Diaby and Denilson streets ahead of Flamini (15/8)

[gooner.ed]

http://www.onlinegooner.com/exclusive/index.php?id=385

Usual thread starter… I guess Wenger’s argument is that Flamini is a more experienced player than the two D’s. But more likely to break up Fulham’s play? There are those that think a lot of Diaby, and that he would have a lot more influence in the centre. Difficult one this, as you don’t know until you give it a try, but such experimentation can cost points. Flamini’s a great tryer, but he’s no Gilberto let’s face it. Who would you have played alongside Cesc v the Cottagers?

[WinterburnsRightFoot]

Moot point about who to play alongside Cesc against Fulham as Flamini was the only one fit. In general my choice would be Diaby.

I'm a huge fan of Denilson and am confident he's going to be a big player for us. The type I refer to as a "proper footballer". I think that his and Cesc's game are a bit similar though. That not to say they can't play together, its just better to have two players centrally who offer something different.

Diaby offers the power and the surging runs that Vieira gave us whilst Cesc and Denilson give the vision and the passing of a true Midfield General.

Flamini is an excellent utility player, who has added fullback to his CV recently. With the greatest will in the world he will never be a first choice for us.

[Fab4]

Both Denilson and Diaby are both injured right now, and with Gilberto not ready, there was little option but to play Flamini with Cesc. The only other alternative was Song!

For all the Flamini detractors though, don't forget that he has done well for us when called for, (2 particular games against Chelsea spring to mind), and always gives his all.

Having said that, I would thoroughly expect to see Diaby play with Cesc when he is back to fitness and then Gilberto when he is up to speed.

[bookanengineer]

Hardly a great mystery, Diaby and Denilson have had ankle knocks. Wenger has given every possible indication that both of those players are way ahead of Flamini in the pecking order, as well as Gilberto, so not sure where you're coming from.

In terms of playing one up front, Eduardo and Adebayor are injured, so not much of a question either. We could play Walcott or Bendtner, but neither look ready, and the Hleb / Van Persie partnership has proved very successful so far. Just because we missed chances, doesn't mean it didn't work. We still made chances and looked good. You could have 8 forwards up there and not get a sniff of a chance, just as Tottenham experienced last night.

[LB]

I like your writings fellow Gooner, but I think it would have been better to raise this in a general commentary, e.g. about the game on Saturday and how Flamini played, because now you look like you want to tell the manager who to field. I know we all have opinions, I preferred Edu to Gilberto, especially with Vieira around, but I never got wish (or seldom). I just swallowed it and then we went a whole season unbeaten. I happen to agree with your opinion on the players by the way, so I don't want to sound like I'm attacking you.

[LB]

I like your writings fellow Gooner, but I think it would have been better to raise this in a general commentary, e.g. about the game on Saturday and how Flamini played, because now you look like you want to tell the manager who to field. I know we all have opinions, I preferred Edu to Gilberto, especially with Vieira around, but I never got wish (or seldom). I just swallowed it and then we went a whole season unbeaten. I happen to agree with your opinion on the players by the way, so I don't want to sound like I'm attacking you.

[ianeharvey]

http://www.onlinegooner.com/exclusive/index.php?id=385

Usual thread starter… I guess Wenger’s argument is that Flamini is a more experienced player than the two D’s. But more likely to break up Fulham’s play?

I am surprised that people don't see Flamini's value. He clearly is the closest we have to Silva in the squad.

Over the last two years his reading of the game has steadily improved to the point where he is a useful player in the holding role.

Gilberto isn't and never will be an out and out ball winner.

Denilson and Diaby are quite different to Silva. Playing them with Cesc means a change of style in central midfield.

I'm not going to argue whether that change of style was neeeded, but the reasons for playing Flamini are blindingly obvious.

[marcus_tandy]

It has come to light that both Diaby and Denilson were injured.
I thought Flamini played well anyway. And I liked it when he tried to have a fight with Warner.

[All_Arsenal_1886]

http://www.onlinegooner.com/exclusive/index.php?id=385

Usual thread starter… I guess Wenger’s argument is that Flamini is a more experienced player than the two D’s. But more likely to break up Fulham’s play? There are those that think a lot of Diaby, and that he would have a lot more influence in the centre. Difficult one this, as you don’t know until you give it a try, but such experimentation can cost points. Flamini’s a great tryer, but he’s no Gilberto let’s face it. Who would you have played alongside Cesc v the Cottagers?

I'm not in total agreement that Diaby and Denilson are streets ahead of Flamini.
I think Flamini is a great player and if he had a run in the team would be loads better than just being a bit part player, just look back to the 05/06 season Flamini was thrown in at the deep end told play at left back because we have no one else, and thats what he done and a bloody good job he done aswell, i felt so sorry for him being left out of the champions league final after he had played almost every game for us in that competition, also alot of people was saying he was a contender for player of the season.
After being left out of the final he could of said F**k Arsenal i'm off because there was a lot of teams who wanted him, and to be honest i wouldn't of been suprised if he did, but no he signed a new contract and has been trying his hardest ever since.
I'm not saying Diaby and Denilson aren't good because they are i just don't think if you put them in a position like Arsene did with flamini they would of done any better, i want to keep all three players the only player i wouldn't mind seeing leave is Song because i really don't believe he will make it as a world class player.
I think Flamini should be praised for giving 100% in all the games he plays for Arsenal. I don't think many players would of stayed with us after being left out of a final just so a player who wanted to leave the club and didn't play all season could play, Pires didn't!

[stats]

I'm glad that Flamini didn't leave as i rate him & he is another that Wenger will be able to use in cup matches of course
Hey i'm a big fan of every Gooner that puts on a Arsenal shirt no matter how shit they are becuse they played for my team (but not getting into that)
I love all three & Diaby is prob my fav out of them as when i first saw the guy he reminded me so much of Paddy Vieria but i don't think he can fill his shoes
He played wonderful last season with the kids & esp in the final with players such as Traore & i hope he can keep a place this season
If vice captain Gilberto leaves then people will have mixed feelings as i would think well we do have others to replace him & of course i would be abs gutted
& Denilson is already getting big clubs coming in for him
In the 90swe hd a great centre backs such as Adams/Keown/Boud & now we have a fine midfield
This is going to be a start of something new Gooners

[donaldo]

All-Arsenal-1886 you are a legend

But how can you call Flamini GREAT!!!!!
He is a useful player who can do a good job for the team but Great player never, not even his family would say he is great.
And the end of the day he only played because Gilberto.Diaby and Denilson were unavaiable.They are certainly in front of Flamini in terms of quality.

[All_Arsenal_1886]

All-Arsenal-1886 you are a legend

But how can you call Flamini GREAT!!!!!
He is a useful player who can do a good job for the team but Great player never, not even his family would say he is great.
And the end of the day he only played because Gilberto.Diaby and Denilson were unavaiable.They are certainly in front of Flamini in terms of quality.

Yes he is GREAT because he always gives 100% and in my eyes that makes him a great player, look at the passion he shows when he puts on the red and white shirt of Arsenal, also going back to the performances he put in at left back two seasons ago, if we didn't have Gael i would be happy with having Flamini there because his perfomances got better every game he played.
I hope we keep him because he is a reliable player when needed.

[tompfarrell]

I think you're talking crap, frankly.

We don't need a midfield enforcer like Essien. We don't play that type of game. Flamini is GREAT and will one day be looked upon as Gilberto now is and how the Grimster now is.

How many goals have Denilson and Diaby scored for The Arsenal?

I preder Diaby to the lot of them but Flamini is a close second. Denilson hasn't done anything to make me think he is going to be any better than Flamini.

Has he ever done any ot the following:
Broken down a team's midfield?
Bossed a midfield defensively?
Arrived late into the box?
Made an assist?
Skinned 3 players? (not that Flamini has but Den is Brazilian)
Done a "Ronaldiniho" bit of skill? (see above)
Scored?

No. His shooting is abysmal and his passing is what is expected of him while playing for The Arsenal. He's done nothing special. Flamini has scored some important goals for us and will fight for the Club.

[GIJ]

I think this is another case of arsenal boo boys

Much like my beloved Alexander Hleb (who ACTUALLY is a brilliant player as he proved in the 90th minute on sunday) Mathieu suffers from people not looking at what he actually contributes, but just thinking "he doesnt score, so he must be bad".

He gets in the face of the ref when our other players can't be arsed, he is willing to have a go at players, even if they are a diop who is about 7ft, he can tackle, he can pass (some beautiful lofted numbers against fulham) and yes he scores some vital goals! and even better he is patient and loyal.

For me flamini is key to us not being pushed around this eason, and i agree he has a bit of gilberto in him.

I love diaby and denilson, but i also think flamini is a good player in his own right. okay i dont think he is as exciting as denilson but neither is gilby.

Give Mathieu a chance!!

[highburyJD]

personally I've been more impressed by denilson than diaby
bit of a harsh assesment above