BLACKPOOL GAME THREAD

Connolly55 · Post by **Connolly55** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 5:03 pm

WalesGooner71 wrote:I thought although we were playing against a limited team we performed well today - some very good performances from Walcott and Rosiscky in particular. Song seemed a little out of position at times though and although he did his job well enough I do worry how he would be against tougher opposition?

But, no complaints today - we played like a team and took most of our chances !!

We should have our normal pairing back by the time we play a ' Big ' team.

WalesGooner71 · Post by **WalesGooner71** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 5:16 pm

Connolly55 wrote:
WalesGooner71 wrote:I thought although we were playing against a limited team we performed well today - some very good performances from Walcott and Rosiscky in particular. Song seemed a little out of position at times though and although he did his job well enough I do worry how he would be against tougher opposition?

But, no complaints today - we played like a team and took most of our chances !!
We should have our normal pairing back by the time we play a ' Big ' team.

I agree - we should be starting with our main CB pairing but as with last week its very easier to get sent off or pick up an injury - Koscielny arguably could have missed this game through either - I think we really should have some more dedicated cover. Not knocking Song at all - I am certain he would do his very best even if we played him in goal. I expect Wenger knows this and I should imagine a CB will be with us before the end of the month!!

Connolly55 · Post by **Connolly55** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 5:38 pm

True, hopefully we seal the deal for that guy from Sevilla.

USMartin · Post by **USMartin** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 6:05 pm

The problem is is not that Song is not a good enough central defender when needed, but it exposes another weakness - the lack of a proper defensive central mid-fielder other than Song - and if Song doesn't perform sufficiemtly at the back in theory it has exposed our weakness in two critical defensive positions that both need strengthening.

WalesGooner71 · Post by **WalesGooner71** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 6:18 pm

USMartin wrote:The problem is is not that Song is not a good enough central defender when needed, but it exposes another weakness - the lack of a proper defensive central mid-fielder other than Song - and if Song doesn't perform sufficiemtly at the back in theory it has exposed our weakness in two critical defensive positions that both need strengthening.

I don't think anyone disputes the need for a solid CB and a tough tackling CM !! But I do believe that if we solve the CB problem Song can be covered in CM by Diaby or Denilson for some games if required!! Its not ideal but I would prioritse the need for a CB and a GK!!

In an ideal world I would love to see us get a battering ram of a CF - maybe Fabiano? Plus the others mentioned but I fear we will have to be content with the first two if we are lucky!!

Dan_85 · Post by **Dan_85** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 6:38 pm

Good team perfomance today, could easily have been more. No complaints really. Theo looked much better, Chamakh still had a bit of the Bendtner's about his first touch but he is a beast in the air. Arshavin much better than last week, was running a lot more off the ball, making more moves & looked much more dangerous. Defence never really tested, will be much more interesting against a top side, but it could easily have been 8 or 9 today. Well played Arsenal.

On the subject f TWOY.... Right Here Right Now was good but whoever's in charge of the music needs to learn to time it a bit better! The teams need to be coming out of the tunnel as the track drops and the drums kick in, thanks

Was good to have the clock back although the North Bank/Clock End chants never really got going. Those big banners were sweet though...

USMartin · Post by **USMartin** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 6:45 pm

WalesGooner71 wrote:
USMartin wrote:The problem is is not that Song is not a good enough central defender when needed, but it exposes another weakness - the lack of a proper defensive central mid-fielder other than Song - and if Song doesn't perform sufficiemtly at the back in theory it has exposed our weakness in two critical defensive positions that both need strengthening.
I don't think anyone disputes the need for a solid CB and a tough tackling CM !! But I do believe that if we solve the CB problem Song can be covered in CM by Diaby or Denilson for some games if required!! Its not ideal but I would prioritse the need for a CB and a GK!!

In an ideal world I would love to see us get a battering ram of a CF - maybe Fabiano? Plus the others mentioned but I fear we will have to be content with the first two if we are lucky!!

Denilson? NO NO NO NO NO NO NEVER - not a defensive mid-fielder at all agaist ANY opponent. Diaby against some maybe but how many do you consider some? He was lost at Liverpool unless he stood in mid-field and stayed there - period. So I'd reckon against anyone as good or better than Liverpool he's not up to it - so basically he could play against anyone outdie the top six to eight, and just about get away with it.

And I like Diaby and what he deos offer us - he just isn't good anough to be the sole defensive mid-fielder against nearly half the the Premiership. Denilson isn't good enough in the solo defensive role against of any of it, and maybe he can get away with it with another defensive midfielder against the bottom six or eight sides.

Gooner_Sam · Post by **Gooner_Sam** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 6:49 pm

Dan_85 wrote:

Superb.

BT · Post by BT » Sat Aug 21, 2010 7:29 pm

Decent atmosphere at times today, Cesc certainly felt the love. I liked that Eboue hugged every player as they came off! Glad to see the back of twoy but forgot how irtitating my fellow supporters are with constant trips to the concourse.

My man of the match is actually Sagna who put in some decent crosses

and even covered Clichy on the left at one point. Chamakh looked eager to please and therefore not so clinical but i like his attitude. Still can't see a team with one central defender, a goalkeeper who kicks it straight out under NO pressure (very hostile crowd reaction there that Al must have felt) and Diaby being Diaby, winning anything against the likes of Chelsea but the work rate was decent today and they didnt rest on their laurels like they sometimes do when cruising.

mrgnu1958 · Post by **mrgnu1958** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 7:44 pm

Why did i actually feel sorry for Almunia today?

worthing gooner · Post by **worthing gooner** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 7:50 pm

Solid performance without going overboard. Harder tests to come that we really see how much we have moved on from last season.
Manuel had severe stick from OUR fans that just makes me sick.
Whether you rate the player or not he is an Arsenal player so if you are not going to back him please keep ya vocals to youself. Moaning and groaning at a poor kick from him hardly boosts his confidence.
Wenger picks and plays him, go after him not the player...

North bank girl · Post by **North bank girl** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 7:57 pm

worthing gooner wrote:Solid performance without going overboard. Harder tests to come that we really see how much we have moved on from last season.
Manuel had severe stick from OUR fans that just makes me sick.
Whether you rate the player or not he is an Arsenal player so if you are not going to back him please keep ya vocals to youself. Moaning and groaning at a poor kick from him hardly boosts his confidence.
Wenger picks and plays him, go after him not the player...

I was sat in the clock end today and seemed that Manuel had a good reception

marcengels · Post by **marcengels** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 8:06 pm

worthing gooner wrote:Solid performance without going overboard. Harder tests to come that we really see how much we have moved on from last season.
Manuel had severe stick from OUR fans that just makes me sick.
Whether you rate the player or not he is an Arsenal player so if you are not going to back him please keep ya vocals to youself. Moaning and groaning at a poor kick from him hardly boosts his confidence.
Wenger picks and plays him, go after him not the player...

I don't think he could have got more confidence than being continually picked season after season for one of the top club sides in Europe. I mean, it'd be like me going out with Kelly Brook for four years - and then she wakes up and realises that not only can she have better, but she probably should.

worthing gooner · Post by **worthing gooner** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 8:08 pm

Live the dream Marcengels

worthing gooner · Post by **worthing gooner** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 8:10 pm

Also at what time did you hear the first negative shout.
Mine was at 6 mins in "Arshavin is fucking useless, wake up man!!"
Gotta love our patience..