Will he be missed?
Will The Tables Be Turned?
Will he be missed?
By Boris Mellor
November 20 2009
After the last international break Chelsea and Liverpool lost and Arsenal won. The 3-1 victory against Birmingham wasn't spectacular, but it added to the Gunners' winning streak. However what I wrote after that victory will very much apply to the game against Sunderland:
Will he be missed?
November 20 2009
After the last international break Chelsea and Liverpool lost and Arsenal won. The 3-1 victory against Birmingham wasn't spectacular, but it added to the Gunners' winning streak. However what I wrote after that victory will very much apply to the game against Sunderland:
"The biggest factor in the outcome of the 'top four's' results in this weekend's premiership was the international break. The two teams that were away (Chelsea and Liverpool) lost, and the two at home won. The two at home (Arsenal and Manchester United) both went 2-0 up and both conceded a goal. Man U's performance has been described as edgy. Arsenal were clearly affected by the international break, indeed several players were missing due to injuries, and others like Rosicky, Arshavin and Cesc appeared tired."
Indeed it will doubly apply; Gallas and Sagna have been involved in a 120 minute marathon. Arshavin tried, but failed, to inspire, a listless Russia into the World Cup. Van Persie suffered serious injury, and Gibbs, hopefully, a minor one that will keep him out until at least Chelsea. Diaby, Wilshere, and Walcott remain on the injury list.
Good news
Lukasz Fabianski, Carlos Vela, Denilson and Armand Traore, all return, but none of them can really replace RvP, unless Vela is given a chance; but I would assume it will be Eduardo who starts. There again it could be Arshavin or Rosicky who takes the actual RvP role. Meanwhile Silvestre and Traore will compete for the left back spot.
Suggestions that Eboue could fill the left back spot do not add up, the bloke is so right sided its painful. He had his worst game ever on that side and was subbed as sub. True he could swap with Sagna; and the Frenchman can play on the left. I suspect Wenger will rest Sagna anyway.
Don't underestimate Sunderland
They were unfortunate to only draw at Old Trafford, if they had kept their head they would have won after outplaying Man U. They also beat Liverpool. They have had two weeks with their feet up, whilst Arsenal players got knocked about in qualifiers, and meaningless friendlies. Our players arrive back late Thursday or early Friday and leave almost immediately for the long run up north.
Will The Tables Be Turned?
This time Liverpool, Man U and Chelsea are at home and we are away. Let's hope it's not they who get the good result and we don't. Make no mistake about it this one is tough. A win will be a very good result indeed. It will also be a week where the 100 goals hype may be undermined.
Light relief - battle of the also rans
A fascinating fixture this weekend will be Liverpool v Citeh, which of these two overpriced teams can break the log jam and actually win a game? Could be another draw which will not be much use for either manager, both of whom could be leading in the sack race by New Year. One thing's for sure they can't be both winners.
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Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: Arsenal Times (IP Logged)
Date: 20/11/2009 17:32
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:11:22:12:55:38 by Padre Pio.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:11:22:12:55:38 by Padre Pio.
Re: Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: AJ The Gunner (IP Logged)
Date: 20/11/2009 19:18
i hate international breaks ,it breaks any momentum built.I hope we edge this one cos Sunderland are no push overs.
Re: Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: celine dion (IP Logged)
Date: 20/11/2009 19:27
Its a nasty one this. Many factors are against us you have nailed the principal three -
Gallas and Sagna played 120 mins as you say and an additional point was that Sagna was absolutely bombing round the pitch for most of it like you say he should certainly be rested and if he isn't it will only be out of desperation to play a recognisable back four, don't forget Eboue played 90 mins as well and as you say he simply is not left footed. I think we are going to see Traore who is more of a midfielder in my opinion.
Not only the travel aspect but we don't like it up there particularly, our record in the north east is not good we were poor at Sunderland last year and the wins we have had before that were in meaningless end of season games.
All eyes (and not just ours) will be on how we replace RVP. I dont know if Arshavin will play given his efforts on Wednesday and presumably he will also be in an emotional state given that the World Cup would have been the stage which he and his burgeoning publicity machine certainly required. We may find oursleves thankful for this in the long run mind you. I cant see Eduardo playing in RVP's position, as it goes, I think Wenger prefers him down the left (in Arshavins position in fact). I think you could have hit the nail on the head saying Rosicky may take the RVP position. He has more guile than the other options, maybe it will be Eduardo - Rosicky - Walcott. But is he fit at the moment? theres a whole 20 hours or so in which he could trip over the carpet in the coach or drop a packet or rice krispies on his foot.
I wouldnt bet against Song taking a spot in the back 4 as well. This is a huge test for our apparent Championship credentials I wonder if Wenger is not wishing secretly that he had made a squad bolstering quality defensive signing, the thought of Senderos or Silvestre stepping out tomorrow (or even BOTH) after having played practically no games does not fill me with calm confidence.
Gallas and Sagna played 120 mins as you say and an additional point was that Sagna was absolutely bombing round the pitch for most of it like you say he should certainly be rested and if he isn't it will only be out of desperation to play a recognisable back four, don't forget Eboue played 90 mins as well and as you say he simply is not left footed. I think we are going to see Traore who is more of a midfielder in my opinion.
Not only the travel aspect but we don't like it up there particularly, our record in the north east is not good we were poor at Sunderland last year and the wins we have had before that were in meaningless end of season games.
All eyes (and not just ours) will be on how we replace RVP. I dont know if Arshavin will play given his efforts on Wednesday and presumably he will also be in an emotional state given that the World Cup would have been the stage which he and his burgeoning publicity machine certainly required. We may find oursleves thankful for this in the long run mind you. I cant see Eduardo playing in RVP's position, as it goes, I think Wenger prefers him down the left (in Arshavins position in fact). I think you could have hit the nail on the head saying Rosicky may take the RVP position. He has more guile than the other options, maybe it will be Eduardo - Rosicky - Walcott. But is he fit at the moment? theres a whole 20 hours or so in which he could trip over the carpet in the coach or drop a packet or rice krispies on his foot.
I wouldnt bet against Song taking a spot in the back 4 as well. This is a huge test for our apparent Championship credentials I wonder if Wenger is not wishing secretly that he had made a squad bolstering quality defensive signing, the thought of Senderos or Silvestre stepping out tomorrow (or even BOTH) after having played practically no games does not fill me with calm confidence.
Re: Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: lewis198four (IP Logged)
Date: 20/11/2009 21:22
Walcott will turn the tables
Re: Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: lewis198four (IP Logged)
Date: 20/11/2009 21:58
Why do you sigh? It is not a nasty One, we are better than Sunderland. Eboue will probaly play, Eduardo is there. The only thing that can stop us is the weather, let's hope it is not gail force winds and rain.
Re: Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: celine dion (IP Logged)
Date: 20/11/2009 22:03
Mr Rockstaar is sighing at me mate, but don't worry, I am long used to his sighing, I know me stuff.
Re: Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: Padre Pio (IP Logged)
Date: 20/11/2009 22:13
Walcott not ready yet.
Sunderland are better than last year, and they drew with us twice. The first time when it mattered at our place.
This is the wrong time for this fixture, we needed a home game. I know Celine agrees, those who dont I hope you are right.
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
Sunderland are better than last year, and they drew with us twice. The first time when it mattered at our place.
This is the wrong time for this fixture, we needed a home game. I know Celine agrees, those who dont I hope you are right.
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
Re: Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: lewis198four (IP Logged)
Date: 20/11/2009 22:17
We are dangerous at the moment, in a good way.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:11:20:22:17:34 by lewis198four.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:11:20:22:17:34 by lewis198four.
Re: Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: Padre Pio (IP Logged)
Date: 20/11/2009 22:27
We are less dangerous after Int Break, I hope they recover straight away. I dont think we would have won after last one if we hadnt had a fairly easy game at home
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
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
Re: Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: lewis198four (IP Logged)
Date: 20/11/2009 22:30
Well they were all together today so straight away has happend, Let's have it! COME ON ARSENAL!
Re: Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: Padre Pio (IP Logged)
Date: 20/11/2009 22:41
NB correction to article - thanks to Celine and Twitter.
we beat Brum 3-1 but it wasnt our best of performances
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
we beat Brum 3-1 but it wasnt our best of performances
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
Re: Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: lewis198four (IP Logged)
Date: 20/11/2009 22:48
What does NB mean?
Re: Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: eduardo (IP Logged)
Date: 20/11/2009 22:57
NB means something like Take Note, or Note Well
Will Wenger actually pick a team mostly of players who he actually had here for training most of the week, leave Sagna, Gallas, Arshavin on the bench and maybe even song as he is only one booking away from missing the Chelsea game
Almunia
Eboue Senderos Vermaelen Traore
Denilon Rosicky
Cesc
Walcott Eduardo Nasri
Subs
Fabianski Sagna Gallas Song Vela Arshavin Merida
Will Wenger actually pick a team mostly of players who he actually had here for training most of the week, leave Sagna, Gallas, Arshavin on the bench and maybe even song as he is only one booking away from missing the Chelsea game
Almunia
Eboue Senderos Vermaelen Traore
Denilon Rosicky
Cesc
Walcott Eduardo Nasri
Subs
Fabianski Sagna Gallas Song Vela Arshavin Merida
Re: Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: Padre Pio (IP Logged)
Date: 20/11/2009 22:57
Nota Bene Latin - please take special notice
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
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
Re: Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: pk_gunner (IP Logged)
Date: 20/11/2009 23:10
Take a 1-0 own goal win tommorow.
Tough game.
London's finest since 1886.
Tough game.
London's finest since 1886.
Re: Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: Padre Pio (IP Logged)
Date: 21/11/2009 00:04
Yes please
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
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
Re: Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: HappyGooner (IP Logged)
Date: 21/11/2009 11:45
Eduardo, your lineup has Song on the bench? That lineup is too light. Sunderland are a physical team. We need Song in there to counteract that. I know he's on 4 yellows but this game is a must. Forget about Chel$ki and let's concentrate on Sunderland.
Re: Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: Padre Pio (IP Logged)
Date: 21/11/2009 17:39
Quote Padre: "This is the wrong time for this fixture, we needed a home game. I know Celine agrees, those who dont I hope you are right."
It gives me no pleasure to say that Celine and me were right.
I choked at putting a defeat so predicted 1-1. Maybe we had a good shout for a pen. They didnt show it again and again so cant tell.
I dont think this will typify our form, just the wrong match at the wrong time against Crazy Gang Football
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
It gives me no pleasure to say that Celine and me were right.
I choked at putting a defeat so predicted 1-1. Maybe we had a good shout for a pen. They didnt show it again and again so cant tell.
I dont think this will typify our form, just the wrong match at the wrong time against Crazy Gang Football
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
Re: Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: pk_gunner (IP Logged)
Date: 21/11/2009 17:41
^ Always look disjointed after international breaks like you said.
Fact we can't keep clean sheets also finally caught up with us, can't always score in every game.
Very poor goal to concede and they didn't look like scoring otherwise - though neither did we really.
London's finest since 1886.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2009:11:21:17:44:45 by pk_gunner.
Fact we can't keep clean sheets also finally caught up with us, can't always score in every game.
Very poor goal to concede and they didn't look like scoring otherwise - though neither did we really.
London's finest since 1886.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2009:11:21:17:44:45 by pk_gunner.
Re: Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: Padre Pio (IP Logged)
Date: 21/11/2009 17:44
True enough PK. the ball watching was awful - nobody moved towards it
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
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
Re: Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: lewis198four (IP Logged)
Date: 22/11/2009 19:13
I was wrong, I thought we would blitz them in the first 20 then hold back a bit. Arsenal always play@#$%&in a blue kit, remember 94/95?
Re: Will The Tables Be Turned?
Posted by: Padre Pio (IP Logged)
Date: 22/11/2009 19:51
I was too optimistic too - predicting 1-1
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
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
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