LU Arsenal Brigade II

[Twizzle]

Squillaci was a flop at Seville, I could never understand why you guys bought him.

I remember telling you guys at the time he was bottom of the barrel.

I was disappointed we didn't get Arshavin, dodged a bullet there.

 

[CC_Eagle]

Squillaci was a flop at Seville, I could never understand why you guys bought him.

I remember telling you guys at the time he was bottom of the barrel.

I was disappointed we didn't get Arshavin, dodged a bullet there.

Having never seen him play for Seville, I was nothing but naive about him.

On paper, he looked to be a decent signing :

* International experience.
* CL experience.
* Has played for some top European clubs.
* Mature.
* Cheap.


Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

 

[greeny12]

All good and well we might be getting rid of them.... but still doesn't fix the problem of who is replacing them.

We have no depth. I agree we should get rid of this dead wood... but now we'll be short another defender, and another winger. Unless Wenger buys there is no point celebrating selling someone. Just going on transfer seasons passed.

 

[BunniesMan]

Squillaci and Arshavin add nothing. Them being gone even if not replaced is a good thing.

A while ago Wenger did say we can't buy until we sell because we're at our stupid articial wage cap.

Squillaci is on decent coin and Arshavin on great coin, getting rid of their wages should give us the room to sign players like Cissokho or Shaqiri.

http://www.debatabledecisions.com/tables

Some very interesting stats. While not an exact science in a perfect world we would be 3rd instead of 5th and we've had the worst treatment in the league at the hand of the refs.

So when you consider the facts we are last in bad decisions made against us and we are top of the "injury table", being 5th is theoretically our absolute floor. Hopefully the second half of the season more players come back from injury than get injured and the bad calls start evening out for us and we might get another 1 or 2 places up the table.

 

[greeny12]

Well that's it. Wenger has lost his brains. He starts Chamberlain and the kid proves that he can match it with the big boys.. he was our best of the park. As soon as we score and we are starting to get serious momentum down Chamberlain's flank, what does Wenger do? Brings on Arshavin for our best player. The reaction from RVP says it all really. That was ours to win at the back of the 2nd half. But Arshavin loses his man in the box and they score the 2nd. f**king disgusting.

Europa league will be fun next year. I don't blame RVP for going elsewhere either, when shit like this happens, what do you expect.

(I'm fresh from watching the game so bare with my anger. Sorry)

 

[BunniesMan]

FFS. Momentum was ours, we should have at least got a point and were threatening to get all 3 and then he subs our star of the game. We're dropping points over and over because of the refusal to get a leftback.

And about Arshavin, Gary Neville who is usually a wanker got it right:

But Arshavin’s mistake at not closing down Antonio Valencia on Welbeck’s winner drew fierce criticism from TV pundit Gary Neville.
Neville said: “You don’t like to criticise players, but he (Arshavin) looks the most disinterested player in the league to me. He doesn’t like our weather. He doesn’t like our women. I think he wants to go back to Russia. Well, go back.
“The Arsenal fans don’t want him out there. If the captain’s (Van Persie) reacting like that, you’ve got problems.”

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...in-upsets-fans-and-captain-article856571.html

 

[CC_Eagle]

I'm neither pro-Wenger, or anti-Wenger. But Ox was subbed due to a stretched calf, mid-week illness and the fact he is only 18 and had played 75 minutes at EPL level for the first time. Wenger acknowledged Arshavin's recent shortcomings and Ox's talent by starting the latter above the Russian. Why would he bring on a player who he thought wasn't in good enough form to start, to replace the form player of the game unless it was absolutely necessary?

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/-we-played-our-game-but-weren-t-rewarded-

Arshavin is hardly at fault for Wellbeck's goal. He was defending as a LWB, tracked Nani well until Song decided to run away as Vermaelen watched the ball. Arshavin's job isn't to defend remember. I'm as critical as anyone regarding his perceived lack of work ethic (I feel that his work-rate has improved 100% since last season, and is better than Walcott in defense), but if a player walks into the box, around three players it's hardly the fault of a LW.

I'm hoping that those who booed the substitution were doing so for tactical reasons, rather than against the introduction of Andrey. Booing a guy who is clearly low on confidence is hardly going to result in him playing well. I don't care if it's Cygan, Squillaci, Eboue, Almunia or Arshavin; booing your players is nonconstructive and wrong.

Gary Neville should stick to looking like the filthy Manc he is. Has he ever been to Russia? Clearly London in January is far more pleasant than that of St Petersburg. And what's this rubbish about "not liking the women"? Andrey has been married for a number of years.

RvP's reaction (which wasn't that bad in reality) was against Ox, who was the most dangerous player on the pitch, being subbed off. Rather than Arshavin being introduced. For all we know he could have opposed Park being brought on.

As I mentioned above, I'm neither pro-Wenger or anti-Wenger. I am however a realist, and a dose of realism needs to be considered before reverting to a UK tabloid inspired witchunt :

* Arsenal were playing the reigning league champions.

* The difference between the two sides on paper, both on the field and on the bench was staggering. United had Hernandez and Berbatov, Arsenal had Park and Benayoun.

* Arsenal were missing their first and second choice RB and LB's, playing a side who not only have very good wide players, but also like to play a quick and wide game. Arsenal were once again playing a fourth choice CB as a RB. Whose performance was that bad, that a 18 year old was brought on to make his debut in Djourou's place.

* In total, Arsenal were, and still are missing : Wilshere, Arteta, Diaby, Gibbs, Santos, Sagna, Jenkinson, Coquelin, Diaby, Gervinho, Henry and Chamakh. You take twelve players out of any side and see how well they play, especially against United. Bearing in mind that out of those eleven, five are guaranteed starting players.

* RvP's miss from two centimetres out. Usually he'd slot the ball into the net with his nose, facing backwards and doing a handstand.

I do think that we deserved a draw, and feel proud of the efforts of the players. Namely Koscielny who was a standout MOTM for mine (he was responsible for RvP's goal) and the energetic AOC, who needs to play a lot more from now on.

The usual brigade of unrealistic Football Manager addicts will join the predicted chorus of demanding that Wenger spend millions on a LB or RB ASAP. Forgetting that in a few weeks, that player, or one of our existing squad members will be relegated to the reserves. What's the point in paying millions for someone who'll only be used for a handful of games?

I don't have the answer on how Arsenal and Arsene can improve. But I know it will start with having a healthier squad on the pitch. People forget that this is the same group who trounced Chelsea 5-3 at home.

 

[Habitual Linestepper]

I do think that we deserved a draw, and feel proud of the efforts of the players. Namely Koscielny who was a standout MOTM for mine (he was responsible for RvP's goal) and the energetic AOC, who needs to play a lot more from now on.

The usual brigade of unrealistic Football Manager addicts will join the chorus of demanding that Wenger spend millions on a LB or RB ASAP. Forgetting that in a few weeks, that player, or one of our existing squad members will be relegated to the reserves. What's the point in paying millions for someone who'll only be used for a handful of games?

I don't have the answer on how Arsenal and Arsene can improve. But I know it will start with having a healthier squad on the pitch. People forget that this is the same group who trounced Chelsea 5-3 at home.

Koscielny was easily our player in the game. Forgot the amount of times one of United's billion crosses (Do they do anything else?) was saved by Koscielny darting in front of one of their strikers.

No one with half a brain wants us to buy an outside back. We need to loan one in. Wayne Bridge is available, and as shit as he is there's no way he is as bad as Djourou. A back four of Koscielny, Mertesacker, Vermaelen and Bridge is more solid than any defence that has Djourou in it. Or what about Taiwo, who it now looks like is going ON LOAN to QPR. Why didn't we get him?

Santos is months away so until then we have to rely on an injury prone Gibbs, who is still weeks away, or move our second best CB out to the left again, where in all honesty, he isn't great.

Chelsea were a shambles when we beat them. They Lost to QPR (granted they were down to 9 men), drew with Genk, were lucky to beat Blackburn, lost to Liverpool twice and lost to Bayer Leverkusen all around the time that we beat them.

We have a first team that is capable of getting us back into the top 4:

Szczesny
Sagna Kos Vermaelen Santos
Song Arteta
Wilshere
AOC RvP Gervinho

Whether or not we get to see anything close to that enough to get us there is another story. We are just lucky that Chelsea are pretty poor atm, fingers crossed they don't bring anyone new in.

 

[CC_Eagle]

Taiwo is possibly going to QPR?!

F*cking hell..He's too good to be at QPR.

 

[Habitual Linestepper]

 

[WireMan]

I'm neither pro-Wenger, or anti-Wenger. But Ox was subbed due to a stretched calf, mid-week illness and the fact he is only 18 and had played 75 minutes at EPL level for the first time. Wenger acknowledged Arshavin's recent shortcomings and Ox's talent by starting the latter above the Russian. Why would he bring on a player who he thought wasn't in good enough form to start, to replace the form player of the game unless it was absolutely necessary?

Agree. All the fans suddenly became bigger experts than the guy who has performed miracles even keeping Arsenal a force at the top of the prem. Nah.

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/-we-played-our-game-but-weren-t-rewarded-

Arshavin is hardly at fault for Wellbeck's goal. He was defending as a LWB, tracked Nani well until Song decided to run away as Vermaelen watched the ball. Arshavin's job isn't to defend remember. I'm as critical as anyone regarding his perceived lack of work ethic (I feel that his work-rate has improved 100% since last season, and is better than Walcott in defense), but if a player walks into the box, around three players it's hardly the fault of a LW.

I'm hoping that those who booed the substitution were doing so for tactical reasons, rather than against the introduction of Andrey. Booing a guy who is clearly low on confidence is hardly going to result in him playing well. I don't care if it's Cygan, Squillaci, Eboue, Almunia or Arshavin; booing your players is nonconstructive and wrong.

A bit pointless booing your own player, but i think they were booing the decision to take your only decent player on the day off.

Arshavin could of worked harder for the goal, but defending is a team effort and your left back left him high and dry. He is an attacking forward, of course a professional winger has a good chance of getting past him, so why no cover? Then when he does get past him he is able to get into box with no challenge. Poor team play there which has happened a lot and needs sorting.

Gary Neville should stick to looking like the filthy Manc he is. Has he ever been to Russia? Clearly London in January is far more pleasant than that of St Petersburg. And what's this rubbish about "not liking the women"? Andrey has been married for a number of years.

Filthy Manc? Your sounded a little childish there mate.
A city with all your mates in, the nicest city in Russia or somewhere where he must feel isolated that is a horrible city. I can see why he would want to go home. Maybe it was the panic around selling Nasri and Fab that meant he had to stay.

RvP's reaction (which wasn't that bad in reality) was against Ox, who was the most dangerous player on the pitch, being subbed off. Rather than Arshavin being introduced. For all we know he could have opposed Park being brought on.

Yup, i agree.

As I mentioned above, I'm neither pro-Wenger or anti-Wenger. I am however a realist, and a dose of realism needs to be considered before reverting to a UK tabloid inspired witchunt :

* Arsenal were playing the reigning league champions.

* The difference between the two sides on paper, both on the field and on the bench was staggering. United had Hernandez and Berbatov, Arsenal had Park and Benayoun.

The difference isn't that great on paper. Its just one team are the champions, play as a team and no what they are doing. The other is a load of individuals that are known to be quite weak mentally.

* Arsenal were missing their first and second choice RB and LB's, playing a side who not only have very good wide players, but also like to play a quick and wide game. Arsenal were once again playing a fourth choice CB as a RB. Whose performance was that bad, that a 18 year old was brought on to make his debut in Djourou's place.

* In total, Arsenal were, and still are missing : Wilshere, Arteta, Diaby, Gibbs, Santos, Sagna, Jenkinson, Coquelin, Diaby, Gervinho, Henry and Chamakh. You take twelve players out of any side and see how well they play, especially against United. Bearing in mind that out of those eleven, five are guaranteed starting players.

United were missing Vidic and Rio from defence, and Jones went of early, we also missed Anderson, Cleverly, Young and Fletcher from mid, and Nani went of injured.

So don't cry about injuries.

* RvP's miss from two centimetres out. Usually he'd slot the ball into the net with his nose, facing backwards and doing a handstand.

Meh, it happens.

I do think that we deserved a draw, and feel proud of the efforts of the players. Namely Koscielny who was a standout MOTM for mine (he was responsible for RvP's goal) and the energetic AOC, who needs to play a lot more from now on.

You didn't. Arsernal were second best and got the result they deserved.

Don't rely in AOC to much, Walcott had the same impact, Macheda did for us. Sometimes you can have a wow of a start but do nothing else. You need to trust Wenger to manage him properly.

The usual brigade of unrealistic Football Manager addicts will join the predicted chorus of demanding that Wenger spend millions on a LB or RB ASAP. Forgetting that in a few weeks, that player, or one of our existing squad members will be relegated to the reserves. What's the point in paying millions for someone who'll only be used for a handful of games?

I don't have the answer on how Arsenal and Arsene can improve. But I know it will start with having a healthier squad on the pitch. People forget that this is the same group who trounced Chelsea 5-3 at home.

Agree any signing now would be rash and be exactly the same thing he was critised for in the summer.

You need to play as a team, especially in defence, others need to step up to help RVP. AOC did a bit, but thats not nearly enough.

 

[BunniesMan]

The injuries excuse is bullshit. United are one of the few teams as injured as us.

As for the excuses for AOC being subbed off, all BS. He was playing his best in the immediate minutes before he was subbed. Wenger even admitted it was a mistake, and that's saying a lot by his stubborn standards.

As for signing fullbacks. We need a RB on loan until Sagna is back. But what's this about only needing a loan at LB? WTF has Gibbs and Santos done to prove they are the longterm answers? Bring in a legit leftback and have those 2 compete with him for spots.

A spot in the 1st XI of a big club should not be handed out to kids to prove themselves. AOC had to fight for his. After months he's finally had the chance to show he's good enough. That's what happens when you make a talented player fight for a spot. Look at what happened to Theo when he was given games on a silver platter for years.

Buy someone like a Cissokho or a Taiwo and have some competition for spots.

Another reason reinforcements in the above positions are urgent: it's an absolute disgrace for our best centreback to be playing out of position. We're weakening a strength to plug a hole elsewhere and that's never a long term option.

Buy a leftback, loan a rightback, Verm and Kos should be the CB's, Per the depth on the bench.

That's not asking too much for January. I'm over expecting the striker we need. Wenger will have to lose RVP this summer before he thinks he needs a striker.

 

[CC_Eagle]

Arshavin could of worked harder for the goal, but defending is a team effort and your left back left him high and dry. He is an attacking forward, of course a professional winger has a good chance of getting past him, so why no cover? Then when he does get past him he is able to get into box with no challenge. Poor team play there which has happened a lot and needs sorting.

Agreed.

Filthy Manc? Your sounded a little childish there mate.
A city with all your mates in, the nicest city in Russia or somewhere where he must feel isolated that is a horrible city. I can see why he would want to go home. Maybe it was the panic around selling Nasri and Fab that meant he had to stay.

Was more out of frustration at Neville's unjustified, ill informed conga-line comments. I'm all for ex-players pursuing careers as pundits, but if their opinions offer nothing more than the bloke sinking a pint in a bar around the corner, what's the point?

The difference isn't that great on paper. Its just one team are the champions, play as a team and no what they are doing. The other is a load of individuals that are known to be quite weak mentally. United were missing Vidic and Rio from defence, and Jones went of early, we also missed Anderson, Cleverly, Young and Fletcher from mid, and Nani went of injured.

So don't cry about injuries.

When you take into account the positional impacts, and the quality of the substitutes, it certainly is.

Yes, United are without Rio, Vidic in defense; but they are able to bring on Evans, Jones or Smailing in the middle, and either Smailing, Jones, Rafael or Fabio on the flanks. All of which except the two Brazilians are internationals and adept at the positions in which they play. Djourou is a fourth choice CB, and an even worse choice RB and Vermaelen has never played as a LB for Arsenal. Against quality wingers like Nani and Valencia, it's near suicide.

United lost Young, they bring in Valencia. Fletcher is out, in comes Anderson, Carrick or Giggs. Even if Nani is injured, on comes Park. Whilst I acknowledge Cleverly's talent, he's not a key player for United just yet.

Arsenal lose Wilshere and Arteta, who are then covered by a 21 year old Ramsey and Rosicky. Gervinho's absence means AOC starts his first league game.

United too have been hit hard by injuries, but the difference is in the calibre of player they are able to bring in. Plus their fullbacks are actual fullbacks, not 3rd choice.

Don't rely in AOC to much, Walcott had the same impact, Macheda did for us. Sometimes you can have a wow of a start but do nothing else. You need to trust Wenger to manage him properly.

Walcott needs to improve if he wants a new contract. Simple as that.

Agree any signing now would be rash and be exactly the same thing he was critised for in the summer.You need to play as a team, especially in defence, others need to step up to help RVP. AOC did a bit, but thats not nearly enough.

Agreed and agreed.

 

[greeny12]

Arsenal lose Wilshere and Arteta, who are then covered by a 21 year old Ramsey and Rosicky. Gervinho's absence means AOC starts his first league game.

United too have been hit hard by injuries, but the difference is in the calibre of player they are able to bring in. Plus their fullbacks are actual fullbacks, not 3rd choice.

That's pretty much it. Our squad depth is unfortunately not good. Our replacements are no where near the quality that the other top 4 sides have (maybe bar Spurs).

 

[boxhead]

Spurs depth in central midfield is much better, as far as other areas go though Arsenal have superior depth.

 

[CC_Eagle]

That's pretty much it. Our squad depth is unfortunately not good. Our replacements are no where near the quality that the other top 4 sides have (maybe bar Spurs).

At the moment, definitely.

With a full strength squad, it's actually not too bad :

Szcz

Sagna - Verm - Kos - Gibbs


Song - Arteta - Wilshere

Gervinho Walcott

RvP


Almunia
Ramsey
Diaby
Mertesacker
AOC
Santos
Arshavin


Meaning players such as Chamakh, Benayoun, Park, Coquelin, Squillaci, Jenkinson and Miquel are in the reserves. Whereas at the moment, they're regular 1st team players.

 

[Jason Maher]

I was planning on trolling, but you guys are being so rational in defeat, it would be no fun. Happy with the 3 points, and we bossed it in the first half. Arsene obviously put a rocket up you guys at half time, because it was much more even in the second. I too was surprised by AOC being subbed. He was the only player who seriously troubled us.

 

[WireMan]

Spurs depth in central midfield is much better, as far as other areas go though Arsenal have superior depth.

I disagree.

The first team for Arsenal is better than Spurs but depth all over Spurs is better. Up front, no Adebayor, in comes Defoe. No RVP in comes Chamack or Park. Urgh.

In defence Arsenal have two quality centre backs, one alright fullback and after that a Djourou.

 

[CC_Eagle]

I disagree.

The first team for Arsenal is better than Spurs but depth all over Spurs is better. Up front, no Adebayor, in comes Defoe. No RVP in comes Chamack or Park. Urgh.

In defence Arsenal have two quality centre backs, one alright fullback and after that a Djourou.

My point exactly

Although, I would now class Kos as a "quality centre back" tbh.

 

[BunniesMan]

My point exactly

Although, I would now class Kos as a "quality centre back" tbh.

I assumed he meant Kos was one of the two quality CB's...IMO everyone fit he's the automatic starter and Per is on the bench.