It is certainly a testing time to be a Gooner, especially when taking the latest setback against Liverpool into account. The line-up chosen by Arsene Wenger clearly illustrated his limit in calling up players at his disposal.
Samir Nasri was a surprise starter in the Arsenal line-up alongside debutants Manu Frimpong and Carl Jenkinson. Apart from that there were many familiar faces that faced Kenny Dalglish's side. Robin Van Persie led the team as Captain for the first time but it was not a match he would remember in the long run.
Chances were far and few in between with most actions centred around the middle of the pitch. mad redo1 missed the whole of the first half but learned that Ignasi Miguel became another debutant in the Premier League when he replaced fellow defender Laurent Koscielny who hobbled off the pitch early in the match.
It was during the last half an hour that mad redo1 sat his butt at Idaman Nelayan Restaurant, just a short walk from his home.
Frimpong was said to have been a bundle of nerves with an aggressive performance that earned a yellow card in the first half. He earned another yellow in the second for a stupid tackle which meant an early break from the shower he was having on the pitch.
It was a bad turned to worse moment and Arsenal were under more pressure from that moment on. But another good performance by Wos Szczesny in goal ensured the score was level. That was until eleven minutes from time when Miguel's clearance hit Aaron Ramsey and looped over Szczesny who could do nothing.
There was a hint of offside when Miguel cleared the ball as he was under pressure from Luis Suarez who was offside when Raul Meireles threaded the ball to him. But the was no flag and Arsene Wenger was clearly frustrated with his team's misfortune.
mad redo1 clearly saw Theo Walcott has lost his 'mojo' with almost no significant contribution at all during the period of the match that he watched. Perhaps the allegation that he does not have 'the football brain' could be true after all.
At one-nil there was still hope a draw but that hope were all but extinguished when Suarez tapped in a Meireles pass into the empty net. The win was the first for Liverpool at The Emirates but for Arsenal it is certainly an indication of a bigger problem.
With Nasri expected to depart London for Manchester in the coming days it would be a threadbare squad for Arsene to choose from for the visit to Old Trafford next week. But first thing in the agenda for Wenger would be the trip to Udine where a clean sheet would be most welcomed.
It was a trying time us but to jump ship certainly shows how shallow some Gooners are.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
Saturday 20 August 2011
Friday 19 August 2011
Testing Time
It was not a bright start to the season for Gooners, both on and off the pitch.
On the pitch, Arsenal could only take a point from their visit to Newcastle United but lost a number of players for the subsequent matches due to injuries and suspensions. Gervinho and Alex Song would miss three matches for their actions during the match while there are doubts concerning the availability of defenders Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou for the weekend clash at home to Liverpool, following knocks picked up during the Champions' League qualifier against Udinese.
With Jack Wilshere also not available for the match due to injury picked up prior to the start of the season, the start of Arsene Wenger's season could be derailed even before they leave the station.
Off the pitch, the sale of Cesc Fabgregas to Barcelona brought a much needed end to the transfer saga while the news of the imminent departure of Samir Nasri, despite not the most welcomed few lines of print will give Wenger a clearer picture of what need to be done (I bet he knows what to do long before this, just will he be able to do them is the main question)
The departures would derive Arsenal most of their creative input and perhaps right now Gooners would have to prepare themselves for a more workmanlike performance and graft from the players rather than the more usual offering of style and guile.
Manu Frimpong who came on as substitute on the last two matches could make his first start for the club in the Premier League alongside Aaron Ramsey and Tomas Rosicky in the middle of the park against Liverpool on Sunday, a match that will likely see mad redo1 missing part of it due to the breaking of fast here in kT.
New club captain, Robin Van Persie is likely to lead the line with Andrey Arshavin and Theo Walcott providing the thrusts from the flanks. The wide men have good goal-scoring record against the Merseysiders and hopefully they will come up with the goods again this weekend.
The backline most probably will be manned by Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny and Bacary Sagna with Carl Jenkinson or Armand Traoure filling in at left-back. Another clean-sheet for Wos Szczesny is most welcomed as Arsenal look forward to register three successive ones early on.
Whatever line-up Wenger choose for the match, it will be for the best interest of the Gunners even though some will see it differently in terms of tactics.
It will be a testing time for Le Prof as he seeks to come through the next few matches that could make or break the season. Hosting the Reds will be followed by trips to the cities of Udine and Manchester, which are difficult to say the least, but as a Gooner, football can bring you joy and heartbreaks all within a short period time.
so, COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
...
On the pitch, Arsenal could only take a point from their visit to Newcastle United but lost a number of players for the subsequent matches due to injuries and suspensions. Gervinho and Alex Song would miss three matches for their actions during the match while there are doubts concerning the availability of defenders Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou for the weekend clash at home to Liverpool, following knocks picked up during the Champions' League qualifier against Udinese.
With Jack Wilshere also not available for the match due to injury picked up prior to the start of the season, the start of Arsene Wenger's season could be derailed even before they leave the station.
Off the pitch, the sale of Cesc Fabgregas to Barcelona brought a much needed end to the transfer saga while the news of the imminent departure of Samir Nasri, despite not the most welcomed few lines of print will give Wenger a clearer picture of what need to be done (I bet he knows what to do long before this, just will he be able to do them is the main question)
The departures would derive Arsenal most of their creative input and perhaps right now Gooners would have to prepare themselves for a more workmanlike performance and graft from the players rather than the more usual offering of style and guile.
Manu Frimpong who came on as substitute on the last two matches could make his first start for the club in the Premier League alongside Aaron Ramsey and Tomas Rosicky in the middle of the park against Liverpool on Sunday, a match that will likely see mad redo1 missing part of it due to the breaking of fast here in kT.
New club captain, Robin Van Persie is likely to lead the line with Andrey Arshavin and Theo Walcott providing the thrusts from the flanks. The wide men have good goal-scoring record against the Merseysiders and hopefully they will come up with the goods again this weekend.
The backline most probably will be manned by Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny and Bacary Sagna with Carl Jenkinson or Armand Traoure filling in at left-back. Another clean-sheet for Wos Szczesny is most welcomed as Arsenal look forward to register three successive ones early on.
Whatever line-up Wenger choose for the match, it will be for the best interest of the Gunners even though some will see it differently in terms of tactics.
It will be a testing time for Le Prof as he seeks to come through the next few matches that could make or break the season. Hosting the Reds will be followed by trips to the cities of Udine and Manchester, which are difficult to say the least, but as a Gooner, football can bring you joy and heartbreaks all within a short period time.
so, COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
...
Wednesday 17 August 2011
Arsenal Ahead
The proposed sahur gathering of GanuGooners for the Champions League play-off did not materialised but perhaps it was for the better as it was not a match for the faint hearted. Despite the 1-0 victory, Arsenal lived dangerously at times and could have conceded the dreaded 'away' goal on a number of occassions.
However Wos Szczesny ended the match with another clean sheet and his telling contributions certainly gave much lift to the edgy nature of the post-Cesc atmosphere at the Emirates.
It was a start that every Gooners was dreaming of, Theo Walcott finding the net just after four minutes. The forward finishing calmly an Aaron Ramsey delivery into the box from the right. Many Gooners would have hoped that it was the opening of the Udinese floodgate.
Unfortunately, it was not the case. The Italians slowly gained their foothold on the match and came close when Antonio de Natale hit the bar midway through the first half. Szczesny was also called into action as Arsenal continued to commit errors which could have proven fatal for their Champions League ambition this season.
However, The Gunners managed to hold on to the lead and could even made it safer at the end of the match when Gervinho released Walcott on the left but the forward's shot was blocked by Udinese goalkeeper Handanovic. A 2-0 win would have given Gooners a more comfortable sleep at nights leading to the second leg match next week.
Despite the clean sheet, Arsene Wenger who watched the match from the stands, serving a one match suspension over an outburst after the Barcelona match last season; would need to address the question of his defence being so easily breached by the Italian side from time to time.
We should be counting our lucky stars that we managed to take a single goal lead without conceding any to Udine in a week time for the second leg.
It was not a glowing start for our life post-Cesc but certainly it was a good one. 1-0 wins throughout the season? I would certainly welcome that.
...
However Wos Szczesny ended the match with another clean sheet and his telling contributions certainly gave much lift to the edgy nature of the post-Cesc atmosphere at the Emirates.
It was a start that every Gooners was dreaming of, Theo Walcott finding the net just after four minutes. The forward finishing calmly an Aaron Ramsey delivery into the box from the right. Many Gooners would have hoped that it was the opening of the Udinese floodgate.
Unfortunately, it was not the case. The Italians slowly gained their foothold on the match and came close when Antonio de Natale hit the bar midway through the first half. Szczesny was also called into action as Arsenal continued to commit errors which could have proven fatal for their Champions League ambition this season.
However, The Gunners managed to hold on to the lead and could even made it safer at the end of the match when Gervinho released Walcott on the left but the forward's shot was blocked by Udinese goalkeeper Handanovic. A 2-0 win would have given Gooners a more comfortable sleep at nights leading to the second leg match next week.
Despite the clean sheet, Arsene Wenger who watched the match from the stands, serving a one match suspension over an outburst after the Barcelona match last season; would need to address the question of his defence being so easily breached by the Italian side from time to time.
We should be counting our lucky stars that we managed to take a single goal lead without conceding any to Udine in a week time for the second leg.
It was not a glowing start for our life post-Cesc but certainly it was a good one. 1-0 wins throughout the season? I would certainly welcome that.
...
Tuesday 16 August 2011
Get The F*ck Off, Barca!
Now that they have their man, Barcelona should just get the f*ck off and not to bother showing their face again in London, unless it is for a match which I would be keenly watch. No doubt I would be celebrating like mad if we manage to beat them, again.
As for the man himself, Cesc Fabregas, I would not label him anything other than a good servant to the club when his heart was still beating the Gunners' blood but once it was tainted with the Catalan Virus there was no looking back and for us Gooners we are sort of expecting this would happen eventually.
Thus there was no point of saying bad things about our former skipper who already gave us countless joyous moments when he donned the shirt with the name Arsenal on it.
It was good to have an ending to this transfer saga so everybody could look forward to the new season. Of course, there is this matter regarding Samir Nasri. Will he go or will he stay. This is another question that will remain unanswered until the transfer deadline day at the latest.
Earlier than that means he would be donning another colour in the new season or has signed a new contract with the Gunners, something that I do not think will happen (even though I hope it does)
Thus we would be facing Udinese in the Champions League qualifier without a few of our 'important' players. With Jack Wilshere nursing an injury, many are expecting the creative spark for Arsene Wenger's men would come from Aaron Ramsey and to a certain extent, Tomas Rosicky.
With Robin Van Persie suspended after being sent off against Barcelona (the f*ck again) the attack would likely to be spearheaded by Gervinho, Andrey Arshavin and Theo Walcott. Hopefully the trio would do some damage that could make the second leg journey to Udine more comfortable.
It would be better much, much better if the defence could keep another clean sheet at the Emirates.
With or without Fabregas, lives go on for us Gooner.
COME ON YOU GOONERS!
...
As for the man himself, Cesc Fabregas, I would not label him anything other than a good servant to the club when his heart was still beating the Gunners' blood but once it was tainted with the Catalan Virus there was no looking back and for us Gooners we are sort of expecting this would happen eventually.
Thus there was no point of saying bad things about our former skipper who already gave us countless joyous moments when he donned the shirt with the name Arsenal on it.
It was good to have an ending to this transfer saga so everybody could look forward to the new season. Of course, there is this matter regarding Samir Nasri. Will he go or will he stay. This is another question that will remain unanswered until the transfer deadline day at the latest.
Earlier than that means he would be donning another colour in the new season or has signed a new contract with the Gunners, something that I do not think will happen (even though I hope it does)
Thus we would be facing Udinese in the Champions League qualifier without a few of our 'important' players. With Jack Wilshere nursing an injury, many are expecting the creative spark for Arsene Wenger's men would come from Aaron Ramsey and to a certain extent, Tomas Rosicky.
With Robin Van Persie suspended after being sent off against Barcelona (the f*ck again) the attack would likely to be spearheaded by Gervinho, Andrey Arshavin and Theo Walcott. Hopefully the trio would do some damage that could make the second leg journey to Udine more comfortable.
It would be better much, much better if the defence could keep another clean sheet at the Emirates.
With or without Fabregas, lives go on for us Gooner.
COME ON YOU GOONERS!
...
Sunday 14 August 2011
The Wanker Barton, Again!
It was not the best of start but it was not the worst either. Though it could have been better.
Just as he did in the 4-4 epic towards the end of last season at the same venue, Joey Barton played the central role in getting an Arsenal player sent off. This time it was debutant Gervinho who fell victim to the provocation by one of the game bad boys.
For mad redo1. the goal-less draw saw a typical Arsenal match when they did much of the running, opening up play all over the pitch but could not deliver the final ball that would damage the opposition.
But keeping a clean sheet at a stadium where you conceded four last season was itself a good achievement with the defence performing well in repelling the home side's attacks. Goalkeeper Wos Szczesny continued his good form with another clean sheet after the one he kept for his country prior to this match. Even though, in truth there was nothing much he had to do throughout the match.
On the other hand, Arsenal also failed to test the opposition goalkeeper, Tim Krul enough to deserve any goal. The only time he went down with much concern was when substitute Theo Walcott managed to unleash a shot which was quite routine for the goalkeeper to gather.
Thus it showed what should be a concern for many Arsenal fans this season. With the imminent departure of Cesc Fabregas to Catalan and the unsettled nature of another playmaker, Samir Nasri where will the creativity to unlock defence will come from.
Of course the emerging talent of Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey could give Gooners some peace of mind but for the duo to last throughout the season without any injury and suspension will be like praying for the rain to fall in the Sahara desert every weekend.
But a point is good enough especially during this 'troubled' time. Now, there is a matter of Udinese for the Gunners in midweek for a place in the Champions' League group stage.
...
Just as he did in the 4-4 epic towards the end of last season at the same venue, Joey Barton played the central role in getting an Arsenal player sent off. This time it was debutant Gervinho who fell victim to the provocation by one of the game bad boys.
For mad redo1. the goal-less draw saw a typical Arsenal match when they did much of the running, opening up play all over the pitch but could not deliver the final ball that would damage the opposition.
But keeping a clean sheet at a stadium where you conceded four last season was itself a good achievement with the defence performing well in repelling the home side's attacks. Goalkeeper Wos Szczesny continued his good form with another clean sheet after the one he kept for his country prior to this match. Even though, in truth there was nothing much he had to do throughout the match.
On the other hand, Arsenal also failed to test the opposition goalkeeper, Tim Krul enough to deserve any goal. The only time he went down with much concern was when substitute Theo Walcott managed to unleash a shot which was quite routine for the goalkeeper to gather.
Thus it showed what should be a concern for many Arsenal fans this season. With the imminent departure of Cesc Fabregas to Catalan and the unsettled nature of another playmaker, Samir Nasri where will the creativity to unlock defence will come from.
Of course the emerging talent of Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey could give Gooners some peace of mind but for the duo to last throughout the season without any injury and suspension will be like praying for the rain to fall in the Sahara desert every weekend.
But a point is good enough especially during this 'troubled' time. Now, there is a matter of Udinese for the Gunners in midweek for a place in the Champions' League group stage.
...
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