Just for the pride.

This game could have been very important for our title hopes if we had won all those matches we drew and the last one we lost, but, anyways, let's play for our pride, give it all, and try to win those cheaters. Just for the pride.

Team news

Arsenal

Even though Thomas Vermaelen could play 90 mins on the reserve match a few days ago, I don't think he'd be involved. He needs to be match-fit to play again, and he isn't. Only two players have been ruled out for this match, Fabianski and Diaby. Almost a complete squad then.

Manchester United

Chris Smalling is expected to feature as it seems unlikely that Ferguson would risk Ferdinand by playing him three times in a week. Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov are expected to feature as well.

Predicted line up.

I would love this formation:

Sczszesny
Sagna-Djourou-Koscielny-Clichy
Walcott-Wilshere-Song-Nasri
Fabregas
Van Persie

4-4-1-1. I'd love it, it would work perfectly, but I know it'll be the same 4-2-3-1.


Sczszesny
Sagna-Djourou-Koscielny-Clichy
Song-Wilshere
Walcott-Fabregas-Nasri
Van Persie


It's still not bad. In  the end it all depends on the players wanting to win it or not.
If they want to win it, it'd be an epic performance, if they don't it'd be another crap match for Arsenal, and that bad streak would continue.

Cesc Fabregas at Bolton.

Recent form


Arsenal last five league matches


Arsenal 0-0 Blackburn
Blackpool 1-3 Arsenal
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
Tottenham 3-3 Arsenal
Bolton 2-1 Arsenal


Manchester United last five league matches


Manchester United 1-0 Bolton

West Ham 2-4 Manchester United
Manchester United 2-0 Fulham
Newcastle 0-0 Manchester United
Manchester United 1-0 Everton


Painful.




Match facts

• Wayne Rooney has scored in three of his last four matches against the Gunners.
• Arsenal have won only one of their last seven league games – drawing five in total.
• Manchester Unted have kept clean sheets in their last three games.
• Last Arsenal win against Manchester United in any competition was on season 08/09, Nasri scored both goals at the Emirates.
• Arsenal have drawn their last three games at the Emirates, scoring only one goal - and that from the penalty spot.

What has happened outside the pitch recently.

Wenger's frustration

Arsene Wenger said he was the guilty for our 'failure' but I don't agree. The players are. After all the players are the ones who play, am I right? Wenger only gives them instructions and belief, I can't believe the fact that some people really want him out. He loves Arsenal, just see his reaction after our recent matches performances.


On the Manchester United side, Darron Gibson joined Twitter a few days ago, and left the same day, why? Some Manchester United fans were sending him abuse, I wonder if they are really 'United'?!


 Score prediction

I must admit that this game is very difficult, everyone knows that. But taking in count that Arsenal are not competing for any trophy now, I do think we can win this match, we have no pressure.

This one is a must win though. Why? Chelsea are three points ahead of us, if they win against Tottenham and we lose tomorrow we'd be 6 points behind them and we'd be relegated to third place, or in the worst scenarios to fourth. Give your best.

Arsenal players should give their best to win it for the fans, who have suffered a lot since February, we deserve four wins in our lasts four matches, just for the pride.

So, I think the game will finish 2-1. Walcott and Van Persie to score for Arsenal.

Arsenal season summed up, part one.



THAT blatant penalty on Vela.

Some people have been questioning Arsenal this season, and I think that this is not such a big failure as most people think.



First, let's start with UEFA Champions League, Arsenal were awarded a relatively easy group to face, Shakhtar, Partizan Belgrade and Sporting Braga. We won our firsts 3 matches.

 6-0 against Braga at the Emirates, 5-1 against Shakhtar at our home and 3-1 against Partizan Belgrade at Belgrade.

Then at the second round of that stage we lost to Shakhtar, well deserved for them to be fair. Then lost against Sporting Braga that was undeserved, and the ref didn't give a blatant penalty on Vela just before the two Braga goals. Shame on refs. Thanks to those two blows we finished second. We won 3-1 again against Partizan at the Emirates.

To be fair we would have expected to lose against Shakhtar at their home, they are such a good team there. The game against Braga, the ref, again had something to say when denying a clear penalty to Arsenal just before the two Braga goals, but whatever that had already happened. We finished only three points behind Shakhtar and if the ref made the right decision against Braga we would have finished first thanks to goal difference.

In the last 16 round, we were unfavored, we had to face the best team in the world, Barcelona. But you know what they say you have to beat the best to be the best.

In the first game at the Emirates the spirit by the team was great, everyone was so proud of them. We started losing 1-0 and they deserved more to be honest. The second half was a concert like Arsenal, that's the way they have to play, first goal came from Van Persie, awesome pass by Clichy and then he converted from a ridicule angle. The game continued and just a couple of minutes after we scored again, what a nice goal that was. Cesc passing the ball through then Nasri got it, he crossed it and Arshavin converted brilliantly 2-1 for the Arsenal. Yeah we were going to nou camp with a minimal advantage.

Some interesting interviews were told, for example Guardiola saying that they reserve team was full of players like Jack Wilshere. That's funny as he was the one who owned the midfield in the first leg, and outplayed world cup winners, Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández.

Talking about the match at the Nou Camp, they outplayed us in the first half and Cesc was in fault in the first goal of the match. He was injured and wanted to continue.

'I could NOT hear'

The second half started much different than the first half was, arsenal even scored a goal -which was an own goal- but it does count. Then the ref wanted to have something to say, he sent off Van Persie because he couldn't hear the whistle while 80,000+ people were cheering and screaming. Unfair.

As Barcelona had men advantage they took over and won 3-1. 4-3 in the aggregate.

In the post match some pictures appeared, we could see a picture that showed us Van Persie being choked by Abidal, the ref didn't do anything. Poor refereeing cost us our Champions League season, why all these things happen to Arsenal?!

There was no failure in that. The players gave their all in that competition it was referees's fault, as simple as that.


Let's continue with the Carling Cup.

We started brilliantly that competition by winning 4-1 against Tottenham. Lansbury scored first, then Keane scored for Tottenham just before Half time, we went to extra time, and Nasri scored a brace and Arshavin completed the goal-full victory. Yeah we won against our shadow, and brilliantly, and at White Hart Lane.

In the next round we were told to face Newcastle United, at St James Park, difficult match to be honest. But we wen through with a 4-0 win. First goal came via an own goal, then Walcott scored a brace and to finish it Bendtner scored a wonder goal.

Then it was the time to face Wigan Athletic we won 2-0 in that match. It was a frustrating match as Arsenal didn't find their form and passing, but goals came, one from Bendtner and the other one from an own goal via Alcaraz.

We faced Ipswich Town in the semifinals first leg we lost 1-0, a goal by Priskin. Luck as Arsenal dominated the game but didn't convert.

The second leg at the Emirates was frustrating at the beginning but we knew that by scoring a goal other goals would come and that's exactly what happened. Bendtner scored an awesome goal, and then Koscielny from a header just a few minutes after the first goal and, then to finish it, our captain, Fabregas followed with a great goal. Yeah Arsenal were going to Wembley! FT score was 3-0 



The mistake that costed us the Carling Cup

The start of the final was frustrating as well, Birmingham started winning with a goal by Zigic after a corner, Arsenal need to work on set pieces. Everyone was sad, but then our dutchman, Van Persie scored, with an awesome half-volley . He seemed injured after that one and he was. Fabregas missed that match, the game continued and Foster was converting himself into a hero for Birmingham. He made vital saves to deny Nasri and others. Same arsenal luck, all the goalkeepers play their best matches against them. The game was finishing and everyone thought we were going to extra time, but what a disaster followed, Szczesny and Koscielny got confused and gifted Birmingham and Martins the winning goal, everything was over.



That one I must admit was a failure, because Arsenal were the real favorites to win that cup but didn't. That's the only failure, and it was due to an accident, those things happen and you can't blame them as you are a human and you also commit mistakes.

I'll be talking on the Premiership and FA cup on the next post.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPod touch]





Arsene needs a new captain.

Right this is my first blog so bare with me. I'm going to give my opinion on what I think is wrong with this team.

Firstly what we lack in abundance is leadership. Now cesc is are captain and contrary to popular belief I think he is an excellent captain, but not for this team. I don't think all captains have to be shouters and screamers or have to resort to physical violence to get your point across to certain players. For example Tony Adams would have been done for attempted murder for what he would have done to eboue after the Liverpool game. But would that of Helped the helpless eboue? I think not.

Cesc Fabregas

But I do think you have to have someone like that in your team. Especially when Cesc is the kind of captain who would put an arm around the shoulder and say "don't worry eboue you'll get em next time". We desperately need someone to balance that and to tell eboue and almunia " if you do that again I will kick you so hard your head will go inside your backside and you will be turned inside out". We miss that. Plus what happens when Cesc backheels the ball at the edge of his own area in the nou camp? Who is going to tell him that that wasn't ok and you were stupid for doing that.

We had the perfect balance in Arsene's early years with the likes of Henry and Pires counteracted with Viera and Keown. I think those kind of personalities would be good for the dressing room and we would cut out those silly mistakes ie Manuel at west brom. Also if when we are drawing 0-0 at home to Blackburn someone has to go around to the players individually when there's a break in play and say "calm down and relax. Don't try and force it. Just play your football and the goal will come". When we have a goal kick you never see our midfielders talking to each other! It's always heads down and trotting to the halfway line. Which is so incredibly frustrating and disheartening.

One thing that struck me recently was Tony Adams saying "as captain I felt one of my responsibilities was to convey the managers ideas and tactics to the other players when I was on the field" read that statement look at our squad and that it sums it all up.

Tony Adams

Another thing I have come to realise on what we need is an ENGLISH centre half! I didn't think nationality was an issue especially when we signed Vermaelen. But then just when I thought Djourou reinforced this. Sunday at the reebok came along.

When you think about Arsene's centre back singings they haven't exactly been great. When he arrived he had Adams, Bould and Keown three top notch defenders drilled in the art of defending. All of them English. He's signed Cygan, Senderos, Squilachy among others. But the one he did buy, twice no less was Sol Campbell who was superb when he was at the Arsenal. Again English. Coiencedence I think not. I'll leave you with this from Patrick Vieira "when I signed for Arsenal along with some other French players we had all the technique and skill but we wouldn't of won anything without those English players who put there head in where it hurt"

Follow me on twitter @piersarsenal

Piers Moyles

Reflecting on Arsenal's first part of the league season.

Just wanted to reflect on Arsenal's first part of the league season.

It all started bad in a 1-1 draw againstt Liverpool, we didn't even score there, Reina did us the favor in the last minute, Koscielny got sent off in that match.

Rosicky showing his joy after Arsenal got a draw.

As games kept on rolling Arsenal got back to their best and win some important matches, we won 3 consecutive matches, Blackpool, Blackburn and Bolton. And convincing all the fans with those performances, 'this could be the season' we thought.

Then the game against Sunderland at the Stadium of the light came, Arsenal started winning 1-0 on the 1st half, Cesc Fabregas scored an awesome yet lucky goal, unluckily for Arsenal he got injured. In the second half Alex Song got sent off and everything was going down. Then, suddenly, Arsenal were awarded by a penalty, again, unluckily rosicky sent it to the sky. Then it's all history, the ref gave 3 or 4 extra minutes and the goal came in the very last minute, a blow. FT score 1-1.

West Brom's goal.

Another disappointment came, we were facing West Brom, at the Emirates, and it was just a DISASTER. What a bad game from Almunia, but oh well, we are accustomed to that. West Brom were winning 3-0 at the 60th minute, Nasri scored two goals then, but three points lost. FT score 2-3.

Another blow to our title hopes came, we were playing against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and couldn't come out with at least a point. FT score 2-0.

In the next week, Arsenal were playing against Birmingham at the Emirates, a must win. And yeah, they did it, 2-1, still we were not watching our best Arsenal, just average.

Nasri celebrating his goal.

Then we went to Manchester to face Manchester City, a difficult game to call. At the first minute the citizens had a golden chance to score but Fabianski saved us, then Boyata got sent off because of a tackle at Chamakh. 10 vs 11. First goal came with an awesome play between Nasri and Arshavin, Nasri scored, he was on top form. Second half came and Arsenal kept on playing good football, Alex Song scored the second goal with a stunner. Then, in the last 10 minutes, Bendtner did an amazing run after a Nasri a pass, and scored brilliantly. FT score 0-3. Great performance.

We got visited by West Ham, then. Frustrating game, goal never came and Arsenal were creating chances just didn't convert. Alex Song saved us in the last minute with a stunning header after a Clichy cross. Oh yeah!

Newcastle came to visit us, they won 1-0. Goal came in the first half by Andy Carroll, our home performances were so average.

Then we had to visit Wolverhampton Wanderers, tough game, Chamakh scored a goal in the firsts minutes though. Wolves started to create chances and they deserved a goal, in the last minute they had a golden opportunity but Fabianski saved it brilliantly, just after that, Chamakh scored another goal, after a bad performance we won 2-0.

Arsenal won the next two matches away, at Goodison Park and at Villa Park, FT score against Everton was 2-1 in favor of the gunners, and against Villa it was 4-2 in favor of the gooners as well.

Before that Aston Villa match, we played against T*ttenham. Yeah, our shadow. The match started brilliantly for us, scored two goals, Nasri and Chamakh, and then I can't tell you what happened as I went to English school at that hour, but the final score was 3-2 in favor of the scum. Disappointment.

Samir Nasri scoring one of his goals against Fulham

Then Fulham came to visit us, Nasri scored an awesome couple of goals, it was just WOOW. Anyways we won 2-1. Nasri was on top form, he made himself the opportunity and then scored brilliantly, top player.

We needed to face Manchester United, Fabregas couldn't play in that match, and Van Persie was coming back from an injury, anyways Arsenal lost 1-0.

Then Chelsea went to visit us at the Emirates, I must admit that that was such a top performance by Arsenal, that's all. Goals were scored by Song, Walcott and Fabregas, Ivanovic scored for them. 3-1, everyone was proud of the Gunners.

To finish this post and that year (2010). We played against Wigan at their home. We were winning 2-1 for most of the game, but Squillaci scored an own goal when the game was dying. 2-2.

In summary this first part of the season was a roller coaster. Arsenal won and the next week they lost, we had some disappointing performances as again West Brom and Tottenham, and brilliant performances as against Chelsea and Aston Villa.

2nd part to come soon.

Bolton vs Arsenal: Match analysis and player ratings.

Hey.

 

Today's game was nothing but a disappointment for Arsenal.

First half started well for us, having great opportunities, great passing, and all that, but then after the 20th minute, everything changed Bolton had great opportunities to score and only Szczsesny could have saved us, then at '38 goal came for Bolton and it was well deserved, Sturridge scored it after Nasri cleared a header off the line. Almost forgot it, Cesc hit the post, same old luck for Arsenal, same old.

After the goal Arsenal tried something new but eventually didn't convert.

HT came and people from Twitter including me started to complain about the team, because they were not showing the spirit and determination needed to challenge Manchester United.

The second half started brilliantly for Bolton as they were awarded a penalty, which in my opinion was a dive, but then Szczesny saved us again, yeah thanks Chezzer.

Then at '48 Fabregas and Van Persie created the best play of the game and Van Persie finished it with a great goal, yeah hope had just came back.

Arsenal kept creating chances, kept passing and the same things as any other match, but what's the point of doing that if they are not shooting in the end? Tell me..

Tamir Cohen ending Arsenal title hopes.

We had some good opportunities in their box but failed to shoot, always trying to make a pass, they just seem like they want to enter to the goal by passing and passing, you can't do that. When you have the opportunity to shoot, you must SHOOT.

Tamir Cohen came on for Bolton and then scored the winner in the '90, emotional goal for him.

And that is all. This game again, reflects our season, bad luck, bad refs and of course lack of determination.

Arsene Wenger said that he is the one to be blamed, not the players. I disagree, Arsene Wenger looked gutted and frustrated, but the players what? Did they try their best to win it? Hmm I don't think so, the only two players who played well today were Szczesny and Van Persie.

Player ratings.

Szczesny 9/10. He was our best player today and if you look at his reaction after Bolton's goal he knew our title bid was over and he was gutted. Saved a penalty and denied Bolton a couple of times.

Sagna 7/10. We are accustomed to this Sagna he is a rock at the back 4, needs to improve his crossing a little bit.

Djourou 5/10. He was a disaster today, clearly in fault for Bolton's last goal and made a couple of mistakes that are unacceptable.

Koscielny 6/10. He was just average today.

Clichy 6/10. He showed nothing special and needs to work on his crossing.

Song 6/10. Was substituted early in the second half, nothing interesting shown in the first.

Wilshere 6/10. I might be criticized but that's what I think, he was not at his best and you could notice that he was tired, substituted in the second half.

Fabregas 7/10. Assisted Van Persie for his goal and hit the post in the first half, still he looks out of form.

Walcott 7/10. Was a threat in the first half and don't really know why Wenger substituted him.

Van Persie scoring his brilliant goal.

Van Persie 8/10. Top Dutchman. Scored a top goal, and broke a record, I wonder what would have happened if we had him available for all the season?

Nasri 6/10. Average, very average. Missed a great chance and seemed lost.

Substitutes

Arshavin 7/10. He was great and injected Arsenal what they needed, couldn't score though.

Chamakh 6/10. A lot of people have been missing him, but he's just like any other player, prefers to pass instead of shoot.

Ramsey N/D.

There's always another season.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPod touch]

Match Preview: Bolton vs Arsenal FC.

Hey, this is my first ever post for my own blog, will do a match preview for Bolton vs Arsenal. Just wanted to thank pablocamden who gave me the idea of this name for the blog.

Arsenal team news.

Abou Diaby has been ruled out for this match with a calf strain. He was replaced by Jack Wilshere early in the second half in the North London Derby, besides that we don't have any fresh injuries, so the only ones who are out are Vermaelen, Fabianski and Diaby. Rosicky is doubtful for this match because of his illness. Almost full team.

Bolton team news.

Striker Daniel Sturridge returns to the Bolton squad. The on-loan Chelsea player was cup-tied for last weekend's 5-0 defeat by Stoke in the FA Cup semi-final but is expected to go straight back into the starting line-up. Mark Davies is also in contention for a starting spot after recovering from an ankle

Predicted Line up.

I think we'll see the same attacking line and defending line as we saw against Tottenham the only change would be Jack Wilshere in Diaby's place, so it would look like this:

Szsczesny
Sagna-Djourou-Koscielny-Clichy
Song-Wilshere
Walcott-Fabregas-Nasri
Robin Van Persie

Not much to talk about it, we all would have guessed it.

Form guide

Bolton last 5  league matches:

Newcastle 1-1 Bolton

Bolton 3-2 Aston Villa

Manchester United 1-0 Bolton
Birmingham 2-1 Bolton
Bolton 3-0 West Ham

Arsenal last 5 league matches:

West Brom 2-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 0-0 Blackburn
Blackpool 1-3 Arsenal
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
Tottenham 3-3 Arsenal

*Arsenal have gained only 7 points out of 15 possible, Bolton have gained 9 points out of 15 possible.

Match facts

The Trotters have lost their last eight consecutive Premier League games against Arsenal. Their last victory over Arsene Wenger's men was a 3-1 home victory in November 2006.

The hosts have conceded 1.34 goals-per-game as opposed to the opponents' 1.03 ratio. They have kept only five clean sheets, while the Londoners have done the same on 12 occasions

Arsenal have scored 66 goals in the top-flight so far. Only Manchester United (70) have scored more. During this time, Wenger's men have hit three or more goals in a game on 11 occasions.

Bolton have scored 46 goals in the league so far and have conceded 43 goals this season.

Things happening on the league.

Chelsea won 3-0 against West Ham and now they are three points ahead Arsenal, obviously Arsenal have a game in hand, Manchester United also won 1-0 with a Chicharito goal in '83. Lucky lucky Manchester United. So Arsenal are 9 points behind now. A must win, huh?

Arsene Wenger is keen to convince Nasri and Clichy to sign new deals in the summer, he said: "We are talking to Nasri and his agent already and we have the same situation with Clichy" "We have agreed to speak about it during the summer". And finally he added: "I am very optimistic (that they will stay.)"

Score prediction.

Arsenal players should and MUST show the spirit that Wilshere, van Persie, Fabregas and Nasri have shown in the last games, they are the ones who seem like they really want to win this. Arsenal players should think like this: "First believe in yourself, then try your best to win it".

This is a really must win match, I must admit that if we don't win this match, title hopes will be gone and we'd have to struggle for the third place, we don't want that, right Arsenal? The players should play with spirit, giving all they have and more importantly trying to SHOOT when they have the opportunity.

No matter what the last scores say I think Arsenal will win this one and it will be a tough title race in the end and if we believe in ourselves and then win all the matches left this could be the season, just keep hoping and believing.

Bolton 1-4 Arsenal.

Nasri is recovering his form and I can see him scoring alongside Van Persie, Fabregas and Walcott.

Sturridge to score for Bolton.

Keep the faith!