One-nil to the Arsenal has never felt better. After a first half that featured little drama and 79% possession from the home side, Ben Foster after the break had to make one save after another, some brave, some just very good. Arsenal crafted enough chances to give the home crowd hope, but West Brom's defenses were just up to the task. Then, in the 86th minute, Giroud got to a well-placed cross central and close to the edge of the 6 yard box just ahead of his marker, who was grabbing him to hold him back. Giroud showed great strength and composure to loop the header over Foster (who had to cover the entire goal) and into the upper right corner. It should have been 2-0 in stoppage time but it stayed 1-0.
Giroud started up top, and I like that decision. I know he's made an impact off the bench, but I think we get maximum value out of him when he bumps against the opponents' central defenders for 90 minutes. He wins headers, he runs back to break up the opponents' attacks, he passes well. By the end of the game, he can wear out two big defenders, and still has enough gas to put in a game-winner. I thought he was excellent today, though he could have opened the scoring some minutes earlier had he committed to attacking a cross that didn't look as though it would get through but did.
Alexis was moved wide left, and he was fantastic there. He did his usual things: dynamic dribbling, rasping shots that had to be tipped over the bar or that hit the post, clever interchanges, lots of defensive help, and the occasional misplaced pass. Iwobi was wide right, leaving Walcott off the field, which I think is great. Ozil was in the hole, and showed a greater work rate, but still didn't shine. (He did get the assist.) Coquelin had a super game alongside Xhaka, who also looked good. Bellerin was a little off today but it didn't matter in the end. Gabriel did his job and I hope is gaining confidence; Kos was once again a rock. Gibbs started and i thought he was quite good. But he ran into a defender in the second half and had to be replaced. Cech was seldom tested but passed those tests. Monreal did fine as a sub, and Perez and Ramsey were just OK as offensive subs. Aaron was set up beautifully by Alexis late on but his shot was too close to Foster in the center of the goal; Perez was one of the guys who could, I thought, have simply passed the ball into the net late into injury time but unaccountably did not.
Three points were an absolute requirement today, with Chelsea and United winning easily. WBA played pretty well but their total commitment to defense meant their scoring threat consisted mostly of trying to win corners. I didn't notice anything today that would indicate that this is an Arsenal squad that will be within reach of the leaders in April, but you never know. Chelsea could collapse.
I'd like to discuss the contract situations of Ozil, Sanchez, and Wenger, but I'll come back to that in a day or two. They are very much connected, to my mind.
Monday, December 26, 2016
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Manchester City 2 - 1 Arsenal
For the second game in a row, Arsenal has been outhustled and outplayed by a team that was simply better. This time was a more thorough butt-whipping than the last, and accomplished the same way: the opponent gave us no space. Our goal was very well taken but a total aberration--after that waltz through a wide-open City defense, they tightened up and gave us nothing the rest of the way. At the other end, we were under pressure constantly. When City's attack broke down, we gave it right back, as City replicated Barcelona's style and we seemed unable to make a pass.
I'm not going to recap the game. It's too painful. We stank. Walcott scored the goal but was largely anonymous the rest of the way. Ozil seemed uninterested; I hardly could tell he was out there. I don't fault our defensive six except for their inability to clear properly or find the offensive players--not that they did anything good for the last 88 minutes of the game. Alexis worked his socks off as usual, but had to be daydreaming towards the end about where he wants to be playing next year. Iwobi couldn't make a pass when it counted.
I was very confident before the Everton game, but didn't think we were going to pull this one off. No Aguero, no problem for City, who actually buy strikers when they need one and have plenty. Do you remember when with much fanfare we re-signed our "British core" of Gibbs, Ox, Theo, Jack, Aaron, and Jenko? The two fullbacks are little-used subs, the wingers often start but are seldom effective, and the central mids can't get on the team here or in Bournemouth. Ramsey looked like one of Europe's best attacking midfielders for a few months in his career. Shawcross aside, injuries are part of the game and all six of those players have had more than their share. Our core was and is soft. Our best players, in my opinion, are Kos and Alexis this season. They and Ozil have been healthy. We can bully inferior teams but as in prior years we flop against our closest rivals far too many times.
I'm going to try to forget this abortion of a week. We're dropping like a stone in the table, and deserve to. Our best chance of making next year's Champions' League may be to win it this year. Yeah, I know what the chances of that are, if this is how we play.
I'm not going to recap the game. It's too painful. We stank. Walcott scored the goal but was largely anonymous the rest of the way. Ozil seemed uninterested; I hardly could tell he was out there. I don't fault our defensive six except for their inability to clear properly or find the offensive players--not that they did anything good for the last 88 minutes of the game. Alexis worked his socks off as usual, but had to be daydreaming towards the end about where he wants to be playing next year. Iwobi couldn't make a pass when it counted.
I was very confident before the Everton game, but didn't think we were going to pull this one off. No Aguero, no problem for City, who actually buy strikers when they need one and have plenty. Do you remember when with much fanfare we re-signed our "British core" of Gibbs, Ox, Theo, Jack, Aaron, and Jenko? The two fullbacks are little-used subs, the wingers often start but are seldom effective, and the central mids can't get on the team here or in Bournemouth. Ramsey looked like one of Europe's best attacking midfielders for a few months in his career. Shawcross aside, injuries are part of the game and all six of those players have had more than their share. Our core was and is soft. Our best players, in my opinion, are Kos and Alexis this season. They and Ozil have been healthy. We can bully inferior teams but as in prior years we flop against our closest rivals far too many times.
I'm going to try to forget this abortion of a week. We're dropping like a stone in the table, and deserve to. Our best chance of making next year's Champions' League may be to win it this year. Yeah, I know what the chances of that are, if this is how we play.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Everton 2 - 1 Arsenal; Szczesny Sighting; ECL Draw
We just got beat today by a team playing as hard and well as they can. Our goal was on a deflected free kick and we didn't work their keeper all that much; Cech was the busier of the two. Evertone earned the three points.
But with our talent, we really should have imposed ourselves on a team with a smaller squad that had a day less to prepare. I hate to keep picking on them, but once again, I thought our wingers were not pulling their weight. I don't know what Theo was trying to do, but obviously it wasn't working. This was a game he should have shone in. Instead, he and Ox failed to do their defensive jobs on the Toffees' first goal. Walcott may not have figured on Leighton Baines putting in a perfect ball with his right foot, but he shouldn't have been so free to line it up and send it in. Then, Coleman was untracked by AOC and became the extra man who got onto the cross, and did well with it. Maybe one of our center backs should have gotten under the ball better, but that does not excuse Ox for falling asleep. On the left, Ox made some decent dribbles, but seldom did anything with them. His whole time with us, he's held onto the ball a step or two too long and chances are lost.
The less said about Ozil's finishing, the better. Oog. He works hard, but he frequently looks annoyed or disgusted out there. He's desperate to play for a team that is going to win trophies, and it's sinking in that Arsenal is probably not that team. He and Alexis will be thinking about their next employers soon unless Wenger figures out how to get the most out of this team. That did not happen today. If we play like this in Manchester, we'll be back in fourth in no time. Heck, we may be there tomorrow.
...
Roma won yesterday over Milan 1-0 in a game that showcased the worst and the best of Szczesny. First, he came flying out to try to take the ball off the feet of an attacker and missed badly, conceding a PK; then, he saved it impressively. He made several other first class saves in the game too. He still exudes calm and confidence out there, which I love. He didn't remonstrate with the referee; he just got between the sticks and concentrated on keeping the ball out of the net. I hope he comes back one day, but realize that's a long shot.
...
Bayern Munich again, February 15. This time, we're the group winners so we play the second leg at the Emirates. Wenger has to want this trophy more than any other, seeing as he's never taken it. To be honest, I'd like us to win it just as much as I want us to win the league.
But with our talent, we really should have imposed ourselves on a team with a smaller squad that had a day less to prepare. I hate to keep picking on them, but once again, I thought our wingers were not pulling their weight. I don't know what Theo was trying to do, but obviously it wasn't working. This was a game he should have shone in. Instead, he and Ox failed to do their defensive jobs on the Toffees' first goal. Walcott may not have figured on Leighton Baines putting in a perfect ball with his right foot, but he shouldn't have been so free to line it up and send it in. Then, Coleman was untracked by AOC and became the extra man who got onto the cross, and did well with it. Maybe one of our center backs should have gotten under the ball better, but that does not excuse Ox for falling asleep. On the left, Ox made some decent dribbles, but seldom did anything with them. His whole time with us, he's held onto the ball a step or two too long and chances are lost.
The less said about Ozil's finishing, the better. Oog. He works hard, but he frequently looks annoyed or disgusted out there. He's desperate to play for a team that is going to win trophies, and it's sinking in that Arsenal is probably not that team. He and Alexis will be thinking about their next employers soon unless Wenger figures out how to get the most out of this team. That did not happen today. If we play like this in Manchester, we'll be back in fourth in no time. Heck, we may be there tomorrow.
...
Roma won yesterday over Milan 1-0 in a game that showcased the worst and the best of Szczesny. First, he came flying out to try to take the ball off the feet of an attacker and missed badly, conceding a PK; then, he saved it impressively. He made several other first class saves in the game too. He still exudes calm and confidence out there, which I love. He didn't remonstrate with the referee; he just got between the sticks and concentrated on keeping the ball out of the net. I hope he comes back one day, but realize that's a long shot.
...
Bayern Munich again, February 15. This time, we're the group winners so we play the second leg at the Emirates. Wenger has to want this trophy more than any other, seeing as he's never taken it. To be honest, I'd like us to win it just as much as I want us to win the league.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Arsenal 3 - 1 Stoke
(Highlights below from Arsenalist.)
The Orcs gave a good account of themselves today. Mark Hughes has them playing good football, and they have the talent and muscle to give any team a hard time. When they saw an opening, they went for it, and only poor finishing kept them from getting a goal in the run of play. But Joe Allen earned a penalty by inducing Xhaka to block him off the ball in the area, with Granit's elbow at a convenient height for Allen to ram his face into. The PK was awarded for the block, not the elbow, or there'd have been a card. By the third replay, I had to admit that Lee Mason got it right, although my first impression was very different. Charley Adam, who looks like Shaqiri's long-lost older brother, converted the penalty, and Stoke found themselves in a very unfamiliar position at the Emirates: a goal up.
Mustafi went down with a hamstring injury (let's hope it isn't severe) and that forced Wenger to put in Hector Bellerin for Gabriel at right back, the latter sliding over to partner Koscielny. While he showed a bit of rust, Hector was fantastic the rest of the way. (This is no knock on Gabriel, who did very well.) He was found all alone not-so-wide right and put an excellent cross in to Theo who finished beautifully from close range to stab it between the post and the keeper. Wonderful finish, and the game was tied.
We picked up where we left off after the half, as our superior technical ability wore down the game Potters. As Pieters was making his way back onto the field after recovering from a collision, Ox saw Ozil making a run and lobbed a perfect pass to him all alone in the area. The keeper didn't have any good options, but chose to come halfway out. Ozil noticed this and instead of bringing the ball down and attacking, he headed the ball over the keeper and into the net. Lovely. On 74 minutes, another attack could have resulted in a dangerous free kick near the corner of the box (Alexis was brought down) but Mason allowed play on and Iwobi pounced on the loose ball, took a touch or two, and placed it hard and low into the far corner. Arsenal had the better of the play nearly all half and never looked too uncomfortable. It was an impressive win against a team that was in good form.
It looks even better after Man City's 4-2 collapse in Leicester. (Sagna was in central defense and did not look convincing.) We're at the top of the table on goal difference, pending tomorrow's Chelsea game.
Everyone played well. Xhaka is exasperating with his silly fouls, but he was a beast all game. Kos was magnificent in the middle, and the other defenders did their jobs well. Ox had that assist and looked dangerous at times, but I do wish he'd help Monreal more consistently on defense. Coquelin was his typical efficient self. Ozil ran the game well, and that goal was delicious. Walcott did help on defense and he got the crucial goal to bring us back on level terms before the half. He might have gotten more on another day--he was strong. Alexis gave Stoke's back line fits until he was relieved by Giroud. Iwobi came on for Ox and was very good. It was a solid team performance. Cech made a nice save from a header by the ageless Peter Crouch when it was 2-1. He deserved the clean sheet, but for the PK.
We go to Goodison Tuesday to take on Everton, who looked pretty bad today in a 3-2 loss at the Vicarage to Watford, then to the Etihad Sunday for what Pep has to be thinking is a must-win game. I don't know if Fernandinho will be back from suspension, but I believe Aguero will still be serving a ban for his horrible challenge on Sideshow Bob last week. I like our chances. We're playing so well now that confidence has to be running through the squad. Mustafi is a big miss, but he'll be back and meanwhile Gabriel and Holding can do the job. Here's hoping Mertesacker can round into shape and give us a few games this season as well.
The Orcs gave a good account of themselves today. Mark Hughes has them playing good football, and they have the talent and muscle to give any team a hard time. When they saw an opening, they went for it, and only poor finishing kept them from getting a goal in the run of play. But Joe Allen earned a penalty by inducing Xhaka to block him off the ball in the area, with Granit's elbow at a convenient height for Allen to ram his face into. The PK was awarded for the block, not the elbow, or there'd have been a card. By the third replay, I had to admit that Lee Mason got it right, although my first impression was very different. Charley Adam, who looks like Shaqiri's long-lost older brother, converted the penalty, and Stoke found themselves in a very unfamiliar position at the Emirates: a goal up.
Mustafi went down with a hamstring injury (let's hope it isn't severe) and that forced Wenger to put in Hector Bellerin for Gabriel at right back, the latter sliding over to partner Koscielny. While he showed a bit of rust, Hector was fantastic the rest of the way. (This is no knock on Gabriel, who did very well.) He was found all alone not-so-wide right and put an excellent cross in to Theo who finished beautifully from close range to stab it between the post and the keeper. Wonderful finish, and the game was tied.
We picked up where we left off after the half, as our superior technical ability wore down the game Potters. As Pieters was making his way back onto the field after recovering from a collision, Ox saw Ozil making a run and lobbed a perfect pass to him all alone in the area. The keeper didn't have any good options, but chose to come halfway out. Ozil noticed this and instead of bringing the ball down and attacking, he headed the ball over the keeper and into the net. Lovely. On 74 minutes, another attack could have resulted in a dangerous free kick near the corner of the box (Alexis was brought down) but Mason allowed play on and Iwobi pounced on the loose ball, took a touch or two, and placed it hard and low into the far corner. Arsenal had the better of the play nearly all half and never looked too uncomfortable. It was an impressive win against a team that was in good form.
It looks even better after Man City's 4-2 collapse in Leicester. (Sagna was in central defense and did not look convincing.) We're at the top of the table on goal difference, pending tomorrow's Chelsea game.
Everyone played well. Xhaka is exasperating with his silly fouls, but he was a beast all game. Kos was magnificent in the middle, and the other defenders did their jobs well. Ox had that assist and looked dangerous at times, but I do wish he'd help Monreal more consistently on defense. Coquelin was his typical efficient self. Ozil ran the game well, and that goal was delicious. Walcott did help on defense and he got the crucial goal to bring us back on level terms before the half. He might have gotten more on another day--he was strong. Alexis gave Stoke's back line fits until he was relieved by Giroud. Iwobi came on for Ox and was very good. It was a solid team performance. Cech made a nice save from a header by the ageless Peter Crouch when it was 2-1. He deserved the clean sheet, but for the PK.
We go to Goodison Tuesday to take on Everton, who looked pretty bad today in a 3-2 loss at the Vicarage to Watford, then to the Etihad Sunday for what Pep has to be thinking is a must-win game. I don't know if Fernandinho will be back from suspension, but I believe Aguero will still be serving a ban for his horrible challenge on Sideshow Bob last week. I like our chances. We're playing so well now that confidence has to be running through the squad. Mustafi is a big miss, but he'll be back and meanwhile Gabriel and Holding can do the job. Here's hoping Mertesacker can round into shape and give us a few games this season as well.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Basel 1 - 4 Arsenal: Basel Faulty, Gunners Win Group
It would have been easy to give up on winning Group A; I did. Our starting lineup featured Ozil and Sanchez for firepower and Koscielny for defensive stability, but we also had Holding, Perez, and Gabriel (as right back again) on the pitch. Ramsey and Xhaka anchored the midfield, showing a commitment towards getting forward. Iwobi was in front of Gibbs on the left, which can be problematic. Ospina in goal, as usual for ECL.
And it worked. It wasn't flawless, and there were moments of danger from Basel. But two lovely flowing moves featuring great passes to Gibbs resulted in two first half assists for Gibbs and two goals for Lucas Perez, the man in the right place at the right time. Two early second half goals sealed the deal, the first for a Lucas hat trick and the second for Iwobi's first ECL goal. After that, we always looked the more likely to score. Alexis rattled the crossbar on a fine free kick, and there were other chances. But it was Basel's Doumbia who intercepted Holding trying to play out from the back and made a run, give and go, and finish worthy of Alexis to complete the scoring on the night.
Meanwhile Ludogorets never trailed and nearly won in Paris before a late di Maria goal earned PSG a point. I have no idea what happened to PSG; in the highlights, it seemed the defense was taking the night off. Whether it's an advantage or not to win the group will be revealed Monday when the knockout round draw occurs.
My impression of the performances:
Ospina did pretty well. He made a good save or two and grabbed the crosses he should have. He got fortunate a few times when the opponents could not put good chances on frame.
Gibbs was terrorizing Basel on the attack, but not, I thought, on defense. All in all, a decent performance.
Koscielny was solid. Fouled when it made sense, was strong in the air.
Holding looked really good. His giving the ball away for their goal was an aberration. This guy was a steal.
Gabriel did well out of position, but didn't look terribly comfortable. I wonder if Wenger sees him as his first choice at RB until Bellerin gets fit. I'm not convinced he's better than Jenko.
Ramsey was his typical energetic self, and I thought he had a very good game.
Xhaka did his usual thing too, breaking play up and occasionally unleashing perfect 60 yard passes to switch play.
Ozil seemed very motivated. He kept things clicking on offense.
Iwobi looked lost out there. Yes, he got a goal, and it was great to see the celebration. But his passing was not sharp, his decisions were not good, and his dribbles went nowhere. Ox would have had a field day.
Lucas's three goals make this a banner day for him, and he did work hard. But he seldom participated in the buildup the way he will be expected to once he is integrated into the team. I do love his strength and finishing ability, and expect him to be an important part of the team, but he is not there yet.
Alexis had another superb outing. He was everywhere, and made key passes as well as stealing the ball at key moments.
Giroud barely had a chance to register with viewers. By the time he came on, the action was mostly in our end of the pitch as Basel desperately tried to claw their way back into it. Walcott passed up the chance to put Gibbs in on goal and had his shot blocked; that was his contribution. Elneny got some polite applause from his former club's fans and performed well when he went on for Ozil.
The game was physical and I feared injuries, but I didn't see any for our guys. This should be a confidence booster after our last midweek game, the loss to Southampton. When a team is playing this well, they want to go from success to success, and anything less than a win should hurt. They have a good attitude now. There is competition at most positions. I get the sense that Ramsey could become more influential if he can force his way into the regular starting lineup, but something awful like a long term injury to Ozil may be the only way that happens. I do feel sorry for Giroud, who is made of iron and can play every game, but is relegated to the bench.
We host the pottery-spinning Orcs on Saturday, then go to Goodison Tuesday to play the flailing Toffees, and have a showdown at the Etihad the following Sunday. This is the time of year that breaks some smaller clubs who can't afford to carry large rosters. We should do well.
And it worked. It wasn't flawless, and there were moments of danger from Basel. But two lovely flowing moves featuring great passes to Gibbs resulted in two first half assists for Gibbs and two goals for Lucas Perez, the man in the right place at the right time. Two early second half goals sealed the deal, the first for a Lucas hat trick and the second for Iwobi's first ECL goal. After that, we always looked the more likely to score. Alexis rattled the crossbar on a fine free kick, and there were other chances. But it was Basel's Doumbia who intercepted Holding trying to play out from the back and made a run, give and go, and finish worthy of Alexis to complete the scoring on the night.
Meanwhile Ludogorets never trailed and nearly won in Paris before a late di Maria goal earned PSG a point. I have no idea what happened to PSG; in the highlights, it seemed the defense was taking the night off. Whether it's an advantage or not to win the group will be revealed Monday when the knockout round draw occurs.
My impression of the performances:
Ospina did pretty well. He made a good save or two and grabbed the crosses he should have. He got fortunate a few times when the opponents could not put good chances on frame.
Gibbs was terrorizing Basel on the attack, but not, I thought, on defense. All in all, a decent performance.
Koscielny was solid. Fouled when it made sense, was strong in the air.
Holding looked really good. His giving the ball away for their goal was an aberration. This guy was a steal.
Gabriel did well out of position, but didn't look terribly comfortable. I wonder if Wenger sees him as his first choice at RB until Bellerin gets fit. I'm not convinced he's better than Jenko.
Ramsey was his typical energetic self, and I thought he had a very good game.
Xhaka did his usual thing too, breaking play up and occasionally unleashing perfect 60 yard passes to switch play.
Ozil seemed very motivated. He kept things clicking on offense.
Iwobi looked lost out there. Yes, he got a goal, and it was great to see the celebration. But his passing was not sharp, his decisions were not good, and his dribbles went nowhere. Ox would have had a field day.
Lucas's three goals make this a banner day for him, and he did work hard. But he seldom participated in the buildup the way he will be expected to once he is integrated into the team. I do love his strength and finishing ability, and expect him to be an important part of the team, but he is not there yet.
Alexis had another superb outing. He was everywhere, and made key passes as well as stealing the ball at key moments.
Giroud barely had a chance to register with viewers. By the time he came on, the action was mostly in our end of the pitch as Basel desperately tried to claw their way back into it. Walcott passed up the chance to put Gibbs in on goal and had his shot blocked; that was his contribution. Elneny got some polite applause from his former club's fans and performed well when he went on for Ozil.
The game was physical and I feared injuries, but I didn't see any for our guys. This should be a confidence booster after our last midweek game, the loss to Southampton. When a team is playing this well, they want to go from success to success, and anything less than a win should hurt. They have a good attitude now. There is competition at most positions. I get the sense that Ramsey could become more influential if he can force his way into the regular starting lineup, but something awful like a long term injury to Ozil may be the only way that happens. I do feel sorry for Giroud, who is made of iron and can play every game, but is relegated to the bench.
We host the pottery-spinning Orcs on Saturday, then go to Goodison Tuesday to play the flailing Toffees, and have a showdown at the Etihad the following Sunday. This is the time of year that breaks some smaller clubs who can't afford to carry large rosters. We should do well.
Monday, December 5, 2016
Calum Chambers Progressing Nicely
It was not so very long ago that Arsenal thought that Philippe Senderos was a starting center back. Now we have so many good ones we're loaning them out. I watched the second half of the Middlesbrough-Hull game today to see how Calum was doing, and I think he's doing quite well. There was a scare when he landed on his head after an aerial challenge (no malice involved) but he took a minute to shake it off and was back on. His passing was sharp and his defense more than up to whatever Hull had to throw at him and his mate Gibson (who was superb). He was dominant in the air and I didn't see him get burned for speed.
I like Rob Holding a lot. If Mustafi or Koscielny go down injured, he and Gabriel can both do a creditable job until we get our starter back. I fear Per may never play for us again. By the time he heals, Wenger will be very reluctant to break up his central defense to give him a run out. But even without him, we have two excellent starters and two good replacements on hand, as well as Chambers out on loan. Monreal may never have to slide over into the middle again.
I like Rob Holding a lot. If Mustafi or Koscielny go down injured, he and Gabriel can both do a creditable job until we get our starter back. I fear Per may never play for us again. By the time he heals, Wenger will be very reluctant to break up his central defense to give him a run out. But even without him, we have two excellent starters and two good replacements on hand, as well as Chambers out on loan. Monreal may never have to slide over into the middle again.
Saturday, December 3, 2016
West Ham 1 - 5 Arsenal
[I didn't see any of the League Cup loss to Southampton and am going to pretend it never happened.]
I was doing administrative work for a local youth soccer tournament today and was able to see just the last 12 minutes of this game. Alexis fired in our third goal seconds after I turned on the TV, so I saw 2/3 of the scoring. Payet (obviously intentionally) passed to Andy Carroll off the bar on a free kick to make it 3-1, and then Ox and Alexis iced the game with gorgeous goals (albeit Alexis was offside when the pass releasing him was made). The earlier goals were quite nice as well, and from all accounts Arsenal might have had ten goals on the night had chances not gone begging and the West ham keeper been less sharp. We got some bumps and bruises, but I don't think there were any injuries. Yes, it was woeful West Ham, but we clicked today.
Chelsea dismantled City earlier, so pending Liverpool's game, we're in second place. I told my Man U supporting neighbor at the beginning of the season that Conte was going to do well in the EPL, much better than Mourinho. Kante is, I think, their only summer signing that's been impactful, so this is much the same crew that Mou got so little from before he was canned. We have to stay close to Chelsea; they are not going to drop a lot of points.
I was doing administrative work for a local youth soccer tournament today and was able to see just the last 12 minutes of this game. Alexis fired in our third goal seconds after I turned on the TV, so I saw 2/3 of the scoring. Payet (obviously intentionally) passed to Andy Carroll off the bar on a free kick to make it 3-1, and then Ox and Alexis iced the game with gorgeous goals (albeit Alexis was offside when the pass releasing him was made). The earlier goals were quite nice as well, and from all accounts Arsenal might have had ten goals on the night had chances not gone begging and the West ham keeper been less sharp. We got some bumps and bruises, but I don't think there were any injuries. Yes, it was woeful West Ham, but we clicked today.
Chelsea dismantled City earlier, so pending Liverpool's game, we're in second place. I told my Man U supporting neighbor at the beginning of the season that Conte was going to do well in the EPL, much better than Mourinho. Kante is, I think, their only summer signing that's been impactful, so this is much the same crew that Mou got so little from before he was canned. We have to stay close to Chelsea; they are not going to drop a lot of points.
Monday, November 28, 2016
Arsenal 3 - 1 Bournemouth
Credit to Bournemouth for playing with skill and energy on our pitch. They created several good chances and were unlucky not to get a goal in open play. They were, however, very lucky to get a PK for a clumsy flop after their forward (Wilson) collided with Monreal. No way was that a penalty. But the ref thought otherwise and the early gift goal was canceled out by this one. I have to admit that the 1-1 scoreline was a fair one, though.
The second half was quite different. Bournemouth had their moments, but Arsenal was superior. Monreal found Theo's head to make it 2-1, and finally Alexis sealed it in the first second of extra time at the end of a flowing move by Ozil and Giroud.
First, I have to praise Debuchy's performance in the 15 minutes he played before he went off injured. What a devastating blow. It didn't look good for him coming back soon. Gabriel replaced him and was OK. Our CBs both picked up yellows, but did quite well. Monreal was victimized by a bad call but got that assist. Xhakelneny did the job in midfield. Ozil is still excellent, but I expect magic from him every game and lately he seems to have run out of magic. His free kicks and corners are still pretty good, and he puts in the effort, so I don't want to criticize. Walcott and Ox did not have the impact I'd expect in an open game like this, but they did work hard with and without the ball and Theo scored. Alexis was magnificent. He was all over the field. The first goal was typical: he pounced on a slack backpass, rounded the keeper, and slotted it in within three seconds. He stole the ball several other times, once in our own 18 yard box. And he scored twice! Ramsey and Giroud both did well as subs.
All the teams ahead of us won, but the two closest behind dropped points, so it was not a bad weekend.
The second half was quite different. Bournemouth had their moments, but Arsenal was superior. Monreal found Theo's head to make it 2-1, and finally Alexis sealed it in the first second of extra time at the end of a flowing move by Ozil and Giroud.
First, I have to praise Debuchy's performance in the 15 minutes he played before he went off injured. What a devastating blow. It didn't look good for him coming back soon. Gabriel replaced him and was OK. Our CBs both picked up yellows, but did quite well. Monreal was victimized by a bad call but got that assist. Xhakelneny did the job in midfield. Ozil is still excellent, but I expect magic from him every game and lately he seems to have run out of magic. His free kicks and corners are still pretty good, and he puts in the effort, so I don't want to criticize. Walcott and Ox did not have the impact I'd expect in an open game like this, but they did work hard with and without the ball and Theo scored. Alexis was magnificent. He was all over the field. The first goal was typical: he pounced on a slack backpass, rounded the keeper, and slotted it in within three seconds. He stole the ball several other times, once in our own 18 yard box. And he scored twice! Ramsey and Giroud both did well as subs.
All the teams ahead of us won, but the two closest behind dropped points, so it was not a bad weekend.
Saturday, November 26, 2016
Arsenal 2 - 2 PSG
Fair result, I thought. The teams were well-matched, and threw themselves into the game in an attempt to win the group. In the end, the away goals rule gives the head-to-head tiebreaker to the Parisians if we and they both win the sixth group game, so it was mission accomplished for PSG. Their first goal was pretty, but the rest of the goals came from mistakes. A classic this was not. But it was a very entertaining match and there was a lot to admire in Arsenal's play. Coquelin-Ramsey had a serious test and I thought they did OK. Gibbs and Jenko once more showed that they are very decent options. Alexis and Ozil are not playing at the peak levels they're capable of, but I have faith that will return. I like Giroud up front.
Spurs exited Champions' League and will be in Europa League hell for the rest of the season, which is fine with me.
Bournemouth tomorrow, with Jack watching his teams play each other.
Spurs exited Champions' League and will be in Europa League hell for the rest of the season, which is fine with me.
Bournemouth tomorrow, with Jack watching his teams play each other.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Klinsmann Out, Arena Back In
As you know if you read my last post, I agree with Gulati that the boss had to go. This was the perfect time to do it, too. We have four months before the next set of qualifiers, and the MLS players will be available for training. Klinsmann didn't think much of MLS and perhaps he didn't have an appreciation for the possible talent; you can't say that about Arena, who's won that league five times with DC and LA.
Klinsmann brought a lot to the USMNT. He was a huge name in soccer, had the respect of the players, and he convinced several German-American players to commit to the US. (Arena has withdrawn his mean-spirited comments about such players that he made a few years ago.) His goodbye message was classy. There was no doubting his commitment to the team and to the US. He deserves our thanks.
I like our chances. We have eight games left, and have played two of the three hardest already. Three teams will qualify automatically and a fourth gets a knockout chance against a team from another federation. Surely we can finish above Panama, T&T, and Honduras--or at worst, two of those three. Five wins and we should be in good shape, and that's achievable. I think Arena will get the most out of the team, in qualifiers and in Russia.
Klinsmann brought a lot to the USMNT. He was a huge name in soccer, had the respect of the players, and he convinced several German-American players to commit to the US. (Arena has withdrawn his mean-spirited comments about such players that he made a few years ago.) His goodbye message was classy. There was no doubting his commitment to the team and to the US. He deserves our thanks.
I like our chances. We have eight games left, and have played two of the three hardest already. Three teams will qualify automatically and a fourth gets a knockout chance against a team from another federation. Surely we can finish above Panama, T&T, and Honduras--or at worst, two of those three. Five wins and we should be in good shape, and that's achievable. I think Arena will get the most out of the team, in qualifiers and in Russia.
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Manchester United 1 - 1 Arsenal
The Mourinho and Man U hoodoos on AW and AFC are still alive, but weakened considerably by the result today. I was in no doubt that MUFC was the better team in the game. They outshot us and looked more dangerous throughout. I'm putting it down to home field advantage, because I don't want to go negative on a very spirited performance from the Gunners. But another referee may have given the penalty for Monreal's arm across Valencia; look at whistle-happy Mike Dean at Wet Fart Lane today. And Cech made a couple smart saves. Still, they got just one and the delicious cross and header by two second-half substitutes earned us the point.
The commentators were saying that the game didn't live up to the pregame hype, but maybe they hyped it too much. I thought it was very watchable. Like the NLD last game, loads of energy and desire were evident from all concerned, and it largely canceled out in frantic aggressive midfield play. Alexis was everywhere, and gave them fits, but never seemed to find the right pass at the end of his effective dribbles. Jenko was much better than I expected at right back; he kept Martial marshaled. It was Monreal who was unable to handle Valencia on the other side. Pogba was a beast, but his final ball was lacking. Rashford had something of an off day, which turned very sour for him when Ox left him for dead in the 88th minute and made plenty of space to line up that perfect cross for Giroud to head home for our only shot on goal and our only goal. It has to feel good for Alex after his dismal performance against Spuds.
We rode our luck for long stretches, but it ran out when Herrera sent a fine no-look cutback through the area that somehow hit Mata in stride. He didn't miss.
I'm getting worried about Ramsey. He has played extremely well for Wales this year, but I can't think of a standout performance from him for us. He's not the threat he used to be. Coquelin seems fully back. He was excellent in the destroyer role today. Walcott did not get his name mentioned enough; his form has dropped.
We've underperformed two games in a row, and were a bit fortunate to get a point out of each of them. We need to get back to winning ways. Besides Man U, Liverpool and Everton drew today, but we lost ground against Spurs and Man City, and Chelsea could go top tomorrow, three points up on us. PSG at the Emirates on Wednesday for top of the group, and Bournemouth next Sunday, and hosting Southampton in League Cup the following Wednesday. It's an endurance test. I feel strangely confident.
The commentators were saying that the game didn't live up to the pregame hype, but maybe they hyped it too much. I thought it was very watchable. Like the NLD last game, loads of energy and desire were evident from all concerned, and it largely canceled out in frantic aggressive midfield play. Alexis was everywhere, and gave them fits, but never seemed to find the right pass at the end of his effective dribbles. Jenko was much better than I expected at right back; he kept Martial marshaled. It was Monreal who was unable to handle Valencia on the other side. Pogba was a beast, but his final ball was lacking. Rashford had something of an off day, which turned very sour for him when Ox left him for dead in the 88th minute and made plenty of space to line up that perfect cross for Giroud to head home for our only shot on goal and our only goal. It has to feel good for Alex after his dismal performance against Spuds.
We rode our luck for long stretches, but it ran out when Herrera sent a fine no-look cutback through the area that somehow hit Mata in stride. He didn't miss.
I'm getting worried about Ramsey. He has played extremely well for Wales this year, but I can't think of a standout performance from him for us. He's not the threat he used to be. Coquelin seems fully back. He was excellent in the destroyer role today. Walcott did not get his name mentioned enough; his form has dropped.
We've underperformed two games in a row, and were a bit fortunate to get a point out of each of them. We need to get back to winning ways. Besides Man U, Liverpool and Everton drew today, but we lost ground against Spurs and Man City, and Chelsea could go top tomorrow, three points up on us. PSG at the Emirates on Wednesday for top of the group, and Bournemouth next Sunday, and hosting Southampton in League Cup the following Wednesday. It's an endurance test. I feel strangely confident.
Costa Rica 4 - 0 USA
It's time for Klinsmann to go. He's lost the dressing room and he's shown poor judgment in tactics and personnel. It's great that he brought some good German-American players into the team, but we need a new manager.
The game was painful. There's no reason to panic, but the sooner we replace Klinsmann the better.
The game was painful. There's no reason to panic, but the sooner we replace Klinsmann the better.
Sunday, November 13, 2016
United States Uno - Dos Mexico
Gaah. If we can't defend corners, this is what's going to happen. I didn't see the first half, but in the second there was some nice attacking play from the US. If we play this well against everybody, we'll be OK. Mexico looks strong.
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Arsenal 1 - 1 Tottenham -- Honors Even in the NLD
Fair result from a very entertaining game, I thought. The finishing was pretty bad from both sides; the keepers did their jobs. But the play was open and both sides went for the three points. Erickson hit the post on a lovely free kick; Walcott rocketed one off the post on a great strike from about 21 yards. There were lots of blasts over the bar, and quite a few last-second interventions from defensive backs. It could have been a five goal game, but we are going to have to settle for dropping two points at home. Ouch.
I continue to wonder why Iwobi starts. He's got lots of talent and may one day be a star for the Gunners, but his speed of thought is not up to EPL standards just yet. This is a game in which Alexis should have been (and was) effective as the frontman, but it didn't work out. This was also not one of Theo's better games. I want Lucas Perez to get a run on the side; he would have done at least as well as either of our wide men today. Ozil was constantly getting into dangerous positions, but the Spurs defense managed to snuff out the threats.
The goals were both caused by mistakes. Wimmer nodded the ball past Lloris on one of Ozil's superb free kicks, and Kos made an unwise swipe at the ball on the slashing Dembele (or was it Wanyama?--they both were very good today) a foot inside the box. Kane buried the PK straight down the center. The other mistakes from both teams were not punished.
The defenders did well enough, I thought. It was our midfield that looked a bit overmatched for much of the game. Coquelin and Xhaka are both quick and strong, so you know that Dembele and Wanyama looked powerful out there. Erickson did his usual excellent job. Alexis had to come back too often and make the sort of challenges that you're not going to get from Ozil. The difference was that several times the Spurs mids made strong runs at us, whereas that was not allowed by Spurs--and neither of our DMs is known for that anyway. Coquelin was removed for Ramsey with 25 minutes to play, but that worked no better. Giroud provided menace in the area after he came on for Iwobi, but Ox was if anything even less effective than Walcott when he came on at the same time.
So both sides keep impressive streaks alive: Spurs are undefeated in the league, Arsenal undefeated in all competitions since their opening day loss to Liverpool. But both are certainly disappointed to have dropped two points in a very winnable game.
I see 'pool is smacking Watford around, so we're going to finish the weekend in fourth place, having started it in second. We're still behind City on goal difference, but will be a point back of Chelsea and two behind Liverpool. We will have to be on the front foot against Man U after the international break.
A pat on the back to Shad Forsythe, who has us as healthy as I can remember.
I continue to wonder why Iwobi starts. He's got lots of talent and may one day be a star for the Gunners, but his speed of thought is not up to EPL standards just yet. This is a game in which Alexis should have been (and was) effective as the frontman, but it didn't work out. This was also not one of Theo's better games. I want Lucas Perez to get a run on the side; he would have done at least as well as either of our wide men today. Ozil was constantly getting into dangerous positions, but the Spurs defense managed to snuff out the threats.
The goals were both caused by mistakes. Wimmer nodded the ball past Lloris on one of Ozil's superb free kicks, and Kos made an unwise swipe at the ball on the slashing Dembele (or was it Wanyama?--they both were very good today) a foot inside the box. Kane buried the PK straight down the center. The other mistakes from both teams were not punished.
The defenders did well enough, I thought. It was our midfield that looked a bit overmatched for much of the game. Coquelin and Xhaka are both quick and strong, so you know that Dembele and Wanyama looked powerful out there. Erickson did his usual excellent job. Alexis had to come back too often and make the sort of challenges that you're not going to get from Ozil. The difference was that several times the Spurs mids made strong runs at us, whereas that was not allowed by Spurs--and neither of our DMs is known for that anyway. Coquelin was removed for Ramsey with 25 minutes to play, but that worked no better. Giroud provided menace in the area after he came on for Iwobi, but Ox was if anything even less effective than Walcott when he came on at the same time.
So both sides keep impressive streaks alive: Spurs are undefeated in the league, Arsenal undefeated in all competitions since their opening day loss to Liverpool. But both are certainly disappointed to have dropped two points in a very winnable game.
I see 'pool is smacking Watford around, so we're going to finish the weekend in fourth place, having started it in second. We're still behind City on goal difference, but will be a point back of Chelsea and two behind Liverpool. We will have to be on the front foot against Man U after the international break.
A pat on the back to Shad Forsythe, who has us as healthy as I can remember.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Ludogorets 2 - 3 Arsenal
The crowd at the Bulgarian National Stadium got their money's worth when the Gunners came to town. Both teams went after it from the beginning, and as the hosts had done in two previous ECL group encounters, they scored first, in the 12th minute. Unlike the other times, they also scored second, just three minutes later. Both goals were well set up and taken, and both exposed our defense. On the first, a questionable handball call gave Ludogorets a free kick, which was sent exactly where it was meant to go. No Gunner touched it, and it traveled all the way to the far post knee high, where it was tucked away expertly into the opposite corner where Ospina had no chance. I think more than one Arsenal player should have dealth with it, though admittedly it's awkward for defenders to try to clear a ball in their six yard box while they're running towards their own goal. Could Ospina have come out and snagged it? As it turned out, yes, but had anyone touched it as he did so, it would have bounced into an empty net. So I don't fault him. The second goal was off a counter; the attacker sat Gibbs on his ass and picked out a nice, short cutback to an unmarked onrushing teammate who made no mistake, and it was 2-0, with the crowd going wild.
It could have been worse, believe it or not. Ludogorets got some corners, and Arsenal never handled them well. This is Ospina's weakest skill, and without Per in there, the ball more often than not bounced in the six yard box, where it could have been poked into the goal. We've been very lucky this year that more such chances have not been put away. Steve Bould needs to get to work on these guys, because they certainly are equipped to win aerial duels reliably.
The bellowing Bulgarians had just five minutes of unalloyed joy before Ozil cut a ball back to Xhaka, whose crisp finish into the corner made it 2-1. The crowd was nervous after that. And a few minutes before the half, Ramsey (who was playing right wing but was mostly in the center of the pitch) crossed delightfully to Giroud, who nodded it bravely into the net just before the onrushing keeper could punch it. The crowd was really nervous now.
A word about the personnel: Ospina was in goal, and the backs were Gibbs-Kos-Mustafi-Jenkinson. Jenko was rusty, and got less help from Ramsey than he should have. Gibbs was positive but was involved in both Ludogorets goals. The center backs were less assured than usual. I don't know how much that has to do with Ospina being in the net rather than Cech. Xhaka and Coquelin played in front of the defense, Ozil was the #10. Alexis was wide left and Ramsey wide right, with Giroud up top. I thought it worked pretty well, but we were taken by surprise (though we shouldn't have been) by the hosts' flying start and lightning counters. Ludogorets was playing very well most of the game. One potential problem was Xhaka's overexuberant tackles, three or four of which could have been yellows--though only one was. Enough players were in unaccustomed roles that the timing was a bit off. In the second half, Ox came in for Ramsey and Elneny for Xhaka. They were good too.
The second half had a lot less drama but much of it was still played at speed. Ospina made a top-class save on a breakaway, and Ludogorets missed a couple other good chances. Our finishing was off as well. It started to look as though it was going to end 2-2, but then a swift sequence of three plays, each more sublime than the last, won us the three points. Giroud came racing back to poke the ball away from behind from a Ludogorets player in our half. Elneny picked up that loose ball, and a touch or two later, launched a long pass to Ozil, who...well, click on that link above to see the whole thing. I just watched it a dozen times. It's hypnotic.
Can someone explain why Wenger can't break the terrible habit some of our guys have of whinig at the ref after every adverse decision? Coquelin got a yellow for dissent today, and a couple more could have. Giroud and Alexis are insufferable whiners. You don't see Koscielny acting like a crybaby when a call goes against him. We lost Giroud in Zagreb last year because he got yellow for dissent (then another for a mistimed high boot). It almost cost us the privilege of being knocked out in the first round following.
PSG won their game late as well, leaving us tied on ten points before our showdown at the Emirates. the winner will win the group no matter what happens in the 6th game, due to the ECL's tiebreaker rules. A draw makes it more complicated.
Spurs Sunday morning. They flamed out at Wembley today. Leverkusen made them look bad, winning 1-0. Dembele had to come out too. They will not be confident Sunday, but studying film of our defensive lapses should give their coaching staff an idea or two. I expect we'll come out as we have for most league games, with Alexis up top again. We'll see. From the game today, some speed up there should really unsettle them.
It could have been worse, believe it or not. Ludogorets got some corners, and Arsenal never handled them well. This is Ospina's weakest skill, and without Per in there, the ball more often than not bounced in the six yard box, where it could have been poked into the goal. We've been very lucky this year that more such chances have not been put away. Steve Bould needs to get to work on these guys, because they certainly are equipped to win aerial duels reliably.
The bellowing Bulgarians had just five minutes of unalloyed joy before Ozil cut a ball back to Xhaka, whose crisp finish into the corner made it 2-1. The crowd was nervous after that. And a few minutes before the half, Ramsey (who was playing right wing but was mostly in the center of the pitch) crossed delightfully to Giroud, who nodded it bravely into the net just before the onrushing keeper could punch it. The crowd was really nervous now.
A word about the personnel: Ospina was in goal, and the backs were Gibbs-Kos-Mustafi-Jenkinson. Jenko was rusty, and got less help from Ramsey than he should have. Gibbs was positive but was involved in both Ludogorets goals. The center backs were less assured than usual. I don't know how much that has to do with Ospina being in the net rather than Cech. Xhaka and Coquelin played in front of the defense, Ozil was the #10. Alexis was wide left and Ramsey wide right, with Giroud up top. I thought it worked pretty well, but we were taken by surprise (though we shouldn't have been) by the hosts' flying start and lightning counters. Ludogorets was playing very well most of the game. One potential problem was Xhaka's overexuberant tackles, three or four of which could have been yellows--though only one was. Enough players were in unaccustomed roles that the timing was a bit off. In the second half, Ox came in for Ramsey and Elneny for Xhaka. They were good too.
The second half had a lot less drama but much of it was still played at speed. Ospina made a top-class save on a breakaway, and Ludogorets missed a couple other good chances. Our finishing was off as well. It started to look as though it was going to end 2-2, but then a swift sequence of three plays, each more sublime than the last, won us the three points. Giroud came racing back to poke the ball away from behind from a Ludogorets player in our half. Elneny picked up that loose ball, and a touch or two later, launched a long pass to Ozil, who...well, click on that link above to see the whole thing. I just watched it a dozen times. It's hypnotic.
Can someone explain why Wenger can't break the terrible habit some of our guys have of whinig at the ref after every adverse decision? Coquelin got a yellow for dissent today, and a couple more could have. Giroud and Alexis are insufferable whiners. You don't see Koscielny acting like a crybaby when a call goes against him. We lost Giroud in Zagreb last year because he got yellow for dissent (then another for a mistimed high boot). It almost cost us the privilege of being knocked out in the first round following.
PSG won their game late as well, leaving us tied on ten points before our showdown at the Emirates. the winner will win the group no matter what happens in the 6th game, due to the ECL's tiebreaker rules. A draw makes it more complicated.
Spurs Sunday morning. They flamed out at Wembley today. Leverkusen made them look bad, winning 1-0. Dembele had to come out too. They will not be confident Sunday, but studying film of our defensive lapses should give their coaching staff an idea or two. I expect we'll come out as we have for most league games, with Alexis up top again. We'll see. From the game today, some speed up there should really unsettle them.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Sunderland 1 - 4 Arsenal
Sunderland was up for it today, but simply didn't have the talent to compete. Arsenal dominated throughout. Cazorla is still injured, and Monreal was out. (Gibbs played quite well today.) Otherwise, it was the usual suspects. Alexis keeps producing up top. Ox was the more effective of our wingers; Iwobi has gone off the boil. He has a great future with us, but for now, I'd like to see Alexis on the left and Giroud up top--or even Perez. Ozil had a good game; Coqelneny protected the back line well but again showed that they are not the duo that can help unlock defenses.
Our goals were all very good. The Sunderland spot kick was just barely earned, and due to the enterprise of a switched-on Duncan Watmore. (I like that guy.) We weren't alive to the danger and our mids were nowhere to be seen.
How about Giroud? Two touches, two goals in his first five minutes. Wenger needs to play him. They were big ones, too, the go-ahead (and winning) goal and the insurance goal. Alexis had a fantastic 90 minutes though and has to be MOTM.
Liverpool and Man City both won, so it's still a three-way tie at top of the table. Man U and Spurs both dropped two points and Tottenham sits three back. Chelsea plays later this weekend. Next up is a trip to beautiful Bulgaria to attempt to bag the three points that makes advancing to the knockout round a done deal. If we manage this, the showdown with PSG at the Emirates should decide the group winner. Next weekend it's the North London Derby, which is likely to be a spiky affair.
Our goals were all very good. The Sunderland spot kick was just barely earned, and due to the enterprise of a switched-on Duncan Watmore. (I like that guy.) We weren't alive to the danger and our mids were nowhere to be seen.
How about Giroud? Two touches, two goals in his first five minutes. Wenger needs to play him. They were big ones, too, the go-ahead (and winning) goal and the insurance goal. Alexis had a fantastic 90 minutes though and has to be MOTM.
Liverpool and Man City both won, so it's still a three-way tie at top of the table. Man U and Spurs both dropped two points and Tottenham sits three back. Chelsea plays later this weekend. Next up is a trip to beautiful Bulgaria to attempt to bag the three points that makes advancing to the knockout round a done deal. If we manage this, the showdown with PSG at the Emirates should decide the group winner. Next weekend it's the North London Derby, which is likely to be a spiky affair.
Thursday, October 27, 2016
DC United 2 - 4 Montreal
Ridiculous. Fortunately, I had to go and pick up my wife after the first 15 minutes, so I missed the rest of this miserable game. Two garbage time goals do not begin to confer some respect on a team that did not seem to understand the concept of 'playoffs'. Three minutes and a dumb corner is given up and not defended, and that, it seems, was that. I will try not to read anything about the game, and am delighted I didn't attend in person.
I liked this team, and thought they might go far. Wrong. They let their fans down today. Games like this can test any supporter's patience.
Arsenal plays Southampton at home in the next round (the quarters) of the League Cup. It isn't scheduled yet. I hope we go for it. Liverpool and Man U are the other heavyweights left in the competition. The two-legged semis are annoying, but it's silverware.
Next up in the league is a trip to the Stadium of Light. There was a time when I thought David Moyes might be a candidate to replace Wenger. That seems like a really dumb idea now. The three-time manager of the year has bombed out at Man U and Real Sociedad and is not looking too brilliant at Sunderland.
I liked this team, and thought they might go far. Wrong. They let their fans down today. Games like this can test any supporter's patience.
Arsenal plays Southampton at home in the next round (the quarters) of the League Cup. It isn't scheduled yet. I hope we go for it. Liverpool and Man U are the other heavyweights left in the competition. The two-legged semis are annoying, but it's silverware.
Next up in the league is a trip to the Stadium of Light. There was a time when I thought David Moyes might be a candidate to replace Wenger. That seems like a really dumb idea now. The three-time manager of the year has bombed out at Man U and Real Sociedad and is not looking too brilliant at Sunderland.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Arsenal 2 - 0 Reading
Another game, another goalkeeper, as it was Emi Martinez's turn to put in a fine performance in the net. It's nice to have such depth at a vital position. And speaking of depth, I believe Wenger made ten changes from the EPL game Saturday. The mostly young guys did pretty well, showing some flair and a lot of industry. I wouldn't put that team on the field against Tottenham in the league, but they dominated Reading today. AOC scored the goals, and we could have had more but for some nice saves from al Habsi and some hustling blocks from Reading's defenders. I expected Perez to find the net today, but this was not his day, unlike the Nottingham game.
Well, after tomorrow's games, we'll see if the draw continues to be kind to us. Spurs were knocked out by Liverpool, and of course there's the Manchester derby tomorrow. It would be great to be able to rest the starters and give the kids another run out against lower division opposition. But we should be looking to win this cup.
Well, after tomorrow's games, we'll see if the draw continues to be kind to us. Spurs were knocked out by Liverpool, and of course there's the Manchester derby tomorrow. It would be great to be able to rest the starters and give the kids another run out against lower division opposition. But we should be looking to win this cup.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Arsenal 0 - 0 Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough was well organized and they all did their jobs. But playing at home, the Gunners should have created far more chances. I think we got one shot on target the first half. We wasted free kicks in great positions and corners. Cech (man of the match) had to do more than his opposite number; we could easily have been down two goals at the half. We played a comfortable game at home mid-week, so that's no excuse. I think this was a game that needed more creativity from midfield. Ozil was flat today, and neither Coquelin nor Elneny is going to contribute much to the offense. This may have been a good day for Ramsey had he been healthy, or Xhaka had he not gotten red carded. Cazorla is hurt. Maybe we'd have done better with AOC instead of Elneny in a 4-1-4-1, but my suggestion would be to have started Lucas Perez, either as above or move Alexis left and sit Iwobi, who was not doing a whole lot.
It was apparent that the win streak was more than a little lucky. We can play with anybody, but struggle to break teams down when they bunker in. With no Giroud, crosses are to no one. (If Bellerin is working on his crosses, it is not evident.) We got what we deserved today, maybe more than we deserved. This performance should be a wakeup call: Arsenal is unlikely to top the league if they drop points like this, no matter how brilliantly they play from time to time. This is the sort of game we have to get three points from.
It was apparent that the win streak was more than a little lucky. We can play with anybody, but struggle to break teams down when they bunker in. With no Giroud, crosses are to no one. (If Bellerin is working on his crosses, it is not evident.) We got what we deserved today, maybe more than we deserved. This performance should be a wakeup call: Arsenal is unlikely to top the league if they drop points like this, no matter how brilliantly they play from time to time. This is the sort of game we have to get three points from.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Arsenal 6 - 0 Ludogoretz
I have to take my hat off to the boys from Bulgaria. They were game. They almost scored a couple times in the first half. To their credit, they tried to play with us, and didn't look bad. But they sure got torched. It took twelve minutes before we rang one up, courtesy of a very nice chip from Alexis. He was standing still and was not much pressured, so the degree of difficulty wasn't high; but he put it exactly where he wanted. Theo's strike was better, I thought, a rocket just under the crossbar near the right corner. The second half was all Gunners. One minute in, and a fortuitous chance for the Ox who buried it in the lower right corner. Then it was the Ozil show: two right-footed goals and one with his left, after sequences that cut the defense to ribbons.
I was disappointed that Lucas Perez didn't start, but no way was Alexis going to be left out. I figured Xhaka would play, since we can't use him in the next three FA games, but I got that wrong.
We're in good shape in the group, but still have work to do. We want to win it, of course, and these six goals might help.
I was disappointed that Lucas Perez didn't start, but no way was Alexis going to be left out. I figured Xhaka would play, since we can't use him in the next three FA games, but I got that wrong.
We're in good shape in the group, but still have work to do. We want to win it, of course, and these six goals might help.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Arsenal 3 - 2 Swansea
The recent string of four games against the Swans at the Emirates without a win was snapped in entertaining fashion Saturday. I can't remember seeing a game that had more great scoring chances; it could have been 10 goals scored. Theo could have had four himself. Fortunately, his two plus Ozil's crisp volley into the roof of the net were enough. All our rivals bar Chelsea dropped points, making this a very good weekend indeed. We now sit joint top on points, second on goal difference (by one) to Man City. There's a crowd close behind us, of course.
This being Bob Bradley's first day on the job, no one knew what to expect. But Swansea played their usual positive game, which made for open play. Arsenal started brightly, dominating for long stretches. The breakthrough came when a slick move culminated in a Bellerin header that was not dealt with by the Swansea center back who met it first; Walcott nicked it off him and with one swing of the leg rapped it just past a desperate Fabianski. Shortly thereafter, a corner dropped into the center of the six yard box, where a free Walcott deftly touched it into shooting position and beat Fabianski cleanly.
The Gunners were cruising, but after a Swansea attack broke down, Xhaka was caught trying to play it out of the back; Sigurdsson barreled in and curled a very good left-footed shot past Cech a yard or two inside the far post. Cech seemed to be expecting a near post effort instead and got nowhere near it.
In the second half, Arsenal was on top, scoring in emphatic fashion when Alexis assisted Ozil for the third time this season. (Oddly, Ozil has no assists yet.) A soft lofted cross was met by a sweet volleyed strike that rocketed the ball past a helpless Fabianski. Once again, the Gunners lost focus. Iwobi stopped tracking back as Barrow carried the ball down the right. As he did several times, Barrow beat Monreal and put in a well-timed cross that Borja swept in. In truth, it was poor defense from Mustafi, who should have been much tighter to the goalscorer.
With more than twenty minutes of normal time left, Barrow burned Xhaka and started to race down the right. A 4 v 2 break was on, but Xhaka kicked out to trip up Barrow from behind, for which he was given a straight red. Most observers figured it deserved a yellow, but Wenger's not appealing the decision. Arsenal survived several attempts on goal, mostly from headers nodded straight at Cech. We missed a few chances for a fourth goal, two golden ones by Walcott, who hit the inside of the right post once and blazed over from close range in stoppage time. Arsenal made hard work of it, but were the better team on the day and deserved the three points.
Xhaka made the game's biggest mistakes for us, but otherwise he was quite good. Cazorla was a good partner in the engine room. Walcott was the recipient of some fabulous luck (or poor defense), but put the chances away in the first half. Plus, give him credit for being in the right place. Alexis was a real danger but seemed a little off his usual pace. Iwobi was a threat on offense but a liability on the left when we didn't have the ball. Ozil was solid enough, and what a goal. The defense was fine, with Bellerin and Koscielny being nearly flawless. Monreal had a tough time with Barrow, partly because Iwobi was not helping him. Substitute Chamberlain looked dangerous and set Walcott up a couple times. Coquelin came in and did very well, as did Gibbs. Cech did his job.
This was the first of seven games in a 23 day span before the next international break, when Alexis will no doubt be run into the ground by Chile again. The remaining games are: Ludogoretz, Middlesbrough, Reading (League Cup), Sunderland (A), Ludogoretz (A), and Tottenham. Xhaka misses Middlesbrough, Reading, and Sunderland because of the straight red, but Elneny needs minutes anyway and Ramsey is about to come back into the squad.
I wonder why Lucas Perez isn't playing more. Surely we didn't spend that money on him just so we could win the League Cup. Iwobi is fine, but Alexis is better on the left than up top.
It looks like a wild season. Any of six teams could win the league, I think: the Manchester clubs, Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs, and Chelsea. I like our chances. Giroud has barely featured, and Danny "Like a New Signing" Welbeck could make it back in the spring.We have a top quality backup for everyone except Bellerin. And Jenkinson could be back in not too long.
By the way, I thought Chambers played well for Middlesbrough in their 1-0 loss to Watford.
This being Bob Bradley's first day on the job, no one knew what to expect. But Swansea played their usual positive game, which made for open play. Arsenal started brightly, dominating for long stretches. The breakthrough came when a slick move culminated in a Bellerin header that was not dealt with by the Swansea center back who met it first; Walcott nicked it off him and with one swing of the leg rapped it just past a desperate Fabianski. Shortly thereafter, a corner dropped into the center of the six yard box, where a free Walcott deftly touched it into shooting position and beat Fabianski cleanly.
The Gunners were cruising, but after a Swansea attack broke down, Xhaka was caught trying to play it out of the back; Sigurdsson barreled in and curled a very good left-footed shot past Cech a yard or two inside the far post. Cech seemed to be expecting a near post effort instead and got nowhere near it.
In the second half, Arsenal was on top, scoring in emphatic fashion when Alexis assisted Ozil for the third time this season. (Oddly, Ozil has no assists yet.) A soft lofted cross was met by a sweet volleyed strike that rocketed the ball past a helpless Fabianski. Once again, the Gunners lost focus. Iwobi stopped tracking back as Barrow carried the ball down the right. As he did several times, Barrow beat Monreal and put in a well-timed cross that Borja swept in. In truth, it was poor defense from Mustafi, who should have been much tighter to the goalscorer.
With more than twenty minutes of normal time left, Barrow burned Xhaka and started to race down the right. A 4 v 2 break was on, but Xhaka kicked out to trip up Barrow from behind, for which he was given a straight red. Most observers figured it deserved a yellow, but Wenger's not appealing the decision. Arsenal survived several attempts on goal, mostly from headers nodded straight at Cech. We missed a few chances for a fourth goal, two golden ones by Walcott, who hit the inside of the right post once and blazed over from close range in stoppage time. Arsenal made hard work of it, but were the better team on the day and deserved the three points.
Xhaka made the game's biggest mistakes for us, but otherwise he was quite good. Cazorla was a good partner in the engine room. Walcott was the recipient of some fabulous luck (or poor defense), but put the chances away in the first half. Plus, give him credit for being in the right place. Alexis was a real danger but seemed a little off his usual pace. Iwobi was a threat on offense but a liability on the left when we didn't have the ball. Ozil was solid enough, and what a goal. The defense was fine, with Bellerin and Koscielny being nearly flawless. Monreal had a tough time with Barrow, partly because Iwobi was not helping him. Substitute Chamberlain looked dangerous and set Walcott up a couple times. Coquelin came in and did very well, as did Gibbs. Cech did his job.
This was the first of seven games in a 23 day span before the next international break, when Alexis will no doubt be run into the ground by Chile again. The remaining games are: Ludogoretz, Middlesbrough, Reading (League Cup), Sunderland (A), Ludogoretz (A), and Tottenham. Xhaka misses Middlesbrough, Reading, and Sunderland because of the straight red, but Elneny needs minutes anyway and Ramsey is about to come back into the squad.
I wonder why Lucas Perez isn't playing more. Surely we didn't spend that money on him just so we could win the League Cup. Iwobi is fine, but Alexis is better on the left than up top.
It looks like a wild season. Any of six teams could win the league, I think: the Manchester clubs, Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs, and Chelsea. I like our chances. Giroud has barely featured, and Danny "Like a New Signing" Welbeck could make it back in the spring.We have a top quality backup for everyone except Bellerin. And Jenkinson could be back in not too long.
By the way, I thought Chambers played well for Middlesbrough in their 1-0 loss to Watford.
Friday, October 7, 2016
The Wenger Era at 20, and Other Stuff
Most of us have not won the Nobel Prize, or run major corporations, or been elected leader of our nation. I certainly have done none of those things. Yet I do not feel that on that account that my life has been a failure, or that my family should have fired me and replaced me with a higher-achieving fellow with better taste in menswear. There are intangibles, and sentimental considerations. Football (or any sport) has very little room for sentiment, and that's understandable, but there's more to being a successful manager than winning trophies, even at the "big clubs." Arsene Wenger has been a great servant to Arsenal in many ways. His first decade brought the silverware, as he made dramatic improvements in every facet of the way Arsenal was managed. Some of these were copied by other teams; Wenger's analytical approach meant that he adopted some best practices ahead of the other English managers. He fostered an entertaining and winning style that relegated "boring, boring, Arsenal" to the dustbin. He made some prescient player selections. He built for the future by upgrading the training facilities. He developed players.
But this was not all that Wenger brought, by a long shot. His temperament is first-rate. He shows loyalty, both to his players and to his bosses. He respects others and has earned their respect. If you look at some of the many interviews he's done over the years, especially the retrospectives that so many are doing now, you get a better sense of his value as a manager and as a man. This (and Arsenal's incredible run of Champions' League qualifications) has kept his job secure through the silverware drought that ended with the FA Cup victory in 2014. A few random observations:
I can't recall Wenger ever complaining about the ownership. Every year, fans and writers say that he "won't spend." It's not his money. If Stan Kroenke told him he had £120M to improve the team, Wenger would spend it. Indeed, in some recent years money was made available, and he's spending it. The Board is protected by Wenger, who never lets on that he can't make these decisions without approval. He's not an idiot; he knew that more TV money was going to make transfer fees balloon, and he'd have loved to buy players before those fees doubled.
I also don't remember Wenger calling out players. The worst he'll say is that "the team lost concentration" at some point in the game. A Mourinho-like tirade about how his players let him down would be unthinkable. I imagine he's honest with his players one on one, and tells them where they fall short. But in public, he backs them up. If there are former players who have bad things to say about him, I haven't seen it. In one interview I saw, with Gallas, Campbell, and Wright, only one player could remember Wenger getting angry once at halftime. No hairdryer treatments for him.
He considers his job to be bringing out the best in people. He tries to build confidence along with developing skills and forging cooperative play. It works pretty well. His loyalty to the club is unequaled in the modern game. He could have left for other big clubs many times; he appears never to have seriously considered it.
Boy will we miss Wenger when he's gone. But his influence will endure, like Chapman's and Graham's, as long as Arsenal exists.
OK, so where are we now? It's congested at the top. Frankly, our form is not that overwhelming. We're quite solid, but except for one brilliant stretch, goalscoring is not what it ought to be. I'm mystified as to why Lucas Perez has not been given more of a chance up top. Alexis is better than Iwobi on the left. I'm not agitating for Giroud to lead the line, but as good as he is in the air for a small guy, Alexis is not a great target option.
I wish Coquelin luck with his recovery, but it's not a bad thing to give Xhaka and Elneny some minutes in midfield. When Ramsey is fit, he should slot in for Cazorla to keep him fresher.
I better wrap it up now. I could ramble on for a while, but it's late.
But this was not all that Wenger brought, by a long shot. His temperament is first-rate. He shows loyalty, both to his players and to his bosses. He respects others and has earned their respect. If you look at some of the many interviews he's done over the years, especially the retrospectives that so many are doing now, you get a better sense of his value as a manager and as a man. This (and Arsenal's incredible run of Champions' League qualifications) has kept his job secure through the silverware drought that ended with the FA Cup victory in 2014. A few random observations:
I can't recall Wenger ever complaining about the ownership. Every year, fans and writers say that he "won't spend." It's not his money. If Stan Kroenke told him he had £120M to improve the team, Wenger would spend it. Indeed, in some recent years money was made available, and he's spending it. The Board is protected by Wenger, who never lets on that he can't make these decisions without approval. He's not an idiot; he knew that more TV money was going to make transfer fees balloon, and he'd have loved to buy players before those fees doubled.
I also don't remember Wenger calling out players. The worst he'll say is that "the team lost concentration" at some point in the game. A Mourinho-like tirade about how his players let him down would be unthinkable. I imagine he's honest with his players one on one, and tells them where they fall short. But in public, he backs them up. If there are former players who have bad things to say about him, I haven't seen it. In one interview I saw, with Gallas, Campbell, and Wright, only one player could remember Wenger getting angry once at halftime. No hairdryer treatments for him.
He considers his job to be bringing out the best in people. He tries to build confidence along with developing skills and forging cooperative play. It works pretty well. His loyalty to the club is unequaled in the modern game. He could have left for other big clubs many times; he appears never to have seriously considered it.
Boy will we miss Wenger when he's gone. But his influence will endure, like Chapman's and Graham's, as long as Arsenal exists.
OK, so where are we now? It's congested at the top. Frankly, our form is not that overwhelming. We're quite solid, but except for one brilliant stretch, goalscoring is not what it ought to be. I'm mystified as to why Lucas Perez has not been given more of a chance up top. Alexis is better than Iwobi on the left. I'm not agitating for Giroud to lead the line, but as good as he is in the air for a small guy, Alexis is not a great target option.
I wish Coquelin luck with his recovery, but it's not a bad thing to give Xhaka and Elneny some minutes in midfield. When Ramsey is fit, he should slot in for Cazorla to keep him fresher.
I better wrap it up now. I could ramble on for a while, but it's late.
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Burnley 0 - 1 Arsenal
Wenger admitted that we were "lucky" to get the three points, and he was certainly right about that. Cech and the defense had good games, but everyone else looked flat. A Gunner watching the game with us in a Portland ME bar speculated that the guys who played so well against Chelsea and Basel were a bit leggy and the lineup could have done with some freshening up. Well, Isaac, I think you nailed it. I'd have liked to have seen Perez start up top, with Alexis on the left and Iwobi on the bench. We had no one in the middle who could serve as a target, as well.
This might have meant less if Ozil or Cazorla could have made a few killer passes, or if Burnley had not been so disciplined and hardworking. In truth, Burnley earned a point for their tactical excellence. It must have grated to see that last-second goal stand. Only obstructed vision could explain the referees' not chalking it off for handball and/or offside. Both Kos and Ox were just barely onside when Walcott made his beautiful headed flick, but when Ox struck the ball towards goal, Koscielny was surely offside when it hit him on the elbow and bounced in. That elbow may even have spared AOC the embarrassment of seeing his shot balloon over the bar. We stole two points. [Edit: After looking at replays, I now think Kos may have kicked that ball himself. He had to reach back for it and that may explain the upward flight of the shot. If he was the only player who got contact, it wasn't offside. I still think that it was handball, but I'm glad the ref didn't see it that way (or see it at all).]
But that's OK with me. North London had a good day today, and Manchester did not. I like that. The team learned some lessons today, I hope, about persistence.
DC United managed to beat Toronto last night, bringing them to fourth place and a near lock on a playoff spot. I don't see why they can't make a run.
This might have meant less if Ozil or Cazorla could have made a few killer passes, or if Burnley had not been so disciplined and hardworking. In truth, Burnley earned a point for their tactical excellence. It must have grated to see that last-second goal stand. Only obstructed vision could explain the referees' not chalking it off for handball and/or offside. Both Kos and Ox were just barely onside when Walcott made his beautiful headed flick, but when Ox struck the ball towards goal, Koscielny was surely offside when it hit him on the elbow and bounced in. That elbow may even have spared AOC the embarrassment of seeing his shot balloon over the bar. We stole two points. [Edit: After looking at replays, I now think Kos may have kicked that ball himself. He had to reach back for it and that may explain the upward flight of the shot. If he was the only player who got contact, it wasn't offside. I still think that it was handball, but I'm glad the ref didn't see it that way (or see it at all).]
But that's OK with me. North London had a good day today, and Manchester did not. I like that. The team learned some lessons today, I hope, about persistence.
DC United managed to beat Toronto last night, bringing them to fourth place and a near lock on a playoff spot. I don't see why they can't make a run.
Saturday, October 1, 2016
DC United Finds Its Groove
I liked this team from the start. I figured they should be scoring a lot of goals, with their high-tempo aggressive style and talented roster. But they weren't. A few mid-season additions seem to have fixed that problem, though, and now DC has the inside track for the final playoff spot, and could even move up the table a notch or two. I'm not a big fan of playoffs in league soccer, but if United wins them again, I'll happily take it. The way they're playing, no one will be taking them for granted. Let's see how they do in Toronto tonight. It'll be a real test.
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Arsenal 3 - 0 Chelsea and Arsenal 2 - 0 Basel
Wouldn't you know it, I'm traveling and was unable to see any of these two games live. What I've watched of the highlights, and read from recaps, gives me a lot of hope for Arsenal's chances to accomplish things this season. Granted, City looks pretty good and has a five point lead in the league, but there's a long way to go and we look downright awesome these days.
It seems a long time ago that the Gunners rode their luck for three points against Southampton and looked awful in a 1-1 draw in Paris. But impressive road wins against inferior opposition and dominating home wins against usually formidable opponents have infused players and supporters alike with confidence. Theo Walcott of all people is probably the poster boy for this turnaround. He has rededicated himself to the game, renouncing his intentions to be a central striker and working harder than ever before to be a complete winger. And goals! He and Bellerin are clicking on the right side. It has to be nerve-wracking for opposing mids and defenders to see two of the fastest players in the league making themselves available on one side for assist machines like Ozil and Cazorla--and with Alexis buzzing around the penalty area combining with his teammates beautifully too. We're creating so many chances that it hardly matters that most are wasted.
Of course, the clean sheets help there. The four goals Liverpool scored against Holding and Chambers were an aberration. Koscielny and Mustafi are already working well together, their fullbacks are very cognizant of their defensive duties, Coquelin/Xhaka/Cazorla/Elneny shield the back four very well, and we have a superb goalkeeper--two, really--between the sticks. 13 - 1 in our last four games...I don't care what the opposition is, that's impressive.
Back to Walcott. He's being very modest about his offensive production, saying all the right things about the past being irrelevant and focusing on improving in the next game. Theo has always been enormously talented, capable of scoring some fabulous goals. It was his consistency and his commitment to defense that was deficient. He seems to have made huge strides in those departments. He has nailed down the right wing position in the important games. On the left, Iwobi has taken full advantage of the opportunity afforded him by Wenger's odd insistence that Alexis is a center forward, and is doing things players his age are not supposed to do, like combine on lovely flowing attacking moves. Ozil does not always play at his best, but he's having some really good games this season and is popping a few into the net. Alexis is his usual devastating self, as happy to flight perfect crosses or slot great cutbacks to teammates as he is to fire shots at the net. And boy does he terrify center backs who don't get rid of the ball quickly enough.
I don't think there'll be a letdown at Burnley. I will watch that game. If Coquelin, Ramsey, and Giroud become fit, we'll be nearly at full strength. Shad Forsythe magic? I don't know about you, but I figured Lucas Perez would be starting in Giroud's absence. Instead, he's warming the bench. We need to stay alive in the League Cup if only to give minutes to players like Gibbs, Ramsey, Perez, Giroud, Elneny, Gabriel, Holding, and others a chance to stay sharp. I think AOC may have played himself out of the manager's plans, but we shall see.
It seems a long time ago that the Gunners rode their luck for three points against Southampton and looked awful in a 1-1 draw in Paris. But impressive road wins against inferior opposition and dominating home wins against usually formidable opponents have infused players and supporters alike with confidence. Theo Walcott of all people is probably the poster boy for this turnaround. He has rededicated himself to the game, renouncing his intentions to be a central striker and working harder than ever before to be a complete winger. And goals! He and Bellerin are clicking on the right side. It has to be nerve-wracking for opposing mids and defenders to see two of the fastest players in the league making themselves available on one side for assist machines like Ozil and Cazorla--and with Alexis buzzing around the penalty area combining with his teammates beautifully too. We're creating so many chances that it hardly matters that most are wasted.
Of course, the clean sheets help there. The four goals Liverpool scored against Holding and Chambers were an aberration. Koscielny and Mustafi are already working well together, their fullbacks are very cognizant of their defensive duties, Coquelin/Xhaka/Cazorla/Elneny shield the back four very well, and we have a superb goalkeeper--two, really--between the sticks. 13 - 1 in our last four games...I don't care what the opposition is, that's impressive.
Back to Walcott. He's being very modest about his offensive production, saying all the right things about the past being irrelevant and focusing on improving in the next game. Theo has always been enormously talented, capable of scoring some fabulous goals. It was his consistency and his commitment to defense that was deficient. He seems to have made huge strides in those departments. He has nailed down the right wing position in the important games. On the left, Iwobi has taken full advantage of the opportunity afforded him by Wenger's odd insistence that Alexis is a center forward, and is doing things players his age are not supposed to do, like combine on lovely flowing attacking moves. Ozil does not always play at his best, but he's having some really good games this season and is popping a few into the net. Alexis is his usual devastating self, as happy to flight perfect crosses or slot great cutbacks to teammates as he is to fire shots at the net. And boy does he terrify center backs who don't get rid of the ball quickly enough.
I don't think there'll be a letdown at Burnley. I will watch that game. If Coquelin, Ramsey, and Giroud become fit, we'll be nearly at full strength. Shad Forsythe magic? I don't know about you, but I figured Lucas Perez would be starting in Giroud's absence. Instead, he's warming the bench. We need to stay alive in the League Cup if only to give minutes to players like Gibbs, Ramsey, Perez, Giroud, Elneny, Gabriel, Holding, and others a chance to stay sharp. I think AOC may have played himself out of the manager's plans, but we shall see.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Forest 0 - 4 Arsenal
All eleven positions were changed from the team that ran Hull ragged on Saturday, and the men and boys Wenger sent out today put a mid-table Championship side to the sword. There was no repeat of last year's debacle at Sheffield Wednesday. The goals were quality (I saw them only in replays). From what I read, Xhaka and Elneny bossed things in central midfield, and the frontmen were free to do their stuff, Oxing and Jeffing it up. Lucas Perez showed strength and skill, and he looks to be the go-to guy for PKs when Santi isn't on the pitch.
For the second game in a row, Granit launched a 35 yard blast that eluded the keeper, albeit this one got a slight deflection that made it harder to keep out. I believe I predicted that he'd be a source of occasional goals from distance. It's something that has been missing from our game. If the opponents drop deep and make it too difficult to weave patterns through their massed ranks, there's gonna be open shots from outside the box. Take one every once in a while. To be fair, Coquelin hit one every once in a while, but he's not going to score. Xhaka can (nyuk nyuk).
It was nice to see Kieran Gibbs wear the armband, and for Emiliano Martinez earn some of his salary. No Debuchy...hmmm. Not even on the bench. Wenger player Maitland-Niles at right back. Half the team was essentially the youth squad: Maitland-Niles, The Jeff, Willock, Zelalem, Bielek, Macey, Mavididi, Dasilva. Akpom and Holding are really young too. All in all, this was a day that could give me some confidence about the team's future as well as this season. Gabriel's back, and Ramsey should be healthy in another week or two. Giroud's toe can't keep him out long. Per and Welbeck are our only important players who we'll be without for a while. We're at least two deep everywhere but right back, if Debuchy is truly unavailable for some reason, and the backups are real quality. No wonder we felt comfortable loaning out Wilshere and Chambers. I like this squad--a lot. Once Perez gets going, we'll be very hard to play against.
Chelsea needed the 30 extra minutes to get past Leicester, although a lot of that was spent passing the ball around in the back after Cesc potted two goals in the first ten minutes of extra time. That damned Diego Costa looks dangerous every time he's near the ball, though he did misfire repeatedly today. They had to put him in in the second half, as well as Hazard. Maybe that'll help on Saturday. It won't be easy.
For the second game in a row, Granit launched a 35 yard blast that eluded the keeper, albeit this one got a slight deflection that made it harder to keep out. I believe I predicted that he'd be a source of occasional goals from distance. It's something that has been missing from our game. If the opponents drop deep and make it too difficult to weave patterns through their massed ranks, there's gonna be open shots from outside the box. Take one every once in a while. To be fair, Coquelin hit one every once in a while, but he's not going to score. Xhaka can (nyuk nyuk).
It was nice to see Kieran Gibbs wear the armband, and for Emiliano Martinez earn some of his salary. No Debuchy...hmmm. Not even on the bench. Wenger player Maitland-Niles at right back. Half the team was essentially the youth squad: Maitland-Niles, The Jeff, Willock, Zelalem, Bielek, Macey, Mavididi, Dasilva. Akpom and Holding are really young too. All in all, this was a day that could give me some confidence about the team's future as well as this season. Gabriel's back, and Ramsey should be healthy in another week or two. Giroud's toe can't keep him out long. Per and Welbeck are our only important players who we'll be without for a while. We're at least two deep everywhere but right back, if Debuchy is truly unavailable for some reason, and the backups are real quality. No wonder we felt comfortable loaning out Wilshere and Chambers. I like this squad--a lot. Once Perez gets going, we'll be very hard to play against.
Chelsea needed the 30 extra minutes to get past Leicester, although a lot of that was spent passing the ball around in the back after Cesc potted two goals in the first ten minutes of extra time. That damned Diego Costa looks dangerous every time he's near the ball, though he did misfire repeatedly today. They had to put him in in the second half, as well as Hazard. Maybe that'll help on Saturday. It won't be easy.
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Hull 1 - 4 Arsenal
Hull were their usual obliging selves at the KC and we came away with three points. The Gunners dominated when the sides were even, scoring in the 17th minute as Iwobi smashed one in (it barely brushed Alexis, who got the goal, but it was going in anyway). It got worse for Hull 20 minutes later, when an obvious intentional handball stopped a shot from Coquelin which was headed straight for the keeper anyway. Hull's GK stared daggers at Livermore, the culprit who was red-carded for the offense, but repelled the Alexis PK that followed. Wenger said after the game that Cazorla was supposed to take PKs, and would be asking some pointed questions of his players.
The one goal lead looked safe with a man advantage, but football's a funny game and I was relieved to see this really nice sequence from Iwobi and Walcott to make it 2-0 Gunners, Theo's 100th senior goal. The importance of that was emphasized when Hull (they never gave up) got one back on a PK as Cech made it too easy for the Hull forward to flop over his prone body. But credit to them for the move. Alexis cleaned up a Walcott rebound to restore the two-goal lead, And Xhaka, on for Cazorla, showed why he should be starting with a thunderbolt for the fourth goal. It had to be from over 30 yards, just under the crossbar, and swerving away from the keeper.
It was important not to lose intensity after the PSG game, and we did come out ready to play. Iwobi once again was not the most defensively aware winger, but he combined really well on offense and is going to feature often this season. Alexis started up top again, which I find hard to believe is as good as having Perez up there, but it worked out. Ozil worked hard but wasn't the maestro he was so often this time last year. I have no real complaints, though, as Arsenal easily outclassed Hull at equal strength and when a man up. A good three points, and no one hurt either.
PS Rudy Gestede scored on a Koscielnyesque bicycle kick last weekend for Villa. Just sayin'.
The one goal lead looked safe with a man advantage, but football's a funny game and I was relieved to see this really nice sequence from Iwobi and Walcott to make it 2-0 Gunners, Theo's 100th senior goal. The importance of that was emphasized when Hull (they never gave up) got one back on a PK as Cech made it too easy for the Hull forward to flop over his prone body. But credit to them for the move. Alexis cleaned up a Walcott rebound to restore the two-goal lead, And Xhaka, on for Cazorla, showed why he should be starting with a thunderbolt for the fourth goal. It had to be from over 30 yards, just under the crossbar, and swerving away from the keeper.
It was important not to lose intensity after the PSG game, and we did come out ready to play. Iwobi once again was not the most defensively aware winger, but he combined really well on offense and is going to feature often this season. Alexis started up top again, which I find hard to believe is as good as having Perez up there, but it worked out. Ozil worked hard but wasn't the maestro he was so often this time last year. I have no real complaints, though, as Arsenal easily outclassed Hull at equal strength and when a man up. A good three points, and no one hurt either.
PS Rudy Gestede scored on a Koscielnyesque bicycle kick last weekend for Villa. Just sayin'.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
PSG 1 - 1 Arsenal
Walcott had a little knee issue, so Iwobi got a start--but AOC took Theo's place on the right. Iwobi was left wing, and, perplexingly, Alexis was given another run at forward. Everyone expected Giroud to start, and he should have, from a tactical standpoint. Coq-Caz ran the engine room, with Ozil as the #10. The defense was unchanged except for Ospina in goal.
By the time Arsenal woke up, we were down a goal. There's plenty of blame to go around for the ease with which Cavani headed in a cross from Aurier (he is very good, isn't he? Remember when it was rumored we were after him?) after just 42 seconds: Iwobi was nowhere to be found, though he should be tracking the opposition fullback; Cavani found open space between our two CBs; Monreal was not able (then or later) to stop Aurier's excellent cross. It must be said that the header was perfect, though. Fortunately, Cavani bottled every one of the chances he got the rest of the game, and there were several of them, all easier than the one he put in.
It was, I thought, a very entertaining game to watch, especially after Arsenal woke up. I didn't understand why Coquelin was the DM who was furthest forward most of the time. He did his best, but that incisive final ball is never going to come from him. It wasn't coming from Ozil either; he had a poor game. Alexis was isolated and was never going to compete for headers in the box the way Giroud or Perez would have. When Giroud did come in, Alexis moved out left and was a new man. He got the equalizer off a rebound from an Iwobi shot in the 77th minute. Both teams had good chances after that to win the game but spurned them. My opinion is that PSG was the better team on the night and we stole a point.
Or rather Ospina stole the point for us. He was brilliant.all game at stopping shots. His distribution wasn't great, but it didn't cost us. It didn't bother me when he started. He's top class, as we can see when he plays for Colombia. I'll never forget that clanger against Olympiakos, but he is a very good GK and deserved this shot. It will do wonders for his confidence.
Finally, it has to be said that Giroud is something of a moron. He's been getting yellows for dissent forever, and this season FIFA has said they're cracking down on it. But he can't seem to stop baiting the referees, and that earned him his first yellow. In stoppage time, he and Verrati (also on a yellow) got a little pissy with each other and the ref decided to throw them both out of the game. As the commentators said, maybe that's why Giroud didn't start. He got thrown out of the first group game last year too, at Zagreb, and it put us in a deep hole. That time, it took him 45 minutes; this time, a half hour. He needs to work on discipline. What a whiner; I understand why refs look for an excuse to eject him.
The other game was drawn as well. It's down to whether we can do the job against Ludogrets and Basel. Win three at home, take a point in Switzerland, and beat Ludogrets, and we win the group.
Hull on Saturday. I think we match up well against them. Paris was good preparation. I'll say 3-0 Gunners.
By the time Arsenal woke up, we were down a goal. There's plenty of blame to go around for the ease with which Cavani headed in a cross from Aurier (he is very good, isn't he? Remember when it was rumored we were after him?) after just 42 seconds: Iwobi was nowhere to be found, though he should be tracking the opposition fullback; Cavani found open space between our two CBs; Monreal was not able (then or later) to stop Aurier's excellent cross. It must be said that the header was perfect, though. Fortunately, Cavani bottled every one of the chances he got the rest of the game, and there were several of them, all easier than the one he put in.
It was, I thought, a very entertaining game to watch, especially after Arsenal woke up. I didn't understand why Coquelin was the DM who was furthest forward most of the time. He did his best, but that incisive final ball is never going to come from him. It wasn't coming from Ozil either; he had a poor game. Alexis was isolated and was never going to compete for headers in the box the way Giroud or Perez would have. When Giroud did come in, Alexis moved out left and was a new man. He got the equalizer off a rebound from an Iwobi shot in the 77th minute. Both teams had good chances after that to win the game but spurned them. My opinion is that PSG was the better team on the night and we stole a point.
Or rather Ospina stole the point for us. He was brilliant.all game at stopping shots. His distribution wasn't great, but it didn't cost us. It didn't bother me when he started. He's top class, as we can see when he plays for Colombia. I'll never forget that clanger against Olympiakos, but he is a very good GK and deserved this shot. It will do wonders for his confidence.
Finally, it has to be said that Giroud is something of a moron. He's been getting yellows for dissent forever, and this season FIFA has said they're cracking down on it. But he can't seem to stop baiting the referees, and that earned him his first yellow. In stoppage time, he and Verrati (also on a yellow) got a little pissy with each other and the ref decided to throw them both out of the game. As the commentators said, maybe that's why Giroud didn't start. He got thrown out of the first group game last year too, at Zagreb, and it put us in a deep hole. That time, it took him 45 minutes; this time, a half hour. He needs to work on discipline. What a whiner; I understand why refs look for an excuse to eject him.
The other game was drawn as well. It's down to whether we can do the job against Ludogrets and Basel. Win three at home, take a point in Switzerland, and beat Ludogrets, and we win the group.
Hull on Saturday. I think we match up well against them. Paris was good preparation. I'll say 3-0 Gunners.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Arsenal 2 - 1 Southampton
We certainly made hard work of that one. Kos has a goal for the scrapbook, not as significant as the tying goal in the FA Cup final against Hull, but one that will linger long in our memories. Very classy. Santi slotted home the winner from the third PK we've been awarded this season; we got two in 38 games last season. A fortunate three points. It could very easily have gone the other way.
The Ox looks lost out there. If Wenger has any sense, this is the last time he should start until he's proved himself as a substitute. The occasional scintillating run with no end product is small recompense for his inattention to defensive duties and his failure to see the pass that's on. Alexis and Walcott have nailed down the wing positions, and when one of them can't play, Iwobi or Ramsey should come in. Hell, I'd play Gibbs at wing before AOC now. (Actually, that has worked before.)
I expect Xhaka and Elneny got a break because of internationals and PSG. Coquelin did his job, but he just isn't a threat on offense. Cazorla is back to prime form and compensates in that department. And it's nice to have a penalty taker on the pitch. I wonder if Perez takes them.
The defense played pretty well, I thought. There were some nerves for the new man, but Mustafi looks like a good partner for Kos, one that Per may not be able to displace when he returns to fitness. Poor Petr Cech--he was nowise at fault for the own-goal. It was a fantastic free kick from Tadic, and he actually kept it out before the fortuitous rebound. The problem was our being second to the ball way too often. They had it in prime shooting position in two or three seconds, leading to Monreal's desperation missed slide tackle and the free kick. Credit to Southampton for enterprise.
I don't know what to think of Perez. I missed most of the game (it's my policy this season to watch only when it's convenient for my wife), so don't know, outside of the header towards Koscielny for his bicycle kick, what else he contributed. Giroud managed to be in position to draw the silly foul in the box that set up the winner.
I mixed bag in the other games I saw or followed:
In Serie A, Juve and Roma won, and Fiorentina was rained out.
The US won its first round qualifying group with a 4-0 thumping of Trinidad and Tobago.
DC United improbably got a point from the Red Bulls at their place after being thoroughly outplayed for 87 minutes and then getting one in the 88th and another in stoppage time, in hardworking but sloppy fashion. Hamid was spectacular--he may be one of the best shot stoppers in the world.
The Manchester Derby was won by the Guardiolas over the Mourinhos. There may have been other people involved, but who cares about them?
The Ox looks lost out there. If Wenger has any sense, this is the last time he should start until he's proved himself as a substitute. The occasional scintillating run with no end product is small recompense for his inattention to defensive duties and his failure to see the pass that's on. Alexis and Walcott have nailed down the wing positions, and when one of them can't play, Iwobi or Ramsey should come in. Hell, I'd play Gibbs at wing before AOC now. (Actually, that has worked before.)
I expect Xhaka and Elneny got a break because of internationals and PSG. Coquelin did his job, but he just isn't a threat on offense. Cazorla is back to prime form and compensates in that department. And it's nice to have a penalty taker on the pitch. I wonder if Perez takes them.
The defense played pretty well, I thought. There were some nerves for the new man, but Mustafi looks like a good partner for Kos, one that Per may not be able to displace when he returns to fitness. Poor Petr Cech--he was nowise at fault for the own-goal. It was a fantastic free kick from Tadic, and he actually kept it out before the fortuitous rebound. The problem was our being second to the ball way too often. They had it in prime shooting position in two or three seconds, leading to Monreal's desperation missed slide tackle and the free kick. Credit to Southampton for enterprise.
I don't know what to think of Perez. I missed most of the game (it's my policy this season to watch only when it's convenient for my wife), so don't know, outside of the header towards Koscielny for his bicycle kick, what else he contributed. Giroud managed to be in position to draw the silly foul in the box that set up the winner.
I mixed bag in the other games I saw or followed:
In Serie A, Juve and Roma won, and Fiorentina was rained out.
The US won its first round qualifying group with a 4-0 thumping of Trinidad and Tobago.
DC United improbably got a point from the Red Bulls at their place after being thoroughly outplayed for 87 minutes and then getting one in the 88th and another in stoppage time, in hardworking but sloppy fashion. Hamid was spectacular--he may be one of the best shot stoppers in the world.
The Manchester Derby was won by the Guardiolas over the Mourinhos. There may have been other people involved, but who cares about them?
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Watford 1 - 3 Arsenal
The warm feelings I had for Watford that were generated by spending so much time at their training ground for the Ultimate Worlds were reinforced by their hospitality towards the Gunners yesterday. Wenger put his slickest passers at the heart of his midfield, and Watford could not deal with Ozil, Xhaka, and Cazorla. They set up Alexis and the two wingers time after time, and at the end of our impressive first half Alexis returned the favor, putting a perfect cross onto Ozil's head as he streaked through on goal. 3-0 and a done deal. The second half was more of a slog. Watford must have been lectured rather severely in their halftime talk, and came out far more determined to make a game of it. And they did, with the help of some substitutions and an enervated Arsenal display. Poor decisionmaking by our three front men resulted in each of them trying an audacious chip at the end of a counter when a pass was on to a better-positioned teammate. A comedy defensive sequence for Arsenal (two successive attempted clearances bounced off defenders back into the six yard box) made the Watford goal possible, and they came close a few more times. But the three points were richly deserved.
I'm very concerned about the Ox. He was poor all game, and should have been substituted earlier. He looks short of stamina and his decisions are as bad as ever. His marvelous ball control skills and ability to take defenders on fooled me into thinking he was a potential number 10, but now he seems a poor choice for a number 7. Shame, really, but this may be his last chance to impress an Arsenal manager. Wenger may never lose faith in one of his boys, but his successor is not going to make this version of AOC a part of his plans.
Theo pleasantly surprised me. His defense is improving and he did everything you'd want from him on offense (except STAY ONSIDE more often). Yeah, he could have passed earlier once or twice, but he put some delicious crosses in that Oxlade-Chamberlain should have been looking for. Walcott is a good number 7, as is Alexis, whose time as frontman is I hope drawing to a close with the arrival of Lucas and return to full fitness of Giroud. Alexis really looked as though he was enjoying himself out there.
Ozil was his usual excellent self. This was Xhaka's best game for us. I liked Cazorla's contribution (but that penalty was not great). This is a midfield that will make EPL bottom half teams look pretty bad. Elneny was good when he came on too. Jack wasn't being Jacky enough except when he was being too Jacky (what a dumb foul); I suspect he will round into form in September, bag some goals in October, and then get injured and be out until February.
The defenders (I include the near-perfect Cech) did their jobs admirably. Monreal seemed to have the hardest time, but I think that was mostly the result of Watford's tactics and AOC's listless defending. Rob Holding seems to have the makings of a very good central defender.
The international break comes at a good time. Once more, Arsene Wenger has left points on the table by resting his Eurostars. No way does Liverpool score four if Koz is in there. But Wenger apparently thinks that points don't count in August. I think that may have been the sixth or seventh opening day loss in the last decade (it seems like it anyway). Having dropped five points in three games, we'll be climbing out of a hole from the start and may never catch the leaders.
I won't argue with the transfers. I don't know these two new guys from La Liga, but am hopeful. Certainly, Xhaka and Holding have improved the team already. Christian Bielek must be wondering if he'll ever get a start now. Per and Koz are still around, Gabriel and Shkodran look like their backups, and Holding could supplant one of them. Then there's Chambers behind him.
I'm very concerned about the Ox. He was poor all game, and should have been substituted earlier. He looks short of stamina and his decisions are as bad as ever. His marvelous ball control skills and ability to take defenders on fooled me into thinking he was a potential number 10, but now he seems a poor choice for a number 7. Shame, really, but this may be his last chance to impress an Arsenal manager. Wenger may never lose faith in one of his boys, but his successor is not going to make this version of AOC a part of his plans.
Theo pleasantly surprised me. His defense is improving and he did everything you'd want from him on offense (except STAY ONSIDE more often). Yeah, he could have passed earlier once or twice, but he put some delicious crosses in that Oxlade-Chamberlain should have been looking for. Walcott is a good number 7, as is Alexis, whose time as frontman is I hope drawing to a close with the arrival of Lucas and return to full fitness of Giroud. Alexis really looked as though he was enjoying himself out there.
Ozil was his usual excellent self. This was Xhaka's best game for us. I liked Cazorla's contribution (but that penalty was not great). This is a midfield that will make EPL bottom half teams look pretty bad. Elneny was good when he came on too. Jack wasn't being Jacky enough except when he was being too Jacky (what a dumb foul); I suspect he will round into form in September, bag some goals in October, and then get injured and be out until February.
The defenders (I include the near-perfect Cech) did their jobs admirably. Monreal seemed to have the hardest time, but I think that was mostly the result of Watford's tactics and AOC's listless defending. Rob Holding seems to have the makings of a very good central defender.
The international break comes at a good time. Once more, Arsene Wenger has left points on the table by resting his Eurostars. No way does Liverpool score four if Koz is in there. But Wenger apparently thinks that points don't count in August. I think that may have been the sixth or seventh opening day loss in the last decade (it seems like it anyway). Having dropped five points in three games, we'll be climbing out of a hole from the start and may never catch the leaders.
I won't argue with the transfers. I don't know these two new guys from La Liga, but am hopeful. Certainly, Xhaka and Holding have improved the team already. Christian Bielek must be wondering if he'll ever get a start now. Per and Koz are still around, Gabriel and Shkodran look like their backups, and Holding could supplant one of them. Then there's Chambers behind him.
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Leicester City 0 - 0 Arsenal
We were somewhat fortunate to escape with a point as the number one and number two teams from last season huffed and puffed but could never apply the finishing touch to their many chances. Leicester would have gotten both their penalty shouts last season, but Clattenburg was having none of it today. I thought the first was not a penalty, but the second was, though just barely. From the referee's angle, they looked shoulder to shoulder, and Musa was clearly looking to go down at any hint of contact. But when you kick the back of an attacker's leg after he's passed you, you generally get called for a foul. Bellerin was very fortunate.
Speaking of good fortune, Coquelin was once again lucky to be on the field at the final whistle. He was good all game, and I know that aggressive defense is his game, but it seems he's playing on a yellow card for 70 minutes every time I see him start.
I have to say that it was a good spectacle, with lots of end to end action and nice saves from the GKs. But I'd rather we win every game comfortably while I'm sitting instead of pacing around and yelling in frustration at every misplaced pass.
I like to rate the players (not numerically) before I see the blogs do it, so here goes:
Cech was sure and composed. Great game. Bellerin is relying a bit too much on his speed. I liked the way he played today but he was beaten, or out of position, way too often. Monreal was excellent once more. Koscielny was man of the match for me. Holding was as good as you can expect a 20 year old to be; I have no complaints. Coquelin managed to walk the tightrope while playing the destroyer to perfection. Xhaka was disappointing; perhaps he took his defensive duties so seriously he forgot to make those raking passes he's famous for. Cazorla looked pretty good to me in the #10 role, but had fewer options than he should have. Walcott did OK, but just OK. AOC was the busier and more dangerous-looking winger, but like Walcott, has trouble passing the ball in tempo. Alexis had a poor game for him; I thought he'd be able to outmaneuver their relatively immobile CBs. But give Leicester credit. They collapsed on us well when we had the ball in their area. Ozil was the only substitute who made a positive difference.
Decent point. And now we should have all our players back from the Euros--and who knows who from the transfer market?
Speaking of good fortune, Coquelin was once again lucky to be on the field at the final whistle. He was good all game, and I know that aggressive defense is his game, but it seems he's playing on a yellow card for 70 minutes every time I see him start.
I have to say that it was a good spectacle, with lots of end to end action and nice saves from the GKs. But I'd rather we win every game comfortably while I'm sitting instead of pacing around and yelling in frustration at every misplaced pass.
I like to rate the players (not numerically) before I see the blogs do it, so here goes:
Cech was sure and composed. Great game. Bellerin is relying a bit too much on his speed. I liked the way he played today but he was beaten, or out of position, way too often. Monreal was excellent once more. Koscielny was man of the match for me. Holding was as good as you can expect a 20 year old to be; I have no complaints. Coquelin managed to walk the tightrope while playing the destroyer to perfection. Xhaka was disappointing; perhaps he took his defensive duties so seriously he forgot to make those raking passes he's famous for. Cazorla looked pretty good to me in the #10 role, but had fewer options than he should have. Walcott did OK, but just OK. AOC was the busier and more dangerous-looking winger, but like Walcott, has trouble passing the ball in tempo. Alexis had a poor game for him; I thought he'd be able to outmaneuver their relatively immobile CBs. But give Leicester credit. They collapsed on us well when we had the ball in their area. Ozil was the only substitute who made a positive difference.
Decent point. And now we should have all our players back from the Euros--and who knows who from the transfer market?
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Vermaelen Sighting
You remember TV5, of course. Thomas Vermaelen was once the rock of our defense, someone I figured would be around for a long time. He was with us for five years. He was our captain in 2012-13. He scored goals on occasion, too, some of them big, though only in two seasons (eight in 09-10 and six in 11-12). His form dropped and Mertescielny kept him out of the squad except for rare times when one of them was hurt and he was fit. He got injured a lot (typical for Arsenal). We got 15M pounds for him two years ago from Barcelona, who discovered that it wasn't Arsenal that was keeping him injured.
Imagine my surprise when I watched a Roma-Porto ECL qualifier and heard his name. Yes, there he was, looking determined and aggressive clearing the ball and intercepting passes. It turns out that Barca loaned him to Roma for the season, with an option to buy. That option looks less likely to be exercised after Vermaelen's poor decisionmaking cost him two first half yellow cards and Roma a vital first leg victory. They were very fortunate to hold a rampaging Porto to one second half goal and carry a 1-1 scoreline back to Rome.
Imagine my surprise when I watched a Roma-Porto ECL qualifier and heard his name. Yes, there he was, looking determined and aggressive clearing the ball and intercepting passes. It turns out that Barca loaned him to Roma for the season, with an option to buy. That option looks less likely to be exercised after Vermaelen's poor decisionmaking cost him two first half yellow cards and Roma a vital first leg victory. They were very fortunate to hold a rampaging Porto to one second half goal and carry a 1-1 scoreline back to Rome.
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Arsenal 3 - 4 Liverpool
Okay, I'll get my complaints out of the way first:
- Playing Holding and Chambers together was suicidal. There's no reason Kos couldn't play, and Monreal would have been the better choice to deputize. I'd have used Holding before Chambers, but neither were better than Monreal. Gibbs would have been fine on the left.
- I thought it was nuts to leave Coquelin out there so long with a yellow card. I was yelling for Xhaka. But when he came in, he looked pretty bad--and picked up a yellow as well. Coquelin finished the game (but was very fortunate to do so). So maybe I'm complaining about myself.
- Walcott should not have taken that penalty. Alexis and Ramsey at least would be ahead of them in the pecking order.
- [edited to add] The fans who left the Emirates early, and those who stayed and booed at the end. With supporters like that, it's amazing Arsenal has done so well so long.
I'm not going to bitch about Arsenal mistakes. Both teams made plenty, but both teams looked fairly crisp when allowed to play, and put enormous energy into the play. The Liverpool goals were excellent. I thought Cech went down too early on the second (from Lallana), but he's the pro and made some good saves on the day. Liverpool played defense just well enough, and both Coutinho and Mane found the upper left corner when given the opportunity. The officiating was fine. In short, it was a great game and the better eleven won it.
I'll be checking to see how serious Ramsey's injury is. It looked like a hamstring issue. Midfield is where we can afford to lose a player, though, so it's not crucial if Ramsey has to take a month off.
I'm going to try to take a more relaxed view this season. I didn't watch any other games. It's probably Wenger's last season with Arsenal. I love him, but it's time.
- Playing Holding and Chambers together was suicidal. There's no reason Kos couldn't play, and Monreal would have been the better choice to deputize. I'd have used Holding before Chambers, but neither were better than Monreal. Gibbs would have been fine on the left.
- I thought it was nuts to leave Coquelin out there so long with a yellow card. I was yelling for Xhaka. But when he came in, he looked pretty bad--and picked up a yellow as well. Coquelin finished the game (but was very fortunate to do so). So maybe I'm complaining about myself.
- Walcott should not have taken that penalty. Alexis and Ramsey at least would be ahead of them in the pecking order.
- [edited to add] The fans who left the Emirates early, and those who stayed and booed at the end. With supporters like that, it's amazing Arsenal has done so well so long.
I'm not going to bitch about Arsenal mistakes. Both teams made plenty, but both teams looked fairly crisp when allowed to play, and put enormous energy into the play. The Liverpool goals were excellent. I thought Cech went down too early on the second (from Lallana), but he's the pro and made some good saves on the day. Liverpool played defense just well enough, and both Coutinho and Mane found the upper left corner when given the opportunity. The officiating was fine. In short, it was a great game and the better eleven won it.
I'll be checking to see how serious Ramsey's injury is. It looked like a hamstring issue. Midfield is where we can afford to lose a player, though, so it's not crucial if Ramsey has to take a month off.
I'm going to try to take a more relaxed view this season. I didn't watch any other games. It's probably Wenger's last season with Arsenal. I love him, but it's time.
Friday, August 12, 2016
Ugly Americans
I missed the USWNT game today, a loss after PKs to Sweden. From all accounts, Sweden bunkered in and got a very nice goal that the US matched. Hope Solo made an ass of herself by calling the Swedes "cowards," for which she was justly pilloried by nearly everyone. The writeups of the game also noted she tried some gamesmanship by pretending she had a glove problem before the last PK. She's a very good goalkeeper, but she needs to be dumped from the team, in my opinion. She's dragging them all down in the class department.
I did see most of the group stage games, and I thought the US was flat. I've never seen them play so poorly in a tournament. They really seemed to think they were so much better than everyone else that all they had to do was show up. They gave away stupid fouls, they misplaced passes all over the pitch, and their tempo was way too slow. Finishing was dreadful too. The neutrals will be delighted, and I don't blame them. We deserved to be dumped out of the tournament early. We stank.
I did see most of the group stage games, and I thought the US was flat. I've never seen them play so poorly in a tournament. They really seemed to think they were so much better than everyone else that all they had to do was show up. They gave away stupid fouls, they misplaced passes all over the pitch, and their tempo was way too slow. Finishing was dreadful too. The neutrals will be delighted, and I don't blame them. We deserved to be dumped out of the tournament early. We stank.
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Guadalajara 1 - 3 Arsenal
Three nice goals (the Ox's was lovely), and some valuable experience for the players, especially the young guys. Debuchy really looks like a man who'd rather be somewhere else. It's hard to take away any real lessons from a game against the second string of a Mexican League outfit, even one as strong as Chivas. But winning is better than losing. And it doesn't seem as though there've been injuries. Wenger says that Alexis will be ready soon. Only Per is out long term.
Walcott is struggling to make an impression up front. He's not a front man and we're overdosed with good wingers--ones who actually try to play defense some of the time as well as make runs forward. I wish we'd sold him five years ago, or more. All that jerking AFC around in contract talks, the ridiculously high salary that no one else will match, the months injured every year...it's not worth the goals he gets, considering that he's cost some too with his lack of defensive effort.
The "British core" may be shifting, with Walcott, Jenkinson, and Gibbs on the way out, and Chambers, Holding, and Welbeck coming in. There's no reason AOC, Wilshere, and Ramsey can't still be regulars. Iwobi should continue to develop. Akpom may be an option up front; he seems to have the tools. The Jeff could contribute. Zelalem needs time, but I like him.
It was nice to see Cazorla looking sharp out there, wasn't it? Coquelin lacked discipline; he'd have been sent off it it weren't a friendly. Xhaka and Elneny are ready to start too. The Coq will find it hard to get on the field. We've got enough mids with bite to afford to play Ozil without fear of being soft through the middle.
I like the team now, but a strong, experienced center back has suddenly become a requirement, and of course we still need a fearsome striker.
Two weeks before Liverpool. I just watched them against Roma (they lost 2-1) and they looked pretty good. I don't think they're where they need to be, but it looks as though they're getting Klopp's message.
Walcott is struggling to make an impression up front. He's not a front man and we're overdosed with good wingers--ones who actually try to play defense some of the time as well as make runs forward. I wish we'd sold him five years ago, or more. All that jerking AFC around in contract talks, the ridiculously high salary that no one else will match, the months injured every year...it's not worth the goals he gets, considering that he's cost some too with his lack of defensive effort.
The "British core" may be shifting, with Walcott, Jenkinson, and Gibbs on the way out, and Chambers, Holding, and Welbeck coming in. There's no reason AOC, Wilshere, and Ramsey can't still be regulars. Iwobi should continue to develop. Akpom may be an option up front; he seems to have the tools. The Jeff could contribute. Zelalem needs time, but I like him.
It was nice to see Cazorla looking sharp out there, wasn't it? Coquelin lacked discipline; he'd have been sent off it it weren't a friendly. Xhaka and Elneny are ready to start too. The Coq will find it hard to get on the field. We've got enough mids with bite to afford to play Ozil without fear of being soft through the middle.
I like the team now, but a strong, experienced center back has suddenly become a requirement, and of course we still need a fearsome striker.
Two weeks before Liverpool. I just watched them against Roma (they lost 2-1) and they looked pretty good. I don't think they're where they need to be, but it looks as though they're getting Klopp's message.
Friday, July 29, 2016
MLS All-Stars 1 - 2 Arsenal
I know it was just an exhibition match, but the play was spirited and open. We got to see what some of the young guys could do. And we won. It didn't look as though anyone picked up an injury, either. I was encouraged by the way guys like Zelalem and Reine-Adelaide played. Holding and Bielek as central defenders were unconvincing, but it didn't prove fatal. Drogba bullied them pretty thoroughly. Chambers looked more assured when he came in. I thought that Arsenal was good value for the scoreline. It could have been like 4-3 or even 6-4 had the forwards been more clinical, but Arsenal looked better on the night, despite having so many youngsters out there. Yes, it was a hastily assembled group of non-teammates, but MLS beat Spurs last year, and several other London clubs before that.
Xhaka has a shot, doesn't he? He looked like a mid who will pot 5 or 6 for us from deep. The Jeff, Akpom, Iwobi, and Willock seemed almost as effective as the Ox, who played like a man who had something to prove. Walcott didn't do much to help himself. Wilshere did his job and I hope he rounds into form by the start of the season. I love the way Elneny gets back on defense; no one works harder. No EPL team is going to give us that much space in the attacking third, but there were some nice combinations in attack.
I don't really want to talk about transfers, but I guess I have to. Do we need Mahrez? I don't know. Having him and Alexis on the field at the same time seems dangerous for us and the opponent. We still need a striker and a central defender, and they have to be top drawer. I like the midfield. But we can only play five of them at one time. Guys like Walcott and Campbell may be surplus, as good as they are. Coquelin, Wilshere, Cazorla, Walcott, Campbell, the Ox, and Ramsey are not certain starters. Hell, maybe Ozil is the only certain starting midfielder, and Alexis when his ankle heals. Someone has to make room for the Jeff, and Mahrez would have to start if we buy him.
Will Gibbs want to move on? Will Debuchy be moved on? We need fullbacks if they do. Who knows what will happen with Szczesny. Well, it won't be long until the season starts and we're tested against massively reinforced opponents with powerhouse new managers. I don't think Chuba Akpom is going to be our savior. It'll be interesting.
Xhaka has a shot, doesn't he? He looked like a mid who will pot 5 or 6 for us from deep. The Jeff, Akpom, Iwobi, and Willock seemed almost as effective as the Ox, who played like a man who had something to prove. Walcott didn't do much to help himself. Wilshere did his job and I hope he rounds into form by the start of the season. I love the way Elneny gets back on defense; no one works harder. No EPL team is going to give us that much space in the attacking third, but there were some nice combinations in attack.
I don't really want to talk about transfers, but I guess I have to. Do we need Mahrez? I don't know. Having him and Alexis on the field at the same time seems dangerous for us and the opponent. We still need a striker and a central defender, and they have to be top drawer. I like the midfield. But we can only play five of them at one time. Guys like Walcott and Campbell may be surplus, as good as they are. Coquelin, Wilshere, Cazorla, Walcott, Campbell, the Ox, and Ramsey are not certain starters. Hell, maybe Ozil is the only certain starting midfielder, and Alexis when his ankle heals. Someone has to make room for the Jeff, and Mahrez would have to start if we buy him.
Will Gibbs want to move on? Will Debuchy be moved on? We need fullbacks if they do. Who knows what will happen with Szczesny. Well, it won't be long until the season starts and we're tested against massively reinforced opponents with powerhouse new managers. I don't think Chuba Akpom is going to be our savior. It'll be interesting.
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Well, England Did Want Out of Europe
And sure enough, Roy's boys ratified the Brexit vote with as limp a defensive and offensive display as you'll ever see. I watched the game in a London pub, and the wild cheering after Rooney's penalty quickly turned into grumbling, then angry resignation. Some of the comments:
"These wankers couldn't beat anybody!"
"Rooney, yer past it, mate!"
"The combined salaries of the England players is more than Iceland's GDP."
England never looked like scoring from the run of play. Everyone looked poor almost all night. Kane was ineffectual, and of the other Spurs stars, only Kyle Walker looked as though he belonged out there. Rooney had one of the worst games of his career. Sturridge was awful; Sterling barely better. The substitutes (including Wilshere) didn't do much to change the dynamics except for Rashford, who was put on too late. Iceland's goals should have been prevented, though they were well executed. The Times had published a diagram of Iceland's throw-in play the day before the game. Lee Dixon in the commentator's seat said exactly what Iceland was going to try to do. The next day's Times fumed that Iceland did to England what Stoke used to do to Arsenal when Rory Delap zipped his throw-ins into the area. Well, the England defense went to sleep and it was like none of them were there. Pathetic. On the second goal, there was too much space for Iceland to get the shot off. Well done Iceland, but come on.
A humiliating Engxit.
"These wankers couldn't beat anybody!"
"Rooney, yer past it, mate!"
"The combined salaries of the England players is more than Iceland's GDP."
England never looked like scoring from the run of play. Everyone looked poor almost all night. Kane was ineffectual, and of the other Spurs stars, only Kyle Walker looked as though he belonged out there. Rooney had one of the worst games of his career. Sturridge was awful; Sterling barely better. The substitutes (including Wilshere) didn't do much to change the dynamics except for Rashford, who was put on too late. Iceland's goals should have been prevented, though they were well executed. The Times had published a diagram of Iceland's throw-in play the day before the game. Lee Dixon in the commentator's seat said exactly what Iceland was going to try to do. The next day's Times fumed that Iceland did to England what Stoke used to do to Arsenal when Rory Delap zipped his throw-ins into the area. Well, the England defense went to sleep and it was like none of them were there. Pathetic. On the second goal, there was too much space for Iceland to get the shot off. Well done Iceland, but come on.
A humiliating Engxit.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Watford and Arsenal
There's no comparison, really. This was brought home to me by accident. My younger daughter was playing for New Zealand in the World Ultimate (frisbee) Championships at the University College London athletic fields in London Colney. UCL is where Watford FC has its training ground, and is next door (literally) to Arsenal's. At the tournament, thousands of players and spectators trampled all but two fields in this large complex, and tracked mud through the Watford FC eating facility. When I tried to drop in on Arsenal's training facility, a guard stopped me from even taking a picture of it. I got closer to the Scottish crown jewels on this trip, and pictures were OK. Sheesh. There was a sign outside telling people that autographs were not to be solicited, leading to sad scenes like this.
So, Brexit. That happened during the tournament. Among other things, it's going to mean that every English club is at a disadvantage. It took three years to get a work visa for Joel Campbell. Imagine if that were the case for Monreal or Bellerin. Today, if a prospect from Poland looks promising, any English club can have him playing the next season. Not after the Brexit takes effect. Then, it'll be a French or German or Italian club that snaps him up.
So, Brexit. That happened during the tournament. Among other things, it's going to mean that every English club is at a disadvantage. It took three years to get a work visa for Joel Campbell. Imagine if that were the case for Monreal or Bellerin. Today, if a prospect from Poland looks promising, any English club can have him playing the next season. Not after the Brexit takes effect. Then, it'll be a French or German or Italian club that snaps him up.
Thursday, June 9, 2016
This and That
David Ospina is showing why he deserves to start somewhere. He's been awesome for Colombia, keeping out several shots (including a dynamite free kick from Clint Dempsey) that would have eluded quite a few Copa America keepers.
Olivier Giroud is giving his critics reason to rethink their position. He won't convince any of them until he scores several goals in the Euros, though. He should feel very confident. He's been quite good for France recently.
My earlier optimism about DC United has evaporated. Losing to struggling Seattle at home was a real low point. At no point did United look as though they were likely to win or even score. I don't get it. They appear to have quality, even flair, in a lot of positions. Their keeper is fantastic. The coach is smart and a motivator. So why do they stink? It's tough enough to watch MLS games after seeing EPL players. Watching second-rate soccer when your team is losing is really galling. I dislike RFK and was hoping to see more games in person at the new park. But it would be nice to see a winning team.
I will admit that I was not happy to read about the possibility of Vardy coming to Arsenal. I reconciled myself to it and even started thinking about the possibilities, and then the stories came out that Vardy wanted to stay at Leicester. So, back to square one on the search for a lethal striker. Fine. At this rate, we'll be bringing Sanogo back for another run up front before we acquire someone.
Juventus was brilliant again this season, but it didn't start out that way. Here's the sequence in Serie A:
LLDWDLWDWLWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWDWWWWWWWWWWLW
After a dreadful start, they got 15 wins in a row, then a draw, then another ten wins in a row, then lost to a team desperate to avoid relegation long after Juve had sealed the top spot. They also progressed through Champions' League until a quarterfinal loss to Bayern (in heartbreaking fashion) and won the Coppa Italia, so this was an all-fronts campaign. In the process, they became the first Italian team to win the domestic double two years running. Not too shabby.
Szczesny did very well for Roma, who will have a play-in for a Champions' League spot again. I like him a lot, and was hoping he'd be starting at Arsenal this year and every year, but he may have needed this. Cech has done extremely well for us, so we're not suffering; but Szczesny could be our future at the position. Unfortunately, we're overdosed on excellent keepers and can't play them all, so we'll lose more of them, as we already have Fabianski and Mannone.
Fiorentina will be in Europa League. Milan is not going to be in Europe next season, which I like, nor is Lazio, which I like even more. Inter and Sassuolo (!) round out the Italian Europa League places, and of course Napoli is in Champions' League.
I hope to see Theo Walcott working on his defensive skills when I visit London Colney in a couple weeks. Maybe I'll pick up some news, such as spying Alvaro Morata ducking through a side door for a medical. I'll be sure to post it here.
Olivier Giroud is giving his critics reason to rethink their position. He won't convince any of them until he scores several goals in the Euros, though. He should feel very confident. He's been quite good for France recently.
My earlier optimism about DC United has evaporated. Losing to struggling Seattle at home was a real low point. At no point did United look as though they were likely to win or even score. I don't get it. They appear to have quality, even flair, in a lot of positions. Their keeper is fantastic. The coach is smart and a motivator. So why do they stink? It's tough enough to watch MLS games after seeing EPL players. Watching second-rate soccer when your team is losing is really galling. I dislike RFK and was hoping to see more games in person at the new park. But it would be nice to see a winning team.
I will admit that I was not happy to read about the possibility of Vardy coming to Arsenal. I reconciled myself to it and even started thinking about the possibilities, and then the stories came out that Vardy wanted to stay at Leicester. So, back to square one on the search for a lethal striker. Fine. At this rate, we'll be bringing Sanogo back for another run up front before we acquire someone.
Juventus was brilliant again this season, but it didn't start out that way. Here's the sequence in Serie A:
LLDWDLWDWLWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWDWWWWWWWWWWLW
After a dreadful start, they got 15 wins in a row, then a draw, then another ten wins in a row, then lost to a team desperate to avoid relegation long after Juve had sealed the top spot. They also progressed through Champions' League until a quarterfinal loss to Bayern (in heartbreaking fashion) and won the Coppa Italia, so this was an all-fronts campaign. In the process, they became the first Italian team to win the domestic double two years running. Not too shabby.
Szczesny did very well for Roma, who will have a play-in for a Champions' League spot again. I like him a lot, and was hoping he'd be starting at Arsenal this year and every year, but he may have needed this. Cech has done extremely well for us, so we're not suffering; but Szczesny could be our future at the position. Unfortunately, we're overdosed on excellent keepers and can't play them all, so we'll lose more of them, as we already have Fabianski and Mannone.
Fiorentina will be in Europa League. Milan is not going to be in Europe next season, which I like, nor is Lazio, which I like even more. Inter and Sassuolo (!) round out the Italian Europa League places, and of course Napoli is in Champions' League.
I hope to see Theo Walcott working on his defensive skills when I visit London Colney in a couple weeks. Maybe I'll pick up some news, such as spying Alvaro Morata ducking through a side door for a medical. I'll be sure to post it here.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
4, 3, 2, ?
Arsene Wenger made the point that if Arsenal wants to improve on their finish this year, it can only be by winning the league. After a crazy season like the one just ended, it would be rash to say they can't do it. How can it be done?
I'd keep Wenger for one more season. He deserves to go out on his own terms. He's as much as said that if he doesn't win the league next season, he's gone. He might consider leaving even if he does win. He may want to cap his career by managing the French national team. The major needs are at forward and center back. Cech was excellent, but I still like Szczesny and would bring him back after another year out on loan. He's been very good at Roma. Both deserve to start somewhere--Ospina as well--but obviously only one gets to wear #1. (Szczesny still has that number at Arsenal.) Gabriel is quite good, but Mertesacker is nearing the end of his career and Koscielny needs a strong partner. I don't know if Callum Chambers is ever going to achieve first team starting status; it's not looking good now. But a top quality CB alongside Kos, backed by (and rotated with) Gabriel, Per (for another year or two), and Chambers (who can also play RB and DM (poorly) in a pinch) would leave us in a strong position, If Gibbs leaves (who could blame him?) we're short at LB and have to get someone who can fill in for Monreal, who has been very fortunate to have escaped serious injury. I'm not sure if we need Jenkinson back behind Bellerin. Coquelin is an excellent DM, and Elneny seems capable of filling that role as well. Of course, everyone would love another top class DM, but that isn't the first priority now. The attacking mids and wingers on the books are very good, but Alexis is the only game-breaker, and even he was a step below Mahrez and DeBruyne. Walcott has not made the improvements necessary to convince, and his defensive weaknesses are so glaring that it's unwise to leave him on the field with Ozil, who also doesn't play much defense but whose vision and passing make his the first name on the team sheet when he's healthy. Iwobi can start for us next year. I'm warming to Joel Campbell. Ramsey has to stay, and probably Wilshere too. Cazorla can still start but may have just one or two more years at the top. I don't know if Ox will be a part of the puzzle. I really thought he was going to be a star. Of course, we need to keep Alexis--he's magical. Welbeck showed real promise, but he's crocked until next spring. Giroud is very good, puts in the work, and combines well, but he's struggled to score for long stretches. You can't depend on a lone striker who can go 15 games without a goal. Walcott's a disaster up there. I can't see Stan Kroenke signing a check for 75M pounds, though, so will it be another season of make do? Sanogo isn't burning up the Championship with Charlton. (I still want to buy Gestede from Villa. I bet he'd get on the end of Ozil's passes. I bet we could get him cheap, too.)
In view of the fabulous sums that the other big clubs will be spending, it will be hard to improve enough to outcompete everyone. But I can dream.
I'd keep Wenger for one more season. He deserves to go out on his own terms. He's as much as said that if he doesn't win the league next season, he's gone. He might consider leaving even if he does win. He may want to cap his career by managing the French national team. The major needs are at forward and center back. Cech was excellent, but I still like Szczesny and would bring him back after another year out on loan. He's been very good at Roma. Both deserve to start somewhere--Ospina as well--but obviously only one gets to wear #1. (Szczesny still has that number at Arsenal.) Gabriel is quite good, but Mertesacker is nearing the end of his career and Koscielny needs a strong partner. I don't know if Callum Chambers is ever going to achieve first team starting status; it's not looking good now. But a top quality CB alongside Kos, backed by (and rotated with) Gabriel, Per (for another year or two), and Chambers (who can also play RB and DM (poorly) in a pinch) would leave us in a strong position, If Gibbs leaves (who could blame him?) we're short at LB and have to get someone who can fill in for Monreal, who has been very fortunate to have escaped serious injury. I'm not sure if we need Jenkinson back behind Bellerin. Coquelin is an excellent DM, and Elneny seems capable of filling that role as well. Of course, everyone would love another top class DM, but that isn't the first priority now. The attacking mids and wingers on the books are very good, but Alexis is the only game-breaker, and even he was a step below Mahrez and DeBruyne. Walcott has not made the improvements necessary to convince, and his defensive weaknesses are so glaring that it's unwise to leave him on the field with Ozil, who also doesn't play much defense but whose vision and passing make his the first name on the team sheet when he's healthy. Iwobi can start for us next year. I'm warming to Joel Campbell. Ramsey has to stay, and probably Wilshere too. Cazorla can still start but may have just one or two more years at the top. I don't know if Ox will be a part of the puzzle. I really thought he was going to be a star. Of course, we need to keep Alexis--he's magical. Welbeck showed real promise, but he's crocked until next spring. Giroud is very good, puts in the work, and combines well, but he's struggled to score for long stretches. You can't depend on a lone striker who can go 15 games without a goal. Walcott's a disaster up there. I can't see Stan Kroenke signing a check for 75M pounds, though, so will it be another season of make do? Sanogo isn't burning up the Championship with Charlton. (I still want to buy Gestede from Villa. I bet he'd get on the end of Ozil's passes. I bet we could get him cheap, too.)
In view of the fabulous sums that the other big clubs will be spending, it will be hard to improve enough to outcompete everyone. But I can dream.
Sunday, May 15, 2016
The Saint That Came Marching In, and Arsenal 4 - 0 Aston Villa
That would be St. Totteringham. The title chase was too much for the young Spurs, and their meltdown continued with a truly astonishing 5-1 collapse against a relegated 10-man Newcastle. A more seasoned squad would not have picked up the crucial suspensions they did (Delli Alli and Dembele) and would have gone about their business in a more professional manner. Maybe next season they will. They'll have Champions' League money and prestige, and those players (if they aren't sold) will still be young and may even improve. But enough about them.
The day was Arsenal's. They were flat most of the game, probably because Wenger started Cazorla and Wilshere. They played well, but we were missing some speed of play at times. Villa played exactly as you'd expect them to; they were the perfect team to finish the season with. They did get two or three really good chances, but Cech did not have to do anything heroic to earn his clean sheet (tops in the EPL despite missing some games). The Gunners could have had twice as many goals had they not overpassed when in shooting range. But three points from a 4-0 drubbing is nothing to complain about. I predicted Giroud might prosper if Villa bunkered in, and he delivered. The goals were very well taken. Elneny, Cazorla, Ozil, and Alexis could have been on the scoresheet too had they finished that well. I don't know if he got on the scoresheet for it, but Mikel Arteta put the finishing touch on this game in injury time with a powerful shot that hit the crossbar and bounced in off the Villa GK. He cried. I hear he's going to City to coach under Guardiola--too bad. He's class all the way.
There will be more, but I am called away from the keyboard until much later tonight.
The day was Arsenal's. They were flat most of the game, probably because Wenger started Cazorla and Wilshere. They played well, but we were missing some speed of play at times. Villa played exactly as you'd expect them to; they were the perfect team to finish the season with. They did get two or three really good chances, but Cech did not have to do anything heroic to earn his clean sheet (tops in the EPL despite missing some games). The Gunners could have had twice as many goals had they not overpassed when in shooting range. But three points from a 4-0 drubbing is nothing to complain about. I predicted Giroud might prosper if Villa bunkered in, and he delivered. The goals were very well taken. Elneny, Cazorla, Ozil, and Alexis could have been on the scoresheet too had they finished that well. I don't know if he got on the scoresheet for it, but Mikel Arteta put the finishing touch on this game in injury time with a powerful shot that hit the crossbar and bounced in off the Villa GK. He cried. I hear he's going to City to coach under Guardiola--too bad. He's class all the way.
There will be more, but I am called away from the keyboard until much later tonight.
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Manchester City 2 - 2 Arsenal
First, wasn't this a great game? Both teams snapped into tackles, pressed relentlessly, pushed forward quickly. The referee (Lee Mason?) let them do it, too. He could easily have ruined this game by brandishing the yellow card more often. No one was being nasty. The only serious injury was Welbeck's and he did that to himself by making a tackle along the touchline. It must be said that City dominated play and the scoreline flatters Arsenal, but this is exactly what several teams have done to us this and prior years, and we got the needed result with maximum efficiency (two shots on target, two goals) and considerable flair (Alexis's goal was the best move in a game filled with highlights).
The midfield was a battleground. City dominated both for tactical reasons (they were the ones who needed three points) and personnel reasons (Aguero and de Bruyne were superb). Bellerin and Monreal stayed back, which was probably what Wenger wanted. City was more fluid in attack: Giroud took his more familiar pivot role when he wasn't in his own half defending, and Alexis wasn't connecting with his teammates quickly. Navas was wasteful or we'd have been in real trouble--Alexis left Monreal to deal with him most of the game. I can't be too critical about the City goals; they were fantastic strikes. Yes, the commentators said Kos should have flown out on Aguero on the first and Gabriel should have done some unspecified something on de Bruyne's shot. We did give away the ball before that second goal. But both teams were forced into numerous errors all game. I think everyone did their job this game.
The result is pretty good for us. All we have to do is tie Villa and we're in Champions' League. All we have to do to be in third is to beat Villa. It's entirely in our hands. United has a very difficult fixture at West Ham; I think they're actually going to lose. Bournemouth should present no problems for them on the final day. Speaking of which, Tottenham's loss at home to Southampton makes it possible for them to surrender second place to us it they lose at St James's Park. I'm hoping Sunderland lose in midweek to give Newcastle something to play for: survival. It's a long shot, sure, but I'll be paying attention to their scoreline, especially if Arsenal score early.
Liverpool has an excellent chance to qualify for ECL by winning Europa League. Klopp has already made himself a beloved figure in Liverpool; watch out next year. The fight for Europa League qualification next year is complicated, depending on whether United wins the FA Cup, and perhaps Liverpool winning Europa League. United looks like fifth place, but West Ham and Southampton are scrapping for sixth, with Liverpool right behind. Any two of them could miss out if Palace beats United in the FA Cup and Sevilla beats the Reds in their cup final. Or all three could be in Europe next year if those finals go the other way. Crazy.
I can't believe I'm this elated over a draw. We got the result and the men played well. Wilshere and Walcott did OK when they came on. I was happy Cazorla wasn't needed; I could just see him breaking something in the first five minutes he was on. Maybe after we're 2-0 up on Villa next week. And damn, we better beat Aston Villa. Everyone else is. They're "playing for pride" but if anyone on that team is still proud, they're delusional. I expect they'll bunker in and hope to hit on a counter somewhere. We'll try to draw them out, and if that doesn't work, penetrate and go for the jugular. It may be a good game for Giroud, who had a great game today (goal and assist!). No Ozil, I guess, but those are the breaks. (I would have bet on him to break the EPL assist record, but the chances he created were spurned.)
Already, the sound of checkbooks being opened all over England is deafening. Huge sums will be committed to buy the few difference-makers available. You know, I'd take a bargain basement flyer on Rudy Gestede while I pursued the top class strikers. I think he could add something to Arsenal.
The midfield was a battleground. City dominated both for tactical reasons (they were the ones who needed three points) and personnel reasons (Aguero and de Bruyne were superb). Bellerin and Monreal stayed back, which was probably what Wenger wanted. City was more fluid in attack: Giroud took his more familiar pivot role when he wasn't in his own half defending, and Alexis wasn't connecting with his teammates quickly. Navas was wasteful or we'd have been in real trouble--Alexis left Monreal to deal with him most of the game. I can't be too critical about the City goals; they were fantastic strikes. Yes, the commentators said Kos should have flown out on Aguero on the first and Gabriel should have done some unspecified something on de Bruyne's shot. We did give away the ball before that second goal. But both teams were forced into numerous errors all game. I think everyone did their job this game.
The result is pretty good for us. All we have to do is tie Villa and we're in Champions' League. All we have to do to be in third is to beat Villa. It's entirely in our hands. United has a very difficult fixture at West Ham; I think they're actually going to lose. Bournemouth should present no problems for them on the final day. Speaking of which, Tottenham's loss at home to Southampton makes it possible for them to surrender second place to us it they lose at St James's Park. I'm hoping Sunderland lose in midweek to give Newcastle something to play for: survival. It's a long shot, sure, but I'll be paying attention to their scoreline, especially if Arsenal score early.
Liverpool has an excellent chance to qualify for ECL by winning Europa League. Klopp has already made himself a beloved figure in Liverpool; watch out next year. The fight for Europa League qualification next year is complicated, depending on whether United wins the FA Cup, and perhaps Liverpool winning Europa League. United looks like fifth place, but West Ham and Southampton are scrapping for sixth, with Liverpool right behind. Any two of them could miss out if Palace beats United in the FA Cup and Sevilla beats the Reds in their cup final. Or all three could be in Europe next year if those finals go the other way. Crazy.
I can't believe I'm this elated over a draw. We got the result and the men played well. Wilshere and Walcott did OK when they came on. I was happy Cazorla wasn't needed; I could just see him breaking something in the first five minutes he was on. Maybe after we're 2-0 up on Villa next week. And damn, we better beat Aston Villa. Everyone else is. They're "playing for pride" but if anyone on that team is still proud, they're delusional. I expect they'll bunker in and hope to hit on a counter somewhere. We'll try to draw them out, and if that doesn't work, penetrate and go for the jugular. It may be a good game for Giroud, who had a great game today (goal and assist!). No Ozil, I guess, but those are the breaks. (I would have bet on him to break the EPL assist record, but the chances he created were spurned.)
Already, the sound of checkbooks being opened all over England is deafening. Huge sums will be committed to buy the few difference-makers available. You know, I'd take a bargain basement flyer on Rudy Gestede while I pursued the top class strikers. I think he could add something to Arsenal.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)