Jump to content
IGNORED

Arsenal

cubeadvance

By cubeadvance
in Sport

 Share

Recommended Posts

Rev

Rev

Posted
Posted

Some unnecessarily harsh criticism of Santos here considering he's had a week of "pre-season" then been thrown into a unfamiliar back four in a completely new league.

People, myself included, complained about Clichy's contribution in the final third and it looks like that isn't going to be an issue with Santos.

Let's give him some time to settle in before we completely right him off.

Totally agree. And the same goes for Mertesacker, while we're here.

Koscielny, on the other hand.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Dude Ranch

Dude Ranch

Posted
Posted

Totally agree. And the same goes for Mertesacker, while we're here.

Koscielny, on the other hand.

Santos didn't do too bad. I can understand the criticism Mertesacker got when he arrived, he does look slow but it's unfair to judge him yet. Koscielny goes from looking really impressive to being an absolute walking nightmare. I think you can only trust him to play alongside Vermaelen right now. Djourou has gone backwards, Saturday not entirely his fault cos he isn't a RB but our defenders just seem to turn into nervous wrecks. You should be able to trust him to play at RB. I think a defensive coach is the obvious answer, I don't know if it's almost too obvious. A little bit of organisation, drilling them over and over. One of the blogs I read said wouldn't it be better having Keown dissect our defensive problems on the training pitch rather than on MOTD? Says it all.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Rev

Rev

Posted
Posted

Santos didn't do too bad. I can understand the criticism Mertesacker got when he arrived, he does look slow but it's unfair to judge him yet. Koscielny goes from looking really impressive to being an absolute walking nightmare. I think you can only trust him to play alongside Vermaelen right now. Djourou has gone backwards, Saturday not entirely his fault cos he isn't a RB but our defenders just seem to turn into nervous wrecks. You should be able to trust him to play at RB. I think a defensive coach is the obvious answer, I don't know if it's almost too obvious. A little bit of organisation, drilling them over and over. One of the blogs I read said wouldn't it be better having Keown dissect our defensive problems on the training pitch rather than on MOTD? Says it all.

Koscielny can tackle and block well. If he gets any more responsibility than that (eg. The Off-Side Rule, Marking People, Timing Runs Forward, Playing A Pass) it all goes wrong. When he's got someone to help out with those bits he's a bit better.

Djourou, I swear he picked up an injury the second he came on. I posted in the thread when I thought it, but then there didn't seem to be any mention of it for the rest of the match but he didn't look right at all and I think that was part of it. Mind you, his biggest mistake (which let Koscielny get his goal) the defence was pulled out of shape so thoroughly he messed up as left-back.

Who does advise the defence at the moment?

EDIT: Perhaps they just tape MOTD and play it on Monday morning. The cheap option!

EDIT 2: I bet they've not even got a TV license and they get Wilshere's mum to record it for them.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Art Vandelay

Art Vandelay

Posted
Posted

Having had a couple of days to digest the latest disaster, here's my take on things. Might as well start at the back and work our way up.

Keeper - Fine. Szczęsny has the makings of a truly great goalkeeper and it often breaks my heart to see him having to pick the ball out of the net every five minutes. Of all our problems he's certainly not one of them. I'll say it again, fine.

Defence - Utterly disastrous. Cannot repel a set piece to save our lives, cannot implement even the most basic of offside traps, there's no visible signs of any form of communication between anyone but the keeper and the player who's just made the most recent apocalyptic error and it doesn't seem to make any difference who's actually playing there, the only consistent is how uniformly dreadful we are. Heaven knows what has happened to Djourou but he looks totally shorn of any confidence and ability. His cameo at the weekend was completely shocking.

Then we have Koscielny, possibly the most confounding player currently at the club. One minute he looks every inch the defender we've been after for years, then the next he's hoofing the ball into his own net or letting Yakubu give him the runaround. It's always been my opinion that some positions simply require someone who's unspectacular but consistent, centre half being one such of those positions. There are serious, frightening question marks over Koscielny's ability to be that man. What is also alarming is that Mertesacker was so easily bypassed at the weekend. If you're worried he's going to win everything in the air then just don't aim set pieces anywhere near him and target the litany of other players we have who are weak with anything aerial. It was a simple trick that was exploited again and again, and if a team as poor as Blackburn worked that out you'd have to suspect everyone else will too. I'm obviously willing to give Santos some more time, but that was an incredibly poor debut by anyone's standards.

One other major issue is that we don't seem to be able to get a good combination going at centre back. You'd probably say Mertesacker and Vermaelen are our strongest pairing, but with our propensity for having everyone injured all the time how often are they going to get to play with one another? You'd hope Santos will get better, but with no settled back four that's a tall order. The famous Graham defence was successful because you had four pretty good players who spent all week together. It's become obvious that's never likely to happen with what we currently have.

Midfield - It's my opinion that this is where an awful lot of our problems stem from. The five in midfield should dictate the shape of our team, but they fall apart with such regularity it's easy to see why the defence gets put under the cosh. The second we sold Fabregas we surrendered any chance of winning the league, selling Nasri compounded it, but Cesc is a huge loss that becomes more apparent with every passing game. Arteta is a fine signing, but like at Everton he drifts in and out of games and is unlikely to be the fulcrum he's replacing. We weren't good enough last season and now we're worse.

Like our defence we simply lack discipline. Song is all too likely to get caught too far upfield and although his assists are welcome, his main job should be to stop the other team scoring. The ease at which Blackburn and Swansea tore us apart on the break was astonishing. We can't just blame who ever we have at the back when they're being given no protection in front of them. That's not aimed solely at Song either, this should be the concern of every player on the pitch.

Up Front - Another area for concern. Van Persie is fantastic and if he hadn't of been in the form of his life since coming back we'd have been utterly fucked. We only have 16 points in the last 16 games and without him we wouldn't even have that. Any sort of injury to him would be season over as what we have in reserve is unlikely to be good enough.

Manager - I've stuck up for Wenger for years, but I just can't anymore. I think he's had a very hard job with no funds to work with and taking pelters from the fans because no-one on the board will, but the starting XI is pretty good on paper and it still can't overcome anyone but the weakest teams they face, and sometimes not even then. The board issues and the issues with the team should be separate by now. We have a team he's apparently happy with but it just isn't performing. The form is officially relegation standard. The only teams worse than us are Sunderland who since yesterday hadn't won a game at home since Christmas and Blackburn, a team who's fans are protesting about the manager. Wenger won't get sacked and won't walk away either so we're going to have to put up with it. But how long can it last? If we have a team that exhibits the same problems year after year then either the manager changes the way he does things or you find someone else who's willing to. Just because other teams made poor decisions when replacing their coaching staff doesn't mean we have to. I disagree that we couldn't attract a big name coach - we have a decent squad, one of the world's best grounds, amazing training facilities, great youth setup and are a commercial behemoth. It's just a great shame and incredibly sad that many of these things are thanks to the man that might just have had his day.

9
Link to comment
Share on other sites
JDubYes

JDubYes

Posted
Posted

I agree with much of the above. The only thing I would add is that I don't think Van Persie up front on his own is helping at this point, as he's both a 'forward' rather than a 'striker' and can be a bit of a black hole with regard to the ball, and I don't know that that's what we need right now. Much as it pains me to say it, I think we'd probably have been better off on Saturday if we'd had a fit and motivated Adebayor than RVP (if we were going to play that 4-5-1 derivative), purely because of his style of play, and it was telling that we looked dangerous again after the introduction of Chamakh.

As far as Wenger, I agree with AV. In a sense, the worst thing about it for me is that this is the first time in a while where I actually think replacing him (or, preferably, moving him upstairs) would actually be preferable to sticking it out, purely on the basis that this team isn't a prototypical Wenger team, or one that revolves around players that are more loyal to him than the club (as Henry, Pires, Fabregas, etc have sometimes seemed to be in the past).

Our defence is made up of, as I see it, good defenders who are poorly coached. Our midfield is no longer as dependent on or likely to strictly to adhere to his ways. Our forward players are good but seem often to be used in ways that don't best suit them.

I can't imagine ever booing him (but then I don't do that anyway), and I love him for what he's done for us, and the legacy he'll leave behind, but I'm now wondering if we wouldn't be better without him managing the team.

I'm now going to paraphrase Batman, as it seems relevant here - "you either leave a hero, or stick around long enough to become the villain."

2
Link to comment
Share on other sites
phresh

phresh

Posted
Posted

A mate has got hospitality tickets to tomorrow nights game so a few of us are going along (not sure the atmosphere will be amazing but can't argue with free tickets!) and i'm just wondering if anyone could advise on the best way to get to the stadium when traveling from the west. I can get a direct train into Waterloo but not sure of the best route to take from there. Plus I can't get on Arsenal.com due to our work filter. Thanks in advance!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Dude Ranch

Dude Ranch

Posted
Posted

I agree with much of the above. The only thing I would add is that I don't think Van Persie up front on his own is helping at this point, as he's both a 'forward' rather than a 'striker' and can be a bit of a black hole with regard to the ball, and I don't know that that's what we need right now. Much as it pains me to say it, I think we'd probably have been better off on Saturday if we'd had a fit and motivated Adebayor than RVP (if we were going to play that 4-5-1 derivative), purely because of his style of play, and it was telling that we looked dangerous again after the introduction of Chamakh.

I could not agree more. RvP is class and it's to his immense credit that his scoring record is so amazing. But the way the team plays just does not suit him and vice versa. I think the shape of the entire team causes most of our problems, we're a shambles and the players aren't intelligent or experienced enough to be flexible but still secure as a unit. It was all fun and games when we had disciplined, clever and class players all over the pitch but we don't have that right now. I think we need to go back to basics and play a standard formation for a while, at least domestically. I think we look like the least organised and professional team in the whole of the Prem at the moment.

EDIT: Calm down, it's all fine..

Claude Puel and Remi Garde have offered their backing to under-fire Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
wev

wev

Posted
Posted

Wow, thats a name I've not heard in a long long time, Remi Garde!

In regards to RvP I think his annoyance at Gervinho is pretty telling, almost as if he demands things to be played through him or at least expects it to, not in a bad way but I think he's shouldering all of the clubs and fans hopes in a system that doesn't really play to his strengths.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Daley

Daley

Posted
Posted

Wow, thats a name I've not heard in a long long time, Remi Garde!

In regards to RvP I think his annoyance at Gervinho is pretty telling, almost as if he demands things to be played through him or at least expects it to, not in a bad way but I think he's shouldering all of the clubs and fans hopes in a system that doesn't really play to his strengths.

Or it shows he would have been in clear on goal in the box with just the keeper to beat if Gervinho played a simple 3 yard pass instead of delaying, and then shooting. Putting us 3-1 up if I remember correctly, not that comedy defending wouldn't have let that slip either.

The defence rarely bothers to attack the ball from set pieces (Song's dreadful own goal from a piss-poor weak free kick.)

When they do, they do it like comedy Koscienly who misses.

The offside line was a joke through the whole game, but what do you expect in a team that has been thrown together at the last minute.

It comes down to a lack of discipline all round if you ask me. Cheap free kicks given away, sloppy defending, not being clinical at the other end. It's all too lazy and sloppy and ill-disciplined. Also the red-card fever at the start of the season is down to this. Average players can be made into a good defence and as Arsenal have proved this season (and for the last few) good players can be a poor defence too, if not organised properly.

I am not sure how long I have been saying this but it really is true: No more trophies under Wenger. :(

The only question is, how bad will it get before he goes?

Massive game against Bolton on Saturday.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
wev

wev

Posted
Posted

Or it shows he would have been in clear on goal in the box with just the keeper to beat if Gervinho played a simple 3 yard pass instead of delaying, and then shooting.

Which would have been another case of us trying to pass it into the net, I was actually happy to see someone other than RvP shoulder some responsibility for a change and take a chance on goal, theres too much of a belief in the team at times that we have to get it to the Glass Dutchman.

1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Dude Ranch

Dude Ranch

Posted
Posted

I am not sure how long I have been saying this but it really is true: No more trophies under Wenger. :(

Well, we all know he inherited the back four and had the good sense not to tinker with that. He also knew the French market which was brilliant at the time, had a scouting network second to none and bought well for goodish money. Not much coaching to be done with the likes of Petit, Vieira, Henry, Ljungberg, Overmars and Pires. Just let them play. I think our brand of football was new in England, admired and respected. That helped. I'm starting to think right man, right place, right time. Never to be repeated. I think he nailed it big time but it's over. If you haven't got the money you need to be a top coach and tactician. Wenger doesn't seem to be one. I'd love to see what Mourinho could do with our squad. I think they need coaching, tactics and a dose of reality. I don't think Wenger can offer any of those.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Dude Ranch

Dude Ranch

Posted
Posted

Which would have been another case of us trying to pass it into the net, I was actually happy to see someone other than RvP shoulder some responsibility for a change and take a chance on goal, theres too much of a belief in the team at times that we have to get it to the Glass Dutchman.

It was a pass you'd have expected more or less any player to make at that time in the match IMO. Rooney layed (tried to lay) one on a plate for Berbatov yesterday when he could easily have scored himself. That was team thinking, the ruthlessness we don't have. It's not typical Arsenal walking it into the net, it was common sense. Gervinho to RvP, game over. At 2-1 the whole team needs to be switched on. Switched on, that phrase just doesn't apply to us.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Daley

Daley

Posted
Posted
Which would have been another case of us trying to pass it into the net

I disagree. RvP was in a much better position. Still this is irrelevant as scoring 3 away from home should be enough usually. As long as your defence aren't all doing this when the ball comes near them:

:omg: :OMG: :omg: :OMG:

Mourinho.

As much as I think the man is a massive cunt, I would be curious too. But there is no way he is going anywhere but Man Utd when Fergie finally pisses off. Unless Man City make him an offer he can't refuse.

No, it will be Wenger who chooses his successor too. This board haven't got the guts, or the football knowledge, to get rid of Wenger or choose his successor.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Cosmic_Guru

Cosmic_Guru

Posted
Posted

What's the nearest tube to your ground? Got a ticket for tomorrow night in the Shrews end. Salop!

Err...that would be the Arsenal station on the Picadilly line - just a stone's throw from Highbury and a longer throw from the Emirates. Alternatively, an easy walk from either Finsbury Park or Highbury & islington on the Victoria line.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Steve007

Steve007

Posted
Posted

Or it shows he would have been in clear on goal in the box with just the keeper to beat if Gervinho played a simple 3 yard pass instead of delaying, and then shooting. Putting us 3-1 up if I remember correctly, not that comedy defending wouldn't have let that slip either.

That's the problem though, we have proved we can't even hang on to a 4 goal lead! We famously blew a 4-0 lead at Newcastle last season, then there was the Spurs debacle at the Emirates two seasons ago - the defence is crap. No other word for it. I put the defensive problems last year down to the absence of Vermaelen. But before he got injured this season he was pretty poor.

It's too early to judge the new signings, but Santos looks really dodgy and Mertesacker has the turning speed of an oil tanker.

I also feel sorry for Chesney because I think he's really decent. Maybe one day he'll have a decent defence in front of him, if he decides to stick around.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
toythatkills

toythatkills

Posted
Posted

Are we playing a full strength side tomorrow or are the kids getting a run out? On one hand it makes sense to keep the back four together to get them used to playing with each other, but shipping five goals to Shrewsbury could do more harm than good to morale.

Also, it's about time I asked: does anyone know how to say "szczesny"?

I've heard "shezney," "chezney," and "s-chezney" from various commentators. Are any of them right?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. Use of this website is subject to our Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Guidelines.

  I accept