Report: Portsmouth 0-3 Arsenal
A much altered Arsenal side continued their imperious Premier League form with another walk in the park at Fratton Park.
Arsene Wenger had sprung eight changes to Wednesday’s toilers but even with his eleven resembling a Carling Cup set-up, Portsmouth could hardly handle the class of the youth – justified by a splendid brace and first-time strike from Bendtner and Vela respectively.
That victory has turned cementing top-four spot into confirmation that Arsenal will not be pipped for Champions League berth next season. And it was exactly two months ago today that a similar walkover at West Brom initiated a rally over the once poised Aston Villa.
Starting line-up (not necessarily exact formation)
Wenger’s line-up was understrength today but the attacking menace proved full strength anyway.
Theo Walcott was at his services from the right wing – swiping an alerting low ball across the face of goal with Bendtner attempting to contact. Nadir Belhadj then surged through Arsenal’s back line to invite Fabianski, but he could only unleash a taming effort.
Carlos Vela was optimist from 20-yards out before Arsenal grasped firm gear on 13 minutes.
Arshavin pumped the ball back into Portsmouth’s area after his corner-kick was incompletely cleared. And Bendtner wrestled well to get a header which David James spluttered into his net.
Arsenal had been cruising early and Vela should have made it count more when Eboue pulled back a clean ball for him with space and time to finish. But the Mexican hesitated and his eventual effort went begging.
Portsmouth were only living off the pieces of Arsenal’s flair and relentless thrust until they finally faulted in attempt to contain Wenger’s men till half-time. Arshavin barged into the visitors’ territory and was tripped by Sean Davis. The victim of the infringement, Arshavin, looked more reluctant about the spot-kick’s rewarding than the referee himself, but Bendtner converted anyway.
The Gunners’ second might have been harsh on the home side, but even they could concede it had been coming. Portsmouth emerged rejuvenated for the second-half and should have pegged level perhaps.
An introduced Utaka smashed a decent effort off the face of the post, then Crouch squandered before Kanu nearly profited from 20-yards out. Chance after chance came and Portsmouth were missing from point-blank ranges.
It was inevitable that they paid for their profligacy.
Arsenal broke into attack again. Vela was biding his time in possession and shifted to hand over to Arshavin on the edge of the area. The Russian’s effort was blocked before Vela rebounded with a sweet low drive into the far bottom corner of the net.
Even with half-an-hour not ticked, there was nothing more to do than switch attentions to a larger-looming Champions League semi-final in midweek.
Likely contributors Walcott and Bendtner were given a breather as Amaury Bischoff benefited with a league debut before Merida was gifted a cameo.
After deputizing Fabregas effectively, Aaaron Ramsey was replaced by another creative mold in Mark Randall.
Arsenal did go for more on the score-sheet though – Vela forced a save from James and when Arshavin was thwarted in attempt later on, Noe Pamarot was issued his second-booking and sent off.
A clean-sheet flattered Arsenal but Fabianski did earn it well with Crouch and Distin all vying to cause stains late on.
The Gunners were dominant by a stretch.
(Article by By Randy Osae)
Another happy day for all Arsenal fans.
Another happy day for all Arsenal fans.
For a moment, I thought I was watching a Carling Cup match..lol
For a moment, I thought I was watching a Carling Cup match..lol
It WAS a Carling Cup day from start to finish.
Eight line-up changes and Bendtner and Vela scoring justifies that!
It WAS a Carling Cup day from start to finish.
Eight line-up changes and Bendtner and Vela scoring justifies that!
Happy days. Now lets start out the trap on Tues and a clean sheet will give us confidence as well I hope. If Van Persie is declared fit for Tues I’d love to see us go 4-4-2 and just go for, get an early goal or two so incase Utd score we wouldn’t be left with an uphill struggle. And if needs be Vela and Bendtner could help out.
Happy days. Now lets start out the trap on Tues and a clean sheet will give us confidence as well I hope. If Van Persie is declared fit for Tues I’d love to see us go 4-4-2 and just go for, get an early goal or two so incase Utd score we wouldn’t be left with an uphill struggle. And if needs be Vela and Bendtner could help out.
Pompey should’ve beeen level before Vela strucked. Just like Manure should’ve been 3-0 up by half time. Yes we were lucky and Kanu once again showed the vintage link up plays and sublime close controls of old. I’d like him back as youth coach any time.
Good news is Eboue’s gonna terrorise John O’shit on tuesday.
Pompey should’ve beeen level before Vela strucked. Just like Manure should’ve been 3-0 up by half time. Yes we were lucky and Kanu once again showed the vintage link up plays and sublime close controls of old. I’d like him back as youth coach any time.
Good news is Eboue’s gonna terrorise John O’shit on tuesday.
it was a carling cup game.the only one missing ws jack wilshair.fantastic game indeed.if man u can put on a 2nd string n win, we can do better.but again their 2nd string include old guyz n bench warmers like giggs.scholes n tevez.n not their reserves.cheers gunners.
it was a carling cup game.the only one missing ws jack wilshair.fantastic game indeed.if man u can put on a 2nd string n win, we can do better.but again their 2nd string include old guyz n bench warmers like giggs.scholes n tevez.n not their reserves.cheers gunners.
well done boyz.now lets kick man u’s right where it hurts come ths tuesday.
well done boyz.now lets kick man u’s right where it hurts come ths tuesday.
sagna on the right and eboue on the left worked out real well..
sagna on the right and eboue on the left worked out real well..
Usama…
Indeed it did.
Eboue has to start on Tuesday!!
We need goals and defence and he delivers both.
Wenger end the insanity…get Da Screwface in the mix.
I don’t care if its RB or RW…just get it done.
Theo turned in another uninspired performance.
You’d think Vela and Bendtner scoring at striker position would fire him up…wrong.
My prophecy looks more and more solid…he’s remain a winger not a striker at The Emirates.
Usama…
Indeed it did.
Eboue has to start on Tuesday!!
We need goals and defence and he delivers both.
Wenger end the insanity…get Da Screwface in the mix.
I don’t care if its RB or RW…just get it done.
Theo turned in another uninspired performance.
You’d think Vela and Bendtner scoring at striker position would fire him up…wrong.
My prophecy looks more and more solid…he’s remain a winger not a striker at The Emirates.
was anyone else to see arshavin came out with the captain arm-band?
was anyone else to see arshavin came out with the captain arm-band?
I agree karlos, theo might never be a striker for arsenal and he’s not developed as fast as he should on the wings. In my opinion, eboue is miles better that theo on the flanks. Theo has the pace but what good is it if you outrun everybody and nothing creative comes out of it?
Eboue did the job very well in the lb position. Is there any position this guy has not played in for arsenal? jeeeeezzzz
I hope wenger gets him involved on tuesday because he can cause upsets and spring suprises against opposing teams. I hope these pleas don’t fall on deaf ears.
Now that cl spot has been secured, lets go all out and leave it on the pitch on tuesday. Tuesday will decide if we further our ambitions or remain content with cl spot for next season.
I agree karlos, theo might never be a striker for arsenal and he’s not developed as fast as he should on the wings. In my opinion, eboue is miles better that theo on the flanks. Theo has the pace but what good is it if you outrun everybody and nothing creative comes out of it?
Eboue did the job very well in the lb position. Is there any position this guy has not played in for arsenal? jeeeeezzzz
I hope wenger gets him involved on tuesday because he can cause upsets and spring suprises against opposing teams. I hope these pleas don’t fall on deaf ears.
Now that cl spot has been secured, lets go all out and leave it on the pitch on tuesday. Tuesday will decide if we further our ambitions or remain content with cl spot for next season.
City “G”…
Figured you’d have a smile on your face with nailing down the CL spot and with the play of Eboue
Going to be interesting to see if Robin can get back into the line-up for Tuesday. Along with Eboue we need a game changer like Robin on the pitch for us…and he helps bring out the best in Adebayor.
Stay tuned…T-Minus 54 hours.
City “G”…
Figured you’d have a smile on your face with nailing down the CL spot and with the play of Eboue
Going to be interesting to see if Robin can get back into the line-up for Tuesday. Along with Eboue we need a game changer like Robin on the pitch for us…and he helps bring out the best in Adebayor.
Stay tuned…T-Minus 54 hours.
William Hill…
Nawww i didn’t notice it until later on in the match. I thought it was a nice touch of class by Wenger to give him the armband.
Amazing that it took Bergkamp almost 8-9 years before he ever got the armband and Arshavin has got it in 3 months…goes to show how young the team has gotten.
William Hill…
Nawww i didn’t notice it until later on in the match. I thought it was a nice touch of class by Wenger to give him the armband.
Amazing that it took Bergkamp almost 8-9 years before he ever got the armband and Arshavin has got it in 3 months…goes to show how young the team has gotten.
Whats up Gooners? My boy Screwface coming up large again. We need Eboue on the pitch (wherever) that may be and RVP fit for Tuesday- and we may just be able to do it. Anything less than 110% effort and leaving absolutely everything on the Emirates pitch would be unacceptable. If the boys can do that, anything can happen.
Whats up Gooners? My boy Screwface coming up large again. We need Eboue on the pitch (wherever) that may be and RVP fit for Tuesday- and we may just be able to do it. Anything less than 110% effort and leaving absolutely everything on the Emirates pitch would be unacceptable. If the boys can do that, anything can happen.
Goldz…
Greetings mi bredren.
As usual I am in lock-step with your comments.
Let the cards fall the way they may…I just want to see a desperate and maniacal effort from our lads. If we go down…I want it to be with an empty clip and blood on the pitch.
Goldz…
Greetings mi bredren.
As usual I am in lock-step with your comments.
Let the cards fall the way they may…I just want to see a desperate and maniacal effort from our lads. If we go down…I want it to be with an empty clip and blood on the pitch.
Almunia
Sagna-Toure-Djourou-Eboue
Song
Nasri-Fabregas-Walcott
Adebayor-Bendtner
Almunia
Sagna-Toure-Djourou-Eboue
Song
Nasri-Fabregas-Walcott
Adebayor-Bendtner
Kidz…
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat??
No Robin??
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!?!?
Kidz…
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat??
No Robin??
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!?!?
Karlos, to begin with, your idea of putting in the young starlets paid off handsomely with a 3-0 victory. As for RVP not in my selection is because he is still injured and even if recoverd may not be match fit.
Karlos, to begin with, your idea of putting in the young starlets paid off handsomely with a 3-0 victory. As for RVP not in my selection is because he is still injured and even if recoverd may not be match fit.
So I just watched the replay of the Portsmouth game again. Got me thinking- going forward to next year, assuming we keep all of our players and everyone is healthy- what would your starting 11 be? Let me start by saying that in my opinion Arshavin is an absolute monster and its clear to me he is the best in the Bergkamp role. In fact, since the departure of Dennis himself- I don’t think there’s been another Arsenal more capable of the role than Arshavin himself. Of course this adds to the logjam of strikers. But you have to play the man where he is most effective.
——–Almunia——–
Sagna Toure Gallas Clichy
—-Fabregas Song —–
Eboue————-Rosicky
——-Arshavin——–
———RVP———–
Of course there are some variables in there that are changeable. Adebayor for RVP, Nasri for Rosicky, and Walcott for Eboue are all debatable- but I quite like that lineup.
So I just watched the replay of the Portsmouth game again. Got me thinking- going forward to next year, assuming we keep all of our players and everyone is healthy- what would your starting 11 be? Let me start by saying that in my opinion Arshavin is an absolute monster and its clear to me he is the best in the Bergkamp role. In fact, since the departure of Dennis himself- I don’t think there’s been another Arsenal more capable of the role than Arshavin himself. Of course this adds to the logjam of strikers. But you have to play the man where he is most effective.
——–Almunia——–
Sagna Toure Gallas Clichy
—-Fabregas Song —–
Eboue————-Rosicky
——-Arshavin——–
———RVP———–
Of course there are some variables in there that are changeable. Adebayor for RVP, Nasri for Rosicky, and Walcott for Eboue are all debatable- but I quite like that lineup.
goldsoundz,indeed it look very promising if we get to keep all our players next season.
goldsoundz,indeed it look very promising if we get to keep all our players next season.
Goldz…
I’d roll with that line-up anyday with one minor tweak…Nasri in for Rosicky
You know me an “helmet hair” got issues…LOL.
Goldz…
I’d roll with that line-up anyday with one minor tweak…Nasri in for Rosicky
You know me an “helmet hair” got issues…LOL.
Kidz…
I see.
We need something special on Tuesday…if Robin isn’t 100% then OK…save him for the second half…roll him out at 55-60 minutes and hope he can conjure up some magic be it from a FK or thunderbolt from in and around the 18 yard box.
He is a game breaker…even if its for just 30 minutes we need to have him out there.
Kidz…
I see.
We need something special on Tuesday…if Robin isn’t 100% then OK…save him for the second half…roll him out at 55-60 minutes and hope he can conjure up some magic be it from a FK or thunderbolt from in and around the 18 yard box.
He is a game breaker…even if its for just 30 minutes we need to have him out there.
We still have players coming back from loan spell. Awesome…
We still have players coming back from loan spell. Awesome…
Spot on Karlos, RVP do possess a magical left foot.
Spot on Karlos, RVP do possess a magical left foot.
This guy Arshavin reminds me of John McEnroe one of the great American tennis player. So gifted and honest. Arshavin wagging his finger to the official not to give the penalty. Hats off to him..
This guy Arshavin reminds me of John McEnroe one of the great American tennis player. So gifted and honest. Arshavin wagging his finger to the official not to give the penalty. Hats off to him..
Karlos
I hear you on Nasri. My first inclination was to put Samir in there- but I kinda like the idea of him playing behind Rosicky, paying some more dues and really stoking the hunger and competitive fire.
As for RVP on Tuesday… 100% my ass. If he is 75% he needs to be on the pitch- I would hope at the very least he would want to be on the pitch regardless of what the medical staff says. This is it. The whole season is 90 minutes at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
By the way, is there another player in the world who is more capable of unleashing a laser beam FK- only to hit the woodwork time and time again? RVP has that post/crossbar shot patented.
Karlos
I hear you on Nasri. My first inclination was to put Samir in there- but I kinda like the idea of him playing behind Rosicky, paying some more dues and really stoking the hunger and competitive fire.
As for RVP on Tuesday… 100% my ass. If he is 75% he needs to be on the pitch- I would hope at the very least he would want to be on the pitch regardless of what the medical staff says. This is it. The whole season is 90 minutes at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
By the way, is there another player in the world who is more capable of unleashing a laser beam FK- only to hit the woodwork time and time again? RVP has that post/crossbar shot patented.
Speaking of retaining all the players for next season, I DO believe that we need to get rid of some dead wood as well.
Speaking of retaining all the players for next season, I DO believe that we need to get rid of some dead wood as well.
Diaby is the first to go in my opinion. We’ve got alot of midfield depth when we are healthy and his presence is doing nothing for the team, let alone the development of players like Wilshere and Ramsey. I thought Ramsey played a pretty good match today. He has a very nice passing range and he is not afraid to try and make a difference making play…. unlike Denilson whose playing style I can only describe as “just trying not to make a mistake”. That’s not Arsenal football mentality.
We’ve got a glut of strikers. The most obvious piece to move would be Bendtner, but that leaves us with only Adebayor as our only aerial threat/target man. With the nonstop rumors surrounding Adebayor, is it really prudent to let Bendtner go? For all the flack he gets- I do believe there is alot of potential there. He is just not there yet.
RVPs contract will be up soon and there may be a possibility he may be moved this summer. Let me start off by saying I am very impressed with the way he flat out carried us for a good chunk of the season. Yet, as always injuries made their mark on his season. Nonetheless, he is definitely a player that is in demand and would command a nice transfer fee. Consider the fact that in Arshavin you have a player who is most comfortable in RVPs spot, Eduardo who should be 100% for next season and is arguably our most clinical finisher, and Carlos Vela who is going to have to start getting more games under his belt at some point. I would not be shocked to see RVP out the door this summer.
Obviously no matter who leaves, that money needs to be invested into our central defense. Logic says Gallas will probably be gone, but I’d like to see him stay. This year was a humbling experience for him, but he showed what he was really all about. The quality of his performances this year speak for themselves. We would all love to see a PL ready veteran that can step right in and command the middle. Knowing Wenger, I’m not so sure that’ll happen. If it has to be a young defender, I would love to see PSG’s Sakho- who is going to be an absolute stud, but could also have an immediate impact as well. We all know Silvestre and Djourou are poor quality backups.
Diaby is the first to go in my opinion. We’ve got alot of midfield depth when we are healthy and his presence is doing nothing for the team, let alone the development of players like Wilshere and Ramsey. I thought Ramsey played a pretty good match today. He has a very nice passing range and he is not afraid to try and make a difference making play…. unlike Denilson whose playing style I can only describe as “just trying not to make a mistake”. That’s not Arsenal football mentality.
We’ve got a glut of strikers. The most obvious piece to move would be Bendtner, but that leaves us with only Adebayor as our only aerial threat/target man. With the nonstop rumors surrounding Adebayor, is it really prudent to let Bendtner go? For all the flack he gets- I do believe there is alot of potential there. He is just not there yet.
RVPs contract will be up soon and there may be a possibility he may be moved this summer. Let me start off by saying I am very impressed with the way he flat out carried us for a good chunk of the season. Yet, as always injuries made their mark on his season. Nonetheless, he is definitely a player that is in demand and would command a nice transfer fee. Consider the fact that in Arshavin you have a player who is most comfortable in RVPs spot, Eduardo who should be 100% for next season and is arguably our most clinical finisher, and Carlos Vela who is going to have to start getting more games under his belt at some point. I would not be shocked to see RVP out the door this summer.
Obviously no matter who leaves, that money needs to be invested into our central defense. Logic says Gallas will probably be gone, but I’d like to see him stay. This year was a humbling experience for him, but he showed what he was really all about. The quality of his performances this year speak for themselves. We would all love to see a PL ready veteran that can step right in and command the middle. Knowing Wenger, I’m not so sure that’ll happen. If it has to be a young defender, I would love to see PSG’s Sakho- who is going to be an absolute stud, but could also have an immediate impact as well. We all know Silvestre and Djourou are poor quality backups.
Goldz…
You make a good point…Nasri is only 21…a year of platooning could really motivate him to take his game to a higher level indeed.
Interesting comments about Robin’s injury…i had the same initial reaction when i read last Thursday-Friday that there was a good chance he may not feature on Tuesday. Show us your ready to sacrafice yourself for the club.
As for deadwood…midfield and striker are two spots that we need to shed some players.
Diaby…that’s easy…hit the door.
I think Rosicky is safe because he has ZERO trade value at this point. But next year he’ll be 30, have some trade value (hopefully) and be out the door.
Bischoff…seems like surplus to me. Even when he did get over his “injury” he never really featured at all.
There is 2 to go this summer and a third by next summer. That should help to clear up the dog pile in the midfield.
When Randy drops “Match Reaction” tomorrow…you’ll see I very much disagreed with you on Ramsey’s efforts today. He started his season very bright with some lovely cameos and CL efforts but since the New Year and the disaster at Cardiff City…his game has gone backwards.
Not throwing him under the bus, but his slip in performance tells me that he and Wilshire and Merida need more touches at the Prem League level.
At striker, you may just be right about Robin being the one to break camp (trade value $$, injury woes, Arshavin)…even though it pains me to think about my favourite Gunner moving on.
(Another example of why I only get long serving legends (Bergkamp, Henry, Vieira) names put on the back of Arsenal kits)…LOL!
I don’t agree with idea of keeping Bendtner just because he is tall and can help the aerial game. If that is a need..then lets go out and get a tall striker who is more polished and skilled. I’d love to see a move for Kenwyne Jones of Sunderland. He is the real deal IMO. On a skilled Arsenal club…his goal tally would be most impressive.
I would be OK with Adebayor moving on if we could use the cash to lock in Kenwyne Jones and then use the surplus cash along with the money for Diaby and Bischoff to go out and sign a high quality CB that is our most obvious need.
I see Willy “G” back for another year…coming back from knee surgery and being 32 to start next season…his options are limited…unless he wants to call it a career at the top flight and go back to Ligue One for smaller money…or off to Turkey or Greece.
He has been humbled this season and reacted in a way that few people (other than ourselves) ever imagined possible. I see him coming back highly motivated to reclaim his place and that can help push Toure and a new CB signing to keep their games razor sharp.
If he starts pissing and moaning about playing time then he’s out the door in January.
Not familiar with Sakho but i trust your judgement…lets bring him in this summer.
Goldz…
You make a good point…Nasri is only 21…a year of platooning could really motivate him to take his game to a higher level indeed.
Interesting comments about Robin’s injury…i had the same initial reaction when i read last Thursday-Friday that there was a good chance he may not feature on Tuesday. Show us your ready to sacrafice yourself for the club.
As for deadwood…midfield and striker are two spots that we need to shed some players.
Diaby…that’s easy…hit the door.
I think Rosicky is safe because he has ZERO trade value at this point. But next year he’ll be 30, have some trade value (hopefully) and be out the door.
Bischoff…seems like surplus to me. Even when he did get over his “injury” he never really featured at all.
There is 2 to go this summer and a third by next summer. That should help to clear up the dog pile in the midfield.
When Randy drops “Match Reaction” tomorrow…you’ll see I very much disagreed with you on Ramsey’s efforts today. He started his season very bright with some lovely cameos and CL efforts but since the New Year and the disaster at Cardiff City…his game has gone backwards.
Not throwing him under the bus, but his slip in performance tells me that he and Wilshire and Merida need more touches at the Prem League level.
At striker, you may just be right about Robin being the one to break camp (trade value $$, injury woes, Arshavin)…even though it pains me to think about my favourite Gunner moving on.
(Another example of why I only get long serving legends (Bergkamp, Henry, Vieira) names put on the back of Arsenal kits)…LOL!
I don’t agree with idea of keeping Bendtner just because he is tall and can help the aerial game. If that is a need..then lets go out and get a tall striker who is more polished and skilled. I’d love to see a move for Kenwyne Jones of Sunderland. He is the real deal IMO. On a skilled Arsenal club…his goal tally would be most impressive.
I would be OK with Adebayor moving on if we could use the cash to lock in Kenwyne Jones and then use the surplus cash along with the money for Diaby and Bischoff to go out and sign a high quality CB that is our most obvious need.
I see Willy “G” back for another year…coming back from knee surgery and being 32 to start next season…his options are limited…unless he wants to call it a career at the top flight and go back to Ligue One for smaller money…or off to Turkey or Greece.
He has been humbled this season and reacted in a way that few people (other than ourselves) ever imagined possible. I see him coming back highly motivated to reclaim his place and that can help push Toure and a new CB signing to keep their games razor sharp.
If he starts pissing and moaning about playing time then he’s out the door in January.
Not familiar with Sakho but i trust your judgement…lets bring him in this summer.
Karlos
I didn’t think Ramsey had a great game by any stretch of the imagination. The gulf in class between Arshavin and the rest of the midfield was vast. However, for a kid who has not featured in months and was asked to be Fabregas for the day- I thought he showed courage and the right mindset. Admittedly the poise and decision making weren’t anything to write home about, but I thought he did a good job. I am admittedly still on the fence with Bendtner. Most Gooners have had there last straw with him- I am not quite at that point (my last straw has Diaby written in bold print). I just still think there is more to come from Nick. He just has a good feel for the game and just needs to polish. He certainly is not ready to be the featured striker no matter what he says.
As for Tuesday- what is it going to take to get Eboue on the pitch? The guy can be the difference maker. With no minutes on Saturday, it looks like Diaby and Gibbs both look to feature. Silvestre perhaps as well- but it sounds more like he will miss the match. Walcott will really need to have a special performance- even against Pompey I saw too many uncommitted crosses to nobody and the propensity to try to beat his defender with only pace. He was most effective when he brought the ball inside towards the middle. That gets the defensive shape to get all out of whack and forces defenders to respect his ability to do that instead of always defending his down the touchline sprints. He really needs to mix it up. As for Tuesday, if RVP is fit:
—–Almunia——
Sagna Toure Djourou Gibbs
Eboue Fabregas Song Nasri
—RVP Adebayor—-
If not:
—–Almunia—–
Sagna Toure Djourou Gibbs
—-Fabregas Song—–
Eboue————-Walcott
——-Nasri———
——Adebayor—–
I wouldn’t mind seeing that 4-5-1 with Theo on the left. He has seen plenty of time there this season as him and Nasri like to switch sides during the course of a match. It also allows him to cut inside to the middle with his stronger right shooting foot. And lets be honest here, Nasri really didn’t have any left footed delivery on that side anyway- he almost always brings the ball back to his right foot. The only drawback I see to this formation is Theo’s lack of defensive support for Gibbs.
If Diaby plays, our chance to get the result goes down dramatically. Playing him on the left flank as Wenger did in the first leg was just about the worst thing you could do. Assuming Wenger uses the same lineup for the 2nd leg as he did in the 1st, this is the way it should be played. I’m going to assume Silvestre will miss this clash, so I will substitute Djourou.
—–Almunia—–
Sagna Toure Djourou Gibbs
—-Fabregas Song—–
Walcott———–Nasri
——-Diaby———
——Adebayor—–
Wenger got it all wrong in the 1st leg. Diaby, Nasri and Fabregas were all playing in their least effective positions individually and collectively. Substitutions were rather bizarre.
Karlos
I didn’t think Ramsey had a great game by any stretch of the imagination. The gulf in class between Arshavin and the rest of the midfield was vast. However, for a kid who has not featured in months and was asked to be Fabregas for the day- I thought he showed courage and the right mindset. Admittedly the poise and decision making weren’t anything to write home about, but I thought he did a good job. I am admittedly still on the fence with Bendtner. Most Gooners have had there last straw with him- I am not quite at that point (my last straw has Diaby written in bold print). I just still think there is more to come from Nick. He just has a good feel for the game and just needs to polish. He certainly is not ready to be the featured striker no matter what he says.
As for Tuesday- what is it going to take to get Eboue on the pitch? The guy can be the difference maker. With no minutes on Saturday, it looks like Diaby and Gibbs both look to feature. Silvestre perhaps as well- but it sounds more like he will miss the match. Walcott will really need to have a special performance- even against Pompey I saw too many uncommitted crosses to nobody and the propensity to try to beat his defender with only pace. He was most effective when he brought the ball inside towards the middle. That gets the defensive shape to get all out of whack and forces defenders to respect his ability to do that instead of always defending his down the touchline sprints. He really needs to mix it up. As for Tuesday, if RVP is fit:
—–Almunia——
Sagna Toure Djourou Gibbs
Eboue Fabregas Song Nasri
—RVP Adebayor—-
If not:
—–Almunia—–
Sagna Toure Djourou Gibbs
—-Fabregas Song—–
Eboue————-Walcott
——-Nasri———
——Adebayor—–
I wouldn’t mind seeing that 4-5-1 with Theo on the left. He has seen plenty of time there this season as him and Nasri like to switch sides during the course of a match. It also allows him to cut inside to the middle with his stronger right shooting foot. And lets be honest here, Nasri really didn’t have any left footed delivery on that side anyway- he almost always brings the ball back to his right foot. The only drawback I see to this formation is Theo’s lack of defensive support for Gibbs.
If Diaby plays, our chance to get the result goes down dramatically. Playing him on the left flank as Wenger did in the first leg was just about the worst thing you could do. Assuming Wenger uses the same lineup for the 2nd leg as he did in the 1st, this is the way it should be played. I’m going to assume Silvestre will miss this clash, so I will substitute Djourou.
—–Almunia—–
Sagna Toure Djourou Gibbs
—-Fabregas Song—–
Walcott———–Nasri
——-Diaby———
——Adebayor—–
Wenger got it all wrong in the 1st leg. Diaby, Nasri and Fabregas were all playing in their least effective positions individually and collectively. Substitutions were rather bizarre.
Sup Goldsoundz, what brought you here bro? I only noticed you yesterday…well, welcome, hope you enjoy my stuff.
Sup Goldsoundz, what brought you here bro? I only noticed you yesterday…well, welcome, hope you enjoy my stuff.
Randy
I check in every now and then. Its good to have a place for Gooners to congregate without other club supporters harassment. You are doing a great job with the site- keep up the good work. I like all of the random interviews and stuff you put on here… keeps it interesting.
Randy
I check in every now and then. Its good to have a place for Gooners to congregate without other club supporters harassment. You are doing a great job with the site- keep up the good work. I like all of the random interviews and stuff you put on here… keeps it interesting.
Cheers man, but may I ask; how’s foxsoccer.com going?
Cheers man, but may I ask; how’s foxsoccer.com going?