Eduardo Brace Sinks Everton

 By -Shaun-

Arsenal ran riot at Goodison Park, smashing 4 goals past the Mersyside team. An impressive result saw Eduardo score 2, with Adebayor and Rosicky adding to the total. The Gunners travelled to Everton knowing that 3 points would see them top the table at New Year, after the leaders Man Utd lost away to West Ham.

Everton made a strong start, and took the lead through poor Arsenal defending at the back post in the 19th minute. Arteta swung the ball in from a corner, which bounced awkwardly at the young Dane Nicklas Bendtner. His failure to clear the ball got pounced on, as both Cahill and Yakubu went for the ball. Both wheeled away in celebration, and it seemed as though Cahill got the final touch. Not much chances were created by either side in the first-half, but Everton dominated the game.

It seemed as though the half-time talk from Arsene Wenger had some effect, as the fans were about to experience a much better second-half from the Gunners. In fact, only 90 seconds after the restart, Eduardo da Silva pounced to score his first ever Premier League goal. Clichy hoisted the ball forward, and landed at the feet of the Croation hitman. From then on it was always going to be a goal, with Eduardo lifting the ball over Howard. The perfect start to the second-half.

Made even better within the next few minutes, as Eduardo pounced again. Another long ball forward, this time Bendtner looked as though he may have got a flick. The first-touch by Eduardo appeared to have hit him on the hand, but from then on he made a complete fool out of Jagielka. Expertly flicking the ball round one side of the defender, running round his other side, and produced another exquisite finish. This was more like the Arsenal we all know and love. A chance soon fell for the opposition, as Yakubu missed a free-header in the box, squirming away from Kolo Toure. A big let-off.

Then was the sending off of Bendtner. A high boot was raised to clumsily kick Johnson, could well have been a straight red. Previously been booked, he recieved another yellow card for the challenge, and was given his marching orders. Some might say a strikers tackle. Then Arsenal killed the game off. A long ball hoisted upfield by Almunia, seemed to be dealt with when Yobo and Howard closed down the ball. However, the optimistic Adebayor just kept on running and pounced on the mistake. His first-touch was to prod the ball through Howards legs, and then Adebayor simply ran the ball into the net.

Shortly after, an elbow from Arteta in the face of Fabregas was another red card offence, as a confrontation between both sets of players broke out. As if it couldn’t get any worse for the opposition, Rosicky delivered the final blow, with a fantastic goal, powered into the bottom left of the net. Fantastic build-up-play from Adebayor and Diaby to make the goal in stoppage-time.

A great result for the Arsenal, who now sit at the very top of the Premier League table. Up the Arsenal.

Everton VS Arsenal Preview

 

By -Shaun-

After the dismal 0-0 draw at Fratton Park, we travel again, this time to Mersyside.

It’s…..

Everton                VS         Arsenal FC

Starting 11:

——————-Almunia————————
——Sagna—-Toure—-Gallas—-Clichy——-
—-Hleb—-Fabregas—-Flamini—-Rosicky—-
————-Bendtner—-Adebayor————–

Analysis:

I would love to see this team start, I really would. Almunia is proving a very good player, he has really developed. The back-line is very solid, Sagna and Clichy are good in defence and attack, and Toure and Gallas are both simply immense. For me a 4-4-2 formation is crucial, we need Hleb and Rosicky on both wings, very creative, Fabregas to provide and Flamini to tidy things up. Adebayor will start, and I feel the time is right to trust Bendtner in the Premier League.

Substitutions: 

Lehmann
Senderos
Gilberto
Diaby
Eduardo

Score Prediction:

With my Arsenal goggles on I am going with 0-1 to the Arsenal. This will be a tough game, no doubt, but I have the feeling we will scrape a win, and go back to North London happy, and hopefully top of the Premier League.

Come on the Arsenal.

Wenger is at fault, Time to ditch the 4-5-1

Yes the man is great at developing young talented player but when it comes down to tactics he has been found wanting.

Bendtner must be thinking what more he has to do to break into the first team. And why was he only given 8mins last night? He is full of confidence after his derby goal and should of got on sooner. In fact I fear that Bendtner will end up like Bentley and move on to become a great player.

As for Wenger’s faith in Adebayor again you have to question why he has not been dropped on his current form. Last night we all saw the worst in Ade, His first touch was very poor, The ball bounced off him time and time again and he was caught offside countless times. The only time we looked like scoring a goal was when Bendtner came on.

This 4-5-1 is clearly not working but yet he continues to play it, Even when we have 2 fit strikers in form sitting on the bench.

What is really confusing me is that Wenger himself said that 4-5-1 was not working after the Man Utd game.

Wenger 05/11/2007

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that his tactical decisions isolated striker Emmanuel Adebayor during the 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Saturday.

Sometimes Adebayor was a bit too isolated up there. Maybe I could have played Theo Walcott up front, or Eduardo (da Silva) or Niklas Bendnter. But I went for a different approach,” Wenger said.

“Without Robin van Persie the balance in the final third was not completely right. That’s my fault. I’d look at that again.

“In the final third, we dropped a little bit too much off and that took something out of our game.

“The game didn’t reach the level in terms of technique that I’d expected it to reach, but it was still an interesting game with contrasting styles.”

So why is he still playing this way? Clearly the man is stubborn and even after the lost to Boro and the current poor show of performances he is sticking to his guns.

Start the next game 4-4-2 and go out positive, Drop Eboue move Hleb back out to the wing and go 2 up top. Its that easy!!

Its all very easy for Wenger to blame the other team for not allowing us to play football.

Time to get back to basics Mr Wenger and play 4-4-2 or you are in danger of blowing our chances of winning the title

Portsmouth VS Arsenal Preview

                                                 

By -Shaun-

After our derby win in the last game, we get the festive fixtures underway with a travel to Fratton park.

It’s….

         Portsmouth    VS    Arsenal FC

Starting 11:

———————Almunia———————
—–Sagna—-Toure—-Gallas—-Clichy——-
—-Hleb—-Fabregas—-Flamini—-Rosicky—-
————-Bendtner—-Adebayor————–

Analysis: 

Hopefully we can keep a clean sheet with that backline, I am fairly confident about that. Hleb and Rosicky on the wings to provide creativity, as with Bendtner and Adebayor up-front, there is plenty to aim at. Flamini solid in the centre as usual, he has been playing great this season. Fabregas to do what he always does. I think Van Persie isn’t quite match-fit, so I have left him out of this one. Bendtner also deserves a chance, with Adebayor in attack.

Substitutions:

Lehmann
Senderos
Eboue
Diaby
Eduardo

Score Prediction:

This is a very tough game, I am not doubting that. I think they will make us work hard to move freely. So this really won’t be the easiest of games. However, I am confident that we can get yet another 3 points. We have a really strong team, and most of our players are fit and ready for this game. I will not guess who is going to score, but I have a feeling that we will outplay them, and go away with a 0-2 win.

Come on the Arsenal.

Manuel for England

By: The Fabster

Manuel Almunia caused many people to giggle, when he first declared that he would be willing to play for England. With people like David James, Paul Robinson and Robert Green ahead of him, it was a laughable thought. 22 games later, no one is laughing anymore.
Arsene Wenger has added his voice to the “Manuel for England” call.
Wenger said: “I could only advise you to take advantage of it and call him up for the England squad.
“Almunia came here without a CV so he had to make a name with his performances. It was not easy because he had to get experience at a big club.
He added: “He had never played for a big club before and made some mistakes, but he has gained confidence and calmness. He is a good keeper.”
“I knew he was good but how could he be Arsenal’s keeper? Only by playing.
“Everyone makes mistakes. Van der Sar makes mistakes.
“But it was more difficult for Almunia because he was already under pressure from an outstanding goalkeeper behind him.
“That was a tough test. If you play bad games, you are under pressure immediately.”
I could not agree more. I honestly love our boss. When he speaks it’s like…. I’m struggling to think of a metaphor but let’s just say it’s incredibly hard to argue with him and he ends up being right anyway. He did the complete opposite of what every wanted from him this transfer window and now look at us…
It’s been like a rags to riches story for Manuel. We probably got him for peanuts too. What a bargain by Arsene, another to add to the list. It’s honestly shocking how he does it. After all his “Fawlty” years, he is now a hero after that penalty save.
Personally, I am for Almunia joining the England team. I don’t get International football really, am not overly patriotic so I don’t see the problem with it really. If a player get nationality, they are part of the country and should therefore be eligible to play for it. If it improves the team, then why not? If C.Ronaldo was offered nationality, people would jump at the chance to have him play for England.
People say that if he is not good enough to play for Spain, he should not be good enough to play for England.
Bit unfair, considering Spain have possibly the best keeper in the world between the nets. Carlo Cucidini is not good enough to play for Italy and is not even getting games at Chelsea, yet people think he is good enough to play for England. He has Buffon and Cech ahead of him but like I said, Almunia has Casillias ahead of him.
A lot of professionals have been hailing Almunia’s consistency as being key to Arsenal’s success. He has put in some superb performances for us like against Inter Milan (pre season) and more recently Chelsea. But he has looked uneasy at times and has made cock ups against the likes of Sunderland and United. Every keeper is entitled to the occasional cock up but three at this point in the season is not really good enough for someone who wants to cement an international place. He has looked a lot better in recent weeks and was Man of The Match against Chelsea. If he can keep that up, I would support his claim for a spot in the England team. Would certainly be a better option than Paul Robinson.
England have to look at the long term too, the likes of Carson and Foster are still young. But so were the likes of Richard Wright at one point and Jens Lehmann has proved that a goalkeeper can get better with age. Can Manuel really be better than Scott Carson or Ben Foster

Almunia Saves the Day Yet Again

By: Dazza Dawg

For the second game running Manuel Almunia has put in a match winning performance in goals. Last week against Chelsea Almunia kept a clean sheet, blocking out Chelsea’s bombardment of the Arsenal goals. The likes of Shevchenko and Wright-Phillips couldn’t find a way past the Arsenal number 1. And then on Saturday Almunia further cemented his first team spot saving a Robbie Keane penalty in another faultless display. The save was the turning point of the match and gave Arsenal the lift needed to find the winning goal.

The Spaniard was signed for Arsenal back in 2004 for an undisclosed fee and featured mostly in cup games. He was always second choice behind Lehmann in his early days. After Jens Lehmann got sent off in the 2006 Champions League final Almunia replaced him on the pitch, but unfortunately Barcelona’s winner was put through Manuel’s legs. In the 06/07 season Almunia continued to be involved in Arsenal’s cup runs, and played in the Carling Cup Final defeat. Lehmann suffered from injuries at the start of this season and Almunia got his chance. He has cemented his place in the first team conceding just 13 goals in 16 Premier League games. He’s also played in all of Arsenal’s Champions League group games.

Early on in his Arsenal career Almunia was prone to making errors, but this season has become a more confident and calm keeper. He’s also refined his shot stopping abilities. His save from a last minute Shevchenko free kick displayed his improved quick reaction saves, while his penalty save on the weekend showed his goalkeeping instinct. In an interview after the game he claimed that he does not need to practise penalties and relies on his unique ability to know exactly where the penalty kicker will place the ball. He even joked that he was a psychic from X-men.

Wenger has been a big admirer of Almunia this season. He’s just one of a host of players who has resurrected their Arsenal careers with hard work and determination. “He came here without a CV and without a name, so you have to make a name with performances in a big club. How can he become a goalkeeper for Arsenal Football Club? By playing. But you know, he has never played in a big club before and he will make a few mistakes. At the moment he looks to me, in three or four games, he has gained calm and confidence. You see that he is a good goalkeeper,” said Wenger.

Arsenal legend Bob Wilson has also praised Almunia’s efforts this season. “Up until this season I didn’t think he was really a serious challenge to Jens. Manuel seems to be a very different individual this season. He has a real presence about him, and looks as if he belongs. Since he came into the side he has done nothing other than really play very consistently. That is not to say he hasn’t made mistakes but he will know that. I can tell you this - his shot stopping is terrific.”

Almunia’s key attributes go beyond his improved shot stopping. Standing at a height of 193cm he’s a commanding figure at set pieces. Almunia is currently 30 years old, which isn’t old for a keeper. He could very easily have another 5 good years in him if he keeps up this sort of form. What are your thoughts on our number 1 keeper Manuel Almunia?

Bendtner Header Leads Arsenal to Victory

By: Dazza Dawg

Arsenal have beaten local rivals Tottenham 2-1 in an eventful game at Emirates Stadium. Arsenal took the lead early in the second half through Adebayor only to have it cancelled out by Berbatov. The turning point of the match came in the 72nd minute when Almunia saved a Keane penalty. Just three minutes later super sub Nicklas Bendtner came onto the pitch and with his first touch scored the dramatic winner.

Arsenal started the game more brightly and in the 2nd minute Adebayor’s chip found Flamini who hit it on the half volley only for it to go fractionally wide. Either side found it difficult to get clear cut chances and it wasn’t until the 34th minute that Eboue’s shot from 15 yards was kept out by Robinson. In the 39th minute Tottenham finally gave Almunia something to do. A long range Berbatov free kick was well saved to Almunia’s left. A minute later Boateng tried his luck from 20 yards but his curling effort went wide. Arsenal’s best chance of the first half came in the 43rd minute when a Fabregas corner was headed by Toure but Robinson managed to keep it out. Both teams went into the break 0-0 and it was only a matter of time before the game sprung to life.

3 minutes after the restart Arsenal took the lead. Fabregas collected possession in the middle of the park and pushed forward. Cesc did a neat one two with Rosicky before a clever backheel found Adebayor who finished clinically to the keepers left. 1-0 to the Arsenal. Tottenham went in search of an equaliser and in the 65th minute Keane’s volley from a Lennon cross struck the bar. A minute later Spurs got the equaliser through Berbatov from a tight angle shot that fired into the roof of the net.

In the 72nd minute Tottenham were awarded a penalty following a challenge made by Toure on Berbatov. Keane stepped up but had his spot kick saved by Almunia. The save buoyed Arsenal players and supporters to find the winner and capitalise on Tottenham’s mistake. Bendtner was brought on for Eboue and it paid off with Nicklas’ first touch of the match. In the 75th minute Bendtner left his marker and rose well from a Fabregas corner and headed hard into the back of the net to score the winner and seal the 3 points for the Gunners.

Arsenal VS Tottenham Preview

After our latest cup win, we draw our attention back to the Premier League.

It’s….

Arsenal FC             VS        Tottenham Hotspur
 

Starting 11:

———————Almunia———————
——Sagna—-Toure—-Gallas—-Clichy——
—-Hleb—-Fabregas—-Flamini—-Rosicky—-
————Adebayor—-Van Persie————-

I am so pleased that all of our 11 main players are fit for this game- a real boost for us. I think without-a-doubt we will see this line-up tommorrow. Having Van Persie back is a major boost for us, I am hoping he will start, as he is probably our biggest goal-threat- Anywhere on the pitch. Fabregas will provide that killer pass down the middle, with Flamini tidying the job up for the defence, by playing in that defensive-midfielder role. Hleb and Rosicky to provide some magic as well, I want a great game from them two. Solid in all areas, we will win this.

Substitutions:

Lehmann
Eboue
Senderos
Diaby
Bendtner

Score Prediction:

2-0 to the Arsenal. I really do think we will outplay them- Honestly. At the moment whoever we play against we are too hot to handle, and I expect the same tommorrow at the Emirates. 3 points is what we will get.

Come on the Arsenal

Carlos Vela Hungry to Play For Arsenal

By: Dazza Dawg.

Carlos Vela has restated his intentions to make it Arsenal when he comes to England. The Mexican striker has been loaned out to Osasuna in the Spanish Primera Division. Vela has said that he can’t wait for the chance to play for Arsenal. “I hope to join them [Arsenal] as soon as possible,” Vela told Spanish newspaper Libero. He will continue to give 100% to show his quality. “I will keep on working hard to improve to fit in quickly,” said Vela. “I’m also happy that Arsenal made it through to the next stage of the Champions League. It would be nice if they get a rival from the Spanish League. Let’s wait and see.”

Vela was signed by Arsenal following his performance in the Under 17 World Championships. He scored 5 goals in 8 games and won the Golden Boot award. The deal was completed in November 2005 and Arsenal payed a £2.5 million fee for the hot prospect. Due to work permit restrictions he was loaned out immediately. First to Celta Vigo but was unable to make an impact. In the 06/07 season Vela was loaned out out to Salamanca in the Segunda Division and scored 8 goals in his 31 games. This season he’s moved up to the Primera Division with Osasuna. He’s managed to score once and has 2 assists to his name in 12 appearances.

The good news for Arsenal fans is that in January 2008 Vela can apply for a Spanish passport and then won’t require a work permit to play in England. Vela already has 2 caps for the Mexican national team and 1 goal. Vela will join other unproven Premier League strikers such as Eduardo, Bendtner and Walcott at Arsenal. Can Vela break into this Arsenal team and become a great striker?

Gael Force Clichy

By: Dazza Dawg

Long gone are the days when the left back played a nullifying defensive role. Gael Clichy is already a vital part of Arsenal at the tender age of 22. Signed from AS Cannes for a mere £250,000 he was in the shadow of Ashley Cole early in his career. But since Cole’s acrimonious departure Gael has excelled, firmly cementing his place in the starting 11. He’s performed so well this season I heard someone say the other day “Ashley Cole is a poor man’s Clichy.”

Defensively Clichy possesses good speed and ball skills as well as the ability and tactical nous to mark right wingers, such as Ronaldo, out of the game. Clichy also links up very well with our left midfielder, Tomas Rosicky, and frequently overlaps and delivers enticing crosses for our strikers.

Clichy considers himself lucky to be even playing football these days after his near death experience as a youngster. Gael got his ring caught as he climbed a metal fence and ripped off his finger. In the 7 hour ordeal that followed he suffered lung complications while his finger was being sewed back on and his heart stopped. After 20 seconds his heart restarted in an incident doctors described as a “miracle”.

Earlier in his Arsenal career Clichy had his injury troubles. In October 2005 Ashley Cole fractured his foot and it appeared Clichy would get his oppurtunity. But ironically Clichy suffered the same injury, and it troubled him until October 2006. It was from then on that his luck began to change.

This season Clichy has played in all of Arsenal’s 17 Premier League matches and is determined to help lead this Arsenal team to a Premier League title. “Being top of the league is a great pleasure but since the start of the season I said we had great quality in the team and the spirit was there. Now we are in December and we have shown people that we are ready. We know we can do it. If we go with desire and spirit we know we can get 3 points (in any game).”

Clichy’s man of the match display against Chelsea on Sunday is reminiscent of the season he is having. This year Clichy got his first French National team call up and it’s only a matter of time before he gets his first cap. What are your thoughts on Clichy?