Arsenal

[Rev]

If Arsenal get back to their countering ways, it'd be amazing. They were brilliant to watch as well as terrifyingly good. For the last few years it seems that each extra season was adding 5 or so touches to each attack to the point where we just stopped attacking until RVP started kicking into the net out of boredom, if nothing else.

[carlito]

I though Ramsey also did himself a service when he came on as a safe pair of hands - something that you wouldn't necessarily always credit him with - it was crystallised in him winning the ball close to our box before charging, under pressure up the pitch never once looking to be too be too clever, not trying to build an attack, just running the ball out away from goal towards the touchline and eventually winning a free kick. Brilliantly mature play from a player who has come under a fair bit of pressure for his decision making.

I think probably the most impressive thing about Ramsey even when he lost his way a bit last season was that he never hid, he always made himself available even after ballooning over a 30 yard shot or flicking a backheel to an opposition defender, he wanted the ball again - which is a lot more than can be said for Messers Walcott and Arshavin when things don't go their way and I really hope he does kick on because that type of attitude is fantastic to have in the team.

Also with respect to trying to gauge Giroud's ability it's worth noting that our delivery to him, especially in the air, was pretty poor for the most part. I think it's going to be a question of the team getting used to him as much as him getting used to the team - it's been a while since we had similiar and even then with Adebayor it took a while for us to latch on to how we could use him. It's always a worry when a striker is a little short on pace in The Prem and let's be fair, he's doesn't look like the quickest, but it's clear from his movement that he knows what he's doing (apart from not fucking chasing down the keeper after that Gibbs shot).

Plenty to be positive as long as we don't consider that our only real options for central strikers are both being played on the pitch at the same time meaning Chamakh is frightening close to a serious role in the first team if the worst were to happen.

[Naysonymous]

I presume this was taken at Liverpool Lime Street on Sunday. I'm too lazy to trawl back through the thread to see if it was taken in London earlier in the season and has already been posted here. Either way, enjoy.

[Daley]

I'm not stressing about Giroud. He's made decent runs, gets into good positions, he just needs one to go in so he can relax a bit and gain some composure. Looks very anxious to get off the mark. I think he will come good.

[Rev]

I though Ramsey also did himself a service when he came on as a safe pair of hands - something that you wouldn't necessarily always credit him with - it was crystallised in him winning the ball close to our box before charging, under pressure up the pitch never once looking to be too be too clever, not trying to build an attack, just running the ball out away from goal towards the touchline and eventually winning a free kick. Brilliantly mature play from a player who has come under a fair bit of pressure for his decision making.

I think probably the most impressive thing about Ramsey even when he lost his way a bit last season was that he never hid, he always made himself available even after ballooning over a 30 yard shot or flicking a backheel to an opposition defender, he wanted the ball again - which is a lot more than can be said for Messers Walcott and Arshavin when things don't go their way and I really hope he does kick on because that type of attitude is fantastic to have in the team.

He was a lot more like that for Team GB too. He wasn't player of the tournament or anything, but he didn't do anything wrong and worked pretty hard.

[The Fox]

The Arsenal Gent is fucking killing it on Twitter with his Gents XI.

[Daley]

Tru dat, the pictures are amazing. I'd post some but really they all need to be seen. Sagna is my current favourite I think.

EDIT: I mean Bertram SAILOR.

[JDubYes]

I actually think they're getting better as they go on. The ones where the moustaches complement the expressions are the best, I think, and on that basis Thomas Robinson amused me most initially, before almost immediately being improved upon by the dastardly-looking Michael Arkwright ('ORDNANCE WIZARD'!) and the steampunk pimp Lucien Ponsonby.

EDIT - And, sure enough, here's "Poirot".

[Daley]

I actually think they're getting better as they go on. The ones where the moustaches complement the expressions are the best, I think, and on that basis Thomas Robinson amused me most initially, before almost immediately being improved upon by the dastardly-looking Michael Arkwright ('ORDNANCE WIZARD'!) and the steam-punk pimp Lucien Ponsonby.

VERMINGTON wins on that score surely? It fits him and his expression perfectly.

[JDubYes]

VERMINGTON wins on that score surely? It fits him and his expression perfectly.

That's actually a very good point. I think I might've been a little unfair on that one because I lumped him in with the first couple (which were easily the worst of the bunch). They all need to be seen, though.

Completely forgot to post in here about the game on Sunday, as well, thinking about it. Not that I assume anyone will have noticed/cared, or that I have much to add, obviously, but still... I was watching at a family gathering, and any time anyone asked what was going on, I mainly just offered a variation on "we're the better team, our midfield's been great, Diaby's been brilliant, I like Podolski, and I hope Giroud scores soon*, because I think the pressure to score and the way we're underusing him is going to get to him sooner rather than later otherwise." This remained largely the same even after the goal(s), except then it tended to be a bit more animated/excited, and have added "we can counterattack again!"

It was odd watching Giroud though. I think his presence helped, in that he stayed in the "proper" place for a striker, and in doing so kept their defence closer to Reina and gave our midfield trio (who, again, were excellent to a man) and wide-positioned forwards (more of a mixed bag - Poldi was great, but Ox has had better days) more room to work. The problem was that this made him isolated, and, to be fair, isn't exactly a skill unique to him. I do think he's been given quite a hard time already, perhaps unfairly, by some sections of the support and media though. His first chance of note for us he should've at least put on target, but was taken first-time on his weaker foot. His long-distance effort (when he could've passed to Ramsey) in the second game wasn't far off, and was arguably the right thing to do. On Sunday the chance he's getting grief for was first-time again, on the run and at a goal that was nigh-on behind him. I'd have liked him to get one or two on target, sure, but I'm not worried. Yet.

(Also, just a quick thing, but if I'm going to be making excuses for strikers... Is there any chance, does anyone think, that we might be lucky and get the "original" Chamakh back if/when he gets in the team? He suffered, in consecutive seasons, with fatigue and coming back into a team that by then was utterly geared to/unfavourable comparisons with van Persie, but if he managed to regain his initial form in this more balanced Arsenal team he'd be quite a useful member of the squad, I think...)

As far as the Diaby argument, I've always been relatively enthused about his skill and potential, but always worry about him, for several reasons (the own goal he scored at Old Trafford never leaves my head for too long, sadly), I've always thought there was a chance he could push on given a chance (and the faith put in him by Wenger and the French coaches speaks volumes), but genuinely never thought (and remain unconvinced that) he'd get that chance, mainly down to these persistent injuries. Liverpool on Sunday was a fine performance, but it's telling that I remember scrutinising his going in (or not) on 50/50s and reaction to tackles as much as I do watching (and enjoying) the drag-backs, drives and passing that typified he (genuinely excellent) performance.

One thing's for sure - I can't remember the last time I hoped an Arsenal player gets (and takes) his chance as I hope Diaby does this season. Please, Football Gods, let him stay fit. Please.

Oh, and a final thought on the squad, post-transfer window... I like it. Okay, we're another injury or two away from crises at fullback and upfront, but we have (figurative) strength in midfield and (seemingly, unbelieveably) at centreback, as well as having a team that is actually, for the most part, rather likeable (your mileage on Walcott, Arshavin et al may vary). Having had a week or two to adjust my hopes and expectations following the sale of van Persie**, I've realised that I rather like this team, from several different points of view, and I can't wait to see what they can do.

* I hope the Southampton prediction is right, because, besides the positive omen, that's also going to be my first trip out to the Grove this season.

** My reaction to seeing van Persie in the tunnel prior to the Southampton game; "meh". Not sure why (maybe I've grown as a person... Nahhh), but we're already at the point where the only reason I begrudge his presence there is that he makes them stronger. Other than that... sod him.

[Daley]

I'm also done hating players that leave us. Fuck them. I'm gonna save my energy supporting the ones we do have, that want to play for us.

[KRP]

I don't share your optimism re: Chamakh, but even if I did we don't really play to his strengths anyway. Didn't he score all his goals with his head?

[Petrousgyre]

(Also, just a quick thing, but if I'm going to be making excuses for strikers... Is there any chance, does anyone think, that we might be lucky and get the "original" Chamakh back if/when he gets in the team? He suffered, in consecutive seasons, with fatigue and coming back into a team that by then was utterly geared to/unfavourable comparisons with van Persie, but if he managed to regain his initial form in this more balanced Arsenal team he'd be quite a useful member of the squad, I think...)

It's believed his precipitous slump in form coincided with him jetting of to Vegas whilst he was injured, taking part in an orgy of some description, possibly being blackmailed and then having to take out a super injunction to stop the press reporting it. He's from a religious Muslim family and this sort of stuff doesn't go down very well. My guess is his issues are psychological, not physical. He should do what a number of Muslim chaps I knew in the Middle East did when they believed they'd sinned, go do Hajj then pretend like it never happened.

[Daley]

I heard he has malaria but that was quite recent.

I also heard the orgy was a gay one. But now we are really getting into tittle-tattle.

[carlito]

Arshavin can still go can't he - the window's open longer in Russia.

[Dude Ranch]

Just watched the highlights again. Cazorla is an absolute magician. The pass for the first goal, from under his feet, was amazing. The way he took L Pods pass in his stride for his goal was amazing. He's amazing. You can see why Wenger didn't buy a CM with those three, Wilshere, Ramsey, Coquelin, Rosicky and to an extent Frimpong in the ranks. Chamberlain too, maybe. Wenger, for now, seems to have it sussed, injuries not withstanding. This is our most promising team/squad for a few years, IMHO. The balance and options seems to be good everywhere.

Also, he's got no hair but we don't care..

[toythatkills]

I was thinking the other day, and I think Cazorla's probably the first signing since Bergkamp who I watch and just feel so amazed and lucky he plays for us.

[Dude Ranch]

Technically, he's possibly the best player I've seen at Arsenal. That's a massive shout, I know, with Cesc, Pires, RvP and Bergkamp having delighted us among many others. He's up there with them at least. But he's also got work rate, he demands the ball, he's direct, he plays with a smile. He's a winner and after a meagre three games - it can't be overstated how incredibly well he's slotted in - he simply looks mustard and a stellar buy.

toythatkills, I obviously agree with you.

[The Fox]

Arshavin can still go can't he - the window's open longer in Russia.

Are Zenit likely to still be interested after their €70m 'fuck FFP' splurge though?

[toythatkills]

He could be their back-up in case of racism

[Daley]

Carzola has been amazing. Even Henry, Dennis and Pires took time to adjust. The little fella has hit the ground running. The last player who played as good from game 1 was probably Vieira.

[Chooch]

L Pods is a thing then?

[Dude Ranch]

L Pods is a thing then?

It's my thing. Sorry . L Pod.

[Rocafella]

Individual highlights of Cazorla for anyone who's interested. He was phenomenal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7ZmVd3qZRc&feature=player_embedded#!

[Dude Ranch]

Reasonably good then. An OK start in Arsenal colours. Not too bad. I quite like him.

Ffuuuu

[Daley]

"Singin in the Rain" incredible musical very enjoyable, I definitely recommend )

No points for guessing which Arsenal player just Tweeted this.

[KRP]

Arsenal have won as many games at Anfield, in 2012, as Liverpool.

[The Fox]

Arsenal Gent is currently tweeting numbers 11-20. Squillaci is a good'un!

edit - squad so far:

01 Sir Albert SESLEY

02 Abe DOLBY

03 Bertram SAILOR

04 Lord Peregrine MEATLOCKER

05 Lord Thomas VERMINGTON of Holloway

06 Lawrence COSTERLEY

07 Thomas ROBINSON

08 Michael ARKWRIGHT

09 Lucien PONSONBY

10 Jacques WILSHÈRE

11 Andrew SAINT

12 Brigadier Oliver GORING-HILDRED

14 Theodore WALCOUÉ

15 Alexander OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN

16 Abdoulaye RAMSARA of Senegal

18 Sebastian SQUIRREL

19 Saint John COUSINS

20 Jonny DEWSBURY

21 Luke FLAPPLESTHWAITE

22 Frank COCKLETON

23 Andrew ALTRINCHAM

24 Victor MANNERING

25 Carlos JUAREZ

26 Maurice FRAMPTON

27 Kevin GERVBURY

28 Kouranne GIBOIS

29 Manford CHOLMONDELY

Manager: Mr Alan Windsor

[anders limpar]

Arsenal Gent has been knocking it out of the park last couple of days.

I'm pretty sure someone's put a bug under my seat in Block 6:

[Silent Runner]

No points for guessing which Arsenal player just Tweeted this.

Apparently the Arsenal fans at Anfield were chanting 'Andre Santos, he drives how he wants'.