Arsenal Thread

by azania Wed Sep 05, 2012 3:56 pm

First topic message reminder :

Surprised the isn't one yet.

In

Carzola
Giroud
Podolski

Out

Deadwood (exept Squilacchi and Chamakh)
RvP/Berba clone hopefully

I actually believe that Arsenal are stronger than last year. Carzola is a great buy for us. Giroud, although he hasn't scored yet makes terrific runs and in time will score 15+ per year.

Our defense has been tightened by Bould's astute style.

My prediction? Arsenal will end up 2nd behind City. UCL semi and win something (CO-Cup).

Discuss.

by Smirnoffpriest Thu Sep 27, 2012 8:31 pm

Yeah walcott could do with a shot - my one problem with him coming out and saying he has to play up front is that he already players on the right of a front 3 (basically a wide striker) and we have a system which is working, with around 5 players who can play in the centre (Giroud, Podolski, Santi, Gervinho and even Arshavin) - if Walcott wants to play in the centre, he's either going to have a lot less space to run into than on the wing, what with 2 big CBs on him (trying to tackle him before he runs), and could get muscled out - or we'll have to change our system to 2 upfront so he can play with 1 of Podolski and Giroud. Which seeing as we're bedding new players into a working system is a big ask, just for one player.

by azania Thu Sep 27, 2012 9:18 pm

I'd pick Theo ahead of Gervinho anyday. He's much clinical. But I've always liked Theo so perhaps a tad biased.

I hear what you're saying so I'd have him coming in from deep or at the shoulder of the last defender. One thing for sure, Theo would have buried that chance Gervinho fluffed against City.

by azania Thu Sep 27, 2012 9:21 pm

I've said before. I have a sneaky feeling for Arsenal this year. I can see us doing somethng special. Geting rid of RvP hasn't affected us. Song was a good sale for the price although I liked him. Getting Santi, Pod and hopefully Giroud has made us stronger and with our midfield injured coming back. It looks good.

by Smirnoffpriest Thu Sep 27, 2012 9:34 pm

I think getting rid of Song was a big mistake as we're hugely dependant on Diaby now, and if he gets injured we only have 2 unproven youngsters, Coquelin and Frimpong to play in the cruical DM position (and Frimpong is just coming back from a broken leg and 7 months out) - we should at the very least have signed Sahin to give us cover.

Plus Song was out 2nd best player last year.

by azania Thu Sep 27, 2012 10:14 pm

Smirnoffpriest wrote:I think getting rid of Song was a big mistake as we're hugely dependant on Diaby now, and if he gets injured we only have 2 unproven youngsters, Coquelin and Frimpong to play in the cruical DM position (and Frimpong is just coming back from a broken leg and 7 months out) - we should at the very least have signed Sahin to give us cover.

Plus Song was out 2nd best player last year.

Song wasn't much of a defensive midfielder last season. Probably under orders. But Arteta is the DM with Diaby allowed the freedom to attack. Coq is a more than adequate back up and he is damn good. With Wilshire returning together with Frimpong (Deeeench) and Rosiky a couple of weeks away, its not too bad. Plus we're now moving the ball quicker and Song tended to dwell on it for too long.

by Nakatomi Plaza Thu Sep 27, 2012 10:25 pm

azania wrote:I've said before. I have a sneaky feeling for Arsenal this year. I can see us doing somethng special. Geting rid of RvP hasn't affected us. Song was a good sale for the price although I liked him. Getting Santi, Pod and hopefully Giroud has made us stronger and with our midfield injured coming back. It looks good.

Can't agree with that. Any side with Van Persie in is better for it. He already been worth 3 points to United (against Southampton), and I'd have backed him to put away a cuple of the chances that fell Gervinho's way on Sunday.

by socal1976 Fri Sep 28, 2012 1:00 am

Smirnoffpriest wrote:Social1976 - Yeah I'm hoping that both Wilshere and Ramsey fulfill their potential after their horrible injuries - that goes for Diaby as well, whose had (I think) 2 broken legs in as many years.

It's a good point about Ramsey being pushed out wide, as if we feel we'll be tested down the flanks then we can replace Gervinho with Ramsey, have a 4-4-2 (or 4-4-1-1) and Ramsey would protect the LB/RB a lot better, and you could even play Santos on the Left Wing (he's played there before for us) then have a front two of Giroud and Podolski or even Podolski and Walcott (which is an exciting prospect)

Yes for me the key is to keep wilshere and ramsey together to me they are the type of young midfielders that continental midfielders are creditted with such comfort on the ball and yet willing to get in there and win it as well. Is it too much to hope for to have one season with all or most of these guys healthy?

What about Giroud and walcott up top in a match when we do go 4-4-2 and Cazorla free to roam in behind them. I know Giroud hasn't shown it but call me old fashioned I like a big muscular forward not scared to get into it with the central defenders. Giroud knocking it down and holding it up for Cazorla and Theo. I certainly am not a football tactician or technician but in a traditional 4-4-2 that strikes me as a good combo. I am not that smart but one super fast forward up top with a really tall player who can hold up possession and knock down balls in the air to his strike mate.

But as you say smirnoff can't change your system for one guy, we don't play 4-4-2 very often but maybe when we decide to do it a Giroud and Walcott pairing with walcott as the other little forward. It is a lethal combination of aerial prowess and speed.

by Smirnoffpriest Fri Sep 28, 2012 9:44 am

I agree, I think Giroud shows promise and is being unfairly slated for not being RVP (people forget that we had RVP - whose awesome, last year and had our worst start, so he doesn't solve all problems). Him and Walcott is tasty - but I would say I don't think we can afford to leave Podolski out of the team as he's awesome and linking up well with the other players, particularly Santi.

I think Giroud shows some good passing and a good head - he just needs to adjust to the league and find his scoring boots - but he's only played 2/3 full games.

by socal1976 Fri Sep 28, 2012 4:38 pm

Smirnoffpriest wrote:I agree, I think Giroud shows promise and is being unfairly slated for not being RVP (people forget that we had RVP - whose awesome, last year and had our worst start, so he doesn't solve all problems). Him and Walcott is tasty - but I would say I don't think we can afford to leave Podolski out of the team as he's awesome and linking up well with the other players, particularly Santi.

I think Giroud shows some good passing and a good head - he just needs to adjust to the league and find his scoring boots - but he's only played 2/3 full games.

Exactly one player no matter how great whether it is RVP or Messi or anyone doesn't win a championship in this sport. I agree I really like Podolski the man is very active linking up with Cazorla but at the same time he can be direct and ruthless in front of goal. Frankly, I was surprised he never worked out long term with munich.

One thing for sure I don't know how Giroud will pan out but the one thing I do like is that for the first time in quite some time we have a guy that will do the dirty work as a forward. Despite the departures of Song and RVP we maybe a more balanced team and hopefully a better all around team.

by The genius of PBF Fri Sep 28, 2012 6:29 pm

Top Hat still thinks cack like Jagielka and Cahill better than Mertesacker haha...As clueless in football as he is in boxing.

Vermaelen shouldn't even be in the Arsenal team let alone captain...Cheers for RVP, number 20 for United this season.

by Smirnoffpriest Fri Sep 28, 2012 9:00 pm

Vermaelen is by far our best CB

by The genius of PBF Sat Sep 29, 2012 5:01 pm

Vermaelen was shocking today gave away two cheap free kicks which led to Chelsea goals...Mertesacker and Koscielny are your best defenders.

Vermalen scores goals which tend to gloss over his mistakes...If Mertesacker started I dont think your team lose today.

by Kay Fabe Sat Sep 29, 2012 5:10 pm

Gervinho is utterly depressing to watch

by **Crimey** Sat Sep 29, 2012 5:14 pm

Kay Fabe wrote:Gervinho is utterly depressing to watch

Good goal though. Laugh

by socal1976 Sat Sep 29, 2012 5:18 pm

Well it is sad to get beat like that with so many chances at the end of the game one hitting the woodwork from Koscielny and Giroud's miss in extra time after he had done all the hardwork. Two set pieces poorly defended a couple of great cech saves and Arsenal lose this one. Oh well hopefully this new look on defense will pan out to better defense of the set piece.

by socal1976 Sat Sep 29, 2012 5:50 pm

The genius of PBF wrote:Vermaelen was shocking today gave away two cheap free kicks which led to Chelsea goals...Mertesacker and Koscielny are your best defenders.

Vermalen scores goals which tend to gloss over his mistakes...If Mertesacker started I dont think your team lose today.

Yes not a good night for vermalen he made a lot of mistakes. I still think when he focuses on the job of being the defensive bulwark he is a very good defender. But he needs to benefit from his experience of making these mistakes and realize he can't get caught up field. That created the second set piece goal as he had to take a foul in the open field in a dangerous position because he was playing to far forward.

by Josiah Maiestas Sat Sep 29, 2012 8:09 pm

Ashley Cole really tried hard to give his former Arsenal team a point today think he should be dropped for Bertrand. Gervinho and Giroud really do not have the ability to change the result at the other end.

by socal1976 Mon Oct 01, 2012 7:24 pm

JM what are you talking about Gervinho has scored 4 goals already this season of course he can change the course of individual games.

by Kay Fabe Mon Oct 01, 2012 8:26 pm

Socal I believe he's one of the most hopeless players I've ever seen, if the rest of his game was half as good as his finish on Saturday he'd be some player

by socal1976 Wed Oct 03, 2012 4:06 pm

Kay Fabe wrote:Socal I believe he's one of the most hopeless players I've ever seen, if the rest of his game was half as good as his finish on Saturday he'd be some player

Come on Kay Fabe, no one is saying he is the second Henry but the guy has played well this season and when he has played up top he has gotten goals. I like his energy, pace, and he is good technically as well. I think in a platoon of forwards he can give a team quite a bit of goals and create chances. Is he the answer to the title drought or the second coming of Henry, well of course not.

by Smirnoffpriest Wed Oct 03, 2012 4:24 pm

socal1976 wrote:
Kay Fabe wrote:Socal I believe he's one of the most hopeless players I've ever seen, if the rest of his game was half as good as his finish on Saturday he'd be some player

Come on Kay Fabe, no one is saying he is the second Henry but the guy has played well this season and when he has played up top he has gotten goals. I like his energy, pace, and he is good technically as well. I think in a platoon of forwards he can give a team quite a bit of goals and create chances. Is he the answer to the title drought or the second coming of Henry, well of course not.

+1

by GG Wed Oct 03, 2012 4:44 pm

Gervinho AND Walcott in the same team is just too frustrating to watch.....

by Kay Fabe Wed Oct 03, 2012 8:42 pm

Smirnoffpriest wrote:
socal1976 wrote:
Kay Fabe wrote:Socal I believe he's one of the most hopeless players I've ever seen, if the rest of his game was half as good as his finish on Saturday he'd be some player

Come on Kay Fabe, no one is saying he is the second Henry but the guy has played well this season and when he has played up top he has gotten goals. I like his energy, pace, and he is good technically as well. I think in a platoon of forwards he can give a team quite a bit of goals and create chances. Is he the answer to the title drought or the second coming of Henry, well of course not.

+1

(I tried to post this before the game before the goal but what the hell)

I appreciate your opinions lads I just don't agree, I'd never burden anyone by expecting them to be of the same standard as Henry, however I just don't see it in him, I get what you mean with you liking his pace and energy but technically? I definitely can't agree with that, technically I feel he's extremely poor, his first touch is horrendous and when he's running with the ball he always appears to over-run it and subsequently loses possession, if he scores goals then it makes up for the rest of his short falls but I just don't believe he'll score enough goals to mask the flaws, when I say enough goals I'm talking 12-15 goals in all comps

by azania Wed Oct 03, 2012 10:15 pm

Vermalen should focus on defending and stop these marauding runs. Looks like Franny C is injured. Frimpong will be DENCH!

by Smirnoffpriest Wed Oct 03, 2012 10:55 pm

Kay fabe - i gotta say i quite like a player who cant stop over running the ball, has no technique and has scored 5 goals already and makes space for others

by Kay Fabe Thu Oct 04, 2012 11:09 am

Smirnoff having seen him last season and quite often this season he just doesn't appear to me to be Arsenal class, maybe I overrate the standard I expect to see from a regular at the Arsenal, I doubt it though, no doubt he's hit a wee purple patch right now, can he keep it up? Who knows but I don't believe he will, if he does I'll be more than happy to admit I judged him to early.

Am I the only person on here though that thinks his first touch is awful and his control or lack of control is obvious?

by Smirnoffpriest Thu Oct 04, 2012 12:08 pm

I thought last year he did quite well on the wing until the ACONs but was poor after that - he was direct however and liked to get to the byline, and either round the defender or cross.

This year he's shown that and linked up well with Santi and Podolski (particularly the latter), he's scored and created chances in most games. And I fail to see how he could score 5 goals in 7 games if he was the donkey with the poor touch and control you describe.

I'm not saying he's amazing or one of our best player, but at the same time he's clearly better than you make out.

by socal1976 Sun Oct 07, 2012 4:25 am

Kay Fabe wrote:Smirnoff having seen him last season and quite often this season he just doesn't appear to me to be Arsenal class, maybe I overrate the standard I expect to see from a regular at the Arsenal, I doubt it though, no doubt he's hit a wee purple patch right now, can he keep it up? Who knows but I don't believe he will, if he does I'll be more than happy to admit I judged him to early.

Am I the only person on here though that thinks his first touch is awful and his control or lack of control is obvious?

Kay Fabe certainly you are entitled to your opinion and you make good points. To be honest I do think others could do as well with playing time. But I think you are a bit harsh when you say he has no technical ability, I agree his first touch the most important does at times let him down. Still there is a lot to like about him as a player. So far he has earned consideration because when he has played he has looked bright and scored goals. Lets see how long the hot streak in goals lasts and then decide if he is crap.

By the way what a match against the hammers. Can't say enough about how I enjoyed that game. Another much maligned signing is Giroud and honestly I think he brings a different dimension by doing the dirty work up top. He frankly should have had 3 today but I like his strength and power up top. We really haven't had that in a long time.

by Smirnoffpriest Fri Oct 12, 2012 1:29 pm

Agree Social - nice comment.
It's a shame we don't have Giroud and RVP but Giroud offers something different and I reckon he can work well with Podolski, Santi and/or Gervinho. And I'm sure because of this goals will come for Giroud, whether it's 10 or 20 is the question.

I would however like to see if Walcott can develop this sort of understanding with Podolski/Santi - though I can see why Wenger wouldn't want to mess the team around and spend time integrating a player into a new position and build understanding with the team mates, if he could leave in 7 months.

by **Crimey** Fri Oct 12, 2012 2:05 pm

Rumours are growing that Arsenal are looking for another centre forward, either in January or next summer. Does this mean Walcott is more than likely going to be leaving?

I can't see Walcott accepting a new deal if Arsenal do sign another striker.

by GSC Fri Oct 12, 2012 2:06 pm

If Walcott wont take 70k then I'd tell him to walk since nobody else with sense would pay him that.

by **Crimey** Fri Oct 12, 2012 2:09 pm

GSC wrote:If Walcott wont take 70k then I'd tell him to walk since nobody else with sense would pay him that.

I'm not sure money is the issue here, I think it's due to the lack of assurance of a role through the centre. Whether you think Walcott is wrong for believing he can do a job there, I'd be extremely surprised if Walcott was just holding out for more money as there isn't another team willing to pay more than that amount....but, there will be sides who will play Walcott through the centre (Liverpool comes to mind.)

by Smirnoffpriest Fri Oct 12, 2012 3:00 pm

There seems to be a few sides interested in taking Walcott on a free.

But I don't get the feeling Walcott is after more money, I think he genuinely wants to play in the centre.
The problem is he already plays in an advanced role, and we have a number of attacking players who can occupy a central role, but currently favour a more fluid system where the players interchange (something Walcott could have taken advantage of by starting out wide and showing how good he is by drifting into the centre and switching with other players). The system is also working as it is, so it's a big ask to change a system just for one person, especially as it may turn out Walcott is more suited to playing just off a main striker (Giroud/Podolski) rather than in the centre of a front 3.

by socal1976 Sat Oct 13, 2012 7:44 pm

Good points on Walcott by Smirnoff and Crimey, I think Theo's big grip is about his role and playing time the money is more than a fair offer even by today's inflated standards. The situation has also been made worse by the goal scoring hot streak of gervinho. To me the most obvious guy to go to the bench for Walcott would Gervinho and well Gervy just aint cooperating by scoring goals and creating goals when he has played.

I posited this before the hammers match that I still believe a lineup with Walcott, podolski, Giroud, and Cazorla would be our best attack front. Walcott and Giroud are the two most dircet players we have. Podolski has just played his butt off with power and energy up top no way we can do with out his aggression and work rate. Cazorla is the X factor there to maintain possession and deliver the telling last ball. And then you have the power man up top in Giroud knocking it down for the speed burner Walcott. With this lineup if it remain healthy I think we could finish 1 or 2 in the prem in goals scored.

by Smirnoffpriest Mon Oct 15, 2012 2:37 pm

I like the sound of that attacking line up Social - It'll be really good when Giroud gets confidence and some wind in his sails.

And I love the fact that we finally have options now, even though we've lost RVP. If Giroud isn't working then we bring Gervinho on and change it up, Walcott can be replaced with Chamberlain (or both played in the side for lots of speed). If we want we can play Santi in central forward and interchange with the other strikers, or we can play Podolski and Walcott/Giroud/Gervinho in a 2 upfront approach if we need to fill the midfield, with maybe Santi behind.

It's still early days though, and we need to get all our injured players - Wilshere, Sagna, Frimpong, Szczenzy, Fabinansky, Diaby, back fit and raring to go, and we also need to try and keep our defence tight - we've let in some lax goals recently.

by socal1976 Mon Oct 15, 2012 7:04 pm

I agree the set pieces are killing us again and it just gets frustrating to get beat the same way over and over again by lesser teams. Pack 10 guys behind the ball and wait to pick Arsenal off with a corner or free kick into the box.

Yes Giroud I think will get going, I can't predict for certain but all I hear about the guy is that he works his butt off and is easy to work with. I hope that is the case and I do see that he is involved in the play and he is getting chances just been a bit wasteful with them.

What I like about that attack lineup Smirnoff is the versatility it gives us. We can still score the Arsenal goals with beautiful buildup of the last few years but we have players like Walcott and Giroud who can play a more direct style. All 4 players bring a great deal of talent but with a different style of opening up defenses. In the past it was all about getting the ball on RVP's left foot or to Henry.

by Smirnoffpriest Tue Oct 16, 2012 10:23 am

I agree - I do like the way that when a really good player leaves whose been the focal point of our play (Henry, Fab, RVP ect) then we seem to change and have the attack coming from lots of different players (like when Henry left and everyone was concerned we wouldn't score goals then the attack went through Fabergas - who became one of our top scorers, and Ade and RVP shared the attacking).

But as you say it's defence and set pieces that are letting us down and we have been letting in some sloppy goals, which if we'd cut out half of them, would probably mean we'd be in the Top2 right now.

by **Crimey** Tue Oct 16, 2012 11:05 am

What is going to be strange is that the last time Wilshere was playing for the side, it was built around Fabregas, Van Persie and Nasri who have since all left. The team is really set up in a completely different way these days. It will take him a while to adjust.

by Smirnoffpriest Tue Oct 16, 2012 11:38 am

It'll take him awhile to adjust no matter what, with being out for over a year with reoccuring injuries at such a young age.

by socal1976 Wed Oct 17, 2012 6:42 am

I really can't wait for Wilshere to come back him and Ramsey are my favorites and I can't help but feel there are very big things in both of these player's Arsenal futures. Certainly, both players have been set back by terrible injuries but if they can stay healthy, I can't think of a better pair of midfielders in that age group.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Wed Oct 17, 2012 7:47 am

#GonnagetbeatbytheNorwich

by socal1976 Wed Oct 17, 2012 5:39 pm

Cheers Olly, lol

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Wed Oct 17, 2012 9:19 pm

The way both teams are playing at the moment, we will do well to lose by only 2 goals Laugh

by Smirnoffpriest Thu Oct 18, 2012 10:44 am

I really hope we don't have a post-international hangover and we really cut loose against Norwich (sorry Olly)

Also apparently Sagna and Wilshere both came through the behind-closed-doors friendly vs Chelsea and both played 90 mins. Good news, maybe even as soon as 2 weeks time we'll have them in the team/squad.

by ncfc_Tooze Thu Oct 18, 2012 10:47 am

Our Local Paper is saying Frimpong is likely to be involved for you guys too.

I think it will be a draw or us scraping a win, we cant keep getting hammered can we? hahaha

by Smirnoffpriest Thu Oct 18, 2012 10:56 am

ncfc_Tooze wrote:Our Local Paper is saying Frimpong is likely to be involved for you guys too.

I think it will be a draw or us scraping a win, we cant keep getting hammered can we? hahaha

I think you should let us hammer you and then go on a run of wins and draws until January! thumbsup

by Smirnoffpriest Thu Oct 18, 2012 10:57 am

It'll be good news if Frimpong is back, I really like him and he'll give us a lot of bite and defensive cover in midfield while Diaby is off.

by **Crimey** Thu Oct 18, 2012 11:52 am

I don't really rate Frimpong to be honest, I can't see him ever making it big at Arsenal, he's certainly not as good as Vieira or even Song. A mid-table Premier League side will probably be his level, I suppose he's decent as cover.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Thu Oct 18, 2012 3:25 pm

I really hope we don't lose to you lot for many reasons, the main one being my best mate is an Arsenal fan! Also the fact we should probably start winning soon...

by The genius of PBF Fri Oct 19, 2012 1:41 am

Oh dear Olly...Could be 3 points from 8 games. Wink

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