So Arsenal are up against the rugby side Blackburn today.
.......and here's the team news:
Blackburn: Robinson, Salgado, Nelsen, Samba, Givet, El-Hadji Diouf, Jones, Pedersen, Grella, Mame Diouf, Kalinic
Substitutes: Bunn, Olsson, Emerton, Dunn, Nzonzi, Hoilett, Chimbonda.
Manager: Sam Allardyce
==========================================================================
Formation view:
==========================================================================
Robinson
Salgado Nelsen Samba Givet
Diouf Jones Grella Mame-Diouf Pederson
Kalinic
==========================================================================
Arsenal (4-2-3-1) Almunia, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Clichy, Diaby, Song, Walcott, Fabregas, Arshavin, van Persie
Substitutes: Fabianski, Rosicky, Vela, Wilshere, Eboue, Gibbs, Chamakh
Manager: Arsene Wenger
==========================================================================
Formation view:
==========================================================================
Almunia
Sagna Koscielny Vermaelen Clichy
Diaby Song
Walcott Fabregas Arshavin
van Persie
==========================================================================
Goalkeeping: Almunia needs to be at his best today. Blackburn are gonna target him from every opportunity - free kicks, corners, long balls and even goal kicks from Robinson!
Defence: Koscielny is back today. The defence needs to hold tight to protect Almunia as he'll be targeted a lot today as Blackburn launch long balls into the box.
Midfield: Wilshere and Rosicky drop back to the bench as Cesc returns and Song is able to play in his preferred position.
Attack: Chamakh drops off and van the Man comes in. Hope he gets a goal today.
Tactics:
Defence: We know what to expect from Blackburn today. It will get ugly in the box and we should be disciplined and look to win aerial battles.
Midfield: Cesc is back. A bit harsh on Rosicky-who's in good form-as he's on the bench. Midfield battle will be key today and Song will be vital for us.
Attack: We are not likely to get too many chances as in the previous match but we need to take them.
Subs: Ideally, I'd bring on Rosicky, Eboue and Chamakh.
Final Prediction:
A scrappy 2-1 win for Arsenal.
Saturday 28 August 2010
Champions League Draw and Thoughts
So, the long awaited Uefa Champions League draw has been made. Arsenal are in group H and it looks like this:
Group H
Arsenal(ENG)
Shakhtar Donetsk(UKR)
FC Braga(POR)
Arsenal(ENG)
Shakhtar Donetsk(UKR)
FC Braga(POR)
Partizan Belgrade(SER)
It looks a relatively easy group on paper, but then we must not get too overconfident. Braga have come through by knocking out Celtic and Seville in the qualifying rounds and shouldn't be underestimated. Donetsk are Ukranian champions and a reunion with Eduardo awaits. I wish him all the best and as long as we top the group, I don't mind him scoring against us.
Of course the main talking point is the fixtures and how it fits in with the Premier League schedule. Since the Champions League matches are sandwiched between two league matches, its important to rest and rotate key players for important matches. We knew from before that we have 5 away games in the league after the European games, which can prove very demanding for our players, and as previous seasons suggest, very tough. So lets breakdown the fixtures and see how they look:
11 Sat Barclays Premier League H Bolton Wanderers
15 Wed UEFA Champions League H Braga
18 Sat Barclays Premier League A Sunderland
...
25 Sat Barclays Premier League H W.B.A.
28 Tue UEFA Champions League A Partizan Belgrade
October:
03 Sun Barclays Premier League A Chelsea
16 Sat Barclays Premier League H Birmingham City
19 Tue UEFA Champions League H Shakhtar Donetsk
24 Sun Barclays Premier League A Manchester City
...
30 Sat Barclays Premier League H West Ham United
November:
03 Wed UEFA Champions League A Shakhtar Donetsk
07 Sun Barclays Premier League H Newcastle United
...
20 Sat Barclays Premier League H Tottenham Hotspur
23 Tue UEFA Champions League A Braga
27 Sat Barclays Premier League A Aston Villa
...
December:
04 Sat Barclays Premier League H Fulham
08 Wed UEFA Champions League H Partizan Belgrade
11 Sat Barclays Premier League A Manchester United
Match-by-match fixture analysis:
1. Braga (home)
We have a home match against Bolton before this match. So far so good, but then we have an away match against Sunderland afterward. We didn't do well against them last year but if we have a fit enough squad, there is no reason we shouldn't come back with 3 points.
Expectation: Win, Win, Win(am I too greedy?)
2. Partizan Belgrade(away)
We have a home match against West Brom before this one. Then we travel to Serbia and then there is the little matter of a London derby to take care of, which by the way, is again an away match. I hope we can give it our all after all the travelling.
Expectation: Thrashing Win, Win/Draw, Draw(at least - a win would be nice and good for us)
3. Shakhtar Donetsk(home)
We face Birmingham at home before we welcome Eduardo at the Emirates. Then we're off to face Man City away.
Expectation: Win, Win, Win(show them who's boss)
4. Shakhtar Donetsk(away)
We welcome West Ham before we travel far away to Ukraine. Then we have our lone home game after our ECC league match against Newcastle.
Expectation: Win, Win/Draw, Win
5. Braga(away)
We face Champions League debutants and fellow Londoners(I am being too nice!) Sp*rs at home before we travel to Serbia. Hope we rotate our key players a bit against Braga. Then we travel to Villa Park afterward.
Expectation: Win(what else?), Win/Draw, Win
6. Partizan Belgrade(home)
We entertain Fulham at home before we welcome Partizan. I hope we've already qualified by this stage and we rest most of our players for the ECC match since we're facing old enemy Man Utd away later.
Expectation: Win, Win/Draw, WIN(I won't take anything else).
We're lucky in one way that the draw could have been much harder. As it stands, I'm optimistic about our chances this season and hope we have a fit and an in-form squad to negotiate these tricky set of matches.
Catch you with my Blackburn preview.
Monday 23 August 2010
Arsenal vs Blackpool Review
Hello readers.
What an almost perfect match. There will be sterner tests ahead(not least the very next match against Blackburn away), but lets give credit where it is due. Agreed, we were playing for about an hour against 10 men, and it was only Blackpool, but it was heart warming to see us create a number of chances(26 in fact), and take 6 of them. I know we could, and probably should, have scored more but I'd take the final scoreline against any team any day.
It was nice to see Theo in such fine form. If he can perform consistently like this then he'll be a real threat to rival defences. It was also a wonderful sight to behold Rosicky's awesome vision and passing. In fact, the whole team played well and it was also a great opportunity for our World Cup finalists Cesc and van Persie get some game time. Hopefully they'll play a bigger part in the next match.
First Half Analysis:
We had total control of the match from the start. Blackpool were awful in possession; they kept giving the ball away. In fact, they couldn't cross the halfway line even. Credit goes to our midfielders and defence for pressing the ball, winning it back and launching devastating counter attacks. The first goal came from a flowing move from the left and it was nice interplay from Arshavin and Rosicky that sucked the defenders and allowed space to open up for Walcott, who finished with aplomb. Thereafter, Blackpool had a golden chance to equalize but they failed to take their chance. After that, the game was over as a contest when Chamakh was brought down and Arshavin converted the resulting penalty delightfully. It was nice to see Chamakh and Walcott switch positions to confuse the defenders and from one such situation Walcott buried his second goal magnificently. At this point, you could sense that a hattrick was coming for Theo.
Second Half Analysis:
There was no let-up as we piled further misery on Blackpool when Diaby boomed his shot past the goalkeeper. Finally, the hattick came as a result of bursting pace from Theo and a well taken left-foot shot. After that, the subs came on and I had my heart in my mouth when Robin was writhing on the ground. Luckily, he was able to continue playing and I'm sure thousands of Gunners heaved a collective sigh of relief. Carlos Vela should have scored earlier when he was put through but he wrongly chose to pass rather than shoot when one-on-one with the goalie. Even then, he produced a wonderful moment of magic and it was a pity he could not score a goal - which would have been the goal of the season then. There was no respite for Blackpool as Chamakh made no mistake from the resulting corner as he opened his account for us in the League with a well connected header.
I think we eased off in the closing 20 minutes or so otherwise if we kept playing with the same tempo then we could have scored at least 12.
Conclusion:
We shouldn't read too much from this match as we'll not find easier games in the season. But, we can definitely take the positives from this game and carry them in our next match which is against Big Sam's physical surround-the-goalkeeper Blackburn side who took full advantage of Fabiansky and our injuries last season. I'd be glad if we can thrash them properly and come away without any injuries.
Until then, have a great day!
What an almost perfect match. There will be sterner tests ahead(not least the very next match against Blackburn away), but lets give credit where it is due. Agreed, we were playing for about an hour against 10 men, and it was only Blackpool, but it was heart warming to see us create a number of chances(26 in fact), and take 6 of them. I know we could, and probably should, have scored more but I'd take the final scoreline against any team any day.
First Half Analysis:
We had total control of the match from the start. Blackpool were awful in possession; they kept giving the ball away. In fact, they couldn't cross the halfway line even. Credit goes to our midfielders and defence for pressing the ball, winning it back and launching devastating counter attacks. The first goal came from a flowing move from the left and it was nice interplay from Arshavin and Rosicky that sucked the defenders and allowed space to open up for Walcott, who finished with aplomb. Thereafter, Blackpool had a golden chance to equalize but they failed to take their chance. After that, the game was over as a contest when Chamakh was brought down and Arshavin converted the resulting penalty delightfully. It was nice to see Chamakh and Walcott switch positions to confuse the defenders and from one such situation Walcott buried his second goal magnificently. At this point, you could sense that a hattrick was coming for Theo.
Second Half Analysis:
There was no let-up as we piled further misery on Blackpool when Diaby boomed his shot past the goalkeeper. Finally, the hattick came as a result of bursting pace from Theo and a well taken left-foot shot. After that, the subs came on and I had my heart in my mouth when Robin was writhing on the ground. Luckily, he was able to continue playing and I'm sure thousands of Gunners heaved a collective sigh of relief. Carlos Vela should have scored earlier when he was put through but he wrongly chose to pass rather than shoot when one-on-one with the goalie. Even then, he produced a wonderful moment of magic and it was a pity he could not score a goal - which would have been the goal of the season then. There was no respite for Blackpool as Chamakh made no mistake from the resulting corner as he opened his account for us in the League with a well connected header.
I think we eased off in the closing 20 minutes or so otherwise if we kept playing with the same tempo then we could have scored at least 12.
Conclusion:
We shouldn't read too much from this match as we'll not find easier games in the season. But, we can definitely take the positives from this game and carry them in our next match which is against Big Sam's physical surround-the-goalkeeper Blackburn side who took full advantage of Fabiansky and our injuries last season. I'd be glad if we can thrash them properly and come away without any injuries.
Until then, have a great day!
Saturday 21 August 2010
Arsenal vs Blackpool Last Minute Preview
So Arsenal are up against the Cinderella Boys today.
.......and here's the team news:
Arsenal (4-2-3-1) Almunia, Sagna, Song, Vermaelen, Clichy, Diaby, Wilshere, Walcott, Rosicky, Arshavin, Chamakh
Substitutes: Fabianski, Fabregas, van Persie, Vela, Djourou, Eboue, Gibbs
Manager: Arsene Wenger
==========================================================================
Formation view:
==========================================================================
Almunia
Sagna Song Vermaelen Clichy
Diaby Wilshere
Walcott Rosicky Arshavin
Chamakh
==========================================================================
Blackpool: Gilks, Baptiste, Evatt, Cathcart, Crainey, Sylvestre, Vaughan, Adam, Grandin, Harewood, Taylor-Fletcher
Substitutes: Halstead, Eardley, Ormerod, Basham, Edwards, Demontagnac, Keinan
Manager: Ian Holloway
==========================================================================
Formation view:
==========================================================================
Gilks
Baptiste Evatt Cathcart Crainey
Vaughan Sylvestre Adam
Grandin Harewood Taylor-Fletcher
==========================================================================
Arsenal have maintained the formation from the previous match. Lets assess the key areas:
Goalkeeping: Almunia is starting again today. Hope he’s not that rattled that he can’t play properly. Should look(if possible) to keep a clean sheet.
Defence: Koscielny is out and Song steps in. Hope Song is match fit. When will we sign a new centre back?
Midfield: Another chance for Wilshere to impress. Rosicky is in the starting line up after his impressive display against Liverpool.
Attack: Hope Chamakh gets a goal or two today.
Tactics:
Defence: Should keep their concentration and their shape, and not allow easy or soft goals.
Midfield: Hope Arshavin fires today and Wilshere makes less mistakes. We should look to create more opportunities for the attackers.
Attack: We were disappointing in the attacking third against Liverpool. We should take our chances well.
Subs: Ideally, I'd bring on Fabregas, Vela and van Persie.
Final Prediction:
A 3-0 win for Arsenal.
Catch you with my post match review.
.......and here's the team news:
Arsenal (4-2-3-1) Almunia, Sagna, Song, Vermaelen, Clichy, Diaby, Wilshere, Walcott, Rosicky, Arshavin, Chamakh
Substitutes: Fabianski, Fabregas, van Persie, Vela, Djourou, Eboue, Gibbs
Manager: Arsene Wenger
==========================================================================
Formation view:
==========================================================================
Almunia
Sagna Song Vermaelen Clichy
Diaby Wilshere
Walcott Rosicky Arshavin
Chamakh
==========================================================================
Blackpool: Gilks, Baptiste, Evatt, Cathcart, Crainey, Sylvestre, Vaughan, Adam, Grandin, Harewood, Taylor-Fletcher
Substitutes: Halstead, Eardley, Ormerod, Basham, Edwards, Demontagnac, Keinan
Manager: Ian Holloway
==========================================================================
Formation view:
==========================================================================
Gilks
Baptiste Evatt Cathcart Crainey
Vaughan Sylvestre Adam
Grandin Harewood Taylor-Fletcher
==========================================================================
Arsenal have maintained the formation from the previous match. Lets assess the key areas:
Goalkeeping: Almunia is starting again today. Hope he’s not that rattled that he can’t play properly. Should look(if possible) to keep a clean sheet.
Defence: Koscielny is out and Song steps in. Hope Song is match fit. When will we sign a new centre back?
Midfield: Another chance for Wilshere to impress. Rosicky is in the starting line up after his impressive display against Liverpool.
Attack: Hope Chamakh gets a goal or two today.
Tactics:
Defence: Should keep their concentration and their shape, and not allow easy or soft goals.
Midfield: Hope Arshavin fires today and Wilshere makes less mistakes. We should look to create more opportunities for the attackers.
Attack: We were disappointing in the attacking third against Liverpool. We should take our chances well.
Subs: Ideally, I'd bring on Fabregas, Vela and van Persie.
Final Prediction:
A 3-0 win for Arsenal.
Catch you with my post match review.
Tuesday 17 August 2010
Talking Point: Liverpool vs Arsenal - A Tale of Two Red Cards
Well well, so Joe Cole got an unfair treatment from the refree. Oh, and he’s not “that kind of player” (oh no he isn't!). He wouldn't do such a thing (he wouldn't hurt a fly). It was just an enthusiastic challenge(they always are). It was not intentional at all (they never are). And Joe Cole is a saint, just like Shawcross and Taylor( I leave the judgement to you).
Maybe I'm being a bit harsh on Joe Cole. Maybe I'm getting carried away. But I have my reasons. And by God I shall certainly pour them out right here, right now.
For the record it was a two footed lunge, it was late and it took out the player. Koscielny had to be stretchered off and I feared the worst at the time. The injury Gods were merciful that time otherwise we’d have yet another collection of broken legs because of overzealous tackles. And we wonder why this happens only to Arsenal players, like Ramsey and Eduardo(who has sadly never really recovered and left the country now).
Let's go back to Birmingham, St. Andrews, 23 February, 2008. Arsenal are neck-in-neck with Manchester United and are with a real chance of regaining the Premier League title. Eduardo has started hitting form and he's becoming a real goal poacher for Arsenal. Then, this happened:
If you want to see exactly how it happened, the video is here:
Btw, I would like to mention that NO television broadcaster has EVER shown a replay of this particular incident due to its disturbing and graphic nature.
To summarize this incident, the following things have happened since:
- Arsenal went on to draw 2-2 after conceding a penalty in injury time. Many of the Gunners were shell shocked and the then captain William Gallas kicked an advertising hoarding in disgust.
- Arsenal lost their way and never regained composure in the season, eventually finishing 3rd.
- Martin Taylor got a 3 match ban and it is still unknown if he even apologized to Eduardo afterward.
- Eduardo had surgery and it was feared if he could even lead a normal life again. He could not walk for months and was out for more than a year. After coming back, he never rediscovered his form again and ultimately left the Gunners in July this year.
And if you think that was all, you're wrong.
Let's go back again earlier this year, to be precise, 27 February. Arsenal are at Stoke, and once again, they're in with a shout in a three way title race. Stoke have got an early goal and Arsenal, after finding the equalizer are going for the win. Then this happened to 19 year old Aaron Ramsey:
And if you want to see the video for this also, it is here:
Notice how the leg 'pops' off after the tackle by Ryan Shawcross when viewed in the magnifier. Notice the reaction of the Arsenal players. Vermaelen is shattered, and captain Cesc Fabregas is almost reduced to tears. After Ramsey was carried off and play resumed, the players couldn't focus for around 10 minutes, just passing the ball anywhere in the field.
Fortunately, Arsenal had the mental resolve this time and they turned it around for an emphatic 3-1 win. Ramsey had immediate surgery and he has not played since. He is expected to be back by October or November this year, but it remains to be seen whether he'll be able to fulfill his potential ever.
A red card is the least that can be done for such over-the-top challenges. It could easily have been 5 months in the sidelines for Koscielny. What a forgettable debut it would have been then. And what would the offender get? Just a 3 match ban. Ramsey got injured for 8-9 months(he missed and he's still gonna miss around 50 games) and what punishment did Shawcross get? A 3 match ban. Eduardo was our for over a year(he missed more than 60 games) and how many matches did Taylor have to sit out? 3 bloody matches.
It is time the FA stood up against such kind of savagery. The FA should introduce a rule whereby if a player gets injured due to a red card tackle, the offender misses the exact number of matches as the injured player does.
A red card is the least Joe Cole deserves. And we should stop defending such tackles that could easily have caused serious damage.
On the other hand, Koscielny got sent off very unfortunately. I have no complaints about the first yellow card. He went for the ball and accidentally hit the onrushing Dirk Kuyt in the you-know-where. The second yellow was a bit harsh, as it was ball to hand rather than the opposite. Still, I'm mightily relieved he survived the tackle by Joe Cole and was ok to play the second half.
I know this has been a rather long blog, but I needed to clarify my stance. And these kind of incidents only make me support Arsenal all the more.
Have a great day!!!
LONG LIVE ARSENAL!!!
Monday 16 August 2010
Liverpool vs Arsenal Match Review
What an nail-biting end! I was literally on the edge of my seat. The equalizer was not the best of goals but I will take it!
From Arsenal's point of view(and that is the only point of view that concerns this blog), it was a point gained and a draw(as predicted in my earlier blog) was a not-so-bad result. It was a tight game, and Liverpool were marking manfully. We found hard to find space in the final third. But even though our captain and talisman Cesc was missing through lack of match fitness, I have to say I'm a little disappointed we didn't create enough clear cut chances.
First Half: We had plenty of possession but failed to trouble Reina. The only notable incident was the red card handed out to Liverpool debutant Joe Cole for a very rough tackle on another Arsenal debutant Koscielny, who had to be carried off in a stretcher(I feared the worst at the time).
Second Half: I was relieved to see Koscielny back on the pitch. The sending off did more good than harm to Liverpool- they played without inhibition and took the lead. It was poor defending once again: we got the ball back and Jack Wilshere should have controlled the ball better. And Almunia SHOULD NOT have let that one in. Please, please, Mr. Wenger buy a good goalkeeper!
Overall we lacked composure in the second half and it was a scrappy goal that evened the score. Chamakh played his part by putting pressure on Reina, who, truly speaking, gifted us the goal.
Koscielny was very unlucky to get his second yellow card of the match, which leaves us REALLY SHORT in the centre of defence(as mentioned in my earlier blog). Hope we sign a good centre back from now until the next match, which btw is against the Cinderella boys Blackpool(who thrashed Wigan 4-0 away!).
Can't wait for the next game already. Until then, take care!
From Arsenal's point of view(and that is the only point of view that concerns this blog), it was a point gained and a draw(as predicted in my earlier blog) was a not-so-bad result. It was a tight game, and Liverpool were marking manfully. We found hard to find space in the final third. But even though our captain and talisman Cesc was missing through lack of match fitness, I have to say I'm a little disappointed we didn't create enough clear cut chances.
First Half: We had plenty of possession but failed to trouble Reina. The only notable incident was the red card handed out to Liverpool debutant Joe Cole for a very rough tackle on another Arsenal debutant Koscielny, who had to be carried off in a stretcher(I feared the worst at the time).
Second Half: I was relieved to see Koscielny back on the pitch. The sending off did more good than harm to Liverpool- they played without inhibition and took the lead. It was poor defending once again: we got the ball back and Jack Wilshere should have controlled the ball better. And Almunia SHOULD NOT have let that one in. Please, please, Mr. Wenger buy a good goalkeeper!
Overall we lacked composure in the second half and it was a scrappy goal that evened the score. Chamakh played his part by putting pressure on Reina, who, truly speaking, gifted us the goal.
Koscielny was very unlucky to get his second yellow card of the match, which leaves us REALLY SHORT in the centre of defence(as mentioned in my earlier blog). Hope we sign a good centre back from now until the next match, which btw is against the Cinderella boys Blackpool(who thrashed Wigan 4-0 away!).
Can't wait for the next game already. Until then, take care!
Sunday 15 August 2010
Liverpool vs Arsenal Last Minute Preview
So let's get down to business.
.......and here's the team news:
Liverpool (4-2-3-1) Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Carragher, Agger; Gerrard, Mascherano; Kuyt, Cole, Jovanovic; Ngog.
Substitutes: Cavalieri, Lucas, Babel, Torres, Kelly, Rodriguez, Aurelio.
Manager: Roy Hodgson
==========================================================================
Formation view:
==========================================================================
Reina
Johnson Skrtel Carragher Agger
Mascherano Gerrard
Kuyt Cole Jovanovic
Ngog
==========================================================================
Arsenal (4-2-3-1) Almunia; Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Clichy; Diaby, Wilshere; Nasri; Eboue, Chamakh, Arshavin.
Substitutes: Fabianski, Gibbs, Song, Rosicky, Walcott, Vela, Van Persie
Manager: Arsene Wenger
==========================================================================
Formation view:
==========================================================================
Almunia
Sagna Koscielny Vermaelen Clichy
Diaby Wilshere
Eboue Nasri Arshavin
Chamakh
==========================================================================
So, both sides have a similar formation. Let's assess the Arsenal line-up quickly:
Goalkeeping: I'm releived Fabiansky is not starting. Though Almunia is not the best, we have to make do with him for the time being and hope he brings his A game and doesn't make silly mistakes.
Defence: The best back four available for us now, the only concern being lack of cover in the centre of defence, as Djourou is injured and we badly need at least one more new signing.
Midfield: I'm really glad at least Diaby is able to start today. It will be interesting to see Jack Wilshere today.
Attack: It's gonna be a big debut for new boy Chamakh. Hope he continues his pre-season form.
Tactics:
Defence: The key is to stop the creativity of Joe Cole and the driving runs from Gerrard. Gerrard in particular was in hot form in the international friendly in mid week. Our defence will have to be very disciplined
Midfield: Positioning will be key for Diaby and Wilshere. If both join the attack, we're in trouble. Arshavin could prove to be a handful for the Reds. Hope Nasri and Eboue continue their good pre-season form
Attack: We could ask serious aerial problems through Marouane Chamakh. We should make use of his excellent positional awareness.
Subs: Ideally, I'd bring on Walcott, Song and van Persie, but lets see what the Boss Arsene Wenger does.
Final Prediction:
A 1-1 draw.
Will be a good game to watch. Will be delighted if we win!
The match is starting! Off I go...........
Catch you with my post match review.
.......and here's the team news:
Liverpool (4-2-3-1) Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Carragher, Agger; Gerrard, Mascherano; Kuyt, Cole, Jovanovic; Ngog.
Substitutes: Cavalieri, Lucas, Babel, Torres, Kelly, Rodriguez, Aurelio.
Manager: Roy Hodgson
==========================================================================
Formation view:
==========================================================================
Reina
Johnson Skrtel Carragher Agger
Mascherano Gerrard
Kuyt Cole Jovanovic
Ngog
==========================================================================
Arsenal (4-2-3-1) Almunia; Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Clichy; Diaby, Wilshere; Nasri; Eboue, Chamakh, Arshavin.
Substitutes: Fabianski, Gibbs, Song, Rosicky, Walcott, Vela, Van Persie
Manager: Arsene Wenger
==========================================================================
Formation view:
==========================================================================
Almunia
Sagna Koscielny Vermaelen Clichy
Diaby Wilshere
Eboue Nasri Arshavin
Chamakh
==========================================================================
So, both sides have a similar formation. Let's assess the Arsenal line-up quickly:
Goalkeeping: I'm releived Fabiansky is not starting. Though Almunia is not the best, we have to make do with him for the time being and hope he brings his A game and doesn't make silly mistakes.
Defence: The best back four available for us now, the only concern being lack of cover in the centre of defence, as Djourou is injured and we badly need at least one more new signing.
Midfield: I'm really glad at least Diaby is able to start today. It will be interesting to see Jack Wilshere today.
Attack: It's gonna be a big debut for new boy Chamakh. Hope he continues his pre-season form.
Tactics:
Defence: The key is to stop the creativity of Joe Cole and the driving runs from Gerrard. Gerrard in particular was in hot form in the international friendly in mid week. Our defence will have to be very disciplined
Midfield: Positioning will be key for Diaby and Wilshere. If both join the attack, we're in trouble. Arshavin could prove to be a handful for the Reds. Hope Nasri and Eboue continue their good pre-season form
Attack: We could ask serious aerial problems through Marouane Chamakh. We should make use of his excellent positional awareness.
Subs: Ideally, I'd bring on Walcott, Song and van Persie, but lets see what the Boss Arsene Wenger does.
Final Prediction:
A 1-1 draw.
Will be a good game to watch. Will be delighted if we win!
The match is starting! Off I go...........
Catch you with my post match review.
Hello everyone!
Hello again!!!
Well, this is my first ever blog, and so please bear with me while I'm figuring it all out.
Henceforth, I shall be addressed as "golds" and "golds" only!
My blogs will mostly concern the following:
Hope to hit the ground running very soon!(Yet to design my blog properly)
Watch this space...
I'LL BE BACK!!!
P.S. It's the season opener for Arsenal today, against Liverpool away. Getting excited and nervous. A match preview from yours truly is on the way...
Well, this is my first ever blog, and so please bear with me while I'm figuring it all out.
Henceforth, I shall be addressed as "golds" and "golds" only!
My blogs will mostly concern the following:
- All things related to Arsenal Football Club
- Some related to football in general
- Personal opinions on daily happenings
- Other random topics
Hope to hit the ground running very soon!(Yet to design my blog properly)
Watch this space...
I'LL BE BACK!!!
P.S. It's the season opener for Arsenal today, against Liverpool away. Getting excited and nervous. A match preview from yours truly is on the way...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)