No Shame In Our Game

from the bunker

CARLING CUP Quarterfinal

Ashburton Grove

Referee:  Lee Probert

Arsenal 0-1 Manchester City 29 November 2011

Aguero [83]

When the line-ups were released for this match I have to say I had a cheeky feeling we just might sneak this one. I had no idea that we would put in such a massive shift all over the park and after 90 minutes feel hard-done by to lose by a single strike from one of City’s plethora of high-priced attacking players.

From the outset it looked as though Mancini’s tactic was to keep us at arms’ length until the later stages, then bring on some of his even bigger guns to try and finish us off. This was never more evident than in the dozen or so passes to Pantilimon over a period of about 2 minutes early on, most of which came from Savic. That tactic, it appeared would get turned on its head somewhat, because we made a strong start and it was apparent we would give them a match.

True Grit

from the factory floor

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

Ashburton Grove

Referee:  Mike Dean

Arsenal 1-1 Fulham 26 November 2011

Vermaelen [OG-65, 82]

For a few matches now there has been a common theme, that we were able to dig out a result when a month or so ago that possibility would have been very much called into question.  After quite the exertion in midweek to land the top spot in our Champions League group, a drop-off in energy and performance did not pose much of a surprise.

That drop-off wasn’t matched at the Football Factory. Our minion of NY Gooners turned back the clock with some true grouchy old man style ranting, a necessary evil due both to the scrappy affair unfolding and the need to establish a good view of the match on the odd array of screens on the main level. In a way it seems fitting that so many tourists are subject to the coarse vulgarities on offer. This is New York City after all.

Andrei Arshavin, Arshavin, Arshavin

OBEY

It would be a good time for this gent to get himself back into form. We approach a crucial phase of the season now, with fixtures coming thick and fast. With Wenger admitting in his L’Equipe interview that he realizes the same period last year took a toll on the team, and with the recent revelation that Van Persie was released from Holland duty because he was ‘in the red,’ we can use some quality to take the burden off of the skipper.

Andrei Arshavin doubtless has the needed class to help bridge that gap in the squad when RVP needs a break. Perhaps having secured Euro participation and the World Cup in two years’ time, the Russian can focus on club matters. I wouldn’t mind seeing him return to the team for Fulham, especially as he could use the time ahead of the Carling Cup match against City.


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Zzzzshoooop, Zzzzshoooop, Zzzzshoooop, Zzzzshoooop

from the bunker

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

Carrow Road

Referee:  Phil Dowd

Norwich City v Arsenal 19 November 2011

Morison [16] Van Persie [27, 59]

Over the past few seasons the promoted sides have proven somewhat of a challenge to the Arsenal particularly in the early part of the season. With the disruption of international friendlies these matches can be even trickier, as the opponents often have few call-ups to national sides and can spend a good 10 days getting the bus parked just right in front of the goal.

The expected rearguard action from the hosts produced a series of goal-line clearances, and the usual lack of cutting edge from the boys in red made for a frustrating afternoon.  For once such a display wasn’t down to that bloody handbrake. We cut them open time and again but a combination of poor finishing and resilient defending meant a score line that very much flattered the team in yellow.

You are a...Sepp Blatter

Wrinkly Old Git

The FIFA president has a long history of cringe worthy statements, from his views on women’s football, to goal line technology, to slavery, and now he thinks all’s fair just so long as you offer a handshake afterwards. Worse yet, he’s often unapologetic about his own ludicrous declarations and remains the poster boy for corruption in football. Let’s put it another way, Sepp: you have put many of us in the quite untenable position of agreement with Rio Ferdinand. You sir, are a cunt.


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Return of the Prodigal Son

Cesc sets up Arshavin for the second against Braga at home in last year's Champions League group stage.

I still have mixed feelings about Fabregas' departure. It's probably too early yet in the post-Cesc Arsenal era to give it the proper perspective. It does seem apropos however to give this drawing an airing on the day he returns to London. He’ll only face Theo from the current side, which will perhaps mean to him that it seems like he is still playing for us against the old enemies. Without getting into what his departure has meant to our side [both good and bad] or into slagging off his current club, I will say that I am glad he is doing well. He is a truly immense footballer and in the end it has been privilege to watch him do what he does best. 

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Thomas Vermaelen

Crush. Kill. Destroy.

Just what we've been missing in defense. The cold dead eyes of a killer. 

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There is only one Arsene Wenger

Bawse.

Faith in this man has been sorely tested and I have certainly had my doubts but Arsene Wenger just continues to impress with the undying commitment to his style of football and his principles of how to achieve it. He has suffered a series of unbelievable situations in recent times that might undo another manager but the signs are very good that he is in the midst of a quite remarkable turnaround. All of the players that have come in over the summer have shown at the very least glimpses of quality, some have stood out with excellent performances, and  others have shown remarkable growth since last season.

Through it all he has maintained a level of class and dignity that is a credit to him and the club. The players appear to be playing for each other again. A grittiness has returned. We can be proud of the efforts we see every week. We can look forward to the matches again. These things are down to the manager. He deserves a great deal of continued support and respect for surviving such an awful start and for building the side back up after some massive departures. Let's get behind him and the team and see how far we can go this season.


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Theo Walcott scores the opener vs. Blackpool 21 Aug 2010

Early evidence in the 2010-11 season of much improved finishing from Theo.  

I give this boy quite a lot of stick, and a little unfairly perhaps given his late start in the game. So it's only fair to recognize his continued progress. I like what what we're seeing so far with him this season. Last year his finishing took a step forward for me, and this year it appears he is rounding out his decision making. It's easy to forget how young he still is due to the 5 years of media hype surrounding him.


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Van Persie assists first goal @ Blackburn 28 Aug 2010

Van Persie setting up Walcott's opening goal at Ewood Park last season. 

The interlull is a perfect time for me to publish a few efforts from the archive. Figured I'd give the Captain the first post in honor of his unbelievable form this season. Like so many of his actions, he had instant control with the first touch and with virtually no backlift slotted the ball with the outside of his foot for an onrushing Theo to bury.


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Walking The Walk?

from the fort greene bunker

Barclays Premier League

Arsenal 3-0 West Brom 05 November 2011

Van Persie [22], Vermaelen [39], Arteta [74]

Our captain has been lauded for his impressive strike rate this season but he himself has admitted there is room for improvement when it comes to setting up goals for his teammates. That would be addressed with some interest, but not before he arrived in perfect time to put us ahead against West Brom.

The visitors defended gamely and limited space to the degree that we struggled to find any real threat in our attack, but at the first opportunity Ramsey played a wonderful pass between the back four, Walcott latched onto it, and the rebound from his shot was slammed home by Van Persie. Quick thinking and delightful execution from Rambo, who has steadily grown into the creative charge he has been given in midfield. Like a boss.

Puxatawny Marseilles

from the Fort Greene bunker

Champions League Group Stage

Arsenal 0–0 Marseilles  1 November 2011

I missed the first 30 minutes of the match, which apparently had the best chances but couldn’t take them. It appeared we’d have a repeat of the trip to Marseilles, so I settled in for another session of teeth gnashing. After the match on Saturday it would be churlish to complain, but we looked jaded, to borrow some Wengerspeak.

Song and Vermaelen were our best players on the pitch. Vermaelen marshaled a clean sheet with 3 players beside him that arrived in the summer, and one of them is a dozy Brazilian left-back with absolutely no positional sense whatsoever [and as seen on Saturday, who also apparently can’t dance]. Though this was his first complete 90 minutes since his return, he did this against a team that was lightning quick on the counter and as such has a reputation for being stronger away from home. Think Aston Villa a few seasons ago. For once a player’s words are backed up by his performances.

Momentum Selector DJ Wenger

"Sometimes if you take a team on a roll there is no need to change it. You can defend any [decision] but when a team is on a positive experience, why not? That is what I have to decide."

On the other hand, if you make one or two changes here and there to the side when the team is on a roll, you can breed that successful mentality and experience into every member of the squad. In this way, when the inevitable injuries, suspensions, and/or absences [say for African Nations Cup in January] occur, those deputizing for the missing are better equipped and there should be a lesser drop in overall performance.

In fact, if done correctly, there will be little to no drop, and those making up the XI would not be considered ‘deputies’ at all. There is a saying about top level managers and coaches that they don’t rebuild [each season after player departures], they reload. There is an opportunity to achieve this cycle even within the season, if the squad and players are used properly.