so easy, just wish he could be more consistent
- Back four – defensively shut down Villa’s dangerous attack
The negatives were:
- Eduardo – another sub par performance, just doesn’t seem to be gaining anything back like Walcott slowly is
- Denilson – still gives too many balls away and is not fast enough getting back
- Sagna – on the attack was very inconsistent, needs to be more creative
Not much else though to be disappointed in as we are four back with a game in hand and putting some distance between us and the rest of the pack.
Very good ratings Chris. Good to see that you weren’t harsh on Eduardo.
This was a very good game for us. We dominated for the whole game. Never looked like we were going to loose points. Our second half was brilliant. Aston Villa were poor and they were lucky that we didn’t score more.
After the last two games I’m curious to see what Diaby can do up front as a striker.
Fair ratings I would say. Diaby has now put back to back performances together, and he adds so much to the team when he’s in form. Physically and of course in attack, where he’s always been strong. He’s very different to the other midfield players, and Arsenal look a much better side with him there alongside the little-ies.
These last two performances have been very encouraging- now for a good away performance! The team will have to start winning away if they’re going to challenge for the title- Chelsea seem to be doing their best to keep the race going, but United finally have some fit defenders and are looking dangerous again.
Anyway, can’t complain about this performance. Very polished performance against a very good Villa side.
SONG OH SONG, WHAT SHALL WE DO WITHOUT OUR SONG? I know! buy wenger, buy. NIGEL REO COKER will do just well.
Fabregas! what can we do for this lad, than win titles for him BARCA DNA my foot, THE BOY IS HAS GOONER RUNNING IN HIS VAINS.
yeh cos im sure reo coker will be ok with sitting on the bench when song is back after 4 weeks.
I watched the second half and to me it was exibition football from Arsenal. I was getting agitated watching the superb sort passing game played to perfecion without finding the net, then along came Santa Claus and all of a sudden my Christmas had arrived, thank you Cesc.
hi chris,
my contribution will be firstly to let you know that song will be in for the match ahaingst pompey as cameroon regroupment for the ACN will only held on the 4th january until then song will stay in the squad…
about the match did anyone saw the second half display?..
diaby
song fabregas
with diaby shielding the back four my idea is that arsène wanted to try safely (as song could at any moment return to his position) diaby as a CM . conclusive trial?
That’s terrific news aulitviez, especially knowing that Cesc will be absent.
your answer states clearly that cesc will be absent for the pompey game…is he seriously injured ?…
100% sure for the song’s case .. and yes it’s terrific to have him specially as cesc will be out… don’t want to imagine a .. diaby,denilson and ramsey in a must win away game.
Well I doubt he can recover in time for Wednesday, very unlikely.
We had ‘em pegged back before the sub (the tempo was set); Fabregas then gave an extra verve over Denilson.
Fantastic Win!
Diaby was superb, both offensively and when he had to drop back to accomodate Fabregas.
NB….I don’t believe people think you hate Diaby; just that you level unfair criticisms (out of context) at some of our players whenever they perform below par.
Well mate, one question, a simple one:
Do you believe Abou was playing the way he did in these last two games before the injury?
I don’t think so.
Bar a few glaring mistakes, I believe he was.
People often concentrated on his loss of the ball than the balance he brings to our side.
I collect the games and can only remember one game (coming back from injury) where he was really sub-par. The crowd was on his back as soon as he miss placed a pass and his mistakes escalated from there.
I talked about him almost always marking the best headers (opposing team) of the ball during set plays; someone retorted that he’s clueless, citing the ManU game (in which he was man of the match in my opinion).
Coaches all over Europe highly rate him and I believe that when fully fit, he’s a certified starter for this team (along with Bendtner).
I’m with you. Bentdner (since RVP is out for the season) and Diaby should be starters.
I watched it on Sky where the pundits gracefully said at the end we should be able to maintain third or forth this season. WHAT I thought.
Ratings are about right but I truly believe we would have won with or without cesc, though his cameo role was magnificant, and it shows the gulf between him and denilson,who he replaced.Today was a perfect example to see the effect Cesc on the other intelligent players,today Arshavin,who was fairly anonymous until Cesc came on.
Villa are a good side and contrary to others I thought we played well in the first half,though creating few clear cut chances.
Eduardo worries me.he must be showing it on the training ground,but he is scuffing too many shots,even his goal last week.I really want him to do well,but if we are looking to win the title this year,which is very feasable,we need to buy an out and out striker.
I reserve judgement on Walcott, as he always flatters to deceive when he comes on as a sub and shows pace to tired legs.he increasingly crosses the ball to no one, but to his credit he made the pass for Cesc’s goal.
Diaby will gain more and more confidence,and attacking is his game.
By the way I believe Song is available for the West Ham game,before he goes to the ANC.
All in all a really good performance and with just two additions I see no reason why we can’t win the league.
Wenger will get slated for playing Cesc if he is out for 3 weeks,but I believe in this case he made the right decision today.
what won us the game today was arsene wengers decision on the sub introduction, cesc and theo came in at the right time just when the game was a bit tricky even though we started the second half really well, love cesc, the back four were exceptional, traore played well, diaby excellent song excellent, almunia really well still sometimes makes some crazy runs while the defender is running to the ball too, arshavin had a bad game but he still gives the team confidence, eduardo is getting better i think 2 or 3 more games and he will back to form not like the season he came in but back to scoring a few.
overall exceptional commitment from the team i think we were like brothers at war today all fighting for each other, keep up the confidence big game on wednesday, must win games all from now on. finally WELL DONE ARSENE FOR THE SUB DECISIONS
good ratings chris.
i’m really impressed at diaby because i was one of “them” who felt he should be axed…..but i really hope he’s consistent with his performance now. i’m pretty sure he’s won a number of fans now.
denilson is really disappointing though.
yes he’s produced some magic moments this season..but he’s form is very inconsistent. and it keeps reminding me of his form last season………….which is sad because i thot he started the season really well….
ABOU DIABY….
Jack of all traits…. the guy does EVERYTHING! it’s amazing how good he is in AMF… Unlucky to only have knocked one in…
Chris… spot on…. Even though I wouldn’t hesitate to give Eduardo a 6… but i understand him losing half a point for the chance he missed… still I see him much more solid than usual….
And I was quite excited to see Walcott lively….. In all cases…. they both just need that first goal or two…
A performance like this maintained is all we need….
Song…. good luck in Africa… GO CAMEROON! Take more shots buddy
Fans…. you were lovely today.
Nice piece as usual and as someone who follows Cameroon (I’m going to see them in South Africa with my son) I would confirm what others have said in comments above about Song, the Cameroon squad are due to gather in Paris on the 4th and fly the next day for their camp in Kenya. Le Guen is on record as saying Premiership teams could use their players for league games up to their departure and subsequently agreed with Burnley that Bikey could play in the FA Cup (I assume we will also have approached him to use Song against West Ham to allow Cesc and Denilson extra recovery time from their injuries).
Walcott has struggled a bit coming back from long-term injury but the pass he make for Cesc for the second gives me hope he will hit top form again soon, it was an absolutely perfect ball. Eduardo has missed a lot of chances in recent games, on the positive side he is still showing the movement to get into goal scoring position but he does have to start to convert some soon.
I’m an old timer who has embraced the changes Arsene has brought transforming us from a hard disciplined defensive team into this wonderful attacking side but I have to say I’m much happier this season in having Song and Vermaelen who also bring that physical element to our game, the balance is right for me now, there is still a need for a couple of such players.
Are you from Africa, Jim, or just one who fell in love with Cameroon after Italy 90?
Chris, I’m a Scot by birth but have lived and traveled all over, always loved African football but it is that bit better when you have a particular side to cheer on. I still follow Scotland and my son and I said that we would go to the World Cup if either Scotland or Cameroon qualified, truth is however we are realistic enough to know that Scotland never would make it.
We will support most of the other African nations when out there, I am a member of a Cameroonian football forum and it is a fact that forum members will get behind other African teams when not playing them, well West African teams at least and I suppose our hosts South Africa (though they have a very poor side, let’s hope home advantage counts for a lot for them).
It’s ironic, I’m on a similar boat, I started to support Nigeria and follow African football after they won Gold at the 1996 Olympic games.
I became a Gooner becos of …Kanu
The only thing that I know about African Football is that Cote de Ivore (spelling) is going to be really really difficult team to beat in the World Cup……hope Mexico doesn’t face them xD
I wish people would get off this bandwagon Denilson is no good,what people need to do is watch the times he covers for players out of position,how he breaks up the oppositions play,how he picks up the ball from the back and starts us moving forward,he rarely gives the ball away,you say he gave the ball away twice and started the 2nd half slowly ,open your eyes and use that grey matter he will give the ball away, because he has the ball more often than any other player when Cesc is not on the pitch,wakey,wakey.
Maybe I could wish for people to stop taking it so personally whenever someone makes a remark on Denilson’s weaknesses. Did I say he’s no good today? No.
But anyway, I’m sure you’re off for a busy night asking people to use their grey or white or whatever matter, as I’ve seen others rating him a 5 and 6 this afternoon.
why dont we just be happy with the fighting and physical spirit of the team back four were incredible just shows you guys how good we were the whole game that other than ahsley young no other aston villa player was up for it milner, downing, agbonlahor, heskey, carew all of them honestly though i think we out strengthened and bullied Villa today, plus how terrific was Phil Dowd showing no toleration getting most of the fouls right, WELL DOE BOYS!
great to sea some good words for cesc fabregas, last week i came here and i red many comments from some gunners, comments about how cesc is becoming a problem for us and how arsenal can play in its best without him,even some of them came here saing cesc is not a world class player, he has only one ability-to pass the ball nothing more-(is it true messi my friend,u were in my side lol)-belive me if i could have see them somewhere i would have hit them in their face,shame on them…THE GAME TODAY,WAS THE BETTER I HAVE SEEN THIS SEASEN,WHEN I SOW CESC SCORING THE SECOND ONE I STARTED TO CRIE.AND TO THEM WHO THINK WE COULD HAVE WIN THE GAME WITHOT CESC,I TELL U NO CHANCE OF WINING THAT WITHOUT CESC.(MAYBE BUT JUST MAYBE A MAGIC STRIKE FROM AA23 COULD HAVE WON US ALL THE POINTS BUT IT WAS HARD TO BELIVE THAT THE STRIKE WOULD HAVE COME TODAY WHEN HE REALLY HAS A BAD GAME AS U SAID UNTIL CESC CAME TO THE PITCH.Cesc FABREGAS IS JUST UNBELIVABLE HOW GOOD HE IS HOW FAR CAN HE GOW IN THE FUTUR WHEN U THINK HOW OLD HE IS.IM VERY PROUD THAT WE HAVE ONE OF THE BEST PLAYERS IN THE WORLD AND STILL 22(NOT 27 OR 28 BUT 22 OUR CESC IS)AND WATCHING HIM HOW MUCH HE LOVES THE CLUB IS SOMETHING THAT I CAN NOT EXPLANE WITH WORDS…happy new year gunners and don’t forget,we are going to win the leaq this seasen so dont worry about it anymore.
YAY! glad to hear sumone still hopes of winnin the league
n well fabregas-he’s always bin my favourite!
Good Diaby’s display. I’m very happy about his recent performances. Fabregas was really great, I’m speechless.I hope he has a quick recovery from his injury. Meanwhile, Barcelona won’t give him up…
Today’s was a statement game. From the beginning, Arsenal showed their superiority, particularly its midfield play. In another superb performance turned in by its outstanding back four, in the first half Villa never seriously challenged Arsenal’s defense. Their best and only scoring opportunity came late in the game, after it was already 2-0.
Villa were simply unable to break Arsenal’s midfield dominance, with Denilson ably disrupting Villa’s possession. Wenger’s hedged his bet well by deploying two holding midfielders in Denilson and Song, who delivered another in a series of master classes this season, and with Diaby continuing to press forward. In terms of possession and scoring opportunities, with a bit better finishing Arsenal just as well could have been up 2-0 at half time and, no doubt, would have won without Fabregas coming off the bench.
But something happened once the captain entered the game. Pure magic, his team mates elevated their play. Switching from stifling defensive domination with Denilson in the first half, with Cesc and Theo on the field in the second half Arsenal turned in stunning display of football.
By far Arsenal’s best performance of the season, the main reason was the sublime play and understanding between the team’s best midfield unit of Fabregas-Song-Diaby. The constant criticism of Diaby never seemed justified and, after his performance against Villa, should once and for all be put to rest. He is simply an outstanding player and another typical Wenger product.The interplay and understanding between these three and between Arshavin and Fabregas at times seems telepathic and hypnotic to watch.
In terms of style and play-making, at times Cesc plays more like a traditional #10 second striker/play maker than a typical midfield player, although he’ll play in the back defensive third awaiting the outlet and passing forward. In terms of his value to Arsenal, Cesc can’t be measured. Would Fabregas be as successful at, say, Barca? It’s doubtful. Wenger entrusts him with more freedom than he otherwise would enjoy elsewhere. Watching Barca, their players function in very prescribed positions. The only one given license to roam is Messi and, until recently, he always came from the right into the center of the field. Not only would it be hard for Cesc to displace Xavi or Iniesta (at present Cesc hasn’t even secured a starting position Spain’s national XI), he would not have the creative freedom with team tailored to his strengths and spontaneous understanding with new team mates anywhere else. No, Cesc is another Wenger-groomed players best suited to Arsenal’s play. (Memo to Cesc: remember what happens to other successful Arsenal players tempted by other green pastures; they rarely fare well.)
Chelsea continues to cede points, and ManU, without Rio and Ronaldo, seem vulnerable. With today’s win against a talented Villa with justified top four aspirations and recently at Anfield, plus game in hand, Arsenal clearly announced itself. That, with Wenger’s shrewd shopping in the January transfer market, they are serious contenders plenty capable of winning the Premier League and Champions League. Talk about a statement game.
Now that’s what Phillydawg’s talkin’ ’bout.
mate no need to tolk so much about barca and they strategy in this very good and happy day for us.do not worry about cesc,he is our captain and is going to lift up many cups for us and wining many tittles in the coming years.he will not go anywhere i am sure about it.
OOWWWWW How we miss RVP!! If it wasn’t for the power and excitment fab gave us we might’ve lost or draw the game (when i say lost ,cause you never know,villa wasn’t really dangerous,but one sec agbonlahor can make the goal)
Arshavin was a 6 yes,expect from the part when fab came in he was an 8 then,but still he plays a position he that doesn’t fit him,let’s pray we’ll have a striker like RVP in january.
Diaby please paly like this in every game,brilliant
Almunia seemed good,i mean his face also ,he looked confident..
.(diaby play tha was)
not only RvP but even bendner we are mising at the moment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=525jamZ7BiI <— here is all the highlight in case you missed the game!
fair ratings Chris,Arshavin is always a threat to opponents… Do you have faith in ALMUNIA? Should wenger throw all his cards to him?
hey whaddya guys think if bellamy were to come to arsenal if he reaaly goes in the january transfer???
I agree with the ratings this time except I think eduardo actually played well. The chance he missed wasnt an easy opportunity for most players, we just expect more from him as he was bought as a finisher. He hasnt looked good in front of goal for quite a while, so we just have to hope he can get that back (I dont see why he cant, but who knows?)
Apart from that though I thought his general play was very good today, and he tracked back quite a bit in the 1st half, which isnt something he’s probably used to. I didnt think he looked weak either, just not mentally strong in front of goal atm.
Walcott I have to say played very well indeed. That’s what I wanted from him, less selfish play and better awareness. Hes shown on occasion he can do it, but that game against olympiakos in particular annoyed me because he tried to play like he was above those around him. Today though he played his role perfectly and the little ball to cesc was perfectly timed and weighted.
Diaby Im hoping is really starting to become what he was meant to be. He has a little bit of everything for an attacking midfielder. He might need to adapt to a more destructive role when song leaves and now that cesc is out for a bit – that’s going to be a big test for him and the squad as a whole. I think denilson will sit in song’s position, but will diaby be given fabregas’ usual licence to attack, or will he give that job to ramsey?? that’s that question I think
The Story with Diaby as I see it , He was finally allowed to play his game, the futile experimental boot camp on the wing is over with, the Viera comparison is also officially over with and buried now, “Drawn like a magnet to the goal” Arsene said sardonically few weeks ago, indeed he is and should be. And in those games he excelled he played without hesitation and without being in two minds about it . only one of couple of Arsenal players who can really run vertically straight at the defense with the ball and dribble his way through, his Shots on goal to Goal ratio must be quite phenomenal. HOWEVER not coincidentally Diaby took off when playing with Song AND Denilson, which allows him the freedom to roam forward. It will be more difficult when Song is gone ( did anyone hear about Denilson being injured again?).
Arshavin and Fab communication,Sure they are on the same wavelength but there was more to it; for some reason almost everything in the 1st half went through the right channel, Sagna, Nasri and Denilson , seem often to overlap and get clogged there, it puled the whole play to the right side and you saw Arshavin isolated and often trying to get back and get the ball on the right, Traore might have been instructed to stay back and protect, but there was no balance at all. in the 2nd half this was corrected even before Fabregas came on, and certainly after and danger opened from Arshavin’s side.
Fab did NOT miss even one pass ( not including a corner and free kick) of the over 20 he made, that surely is incredible.Denilson’s passes were as usual statistically up there in the 80% also Diabi’s which played more forward.
Nasri, played good as always, however I am bothered by the way he has been turned to another midfield distributer. This guy was called ( over the top addmittedly) the New Zidane.. ok, he came to Arsenal as a briliant game breaker, changer, with beg of tricks and a shot too, he never scored loads but had at least half a dozen a season. Where is that gone, or is it?
More shots please, everyone! they really go in sometimes…
Wenger’s substitutions in perfect timing feeding the ebb of the Arsenal game and BEFORE the usual desperate feel of the 70-75thth minute and when there is still a dynamic to the game.
A big lesson for those 80% who were writing off diaby even before the season entered into the crucial period they continuesly slatted diaby for that unfortunate own goal and for very common mistakes and suggested he is not arsenal material should be sold etc etc. now before poking at arsene everybody should look in the mirror first and think why you are there and arsene is managing arsenal. he has proved again and again that his judgement of players is never wrong, we cant see what he can in a footballer.
Diaby was excellent,and against hull to,but let’s just dont forget that he has played some really bad matches too,let’s wait this season ,he will have the chance to prove himself,but let’s not forget….i hope he plays like that in every game..
Every player in the world has had bad games. Every player in the world makes mistakes. It is normal. So why everyone is waiting for Diaby to be brilliant in every game?
I think it’s not fair to actually “forget” all the bad games he had before the injury. For a reason which we will maybe never know, he was not playing the way he is now. For once, it would be nice to be honest and admit that indeed, one of our players was NOT performing the way he should.
In a way it’s the same with Eduardo at the moment. Now by saying so we’re not necessary asking for the player to be sold, simply stating a fact. If you compare Diaby’s yesterday game and for example the one away at Manchester City, you’ll see a complete different player.
Then it’s one thing to make a mistake, it’s another to do repeatedly.
With regards to Diaby, he is an enigma,but he was played out of position on many occassions last season.These last two games willa show AW that he finally sees that Diaby is basically attack minded and right footed aswell, for a more attacking balance,and the two games will give him him more and more confident.Forget the Viera comparison.
If it wouldn’t have been for Gary Lewin’s quick reaction at Birmingham,Eduardo may never had a chance to play again.He is hard to weigh up,as he doesn’t show emotion,but he should have buried his forth minute chance,which he scuffed.When players break their leg it is as much mental as anything else.I think we need to give him time to judge him properly,but our options in a striking,predatory role are limited.
I’m so happy for the win and the performance…But I’m very scarred for the next away game…Without song and cesc and maybe denilson after what wenger said (back problem) who is gonn’a play in midfield? anything less than a victory there will cancel all this amazing performance again..Let’s hope for the best though..
A true performance with beauties i just saw the goals again fantastic love to see extended highlights as the performance is well worth watching again and again
The first twenty minutes i knew we had a hard match and it was physical and today Arsenal physical capability was on show we defended well i thought we would score with Danielson and Diaiby today Edwardo missed a nice chance how much i would love him to score
Fabergas brought his torch and torched the field with magic(( gasoline ))
Improvements all round and if we keep on improving on this scale we will earn every cup but replacements to keep our strength is a must
I would rate all 8.3 gas with 10 diaby 9.2
I congratulate Arsenal
Good result for the troops,bit by bit eduardo n walcott wil get there,if there’s anythn i’ve found out it is dt a loan move at tymz myt stunt d progress of ur player,traore ws worse when he came back than the way he was when we loaned him glad to see him getting back his confidence,i’m particularly impressd with his display in d liverpool n villa games. Gallas villified by many but does so much with minimal fuss,together with vermalin,fabregas,song and ,eboue,ver perse they are commitment personified. arshavin is in a class of his own. nasri,theo,sagna n d rest their quality just shines through.God bless us all,happi nu Yr in advance
Like all of his team mates Theo Walcott has had his critics and somewhere along the line I guess I`ve been one of them. The fans need to see a lot more of him to be convinced he`s not just a glory boy. Myself I find him an exciting player but he could be much more effective if that final cross didn`t go screaming across the ground past the face of goal and into touch. Either the strikers adjust to be on the end of it or he adjusts and starts cutting the ball back to the strikers. The Arsenal tempo seems to lift when that long ball reaches is feet.Arshavin and company should be on red alert when he starts his run.
A vital win and valuable 3 points, but we could lose three mildfields for next matches:
- Fabregas with hamstring problem
- Denilson with back problem
- Song goes to CAN
So first of all, who will fill the pitch in Portsmouth?
Probable squad: 4-4-2
Alumina/
Sagna, Gallas, Vermaleen, Traore/
Eboue- Ramsey, Diaby, Walcott/
Arshavin, Eduardo
So I just pray that Denilson can play because we played well with 4-3-3 formation this season. Also hope that Fab’s inrury is short-term.
Note that after Portsmouth game, we will have three games in only six days:
West Ham (A)- FA Cup / Jan 3
Bolton (H) – Premie League /Jan 6
Everton (H)- Premie League / Jan 9
So I believe we should use a rotation squad for West Ham game (as young squad who played in Carling Cup). Because West Ham also now focus on PL for relegation battle and we must keep our fresh legs for Jannuary PL schedule
From Jan 27th, we will have 4 consecutive vital games in PL:
Aston Villa (A) on Jan 27
Man U (H) on Jan 31
Chelsea (A) on Feb 7
Liverpool (H) on Feb 10
Hope Fabregas and Song return by then with fully fit! And Wenger will bring new talented in Jannuary transfer window so we can cope with hard schedule
I think Wenger set his sight at EPL as the most important competition this season!
Chris
One of those rating which i can only say who told him what I felt. Spot on rating. No comment.
Congrats to everyone, very good performance from the team !!!
My observations from the game:
1. Francesc the magnificent – he showed who he is and what he can
2. Without Cesc, I liked Song-Diaby link in midfield and the front line, they are really becoming a physical force in the midfield
3. Verminator and Willy Gallas were outstanding
4. Nasri, Eduardo, Denilson – now I said this before, of course they tried very hard, but they are not good enough for their roles. I can accept Denilson will mature, but won’t buy that about Dudu and Nasri. They’ll need a year to get back to their old form….we just can’t wait for them
5. Did you see what I saw: the difference between “Arshavin with Cesc on the pitch” and “Arshavin without Cesc”?
6. Walcott is coming back.
7. Full backs were good, but poorly supported attack.
8. Need a PHYSICALLY GOOD STRIKER.
firstly ireally like the’francesc the magnificient’ thingy
second u r so rite abt shav’s performance with n without fab
BTW chris i LOVED fabregas’ ranking!
Chris, here is the key, Direct free kicks and playing Abou Diaby as a striker. I was sad to see Cesc Fabregas lining up a free kick but it looks like Denilson taught them a very valuable lesson. I didn’t watch the whole game but I saw three direct attempts, Denilson hit the wall and went very close to scoring with the other one, and then the Fabulous Fabregas hit a beauty. I disagree with you on one thing though, He is great but he is not irreplaceable. He missed so much of last season and Arsenal didn’t lose a single game during that period. I want to see Fabregas at Arsenal until at least when he is 30 but, if he decides to go, Arsenal will find a way to replace him.
Abou Diaby is either a striker or a support striker, he will never be a defensive midfielder and i think Arsene Wenger always knew that and that’s why he wasn’t fed up with him when all of us were. I always liked his shot but i didn’t think he was capable of it as regularly as he has been. May he keep doing as well as he is doing.
I wish we could keep Alex Song for January but then again, all of us are desperate to see Aaron Ramsey getting his chance and this is it. I would like if you could be proved wrong about us missing Alex Song. I wish Ramsey uses all his Rugby experience to powerfully stop attacks the way song has been doing it.
Chris, with a theoretical one point behind Leader’s Chelsea, and Chelsea playing against Fulham who are in form and also not Chelsea’s best friend, We may lead the League in about a week or two!!!!.
So, let’s for once forget about the transfer window and give our current gunners a Laud Applause for great Job well done!!!!!!!
has anyone thought about diaby playing upfront? arshavin seems very isolated upfront and maybe diaby could give him the needed support. the best thing for wenger would be that it would cost nothing. at the moment that is not a option of course as fabregas and even denilson are out injured and song will head to african nations cup for up to six weeks. but when denilson and fabregas come back it would be nice to see how that would work out.
It’s a different role of course.
Playing as a striker would mean he would have his back against the goal rather than starting from midfield and surging forward. I believe where and how he played yesterday is perfection for him.
what really stood out for me was players playing for the shirt with passion like the 2nd half against liverpool its whats been missing from this team the last few years,cesc was inspirational i tink well be talking bout that cameo in 20 years just awsome.diaby was excellent just hope he doesnt pick up another injury,seems 2 get some form then bang injured again.really hope we can get the 3 points off pompey then roll on the next month some really big games gonna really define this team
Nasri 6,5…!!! and Walcott 6,5…!!! Are we watching the same game !!!!!
Nobody and I mean NOBODY can keep or keeps the ball like Nasri !!! He did not loose a ball the all game unless it was a bad pass (2) …!!!
Walcott just had one assist, that is all !!!
i simply hate it when wenger calls out fab to send in who:aaron ramsey!
ok he ws injured n needed to b called out but AW mustnot send in ramsey in place of him
walcott 6.5 how? he set up a fantastic goal with his fantastic pace nobody could get that ball without his pace he deserves at least 9