Written by GoonerinExile
After the disappointment of Sunday we all wondered what team Arsene would go with, I for one was hoping he would put the same players back in the firing line, let the Emirates crowd show them some love, let them score a few goals and wrap the important ones up in cotton wool with 30 minutes left.
Instead as always Arsene knew better than that, and trusted in much the same team that attempted to win at Brisbane Road two weeks ago.
The game was played at a pedestrian pace, Orient intent on parking the bus, when they got possession they tried to pass the ball out from the back which if we had had our first team on the pitch would surely have led to a goal feast.
On the seven minute mark, the ball broke to Tomas Rosicky whose driving run in to the box and resultant pull back was precisely finished by Marouane Chamakh. I hoped then that the floodgates would open, but much like we have come to expect with this team of squad players the ball started to go sideways and backwards rather than going forward in an attempt to maintain the one goal lead rather than press home the advantage.
On the half hour mark Gibbs seemed to get tired of this passing and delivered a good cross to the far post from which Nicklas Bendtner rose impressively to send a towering header into the left corner of the goal from 12 yards out. Despite having to help out on the right hand side when we lost possession it was good to see Bendtner, sniffing a hatful, spending more time around the 18 yard box.
Soon after a flick to Chamakh had brought groans from the crowd the ball was back at Bendtner’s feet, running at the defenders he moved the ball twice with good control before steering a fine finish into the bottom right hand corner which any keeper would have found hard to stop. His celebration to cup his ear to the Orient fans was unnecessary he should have probably done that to the home fans who seem to pillory every misplaced touch or pass of his.
So it was we went in at three nil up all very comfortable. Well, comfortable except for an absent Eboue, who seemed to also want a slice of goal mouth action and allowed Orient an easy outlet ball into space behind him. This led to Orient having a few half chances as the defence was pulled out of shape.
The second half finished much as the first half had ended with Orient trying to keep the score respectable while the Arsenal moved the ball until we could find an opening. It was Gibbs again who provided the impetus for the fourth goal, driving in to the box and forcing a clumsy challenge that resulted in Lee Mason pointing to the penalty spot. The shy retiring Nicklas Bendtner reluctantly picked up the ball to complete his hat trick, not for him setting up others, no he wants goals, and that is why he would be my pick as Centre Forward while Van Persie recovers.
There was still time for us to add a fifth after the introduction of Samir Nasri, Wilshere, and Clichy. Good work down the right from Eboue who smashed a cross which Chamakh dummied (why?) and evaded Jack, but fell kindly to Clichy who firmly sent the ball back in the direction it had come to make it five.
We won’t often be given the kind of space and time like this for the rest of the season, so it was good to see us make use of it and to stamp our authority on the game. We were well worthy of the five nil win and if anything we never had to get out of third gear, my worry is that there will be tougher games ahead for the squad players and they tougher games than this for match experience, they need to be rotated into the starting side more regularly and not in as many numbers to ensure the Wengerball remains fluid.
A word on our debutant Conor Henderson, he was born in Sidcup, England, but has already represented Republic of Ireland and England at youth levels, apparently he has chosen Ireland. He had a quiet game, it was noticeable when involved with Jack and Samir later on his passing became quicker (the same can be said for Denilson and Gibbs too), interesting that England struggle so much to produce left footers yet we have now had three come out of the academy in recent seasons. Difficult to say on that performance that he has what it takes although Arsene said yesterday he would have been involved more this season but injuries have held him back.
Miguel gave another solid performance at the back, although not asked to do much defensively he looks good on the ball and doesn’t dive in. With Bartley getting good reports from Rangers and Sheffield United, and numerous others doing their thing in the Championship we are really starting to see the team and squad that Arsene has been nurturing and waiting for.
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
Morning GIE, that’s what I have been waiting for – praises for our Super Nic! I had to defend him so many times over the past 3 years, but he has repaid it last night! And what a cool dude – never stopped chewing his gum for a minute:)
GIE,
With such little notice, I am impressed and amazed you came up with this excellent report. Kudos! 🙂
I saw quite a bit of Connor Henderson in the youth ranks and was always impressed with his neat, tidy and athletic capabilities. Injuries have always been his bugbear.
For me, he is a keeper and injuries permitting, and a little gentle nurturing, he will make an excellent player for us!
I am not always a Bendy fan, but when he is on song he does his job very well …. he scores goals. Not sure about Chammy Chamkh though! 🙂
It appears I lost count Clichy’s goal was the fifth obviously d’oh.
Thanks RA, and Evonne judging coolness by chewing gum…like your style 😀
Fine work GIE.
I thought Denilson had a fine game last night, worked hard to be creative and held the midfield very positively, but quite frankly he should be bossing an Orient midfield.
Eboue as you say is a concern. Clearly a decent human being but he appears to be going backwards in his career. When he first came into the team he was an exciting prospect, now he is a liability.
I watched the game surrounded by Danes who were thrilled with Nik’s haul and completely perplexed that the fans get on his back. In the past few games he has made assists and scored goals – what more is he meant to do? And as you say, it was great to see him drift centrally instead of hugging the line. However, with two fine headers in the frontline, why not try a few more crosses? Problem was no-one was in position to cross until Gibbs got one in for Nik to get his first.
Morning GiE,
Top marks for a swiftly constructed and yet perceptive and accurate report (I’ve ammended 4th goal to 5th for Clichy)
I was very impressed with Miquel. He looks assured, good on the ball, not afraid to come forward and a very good athlete – right out of the Wenger mould.
I was not very impressed with Chamakh. He would call for the ball with his back to the goal and his single touch would result in it being returned to immediately without any positional or tactical benefit to the team. It’s like the ball is red hot and he just wants to get rid of it as soon as possible. That is fine when it is a give and go situation but pointless when the player who passes to him receives the ball back in exactly the same position.
Good One GIE well stepped in at short notice, thank you.
Evonne Does that Make Sir Alex Rednose a cool dude he is always chewing or is it because he cant keep his mouth shut.
Connor Henderson? Did well for his first game. Nothing fancy, but efficient. My concerns are whether, as RA says, he is a keeper.
Of course it is way to early to make any valid assessment but we have so many players for this position and almost all of them are young. Some are going to have to go, and with JW being a guaranteed starter for the next decade, whoever is left MF will always be a B teamer.
I would love to see us develop a left sided speedster. Sometimes we lack pace on the left and though Arshavin is quick, he is not a proper winger, something we have lacked since Overmars. We need one
Good point, Raddy.
AW is linked to buying Vasquez a Barca “B” teamer, who is a speedy winger apparently.
Even if we do not get him, perhaps Arsene is reading you baby! 🙂
GiE,
Great report, thanks, and much needed by the “Not watching games brigade”. That’ll be me! Anyway, de-jet lagged now and back in the Red and White saddle.
Having real trouble with logging on to the site today. WordPress problems?
Micky. Welcome back.
I think the logging on problem was temporary. I had the same.
BR,
I hear you over a leftie speedster, although at full strength that is undoubtedly Nasri’s berth. Anyone else thinking Nik B ought to take up the central role while Robin gets better.
BR,
Yip, appears to speeding up. Good to be back although it was also good to be away!
And on top of any extra players we may be buying we have Ryo out in Holland at the moment.
But I expect us to try and hold on to as many as possible of this current crop, i would hate to see more Bentley, Larsson & Pennant’s of this world doing jobs to keep third rate teams in the PL.
We have to try and keep as many happy as possible, this is a squad game and with the youngsters coming through we will have a very good and very big squad of interchangeable players. Man Utd and Chelsea both went through periods of buying all the talent available and paying enough wages to keep them on the bench City are now doing the same, we have the luxury of not having to spend to get a competent second set of players so why sell or release them, stick them on good contracts and keep the £110m in the bank to fund the wages, not buying hopeful stars. 25 players only counts when they are over 21, we will have moved enough on above them by then for it not to be a concern.
Dandan i don’t think Fergies chewing is anywhere near as cool as NikB’s, especially when he is ranting at the referee and asking for fairness!
I’m sure Phelan said after the Wigan game that we should all accept the referee’s decision on the park didn’t he? Just saying….
I know no action was taken against Cesc for alleged comments about Mason in Everton game, but Fergie has come to the media with his comments and so should be punished.
A word on Mason that I forgot to mention in report, whilst he had not a lot to do, he managed to book Clichy for an ankle tap, but allowed Orient players to stay on the pitch after some quite awful lunges, one day someone will explain to me how an ankle tap is as dangerous as a wild challenge, i know the laws require the bookings as the ankle tap is normally to break a chance of an attack, but we need another card to represent the dangerous lunges rather than an equal yellow card, there is a big difference in the offence and for them to receive the same punishment seems outdated.
Well that was a new record, never before has Arsenal hosted a game with 3 boys who have come through their youth ranks all born from the same town….yep you’ve guessed it North London Boys…….SIDCUP.
For Leyton Orient, 2 former Arsenal trainee boys Jason Crowe and Ben Chorley both born in Sidcup.
http://www.arsenal.com/reserves-youth/players/conor-henderson
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Chorley
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Crowe
GIE. I agree to a certain extent. This is an old argument!!
The problem is that the youth system cannot guarantee to bring forward the world class that we need in all positions. The right back and left wing being cases in point.
We need a variety of weapons and the buying of one or two established stars whilst at the same time pruning some of the young talent would do no harm to the squad. It is Arsene’s modus operandi.
I would have loved to see us buy Di Maria or Ozil, but it comes back to RA’s argument about Luiz. AW will not spend what he considers silly money, even if it means we don’t buy the best available player.
South East. That is a fine stat!
GiE,
I have often thought the two card system was very innadequate. Ref’s ought to carry the “full rainbow”. Pink for the girlie “ooo, I’m hurt” play acting and so on.
GIE. A Tangerine card? Radical….
RA made a good point yesterday about “worth” and “value”.
Nice report, GIE.
Tehoue proved his wonder goal in the first game was just a freak.
I was there when Clichy scored a proper goal, yeee haaa. Can’t wait to get the T shirt!
LOL Micky
What’s Samir saying to Gael?
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/02032011/2/photo/02032011221552.html
Micky 😀
Chas you’ll be able to hang it with your John Jensen one 😀
Lots of Love to you too BR.
How about the White Surrender Monkey Card for “You’ve just done a Spud and blown it”.
Can anyone update me on injuries to Theo and Cesc?
Bloody hell, did a long post after my original 10.09 post, all about reserves loanees and squad for next year, all the points you lads have covered above…. Pushed the button…. screen went white, couldnt get back in at all and now I see the post has vanished and did not Register. Blooooooody hellllll
Cannot decide whether to kick the dog the screen or Rasp. 🙂
Dandan, Dog will bite back, screen will cost……..one option remains
GIE you are indeed a wise man
103 goals in 45 games this season.
In the words of Paul Weller ….. “That’s Entertainment”
And in the meantime our new signing from Japan is doing very well indeed in Feyenoord. And so it Vela otherwise known as Yummy (to some Gunners, not me). I wonder when le Boss will bring them back?
Dandan,
I had a similar problem, yesterday, when I tried to give Raddy a link to rock and roll.
Peaches told me my comments went in to spam. I am thinking of a suitable punishment for the Rasper, as I am sure he is behind this recalcitrant site. 🙂
Peaches is clearly innocent! 🙂
Interesting read: http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/premier-league-title-race-this-is-how-it-will-finish-probably-2230447.html
Peaches have sent you an email was unable to put it into draft
Evonne says:
March 3, 2011 at 2:09 pm
Interesting read: http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/premier-league-title-race-this-is-how-it-will-finish-probably-2230447.html
Intersting but bollocks 🙂
Who knows Evonne, have tried reading tea leaves and the bones but the Answer comes out different each time. Whatever happens it is going to be fascinating
Lets hope we get some luck along the way
Afternoon all, well written report GiE, especially as out was an early bird special at special request from Peachy – I’ve been there mate, whipped up a quickie report in an emergency just like you did – and well done sir.
I see old baconface is cultivating a billy big boots culture amongst his players – witness Smallings banning from a Mayfair Hotel after he had a rowdy p[arty with al load of aggressive blokes and “questionable” females.
And talking of Lord Fergie(best thing since sliced bread) I hope the FA charge him after his latest sore loser whinge about referees.
That whinging Jocko drunk !
Charge fergie? I’d be suprised chary
It would be nice GoonerM, but as well know the FA and media are always falling overthemselves to ingratiate themselves with Lord McWhiskey of Govan.
They have till 6pm to do it if they want to show a bit of back bone, for a change.
From BBC:
Pulis added: “That [the picture] has been paid for by this club and he has no right to break things like that.”
If only he felt the same about players other clubs paid for. Maybe someone should tell him Olsson was only trying to straighten the picture, unfortunately he just mistimed it in his overeagerness and was distraught when he saw the picture was in pieces on the floor. Hodgson had to phone Olssons Mum to come to the ground and take him home.
C-O-C-K!
GoonerMichael – I know it is bollox, we are going to win the League 🙂
Exile, quality at 3.52pm!
rednose has been charged. Well that’s a turn up
Good read GIE
Been forced to put my computer back to factory settings..nightmare.
Quality Post Exile, the magic reports are obviously not just reserved for away days, 🙂
I enjoyed the romp, but thats all it was in terms of serious results, a cheeky shag of a result, with little serious substance to our future games. I can see how arguing it was vital to our morale to win and win big after Sunday. But in all honesty, our priorities are elsewhere, and if this team lines up at Old Toilet, we may be preparing our speeches of “Least Important Comeptition” early.
Am I wrong?
Ryan. Cannot agree. I think it was one of those shags thats starts of as just a bit of slap and tickle but develops into something surprisingly more substantial 🙂
London. Not good
Kolo has been suspended by city after failing a drugs test
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon blog gets credit for this:
“Coke-a-Kolo” 😆
Following last Sunday I have been scratching at the scars of previous League Cup disappointments when we were overwhelming favourites,Swindon Town in 1969 and Luton Town in 1988.
It then occurred to me that both these huge disappointments were a prelude to two of the most memorable times in our history. Perhaps rather than winning a lesser trophy, losing one you feel you should have won, is the springboard to future success.
Let’s hope so.
unfortunately we had to wait at least one more season in both instances
and hate to point it out but we also lost a league cup in 2007
“shy retiring Nicklas Bendtner reluctantly picked up the ball” – top top quality in that line alone GiE.
Then I read thats its either a ‘candlelight’ or ‘worm catcher’ report and my respect rises even higher. Well played.
I remember the day you stumbled across this site and your last comment for the day was “I’ll be bookmarking this site”. You’ve done a lot more than that. 🙂
GiE, I take your point but we were not expected to win in 2007. Took 2 years from 1969 (if you don’t count the Fairs cup in 1970) and 1 year in 1988. I like the progression 🙂
I also remember the determination of the 1978/79 team to get back to Wembley and win after the loss to Ipswich. We still have two chances to get back this year.
Coke-a-Kolo lol. 🙂
Surely can’t be true though can it. I can barely picture Kolo drinking a beer, let alone doing coke.
Hiya SS – Its not known what substance but it seems pretty serious.
True. My money’s on ‘performance-enhancing’….he’s been in need of something like that for quite a while.
I think he has about one good game in ten since he went North. It was one good game in three in his last season with us !!
£41m for Kolo and AdeNuff. Arsene’s a genius. Should have been a combined £15-20m tops !
Has Barndoor done anything worthwhile at Madrid?
Dunno, I hardly watch La Liga, its too much like WWF with all that rolling around and playacting. Don’t laugh, I’m serious.
Madrid have just kicked off vs Malaga. I’l go have a looksie and get back to you. He somehow keeps Benzema out of the team, I do know that much. Is there really a method in Mourinho’s madness..??
The Beeb says its a specified substance, and that means it “more susceptible to a credible, non-doping explanation” so it may not be as bad as it first looks.
I’m thinking something in anti ageing cream! 🙂
Sharkey can’t believe you were the only one to mention that line, you’re right i have done more since bookmarking the site, guess i needed an outlet!
Apparently RM are interested in signing him permanently, at a greatly reduced fee !
Dunno what they’ll do about his wages though.
Benzema hasn’t exactly lit up Madrid though, pity but good in a way cos I reckon he would suit us. I think he has the makings of a top player.
Mourinho made some comments about Malaga and got into a spot of bother over them apparently.
Nice write-up GiE with some excellent lines.
I thought last night was probably good for the team and squad. Denilson did well, as did TR7 before his knock. Henderson showed some good moments. Miquel, as others have said, looks promising and, of course, Bendy bagged a hattie.
Although Eboue had an odd game, my only concern was Chamakh. I’m delighted he got on the score sheet, but I thought he was very static for most of the game – just standing in the CF position with his back to the defenders, but not moving around to pull them out of position. Bit odd.
Carlito
Not sure if you’re around today but long after the game last night I discovered a text from Peaches saying you were up for a meet. Sorry to have missed you.
Chamakh did a nice 1 2 with Diaby.
Hi Rocky,
A pleasure to meet you at the Ems – you were exactly as I expected, an urbane gent if ever there was one. Sorry we didn’t get to chat much but as you experienced, its not easy to get a word in when peaches has had a coupe of Peronis 😆
I agree in part Rocky. The co-commentator on ESPN gave Chamakh a lot of praise for his movement, and whilst I could see some neat little runs, he often seemed very static.
Whilst he did do a fantastic 1-2 with Diaby, it was one of the rare times when he actually helped create something, even if 90% of the something was created by Diabys own movement and not Chamakhs.
At another point Chamakh showed for a pass from Diaby, which did not come. He thn just stood turning and watching as Diaby slalomed past him. Chamakh made no atempt to assist or support Diaby after his first showing.
For me Chamakh played wel overall and was generally available for a pass into hisfet, but it was always with his back to goal, and you got the impression that he was never ever going to turn, even if told that Beyonce was naked and upset behind him, and in need of a shoulder to cry on and a bit of ‘comfort’.
At one point I screamed ‘****ing turn’ at the TV.
To score goals you really have to want to score goals. Chamakh is a very good player ad I like him, I’m just unconvinced that he really has the desire to score goals.
He should borrow some of Nik B’s self confidence cream, that should do the trick !
Ps. Your hisfet’s are just below the ankles generally speaking.
Typinsons !
Nitgh all (sic)
Hi Sharkey,
I watched the game again today, in particular the goal celebrations. It appears to me that Chamakh has not gelled into the team and is a marginalised figure. I get the feeling he is not enjoying his stay in England or the demanding physical nature of premiership football.
Hi Rocky it was lovely to meet you last night, hope you had a good journey home and don’t listen to Rasp its always difficult to get a word in Peronis or no Peronis 😆
Sharkey
“you got the impression that he was never ever going to turn, even if told that Beyonce was naked and upset behind him, and in need of a shoulder to cry on and a bit of ‘comfort’” Top quality 🙂
Rasp, Peaches
As I’ve said already, great to meet you both. Keep taking the Peronis Peaches – you were both lucid and interesting. By the way, I was listening to Peggy Sue on the plane back – they really do have some lovely songs.
Next time I’m over I will definitely, definitely join you for the pre-match Peronis.
Mmmmm…thinks..Carroll and Suarez against a Utd back four sans Rio and Vidic…you do know what I’m thinking.
Micky – Vidic not playing, red carded during Chelsea clash
“sans” is French for “without”, Evonne.
Is Carroll fit to play this weekend?
Chas – thanks, Micky – sorry!!! Why are you speaking French??? Isn’t English difficult enough?
Hi Chas – I saw the Dalglish interview when he hummed and hahhed about his avialability – he professed to not know ub tI have a sneaky feelinhg he’ll try to out-Ferguson Sir Alex by pulling a fast one and have in the starting 11 after being coy.
That would be funny, as MDi89 says, Carrroll and Suarez against Smalling and Wes Brown, LOL.
BTW, Barca won’t be “sans” Puyol next week; their skipper is back in training
Evonne, I think Pique will be the bigger miss as I don’t especially rate Puyol – I reckon he’s on his last legs.
He’s not that tall either so we shouild try testing him with a few high balls into Bendy(who should be leading the line) and have Arshavin wide right and perhaps Gibbs as left winger to provide pace to whip in those crosses, for variation on our usual passing through the middle apporoach.
Morning chary, could be fun on Sunday.
Thought the last line of this was funny
Chary – I agree, Puyol is getting on a bit, but it is not his physical strength, he is a superb leader, he will drive them forward, don’t you think? I like your plan for Arshavin and Gibbs charging on the wings. What about Diaby though, surely he will play on Tuesday?
Chas, if the manks only draw on Sunday we only need a draw against them and we control our destiny still – i.e. win the other 10 games and draw against the manks and we are champions.
If the manks lose we have a 2 goal buffer rather than 1.
All hypotheticals obviously.
The Gibbs and Clichy combination was interesting for the last 25 mins against Orient. They interchanged quite nicely.
Perhaps Wenger could spring a surprise at the Nou Camp.
Evonne, I see what you mean, but at home Barca will charge forward anyway – and his lack of pace, and his match rustiness as he won’t be fully up to speed by Tuesday, will allow us to pick him off on the counter. Obviously we could have done with Theo’s pace but we have enough quick players still.
As for Diaby, I’m not sure whether he should play instead of Song or not.
In midfield I’d like to see Jack, Cesc, Aaron(if fit) and probably Song(although he seemed a bit slow to keep up with the quick Barca attacks), up top Bendy with Arshavin and Nasri.
If neither Cesc or Aaron are fit to start then Diaby would come in for Cesc and I fear we’ll see Denilson.
Rasp – good morning, you are right about Marouane, he does not look like part of the team. Sadly, I think that my beloved Cesc has an awful lot to answer for – it is up to a skipper to gel the team, help new players integrate, etc. Since “my” Cesc became our captain, there were few players that didn’t fit in, like Arshavin for example. Cesc is the best midfielder in the world, but not the best skipper, don’t you think?
Chary – please don’t scare me, Denilson…. next you are going to tell me that our genius Eboue will play too!!
Chary. Song is a certain starter. I can see Diaby starting as well – we have a goal lead to protect.
Evonne,
I probably use the odd word from an utterly useless and dead language like french because I can’t spell the English equivalent!
I’m not sure I agree about Cham being an outcast, altho he seemed happy with the goal and went to Rosicky with a look of thanks, maybe he is a bit older than others in squad and doesn’t mix so well.
Re Puyol he lost his pace a few years back but like Marquez before is an exceptional reader if the game so despite lack of pace somehow ge is a match for even the most blistering pace.
Do we think Song will be fit?
Evonne – I’m hoping we don’t see Denilson starting, as for Eboue, not as right back(although to be fair he did well there in the 1st leg) but possibly as replacement for tHeo to stretch the game if we can get at Abidal.
Radders, did you not feel Song couldn’t keep up? He’s best against physical teams and Barca are not especially(I know Biscuits likes a shove nad a dive) but they are the opposite of Stoke.
Lots of tricky selection posers and I’m glad I won’t have to pick the starters.
Chary,
Have to disagree a little. If Cesc does not start, we must play Nasri central, otherwise we have no chance of buying time/controlling the midfield.
I also think we are going to miss Theo’s extra pace quite badly. However, I really hope he starts Nik over MC.
Morning all,
Chary, I was talking to peaches, rasp and Carlito at the Orient match before hand and was saying that when we have injuries we dont use our LB’s enough, as they both can play very good attacking play and defend.. So I was chuffed when Wenger did it for last 25 or so.
I would start with Gibbs at the back and clichy ahead of him, as he has more pace, Gibbs will still get forward and cross, Clichy would drop to cover, but the reason I would have Clichy forward more is that he can really drive at the Barca defense ala Walcott, Clichy runs like he is on a motobike at times!!
Hopefully Cesc makes it, then my team would be@:
Chez
Sag Koz JD Gibbs
Nasri Fab Jack
Arshavin B52 Clichy
Bench: Ramsey, Diaby, Eboue, Rosicky, Miquel,Chamakh and Big Al.
With our fab 3 in the middle we could fight fire with fire, keep the ball and move it very fast, pace out wide and Nik as a Target……Actually looks frightening line up really, just want to Cesc to play…
Morning
There’s a New Post
If song is fit, would have him on the bench, need to hit Barca from the start and get a goal. Leave Diaby and Song for last 20 when they are throwing everything at us…………
If Cesc doesnt make it, depending on how Aaron does on saturday, would start him in there, he would cope and keep the ball moving with Nas and Jack, who both must start in the middle…….