Arsenal a season of controversy.

This video may be a perfect evidence why I don't think this season has been a failure, and why we should continue having faith on this team. I'd recommend you to watch it, it shows how many points we've lost thanks to referees decision, and seriously you'll be shocked. I'm not going to give many details because the video explains all for itself, I watched it thanks to AzizAlFarhoud, if you are on Twitter, you should seriously give him a follow. Here's the video, enjoy.

Rugby vs Football, match preview.

Hey there, sorry for not writing a match report for the ManUtd game last Sunday, but I went to the beach and I've been very busy this week, anyways, in brief it was a great win, great team spirit and a great display by Ramsey who scored the only goal and gave us the vital three points, and not only that, it gave us some hope for the title.

Nasty.

Now it's Ramsey's time to come back to the Britannia Stadium after THAT tackle by that dirty player Ryan Shawcross. It'll be a very important game for Ramsey but he'll handle the pressure.

Team News.

Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas and Abou Diaby are all ruled out, again I haven't heard nothing about Denilson and Rosicky, it's a shame, both are good players, hate me if you want, but that's my opinion. Johan Djourou and Clichy have some fitness problems but I think they'll be fit.

This game may also mark the long awaited return of the VERMINATOR. He hasn't played since August and his injury has been like the one Rosicky had a few years back, you know, he was expected to come back a week after he got injured, and now he's been 8 months out. Same old story.

People have been talking about that this Cesc's 'injury' is a conspiration, but seriously, why would people think that? It makes me laugh, we are the Arsenal we are accostumed to injuries, don't start making crappy rumors.

Predicted Arsenal Line up.

Sczszesny

Sagna - Djourou (Vermaelen) - Koscielny -  Clichy (Gibbs)

Ramsey - Song - Wilshere

Walcott - Van Persie - Arshavin

It's practically the same line up as the game against ManUtd. I don't think we'd risk Vermaelen against that rugby club specially since he's just coming back, Gibbs may play on the left if Clichy fails to recover.

It's the same midfield that owned ManUtd on Sunday, so using that logic we would not have any problems in that department, since we are playing against nothing but a shit club.

In the forward line it'd almost be the same as the ManUtd game, the only who's missing is Nasri, but Arshavin will cope there with his super stats.

Match facts.

• In two previous appearances against the Potters combined, Robin van Persie scored twice and was sent off once.

• 

  Robin Van Persie has been impressive this year

  Stoke have won four of their last five home league meetings with the Gunners, and also knocked Arsene Wenger’s side out of the FA Cup at the Britannia Stadium last season.
• Kenwyne Jones has fired in 39 headed shots in the Premier League this season, seven more than any other player.
• Arsenal have taken more points away from home (30) than any other team this season.
• Arsenal have netted the most goals in the opening 15 minutes of Premier League games this season (15) whilst the Potters have scored the fewest (one).
• Robin van Persie has attempted more shots per game (3.27) than any other regular player in the top flight this season.
• The Gunners possess the best shooting accuracy in the Premier League, hitting the target with 48.6% of their shots.
• The Potters have scored a greater proportion of their goals from set pieces than any other side (48.8%) whilst Arsenal have scored relatively less than any other team (19.1%).
• Stoke have played 71.3% of their passes in, or into, the opposition half in matches this season; a Premier League high.
• Arsenal have the best passing accuracy in the opposition half in the Premier League this season (79.8%), while Stoke have the worst (55.7%).

All those match facts are courtesy of Yahoo! Eurosport.

Wenger quotes.

“Thomas Vermaelen is available and could be in the squad. Aaron Ramsey is likely to get another chance, I can even say that he will play.”

“Aaron is a quiet but strong character and I think there is no better maturing system than what happened to him – blocked at 18 suddenly when you are just flying. Being knocked down and having to wait for a year, not knowing what really will happen.”

“He is certainly mentally stronger now. After what happened to him you have to be strong." referring to Ramsey.

"No matter what happens I have to give him at least four weeks' holiday. The [Under-21] tournament finishes at the end of June so he won't come back until the end of July. That means he will not be ready to play at the start of August or maybe at the beginning of September." referring to Wilshere.

Wenger also said that Ramsey won't have the same problems as Eduardo.

Predicted score.

Bendtner scoring on last year's match against Stoke.

I'd seriously love a 5-0 trashing in Arsenal's favour, specially after reading some comments made by some Stoke fans on a Stoke City forum, and seriously how disrespectful they are! Someone said that Ramsey is bitter, others said worse things. I'm not going to post those things. 

Words to describe a Stoke City fan: Cunt, idiot, stupid, twat, dickhead and last but certainly not least CAVEMAN.

Now, being realistic I can see a 3-1 in Arsenal's favour just as the other time, and I can see Van Persie scoring a brace and I'd seriously love a Ramsey goal in revenge.

We have got to win this game if we want to still aim to win the Premier League, it's difficult, but it isn't impossible.

PS: I didn't post any Stoke team news, because they're crap and we all know who will start for them, yes 11 cavemen.

Come on you gunners.

Wenger must open his eyes and adress Arsenal's problems

As another trophy-less season comes to an end, time has come to question what went wrong? Where did Arsenal fall, and what continues to stop them from winning silverware?

It was an eventful, and in many ways frustrating campaign for the Gunners which I believe 'ended' after the heartbreaking defeat in the Carling Cup final in late February.

So much exists that is right about the club from board to ground to youthful talent that it is little surprising that those who love the club, who feel they are close to a winning formula, become frustrated by the inhibiting wrongs in Wenger's psyche. 

The team is undoubtedly full of talent but there are some areas that must be addressed. Firstly, one needs to question the man in charge, Arsene Wenger. 

Criticism can definitely be heard around the Emirates. Some (a minority) impatient supporters have been sending text messages to each other, reworking the trusty "In 

Arsene We Trust" match-day banner. "In Arsene We Rust" reads the new version. Mettle-work is required. 

Wenger played a huge part in Arsenal's fortunes this season, and may be correctly questioned for not strengthening significantly in January. Arsene stubbornly refused to make any major signings, and this may have cost the Gunners in what the manager described as 'an easy run-in'.  Who knows what some extra strength, dominance and leadership in the heart of Arsenal's defence would have resulted in? Maybe the outcome of this season would have been positively different. 

Acknowledging the fact that key-player Thomas Vermaelen would be unavailable for the run-in, Wenger could have brought in another defender to bring in extra quality and cover. Yet he didn't. 

I personally like the look of Bolton's Gary Cahill.  The England international has had a sensational season at the back for Bolton and looks to be easily tempted with a move away to a top club. 

This would be a serious investment, with the defender valued at £20m but a commanding, dominant centre-half is badly needed and he has shown all signs of being the specific answer. There has also been talk over a possible move for Fulham's American international Brede Hangeland  who I also rate.

Arsenal have conceded 20 goals from set plays this season, with only Blackpool, Sunderland, Aston Villa and West Brom conceding more. A statistic Arsene Wenger won't be proud of. 

I strongly believe that upon the arrival of a top defender, that embarrassing statistic  would decrease greatly. Cahill or Hangeland would certainly add the much-needed steel to the Gunners vulnerable and shaky defence.

Regarding the goalkeeping situation, I am a great fan of Szczesny and believe he is remarkable talent and can certainly be sure of a promising future. 

I love Wojciech, and I definitely think he is good enough to stand between the posts despite his young age. The only worry I have is his lack of experience which could cost us (and probably has at times this season). Apart from that, I see no reason to splash out on a goalkeeper. 

There are other positions which must be prioritised before the one of Szczesny's.

Anyway, back to the manager. Managers set the tone for their team. By always blaming others, whether referees, linesmen or oppenents, Wenger grants his players a get-out, a chance to shirk responsibility. So they carry on, refusing to accept personal liability, not standing up for the team when leaders are craved. 

Arsenal have rarely been so short of leaders. Captain Cesc Fabregas is a wonderful footballer, but he is no Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United's captain). That is why Wenger must open his eyes and appreciate the urgency of drafting in a tough competitor like Scott Parker. No more butterflies, please. Just warriors. 

Arsenal need more like Jack Wilshere, who never goes missing on the pitch, even off the pitch when the club want somebody to represent them for a community, charity or corporate function. Only a teenager but a captain in waiting, Wilshere takes responsibility.  

This season, Arsenal too often failed to kill off games, something caused by sloppiness, inexperience, naivety and that lack of leadership/responsibility. The chief example of this occurred in the 4-4 draw away to Newcastle in February. Arsenal went into half-time with a comfortable 4-goal lead, yet still failed to see off the game and return home with the vital 3 points. Costly and wasteful. 

Oppositely, when rivals Manchester United are in the driving seat, they always seem to kill off the game so brilliantly (especially at home).  This is probably one of the main reason why United are expectant to bring the title back to Old Trafford next month.

Home games versus Tottenham and Liverpool were also games Arsenal dropped points  when leading, as was the recent 3-3 draw at White Hart Lane. This is something that must be adressed. No matter how talented these youngsters are, they must learn to kill off games when leading by a comfortable margin.

I also always say that winning the title doesn't depend on results in October/November, rather on  picking up points from the tough and crucial games in March/April. No matter how spectacular a team's performances are in November, winning games a small, yet clinical 1-0 in March are the one's that win the league.

Another point, regards various journalists slating this Arsenal team, claiming that they don't posses a winning mentality. This is a remark I, unfortunately, cannot argue with. If the team were to win that cup final against Birmingham this probably wouldn't be the case. 

Nobody would be going-on about the absence of that 'winning mentality'.

Anyhow, Wenger must strengthen and address the spoken areas and might have to reluctantly pull out his check-book. If Wenger is to stubbornly refuse once again on strengthening, and insist his system is correct and not change his philosophy, then it must be seriously considered whether or not his future still lies at the Emirates. 

Arsenal supporters correctly respect Arsene for what he has done and his rich history at the club but maybe he is not the right man for the job at the current moment. 

Arsene must change and adress what needs to worked on, because if he doesn't, this massively important summer may be his last.

Follow me on Twitter @SamWhitefield40



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.