Team News - Arsenal vs Newcastle Preview

Evening all,

An exciting night of football awaits us with a fresh sense of promise displacing the doom and gloom of just a few weeks ago. With Everton slipping up and crumbling under pressure at the first time of asking, we find ourselves with our Champions League hopes very much in our own hands.

I wouldn’t say a win tonight confirms our Champions League place but it certainly cements our position as red hot favourites. We could find ourselves in a position where our position of 4th place is even confirmed before we play next Sunday. A win tonight would take us four points clear with two games to play. Everton host Manchester City on the Saturday; meaning a defeat for Everton would confirm our place in the top four.

It is therefore crucial that, despite the Everton slip up, we are absolutely fired up for this one tonight. No room for complacency. None what so ever. The players have had a long rest and as a result should be fresh and ready to rip apart a Newcastle team in dire form. The worry for me is we seem a team that, this season in particular, allows the opposition far more of the ball than ever before. We invite and almost welcome pressure, choosing to sit deep instead of pressing higher up the pitch. It has worked when our defence has been solid and has failed, spectacularly, when the defence has been fragile.

For that reason, as important as Ozil and Ramsey are, it is imperative that the Mertesacker and Koscienly axis are at the top of their game and provide that solid platform for Arsenal to build their game. This season has seen us start games slowly and I hope I am wrong but I expect us to do very much the same tonight. We will grow and allow Newcastle to play but pick our opportunities and use Ozil to create space for Ramsey to exploit.

Team news is generally good with our only absentees being Kieran Gibbs, Jack Wilshere, both of whom are nearing returns, and Abou Diaby and Theo Walcott. Considering these injuries I would assume that the team that played very well against Hull last weekend will be the exact same team we see tonight.

                                                                     Szczesny

Sagna                   Mertesacker                                      Koscienly                                             Monreal

                                                Arteta                                                   Ramsey

Cazorla                                                    Ozil                                                                         Podolski

                                                              Giroud

I expect this to be the team and I expect a win but this is Arsenal and we never like to make things easy.

Enjoy the game and hopefully a delightful win.

Come on you Gunners.

GoonerVerse.

Arsene staying, Sagna going?

Morning all,

Before the match preview tomorrow I thought we could delve a little deeper into two of the pressing issues at the club at present. It seems as though both Sagna’s and Wenger’s future are beginning to look clearer and I am not overly comfortable with how things are looking.

Let’s start with Sagna. His situation is one that is hard not to get angry at but easy to see from his point of view. His contract is running down into the final months and we are at an impasse. We are no closer to an agreement as Wenger confirmed:

Talks are not progressing. The ball is not in our court anymore and he has to come back to us.

It is becoming more and more clear that he has no intention of renewing his contract which is sad because he has been a brilliant servant for the club but mostly because there is a sense of frustration that we shouldn’t be in this position. He really has given his all in a red and white shirt and as such should be rewarded with a contract which reflects his position in the team. I say this not as an advocate of player power and some of their ridiculous demands but more as a fan fearful that we will be unable to replace him. Surely giving him a large contract to ensure he stays must be cheaper than replacing him with like for like quality.

I guess we don't see him train and have all the information but it strikes me as a less than ideal situation and one which, unfortunately, we have been in before. There are many contract situations which have been handled in a strange way in my opinion. I read a recent Nasri article, perhaps not the greatest example, which highlights our handling of such situations are not of the highest order.

What happened is this: it was my best season with Arsenal (15 goals). We were in October (2010) and the manager asked me whether I wanted to stay at Arsenal. ‘Yes I want to stay at Arsenal,’ I said. Then they offered me a contract. It was far from what I wanted. With my agent, we were saying: if I stay at Arsenal, I know I’m going to win less money, but it’s fine, I’m only 23. I have time to win money. If I’m good I will always win money.

 We were still in four competitions with Arsenal. We were playing really well. The manager wanted to be focused on what happened on the pitch. It’s normal. We wait, we wait, we wait.

Regardless of my hate for him, he does highlight a significant problem which could explain why these situations continually reappear. Now I know this is spun to make him look closer to human but it is a revealing insight into our transfer negotiations. It appears to highlight a lack of killer instinct in our ability to close a deal. By allowing things to get to such a late stage gives the players an opportunity to seek pastures new. We almost encourage it.

I could be completely wrong and do understand it takes the players willingness to make things happen but I can’t help but feel that we could have done more to ensure it never got to this stage.

Wenger seems more likely to stay though. Given his previous indication that he wants to stay coupled with the fact that a top four finish now looks increasingly likely, the smart money would be on him to stay.

On that note, enjoy you’re day and thank you very much Everton.

GoonerVerse.

GoonerVerse Reboot: An All Too Familiar Battle

Morning all,

To say it has been a while would be an understatement. It has been close to a year since I last blogged. A lot has changed in the world of Arsenal but at the same time, things eerily are so familiar; erratic and volatile. While the season promised much in the way of a Championship challenge, it has petered out into a familiar battle. One which, unfortunately, all of us have become accustomed to all too well these past few years.

We find ourselves in a scrap for fourth place and as ever, something that should have been simple has been contorted into a turbulent ride. What started off as a season of dread following a dry summer, the arrival of a truly world class player changed the outlook of the season. Could we dare to dream? Judging by what followed; we could dare. And dream we did.

What followed was a series of fantastic results if not always fantastic displays. This team finally demonstrated some of the qualities that we have missed so emphatically in seasons gone by. There was a new sense of determination, grit and perhaps even a winning mentality. Grinding out results became the norm and we became the pace setters for much of the season.

And then it happened. Despite being 8 points clear of Liverpool and top of the League in February, the Gooonerverse was rocked by a battering at the hands of Liverpool and things have never quite looked the same since. Our league form following that defeat was D-W-L-W-L-D-D-L which meant not only had we relinquished our position at the summit of the League. We had somehow managed to drop out of the top four entirely, if only temporarily. 9 points from a possible 27 available. Take that in for a moment.

There was an air of inevitability about our fall if truth be told. There had to be. All the “experts” had predicted it all season. It was coming. After every match we were told it has to happen. Any day now… Shit! It’s happening. The so-called pundits revelled in our misery with claims of “I told you so”.

Oh how simple must life be for these experts. They just know everything. So they return to the “lack of winning mentality” rhetoric that often gets spewed so viciously it hurts the core of my being. Mainly because it is stupid and I am offended by stupidity; especially under the guise of expertise.

Well what went wrong? Winning mentality is just one small component of the larger picture and I am afraid this picture is large and pretty ugly. There are many issues that have contributed to our drop in form but the largest component for me is of course the wealth of injuries that we have had to cope with in that part of the season. To my mind this is the single biggest factor in our drop in performances and results. It became more abundantly clear as the return to early season form coincided with the return of Ramsey. He has been immense all season.

I recently read at Arseblog that losing Ramsey would be akin to Liverpool losing Suarez. Sounds a bit bizarre but I would go one step further. Losing Ozil, Walcott and Ramsey would be like them losing Suarez, Sturridge and Gerrard. If you take those players out of the Liverpool team how do you think they would cope? Probably not quite the form that has seen them, deservedly, surge up the league table.

Now believe me, I am not looking for excuses because even without the players that were out injured our performances, and in turn results have been far below expectation. We should have done better. We could have done better. We must in future do better. There were factors including tactical ineptness and bizarre team selections which further contributed to our downturn in form but I unequivocally believe that losing the number of players that we have has, unfortunately, shattered dreams once again.

This in itself is a huge problem that should raise questions. Why are we continually unable to rehabilitate players in a timely fashion? Why are there so many strains and tears? Is this a failure in management or medical staff? Probably both.

The outlook is not overly bleak though, we have after all returned to a position where our top four credentials are in our hands. If you asked anyone before the season started if we would take a top four finish and win a trophy I would imagine they not have bitten your hand off so much as devoured you whole. My point? I guess some perspective is in order.

The season has in many ways been successful but perhaps that’s why this season hurts even more than seasons before it in many ways. It seems almost depressing to say (mainly because we have been here before) but we have a strong foundation which if built on in the right way we can create something very special. The question for me is; is Arsene Wenger the right man to do that?

Until next time.

GoonerVerse.

Keep Calm and Just Win! By any means necessary: Preview and Team News

 

A nail biting and nerve wrecking greeting to all in the Goonerverse today.

It has been a while since I last spoke to you but I must say that this season has been as tense as any before it. I have struggled to watch at times throughout the season, but I can’t help but feel the season has still been an enthralling if not completely enjoyable one.

There have been many, many ups and downs and whilst some may argue that the outcome of the season is decided by all the games that have come to this point; it is essentially down to one game to decide the fate of our Champions League hopes. A game, which on paper we should win and had one asked any Arsenal fan in the months of November or December for a scenario such as this, they would have bitten your hand off. Now though there is a sense of trepidation surrounding this game and in all honesty, anything can happen.

There have been many sound bites approaching this game from the pure imbecilic comments by Pardew regarding his care free attitude towards the game to Arsene Wenger saying that matches without pressure are boring. Boring they may be monsieur Wenger but it is certainly better for my heart and I’d imagine many of you reading around the world.

How do we approach this monumental game? For starters, we cannot worry what is happening at other stadiums around the country but instead focus on the positives that have helped us gain some sort of form building up to this decent run of results. Whilst some have said we are the in form team in the league at the moment and whilst results certainly point that way, performances haven’t perhaps matched up to that. Does it matter? Absolutely not. I couldn’t care less. A win is a win and at the end of today, when all is said and done, any win, no matter how it comes is all that matters.

The repercussions are not worth considering, it does not matter. We are The Arsenal and we will not be dictated by anything but a desire to win. We must win. A place in the Champions League is not the ultimate goal but the bare minimum that we expect. This is why today is so important. It is not complicated and nor should it be. We are in a must win game and we must win it.

Newcastle have had their share of injury problems in recent weeks:

		C Tiote	Hamstring Injury	19th May 13
		S Taylor	Illness	19th May 13
		S Ameobi	Knee Injury	no return date
		M Sissoko	Knee Injury	no return date
		M Haidara	Hamstring Injury	no return date
		T Krul	Dislocated Shoulder	no return date
		D Santon	Hamstring Injury	19th May 13
		H Vučkić	ACL Knee Injury	no return date
		R Taylor	ACL Knee Injury	no return date

*according to physioroom.co.uk

 

We have our own too. With Mikel Arteta, a fundamental cog in the Arsenal machine, a major doubt, there is certainly some cause for concern. The team I expect to start will be:

Szczesny

Sagna                                    Mertesacker                      Koscienly                                             Monreal

                                                Ramsey                                               

                                                                                                Wishere

Walcott                                                          Rosicky                                                                 Cazorla

                                                                                Giroud

 

Having Giroud back will certainly be important in our build up play but his impotence in front of goal could negate the other benefits he brings. He will however be fresh and very hungry so let’s hope he can grab himself a goal and finish the season on a high.

We need to keep our defensive discipline, keep calm and just win. At any cost!

Come on you Arsenal!

Goonerverse.

Arsenal vs Sunderland Preview: Team and Injury News

Morning all,

Apologies for the briefness of the post as I am about to embark on an epic journey. A journey that will take me from Highbury & Islington station to the depths of the Bailey for some special brew (not literally) in a little over an hour (I know it’s early but it is how I celebrate the start of the season). From there we shall pop into whichever pub confronts us across Holloway Road until Daniel, Aman, Kristian and I set foot in the majestic Emirates stadium to welcome the Premier League campaign.

It may be difficult to ascertain exactly who might play and how we will shape up but one thing is clear; we will be out there to win. Despite what has happened in the last 48 hours regarding Song and Van Persie, the attitude and commitment that was shown from the boss in the pre-match conference was one to marvel at. He literally confronted fire with volcanic lava and then stuck the boot in to make sure.

He took questions with an aura of someone who has had enough with player power. He met questions with such disdain at times I am surprised that it was not bigger news. He seems to have grasped the notion that the players he has moulded into superstars no longer care about loyalty and that is the “reality” we live in.

Either way the next fixture is the most important and as such we need to look at the options we have available. In addition to the long term injuries of Wilshere, Frimpong, Sagna and Rosicky, we have Oxlade-Chamberlain and Koscienly out according to Arsenal.com. We also have Theo Walcott facing a late fitness test on a bruised thigh, one which I expect him to pass. Cazorla is also expected to face a test due to his excursions midweek with Spain.

Either way, this is the team I expect to play:

                                                    Szczesny

Jenkinson                    Mertesacker                 Vermaelen                   Gibbs

                                    Arteta                          Diaby

                                                    Cazorla

Walcott                                                                                               Gervinho

                                                    Podolski

The line up could easily include Podolski and Giroud which would likely result in Gervinho starting on the bench.

Sunderland are a decent team but one which has struggled to strengthen from last year. I would guess that as with any Martin O’ Neil team, they will be difficult to break down but given the firepower, I can see us getting a couple.

My prediction is 2-0. A solid start.

Let me know your thoughts.

GoonerVerse.

2012/13 Season Preview Part 2

Welcome to part two of my season preview. Before we get to Arsenal let's have a look at some other teams that may present an obstacle in our quest for glory this season.

Liverpool

Now last season I previewed Liverpool’s chances and gave them absolutely no hope of doing anything. I made fun of the signings of Carrol as well as Downing and was in turn lambasted by Liverpool fans. Now I am not one to say I told you so, but I did tell you so.

This season though I have a slightly different feeling. They have someone in charge that seems to know what they are doing. Rodgers is slowly but surely assembling a squad that will have that little bit of creativity and skill that has realistically been missing from Liverpool these last few seasons if he can bring in the last few targets on his list. If successful I think he will do well to turn round a team that have been on a steady decline these past few years.

I still feel a lot of work has to be done for them to challenge for the Champions League places let alone the title but if they can start building up momentum, particularly early in the season then you never know how well they might do with quality players like Gerard, Suarez (as much as I hate him he is a great player) and with the addition of some more quality like Sahin they may do well. It does look like they will be a better team, on paper at least so we will see how they actually play together.

Player to Watch:

Luis Suarez

Love him or hate him (I hate him) he is a quality player who may be able to help Liverpool get closer to where the fans want to see them. A lot will depend on him and if he is firing then Liverpool fans will be hoping they can make the Champions League places.

Threat to Arsenal: Medium to Little

Newcastle

The surprise package from last season wont be much of a surprise this season. Whilst they had a brave attempt at the Champions League places I feel they may struggle to replicate the same form this season. Especially with the added fixtures of competing in the Europa League this year. There is talk in the Independent that they will rest their big names in the competition next week but as the season grows it might prove a tough juggling act.

Either way it seems that despite some further shrewd acquisitions that Newcastle United will, in my opinion at least not have the same impact they had last season.

I certainly think they will still get some big results but might act as more of a spoiler in the race for Champions League places then a contender themselves.

Player to watch:

Hatem Ben Arfa

With much focus on the Newcastle strikers, one player that has undoubted skill is Ben Arfa. Exciting to watch and a thunderous left foot combine well to make him the most attacking player in the team.

Threat to Arsenal: Small

And now for the main event:

Arsenal

What threatened to be a summer of uncertainty and misery ended up starting quite well. Podolski arrived before the 2011/12 season even finished and shortly after Giroud joined him as attacking reinforcements. Many speculated that two strikers meant the end of Robin Van Persie and it turns out that they were essentially right.


The two strikers were bought, as Wenger said in his press conference today, to replace Robin Van Persie but more talent could and should be added. He confirmed we are looking and also confirmed that Alex Song may be leaving the club which was interesting.

It is quite clear then that we are not quite as settled as would have liked to be come the start of the season but as mentioned we have been far more proactive in our dealings this year ensuring that any player that leaves will not be missed. That is a big ask but a combination of Podolski, Giroud and most importantly Cazorla could provide great attacking threat this season.

With yet more additions and dare I say a proper defensive midfielder, I feel we will have significantly strengthened in spite of the departures. I am probably in the minority here, but I feel the departure of Song, if suitably replaced will actually benefit the side as it will give it more balance and hopefully a better shape off the ball.

Too many times last season we found Alex Song bursting forward when he would have been better to fill in at the back. He seemed to have little discipline and as such it cost the team goals. This is the main area of the team that needs strengthening and despite Song being a much improved and now very talented footballer, I genuinely think that the team would be better served to have a defensive midfielder with discipline, tactical nous and most importantly awareness.

Either way whatever happens, it seems certain there will be more activity in the transfer market. It is hard to remember a season where our best XI was not clear at this stage because for the first time in a long time there seems to be genuine competition for places. In midfield we have Diaby returning (touch wood) along Arteta, Wilshere, Chamberlain, Rosicky, Cazorla, Ramsey, Arshavin, Coquelin and Frimpong. That doesn't include Song or any potential replacements. If we asked 100 Arsenal fans to pick their best three out of the names mentioned above you would be hard pressed a majority that were the same.

I for one would love to see Chamberlain play because I think he is an exciting, exciting player. I really think he could be something special and with a bit of luck, stay with us for years to come. He may actually get more opportunities in the wider position where he can be equally effective which adds to the competition for Gervinho, Walcott, Podolski and Cazorla. The only area we may be thin is up front as I really never want to see Chamakh playing again.

Player to watch:

Santi Cazorla

I am very excited about all our new boys, I really am. I was a bit unsure about Podolski when we were initially linked with him due to his stint at Munich not quite working out but from what I have seen and heard since is clinical excellence. He looks to have a hammer of a left foot that could even rival Van Persie's.

Giroud equally looks to be a solid footballer who could thrive in a side known for creating chances so I am certainly optimistic for him.

The one that excites me the most is certainly Cazorla, a two time European Champion with Spain and a player who is highly regarded in Spain. He has made 49 appearances for them and his last appearance saw a lovely 25 yard strike just days ago. Any player that can be in and around the current Spanish side is certainly a worthy acquisition. I look forward to him creating chances for the other players in the team.

All in all, I feel optimistic about the season ahead and if we can have a good start, something which we clearly didn't last time around, then there is no reason we cannot challenge for the league. Do I think we are the favourites? Certainly not. I do however think we have a genuine chance of being serious challengers if we act on what we learnt from last year.

Good luck Arsenal and Come On You Gooners!

GoonerVerse.

2012/13 Season Preview Part 1

Afternoon all,

So the eve is upon us and just like at Christmas I think I may struggle to sleep tonight. Such is the excitement I feel, that I am literally struggling to think about anything else. Not great when you have a lot of work to do and a BBQ to shop for.

I was thinking of a number of ways I could write the season preview but given the fact that I expect a number of players still to sign and some more to leave my original idea of rating each position might have to wait until the close of the Transfer Window.

Instead, I will, without any bias of course, have a brief look at all the teams that we will challenge with this season.

Manchester City:

Haven’t strengthened as much as they would have liked and in all honesty there aren’t many positions that Manchester City look like they need strengthening. Lucky to have a large number of quality players in each position, Mancini’s biggest challenge will be finding the winning formula once again whilst juggling some huge personalities. Will the team rest on its laurels or will they in fact look to take the next step and defend their title and maybe more? That remains to be seen.

One thing is for sure though, that Manchester City despite only obtaining modest acquisitions in the form of Rodwell, still have a squad very capable of winning the league.

However, one must not forget it was largely this squad/team that competed against Arsenal last season and were comprehensively outplayed for 90 minutes. Some may argue that is a one off but we will see if more teams take it to Manchester City this year.

Player to watch:

Sergio Aguero

He literally won them the league with pretty much the last kick of the season and he will look to push on from a hugely impressive debut campaign. If he can remain fit and improve on last season, Manchester City have a great chance at retaining the title.

Threat to Arsenal: HUGE

Manchester United:

Where to start. I had begun, in my older age to hate them less. Don’t get me wrong, I still hate them but it was dwindling as seasons went by due to my perception of greater and more annoying evils in the form of Manchester City and Tottenham.

However in one single moment they have returned to the top of my hatred list alongside Tottenham and X factor. Well maybe I don’t hate X factor quite as much but I do hate it, and Big Brother while I’m at it. Anyway, I digress.

Yes they have strengthened and strengthened significantly in the form of Robin Van Persie but I do not attest to the claims made by Ferguson that they now have the best strike force in the world. They do have two quality strikers but outside of that they have what I consider to be two above average players, Welbeck who could potentially be great but at the moment, meh.

Despite this area of the team being strengthened, the midfield still seems sparse in my opinion. I do not think they are great and whilst the purchase of Kagawa is both astute and will help United at the creative end I still feel they are missing a little steal in the middle. Cleverly is a great prospect and it will be interesting to see how he comes on this season but will their midfield be good enough to challenge for the league.

I would like to think not but then I have made that mistake before. Somehow Ferguson manages to get the most out of what I believe to be quite mediocre players. I don’t know how he does it but he surprises me time and time again by making a team that whilst on paper you may doubt the ability of, competitive.

Player to watch:

Robin Van Persie

Cannot believe I am saying this but Robin Van Persie, the player of the year will be the main attacking outlet at United and as such if he continues in his vein of form for last season then it is likely that Manchester United will do very well.

Who know though, he may just get injured.

Threat to Arsenal: Big

Chelsea:

They have decided to get their oil money out again as this transfer window has seen a splurge of sorts. Last year they looked like a team that lacked any ideas going forward and as a result struggled for large portions of the season.

They have acted on this and bought in the service of the Hazard brothers with Eden in particular looking to make a mark on the Premier League, Brazilian Oscar and Marko Marin all will strengthen Chelsea in this regard. Add to that Mata and Torres and you are looking at a team that will in all likelihood be unrecognisable from the team that played last year.

How well they will fare in the Premier League is yet to be seen but they have certainly strengthened well.

I would suggest that despite winning a Champions League and a FA Cup that their management situation might let them down. They have had a far from ideal pre-season and a bad start and they might just end up having a season which never gets going until its too late like last season.

Player to watch:

Fernando Torres

This was quite difficult to pick as they have a number of exciting players coming in this year but it feels like the time for Torres to come into his own in a Chelsea shirt has finally arrived which is unfortunate for the rest of us.

I think the players they have bought will complement his style far better and he is likely to hit the back of the net a fair few times this season. If he doesn’t then Chelsea have little hope of competing in the league.

Threat to Arsenal: Big

That'll have to do for now, make sure you tune in later to check out the Arsenal preview which will be a bit more in depth.

Until later.

GoonerVerse