As we're unlikely to see terraces again at football, this is the virtual equivalent where you can chat to your hearts content about all football matters and, obviously, Arsenal in particular. This forum encourages all Gooners to visit and contribute so please keep it respectful, clean and topical.
augie wrote: even senderos partnered with either of them is a better partnership than kolo/gallas
As shocking as that might read to most, I would agree. Senderos is poor in most areas (also doesn't anticipate or dictate but only reacts to things - usually too late) but at least he can clear a ball with his head. Gallas and Kolo seem incapable of dealing with even the most basic aerial threat; they do not compliment each other and are not a good partnership IMHO.
Very true, how do we cope with a long ball over the top??
For central balls over the midfield then anticipation and positioning are everything for me. Remember TA6 and Bouldy, Keown (even Suicide Cygan) - they all had that ability to get in the right position to clear with the head.
With corners/crosses it's about dominating the attacker, closing the space he'll try to run into and "chanelling" him where you want him to go. Also the basic schoolboy rule of thumb; Stay goalside of him. Gallas and Kolo get caught out because of bad positioning so often...
Mikael Silvestre hopes his transfer to Arsenal from Manchester United will present him with more first-team opportunities this season.
The French defender secured a shock move to Emirates Stadium on Wednesday for an undisclosed fee, penning a two-year deal.
Silvestre spent the majority of last campaign at Old Trafford on the sidelines through injury, but is now looking to push for a regular playing role at his new club.
"I am very glad to be here and it is an honour to finally sign for Arsenal," the 31-year-old told Arsenal TV.
"It was a big surprise, but a very good surprise in the end. I left United especially because I didn't want to spend anymore time on the bench.
"I was looking for a new challenge and when Arsenal come you cannot say no. Hopefully I can look forward to a fresh start without any injuries."
Surprised
Meanwhile, United centre-back Nemanja Vidic has admitted he was shocked to hear that Silvestre had completed a switch to the Premier League champions' rivals.
"It surprised me. In fact I think it has come as a surprise to everyone," he said.
"It is not often a player leaves one big club to go to another like Arsenal or Liverpool. It does not tend to happen.
"But Mikael did not play much last year and I think he just wanted to go somewhere where he would, so in that sense I am happy for him.
"Mikael has given so much to this club. I am just surprised he is going to Arsenal. But he has made the choice."
augie wrote: even senderos partnered with either of them is a better partnership than kolo/gallas
As shocking as that might read to most, I would agree. Senderos is poor in most areas (also doesn't anticipate or dictate but only reacts to things - usually too late) but at least he can clear a ball with his head. Gallas and Kolo seem incapable of dealing with even the most basic aerial threat; they do not compliment each other and are not a good partnership IMHO.
Been saying this for months but I get shouted down because people believe I think Senderos is Better than Gallas or Toure, But I know a Defence works better with to different types of defenders rather than 2 defenders with the same qualities
TheOne2Smooth wrote:
Been saying this for months but I get shouted down because people believe I think Senderos is Better than Gallas or Toure, But I know a Defence works better with to different types of defenders rather than 2 defenders with the same qualities
Maybe, but Senderos and Gallas played as a partnership toward the end of the season, and in the game at Anfield in the CL...and, yes, maybe we didn't suffer aerially as much, but Senderos cost us the match that night with woeful marking of Torres and Hyypia.
Given the choice of Senderos or Toure alongside Gallas, I still think I'd rather have Toure, as Senderos just cannot be trusted.
That said, I really want the Gallas/Toure partnership splitting up...whether Silvestre, Djourou, Senderos or Song are good enough to do that, I'm not sure.
TheOne2Smooth wrote:
Been saying this for months but I get shouted down because people believe I think Senderos is Better than Gallas or Toure, But I know a Defence works better with to different types of defenders rather than 2 defenders with the same qualities
Maybe, but Senderos and Gallas played as a partnership toward the end of the season, and in the game at Anfield in the CL...and, yes, maybe we didn't suffer aerially as much, but Senderos cost us the match that night with woeful marking of Torres and Hyypia.
Given the choice of Senderos or Toure alongside Gallas, I still think I'd rather have Toure, as Senderos just cannot be trusted.
That said, I really want the Gallas/Toure partnership splitting up...whether Silvestre, Djourou, Senderos or Song are good enough to do that, I'm not sure.
I'm pretty sure one of there goals was Toure Missing a headed clearance also getting raped by Babel but no one mentions the mistake Toure did in that game, Funny that?
TheOne2Smooth wrote:
Been saying this for months but I get shouted down because people believe I think Senderos is Better than Gallas or Toure, But I know a Defence works better with to different types of defenders rather than 2 defenders with the same qualities
Maybe, but Senderos and Gallas played as a partnership toward the end of the season, and in the game at Anfield in the CL...and, yes, maybe we didn't suffer aerially as much, but Senderos cost us the match that night with woeful marking of Torres and Hyypia.
Given the choice of Senderos or Toure alongside Gallas, I still think I'd rather have Toure, as Senderos just cannot be trusted.
That said, I really want the Gallas/Toure partnership splitting up...whether Silvestre, Djourou, Senderos or Song are good enough to do that, I'm not sure.
I'm pretty sure one of there goals was Toure Missing a headed clearance also getting raped by Babel but no one mentions the mistake Toure did in that game, Funny that?
People do mention that..it is why I think you will find that of those who want to split up Gallas - Toure as a central defensive partnership, most see a new partner ship as Gallas alongside Djourou/Silvestre/Song/ A N Other, with Toure possibly moved to midfield.
TheOne2Smooth wrote:
Been saying this for months but I get shouted down because people believe I think Senderos is Better than Gallas or Toure, But I know a Defence works better with to different types of defenders rather than 2 defenders with the same qualities
Maybe, but Senderos and Gallas played as a partnership toward the end of the season, and in the game at Anfield in the CL...and, yes, maybe we didn't suffer aerially as much, but Senderos cost us the match that night with woeful marking of Torres and Hyypia.
Given the choice of Senderos or Toure alongside Gallas, I still think I'd rather have Toure, as Senderos just cannot be trusted.
That said, I really want the Gallas/Toure partnership splitting up...whether Silvestre, Djourou, Senderos or Song are good enough to do that, I'm not sure.
I'm pretty sure one of there goals was Toure Missing a headed clearance also getting raped by Babel but no one mentions the mistake Toure did in that game, Funny that?
People do mention that..it is why I think you will find that of those who want to split up Gallas - Toure as a central defensive partnership, most see a new partner ship as Gallas alongside Djourou/Silvestre/Song/ A N Other, with Toure possibly moved to midfield.
Not Once have I heard Toure being blamed for our champions league exit last year! Just Senderos, i think you'll find 80%of the time we conceded a penalty Toure was the one to concede it
g88ner wrote:Maybe, but Senderos and Gallas played as a partnership toward the end of the season, and in the game at Anfield in the CL...and, yes, maybe we didn't suffer aerially as much, but Senderos cost us the match that night with woeful marking of Torres and Hyypia.
Given the choice of Senderos or Toure alongside Gallas, I still think I'd rather have Toure, as Senderos just cannot be trusted.
That said, I really want the Gallas/Toure partnership splitting up...whether Silvestre, Djourou, Senderos or Song are good enough to do that, I'm not sure.
I'm pretty sure one of there goals was Toure Missing a headed clearance also getting raped by Babel but no one mentions the mistake Toure did in that game, Funny that?
I didn't mention is Smoothy, because Toure was playng right back that night, and was therefore in an unfamiliar position, but you didn't mention that..funny that
Anyway, I'm not completely happy with Toure as a centre back either..but out of Senderos (who I like as a player, by the way) and Toure, I think Toure is just about the better option.
We will agree to disagree but you cant put the exit of the champions league down to one person! on the whole I blame the ref in the previous game and poor defending and lack of concetration after getting the 2nd goal
TheOne2Smooth wrote:
Not Once have I heard Toure being blamed for our champions league exit last year! Just Senderos, i think you'll find 80%of the time we conceded a penalty Toure was the one to concede it
Then you should pay more attention Smoothy, because people do blame Toure...and I agree, Toure does make too many rash tackles in and around the box...as well as a tendancy to switch off, and get into poor positions.
But is Senderos the answer? well, based on his time at the club so far, I would say, probably not. But he's young, and hopefully he'll settle down as a defender, because he has the talent...I like him as a player, and would love him to force his way into the team, on merit...but at the moment, Ive seen little evidence to suggest he's ready to be a 1st team regular.
Man City are about to buy Vincent Kompany, who is exactly the kind of defender we need. Why are we missing out on top quality players like him to lower teams in the league and buying clapped out shite like Silvestre, it's unbelievable!
glocken wrote:Man City are about to buy Vincent Kompany, who is exactly the kind of defender we need. Why are we missing out on top quality players like him to lower teams in the league and buying clapped out shite like Silvestre, it's unbelievable!
glocken wrote:Man City are about to buy Vincent Kompany, who is exactly the kind of defender we need. Why are we missing out on top quality players like him to lower teams in the league and buying clapped out shite like Silvestre, it's unbelievable!
glocken wrote:Man City are about to buy Vincent Kompany, who is exactly the kind of defender we need. Why are we missing out on top quality players like him to lower teams in the league and buying clapped out shite like Silvestre, it's unbelievable!
