Portsmouth vs Arsenal, 1-4: Full time thoughts, analysis and player ratings
The Game
Brilliant performance.
What really makes the win special is the fact that both Cesc Fabregas and Denilson were not missed. Granted, this Pompey team is very, very poor, but when you know that you have someone like Aaron Ramsey as backup, Samir Nasri on a roll and Eduardo slowly regaining confidence, we can look ahead with plenty of optimism.
And Tomas Rosicky is back as well.
It's that easy, for Aaron Ramsey
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: 6 – Quiet game. Still not 100% convinced when he comes out to catch, or should I say, punch.
Traore: 7,5 – Impressing more and more is Armand. How close is he to Gael Clichy and Kieran Gibbs in terms of a regular place?
Gallas and Vermaelen: 7,5 – They had a rock solid display these two. Until the goal. Both of them completely lost Belhadj who slotted it in without any pressure, but of course, the game was pretty much closed when that happened.
Sagna: 7,5 – Forgetting how poor his crosses can be, Bacary is doing absolutely nothing wrong defensively. Top class at the back, yet again.
Diaby: 7,5 – Another, yet another brilliant performance in midfield. Amazing first half, a little quiet in the second but he’s finally enjoying back-to-back convincing performances.
Song: 8,5 – Nothing new here. And he even found the net today.
Ramsey: 8,5 – For a game like this, when it’s 95% going forward and there’s very little defending to do, he’s surely ahead of Denilson. With the ball in his feet, he clearly knows what to do, how to shoot and how to score. He is not as good as the Brasilian in doing the dirty defensive work but these two offer two different solutions which every squad would love to have.
Nasri: 8 – Another one who was outstanding. Full of runs, full of tricks and he also found the net.
Arshavin: 5,5 – Disappointing. Seemed uninterested with what was going on around him. Was it because Cesc wasn’t there? Was it because he’s not compatible with Dudu? Well surely you wouldn’t expect a “yes” to either one of these questions when you’re speaking of such a top player.
Eduardo: 6,5 – He’s coming back. Slowly, but coming back. Today was more like Hull City and less like Aston Villa. He’ll be an asset for the months to come.
(Subs)
Rosicky: 6 – Pretty impressive after weeks on the sidelines.
Eastmond: No Vote – Only five minutes for the youngster.
Vela: No Vote – Not much for Carlos, who will hopefully feature in the F.A. Cup.
![[Video] Arsenal vs Porto: Match Video Highlights, including Nicklas’ hat-trick and Samir’s super goal!](http://www.thegunninghawk.com/wp-content/themes/arthemia-premium/scripts/timthumb.php?src=/wp-content/uploads/video.jpg&w=80&h=80&zc=1)
So what are the chances of Vela being loaned out? It seems that since Carlos’ last start he’s been playing 10min or less.
Carlos’ situation is very tricky, if you ask me. According to Wenger, he’s the reason Adebayor wasn’t replaced but it doesn’t look like it from the little minutes he’s getting on the pitch.
Even with RVP, Nicklas, Eduardo, Theo and Tomas out injured, he didn’t enjoy as many regular starts as he hoped for.
But there’s a busy schedule ahead and I believe he will start in the F.A. Cup.
yeah, I’m sure that he’ll be getting cup appearances but I fear that he will only be a cup player this year. I’m not sure but how many league starts has he had this year? As being a fellow Mexican, I want my boy to shine in Arsenal but with the world cup coming up, I hope he gets regular first team playing time. Its kinda weird that he gets so hyped but never really plays.
Yes, I know how you feel mate.
I don’t think Theo Walcott or Tomas Rosicky are a better choice to be honest, especially because they are back from injuries.
We just have to wait to see more of Carlos, I’m afraid.
yeah, it seems like other players have a run of poor games and get more playing time than he does. but we’ll see what happens, I just hope Vela doesn’t start getting frustrated and want to leave.
I complete agree that CARLOS VELA, should have had more time to play , especially after all you have mentioned…
–said by AW (reason why not a replacement for Adebayor
–the injures of RVP, Bendtner, Rosicky
–under foem of Eduardo, etc…
And surely would have been considered, as a better option that Walcott and Rosicky coming back from injuries…
But I STILL HOPE, he would be given more time in the multiple-busy schedule-games of Arsenal in the next 2-3 months
a better opcion than walcott i dont think he is not till now,he did not imprese at all when he played.both of them are poor this seasen but i would have chosed thio only because of his speed.
I’m glad that I’m not the only one who thinks like that, I may be wrong but I think he’s only had 3 starts this season. the first two were good and the last one was sub par but Wenger seems to give guys who go on longer poor runs more playing time and he gives Vela.
There are not many strikers as Carlos ‘chip’ Vela, with his quality and virtues. I am quite sure that AW knows it, as he is only 20 y. and with a great potential in the coming years.
Congratulations Chris for your wonderful site, and the best for all Arsenals fans in the New Year of 2010.
A bit off on Arshavin, I believe.
As Martin Tyler put it: “He really does sacrifice a lot of his striking potential for the team” (referring to the fact that he plays a role he’s not naturally suited for). And he did what he could with the little he got today. Sure sure, he had a couple of miscued passes, but then again everybody did. And more often than not, he was actually marked by his absence, seeing as I counted at least 4 chances that eventually led to nothing because whoever was on the ball for the final pass/cross didn’t see Arshavin sneaking into a very good position.
Add to that the flurry of converging defenders, who stray anxiously out of their position to close in on him whenever he skits towards/away from the ball. He uses this feature brilliantly, does Arshavin, to create acres of space behind the escorting defenders which we ought to exploit better.
It does seem like he gears up whenever Cesc is in command, but the fact that Cesc wasn’t there tonight surely doesn’t take away Andrei’s predatory, lurking presence in the box and predominantly immaculate passes.
I’d give him a 7.0 for sheer work rate and willingness to accept a quite unappreciated role for the team.
Apart from that, pretty spot on.
Happy new year’s!
I agree a bit bt I think arshavin is a bit off-form. Even if the role doesnt suit him, hes missing a lot more passes than usual and not gettng the chances he does usually. His movement etc is very good and he does work hard. Van persie was like this a bit at the start of the year, but his control is much better than arsh’s and the role suits him more – still quite a few people were less-than impressed with rvp then.
I think arshavin works very well with eduardo actually. They often switch positions to great effect with arsh moving to his (imo) natural wide left position and eduardo getting into the centre – and on a better day might have had another goal from that headed chance in the 1st half.
Indeed.
I think for a month or so, Andrey has had a number of disappointing games although in some of them – see Liverpool – he managed to produce magic which made his presence felt.
But I don’t think he’s hit top gear this season.
Not yet.
That’s true as he hasn’t had too many good games, but he might be carrying an injury at the moment still.
That goal against liverpool just proved again what an amazing player he is. He was injured and he could still kick like that. I dont even think hes that gifted technically, but he can do anything on his day. That 4-goal game last year is proof of that. It’s “mind over matter” stuff in a way.
I think wenger has to play him at the moment as well because, without being perhaps a leader, he is someone with presence. The opposition are a little scared of him if anything.
chris i think here is the first time you are absolutely correct in every players rating well done mate with the arshavin situation i just think he has such a very good understanding with cesc, nasri and van persie but i think its also better for him though since were gonna be having so many games coming thick and fast and he can save more energy not saying that he shouldnt be trying because he should but, as long as he plays with team contributes well and doesn’t do what adebayor was doing walking around the pitch as if his looking for something
Overall Chris I agree with the ratings, I would however rate Eduardo on par with Arshavin at a 5.5 or so. He offers very little to the team right now in my opinion. He is weak in defending, is not nearly as creative and versatile as others that can play out there (like Rosicky when fit) and looks impotent in front of the goal still. Yes, he got the goal on the free kick, but that was the result of a lucky deflection. His corner kick service was dreadful (same with Nasri) and cannot do anything with his right foot.
I felt Ramsey had a brilliant game for so little experience. Started slow with a couple of bad passes, but really cleaned things up and was very efficient from there on. Very few turnovers and was so active and confident, continually demanding the ball. If he can continue playing like that while Cesc is out it will allow Wenger to wait until fully healthy to bring Cesc back. Absolutely brilliant goal. His defending continues to improve and he won many, many balls today with good physical presence and positioning. Amazingly confident performance from a 19 year old CM.
Diaby did well, solid though not spectacular which was good to see. He didn’t try to do too much and covered well when Song or Ramsey were out of position. Almost had another great goal. So composed on the ball with pressure. The growth of Ramsey, Song and Diaby has really been great to see.
Song I felt along with Ramsey were the players of the game. The amount of ground he covers is really something and he is such a solid physical presence out there. I would like to see him venture forward more into the box (esp since we continue to cross into four defenders with only Eduardo or Arshavin there) and be aggressive looking to shot (like Ramsey is). We will surely miss him, but I feel much better now with Diaby and Ramsey playing so well.
You are right, Traore continues to improve and does very well when he chooses to go forward. His only lapse was letting the forward get behind him so easily on their goal. I hope Wenger can find some time for Gibbs and Traore at left mid once Clichy comes back as both have great futures and I feel can really give some defensive ability and pace to our left mid slot.
Overall great way to finish out the year and the first half of the season. On pace for 102 goals, could be one point behind Chelsea with our game in hand, highest goal differential and some winnable games coming up.
mate chris got the ratings spot on and i think eduardo played ok, you have forgotten this guy broke his leg in the most horrific way ever give him time same with all you other guys complaining about him give him time, by the way watch the game again mark and you will see he defended very well alot of the times making good tackles
I actually think right now traore is definitely a lot better than gibbs, and probably a little better than clichy.
He and gibbs are both very aggressive which is great, but traore is physically a lot stronger, and slightly quicker too.
Compared to clichy he is obviously less experienced, and that sometimes lets the opposition in, but he doesnt seem to suffer those concentration lapses that clichy does (maybe time will tell on that tho), so they sort of balance out there i think.
Armand doesnt tend to go forward as much as the other two, which is mildly disappointing, but when he does, he can be counted on to deliver a quality ball. Gibbs is very good going forward as well, but clichy isnt always so great.
Overall though given their recent performances Id feel very comfortable with clichy or traore playing in a big game but less so gibbs. He has done well in the past, but is susceptible to strong, aggressive wingers atm. Hes definitely going to be a class player at some point though. I think he could even make it in midfield. His vision is too good for a LB sometimes
I agree, I have never rate Clichy highly. He depends on his pace too much and uses his brain less.
Gibbs needs to improve his physical strength.
Traore is more solid than both Clichy and Gibbs, Wenger just needs to give him more opportunities.
I think all three are capable of playing and doing well at left back and as you mention each brings a little different package. I think Gibbs or Traore could work in at left mid some as both get forward well and are tidy with the ball (and cross it well). Not sure if Clichy is one we can sell and use that money to shore up depth in other areas (like central defense) next summer, but thank goodness we kept Traore this season and he didn’t want to go out on loan again.
I do not agree much on the comments on Clichy. If you remember 2 seasons back our best players were Cesc, Flamini and Clichy. He didn’t hit the top form this year mostly because of the injury. But, I am happy that Traore is playing good. I was always backing him when Clichy was out. I would prefer him ahead of Gibbs. In my opinion, the best solution would be to give Gibbs another season for loan to have regular playing time, and switch between Clichy and Traore in the league games and the cup games.
wow lool how can you not rate clichy highly when his been voted best left back in the premier league for the 2007-08 season when we nearly won the league
Quality performance,2009 ended in style…d good news is dat before d game wenger said fabregas is out for only 10 days,so he might be back 4 the Everton game.
Good result but I wouldn`t call it brilliant. The ship was a bit rudderless at times and they sure missed their skipper. I would have replaced Eduardo earlier with Vela he was doing next to nothing. Arshavin is still to convince me he wants to play for Arsenal, outside being on camera a few times after being caught off side you would wonder if he was on the pitch. Almunia reminds me of Jens Lehmann (unfortunately), uncontrolled punches that go any where and ties himself in knots in the six yard area which should be his backyard. Other than that the lads played well.
A word about Pompey. If they can lay hands on the moron who beats that bloody drum for ninety minutes and ruins the tele cast, fit it round his head.
New Years Eve here a few hours to he magic window. If I had a wish, and I am dreaming, I would offer cash strapped Liverpool 15 million for Fernando Torres who should have been at Arsenal in the first place had the boss not let him slip through his fingers for half that amount.
Happy New Year to all Gunners fans….and to you Chris.
You’ll not enjoy the World Cup if the Pompey supporter beating on the drums annoyed you mate. Believe me, the Africans have more annoying tunes as the Confederations Cup showed.
It’s amazing how we’ll celebrate new year at different times of the day, fascinating I’d say. All the best to you as well Jack, I just finished the day-after thoughts article which will go online tomorrow afternoon in the UK, my last piece for the year
Harsh on Arshavin …. you need to accept the fact the he is a big match player, and on his day he can change a match single-handedly with his magic which nobody else can.
I defo dont agree about traore being better, doing a great job but does’nt seem to recover as well as Gail & Gibsy YET , but still a great assett.
Must say i”me a bit worried about andrey, body language dont look too good to me.
Arron is looking as good as Cesc was 3 years ago …..anygood
All in all I am well pleased with the boys , COME ON !!! and keep it going.
i dont understand andrey as well, he doesnt celebrate goals with team mates…ramsey scored and arshavin walked off….i like the guy but i have a feeling he doesn’t want t play for us….his body language tells u all u wana know
i think the problem with arshavin is just what martin taylor said.and i must say even he is a brilliant player he really needs cesc to be there around him.as for celebrating goals,well arshavin never did it since he came to us,there is nothing to do with his desire to play for us just because he doesnt celebrate,look at the goal v liver.he went to wenger to celebrate with, during the celebrate for cesk first goal v villa, i sow him there with the others,then he chosed to let them alone waiting for cesc just some meters away to congratulate him for the goal.i think he is a very different person, a cold one sometimes, very strange, just take a look on his interwius, they are complitely diffent compared to the others interw, in the end we know he is russian a very diff.mentality.so i think ther is nothing to worry about his commitment for the arsenal fc, in one of his last interw.he said he feells good, he spoack nicely for wenger and for the fans that he thinks are loving him more than his wife hahaha.
I agree with you. I do not understand why some people are always talking about Arshavin’s commitment. Right, he is a different person who sometimes does not even celebrate his own goals. I am assured about his commitment. Let him be like he is, and show his magic once in a while.
i think andrey little bit disappointed with his current performance thats why he didnt celebrate when other’s scored.
Look arshavin’s goals with zenit,russia,us since he begining,he never celebrates like most peopole do,russians are totaly different then other nations,i ussed to be woried about that,but my friend said it well,look at the liverpool celebration,he is just different and quiet and he surely is disapointed with his performance but i think it’s just a phase he is beeing through.
“It will be very interesting. I promise we will fight and this team will give absolutely everything. We believe – if we don’t believe nobody will believe.”
Nasri and edwardo did it for me it was a tremendous joyf to see song score
missed most of the first half trying to get a flowing stream so can’t comment much on the second half roriscky missed on a beauty and i saw the goal coming but the score line shows we played well song and diaby worked hard as did nasri
But wished archivan could score but it’s coming but he does enough he and we know he can score for me right now i wana see rocisky score getting rocisky back with confidence and his killing blow the tally of our goals looks ok any one has the tally players and number scored i make out 11 deferent scorers
A beautiful end to the year happy new year all around looking forward for a prosperous year that i wish to all
sanga’s crosses were good today….
I HAVE SAID TIME AND AGAIN TRAORE IS FAR BETTER THAN GIBBS,PERIOD.YOURE SAYING IN A GAME LIKE THIS WHEN WE DO VERY LITTLE DEFENDING RAMSAY IS IDEAL TO PLAY AHEAD OF DENILSON.CAN I JUST SAY DENILSON IS THE WORST MIDFIELDER WE HAVE.HE IS NOWHERE NEAR AS TALENTED AS RAMSAY AND SHOULDNT PLAY AHEAD OF HIM UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES.
MATE YOURE CHATTING RUBBISH.WHERE AND WHEN HAVE YOU SEEN DENILSON DONE DIRTY WORK?THE GUY IS PEDESTRIAN IN 98% OF OUR GAMES.MOST TIMES THE OPPOSITION ARE IN OUR PENALTY AREA AND DENILSON IS IN THE CENTRE CIRCLE WALKING BACK.ANYTIME HES IN THE STARTING TEAM IT PUTS ME OFF WATCHING.I HAVE NOTHING AGAINST THE BOY I JUST DONT THINK HES GOOD ENOUGH FOR THE ARSENAL NOR TO BE AHEAD OF GOOD PLAYERS.
WHEN DENILSON IS INJUIRED OR NOT IN THE SIDE FOR WHATEVER REASON WE PLAY THE BEST FOOTBALL EVER.
But we seem to loose/draw most games without him. Though our best midfield would be Song Diaby Fabregas. Probably best in the league.
To be perfectly honest I don`t give a monkeys knackers for the World Cup I support Arsenal not England I lost interest in the national side when uncle Sven made his millions. It`s sixty two years since I used to stand on the raised manhole in the north east corner of Highbury or perch on my uncles shoulders to get a glimpse of the Clockend goal. Makes me feel my years when I think of the players who were my hero`s then, like Ronnie Rooke, Don Roper, Jimmy Logie, Lionel Scott, Joe Mercer and George Swindon between the sticks. Well it`s New Year so it`s a time for reminiscing, the year was 1948.
Excellent win at Pompey, but with the next 3 games in only six days, I believe Wenger will rotate the squad at West Ham.
Fabianski
Kerrea Gilbert- Senderos-Silvestre (c)-Traore
Wilshere- Fran Merida- Aaron Ramsey
Rosicky- Eduardo- Vela
Subs: Mannone, Bartley, Coquelin, Eduardo, Randall, Watt, Eastmond
The main squad will then recover for two EPL matches against Bolton (on Jan 6th) and Everton (on Jan 9th). Chance for us to climb the top of the table and Wenger must consider wisely using his regular players
I also expecting news on transfer soon, with Fabbregas and Denilson injured, Wenger must strengthen squad while Song away in ACN and Van Persie miss the whole season
Both wins at home against Bolton and Everton will surely move us ahead of Man United, and If Chelsea slip at Hull (not kidding), we may top of the table before the end of this crucial month!
Come on Gunners!
Good ratings. I agree with every rating. I would give Diaby and Ramsey an 8. Diaby is preparing himself for Songs departure he played very deep today and did very well defensively and offensively. As you say Ramsey is not great defensively he had a nice cover from Song and Diaby. I love Rosicky he just makes our games 2x faster, arshavin too tries the same but 90% of the times it does not work.Arsenal can afford to have one irregular magician in Arshavin.
We were playing the club at the foot of the table. But once again they showed signs of the energy that has resulted in not just the well documented wins but the many near misses too. My point is this was genuinely a good performance with Ramsey looking more like ‘Cesc in waiting’ with each display: even if he’s perhaps guilty of tying to be too clever at times.
We were exposed a couple of times: the goal being the most notable example. But their lack of threat overall is due to the fact that Gallas et al. are quietly going about the business of being world class. Finally, while it’s clear he’s not putting away the chances he once would have (put away), Eduardo is doing everything else in making chances for himself and others.
I’m not trying to suggest we don’t still need to buy. The case for both a ‘physical’ attack minded (Craig Bellamy?) and defense minded (Scott Parker?) player is still overwhelming.
Great win today and although I agree with the ratings above, Wenger’s comments post-match about the transfer window have me a little bit worried. I really would like to see us buy someone physically imposing! Even if we’re scoring goals against poor teams like Pompey, we need that extra back up.
Chris, 3 direct free kicks, 3 opening goals in 3 tough matches, Like Arsene Wenger, i can say, I told you so. I hope Arsenal have completely changed that culture of floating in free kicks when there is a direct route to goal. Titles are won by free kicks nowadays, ask Cristiano Ronaldo & Manchester United, Frank Lampard & Chelsea and Xavi and Barcelona.
A very good win, still on top form….i d say i m pleased with everyone’s perfomance, they still need to keep this up till that crucial end of january till then, Happy premiership winning new year to all gunners wherever u re….Good ratings by chris just a bit too much for eduardo and for song good to see u score….
Traore was shocking at defending today. He went forward at nearly every oppurtunity, and left big holes behind him. Recovered a bit in the second half, but see the Pompey goal again, he should have not allowed the player to pass it back *so* simply.
And it was Vermaelen and Song who didn’t mark Bel-hadj(sp?). Not Gallas, he was on the right, covering for Sagna.
But really, if we even had Silvestre at LB, Pompey wouldn’t have got the same no. of chances.
Traore even got beaten around 4-5 times.
Other than that, fair ratings.
i think the away fans need a special mention.not for the first time they outsang the opposition, no mean achievement at Pompey.
I disagree about the rating for Arshavin.The guy has been playing all season with an injured right leg, and is filling a void left by RVP, in a position that is not natural to him.
Eduardo is making progress,but ever so slowly,and his facial expressions don’t give much away.
Ramsey is turning out to be the buy of the year.
Song, MOM. When did we last loan out a player(to Charlton) whohas come back and improved so much,that he is focal to the team.?
nasri’s best away peformance of the season.
I agree about Almunia, why fist a slippery ball when there is no pressure not to catch ?
Regardless of personnel,we are an attacking team and are always liable to concede the odd goal, but having said that a better keeper,who is more desisive and commands his area, is worth a good few points.
I predict that Vela will leave this summer,as AW has contradicted himself,saying he would replace Adebayor,but never starts him.
We have enough impact subs, we are really in with a chance of the title,but it is imperative that we buy in early January a striker and a no nonsense defender.
1. SHAYNE – You know absolutely nothing about football
2. For those calling for vela- he had his chance to claim his shirt, but was horrible in both games, so i’ll rather have an experience goal scorer as eduardo who already has 4 goals in the league
3. Ramsey – if or when cesc decides to go – would adequately cover for him- CECS might be more experience, but ramsey has far better shooting ability than cesc.
4. Song – can we sustain our run without song?
5. NASRI- The job nasri, does in that team, has been terribly overlooked,the boy holds the ball, a job nobody seems able to do, and wriggles out of tight spaces with ease, makes something out of nothing, special player, who hasn’t fulfilled his huge potential.
Good morning friends, thank you for the contribution.
Shayne, if you didn’t appreciate Denilson’s work in his last two games, you need to watch those games again and keep a close eye on him. I’ve been very critical of the Brasilian in the past, but I was full of praise for him lately and I hope he keeps it up. There was an occasion, yesterday, in the first half, where Aaron just stared at a Pompey player who then went on to shoot, reason why I said Denilson is better defensively.
Boozy, we went through this already. The reason why Carlos failed is because he was used as central striker. It’s funny you compare him with Eduardo for two reasons: Dudu has been as poor as Carlos so far, expect for maybe one game but he played more of course. As for the four goals he scored, these include yesterday’s lucky one and the easy one against Hull City.
Arshavin has been awfull all season,take away his goals and he gives nothing to the team.His passing has been like Diaby before he found his feet and with Eduardo next to him on their current form we will struggle to score against top opposition.Fingers crossed for either a return to form for both of them or a new striker in the window.
We’ve got Cesc Fabregas,
We’ve got Cesc Fabregas,
We’ve got Cesc Fabregas,
We’ve got Cesc Fabregas…
copy and paste
Why all this hate for Denilson, he may never have done much right, but i don’t see him doing much wrong anyway, he does not shine, but he is effective. Those hating him are the same ones who were hating on Alex Song last season. We have to appreciate that everyone is not Cesc Fabregas or Andrei Arshavin or Robin Van Persie they maybe bright but Arsenal need even those dull players too. I remember how the likes of Ray Parlour and Gilberto Silva were overlooked as dull due to them not shining much but when that role of defensive midfielder was left wide open after they left, the pain was felt. Patrick Vieira may have been a career defensive midfielder but that was never his role at Arsenal, Parlour and Gilberto did the job and that’s why Vieira shone brighter than them in a more attacking role. so the day you will see Denilson shining above everybody else, i doubt whether he will be doing his job right, he is doing his job right right now. Carlos Vela is greatness in progress, he may be the second coming of Thierry Henry but not now, he doesn’t throw himself into challenges and that’s why he ends up sprinting accross the pitch rather than playing football but, he has 3 great qualities which makes me feel like we need to see a lot of him, 1. he has a sweet finish, 2. he can dribble making him the only player after Samir Nasri in the whole of Arsenal team who can do it(the others look like they can but they really can’t only RVP and Arshavin can come close) 3. Also except for Nasri, he is the only other attacking player in Arsenal who goes back into defending – I may sound funny here but Carlos Vela must make a defensive tackle in almost every game he plays -many haven’t noticed but watch his games again. with that said, I would make him the mainstay of our left wing which nobody has ever made it his own despite it being Arsenal biggest strength, Arshavin, Nasri, Diaby & Rosicky have been used there on many occasions but there is a superior strength in Carlos Vela that all don’t have about the position, He is a natural left winger and 5 games i a row and we will start seeing a different and hugely productive Carlos Vela, he simply can’t handle the job of a striker.
I think Arsenal fans, the real ones that is, should learn how to respect our own players and not keeping on criticizing them day by day and always asking for new players to be bought. I would love Arsenal to have great strong players but let’s not all keep behaving like we don’t have a great team already, The way they are playing, I would not be surprised if Arsene Wenger doesn’t buy anybody and they still win the premier league, i wouldn’t mind the other trophies either.
Congratulations Dear FREDDY KOIGI !!
I did like very much your great analysis regarding CALOS VELA qualities, YES, and everything you are saying AW knows it.
I will like to add to your words…
1. He has the habit of being continuously moving and opening spaces for the rest of attacking front partners.
2. He has very cool temperament when he is in front of the goal-keeper, not usual as his age.
3. And although not precise football player qualities…
He has a charming and sweet smile, very humble personality and continuously praising his mates, that for sure will make him to be very much appreciated by all ARSENAL fans in time to come.
I really love and admire vela, but he is not the finished article we need. He dribbles, yes, but he is still scared of doing so, let give him two or three years and see…
why are people getting on arshavins back about him not playing well?!? he has been my favourite arsenal player since he (single handedly) dragged us back into the top 4 last season and still is today, a lot of people dont realise how much of his game hes sacrificing for the team. I bet if you put anyone else his size e.g. lennon, wright-phillips etc. up front on their own, they woudnt do half as good a job as him. mark my words, IF we get a striker in january, arshavin will go back on the LW and get back to his best in no time.
nd btw I would give song at least a 9.5 he was amazing yesterday and by far the best player on the pitch. he even scored!