looked a totally different player after cesc left the pitch

just like theo he would have gotten all the accolades and praises if bendtner and co had finished the chances he set up for them

Said it many times that Nasri is a lot better without Cesc because he plays centrally. he will no doubt replace Cesc when he goes.

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[www.last.fm]

Single-handedly lowering the standards of Arsenal Times since 07/02/2009

Yeah, Nasri always plays better when he is playing from a central position and yes Nasri will replace Cesc if he leaves.

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Cesc was superb. He excels centrally. Even when Cesc was in the pitch for the first half hour, they forge a good partnership playing centrally with Denilson covering.

you mean was that walcott on the pitch?

Quote:

jar5
you mean was that walcott on the pitch?

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Jules:Look, do you wanna play blindman? Go walk with the shepherd. But me, my eyes are wide @#$%& open.

Nasri's best contribution was the assist to Cesc, but yeah he did grow further when he had more responsibility. I think this is more psychological than tactical though, as Nasri's status grows he will have more presence. Cesc is no evil-glaring Henry, he loves having team mates on his wavelength.
And yeah, the biggest improvement was in Theo - let's wheel out Waddle a few more times eh?

MOTD were very pro Walcott

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The game is about Glory. It is about doing things in style with a flourish, about going out and beating the other lot, not waiting for them to die of boredom".
Danny Blanchflower

Walcott put the ball on Bendtner feet 3 times on his head once and scored a goal, good in build up play, movement and passing, deserved all the praising he got.

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Jules:Look, do you wanna play blindman? Go walk with the shepherd. But me, my eyes are wide @#$%& open.

He deserved it after the criticism he'd had. We all know he's not the greatest technical player but a great team has players who can do different things and he's got pace to burn.

Well maybe theo just proved wenger right. Not only has he actually got a 'football brain', he has a brain. Which is one better than Chris @#$%& Waddle!

Philly, I didn't know that was his middle name, how apt!

I'm half tempted to correct wikipedia with it. But I'd be worried they'd blame theo!!

Quote:

Philly the kid
Well maybe theo just proved wenger right. Not only has he actually got a 'football brain', he has a brain. Which is one better than Chris @#$%& Waddle!

There is just so much right with this quote it can't be topped. Please send this to Waddle!

Do any of you guys believe in playing with both Nasri and Fabregas in front of Song? Or do we need Diaby for a more defensive physical presence? Barcelona does play with just one defensive midfielder but they don't play regularly against so tough teams as we do so maybe it isn't possible for us at least against top opponents.

Quote:

Lynxes
Do any of you guys believe in playing with both Nasri and Fabregas in front of Song? Or do we need Diaby for a more defensive physical presence? Barcelona does play with just one defensive midfielder but they don't play regularly against so tough teams as we do so maybe it isn't possible for us at least against top opponents.

anywhere central is better for Nasri, I think it's Cesc or Nasri though.

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Jules:Look, do you wanna play blindman? Go walk with the shepherd. But me, my eyes are wide @#$%& open.

Quote:

Flava
He deserved it after the criticism he'd had. We all know he's not the greatest technical player but a great team has players who can do different things and he's got pace to burn.

He needs to continue to work on his technical skills with the ball. I remember 2 situations in the game yesterday where his lack of technical ball skills let him down. One was in the first half during an Arsenal break when he chased a long high ball and could not bring the ball under control which frankly should be bread and butter for an Arsenal pro. Second situation was towards the end of full time when he received a short pass from Arshavin off a corner but the ball hit his shin and went out lamely for a goal kick.

If he compliments his exceptional pace with better ball skills, he will be one more step closer to Henry.

Quote:

Lynxes
Do any of you guys believe in playing with both Nasri and Fabregas in front of Song? Or do we need Diaby for a more defensive physical presence? Barcelona does play with just one defensive midfielder but they don't play regularly against so tough teams as we do so maybe it isn't possible for us at least against top opponents.

Diaby is needed in the Prem.

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We just need three players in midfield and up front, who they are really matters very little.

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[www.last.fm]

Single-handedly lowering the standards of Arsenal Times since 07/02/2009

Arsenal.com

Wenger - Versatile Nasri is getting stronger

By Chris Harris

Samir Nasri is getting stronger and growing in confidence with every game, according to Arsène Wenger.

The French international was one of the stars of Arsenal's win over Burnley on Saturday, setting up the opening goal for Cesc Fabregas with a deft chipped pass and then taking over the captain's creative mantle after he succumbed to a hamstring injury before half-time.

It's easy to forget that Nasri missed the first two months of the season with a broken leg sustained at last summer's training camp in Austria, but he has found his form in recent weeks and could deputise for Fabregas when Porto visit Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. Wenger is convinced Nasri has the talent and temperament to handle the occasion.

"He is the same as Cesc, 22-years-old so very young," said the manager. "But he has adapted very quickly. He is a very intelligent boy, a quiet boy. He analyses what is happening on the pitch very quickly. He has good technical potential.

"He is very versatile too. He can play defensive midfield, attacking midfield and on the flanks. We have a few players like that and I love that.

"Nasri started with a fibula fracture at the start of the season and after two months it took him a while to get back to his best. But in the last few weeks he has got stronger and more confidence."

The Frenchman's run into form is perfectly timed as they try to maintain their European dream without Fabregas. Nasri revelled in his central role against Burnley and Wenger admits his compatriot would like to play there more.

"If you ask any player where he wants to play, they will say in the middle," said Wenger. "He is happy to play there but I believe with the pace he has he can play on the flanks as well."

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Jules:Look, do you wanna play blindman? Go walk with the shepherd. But me, my eyes are wide @#$%& open.