Firstly, I am not happy. The manner of the defeat to Man U was hurtful. You wouldn't be an Arsenal fan if you left the game early if you weren't upset. We support our team through thick and thin and when they are miserable, we are miserable. That isn't to say that we won't be critical when criticism is justified.
I understand the anger of some fans, I understand the knee jerk reaction and I also know what the media is like in this country and their appetite for drama and extreme headlines. They relish results like this. It gives them an opportunity for lauding the greatness of one big club and the demise of another. The truth, of course, is somewhere in between.
I'm going to try and break through the garbage and nonsense, sadly, on occasion, written by those who profess to be dedicated Arsenal fans.
Myth One: Arsenal are not in Man United's class
This is absolute nonsense. This team has not lost to any of the big four this season and have actually beaten Chelsea away and Man U at home. What was different about the last two games? Critical injuries. Gallas is a huge miss for us, not to mention Clichy who has experience in these sort of matches. The other factor is that sometimes one team has an off day and sometimes the luck isn't with them. No one knows what would have happened if Gibbs hadn't slipped, and I agree that overall Man U were the better team over the two legs, but a lot to do with this is personnel and injuries have hit Arsenal at the worst stage of their season. What would have been the outcome of this game if Ferdinand and Evra had been injured for both legs and Gallas and Clichy not? How many would then say that Arsenal were outclassed? If Arsenal had beaten Man U under those circumstances you can bet the headlines would have been about crippling injuries to the Man U team. On a final note, I seem to remember Liverpool destroying Man U 4-1 at Old Trafford, I don't recall people saying Man U were not in Liverpool's class. Let's keep some perspective, sometimes teams have an off-day, and others have a purple patch.
Myth Two: Arsenal have suffered because they have a small squad without depth and Man U are succeeding because they have strength in depth
Let's look at the facts. Man U are lauded for their attacking play, how many strikers did they start the season with? Rooney and Tevez. They were so light in this department that they went out and bought Berbatov in January. How many strikers do Arsenal have: Eduardo, Bendtner, Adebayor, Van Persie, Arshavin, Vela not to mention that Walcott can play there. Ok, so maybe Man U have more in defence. Let's test that theory. How many central defenders do Man U have? Ferdinand, Vidic, Jonny Evans, maybe Neville at a push, even O'Shea or Brown? Arsenal: Gallas, Toure, Silvestre, Djourou, Song at a stretch, we also have two right and two left wing fullbacks. Man U have Evra and A N Other at right back, and the young twins. My point is that Arsenal have a big squad. There is a difference in quality, their first choice starters are very strong, but a big plus for them is that they have all stayed relatively injury free all season. I challenge anyone to predict where Man U would finish if Ronaldo had been injured for three and a half months, and Ferdinand for the last two months of the season. Arsenal have lost key players in all parts of the pitch to long term injuries. Walcott, Fabregas, Eduardo, Adebayor, Clichy, Gallas, Rosicky all had long term injuries and still this team managed to be the form team in the premiership over the last three months.
Myth Three: Arsenal's squad is too young to win anything
This is a myth but not because of the reason you think. Arsenal are certainly a young team compared to some, but actually many of their players are not that young. RVP, Adebayor, Arshavin, Almunia, Gallas, Eduardo, Rosicky, Sagna, Eboue, Toure, Silvestre are all 25 or over. Most of those players would get into the strongest Arsenal team, are you also telling me that Fabregas and Nasri shouldn't start because they are too young. This team is also very experienced for their age. I would argue that Arsenal don't need a player of a certain age, they need a player of a certain type. By that I mean a player who plays in a certain way, and someone of the right personality. Arsenal desperately need a roll-your-sleeves-up, never-say-die, fighting character who will lift the team when they are down. Someone who will drive the team forward, someone physically imposing and a leader. I don't care if he is 23, if he is experienced and has those traits then it doesn't matter. Arsenal need a central defender that leads the back line and loves defending for defending's sake. I don't care if he is 24. Adebayor is 25 years old, experienced in playing in the big games, in the world cup, and yet what stops him being world class is his attitude. He needs someone to scream at him during the games, to get him psyched up, to inspire him. That's what Arsenal lack. Age, for me, is not that much of an issue, quality is.
Trophyless seasons are not representative of quality. In the last two season Arsenal have improved siginificantly, last season they should have won the league if it were not for some appalling refereeing and terrible bad luck with injuries, not to mention some wayward captaincy. Remind me what Chelsea and Liverpool have won recently and please don't count the Carling Cup as a trophy.
The Real Post Mortem
Here is what I take away from this match and the two legs as a whole:
1. Man U are a terrific team, one of the best, if not the best, the Premiership has seen. They could conceivably win the league and champions league two seasons in a row. That is an astounding achievement.
2. Arsenal need to develop a winning mentality. They have to find a way to get through these crucial games. They need two players in the spine of the team that can give that to them.
3. The final scoreline did not reflect the true difference between the teams/squads. Man U were practically at full strength, Arsenal were depleted in a key match in key positions.
4. The premiership is unbelievably competitive and Arsenal need to make signings to challenge for the title, but it remains very strong with four true european contenders. If Man U, Chelsea, Liverpool or Arsenal won the Champions league, no one would argue it wasn't justified.
5. Arsenal needs its fans, not people who walk out after 15 minutes. They are not true fans. Give up your season ticket to the long waiting list if you can't support your team when they need you the most.
Quick prediction for tonight....Barcelona to go through, winning at Stamford Bridge is a possibility.
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Monday, 4 May 2009
Latest News....Injuries...Transfer rumours....
Both Rio Ferdinand and Robin Van Persie trained today with their respective clubs. I expect Rio to start for Manchester United but I am not so sure about RVP. He has missed four games and I suspect that he won't be risked in the starting eleven.
As the silly season approaches, agents are trying to move their players and journalists are desperate for something to write. Put those two factors together and you get a flourish of transfer rumours as the season ends and we enter the summer break, particularly if there is no major tournament to provide a distraction. Man City are going for the record of being linked to the most players, but from the Arsenal point of view, we have been linked with the following over the last weekend:
Sakho, Inler, Santa Cruz not to mention Wheater, Bassong and Lescott previously, oh and Arsene Wenger has been given £40 million to spend in the summer. Coincidentally, this is the same amount offered to him by Real Madrid to become their new manager and be ordered to win the Champions league and La Liga every year or be sacked. Surprisingly Arsene turned them down. I think the only consistent transfer target seems to be Sakho, although the rumoured fee is a ridiculous £12 million for a 19 year old! Can't see that happening, although my understanding is that Wenger is interested in the player.
Milan declare that Adebayor is staying at Arsenal which can be directly translated into: we are going to do our level best to sign Adebayor from Arsenal. If they offer silly money (which some would say is above £12 million) then I think he may be on his way. An offer of above £20 million might be too tempting for Arsene or more importantly, Ivan Gazidis to turn down. Expect the links with Santa Cruz to intensify if Ade goes. As for other outgoings, Clichy and Van Persie have been directly linked with moves away, and in a typically shoddy piece of journalism, the NOTW has declared that Arsene will struggle to hold on to RVP, Cesc and Walcott. Why? Because they are in contract negotiations at the moment. Surprise surprise. I expect all three to still be at Arsenal next season. The most likely to leave if any is RVP.
But the most pathetic piece of so-called journalism this week goes to the Daily Mail and its affiliates for reporting the ridiculous and pathetic story about Arshavin. I won't bore you with the details and I'm sure you have all read it, but essentially it is a quote from an interview with his agent that suggests that Andrey hates his team mates because they are all French, they are jealous of him, and he is unhappy being played out of position as well as, you'll never guess, other big clubs are now interested in signing him...Groan...Anyway, it was only a matter of hours before his agent came out and strenuously denied he said anything of the kind and he never gave any such interview. Sadly, there is no accountability for there 'journalist' and further reinforces my belief that they belong somewhere in the close vicinity of Judas Escariot (see Dante's inferno). Unfortunately I'm a devout atheist, so I will settle with sleeping with the earthworms.
Speaking of which, Stan the US sports tycoon, has increased his share of Arsenal to surpass that of Red and White Holdings. Stan, now the UK board members' luvvy, seems to be preferred as the lesser of two evils. Arsenal is now effectively foreign owned, so I suspect the Etonians might just decide the American is better than the Russian and Dein. A complete takeover before the summer is not impossible now the lockdown agreement has expired. Hence the rumours of massive transfer war chests. We wait in anticipation. My guess is this will rumble on for a few months more as the power brokers wrestle for position, and Nina decides what to do with her shares.
Congrats to the team for their performance against Portsmouth, although 3-0 was slightly flattering! Amazed he didn't give Arshavin the chance to play in his favoured position but still Carlos Vela did well and joins the growing ranks of small skilful players who will likely be playing out of the flanks because there is no room for them up front where they would all prefer to play!
As the silly season approaches, agents are trying to move their players and journalists are desperate for something to write. Put those two factors together and you get a flourish of transfer rumours as the season ends and we enter the summer break, particularly if there is no major tournament to provide a distraction. Man City are going for the record of being linked to the most players, but from the Arsenal point of view, we have been linked with the following over the last weekend:
Sakho, Inler, Santa Cruz not to mention Wheater, Bassong and Lescott previously, oh and Arsene Wenger has been given £40 million to spend in the summer. Coincidentally, this is the same amount offered to him by Real Madrid to become their new manager and be ordered to win the Champions league and La Liga every year or be sacked. Surprisingly Arsene turned them down. I think the only consistent transfer target seems to be Sakho, although the rumoured fee is a ridiculous £12 million for a 19 year old! Can't see that happening, although my understanding is that Wenger is interested in the player.
Milan declare that Adebayor is staying at Arsenal which can be directly translated into: we are going to do our level best to sign Adebayor from Arsenal. If they offer silly money (which some would say is above £12 million) then I think he may be on his way. An offer of above £20 million might be too tempting for Arsene or more importantly, Ivan Gazidis to turn down. Expect the links with Santa Cruz to intensify if Ade goes. As for other outgoings, Clichy and Van Persie have been directly linked with moves away, and in a typically shoddy piece of journalism, the NOTW has declared that Arsene will struggle to hold on to RVP, Cesc and Walcott. Why? Because they are in contract negotiations at the moment. Surprise surprise. I expect all three to still be at Arsenal next season. The most likely to leave if any is RVP.
But the most pathetic piece of so-called journalism this week goes to the Daily Mail and its affiliates for reporting the ridiculous and pathetic story about Arshavin. I won't bore you with the details and I'm sure you have all read it, but essentially it is a quote from an interview with his agent that suggests that Andrey hates his team mates because they are all French, they are jealous of him, and he is unhappy being played out of position as well as, you'll never guess, other big clubs are now interested in signing him...Groan...Anyway, it was only a matter of hours before his agent came out and strenuously denied he said anything of the kind and he never gave any such interview. Sadly, there is no accountability for there 'journalist' and further reinforces my belief that they belong somewhere in the close vicinity of Judas Escariot (see Dante's inferno). Unfortunately I'm a devout atheist, so I will settle with sleeping with the earthworms.
Speaking of which, Stan the US sports tycoon, has increased his share of Arsenal to surpass that of Red and White Holdings. Stan, now the UK board members' luvvy, seems to be preferred as the lesser of two evils. Arsenal is now effectively foreign owned, so I suspect the Etonians might just decide the American is better than the Russian and Dein. A complete takeover before the summer is not impossible now the lockdown agreement has expired. Hence the rumours of massive transfer war chests. We wait in anticipation. My guess is this will rumble on for a few months more as the power brokers wrestle for position, and Nina decides what to do with her shares.
Congrats to the team for their performance against Portsmouth, although 3-0 was slightly flattering! Amazed he didn't give Arshavin the chance to play in his favoured position but still Carlos Vela did well and joins the growing ranks of small skilful players who will likely be playing out of the flanks because there is no room for them up front where they would all prefer to play!
Saturday, 2 May 2009
Arsenal v Manchester United: Preview
Manchester United bring a slender but significant advantage to the Emirates on Tuesday night. Slender because the lead is narrow, but significant because it they have not conceded away goal.
All the talk is that Manchester United will score at the Emirates and because of that, Arsenal are favourites to go out at the semi final stage. I think realistically, most Arsenal fans, and the players accept that they are underdogs. However, before a ball is kicked at this stage, both Manchester United and Arsenal would have told you that they would have wanted a two goal lead in the home legs and nothing has changed. Arsenal's remit is simple. forget the away goal and beat Manchester United, arguably the second best team in the world, by two goals on your own ground. It's that simple. When you think about it like that, then you can forget about away goals, forget about the obsession with our depleted defence, we just have to get on with it.
Wenger will be the happier manager. Why? Because his team are still in the tie. There is a distinct feeling that Arsenal got away with it at Old Trafford, and that's because they did. That feeling will remain in the minds of both sets of players. If things aren't going Man U's way, they will be thinking, why oh why didn't we finish them off at our place?
But still, on balance, Man U are very capable of coming to the Emirates and beating Arsenal. They are a danagerous team with three match winners: Ronaldo, Tevez and Rooney. Arsenal have Fabregas, Nasri, Walcott and Adebayor. Yes, Adebayor. He was relatively poor at Old Trafford, but, he was starved of service, had effectively no partner, and never forget, he is a big game player. He has an excellent scoring record in big games and even when he isn't playing well, he can pop up with a key goal. Ask Villareal. I suspect Tuesday night might be his night.
The key deciding factors, as I see it, are:
Adebayor v Vidic: If Ade is up for it, he can bully Vidic especially if Rio doesn't make it.
Fabregas' position: It is beyond comprehension why Wenger is persisting to play Cesc as the advanced midfielder. Firstly, it isn't his favourite position, and secondly, we have other players itching to play there, that actually are good in that position! Nasri and Fabregas need to swap positions for the return leg. If RVP is fit, he can also play there. Play Cesc where he is at his most destructive to the opposition: in central midfield with more players in front of him than behind him.
Containment: Ronaldo and Rooney are pivotal to Man U goalscoring threat. Containing them is going to be tough but not impossible. In the league match at the Emirates, this was achieved with good success. Rooney and Ronaldo will be playing from the flanks so they key to keeping them quiet is the advanced wing players to track back and help the full backs.
Assuming RVP is not fit, this is the likely team:
Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Silvestre, Gibbs/Clichy
Nasri, Fabregas, Song, Diaby, Walcott
Adebayor
I would like to see a more attacking formation that lends support to Adebayor whilst still protects those flanks. Now, I know that I am going to get derided for this but this is the team I would play:
Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Gibbs/Clichy
Nasri, Fabregas, Song, Eboue, Walcott
Adebayor
This system puts eboue and walcott on each flank allowing song to hold the midfield, fabregas to play slightly further forward, and nasri closest to adebayor. Now, I know Eboue's limitations, but whilst Arshavin is cup-tied, he will add balance to the side. He can play on the right, and will get back to help out sagna. Walcott will play on the other flank meaning we will have pace on the wings. This system will allow the central midfielders to play in their preferred position and hopefully get support to Adebayor. If RVP is fit he replaces Eboue and Nasri moves to the flanks.
I predict a victory for Arsenal but I am not sure if the margin will be enough to take them through....
Fingers-crossed gooners....
All the talk is that Manchester United will score at the Emirates and because of that, Arsenal are favourites to go out at the semi final stage. I think realistically, most Arsenal fans, and the players accept that they are underdogs. However, before a ball is kicked at this stage, both Manchester United and Arsenal would have told you that they would have wanted a two goal lead in the home legs and nothing has changed. Arsenal's remit is simple. forget the away goal and beat Manchester United, arguably the second best team in the world, by two goals on your own ground. It's that simple. When you think about it like that, then you can forget about away goals, forget about the obsession with our depleted defence, we just have to get on with it.
Wenger will be the happier manager. Why? Because his team are still in the tie. There is a distinct feeling that Arsenal got away with it at Old Trafford, and that's because they did. That feeling will remain in the minds of both sets of players. If things aren't going Man U's way, they will be thinking, why oh why didn't we finish them off at our place?
But still, on balance, Man U are very capable of coming to the Emirates and beating Arsenal. They are a danagerous team with three match winners: Ronaldo, Tevez and Rooney. Arsenal have Fabregas, Nasri, Walcott and Adebayor. Yes, Adebayor. He was relatively poor at Old Trafford, but, he was starved of service, had effectively no partner, and never forget, he is a big game player. He has an excellent scoring record in big games and even when he isn't playing well, he can pop up with a key goal. Ask Villareal. I suspect Tuesday night might be his night.
The key deciding factors, as I see it, are:
Adebayor v Vidic: If Ade is up for it, he can bully Vidic especially if Rio doesn't make it.
Fabregas' position: It is beyond comprehension why Wenger is persisting to play Cesc as the advanced midfielder. Firstly, it isn't his favourite position, and secondly, we have other players itching to play there, that actually are good in that position! Nasri and Fabregas need to swap positions for the return leg. If RVP is fit, he can also play there. Play Cesc where he is at his most destructive to the opposition: in central midfield with more players in front of him than behind him.
Containment: Ronaldo and Rooney are pivotal to Man U goalscoring threat. Containing them is going to be tough but not impossible. In the league match at the Emirates, this was achieved with good success. Rooney and Ronaldo will be playing from the flanks so they key to keeping them quiet is the advanced wing players to track back and help the full backs.
Assuming RVP is not fit, this is the likely team:
Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Silvestre, Gibbs/Clichy
Nasri, Fabregas, Song, Diaby, Walcott
Adebayor
I would like to see a more attacking formation that lends support to Adebayor whilst still protects those flanks. Now, I know that I am going to get derided for this but this is the team I would play:
Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Gibbs/Clichy
Nasri, Fabregas, Song, Eboue, Walcott
Adebayor
This system puts eboue and walcott on each flank allowing song to hold the midfield, fabregas to play slightly further forward, and nasri closest to adebayor. Now, I know Eboue's limitations, but whilst Arshavin is cup-tied, he will add balance to the side. He can play on the right, and will get back to help out sagna. Walcott will play on the other flank meaning we will have pace on the wings. This system will allow the central midfielders to play in their preferred position and hopefully get support to Adebayor. If RVP is fit he replaces Eboue and Nasri moves to the flanks.
I predict a victory for Arsenal but I am not sure if the margin will be enough to take them through....
Fingers-crossed gooners....
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Manchester United v Arsenal
Finally a Man U Arsenal game that means something. That's not to say that the games in recent years haven't been meaningful, but the Champions League semi final is something special. I think the team has made great progress in the last 6 months but I am disappointed that we can't really judge their progress against the current benchmark in the Premiership because of crippling injuries.
It makes me laugh how the written media in this country keeps banging on about our lack of strength in depth when the reality is that no team this season has had to suffer the number of injuries to key players and still Arsenal have been the form team in the Premiership in 2009. It's not only the number of injuries but the length of injuries. Practically everyone in the first team has suffered some form of long term injury: Fabregas, Gallas, Adebayor, Walcott, Clichy, Diaby to name but a few.
Our big problem is going to be in defence. Kieron Gibbs didn't train yesterday, and it looks like Silvestre will be fit so the back line could look something like: Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Silvestre which is a unit that hasn't played together and looks very vulnerable.
I expect that because of this Wenger will include more protection than normal in the centre of midfield with two holding midfielders in the form of Denilson and Song with Fabregas just ahead of them and Nasri and Walcott on the flanks and Adebayor up front.
Is it good enough? Time will tell. The key to both legs will be how Arsenal defend. If they can defend well, we have a great chance. I worry that the full backs will get little or no protection from the wingers ahead of them and I can't see Silvestre, if he plays at left back, coping with Ronaldo.
Positives are that Man U look vulnerable, and a score draw is the best result Arsenal can hope for at Old Trafford. I fear the result will be worse so I optimistically predict 2-1 to Man U but I remember the last time we went to Old Trafford with a makeshift defence and got hammered.
It is such a shame that Gallas is injured. This is the sort of game he relishes. He has been arguably our most consistent player and he might have made the difference today. I think Arsenal need to keep the tie alive for the second leg and then we will have a chance. Man U will try and kill off the tie tonight.
On a separate note, am I the only one who thinks a 0-0 at the Nou Camp is a dangerous result for Chelsea? You just can't see Barcelona not scoring at Stamford Bridge. They will get more space as Chelsea will attack, so I am going to boldly predict an away victory in the second leg and Barcelona to face Arsenal in the final. With a bit of luck!
It makes me laugh how the written media in this country keeps banging on about our lack of strength in depth when the reality is that no team this season has had to suffer the number of injuries to key players and still Arsenal have been the form team in the Premiership in 2009. It's not only the number of injuries but the length of injuries. Practically everyone in the first team has suffered some form of long term injury: Fabregas, Gallas, Adebayor, Walcott, Clichy, Diaby to name but a few.
Our big problem is going to be in defence. Kieron Gibbs didn't train yesterday, and it looks like Silvestre will be fit so the back line could look something like: Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Silvestre which is a unit that hasn't played together and looks very vulnerable.
I expect that because of this Wenger will include more protection than normal in the centre of midfield with two holding midfielders in the form of Denilson and Song with Fabregas just ahead of them and Nasri and Walcott on the flanks and Adebayor up front.
Is it good enough? Time will tell. The key to both legs will be how Arsenal defend. If they can defend well, we have a great chance. I worry that the full backs will get little or no protection from the wingers ahead of them and I can't see Silvestre, if he plays at left back, coping with Ronaldo.
Positives are that Man U look vulnerable, and a score draw is the best result Arsenal can hope for at Old Trafford. I fear the result will be worse so I optimistically predict 2-1 to Man U but I remember the last time we went to Old Trafford with a makeshift defence and got hammered.
It is such a shame that Gallas is injured. This is the sort of game he relishes. He has been arguably our most consistent player and he might have made the difference today. I think Arsenal need to keep the tie alive for the second leg and then we will have a chance. Man U will try and kill off the tie tonight.
On a separate note, am I the only one who thinks a 0-0 at the Nou Camp is a dangerous result for Chelsea? You just can't see Barcelona not scoring at Stamford Bridge. They will get more space as Chelsea will attack, so I am going to boldly predict an away victory in the second leg and Barcelona to face Arsenal in the final. With a bit of luck!
Sunday, 26 April 2009
Man U 5 Tottenham 2
Manchester United cemented their position as champions in waiting with an emphatic 5-2 victory over Tottenham after Liverpool and Chelsea both won.
What can you say about that game? My two most hated teams playing against each other and in the end all the headlines surround the penalty award. Firstly, I am sick and tired of being told by the FA who our top referees are. We can judge that for ourselves and why Howard Webb is being touted as the UK's best referee is beyond me. He gave Man U a handball decision against us at Old Trafford which gave Man U their equaliser which was so ball-to-hand it's painful. Not to mention the softest of free kicks to Evra for running as fast as possible to the edge of the area and then falling over. But that's another blog. The bottom line is, Howard Webb is an average referee at best.
Having said that, I have watched that penalty decision again and again, and is it just me, or is it clearly a penalty? There are a couple of angles that make it difficult to decide, but one angle shows Carrick taking the ball away from Gomes and being caught by the goalkeeper who makes no contact with the ball at all. Believe me, I am the last person to favour Man U, but I call it as I see it.
Having said all that, a dubious penalty does not excuse the complete and utter capitulation of the Tottenham team. Pathetic does not begin to describe it. Keystone cops defending and when Man United players weren't squeezing the ball in the net, Tottenham defenders were obligingly giving them a hand.
If I were a Liverpool or Chelsea fan I would be spitting blood at the way teams go to Old Trafford and then melt into oblivion. It's not as if Man U need any more help, they already get the generosity of the referees as well as home advantage, and a great team to field, they don't need the opposition falling apart in admiration as well! Ah well, what do you expect from Tottenham.
And to think, they were telling us not too long ago how they were going to break into the top four with their heady signings like Darren Bent and David Bentley. I never understood why Tottenham fans have been so hostile towards Levy and the board. They have given managers an unbelievable amount of money to spend, and look at them now. They should hang their heads in shame after their performance yesterday, and it is very smart of Redknapp to divert attention away from that, and onto the referee.
From the Arsenal point of view, we should be encouraged that it looks like you can go to Old Trafford and score. However, our defence isn't looking too clever. It's all about how many we concede....More on that game later.....
What can you say about that game? My two most hated teams playing against each other and in the end all the headlines surround the penalty award. Firstly, I am sick and tired of being told by the FA who our top referees are. We can judge that for ourselves and why Howard Webb is being touted as the UK's best referee is beyond me. He gave Man U a handball decision against us at Old Trafford which gave Man U their equaliser which was so ball-to-hand it's painful. Not to mention the softest of free kicks to Evra for running as fast as possible to the edge of the area and then falling over. But that's another blog. The bottom line is, Howard Webb is an average referee at best.
Having said that, I have watched that penalty decision again and again, and is it just me, or is it clearly a penalty? There are a couple of angles that make it difficult to decide, but one angle shows Carrick taking the ball away from Gomes and being caught by the goalkeeper who makes no contact with the ball at all. Believe me, I am the last person to favour Man U, but I call it as I see it.
Having said all that, a dubious penalty does not excuse the complete and utter capitulation of the Tottenham team. Pathetic does not begin to describe it. Keystone cops defending and when Man United players weren't squeezing the ball in the net, Tottenham defenders were obligingly giving them a hand.
If I were a Liverpool or Chelsea fan I would be spitting blood at the way teams go to Old Trafford and then melt into oblivion. It's not as if Man U need any more help, they already get the generosity of the referees as well as home advantage, and a great team to field, they don't need the opposition falling apart in admiration as well! Ah well, what do you expect from Tottenham.
And to think, they were telling us not too long ago how they were going to break into the top four with their heady signings like Darren Bent and David Bentley. I never understood why Tottenham fans have been so hostile towards Levy and the board. They have given managers an unbelievable amount of money to spend, and look at them now. They should hang their heads in shame after their performance yesterday, and it is very smart of Redknapp to divert attention away from that, and onto the referee.
From the Arsenal point of view, we should be encouraged that it looks like you can go to Old Trafford and score. However, our defence isn't looking too clever. It's all about how many we concede....More on that game later.....
Home against the Boro: team selection
Now the FA Cup horse has bolted, the harsh lessons of team selection will have been hopefully learned. I am still bewildered by Arsene's decision to leave Nasri, Arshavin and Song on the bench against Chelsea, but still, I'm confident he will rest key players today.
It is a no brainer. Man U on wednesday, Everton and Villa both dropped points yesterday, we should coast into the Champions League places. He does keep going on about getting third place which would mean automatic qualification into the Champions League, but I think that will be a bonus rather than a realistic expectation.
So, as for today, the one area sadly he cannot rest players is in defence. Djourou has resumed full training but I suspect he will at the least get a sub appearance, we can't afford to lose any more defenders before wednesday. He may well rest Sagna as well.
So I am guessing Fabianski, Gibbs, Silvestre, Toure, Sagna/Eboue
In midfield, I wouldn't be surprised in Fabregas, or Nasri and/or Theo are rested, Arshavin will definitely start. So dont be surprised to see Arshavin, Diaby/Denilson/Song/Ramsey even Vela and if not playing in defence, Eboue might start on the right wing.
Up front, you might see Eduardo and Bendtner but expect Adebayor to feature as a substitute at some stage.
I really hope Arsene doesn't risk some of the big names to guarantee victory in this game. A draw, whilst annoying, is perfectly acceptable in the grand scheme of things. We cannot leave Old Trafford with the tie being out of sight. It is imperative that we are still in the tie approaching the second leg at the Emirates. More on the Champions league game later.
My prediction for today's game: 2-1 Arsenal.
Enjoy the sunshine...
It is a no brainer. Man U on wednesday, Everton and Villa both dropped points yesterday, we should coast into the Champions League places. He does keep going on about getting third place which would mean automatic qualification into the Champions League, but I think that will be a bonus rather than a realistic expectation.
So, as for today, the one area sadly he cannot rest players is in defence. Djourou has resumed full training but I suspect he will at the least get a sub appearance, we can't afford to lose any more defenders before wednesday. He may well rest Sagna as well.
So I am guessing Fabianski, Gibbs, Silvestre, Toure, Sagna/Eboue
In midfield, I wouldn't be surprised in Fabregas, or Nasri and/or Theo are rested, Arshavin will definitely start. So dont be surprised to see Arshavin, Diaby/Denilson/Song/Ramsey even Vela and if not playing in defence, Eboue might start on the right wing.
Up front, you might see Eduardo and Bendtner but expect Adebayor to feature as a substitute at some stage.
I really hope Arsene doesn't risk some of the big names to guarantee victory in this game. A draw, whilst annoying, is perfectly acceptable in the grand scheme of things. We cannot leave Old Trafford with the tie being out of sight. It is imperative that we are still in the tie approaching the second leg at the Emirates. More on the Champions league game later.
My prediction for today's game: 2-1 Arsenal.
Enjoy the sunshine...
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