Sevilla vs Arsenal - Match Report, Goal and Player Analysis

Match Report

Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season away at Sevilla. The team Wenger put out had 4 under-21s in it. A changed defence and midfield with Rosicky and Sagna on the bench was likely to face a tough test.

Arsenal started the half brightly. Bendtner kept the ball in play and crossed for Eduardo to score. Arsenal were cruising. But it could have been described as complacent. The match wore on and Sevilla were more into it. Luis Fabiano and Freddie Kanoute were becoming serious threats.

In the 24th minute, Sevilla equalised through bad defending by Senderos. Keita unleashed a rocket past Almunia into the top corner. One-all. Arsenal conceded their first goal in Europe this season. Sevilla smelt blood. An untypical misplaced pass by Gilberto allowed Fabiano to run in on goal. Toure was on hand to dispossess him.

And on the 34th minute, Sevilla had a freekick which was harsh on Traore. Dani Alves swept the ball in and Fabiano found the bottom far corner perfectly.

Sevilla pounced forward and Kanoute should have scored when Almunia palmed the ball into his path. Halftime couldn’t come sooner for Arsenal.

After halftime, Eboue burst forward and with quick feet, fell to the ground. Replays showed he was fouled. The referee didn’t give it. Maybe Eboue’s reputation had caused the referee not to award it.

Minutes later, Arsenal fans stared in disbelief as Fabregas was brought off for Rosicky. Midway through the half, Sevilla thought they had a penalty when Senderos chested the ball down from a cross. However, Arsenal were thrown a lifeline as the referee changed his mind.

In the dying minutes, where Arsenal were famous for scoring goals, Sevilla had a penalty. Arsenal were caught out on the break and Navas’ cross was going towards Kanoute but he and Toure and Sagna fell into a heap. A soft penalty to be awarded as there wasn’t much contact. Kanoute stepped up and duly converted.

Arsenal’s unbeaten run came to an end but there were no serious implications. This will be a test of character, and Arsenal can put it right at the weekend away to Aston Villa.

Goals Analysis :

Eduardo’s goal :
Hoyte and Eboue exchanged passes down the right flank. Eboue backheeled the ball just inside the touchline. Bendtner got on the end of it and with only Eduardo in the box, swept in a beautiful cross.
Eduardo controlled the ball and both keeper and defender tried to close him down. Eduardo showed strength and managed to slot the ball into the empty net.

Keita’s goal :
A bad clearance by Senderos left Arsenal exposed. The ball was passed in from the right with Keita unleashing a first time shot with the outside of his left boot. It rocketed into the top corner.

Fabiano’s goal :
A soft freekick was awarded when Jesus Navas looked like he tripped over his own legs. Dani Alves swept the ball into the near post and Luis Fabiano after losing his marker, directed his header into the far corner with Almunia stretching.

Kanoute’s goal :
A quick break saw Navas cross the ball low in the area. Kanoute was underpressure from Toure and Sagna and all 3 players landed in a heap. A penalty was awarded. Kanoute stepped up and passed the ball into the net.

Player Analysis :

Almunia 5
At times very shaky. Wasn’t at fault for either of the three goals but he looked uncomfortable when Sevilla bombarded the Arsenal goal.

Hoyte 5
Looked off the pace and had quite a few misplaced passes. Did not contribute going forward.

Toure 7
Was the only defender Arsenal could rely on all night. Conceded the penalty which was abit harsh. Launched too many long balls forward when instead he could have played it on the ground.

Senderos 4
Poor match. He was drafted in to counter the high balls but lost almost all the headers. His mistake led to the first goal and he was lucky not to concede a penalty. Looked nervous and undependable.

Traore 6
Defended reasonably well and got forward too with his runs. However, his runs almost always ended with a goalkick to Sevilla.

Eboue 6
Was bullied around all night and didn’t get any protection from the referee. Should have been awarded a penalty after he was fouled. Difficult night.

Fabregas 6
Failed to show up and was below par. His passing was misplaced but still made runs forward.

Denilson 5
Tried to be like Fabregas when he isn’t. Made too many back passes and also misplaced passes. Didn’t contribute much going forward.

Gilberto 5
Looks rusty and could be at fault for the first goal when he should have cleared it. Almost caused a second goal when his mishit pass when straight to Fabiano. Was off the pace and looked like he had a tough night.

Eduardo 6
Besides his well taken goal, he didn’t do much. His linkup with his other teammates was poor. He gave the ball away when in good positions.

Bendtner 7
The only player to come out of the match with any credit. Worked hard all night and had a good assist. Did all the work Adebayor normally does and his touch was better and dribbling was convincing too. Lacked support throughout.

Rosicky 6
Didn’t get much of the ball. Could not impose himself on the game.

Sagna 6
Maybe at fault for the penalty conceded. He also had a few misplaced passes.

Walcott 6
Lacked time to impress but showed signs of brilliance.

Other comments :
The referee had a very poor match. He at times couldn’t control the match and his comical decision making over the penalty that he awarded and then took it back showed he was a mess. He sent Wenger to the stands but did not give any reasons.

He let the Sevilla players off on many occasions when they tried to use physical tactics to bully the Arsenal players. He also failed to give a penalty when Eboue went down.

Wenger also got his tactics wrong. Eduardo wasn’t sure whether to stay up top or on the left. At times Arsenal were left exposed on the left flank with only Traore defending. Playing Denilson and Fabregas together limited the space either could work into.

Fabregas came off as he was injured as Wenger revealed in his post-match interview.

Sevilla VS Arsenal Preview

Starting 11

———————Fabianski———————–
—-Hoyte—-Gilberto—-Senderos—-Traore—-
———————-Diarra————————
——–Walcott—-Denilson—-Rosicky———–
————-Bendtner—-Eduardo—————–

Why?

Fabianski deserves a chance. I think of it as this- we are allready through. Why not give him a chance? He has been excellent whenever he has played, and I would be delighted if he were to get a Starting 11 place, it would give him so much confidence.

On the subject of confidence, at one game could really boost Justin Hoyte. He hasn’t had any chances to prove what he is worth this season, and he deserves it. Again, I would love this player to be in the Starting 11, and have a brilliant game.

Gilberto and Senderos. Straight-forward- William Gallas and Kolo Toure need a rest.

Traore- what a player. I have so much confidence in this young talent, he is potentially world-class. Clichy needs a rest.

Diarra to have another chance. He will stomp out attacks.

Walcott, needs a start. Definitley play him in midfield, as also the front-two need a chance, (I’ll talkabout that later). He will provide that amazing, blistering pace, and offer a brilliant threat for all of our attacks. A good game from him.

Denilson again- prove himself.

Rosicky to play on the left after his performance in our last game.

Now, Eduardo and Bendtner can have a world-class partnership. Whenever I have seen these two they have blown me away. They need to start together- both need a chacnce.

Substitutions:

Lehmann
Song
Sagna
Gilberto
Hleb

Score Prediction:

1-2 to the Arsenal.

I have just got a feeling that with our young team we will get a result there. Bendtner to score in the 10th minute from a header, and provide the pass for an Eduardo tap-in on the 76th minute.

Come on the Arsenal.

Arsenal vs Wigan - Goal and Player Analysis

Arsenal won yet again and Man Utd slipped up, leaving us 3 points clear at the top. Arsenal were never in danger of conceding, but had to work hard to break down a stubborn Wigan.

The referee had a good game, as he tried to let the game flow. But he didn’t do himself many favours to get the support of the Arsenal fans when rash challenges by Bent and Heskey were left unpunished.

In the end, it was William Gallas, our own Captain Marvel who eventually won it for us. He derservedly should be named Man-of-the-Match. Here at thegoonerforum blog, we assess the goals and each player’s performance.

Goal Analysis :

Gallas goal :
When all of us Gunners fans thought Toure would push forward in the dying minutes, an Adebayor pass found Gallas on the edge of the area. Taught like any other Arsenal player, he passed it to Bendtner who in turn fed it to the overlapping Sagna.

Sagna crossed a great ball into the centre to only one Arsenal player. Gallas leaped forward and directed the header into the top corner. Arsenal 1-0. It was a great cross and a great header to steer it past the keeper under pressure from another defender.

After the match Wenger said Gallas was our forgotten striker.

Rosicky goal :
Inevitably, Wigan chasing a goal meant they weren’t as compact as before. And that’s when Arsenal are at their best. A fluid move when Almunia released the ball and then Bendtner got it past a defender inside his own half and ran at the Wigan defence. A simple pass found Rosicky outside the penalty area.

Rosicky’s first touch took him away from goal but his second was inch perfect, hitting a shot onto the far post and into the net. A deserved goal for an impressive player.

Player Analysis :

Almunia 6
Never in danger of conceding. Yet another clean sheet keeping a certain German international out of the team.

Sagna 7
Made runs down the right flank all night and his cross reminded fans of Lauren and Eboue of last season. Improving with every game.

Toure 7
Except for one mistake, Wigan never had much chance of scoring. Many would have thought he would venture forward to help score a goal but his presence at the back ensured another clean sheet.

Gallas 8
Defended well and scored a vital goal. Except for the heated moment with Heskey where he tried to get Bent booked, Gallas was the model of a true captain.

Clichy 7
Made some amazing runs but his final decision making seems to be lacking. Never one to give up, he is certainly one of Arsenal’s best attacking outlets.

Eboue 6
Poor touches and didn’t link up well with the other teammates. Needs to work hard to keep his place.

Diarra 7
Good game and showed strength and composure on the ball. Went forward alot to try help to breakdown the Wigan team.

Denilson 6
Had many touches but nothing too exciting. Lacked the creative spark which Fabregas provides. Limited to long shots.

Rosicky 8
Worked hard all afternoon and his passing was good. Started out on the left and then when Eduardo was brought on, played in the middle of a 5 man midfield. Ended the night on the right and scored a deserved goal.

Adebayor 6
Disappointing not to get a goal. However, his holding up of the ball and general workrate was again at show.

Walcott 7
Probably the best player in the first half. Was tightly marked all night but still managed to create a few goalscoring chances.

Eduardo 6
Quiet but looks more confident than he did a few weeks back.

Bendtner 7
Good on the ball and showed he can be a team player. Helped out in defending and set up Rosicky for the crucial second goal.

A thoroughly deserved win for Wenger and his men. Three points is expected at home and with Man Utd losing ground, Arsenal can smile and look back at a good weekend.

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Cesc Fabregas - The Heartbeat of Arsenal

Yesterday’s game against Wigan was the first time in a long while Arsenal have played without Cesc Fabregas. The booking he picked up against Reading was his 5th of the season and meant he missed out on a one-game suspension.

Fabregas revealed that he once played against Arsenal’s youth team and he scored twice. That almost made him reject coming to Arsenal because he thought Barcelona’s youth team was better.

How glad are we that he didn’t make the wrong decision. However, yesterday’s game showed something a little worrying about Arsenal. The team lacked a creative spark normally provided by Fabregas and Hleb. Denilson came in but didn’t impress. Are we becoming too reliant on the young Spaniard ?

With the January transfer window coming up, players like Luka Modric, Rafael van de Vaart and Samir Nasri have been linked. All of them are creative players and their presence in the Gunners team will no doubt create competition but it will provide the creative spark in the absence of Fabregas. Thankfully, Fabregas was only missing for one game. But imagine if Fabregas were to get injured. Up until now, he hasn’t had a major injury and with him playing so many games, it is a possibility.

Maybe Wenger believes there are players inside the club who can play like Fabregas, Nacar Barazite, Henri Lansbury and Fran Merida come to mind. Or maybe, Alex Song anyone ?

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Arsenal 2-0 Wigan (Ratings and Report)

The Late Show……Reported by Dazza Dawg
Two late goals for Arsenal have kept them top of the English Premier League table following their 2-0 victory over Wigan Athletic at Emirates Stadium. It looked as if it would be a frustrating game for Arsenal until captain William Gallas came to the rescue with a 83rd minute header finding the back of the net. Rosicky put the iceing on the cake meeting a Bendtner pass in the 86th minute and finishing clinically to put the result beyond doubt.

In the first 20 minutes both teams looked lethargic and there were no clear cut chances for either side. Arsenal’s first chance of the match came in the 21st minute when Adebayor did a neat turn 20 metres, followed by a one-two with Walcott and a subsequent shot saved low by the Wigan keeper. Arsenal only had to wait another 4 minutes for their next chance. In the 25th minute Denilson did a slick one-two with Rosicky and proceeded to shoot but his shot went wide.

Wigan’s best chance of the half came in the 33rd minute when Bent headed over the bar from a cross. In the 42nd shot Denilson proved to be Arsenal’s main threat again. Another long range shot from the Brazilian got a deflection and sailed over the bar. In a lacklustre first half both teams went into the break scoreless.

The second half started in a familiar fashion to the first. Arsenal’s first good chance of the second half came in the 67th minute when a Denilson free kick was cleared off the line following a good save by the Wigan keeper. Wigan continued to frustrate Arsenal and they were forced to make long range efforts. Adebayor’s shot in the 74th minute didn’t trouble the keeper, going comfortably over the bar.

But then the Arsenal we all know turned up. Bendtner received the ball coming on as a target man striker and passed it out wide to Sagna. Sagna proceeded to cross it in and find Gallas on the front post whose header flew into the net to break the deadlock in the 83rd minute. The floodgates opened as Wigan threw men forward in search of an equaliser. Just 3 minutes later Rosicky put the result beyond doubt with a calm finish from the edge of the box that deflected off the post and into the net. 2-0 might sound like a comfortable result, but there was a lot more to it than that. Arsenal didn’t play their usual beautiful, attractive football, but more importantly they fought hard and grinded out the result. Attributes that’ll contribute to making champions.

Player Ratings:

Almunia- 7/10. Didn’t have much to do.

Sagna - 7/10. Great cross for the first goal

Toure - 7/10. Solid

Gallas - 8/10. Lifted the team spirit and scored the late winner. Wears his heart on his sleeve.

Clichy - 7/10. Overlapped well but got caught out a couple of times. Was indecisive when he got around the box.

Denilson - 6.5/10 Not his best game.

Diarra - 7.5/10 Great game.

Rosicky - 8.5/10. Man of the Match. Was consistent throughout the game but became much more effective when Wenger moved him into a more central role second half. Got on the scoring sheet with the sealer.

Eboue - 6.5/10. Frustrating to watch at times.

Adebayor - 6.5/10. worked hard but no joy.
Walcott - 6.5/10. Showed good pace. Taken off injured

Eduardo - 6.5/10. not enough time
Bendtner - 7.5/10. changed the game completely

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Arsenal VS Wigan Preview

I have not seen the goal we conceded the other day, but I heard it could be an Almunia error, however, we should still keep faith. Fabianski should be starting more matches, he has not made one mistake yet, he has been very consistent. Give Almunia a chance, he might take it.

The ever amazing Sagna has yet another start, he deserves it. I doubt there will be competition from anyone else in this position for Arsenal.

Toure and Gallas, world-class defenders in the middle.

Clichy starts, what a player. It amazes me how he does not get into the France squad, he has been performing consistently for us, yet unfortunate in the International scenario. I think Domenech should seriously start considering his options.

Gilberto in that defensive-midfielder role. He has played great when playing for us, he has. He would offer our more attacking players to roam with his defensive qualities. I would be very pleased if he was in the Starting 11 on Saturday.

Walcott, well, give him a chance. So far his progress this season is scintilating. He has looked a lot more confident on-and-off the ball.

Rosicky to start as a centre-midfielder. I have heard he plays so well there, and with the Fabregas suspension, a chance for him as an attacking-midfielder would show us just how good he really is, I hope that is the position which Wenger plays him in.

Hleb- brilliant. He is on red-hot form, almost world-class form at the moment. Passing, shooting, it all seems to be coming together for him.

The fit again Robin van Persie to partner Emmanuel Adebayor. Can not wait to see Van Persie back to full-fitness, I have a feeling it could be a memorable return, in a good way. Adebayor must feel confident after his goal in our last Premier League game, let’s hope he scores another.

Starting 11:

——————–Almunia——————
—-Sagna—-Toure—-Gallas—-Clichy—
———————Diarra——————-
——–Eboue—–Denilson—–Rosicky——
———–Adebayor—–Eduardo——–

Substitutions:

Fabianski,Hoyte,Senderos,Bendtner,Walcott

Score Prediction:

4-0 to the Arsenal. I am very confident about this one, they are a side we can beat, and beat by a big goal margin. We can not underestimate them though, they are a decent team, and they could pose a threat if we do not do our job correct. Who to score I do not know, but I could guess at Walcott grabbing an early lead with a tap-in, and Van Persie doubling the tally before the half-time whistle, and at the start of the second-half. The last goal goes to Eduardo, who comes on as a substitute.

Come on the Arsenal.

Posted by -Shaun-

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On-Trial African Striker Impresses Wenger

 

Arsène Wenger has been impressed with Tresor Mputu during his trial at Arsenal.

The 20-year-old striker has a growing reputation in Africa. He was the top scorer in the Continent’s Champions League as his club, TP Mazembe, reached the last 16. Mputu hit two hat-tricks and amassed an incredible nine goals in his first four games. He also has five goals in 10 appearances for DR Congo.

No decision has been made on Mputu but, when he spoke to Arsenal.com on Thursday, the Arsenal manager seemed suitably interested.

“He is on trial and I have to go down to test him today,” said Wenger. “He is a creative player and wants a chance in Europe. He has impressed so far.”

From Arsenal.com….

Favourite Arsenal memory?

By -Shaun-
I have never been to an Arsenal game, as most of you have. However, my favourite Arsenal memory was the Champions League run in the 05-06 season. Before this, I had lost interest with football for the past couple of years. My Dad had almost forced me to support a team, which drove me out of football. Anyway, back onto topic- Real Madrid at the Bernabau. I thought that I might as well watch it, as I always seemed to have a slight liking for Arsenal. Before the game, ITV were showing all of the great stars that Real Madrid had, at that point, I was thinking; “No way Arsenal will win this”. Then I heard on the TV; “The Gunners have only got one man, his name is Thierry Henry”. Of course, I allready knew what a sensational player he was. Watching through the game, I have never been so on edge and emotional. The Henry goal really touched me.

After this, I watched every game up until the final. It was if I got a buzz, the excitement- I could not control it. The Lehmann penalty save- I could have burst with happiness. Then came the final. My delightfull screams when we scored, hurling myself down the stairs shouting to my Mum; “They have done it, they have scored!” as tears welled up in my eyes. Then my emotions were flipped, as to my despair, Barcalona fought back, and eventually beat Arsenal. The final whistle, I broke into tears, and collapsed in a heap on the floor. It broke my heart, as if there was nothing left. That was the moment when I realised I was a Gooner. Now I know almost every football player under the sky. This has even launched my own football career, playing in my youth team. Football is now my life, and the team that was down to that was Arsenal.

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International Week

By Sp1r0r
Many of us Gooners will be thinking this is the week to look at some other teams besides Arsenal. Some of us might even support opposition players like Ronaldo for Portugal, Rooney for England etc. Well, some of us, might just think its a waste of time.

France used to be the country many of us support when it comes to internationals. That’s maybe cause Henry, Vieira and Pires used to play for them, plus the mercurial Zidane. Now, all three have left the club but we still have 3 players in the French squad, except that all of them are defensive.

Diarra, Gallas and Flamini are not allowed to play the Arsenal style of passing with the French team. Their job is to defend. Even when Evra plays, he rarely gets forward so Clichy wouldn’t enjoy plying with France.

All the other countries with Arsenal players boast only a single player as all our players originate from all over the world. Hleb is from Belarus, Rosicky from Czech Republic, Fabregas from Spain, van Persie from the Netherlands, Toure from the Ivory Coast etc.

This makes watching our players in action very difficult as all of them are playing in different matches. I used to watch England as the England matches are broadcasted widely over the world and they play in the afternoon where most of us would have free time.

Now, England lack quality and that is not down to the number of English players in the Barclays Premier League.

However, next Wednesday, the England match would be one to watch. And just why ? Eduardo will be playing and he would be the main man to prevent England from qualifying. Of all our players on international duty, Eduardo is on top form.

He currently has 10 goals and is second in the goalscorers list behind David Healy on 12. With two more games to go for Croatia, I’m backing him to score at least 3 goals and emerge top scorer. Don’t be surprised to see him score against England with the form Paul Robinson is in.

Clichy and Hleb came close to death

Arsenal stars Gael Clichy & Alexandra Hleb are not only gifted football players but are lucky in many ways as they both have had near-death experiences.

As a child Clichy survived a seven-hour operation to reattach a finger that was torn off when he caught it in a fence? During the operation, his heart stopped for fully 20 seconds before he made what doctors described as a miracle recovery.  Clichy says: “It was destiny because I might have lost my life and would not be sitting here now. It changed the way I think, I now realise every day is important and you can do great things in one day.”So I give 100 per cent in training every time and am aware of the people who support me, because tomorrow maybe I won’t be here or they won’t be here.”

In Dec 2004 in his homeland of Belarus Hleb was at the wheel of his Audi A8 when it came head to head with a speeding BMW, The smash killed BMW passenger Dmitry Komar and left driver Yuri Alshevsky in a coma for almost a week. Hleb escaped injury after he was saved by his car’s airbags. Hleb was cleared of any blame for the crash and admitted he felt “lucky to be alive”.   He said: “I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.
“This was a horrible thing I don’t want to remember. It was all over in just a split second.
“It’s dreadfully hard when such things happen to you. You don’t sleep at night.”
He added: “The airbags and my big car saved me. I immediately grew up by ten years after that crash. I started going to church, though I didn’t even know what it was before.
“My attitude to life completely changed. I understood life is a fragile thing and extremely complicated, unpredictable.”

The Wrecked BMW

They are both lucky to be alive and as Arsenal fans we are lucky to have them.

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