Southampton match thread

[SteveO 35]

Well after an exciting game against the Barcodes I suppose we were due a 'jaded performance' with the same pre-arranged substitutions to bring us all back down to earth.

A performance to rival the boredom factor endured at Carrow Road and the home game against Schalke with a similar 'shots on target' return.

Honestly, I'd like to see the stats for average shots on target this season compared with others. I'm sure the likes of the Newcastle and Southampton (h) games bump up the overall average but we seem to have one of these games every couple of weeks where we can barely muster a shot all game.

The perfect New Year's hangover cure. Was hoping the football would make me from my slumber but needed to wait for the darts final to do that

Another great big Arsenal yawn

[Chippy]

A performance to rival the boredom factor endured at Carrow Road and the home game against Schalke with a similar 'shots on target' return.

Honestly, I'd like to see the stats for average shots on target this season compared with others. I'm sure the likes of the Newcastle and Southampton (h) games bump up the overall average but we seem to have one of these games every couple of weeks where we can barely muster a shot all game.

Quotes from Orbinho on twitter

Prior to this season, in the previous 94 games Arsenal have never had fewer than two shots on target in a game. Happened twice this season

Seven teams have fired in more shots on target than Arsenal, including all the other teams in the top seven of the table.

Only Man Utd & Chelsea have converted a higher percentage of shots into goals than Arsenal this season. Not creating enough is the problem.

Arsenal's top 3 chances created 2011-12 Robin van Persie 62, Aaron Ramsey 55 Alex Song 46. Two sold, one benched.

Arsenal top 4 chances created from open play 2012-13 Cazorla 42, Podolski 24, Gibbs 18, Ramsey 17.

These are PL only. They also had only one shot on target v Schalke at home this season in the CL

[SteveO 35]

Quotes from Orbinho on twitter

Prior to this season, in the previous 94 games Arsenal have never had fewer than two shots on target in a game. Happened twice this season

Seven teams have fired in more shots on target than Arsenal, including all the other teams in the top seven of the table.

Only Man Utd & Chelsea have converted a higher percentage of shots into goals than Arsenal this season. Not creating enough is the problem.

Arsenal's top 3 chances created 2011-12 Robin van Persie 62, Aaron Ramsey 55 Alex Song 46. Two sold, one benched.

Arsenal top 4 chances created from open play 2012-13 Cazorla 42, Podolski 24, Gibbs 18, Ramsey 17.

These are PL only. They also had only one shot on target v Schalke at home this season in the CL

Thank fuck Cazorla has played virtually every game (perhaps its every game in the PL??). And why the fuck does he insist on hauling off Podolski every time - he's had a few quiet games but yesterday there were half a dozen out there worse than him and the stats back up how much he creates for the team. Considering that useless *word censored* Gervinho was a regular at the start of the season where is he on the bloody list?

And I'm glad the stats back up my view on Gibbs - he could become a top left back for club and country

[littlefire]

And I'm glad the stats back up my view on Gibbs - he could become a top left back for club and country

When (and if) he (ever) learns how to defend.

[_James_]

The stats for Ramsey are much better than I expect his passing percent was one of the best at Arsenal as well (though it would be interesting to see how many times the ball was lost straight away as he passed it to a player being marked by 2 or 3 opposition players).

[richpye]

The stats for Ramsey are much better than I expect his passing percent was one of the best at Arsenal as well (though it would be interesting to see how many times the ball was lost straight away as he passed it to a player being marked by 2 or 3 opposition players).

Or the safe pass rather than the more risky one that actually gets us somewhere.

If we are becoming jaded so quickly it's a sign that our squad lacks the necessary depth to rest players and freshen things up against different opponents. If it's true that we had two non-fit players on the bench yesterday, that's just plain mental

[arseofacrow]

And I'm glad the stats back up my view on Gibbs - he could become a top left back for club and country

When (and if) he (ever) learns how to defend.

True

I'd like to see a stat of the ratio of how much ball Gibbs gets compared to others - he seems to see a lot of it going forward. He wastes a lot of ball.

Gibbs has been poor in his primary role - as a defender. And now Sagna is trying to outdo him.

[Barriecuda]

Gibbs is still pretty raw but has great potential if he can stave off the injuries that have plagued him so far.

Hopefully Bould's influence will help him learn some of the aspects of the defensive side of the game, as I don't believe Wenger's Arsenal is the best nurturing ground for that.

Still, top talent, happy to have him on board.

Thank fuck Cazorla has played virtually every game (perhaps its every game in the PL??). And why the fuck does he insist on hauling off Podolski every time - he's had a few quiet games but yesterday there were half a dozen out there worse than him and the stats back up how much he creates for the team. Considering that useless *word censored* Gervinho was a regular at the start of the season where is he on the bloody list?

I think Podolski's fitness doesn't allow for the 90 minutes. Although Lukas at 70% is still probably more dangerous than Gervinho at 100%.

Cazorla is fantastic but he's gonna burn out at this rate. Asking so much of him, but nobody really capable of replacing his influence in the current tactical set up (Ramsey can create chances but doesn't have the same dynamism or two-footedness that SC19 has).

[northbank123]

It's the old stats problem isn't it. I've watched enough of Ramsey over the last two years to know he's shit and no stat is going to tell me otherwise. Just like I've watched enough of Paul Scholes get embarrassed since coming back in big games to be remotely interested by his pass completion rate being ridiculously high because he played a million one-twos with defenders under no pressure.

[LDB]

Gibbs is still pretty raw but has great potential if he can stave off the injuries that have plagued him so far.

Hopefully Bould's influence will help him learn some of the aspects of the defensive side of the game, as I don't believe Wenger's Arsenal is the best nurturing ground for that.

Still, top talent, happy to have him on board.

Thank fuck Cazorla has played virtually every game (perhaps its every game in the PL??). And why the fuck does he insist on hauling off Podolski every time - he's had a few quiet games but yesterday there were half a dozen out there worse than him and the stats back up how much he creates for the team. Considering that useless *word censored* Gervinho was a regular at the start of the season where is he on the bloody list?

I think Podolski's fitness doesn't allow for the 90 minutes. Although Lukas at 70% is still probably more dangerous than Gervinho at 100%.

Cazorla is fantastic but he's gonna burn out at this rate. Asking so much of him, but nobody really capable of replacing his influence in the current tactical set up (Ramsey can create chances but doesn't have the same dynamism or two-footedness that SC19 has).

Why isn't podolski fit enough? The player and/or the manager need to sort it out

[A dallying Gus Caesar]

A very poor and somewhat predictable performance.

How on earth can our 'team' finish in the top four when we are patiently far weaker than Chelsea & The Spuds.

This is the year we miss out on the top four for sure. No RVP to save us this year.

as much as it would sadden us to not be in the CL next year i think in the long term it would be the best thing for the club,sitting on ya arse counting the pennies has finally caught up with us,everton,spurs,wba,stoke,yes stoke are all as good as us now,its a fucking insult.hopefully a CL no show would rock the boat enough for a big shake up(some chance).personally i say fuck the virtual trophy and lets go for the big prize a place in the europa cup and a big kick in the balls for Wenker,the board and all the AKB'S although the brainwashed twats would still probably just say 'he needs more time' and ' we havent got any money'.mid table mediocrety for years to come is ours for the taking

Entirely my sentiments Marky. Sadly, we are buggered whichever way we go. But, I do agree with you that it will only be by finishing down the league that there will be any change. So probably best to continue the malaise until Wenger just has to go.

[SteveO 35]

Gibbs is still pretty raw but has great potential if he can stave off the injuries that have plagued him so far.

Hopefully Bould's influence will help him learn some of the aspects of the defensive side of the game, as I don't believe Wenger's Arsenal is the best nurturing ground for that.

Still, top talent, happy to have him on board.

Thank fuck Cazorla has played virtually every game (perhaps its every game in the PL??). And why the fuck does he insist on hauling off Podolski every time - he's had a few quiet games but yesterday there were half a dozen out there worse than him and the stats back up how much he creates for the team. Considering that useless *word censored* Gervinho was a regular at the start of the season where is he on the bloody list?

I think Podolski's fitness doesn't allow for the 90 minutes. Although Lukas at 70% is still probably more dangerous than Gervinho at 100%.

Cazorla is fantastic but he's gonna burn out at this rate. Asking so much of him, but nobody really capable of replacing his influence in the current tactical set up (Ramsey can create chances but doesn't have the same dynamism or two-footedness that SC19 has).

Why isn't podolski fit enough? The player and/or the manager need to sort it out

Its amazing isn't it. We are talking about a fella with around 100 or so international caps and who has played in the Bundesliga most of his career, which judging by the likes of Dortmund and Schalke is as quick paced as the Premiership. The guy was one of our main summer signings and had a decent pre-season and the Euros.

Its a myth that he isn't fit. Cazorla was knackered long before him against Southampton. Wenger determines the substitutions before a ball is kicked. Wouldn't surprise me if the bloke soon reveals how fucked off he is, playing in Wenger's preferred left midfield role and being hauled off every game regardless of fitness or performance

[northbank123]

Agree SteveO, it's a huge myth. Exactly like Chamberlain very rarely completes 90 minutes. There were absolutely no signs during that infamous United debacle last year that he was flagging, but Wenger had it in his head that after however long he would be tired so hauled him off regardless.

Podolski ran more than any other player the first 3 games this season and put in performances of decent quality, especially at Anfield. He's under 30 and hasn't had major injury problems and appears to be in great shape, why is his fitness supposedly below par?

[SteveO 35]

Agree SteveO, it's a huge myth. Exactly like Chamberlain very rarely completes 90 minutes. There were absolutely no signs during that infamous United debacle last year that he was flagging, but Wenger had it in his head that after however long he would be tired so hauled him off regardless.

Podolski ran more than any other player the first 3 games this season and put in performances of decent quality, especially at Anfield. He's under 30 and hasn't had major injury problems and appears to be in great shape, why is his fitness supposedly below par?

Its complete bollocks. The sad fact is that Wenger's squad is hugely imbalanced in favour of wide players (or players he perceives to be wide players) - Gervinho, Ox, Walcott (until recently), Podolski, Ramsey, Rosicky, Arshavin etc - that its the easiest option for him to replace.

We never, ever complete 90 minutes without one of the two wide players being replaced and on most occasions both of them. Of course without a Song replacement he can never sub Arteta, whilst Wilshere and Cazorla are the two players he relies upon the most. Watch it happen again at Swansea. Even if Wilshere or Cazorla are looking physically fucked after an hour which both of them have done recently, it'll be the two wide players that get subbed first. Its so fucking predictable that a 12 year old can call it......and he does, every fucking game

[northbank123]

Agree SteveO, it's a huge myth. Exactly like Chamberlain very rarely completes 90 minutes. There were absolutely no signs during that infamous United debacle last year that he was flagging, but Wenger had it in his head that after however long he would be tired so hauled him off regardless.

Podolski ran more than any other player the first 3 games this season and put in performances of decent quality, especially at Anfield. He's under 30 and hasn't had major injury problems and appears to be in great shape, why is his fitness supposedly below par?

Its complete bollocks. The sad fact is that Wenger's squad is hugely imbalanced in favour of wide players (or players he perceives to be wide players) - Gervinho, Ox, Walcott (until recently), Podolski, Ramsey, Rosicky, Arshavin etc - that its the easiest option for him to replace.

We never, ever complete 90 minutes without one of the two wide players being replaced and on most occasions both of them. Of course without a Song replacement he can never sub Arteta, whilst Wilshere and Cazorla are the two players he relies upon the most. Watch it happen again at Swansea. Even if Wilshere or Cazorla are looking physically fucked after an hour which both of them have done recently, it'll be the two wide players that get subbed first. Its so fucking predictable that a 12 year old can call it......and he does, every fucking game

Arteta has looked a bit jaded ( ) for the last few months tbh, Cazorla is never going to be at his deadliest every game but it undoubtedly doesn't help that he plays nearly every minute and Wilshere's situation speaks for itself: he looked fucked against Southampton even before he took one to the bollocks.

As you say we don't have the personnel to replace these. All jokes aside Diaby would bring welcome variety and depth to our midfield but it's been obvious for a long time that he can't be relied upon. Have to question why Rosicky wasn't coming on against Southampton, the game was dying for somebody of his supposed talents.