We return to Premiership action after a difficult few weeks concentrating on the peripherals.
An away trip to an opponent who are desperate for points and are in real danger of the drop is just what we need to get back on track. WBA will be giving everything today as their situation becomes more desperate.
A new manager often equates to an improvement in form and Roy Hodgson will he hoping his team can at least avoid defeat today. Hodgson is a fine manager and in my opinion was foolish to take the L’pool job (though an understandable decision). He will do well at WBA, a team without stars but one that functions on teamwork and hard work. They suit his work ethic.
Proof of Hodgson’s decency lies in this quote about Mr Wenger:
“If I had been an Arsenal fan, watching the teams he has put out over the past six or seven years, I would be very happy with what I had seen.
“He seems to lose a team then build another. My admiration for people like Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson is immense.
“They have done it for so long, yet still they have exactly the same enthusiasm, intensity and desire.
“They still put themselves in the bear pit every week. And the thing is they could have packed it in and enjoyed legendary status years ago.”
Would that our own fans had the same opinion!
Injuries play a huge part of any teams run-in and have cost us dearly in the past. Long term injuries to our two best CB’s, our best GK’s ,and niggling, but consistent injuries to our best midfielders and forwards have proved costly this season, but with a reduced number of games thanks to Cup exits we have time to re-group. Unfortunately the table doesn’t include numbers of injuries, if it did, we would have won the title already!
Latest news indicates further losses through injury, Diaby is out, which will allow us to play an untried midfield combination. We have such riches in midfield that even with the injuries and loans, we remain strong. Nasri, Denilson, Rosicky, Eboue, Wilshere, Ramsey, Arshavin, – who would you play? AW has resorted to Eboue on a number of occasions, but I really hope he gives Ramsey a start – he looked very busy in his cameo at Old Trafford.
My Team:
Almunia
Sagna Squillaci Koscielny Clichy
Denilson Ramsey Wilshere Arshavin
Bendtner Van Persie
My fears with this team is that we are very lightweight in midfield and have little height . It is also a very attacking set up, but my mantra is “He who dares, Wins.”
We have won 6 of our last 9 PL games and are unbeaten in 11. However, WBA are on a good run losing just one in six.
If the points were not so important I would expect us to draw (due to the injury list), but as has been discussed (at length!) this game is hugely important to Arsenal. It is the precursor to the real run-in, and we should beat teams at the opposite end of the table. If, god forbid, we should lose today, the press will go to town and the Arsenal blogs will resound with calls for AW’s head.
West Bromwich is home to the very pinnacle of the Heavy Metal pantheon. Mr Robert Plant (who should be Sir in any decent world) is a native of WB. Judas Priest were formed there and unbelievably Phil Lynott was born in West Bromwich (as Irish as Andy Townsend).
This game is important. Nerves will not be an excuse for a loss, we need the players to show their mettle. We also need a decent refereeing performance – something conspicuous by it’s absence in recent matches.
COYRRG
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
(from end of previous post)
Morning micky
Kids woke me up and I couldn’t get back to sleep. Thought I’d go downstairs to have a cuppa and read some Arsenal stuff in peace.
No milk.
Have been to the 24-hour grocery and am now back with tea (and Arsenal stuff).
I like your team selection for today (Nasri, Ramsey and JW in MF) but I bet AW plays Denilson.
Difficult to pre-guess today’s team. I really really hope AW doesn’t take the Eboue option but fear he will, and bring on Ramsey for the final half hour.
And I would bring on Nasri at 60 mins as well. I feel Arshavin has been more of a threat that Samir of recent weeks and Ramsey is the better defender.
But what do I know???
No Nasri BR?
Is he injured?
RL.No he isn’t,
Just thought I would play Nik ahead of him because we lack height with the loss of JD. And we will need it for set pieces (both teams) where NB is very effective
OK – you answered that one!
When West Brom beat us at The Grove, our midfield was Song, Eboue and Diaby, with an attacking three of Nasri, Chamakh and Arshavin.
Personally I’m glad Diaby is injured otherwise I could see AW starting with him and Den in MF (along with JW) and that would really worry me. I would love to see him pick Ramsey alongside Jack and Nasri in MF but, as you rightly point out, that would be a risk.
BR
Totally agree that Bendy should start. His great aerial work when we’re defending set pieces is often overlooked by his critics.
RL. One would think that a person who is as interested as AW in statistics would look at the returns of a Diaby/Denilson combo. The combination has not enough thrust!
Agreed.
Den could probably do a tidy job today if he starts. I thought he was one of our better players against the Mancs, but there were still a couple of awful ‘jogging back while the opposition sprint into attack’ moments. It’s that lack of concentration that could cost us dearly in a game like today’s which will, as you say, very likely be a tight one.
BR
One reason for starting with Nasri: he scored both our goals against the Baggies in the defeat in September.
Also, this may be a good game for him. I expect to get a bit of a battering for this comment, but is Nasri a bit of a ‘flat track bully’ – terrorising weaker teams but struggling against the big boys?
(He was poor in both games so far against ManUre this year – and the first fixture – the league one – came at a time when he was supposedly in peak form and was being touted as a player of the season).
If I’m right, then this is exactly the sort of game he should play in.
That is why I would hope Ramsey starts. He has so much energy, but I fear AW will not trust him to play a full game. Will AW be confident enough to start Nasri, NB and AA? I think he is too pragmatic.
Thanks BR.
Rocky,
You made the point that at home we started with Song, Eboue and Diaby (height present), so why not out football them with Nasri, JW and Ramsey?
I am never too sure about the need for height in the middle anyway. A midfield of Nasri, JW and Ramsey does have a fair amount of grit which counts for a lot. That would leave me with AA left, RvP central and my right sided problem. I actually think Eboue might do more damage there than Nik. Certainly no defensive responsibilities.
Morning All, See Big Rads, your previews are needed mate, nice one…..
Loved this quote you used from Hodgson:
“They still put themselves in the bear pit every week. And the thing is they could have packed it in and enjoyed legendary status years ago.”
Regards to the team today, I would use my alternative positions as highlighted before for Gibbs / Clichy because against teams like this we truly need pace especially when we lack size, i would change the way round that I do it, ie Gibbs forward role as defenisively he has faltered at times lately….But I know he wont do that…so…
Looking at your line up, I just hope he deosnt start with Denilson……
Ramsey must start, end of, its a no brainer to me, he is ready, he has been playing for some 6-8 weeks in the championship!! But also he has something we lack in some players, drive and determination, he is young but he leads by example ala Jack…….
Ramsey Wilshere Nasri
Stick the two terriers in with Nasri, have Nik down the middle with arshavin coming in from the left and Robin the right like he does for the Cheese rollers….
Van Persie B52 Arshavin
The defence picks itself an although its not our preferred centre back partnership old squid boy has been doing better, as has Kozzer who just lacks a bit of aggression for me…Then we have Big Al in goal, lets have your game face son….
Sagna Squid Koz Gael
Almunia
Now I have seen my line up, i see no reason why we cannot give them a right old spanking, positivity is back up there…….WBA 1 Arsenal 4
And I agree Rads big match for whoever is reffing?
COYRRG
micky
I’m all for out-footballing them. And with Jack and Ramsey in the starting line-up I reckon we can out-passion them as well.
At the start of the season AW took a big gamble on JW – playing him in the very first game away at Liverpool. It’s time for him to take a similar gamble with Aaron.
I just popped back to last post to see final comments:
Rasp: Loved the summary of AA and what it is all about…..
Micky: Love the one on one conversation, not sure which one of you was which!!
DanDan: Not sure about the toys Pram scenairo mate, certainly I havent thrown any and aint seen that many on here….Generally it is an upbeat but realistic group of Gooners who tend to analyse and thought provoke rather than just slate like many other sites, thats why I love this site…And having met 6 or 7 of the contributors, its great to have put faces to people and get to know them….
26M: We are all Sane I think, although I cannot make out Danish at times……
Back to the game…..
Make sure someone posts the line up as soon as known for me, i will be at my u12 trg until 3.30…grrr
I’m with you Rocky, and I also see where Harry is coming from with the front three. Although, does Robin start right for the Tulip Growers or more of a No10 role? Either way, you will have either Robin or Nik out of position.
I go:
Al
Sag Squi Kos Clichy
Nas JW Ramsey
Ebo RvP AA
I know Eboue will not be a popular choice, but he can do some damage down the right, particularly when relieved of defensive duties. Having said all of this, I am convinced AW will play Denilson. That would not cause me dangerous blood pressure readings, but throw Rosicky into the equation and I will need to up the doseage.
Harry,
Split personality 🙂
micky
Eboue has been abject for us on recent outings. Somehow he seems to have gone backwards and, let’s not forget, when he had a long stint of playing right MF he went through an entire season without an assist or a goal. I would have TR7 ahead of EE, but frankly would worry if either started today.
Back for the game.
ps there are some real bargain pub standard table football games on ebay! We have killed ours!
micky
do you always get to play as the red team?
Thanks for the stylish pre view radders. just thought i’d say i’m seeing priest on their farewell tour this july.
By court order Chary..??
Only kidding Chary, each to his own and all that !!!
afternoon all.
Big big game today…..and I think we’ll be fine. We must take the chances that present themselves. Obvious I know, but still seems to need saying.
robert plant is a wolves fan not a baggie
Nice one Raddy. 🙂
Rasper, you made a point earlier today that;
‘AA offers a release valve for the frustrations and anxieties that we all suffer – it is just that some are more prepared to express those feelings than others.’
Yeah but, no but, I’m shy! 🙂
Aaron Ramsey starts for Arsenal today…..from twitter
Arsenal – Almunia; Sagna, Koscielny, Squillaci, Clichy; Nasri, Denilson, Wilshere, Ramsey, Arshavin; van Persie…….also from twitter.
Arsenal – Almunia; Sagna, Koscielny, Squillaci, Clichy; Nasri, Denilson, Wilshere, Ramsey, Arshavin; van Persie.
Arsenal – Almunia; Sagna, Koscielny, Squillaci, Clichy; Nasri, Denilson, Wilshere, Ramsey, Arshavin; van Persie.
comment doesn’t seem to be posting?
A hat trick of Nigellas!
Cmon you Gunners.
Can’t wait to see JW and Ramsey starting together. My usual concerns over lack of creativity central..but hey diddly ho..I shall have to be wrong 🙂
Chas,
I wonder how we go about making her an honory Gooner.
Back for KO. Second thoughts, keep her for ourselves!
Spuds drop another two points at home. They’re making a strong run for sixth…
Win today and we’ll be 11 points ahead of them.
Come on you Gunners !!
Decent team that. Although for me I’d have gone with Nasri in the middle with Ramsey and LJW behind him, then bring in Nik B on the wing.
Still, whaddo I know
I have been pre occupied this morning, we have been with my trusted friend (the dog) to a Focus class. We learned that dogs appreciate big rewards for little things, and should not be punished for doing things wrong but left until they get it right and are rewarded they perform better.
Perhaps if more fans followed that practice when our players misplaced passes some of the squad would not be so low on confidence that we are glad to see them injured.
So I have avoided most build up to this game but interestingly just heard Keown on the radio, he said Almunia spoke about Jens in the week and said that as a person Jens is a very good man to have around, he also said “Football” Jens is very different but on his return he will exercise restraint in terms of vying for No1 spot.
He also said that Jens is the consummate professional and will be first to speak in the dressing room if something needs to be said, and to tellplayers to pull their fingers out.
Keown also said that AW should probably have bought a CB but that hindsight is a wonderful thing and that AW would not want to block the progress of his younger players.
Hearing Keown speak I do wonder why he is not involved full time at the Ems, very much a Arsenal and AW man but someone who I’m sure could help the younger players through tough games in the mentality side of their game.
As for today’s game win lose or draw I’ll be here on the morning supporting the cause and still believing in this team, time for collective positive thinking.
Spuds drew 0-0 with West Ham have dropped back in the league from last year and remain in one competition and chance of silverware, yet apparently they’re on the up and we should be fearful according to Spuds fans and unfortunately a few of our own that we will be surpassed by them. How much did Citeh spend and even they haven’t managed that this year.
Afternoon all,
I have just returned from the charity run at the Ems.
Super post Raddy, totnum have just drawn and so a win today will put us 11 points ahead of them.We need an inspirational performance from one or two to lift the team – maybe AA or Nasri. Jack has worked his socks off for every game lately so we kind of expect that from him now. I hope Squillaci and kozzer can reproduce the performances they had together earlier in the season.
Peaches is staying at the ground to watch our game in Club Level and has asked me to send out a plea for someone to write a match report.
From our correspondent at the Ems……. “Chesney’s doing a Q & A session and hopes to be back for the home game against manu” 🙂
Sharkey,
I agree, but great to see Ramsey start.
Lets do it.
Wot a fucking start !!!
Positive start then….ooops
Oh dear, headed goal from a corner – dreadful defending.
FFS. Dreadful, dreadful marking. That was basic and we are already one down.
Plus how in hell was Thomas not booked for the foul on Sagna – IMO it could have been a sending off.
… at least its in the first 3 minutes and not the last. I fear that Squillaci, Kozzer and Al will be our undoing.
Nothing happening, we are not even getting to their 15 yard line let alone have a bloody shot
W. Brom are being very physical.
Oh. how unlucky are we….
Stats say we are all over the no live feed for me is it true?
GIE:
It’s a typical Arsenal we keep possession of the ball and have no finish. Denilson looks out of place as a holding mid fielder and he’s giving the ball away a lot.
Cheers GN5, the not knowing was frustrating, sounds like watching is the same
Soooooooooooooo frustrating.
Saving grace is ManUres side looks weak too as does the bench.
Based on the first 40 mins, we are really struggling for confidence.
The tippy tappy is just so ingrained ….. and ineffective.
The second half has got to be better, hopefully.
Yea I’m watching both games and neither team looks like they want to become champions.
Its actually crossed my mind NOT to watch the 2nd half. How mad is that..??
Of course, its not an option, but I’m just very worried about what that thought is telling me.
C’mon Arsenal, please raise it up and go for it. Lets get some shots away and pass the ball more quickly.
How on earth has Scharner not been carded..?? Two fouls from behind, and he went to ground for both!! Is he related to Paul Scholes..??
The one thing we can’t afford to do is let early goals in as it means the opp can defend deep for the rest of the game. Would NikB have helped at the corner?
Sounds like today is the day if we are ever going to use Cham, Bendy and RvP together. Let’s just see if we couldn’t bash it in for a change.
Seems like 45 minutes to save the season. How can Arsene keep picking Denilson? The chap has no confidence at all.
Just back from trg cannot believe we are behind, at least we have 45 to do something????????
I suggest we all try something different for second half, perhaps listen on BBC West Bronwich
Once again, I would bring Nasri central in place of Denilson or Ramsey and bring on our lightning quick winger!
Come on Arsenal.
So squilacci is our so called ‘experience’ and he goes walkies like that !!! 2nd half must be better !!
Ramsay gets 45 minutes Micky?!?!?
Micky. I would do the same, and do it early.
GIE. We keep recommending this site –
http://www.liveonlinefooty.com
OK you have to pay €6 for two months but the quality is very good and reliable, And they show the cricket.
It might be time for Miquel !! Not today, but going forwards.
I just don’t whats happened to Squillaci’s early season form
The goal apart, I think we have been playing well. WBA defending well and who can blame them for parking the bus?
I can forgive the team almost anything, football and life do not always go your way.
What I cannot forgive is not tryinghard enough.
We need to go and scrap with W Brom, to fight every second for the ball. Anything less is not acceptable.
Come on you red and white shirts!!!
Thanks Raddy, altho I’m steering clear, I’ve clearly jonah’d us by keeping up to date via web. All data off this half
GiE,
Yip, afraid so. We need more spark and Nasri has it. Way to little threat with him out wide.
BR, we’ve kept the ball for long periods, but one chance in 45 minutes cannot be classed as playing well, can it?
Chamakh for Denilson. A positive early move from AW. & I expect to see NB before too long
Chamakh for Denilson.
4-4-2 then?
Chas one chance? Beeb says 5 shots, were they all hit and hopers?
Fair point Chas
GIE,
Only one real opportunity in the first half.
A header from RVP hit the bar and rebounded to Aaron. He could have tapped it either side of the GK to score but blasted it at Carson off whom it rebounded out.
Another shot, from the left of the pen area, almost hit the right hand corner flag.
Now my feed has gone down.
According to my theory, one of RvP’s next two chances will go in.
nooooooooooooo
Oh dear oh dear. Almunia – I just don’t know what to say. Totally speechless.
horrible horrible defending
What a fuckin shambles. I’m not watching anymore.
Our piece of aluminium screwed up yet again…………….
FLICK I’m starting Mugabe Media lockdown now
Chas,
Leave Nigella behind will you? I need something.
What formation are we playing now? All up top?
Brilliant challenge from RVP !!!
I cannot take it anymore….it’s just too much for me
3 points behind with a game in hand what were we worried about…..could be better yet COYRRG!
RvP,
1 in 4. Like clockwork. COME ON ARSENAL
Bollox ManUre late show 😦
That’s evidence of some winning mentality though right?
I know we don’t like to put our players down, but Almunia cost us two points today.
We did very well to come back though and I thought Arshavin was fantastic once we went 2 down.
Phew.
Still in our own hands.
That was a decent fightback.
Still can;t believe the two massive cocks up today. One each from Squillaci and Almunia. Squill goes walkabout to gift them a corner, then Big Als moment of complete and utter madness.!!
Fair play to the Little Russian, he came through for us !!
Someone describe it then what did Manuel do?
Anyone with the same stream with the camera repeatedly cutting to Jens after the Almunia cock up?
Another 5 minutes and we would have won. Shame we didn’t play at that tempo in the first half but we made two mistakes and were punished on both occasions
GIE. Long ball down the middle Almunia runs 40 yards from goal to clear with Squillaci covering the the attacker. Missed the ball and the attacker passed it into the net.
Had he stayed on his line there would have been no danger
Ah but BR, they were not just ickle mistakes now were they!!!
Haha, nearly worked. 🙂
Chas,
Does she go everywhere with you? And, is this the end of Denilson with Song coming back?
3 points between the bottom 8 teams. It is going to be a nerve wracking end to the season.
I’ve been watching Phil Thompson on SSN and he’s been nearly filling his pants every two minutes for the last 20 of that game.
Micky, she’s not brought us much luck…might be time for a change?
And the top BR. 5 behind, game in hand with Utd at home.
Micky. I very very rarely use the C word, but I did when I saw our GK come out like a madman. Do you think SAF has got to him??
Chas,
She brings oh-so-much-more than just luck!
Will we win the title if I change my avatar ?
It’s as though he’s got a self-destruct button that he just can’t resist touching.
BR,
The C word was good enough for Shakespeare, so its ok for you and I. Just misused 🙂
Guaranteed his exit at the end of the season.
Off out for some air.
With Utd’s fixtures, I believe we will win the league. So all is very well.
Pop in later.
Almunia dropped for Lehmann? Things really would have gone full circle.
For me Squillaci’s first mistake was letting the ball bounce. He then dedcies to get goalside and just ‘defend the man’ and not try to win the ball.
Almunia then runs into him. Odemwingie left with ball to shift left then score.
Complete and utter madness from Almunia. Having said that Miquel would have killed the problem at source by getting his head on the first ball.
I’m not sure how realistic it is to expect to see Miquel at CB in our next game, but its what I want to see.
Re the Shakesperean language Raddy, I had the same response.
Like for yourself, its a word I really don’t like to use.
Almunia has always been prone to a wander, but I understand as AW likes the GK to sweep, Jens used to go on quite a few wanders from memory. But he did make the ball more often than not.
Is it possible that Jens could become first choice?
Is there anywhere where the Firing Squad is still legal?
I would rather see James Shea as backup to Jens.
SS. In our next game we will have Song, Theo and Cesc back. But we still have the GK problem
why do we always shoot ourselves in the foot?!
It’s going to be a strange season run-in. It will come down to the question of whether we can score enough goals to counteract our propensity (with the current GK and CBs) for conceding every time the opposition has an attack.
If another team seriously took the game to us I could see us going down by 5 or 6 goals.
GiE – “but I understand as AW likes the GK to sweep” – I’m really not sure that you’ll still see it that way once you’ve watched it.
It was horrible, really horrible.
Raddy
I don’t like to put down our players either but I’d rather you were in goal than that useless clown.
GM. I would do it for half of MA’s wages and wear the shirt with pride.
Not sure about how good I would be with low shots – I don’t go down as readily as I once did 😉 (did I really write that?)
Johnny Evans sent off for ManUre, will miss three games. They’ll have less defenders than us soon.
Sounds like Jussi was trying to endear himself to SAF for next season by letting it drop in Berbas path.
With VdS on the form he has shown this season, they don’t need defenders!
Sharkey I was saying I understand why they seem to wander, not why in this instance as haven’t yet seen it.
Last season Almunia cost us any chance of winning the title and it looks like we’re in for a repeat performance. He bottles it when under pressure – always has done. I’d drop him for Lehman after costing us 2 points today and bring Sz back and ship Al out at the end of the seson.
Okidoke GiE, no worries.
Anyone notice that Bartley is out of the Scottish Cup Final ? He got injured midweek.
A great shame as he has been getting rave reviews up at Rangers
The curse of the Arsenal CB’s strikes again
I didn’t see any of the game. Does anyone think the comeback is stuff of champions? It’s still in our hands. we still have to win our gih and beat the mancs.
Just seen the 2nd gaol. Sorry but he’s a f…… idiot.
Sadly so GM sadly so
He’s cost us 2 points Raddy
gm
It didn’t feel like the stuff of champions, I’m afraid. If we’d got the third – maybe. But this feels more like a papering over of the cracks. However, with Cesc, Song and Theo all coming back we’re not out of it.
I feel we’ve missed Theo more than anyone lately.
Just back from the truly surreal experience of watching a game at the Emirates in club level.
Hopefully it was Almunia’s last game for us, I cannot see him coming back from that howler. It was the sort of error where Cesc would say ‘you can’t expect to win games with mistakes like that’
Agree Rocky about missing Theo, every game that he hasn’t played in I’ve thought if only Theo was coming on now.
I don’t expect Denilson was subbed at half-time for tactical reasons – he probably is injured.
Song and Theo (and Chesney and Djourou) would have changed that game. Ho hum 1 point is better than none and that was what I feared was on the cards when it was 2-0.
Anyone fancy watching it again tonight and writing a match report?
I can’t string 4 words together peaches 🙂
Me neither gm, too much fresh air and alcohol 🙂
On a human level my heart went out to Almunia. He was shaking his head for the rest of the game, absolutely gutted. He knows what the headlines will be tomorrow and what the outpouring of vitriol will be on the internet.
I genuinely feel sorry for him. He has played well for us at times (mostly in the past now), but his head has gone and now he’s virtually guaranteed a howler a game.
Yes, he cost us two points. Equally you could say that the CBs cost us two points for allowing a free header for the first goal. Or Aaron Ramsey for shooting straight at Carson from two yards out.
I’m not trying to minimise Almunia’s error – it was horrible. I just feel bad for him.
I didn’t watch most of the 2nd half the first time, peaches.
Did anyone notice that whenever the picture cut to Almunia in the first half, he was shaking his head, still thinking about the first goal. What kind of professional goalkeeper does that?
I’m off home see you later
Peaches
Sadly I don’t have an excuse except maybe a lack of education.
We need a draw between the Chavs and Manchavs tomorrow. Don’t want either of them breathing down our necks…
Well thats was a relief, just how do the mancs always manage it even with 10men…..
Positives:
1. Still in our hands.
2. 10 day break: lets get song, cesc and theo fit.
3. Ramsey got some playing time.
4. Arshavin scored – boost his confidence…
5. 2-0 down and fought back.
6. United have some big games to come with CL etc
Negatives:
1. Defensive errors are too regular
2. Almunia is still too erratic (that was me trying to be polite)
3. Vermaelen is out for season and was always going to be…
4. United scored with 2mins left….
Totally rocky, a 2-2 draw with some red cards as well will do nicely…..
Someone was very prophetic in their comment earlier about needing more height in the team to defend set pieces – Raddy I think.
I’m sure Almunia was gutted, having Mad Jens on the bench couldn’t have helped his confidence going into this game. I’m certain Manuel wanted to prove that he could get us to the title rather than help us lose.
Quote from Le Boss apres le Match:
“It was a big misunderstanding and I have to watch that closer to see what happened there,” he added. “We were absolutely 100 per cent guilty on that. Competition exists in every position, when Jens will be fit he will be judged like any other player. It’s the interest of the team that counts and of the club.”
Lehmann to be No1 against Blackburn?
For anyone who wants great atmosphere, loud singing and to be able to drink in your seat its worth going to an away screening at Club Level. Obviously I can do all those things from my couch but it’s kindof extra fun with a few hundred gooners sharing the experience.
Yes, yes, yes Harry, no question about it unless there’s an accident in the showers 🙂
Still think we should strap up Szczesny’s fingers, some painkillers and get on with……The defence needs to feel confidence…..
Peaches: Are you dreaming about men in showers?
Lehman has to come in for Almunia. Lehman is a winner. Manu scored late on to get 3 points right at the death because they have many winners in their team. Our defence will always be fragile with alunia in goal.
Saw Szcsesny’s fingers today, they are strapped and straight – he’s looking at mank game for his return.
‘Men in showers’ no ‘Man in shower’ possibly
Rasp
Lehmann was flaky in his last season for us. He hasn’t played for a year and he’s a few years older than when he was with us.
He might be great – he might be a liability.
You spoke with him? umm the Manc game?
Need him sooner than that: by spuds……
Blackburn
Blackpool – A
Liverpool
Spuds – A
Bolton- A
United
Stoke – A
Villa
Fulham – A
Would be good to get him back for that, but seriously Almunia is mentally scarred, he will not recover from that today….
I don’t care Rocky, I’d take the risk, I don’t want to watch Almunia destroy our season again. This is what I wrote last March when I was trying to ‘big-up’ our chances just before it all went wrong….. read the last part of the post relating to Almunia. Just for once we should learn the lessons of history. He let in a goal at the near post and through his legs in the CL final. Whenever he’s called upon for the big occasion he lets us down.
https://arsenalarsenal.wordpress.com/2010/03/23/villains-to-heroes-its-been-worth-the-wait/#comments
To be honest I would rather see O’shea in goal or Martinez…….
Or as I said, just strap up Sczezesny….
Lehmann would be interesting, I believe he is still fit enough but is he rusty? Match sharp is totally different….
Well, Barca was a big occasion and he played really well.
I’m not saying I’m happy having him as the main man, but I can’t say I’m over the moon at having an over the hill Lehmann either.
I’d rather go down fighting showing some spirit than with a whimper again. I agree that O’Shea looked great for the reserves against pool. I’d rather have him, or better still Mannone than Almunia.
Its not Almunia’s ability that is the problem, it is his lack of balls. Lehman has got big balls. He may make mistakes, but his defence will know he’s there and so will the opposition. O’Shea was very brave against pool and looks a real prospect for the future. We often comment that the opposition’s keeper has the game of his life against us – how often is the reverse true when Almunia’s in goal?
Rasp
The problem we have is that whoever (of the available options) plays in goal I suspect we’ll have more howlers before the end of the season. Partly the GK personnel, partly the CB personnel.
On another subject, that’s the first time I can remember AW making a tactical substitution at HT. Maybe he’s been reading AA, since several regulars on here have been pleading with him to be more decisive sooner.
Admittedly, Denilson was having a stinker. He couldn’t even do the bit of his game that’s normally good – accurate short passes. I think his head’s gone too.
I agree Rocky, Denilson is gone, mentally tired and lacking confidence, which is not good when the team is fragile, similarly so is Almunia, Diaby is on his way as well…..
We need a huge performance against Blackburn that can raise all confidence in the team, which then will help the weaker mentally to regain…….But can they….or is it terminal,like i was saying…….
If you could merge lehmann and almunia into a hybrid, you’d have an awesome keeper (take the good bits from each)……..Lehmunia….
Unfortunately Harry I think the debate you mooted in yesterday’s post will be one we might well be having at the end of the season…
I know Rocky, I just hope from the smouldering ashes at 2-0 down, a flicker of belief will spark within the team that they can fight for the title…..
One or two saw me as been negative yesterday, it was more of just a case of a worrying trait that is stopping us from pushing on, there just doesnt seem to be a belief about them at times….very fragile…. And surely if we fail again then some must go…..
I do not advocate slating the players, nor do I boo or moan continually at missed passes, I cheer, praise and sing loud, I love my team…..But you have to analyse issues with a pragmatic realism……Which I think I did….
That’s the way I saw your post Harry.
I know some took it as a more negative piece, but arguably it foreshadowed some of what we saw today.
But as you say – it’s important to stay positive and keep supporting the lads (although I fear for the reception Manuel will get at the next home game).
I agree RL.
Almunia has every reason to be lacking in confidence when a 20 y.o. is first choice and Almunia who has played in a CL Final is downgraded to 3rd. And today’s howler will make him even less confident.
Nonetheless, he will start v Blackburn and it is everyone’s job to help him through.
Playing in front of 60k fans must be nerve wracking enough without the knowledge that they expect you to fail.
If he is fit enough I would play Lehmann at the Grove and Almunia in away games where he will be less under the microscope. But AW will not do that – he will be telling Almunia “Go out there and show them you are a top GK”.
I really thought we’d seen the last of Almunia in an Arsenal shirt. Maybe that should be ‘hoped’.
How bad is our luck though. We know now that we have two very good keepers in Sz and Fab2, a decent one in Don Vito, yet somehow we are left with Almunia in goal today.
If Almunia had panicked during a dangerous situation and made a mistake under any sort of pressure, maybe I could be a little more forgiving. As it is I can’t, the guys a clown, and he has to go.
I know heis likley go oin the summer, but I just don’t think thats soon enough. The thought of having to sit thru 90mins watching him looking like a nervous wreck is just too much. The thought of him gifting even one more chance or goal to the opposition between now and May fills me with absolute dread. It must not happen.
Ps. To anyone whom I have had words with over the use of Coco the Clown as a moniker for Almunia, today I offer you an unreserved apology.
I’m glad some have been on defending Almunia, yes it’s a horrendous calamity, any more than Kozzer and Sz in CC final? Probably not yet we are praying for Sz return to fitness.
Almunia is a good keeper, he is a good No 2 he had a blinder in Barca and can hold his own, he is prone to the occasional error, yet again the focus of too many is on one man, we were losing 1-0 when it happened, the team has had 60 minutes to equalise before the error. So doesnt the whole team take some blame. How many passes does Cesc not get right per game? Normally he isn’t punished by a goal, as a keeper you make one and it almost certainly will cost you a goal.
It’s a tightrope goalkeepers walk and some have more luck than others when it comes to their blunders.
Well it is likely the Spanish waiter will be goal tending in the next match unless wenger fancies making up another mystery injury like he did earlier in the season….So sharkey prepare for a nervous 90+5mins…..
@Raddy, thats what I was thinking, then I thought, nah just play Jens for home and away…I think we have 10days now where Wenger can truly gauge the level of Jens, is he match sharp?? if he is, thyen throw him in…
I hear ya GiE, but in simplistic terms we could also say that without his error we win 2-1. I also thought of the CC error in comparison, hence my line about panicking in espnse to some pressure or mildly dangerous situation. Surely Almunia could see that Squill was now goal side of the ‘Black Russian’, I think that’s so different from two players going for the same ball.
Harry. If he plays, I’ll support him. Yep its as simple as that
GIE, Alot of what you say is so right from a positive outlook, but whilst your been positive, I think respectfully you miss the point:
I agree he had a blinder against Barca when he came on, he does have moments, he is an ok number 2 for that reason, but he isnt a number 1, due to his lack of self belief, he is a tortured soul, perhaps infected by the negative blanket at the emirates, so yes feel for him, but rely on him?
Yes you highlight the CC mistake, which wasn’t as bad as todays imho, but I can remember mistakes that almunia has made which is in well over double figures…..
Szczesny is young and will make mistakes, but he wont spend a whole game shaking his head and looking like he just lost a euromillions ticket…By highlighting this you try to support Almunia whilst knocking Szczesny…..
All players make mistakes, its how you deal with them, yes fans are fickle, wilshere will miss a pass and nothing, denilson misses one and he’ll get cruicified, but wilshere will respond and dig in….
For todays mistake, I think clichy is massively at fault, marauding forward he lost the ball, he has had a few moments during his career that he would want to forget……
Squillaci should have headed the ball and not let it bounce, but he had turned and was in control until Almunia got in his way….
Dont get me wrong……..
When Almunia steps out at the emirates against Blackburn, I will be there and I will cheer for him, but inside I will be bricking it…
I like you Harry. You write a lot of things that save me having to make and type the same points.
You may have noticed that my typing is borderline horrible, but I do know my beans, beens and beings. 🙂
At least you don;t know the ‘should of’ in place of ‘should have’. Thats the one that really kills me….
Anyway, on that overly critical note, I’ll bid you all a good night.
Harry I didn’t claim him to be a No 1, you will see I say he is a good No 2, I like Szczesney a lot but I wonder what makes the fans responses so different, “he’s a kid he’ll make less in the future”…Fabianski wasn’t allowed that luxury before most fans had written him off after a couple of errors. Almunia has played how many competitive games this year? And yet we expect him/demand him to be perfect.
“Szczesny is young and will make mistakes, but he wont spend a whole game shaking his head”
How do we know this the only costly mistake he has made was in the last minute. And also I wonder why it’s a bad thing, would we accept him coming off the pitch smiling, or laughing about it after it happened, NikB is criticised for doing that after missing chances.
Unfortunately the team has developed a number of whipping boys, and they are turned on at every possibility. I’m just asking for clean slates and for all players to be given a fair hand would we be as critical of Sz if it had been him?
In relative terms how much was Cesc castigated for the awful back heel at the Nou Camp compared to Almunia today.
I know we have been here before with Manuel but I hate to see a goalkeeper blamed (part of my membership of the Union I guess). A keeper low on confidence (and as Rocky said earlier who wouldn’t be if a 19 year old keeps you out i
of the side) is going to make decision making errors, it is a given, there are many examples Clemence, Corrigan, James, Green, Robinson all of whom were/are good goalkeepers who had bad spells caused by dips in confidence.
See the goal Bolton concede at ManUre today if that was Manuel for us he would be getting pelters from the media, as for Jussi, he probably won’t get an inch of print, that is the burden of keeping goal for a top club, it’s not an easy job.
Barca Fan or should that be Spurs fan…..who the f*ck knows.
Bendtner set up second goal today, and if you can’t communicate on a Barca blog because you don’t speak the language don’t come on here to give your opinion, I font know how Narca get on every week because I couldn’t give a shot about the Spanish league, I’m surprised any Barca fan is bothered by the EPL.
Ho hum guess Sevilla are the greatest club in the world too given their 1-1 draw with your god like team last week.
iPhone spellcheck infused rant above
Font=don’t
Narca=Barca
Shot=shit
BF
You are a bore.
Rocky surely your spell checker has cleaned that up
Morning all, and what a fine day……Yes we dropped points, but our destiny is ours to write…And I am a gooner….So i feel blessed….The greatest clubbar none……..
Anyway @GIE, this one could roll for a while as you protect your brothers, the clan of the big gloves brigade…
I do understand your point and the Arsenal crowd is a merciless one, it has destroyed plyers over the years,its unfair and at times self defeating, which I detest, when a player steps out in the R&W he gets my support, not venom of abuse.
As you say, we have been here before, its the accumulative affect thats we all decry, thats why wenger made excuses and dropped him..The arguement is till the end of the season, can he be our number 1? will he cost us?
He is mentally shattered, he will make mistakes again, he is not the answer, defend him all you like, but for me, he cost us both goals yesterday, yes others made mistakes, but almunia hasnt got the strength to deal with it….he needs help….
I joke, aside, but i would love to spend just one trg session with him, I would motivate and deal with his issue, thats what probably frustrates me the most, because his ability isnt the probelm, why cannot our coaching staff see this?
Off to my u12 game, hope my boy scores today, its all about confidence……..
Harry I guess my issue is the character assassination of our whipping boys rather than the fact they made a mistake.
Ramsey was nowhere when presenting the free header to Reid. Yet he has shouldered no blame here, he has probably had more competitive football in the last 2 months than Manuel so why should he get off lightly whilst the cat calls come.
I am not asking for the mistake to be forgiven it was horrendous, but an even hand for all players is a big ask I guess.
Mickys 1 in 4 principle is applie to RvP, yet NikB presented one chance in Nou Camp is criticised heavily for not taking it.
I accept the crowd cherubs are always going to get forgiveness, or errors/weaknesses glossed over but I don’t have to agree with it.
Morning all
There’s a New Post
GIE,
I have only just read last night’s comments and was in broad agreement with your take on the Almunia goal cock up.
When I saw how far out from goal he was I sighed and shook my head. Seeing it again this morning, he was not the only culprit. If the Squid had dealt with the ball, Almunia would not have been involved at all.
A little perspective does not hurt. But Almunia’s day is done, whatever is said now.
“I can’t string 4 words together peaches”
You did that at camp nou in passes. Oh wait it wasn’t even 3! HAHA