Mr Grumpy

augie · Post by **augie** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 10:41 pm

After watching the salzberg & psg games am I the only one concerned with the attitude of van persie in the games ? Some of his tackles reminded me of the old petulant van persie who was a loose cannon in the team before he wised up. These games are only pre-season games but he seemed to be seriously wound up and went around hacking at opposition defenders when they had the ball. Van persie is the man that we have pinned our hopes on goalscoring wise and to thought of losing him through suspension(s) fills me with fear.

I thought Cesc too was a tad "rash" in his tackles today and I am wondering if this behaviour is a sign of frustration coming from our young stars. We have all long suspected that, along with the fans, some of the players as freddie has said are unhappy with transfers in & out over the past 2 summers. Is the pressure that we seem to be heaping on the likes of cesc & van persie weighing too heavy on their shoulders ? Is it realistic & fair to expect youngsters like these 2 to carry this club to success ? Maybe I am jumping the gun here and putting 2 and 2 together and getting 5 but with the size of our squad being too small as it is then maybe Arsene should have a quiet word to minimise suspensions just in case

RaM · Post by **RaM** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 11:42 pm

Admittedly I didn't see either game, but from what you are saying about RVP and Cesc I think it may just be a case of them trying to be the sides 'enforcers'.

Maybe they have recognised to and scare the shit out of opposition players (e.g Roy Keane or Viera) and have tried to undertake that role?

I personally have no problem at all with physical play in moderation (or for an entire match what do I care

) and I think it is really helpful in putting the opposition off. The players though must learn to watch their cards and know when enough is enough.

If it is a sign of frustration however, then Wenger will surely find a way to settle them. For Cesc and RVP though, their age should not be any excuse, they are experienced players in our squad and cannot complain about having too much pressure on them at such a young age.

I do think that the way for Wenger to ease this pressure however would be for hiim to make a signing or two, which thankfully he has hinted at.

we_are_the_arsenal · Post by **we_are_the_arsenal** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 1:36 am

it would be hypocritical of cesc or RVP to be complaining about no "big" signings, as themselves were not "big signings" when coming to the club.

RVP in the last couple of games has looked frustrated, maybe at himself or maybe players around him. Hopefully its just because he isnt fully fit yet and will disappear when he regains fitness and sharpness.

Cesc maybe just needs to get up to match pace, might be just rustiness with his timing of tackles.

IbleedRED&WHITE · Post by **IbleedRED&WHITE** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 9:45 am

As long as they keep the hard tackles under wraps when the ref might start brandishing cards i think it can only be a good thing. We have lacked a bit of bite in the team. Cant wait for bolton away and kick em off the park for a change!!! Diaby looks like he would challange with his face if it meant winning the ball!!!

I thought the boy Bendtner did ok yesterday, some really good touches. He reminds me of a certain mr smudger the way he brings the high balls down up front!

Come on the ARSENAL!!!!!!!!

Ben-gooner14 · Post by **Ben-gooner14** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 12:23 pm

On RVp he hasn't played for arsenal at the grove since january so i think he is trying to show he is still comited to the cause, and about cesc i wanted to see more of him he seemed he wanted to play the game at a slower pace.

Chopper · Post by **Chopper** » Thu Aug 02, 2007 8:54 pm

Love the avatar, Ibleed.

Think RVP/Cesc are just eager to impress and show they can be our 'talismans'. RVP must be just so happy to be back and probably prove to himself that his injury is 100% by going in hard.