Arsenal – Marseille: 0 – 0
Match Report
After THAT win against the Chavs, the big question for this match was: should we start with an unchanged team, or make a number of changes in order to keep our great momentum going?
This was a difficult call for Wenger: although a win would be great, it was not a necessity – after all, a draw would keep us top of the group tonight – and then there was to be considered the risk of fatigue/injury, as a result of potentially overplaying those players who pushed themselves to the very limit only 80 hours ago. Too many changes, though, would carry the risk of breaking up momentum. It needed a fine balancing act from Arsene which he did not get quite right on the day.
In the end, Wenger made only three changes: TV for Koz and Jenkinson for JD – nothing wrong with those, I am sure we all agree – and Park on for RvP. The task for Park could not have been harder: he had to make everybody forget the devastating Dutchman, who just scored a hattrick against the Chavs and who netted more than a goal per game for Arsenal this calendar year.
Unfortunately, but not unexpectedly, the game turned out to be quite the reverse of Arsenal’s heroic and scintillating performance on Sunday. The atmosphere at the Emirates appeared to be subdued (on tv at least), as the players seldom or never were able to light up the Emirates. This game clearly came too quickly for a number of the players Arsene decided to field tonight, and it comes as no surprise that Chelsea had a similar flat performance against Genk today. Park Chu-Young had a poor game: there is no way around it. However, he was surrounded by players who tried hard enough but often lacked a decent first touch, ability to pass the ball accurately, or finish one of the nine shots on target during the match. RvP was given 30 minutes to clinch the win, but also he looked a bit jaded and off-target when presented with a decent-enough chance. It was just not going to happen for Arsenal this evening.
First Half
Marseille started strongly, with 63% possession in the first five minutes. This resulted in a couple of chances for both of the Ayew brothers. Marseille were clearly targeting Santos’ left back area early on in the game, and as we have come accustomed to, with some success: he just seems to find it difficult to get going early on. Luckily, Jenkinson did not suffer from a need to warm up, as he hit the ground running from the start: he was alert, and just did enough to put off Ayew from a very decent scoring opportunity. Soon, though, Arsenal had its first chance. Gervinho, who seemed to play a lot more centrally in the first half (where was Ramsey in those first twenty minutes or so?), played a decent forward pass to Theo, who hits the ball well but Mandanda goes quickly to the ground and diverts it inches wide. In the 12th minute we could have had a penalty as a result of a handball in the box. The referee spotted the infringement but decided the ball was handled outside the box.
Bit by bit, Song and Arteta start to get more grip on the midfield in the first half, and on the 22nd minute another great chance was created: Arteta passes to Walcott, who cleverly diverts the ball to Santos, and the latter’s dinked cross into the box is met by the fully committed Ramsey, but unfortunately he cannot find the target with his effort. Remy, who again occasionally showed his great talents last night, creates his own chance in the 24th minute, producing a shot that only just goes wide, as Szczesny is beaten – a rare moment of quality during the match. Just for a second, Remy made me think of TH14 there and then!
Then, in the 29th and 30th minute, Arsenal created two very decent chances. Gervinho shoots at goal from just outside the box, but again Mandanda makes a half-decent safe. The ball ends up with Walcott who passes the ball to the better positioned Park, but unfortunately, his touch lets him down badly. Straight after that, the best opportunity of the game falls to Ramsey. Again, Gervinho meanders through the centre of midfield and feeds Ramsey just outside the box. The latter hesitates, as he is looking for the perfect shot on target, and this is just enough for the excellent Marseille defence to re-group and block his shot. Theo was in an even better position to score, but Ramsey seemed not to have spotted him. Ramsey is gutted and clearly annoyed with himself for his wasted efforts, which only showed what a true professional he is becoming.
It was becoming clear at the latter stages of the first half that Arsenal was well out of shape for this game: a large number of bad first touches, passes went astray regularly and we were not clinically enough in front of goal.
Second Half
During the second half there were hardly any chances, as both team cancelled each other out. Both teams started to look like each other more and more, with Arsenal’s and Marseille’s midfield players taking possession of the midfield for short periods of time by turn, and the teams’ defences not making any major mistakes. Cheyrou had a decent chance in the 61 minute, when he started his own attack by combining with Morel, and almost reaching his venomous cross into the box.
Wenger then made a number of positive, attacking changes after 60 minutes. RvP, Rosicky and Arshavin came on for the forlorn Park, and the tired Ramsey and Gervinho respectively. In the 77th minute, Song wins the ball and passes to Rosicky, who puts in a quick and brilliant pass to RvP: from just outside the box he tries to diagonally chip the keeper, but his effort is tame and Mandanda is able to catch the ball with ease. Just before the end, RvP shows his class one more time: he whips into the box a brilliant cross from the left, to the far post towards the BFG but Morel is just able to clear.
Marseille seemed the happier with the point and, it must be said, they did work very hard for it and deserved it in the end. The defensive, central pair of N’Koulou and Diawara has impressed me very much over the two games and together with the other defenders, goalkeeper and very hard working midfielders, they earned themselves a point at the Emirates. On another day, with a more rested team, we would have won this game, as one or two of our nine shots on target should/would have gone in. But a draw is not too bad for Arsenal either: we are still top of the group and we can finish it off at our next home game against Dortmund.
Once again, this was not a game for the purists, as there was very little ‘quality’ to be seen on the night, from an attacking point of view at least. But Arsenal kept a – much needed – clean sheet and the Verminator played 90 minutes and was great, Jenkinson played a faultless match and the BFG had a great game too. The players gave all they had and fought for each other, and what a welcome change it is from recent seasons.
The jury is still out for Park: he did not have a good game, but it is fair to say it will take him time to get used to our style of football, and fit in properly. Let’s not be too harsh on him, at least for the time being. Anybody wearing an Arsenal shirt and giving their all is one of ours.
Player Ratings:
Szczesny: 7 – safe pair of hands, and a strong personality. No mistakes.
Jenkinson: 8 – did nothing wrong defensively and just does not hide away. He is very often is in the right place, at the right time, and that at such a young age! WOW. Joint man of the match.
TV: 8 – great, energetic performance. Still trying to find his feet in this newly shaped and manned defence. How wonderful to see him back in our team though.
BFG: 8 – such a good reader of the game and excellent in positioning himself. He was a real rock in our defence tonight. Joint man of the match.
Santos: 7 – Rusty start, but he oozes quality once he gets going, and is a real powerhouse going forward.
Song & Arteta: 7.5 – both worked very hard and did a lot of the dirty work tonight. They were up against a strong and well-organised Marseille midfield and did very well. Not as fit and energetic, or creative, as usual but still very good given the circumstances.
Gervinho: 7.5 – made things happen for us, especially in first half. A bit rusty at times, but again understandable, given the circumstances.
Walcott: 7 – did well in the first half, but also missed a bit of sharpness at times.
Park: 5 – the game passed him by most of the time. A few unfortunate first touches and did not hold on to the ball enough to allow our midfielders to come forward and feed of him. Still a lot to learn – might take a while, based on this evidence.
Ramsey: 7.5 – he seemed to know quite quickly that this game came too soon for him, and he was up against some formidable players today, but he gave it his all and just kept trying, which I thought was brilliant.
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TA,
Thanks for your match report and I have already given my observations earlier this morning.
I don’t think enough credit has been given to Marseilles, they came to win and defensively looked pretty solid.They aren’t the best team in th CL but certainly not the worst.
ratings are in the eye of the beholder but IMO you have given all the players a very generous score.
Koz was our best defender on Saturday and we missed him.I can’t make up my mind about mertesacker but as of now I am not that impressed.
Fitness levels puzzle me.these are top sportsmen who should be finely tuned and we are still only a quarter into the season yet i was surprised how many had lost their sharpness and general fluidity on the pitch., and generally looked pretty tired.
In the programme Arshavin was quoted as saying
“Speaking honestly, I think my performances have been average. I’ve done some good things, but I don’t assess my game on goals or assists – I look at the whole picture. Normally when I’m on the pitch I take control of a game, but I haven’t done that here. I’m an extra tool in the team rather than the main one, so it’s been different.”
I can’t disagree with that.
Morning AAer’s, thanks Total for a detailed report, glad you did it.. I was so frustrated last night, by the time I got home I was tired not in the right mood for writing, so glad i wasnt doing it.
Always difficult after a great result like Chelsea and your right it was a tough call what to do for Wenger, my opinion was unwavering yesterday, I would have played the same team apart from TV infor JD and play Kozzer on the right. Although we are still top, we have made things difficult for ourselves.
I disagree with many of your ratings / comments, but that is subjective and depends as we all say what angle your looking from and what you are looking for.
All I will say is for me, Song was MotM by an absolute country mile, followed closely by TV and Arteta who gets better every game.
We totally lacked in the final 3rd, movement was slow and not desicive enough for me………….
Good report TA thank you.
Would take issue with the Theo mark he and Gerv caused a lot of problems. For me Santos will cost us dear against a real goalscorer.
What is it about that position, Clichy, Gibbs and Santos all great attackers but their defensive positioning is woeful.
Ramsey ran out of petrol, but is still on his way back from a big injury, that missing year will take a while to replace.
Little moan why do pro footballers so often pass behind their running teamate rather than in front. Amazing
TA. Super report. Your assessments were spot on and it really could have been a profession journo who wrote that piece.
Needless to say your English is astonishing and certainly better than mine!
I agree with kelsey that the ratings could have been lower. If you give so many players 7+ then it belittles efforts like last Saturday.
I would give the majority of the team a 6, Park a 4, and TV an 8.
One event was missing and has hardly been mentioned – Chesney’s dribbling skills. As last defender he just cannot continue to play football one on one with an attacker because the next time will cost us a goal. Fabianski tried it and got villified. Yes, its is entertaining but I was shouting at him to put it in Row Z.
DD. Interesting about the LB position. Our last proper defender was Dixon 🙂
Thankfully Arteta was responsible enough to cover for Santos. Arteta is becoming a very good signing and a bargain at the price.
Agreed BR Just imagine a Bellamy runing into those spaces in a couple of weeks time, we could get Murdered
Bang on the money, TA.
You’ve perfectly described the game I saw.
Ratings are subjective but I know you always start from a ‘glass three-quarters full’ perspective, which I always take into account. 🙂
Well done TA, fair assessment, player ratings are a subjective topic and everybody will have their own views, I go along, largely, with yours.
The question for me is why did Le Maestro leave RvP on the bench untill sixty minutes. After his comments yesterday about the Shaktar Donestk game, and how we were punished for not playing the best team, I thought he had learned a lesson and would play the on fire Dutchman. Instead we got Ju-Young Park who looked completely overwhelmed by the occasion, surely half-time or even earlier was the time to sub him.
Very good report Total, although I’ve still to run it thru the SharkeySureSpellChecker&Gramminator. You know I’m watchnig you and your dodgy DuEnglish 😉
Seriously, fine match report, and you mention something that not wenough has been siad about. Jenks defehnsive work was ablosolutely first class last night,. His covering of his CB’s nad reading of dangerous situations really saved our bacon last night. He prob had 3 or 4 last ditchblocks opr pressure around the penaly sot or closer, and did very well on all of them. Throw in his energy up and down the flank and he was a worth contender for MoM.
Merts. Another who’s reading of the game was sublime. I lost count of the times that his positioning and decision making made light of some very dangerous situations.
Santos. Wot an enigma. I like him. At least I think I do…..
Mr Radders…you’re spot on about Arteta. He seems to have re-invented himself as an all action MF in an Arsenal shirt.
Very good signing
SS,
You need to run your own output through the SSSC&G. But whuam l toclitsize uvvers.
“toclitsize” ??????????
Thanks u my gunnerz
TA – fine report and true account of last night’s shenanigans. Thank you Mr TA
chas – you monster 🙂 🙂
Morning AA-ers 🙂 and thanks for the great – positive and constructive – feedback.
In an ideal world, I would watch a game twice before writing up a report, but there is only so much one can push a football-DNA deprived wife with claiming the TV 🙂 Without any doubt, I would have scored players slightly different if I had been able to watch the game again. But in the end it does not matter, as it all leads to constructive debate, which I welcome very much. I always value player ratings from those who have actually been to the game, as you just see a lot more of the total picture of a particular match.
Regarding ratings, I guess it all depends on what we measure against (I used to be a Quality Manager in the nineties, so best not to get me started, haha). For me an Arsenal player who is committed and performs the basic tasks that are required of him has a 7 in the bag. If then he is able to add match-changing qualities/actions on top of that, I start adding points – just as much as I start deducting points for match-changing mistakes or inabilities on the day. Fot that I use ISO-9000 and EFQM guidelines….only joking 🙂
In general, I just felt they all gave everything they had on the night, there was just nothing more in it, and as a result we achieved:
1. Nine shots on target
2. A clean sheet
3. Stayed top of the group
4. Winning the individual battle with Marseille (in case we end up with the same points in the group)
And a final word on Marseille (in support of Kelsey’s view): they are a good team that will only get better. I expect them to make at least the last-8 in the CL. They have about four or five players of very decent quality and I would not be surprised if Wenger is not already working on them as we speak 😉
Morning all,
Great report, I think we have to give Marseille a bit more credit. they were very well organised and posed much more of a threat than in the reverse fixture. From my observation point
1. The Merte is a fantastic buy, his positioning is first class, something we have lacked since Campbell/ Keown IMO and his distribution almost always finds an arsenal shirt
2. Park’s movement off the ball was almost non existent last night and that by itself meant we looked toothless for long periods. One of the things that gives Van P the edge is his constant menace on and off the ball.
3. I thought Kosser was unlucky to be replaced, but Vermy showed us what we were missing
4. Song was immense, Arteta efficient
5. Jenkinson for me encapsulates exactly what arsenal is about. Here we had a 19 year old playing Champions league football in his first season, and not once did he look out of place, the boy will be a star
6. Wallcott still frustrates me
Sharkey, your ‘feeling and appreciation’ for/of language is second to none on this side. You pick up on the most subtle things and point out their beauty to us, which I always enjoy very much 🙂
Wonderman re point 5 – completely agree. He is becoming my hot favourite, what a lad. I love his composure and statue, he looks much more mature than his 19 years, top top signing.
evonne, ‘monster’ made me laugh.
Wonderman, great observations. I don’t think Koz was replaced though, just rotated. 🙂
Superb match report TA.
I definitely watched the same game as you.
This sums it up perfectly for me:
“It needed a fine balancing act from Arsene which he did not get quite right on the day.”
I thought the team looked a bit jaded last night and lacked a bit of spark. Maybe Saturday’s game took a bit too much out of us?
Park – early days yet, but he lacked a bit of composure and never looked likely to trouble the Marseilles defence all night. I am more than happy to give him time though, but not too much if you know what I mean?
Song and TV worked like Trojans last night and I was impressed with Jenkinsons power and pace when attacking and its sometimes hard to believe this lad was playing non-league football only a few months back. He is one for the future without any doubt.
Santos was blowing out of his preverbial in the last 15 minutes of the game and as others have said, Arteta did plenty of covering for him.
Loved the ref falling over during the first half as well! “Are you Terry in disguise!” was the cry around me.
Great report TA
Loved this line: “Anybody wearing an Arsenal shirt and giving their all is one of ours.”
Your view of the game is pretty much the same as mine and the ratings, as you say, all depend on where you’re starting from.
I thought Song, Jenks, Mert, TV and Arteta all had excellent games.
I would knock off a point from Szczesney for his dribbling in his own box. He makes one or two silly mistakes per game (usually involving misjudged charges out of his area) and one day soon he’s going to get hugely embarrassed by one of them. However, his confidence, charisma and overall game still make him streets ahead of our other GK options. I know lots of people like putting him as “world’s no 1” on their team sheet. I’m pretty sure he will deserve that tag in a year or two, but he’s not there yet.
Finally a word about Santos – I really like him, but in the last 20 mins he didn’t seem to be playing LB at all. Maybe it was a tactical thing to push him forward, but it meant Song was covering LB at the end and we were constantly threatened down that flank.
chas, “i see no pies”, maybe he just dreams about them when he slumbers back ! 🙂
Raddy,
for god’s sake stop agreeing with me 🙂
Great read.
The question now is what team will AW put out against the Baggies.
Theo and Gervinho will surely not start.
Arteta has played all the games (barring the 2 CC games) since he has joined. Ramsey looked a bit jaded and might need rest. And Song has now played 2 straight 90 minutes.
My guess is:
Arshavin—-RVP—-Chamberlain
—-Rosicky—-Song—-Benny—-
Santos—Verm—Kos—Jenkinson
————–Szczesny—————-
I really want to see Arshavin play in the hole and he had good games against WBA last season, even though we lost both of them.
@ Evonne he really played well last night, but what I really about him his determintion not to be beaten
@Chas , I think you are right he was rotated , but it makes a mockery of those fans who wanted us to spend £17m + on Cahill doesn’t it ?
Hi Rocky and Raddy, good point re Szczesny. It has gone all very quickly for him and at times he seems to get carried away with himself – on and off the pitch – but maybe that just comes with the total package his personality. I think Evonne is a good judge of character and she clearly has gone off him, as a person, already – and it takes something to allienate yourself from your personal DNA/blood-link with the Arsenal! 🙂
As always great stuff TA.
Overall i was very pleased last night. We defended very well and showed our new found togetherness and spirit ( even if Santos did go walk about at times i find him to be an amusing character. Ime sure he was a great player before he retired 5 years ago and has now decided to make a comeback)
It would have been nice to impose ourselves on them a little bit more but they turned out to be a very atheletic and powerful team.
Like everyone i am concerned with our striking options. Does anyone know how long Bentdners loan period is for? It would be good to have him back.
Hi Vikram SN, most of us here would like to see Arshavin ‘in the hole’ but it looks like Wenger is never going to try it. Re the line-up, I reckon it will be pretty similar to last night’s, including RvP of course. Four days rest should be enough and there are no club games after the WBA game for a while, so they all can give it everything again.
Total,
I used to buy newspapers to read reports, I dont bother now, thanks for saving me the time and money !
Hi TA,
I would very much like to see a similar line up.
The only reason that hints towards a different one is AW not starting with the fresh legs of Benayoun, Arshavin and Rosicky yesterday. He could have kept Ramsey and Arteta on the bench like RVP and brought them on later.
And I am not sure whether Arteta and Song would be ready for another start after playing 90 minutes twice this week.
Cheers GLiC! 🙂
What did you do with your big-win money from the Chelsea match? Oh, and another question: why is it that everything appears to be ‘award winning’ in Cornwall (pies, icecream, bread, fish & chips, etc)?
The major plus last night has to be Arron Ramsey. The boy is going to be brilliant. The thought of Ramsey, Wilshere, and OX in the same team is rather orgasmic.
Terry,
Your our most optimistic AAer, so when your concerned, I get worried !. 🙂
“Atheletic” , just like skill, It comes natural to some, but all these sports people (footballers ) should be able to achieve a high degree of fitness and stamina, anything less is unforgivable in my eye`s.
Those are all fair points Vikram. This is the area where the manager earns his money and as I said in the post: it is a fine balancing act. Arteta and Song have been brilliant together and there is so much more to come from them: they are both complete midfielders!
I know I am (again ) in the minority but I am not so sure about mertesacker fitting into our system.he obviously has defensive attributes but seems very quiet on the pitch the gentle giant that he is, but he is extremely slow and not a player to dribble out of defence,but then again maybe that isn’t his job, but we have always been in the past a team known for breaking quick on the counter attack e.g.Adams.
Hi TMHT, you are so right re Ramsey. I even considered making him man of the match yesterday. What a prospect!
Total,
I think your getting me mixed up with TMHT,although we could be mistaken as twins, I think he won the ” one 35th of a share (usmanov price )”money !.
As for “award winning”, I think they just like”bigging” thereselves up and try to take your mind off the Rainy weather!
Cornwall,
Ime sorry if ive alarmed you. We have more than enough in the squad to compete but i just feel another great striker could take us right to the top. With the addition of one more attcking talent we have the potential to be better than the likes of City and United.
Hi TA,
Yes, it was me that won the dough. ive tried to convince Cornwall to lob some reddies on some bets but for some reason he dosn’t listen to me. Anyways, next time your both down my neck of the woods the drinks are on me.
Hey Kelsey, having ‘minorities’ is what leads to good discussions on AA 😛
For me, the BFG fits in very well: he is calm and organised, with great awareness and timing. Just watch the game again and add up the number of his key interventions i.e. those that turn a defensive position back into an attacking one. He is the calm rock around which the more dymanic, testosterone-driven fellow defenders fit perfectly. Do you want both CB’s to go forward, or do you think – like me – that just TV should do that in our set-up? I also like to add that the BFG has a decent long-distance cross in him, of which we have not seen that much yet.
Over to you. 🙂
Hi GLiC, sorry yes, I got you mixed up with the glass-brimming-over AA-er TMHT! 😛
It is quite mad though re ‘award winning’ products in Cornwall. I wanted to buy a good pie when I was in St Ives earlier this year, and within the space of 100 meters, I could choose from at least 3 ‘award winning’ Pie-shops 🙂
Nice one TMHT, what is your neck of the woods again? I just started the car’s engine 🙂
I have been on here far too long today. ‘Speak’ to you all again this evening 🙂
Last Thursday, whilst I was In the land of the Orc`s, there was carnage at home, 14 Bulls had escaped from a farm one mile up the lane and decided to gorge themselves on my “award winning” gardens ( your right Total, everything is award winning down here ).
It broke my heart when I saw the damage , It`s been years of hard graft. I wanted to strangle the farmer, but he was such a nice bloke, that I ended up feeling bad for complaining, the insurance accessor will be here on Thursday to sort It out. Beating the Chavs took away the pain, the medicine called Arsenal !
Wonderman, yes, Cahill for £17m, utterly ridiculous.
glic, his taste in women seems a bit different to his taste in cars!
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/880291-andre-santos-shows-off-pimped-out-smart-car-at-arsenal-base
14 Bulls escaped, christ almighty. And i thought living in London was dangerous. Sorry about the Gardens.
Looking at some of the comments on here, I’ll have to rewatch the game, I might even, looking at redoing my coaching courses!!
@TMHT…….Fully argree Ramsey, Wilshere and Ox, what a prospect…..
chas,
Maybe these footballers are`nt paid as much as we thought, give that man a pay rise !
Terry ,
It`s just a shame my mother-in-law wasn`t out in the garden with a bright Red top on !
A young man stopped at a local restaurant after a day of roaming around in Mexico.
While sipping his tequila, he noticed a sizzling, scrumptious-looking platter being served at the next table.
It looked good.
It smelled good.
He asked the waiter, “What is that you just served?”
The waiter replied, “Ah senor, you have excellent taste! Those are bull’s testicles from the bull fight this morning. A delicacy!”
The visitor, though momentarily daunted, said, “What the heck, I’m on holiday down here! Bring me an order!”
The waiter replied, “I am so sorry senor. There is only one serving per day because there is only one bull fight each morning. If you come early tomorrow and place your order, we will be sure to save you this delicacy!”
The next morning, the man returned, placed his order, and then that evening was served the one and only special delicacy of the day.
After a few bites, and inspecting the contents of his platter, he called to the waiter and said, “These are delicious, but they are much, much smaller than the ones I saw you serve yesterday!”
The waiter shrugged his shoulders and replied, “Si, Senor. Sometimes the bull wins.”
Hi Vikram
That’s a thoughtful comment but I think AW would be wary of making such a substantial change in MF, where things have been ticking over very nicely lately.
Changing two of the ‘first choice’ three (ie Ramsey and Arteta for Benny and TR7) feels like too much of a risk, especially with an international break coming.
I think he’ll start with our strongest possible team (Szcz, Jenks, any two of TV/LK/BFG, Santos, Song, Ramsey, Arteta, Gerv, Theo, RvP). He’ll urge them to go all out from the start and, hopefully, if we get two or three goals to the good we can take off some key players with 30 to go…
(even as I was writing that I could envisage the typical last 10 minutes scenario of 0-0, with us frantically chasing a winner 🙂 )
Kelsey
referring back to the Arshavin quote you posted at 9.51, was the little Russian looking slimmer last night or did I have my television on the wrong setting?
I haven’t given up hope of him having an explosive period for us… maybe his self-knowledge, combined with a sharper fitness regime, will bring the required result…
Afternoon chums. And Total, heel erg bedankt for tip-top report.
I really enjoyed the game last night – not because it was scintillating, of course, but because the way Marseille were set up meant it was such a technical game. The likes of Stoke may whine that connoisseurs of progressive football like Arsene Wenger don’t respect defensive football; well, they’re wrong – what Marseille produced last night was a superb display of real defending, not reckless violence dressed up as football, but real, intelligent, organised, defensive football. The central four of N’Koulou, Diawara, Diarra and Cheyrou (at CB and DM) were just fantastic in their anticipation, timing and positioning, and provided a solid base for a counter-attacking strategy. To my mind, Diarra was MOTM.
On our side, Park was disappointing and Walcott and Gervinho had uneven evenings. I thought all of Arteta, Song, Mertesacker, Vermaelen and Jenkinson did very well, and the remainder were alright. Arteta (I think) gave away one loose pass all night and was just so efficient with the ball, being the centre-point in our attempts to manipulate the Marseille formation to create the space for a chance. I thought he was great, but prising them open was a tough proposition for us, and I can only think of two occasions when we did (Walcott’s early shot when released by Gervinho and van Persie’s attempted chip when Rosicky played him through with an excellent ball from the centre).
Funny that Mertesacker has attracted some negative comments, I thought he executed his responsibilities very well indeed – I think he only missed out on one header the whole game and his passing was controlled and efficient. And while Song’s passing was once again a bit uneven, he was excellent in his screening and use of his body.
Lovely to see Tommy V back doing his thing. But in the last ten minutes he looked absolutely shattered, clearly some fitness work still to be done there.
A draw is a little disappointing, and means we really do have to beat Dortmund, but getting four points from Marseille is OK.
On clean sheets, it’s interesting that we’ve now clocked up 6 in all competitions, just one fewer than United and Spurs, and more than all our other English rivals. And that despite having a dodgy defence.
Arshavin himself came out and said that he hasn’t done anything special since coming to the Emirates.
I would disagree. 4 goals at Anfield, Villa away last time and the CC cameo against Spurs last time out show us the vision that this fellow has. And these are just a few examples.
He can see things that other people cannot, which means he takes risks that others don’t. This might not bring him good passing statistics but with him there, we always have an extra chance of pulling the rabbit out of the hat anytime.
Because he has lost speed, AW might actually consider playing him in the hole. Arteta’s defensive work also makes the case for the same as the Spaniard can combine with Song to cover up where Arshavin cant.
And with the forward trio of Theo Van Gerv in front of him, he can create havoc for the opposition defense.
kelsey. At last we disagree.
BFG looks a fine player to me. True he lacks pace but he makes up for it in anticipation and football intelligence.
Don’t remember Sir Bobby Moore being pacey and he was OK.
I must say, that Mertesacker fellow looks like a damn fine player to me.
Hi TA, 🙂
Well written narrative which summed up the match very well indeed. You obviously put so much time, attention and thought into these reports, it is a great credit to you!! 🙂
I am not big on player ratings, because unless a procedure is adopted that is followed by all, there is inevitably going to be differences between observers who do not really compare like with like.
Some ratings seemed to be based on –” I give them all 10 to start with, then I knock 1 off because “x” is the ugliest, then another because he farted around in defence, then deducted 2 because TA likes him” — and so on! 🙂
You have indicated how you arrive at your ratings and admit they are subjective — so they seem fine to me!! 🙂
By the way, what is this with ISO 9000?
Do you mean the discredited (by me) quality management system that overly relies on control, specifications and ‘tick box’ procedural values and ignores the necessary deeper understanding of management needs which can result in meaningful improvements? 🙂
Sorry, TA, just up to mischief! 🙂
Harry, 🙂
I have a certain empathy with your comment about needing to go back and re-watch the game and redo your coaching certificates, after reading the plethora of contradictory opinions posited by fellow AAers.
This (AA) is an interesting blog with mainly intelligent bloggers, where diversification of opinions is taken for what it is, without a driving need for the participants to combust into a pointless verbal dogfight simply because their opinions differ. (Though it does happen here too, sometimes) 🙂
If it’s any consolation, I usually agree with you, and sometimes, where I don’t, I have had my mind changed by the technical merit of your point of view ( and those of some other worthies on here too — but not including 26’s — of course) 🙂
We have a wonderful population of bloggers on here who are happy to voice their opinions, and as a result we have gamut of opinions based on age, experience and detailed technical knowledge! 🙂
Fascinating! 🙂
Then, of course — there’s me!
So I will bid you all a fond “a demain” and leave you all to your deliberations! Bon soir. 🙂
My main question about Mertesacker was if he will fit into our system long term.he is quite slow and like other extremely tall players doesn’t jump for a header.that was an observation, nothing negative in what I had written.
Trust you to jump in on the Quality Standards comment Redders (here I would do a ‘rolling eyes’ emoticon if I knew how).
And TA – see what you’ve done?
Diversity of opinions is fine, particularly when accompanied by good manners.
kesley
The BFG’s strengths seem to me to be: positional sense; anticipation; interceptions (rather than tackles); passing; calmness.
But if I was to highlight weaknesses so far (and with the health warning that he is still adapting to Arsenal and the EPL) they would be: less dominant in the air than you’d hope for with such a big fella; slow; possibly on the quiet side.
On balance I think the pros outweigh the cons, and I am very happy with our three first choice CBs being him, TV and LK, with JD and Miquel waiting in the wings…
I missed the Stoke game – how did the BFG get on against Crouch the Freak? It’s that kind of player that we haven’t been able to handle in recent times
Hello Illy
Freak boy didn’t play.
@ Red Arse 3.19pm.
Thank you, and its nice to know someone agrees with me, not that I expect it and I like the fact we can challenge opinions on here generally without descending into behind the monitors chest beating, which does my head in.
Having read some comments earlier, I have to watch it again, otherwise I feel the scorn I will face will be unwielding, lol…….
If Chas is about, he could probably guess, where my comments might lead……… 😀
Off to catch the train home………
Rocky,
“Freak boy didn`t play” !, some other freak must have scored then ! 🙄
GLIC sorry to read of the unwecome visitors to your garden, Not many people know that cattle have right of way in this country and can give you much grief. My wife was heavily pregnant and sitting in the front seat of my car when I came round a bend in the road i used every day, only to find it full of loose cattle, How i missed them I still dont know. But when I knocked at the farmhouse still very angry, he said I will go and move them when I have finished my meal. I said but they could get killed or injured. He replied tough titty I hope the driver is insured cos he will be liable cattle have right of way since ancient times and you have to pay.
So I hope the poor dears in your garden didnt damage themselves.
GLIC
whoops (embarrassed emoticon)
He obviously didn’t make a big impression on me, despite the goal 🙂
Afternoon all, thank you for your esteemed opinion on your match report TotalA.
Typical of my luck, just when I can finally make it down for a game only the hardcore could make it, Peachy, the Rasp, Chas, Carlitto and Jamie.
I think it’s a measure of the slow and steady progress we’ve made from our early season debacle when getting 4 points from the french champions leaves us feeling like we’ve under achieved.
If anyone wants to see more of my random waffling about yesterday’s game it’s over here: http://www.7amkickoff.com/2011/man-at-the-match-chary-bridge-hangover-as-chances-squandered/
There is something realy annoying about freaky boy. He was once asked what he would have been if he hadn’t become a footballer.his reply was ” a virgin “. Thats probably the only thing he’s been correct on his whole life.
dandan,
Farmers must be the same all over, “move them when I`ve finnished my meal ” sounds about right, down here they call It “dreckly”, When I first moved here I thought It mean`t ” directly “, after a few long waiting sessions, I found out It means something along the lines of ” I`ll get there when I get there “.
Actually Terry, that was quite a funny and self-deprecating answer from Freakoid.
I see the England Captain is now facing a police investigation…
GLIC
First time I was in Cornwall was a camping trip with some mates back in the late 70s. (We were all crammed in to a Morris Minor Traveller!).
One afternoon we found a likely field to pitch our tents and asked some local yokel where the farmer was. He replied: ” ‘E’s over tharr, sittin on his arse.”
We turned round expecting to see the farmer having a rest. In fact he was sitting on a horse…
TMHT,
Luv it. 😆
Rocky,
Did you tell him you supported the “Horsenal ” ?
GLIC
No – it was a pretty remote place and I had Wicker Man images running through my mind…
Rocky, ha ha. Yes, that ‘Wicker Man’ thing crosses my mind everytime i break the M25 barrier.
Terry
I bet GLIC has a large pile of wicker in his back yard, just in case some grockle wanders onto his land by mistake…
Looking forward to the Valencia MC game tonight. Both teams play goof football and MC were fortunate to win last time out.
Wonder if Na$ri will get a run.
Rocky,
I reckon Cornwall is the leader of the sect (Christopher Lee character), and on a full moon has a pick of all the lovely ladies.
Tales from the countryside 2.
The Saturday before we beat the Orc`s, I had the 16 year old Spud supporter from “down the lane” knock on my door, politely telling me he was going to have a field party (apparantly he`s a budding DJ at college and wanted to demonstrate his skills ), ” fair enough, don`t make it too late as we all like a sunday lay in”, He replied with a mischievous smile.
I dont know what kind of music(noise) they call it, some kind of “hard style” crap, but the thumping started at 8 pm, at 5am the wife had, had enough ( thats putting it mildly ), she called the police, who said they couldn`t do a thing other than have a polite word, which they did, we had a lull of 10 mins, then the thumping started again till 7 am. My Arsenal medicine ( 3-1 win ) made me fill a lot better.
The next time the little Spud knocks on my door with news of a party, I shall give him a glimpse of my baseball bat with a mischievious smile, lets hope Arsenal dont lose on that day ! 👿
@gunnern5,
…“Si, Senor. Sometimes the bull wins.” LOL
GLIC. I understand a herd of cows can upset a field party …….
Just back from looking for some lovely Cornish virgin ladies, couldn`t find any, just one that looked like Crouchfreek, wouldn`t touch it with John Terry`s John Thomas.
Big Raddy,
Advise noted ! 🙂
Rocky,
It`s funny you should say that. The other day I was on the phone to some sort of Energy trust place, asking how much land I would need, to be self sufficient in running two woodburners, he said 3 X 35mX35m areas, using hybrid willows mixed with ash and hazel. So in a few years time I could have a lot of whicker in my back yard. Of course you and TMHT will be welcome to pitch a tent ready for the night`s offering`s. whooooo hahahahahaha 👿
Hey guys,
Does anyone know anyone that has a season ticket and doesn’t want to go to the Dortmund game and will be willing to sell it to me?
I’ve booked time off to go to the game but it sold out. Must have went on General Sale today and sold out in minutes 😦
Bizarre that CJ isn’t in the England U21’s. Good though …
CJ = Jenkinson?
Hasn’t he opted for Finland?
Think we lack options. When RVP doesn’t play then why nit put Theo threw the middle and bring Benny or the ox in on the right?
Any thoughts?
I called to visit my dyslexic friend last night. He had covered his penis with black shoe polish. I said to him “You stupid idiot, you’re supposed to turn your clock back!”
At Any Given Moment:
FACT:
79,000,000 people are engaged in sex – right now!
FACT:
58,000,000 are kissing.
FACT:
37,000,000 are relaxing after having sex.
FACT:
1 Arsenal fan is reading a blog.
You hang in there, Gooner .
harry, let’s face it you just don’t like him. 🙂
Irish, really sorry about not realising the Dortmund tickets had gone on general sale. I suppose the result last night made the game against the Germans that much more important. I bet peaches can rustle you up a ticket, though.
dandan
but I’m reading the blog while engaged in sex 🙂
Hi Chas
I checked last night about 11pm before going to bed and it was still on red members, checked this evening when they I got back from work and it said that they had gone on General sale and were sold out.
Hopefully I can get one, if not I’ll need something else to fill up my week off work 😦
Rocky and Dandan – me too, reading Dandan’s stats and watching Shitty
Bit quiet tonigh, I wonder what others up to ….
😆 I just bought a car, might be going nowhere for a while 😆
Hey guys,
Does anyone know anyone that has a season ticket and doesn’t want to go to the Dortmund game and will be willing to sell it to me?
I’ve booked time off to go to the game but it sold out. Must have went on General Sale today and sold out in minutes.
Mine will be available as I am working in Scotland that week. The only problem is the logistics of getting it to you and you returning it to me safely also.
My reply is to Irishgunner, in case anyone was unsure. 🙂
Hi Brigham – where are you? Are you living in London?
I know I just bought a car but like this is Arsenal, money is for the spending 😆
Irish, I live in Hampshire. I am going up on Saturday for the Baggies game. My next game and of course the clubs is home to Fulham on the 26th of Nov.
If there is some way I can get it to you via Peaches or another this Saturday, then that would be good. I would obviously need you to get it back the same way I would think.
A meet at the Arsenal Tavern may be another idea, but the last two times I have failed to meet the ‘gang’. Maybe an admin on here can pass out my email addy and organize that way?
FWIW, my season ticket is in block 01 and 13 rows back from the Home Bench.
Thanks Brigham.
I will try and contact Peaches/Rasp and see if he/she is going and can do the exchange with you. If she can I will take it off you. I’ll try and get in contact with her and let you know.
Thanks so much 🙂
I really want it now LOL
Hi Irish 🙂
Brigham – I’ll definitely be able to collect the season ticket from you during or after the game on Saturday and meet up with Irish for the Dortmund game and get it back off of her to return it to you. How’s that for service 🙂
You shall go to the ball 😆
Actually, now I know where Brighams seat is maybe I’ll have that one 😳 Irish you won’t mind sitting with Rasp will you?
Peaches – will you ever know how much I love you? 😀
Thank you.
I’ll take whatever seat is going Peaches … although … will Rosicky be on the bench 😉
Peaches, sounds tops. If you need to email me for to get my mobile number, then please feel free, I am sure either you or another admin has my email addy.
You can fight over my seat! Does £40 for the ST sound good to you by the way?
Off to be shortly as I am up at 0430 to travel to Kent for a track day at Brands Hatch.
Will catch up with you all tomorrow evening.
Oops While all that was going on I sent you both emails (blushing smiley).
Next time I will leave it to TRHWP
26, thanks for earlier comment and nice touch with the intro 🙂
You are right in pointing out the quality of the tactical battle and praising the central midfielders and defenders of Marseille.
RA, fully agreed on ISO 9000. I can tell you some bizarre ‘ISO-quality’ stories I have encountered over the years, but not really that interesting for the rest of AA 😦
GLiC, sorry to hear about the destruction of your ‘award winning’ garden: you were making a joke though, surely – I mean re the ‘award winning’ bit of your story?
I’ve emailed you both.
Irish – I know, I know, you don’t have to tell me all the time 😳
Are you coming to London for a few days?
Thanks Raddy, I was just having a look while my eyes were still open.
TA – great match report.
Rasp is going to kill me but we don’t have a post for tomorrow, anyone got any ideas ………………..
Got both mails and have replied. See you all laters.
Brigs
What were the two Manc scores tonight?
Brigham – excellent thanks SO MUCH 🙂
Peaches – I’ll be over on the Tuesday night and there all day Wednesday, and then back Thursday during the day. Plan for now anyway, see what way the flights work. Coming all on my lonesome.
Nite Brigham
Irish – thirteen rows from Rosicky, now how could I not let you have that pleasure 🙂
Have to go to bed myself – I’m currently doing a ‘Capability Brown’ on a very sloping site in a Herfordshire village. Early start.
They both won Rocky. MU 2-0 (very late second goal) and MC 3-0 at Villareal. MC need to go to Naples next, and Napoli can win that game and leapfrog the oil-sniffers. Oh, wouldn’t that be great!!
Rocky
United won 2-0
City won 3-0
Thanks again Peaches 🙂
A very late good evening all, thanks for the report TA. Pretty fair assessment of the evenings proceedings.
Haven’t had a chance to read all comments will catch up later.
Thanks TA and Peaches
Couple of thoughts now I’ve read through the comments:
Merts being quiet on pitch may be true but I hear he along with Arteta have been quite vocal on it, apparently they could not believe that the team did not dine on one table pre match so the team have started to do that- could explain the apparent new found togetherness.
Santos having a Smart car is a good thing, maybe he has been raised the right way. I’m sure most have heard the story about Hlebs arrival at Barca, he was telling Xavi about the new sports car he had ordered and Xavi said “thats great but you never drive it here” pointed to a row of cars Polos, Fiestas etc….and said “those are the players cars, fans come here so we drive modest cars to training”.
Vocal on it should have been Vocal off it.
Brigham, I’m in Block 1, Row 23, on the home bench side. I’ll wave on Saturday…..
Brigham I told Peaches next time you try and meet the motley crew she should make a banner or placard. 😀
@ GiE 11.24
that is crazy i did not know they did not eat together. thats one thing if i’ve always wondered about football (how much time do they spend training and with each other when not training).
The team i support in aussie rules football do everything together and have a great bond with one another, and it really shows on the field. However that said football is different with the mix of internationals.
@ Dandan
live in western australia. Did you say once a while back that you lived in oz for a time, if so what part?
morning all
@ TA
pleasure as always reading your match reports. Very nicely done on the ratings considering we drew 0-0 haha
Oz…rumour has it that in the past it was very cliquey with groups of players not socialising, English lads, French lads etc not sure how true or whether Wenger or Rice wouldn’t question it.
It stems back to Invincibles days I think Cole highlighted it in his book I believe.
GIE, interesting stuff about the pre-match meal. Where’s the info from?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnJqDnwlkhA
Not dining together……that is an interesting snippet……..it is also worth noting that for the first time in a very long time French is no longer the dominant language.
@ Chas
love it how people take the time to do clips like that, so you can focus on one players game. cheers for posting.
@ GiE
Yeah i remember cole saying something about that, ‘alienated’ or something?! It’s a shame though, but not much can be done i suppose when players of different backgrounds and languages mix. if i was french, first instinct would be to rock on over to another french player and start speaking, whereas if someone didn’t speak much english it’d limit the amount you would talk to them.
LB – yeah, it is Polish 🙂 Fabianski, Szczesny and Koscielny. Rosicky and Arshavin can understand it too
I didn’t like what I had seen last nigth, Shitty look awesome 😦 Silva is one hell of a player, is it just me or he reminds anybody else of Messi?
oh yeah, some coffee for all
http://www.cartoline.it/pics/_zoom_flash.htm?immagine=scherzi_150404_01.swf
It’s random video time!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjIxtXhNMXE
Chas – it is so sweet, I have seen it before but it makes me smile each time I watch it
Chas,
Excellent vid of the cat and dolphins!
Sad that the cat did that the following day with a Great White.
Morning
New post ……