Written by Mean Lean on Saturday, 19 November 2011 17:43

The Arsenal team of last season, post Birmingham defeat would have lost this game. After Mertesacker's error the team would have collapsed and Norwich would have got at least a point from this game but the spirit of the Arsenal team has returned. There is now heart and fire in the red shirt.

The only thing that would have beaten Arsenal today was profligacy in front of goal. We should have scored four goals by half time alone. If it wasn't for van Persie's brace then we could have been punished but that is why you have a clinical attacker in your team, to finish chances.

The game at Stamford Bridge has done something to Theo Walcott. He was in devastating form that day and since then he has shown consistency. Today he was our most dangerous player. Robin was quality when the chances came his way but Theo caused Norwich more problems. His touch, movement and awareness was spot on today and he deserved a goal. He would have got one but for a wonderful goal line clearance.

Robin's second goal was my second highlight of the day, a wonderful finish on his weaker foot. It is what we come to expect from Robin van Persie. But my highlight was the continued fight to win the ball when we were not in possession of the ball. I was impressed with that aspect of our game at the Emirates against West Brom and was very pleased to see that continue at Carrow road.

Aaron Ramsey was not at his creative best but his defensive work was exceptional. He covered so much ground from start to finish. Ramsey found himself in great positions in the box and could have had a couple of tap in's if the likes of van Persie or Gervinho looked for the pass instead of going for goal. It was interesting to see Ramsey have a go at van Persie at one point for not passing to him. You can see why he is the captain of the Welsh team at such a tender age.

You could be forgiven for thinking that the home side were unlucky to come away without a result given the rather over the top hype from the Sky commentary team but the truth was Szczesny did not have much to do during the whole game. I don't know why Mertesacker didn't just head back to his keeper straight away but that punished mistake was practically the only clear sight of goal from Norwich City. Thomas Vermaelen was superb, especially in the final stages of the game. Koscielny was his usual dependable self and looked steady at right back if not as mobile as Sagna and Jenkinson.

I love Andre Santos and find his role in the team fascinating. When I think of an attacking full back, I think of a speedy wing back who makes continuous overlapping runs past his winger or wide forward ahead of him. Santos is almost the no. 10 of full backs. Taking up positions in central midfield, left wing and even in the center forward position. He did so against Marseille at home and he did so again this afternoon. I will continue to enjoy his forays forward as long as the team collectively cover his area when needed. While Santos continues to be painted as the crazy left back who cannot defend I am sure his countless one on one tackles will be ignored as they were during the commentary.

A top display from the boys and you could sense that a quick shift of the gear stick could have seen us improve even further if needed. An away victory after a round of internationals is very welcome and it bodes well for the future of Arsene's newly crafted Arsenal machine.

Full match review tomorrow.

COYG.

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Comments (34)

• 19-Nov-2011 18:24 | | ne
  

  

• 19-Nov-2011 19:39 | | David  - Santos has no defence
  

  Love reading your articles but I am sorry, you are way off beam regarding Santos! The longer he is in the team, the more our defence will be exposed by his lack of positional responsibility. He goes awol too often and better teams than Norwich will destroy us by taking advatnage of his forays forward. I never realised a left back should venture so often in central midfield. Norwich almost equalised because he was so easily carved up when 'trying' to defend a one on one. He makes Troare seem like Winterburn
  
  Mario Gotze on Wednesday evening will tear him apart, and we may lose our chances to progress in the CL! He is meant to defend first and foremost and he seems unable to do that consistantly. Oh, and he seems to be out of puff after 20mins of every match he plays and it takes him an age to track back when he charges forward. Santos is dangerous and one day every soon Arsenal will pay for his obvious faults as he wil cost us big time!

• 19-Nov-2011 20:33 | | Savage
  

  I agree with Mean Lean on Santos. People just don't get the fact that it's goals that win matches, not clean sheets. Hansen and co have hypnotised people into thinking that winning without a clean sheet is some kind of loss. 0-0 is 2 dropped points - end of. 2-1 is victory!

• 19-Nov-2011 20:37 | | MeanLean
  

  The thing is Santos actually made a number of well timed tackles, he also won plenty in the air. His role in the team is offensive but I don't actually think he is a bad defeder per se.

• 19-Nov-2011 21:06 | | David  - Re Santos
  

  So if being able to defend does not matter, why not play a 0-5-5 formation???? I can't believe the stupidity of some fans who feel Santos is the 'ideal' left back for us! Go back at watch his feeble attempt to prevent the cross that led to Lampard's goal against us three weeks ago! One instance of many when he has been left wanting! Oh and Alan Smith (who knows a fair deal about football) said today "Santos playing worries me"
  
  Against Marseille I lost count the amount of times Arteta 'filled in' at left back to cover for the over-sized and plainly unfit Brazilian. On the one hand fans bemoan Arsenal's defending in the past few years and yet Santos is deemed by some to be 'good enough' to be our left back. Next the clamour will be to bring back Almunia if this nonsense is anything to go by!

• 19-Nov-2011 21:26 | | MeanLean
  

  I know what you are saying David but I think much has to do with the roles that each player has been attributed to. In many cases us as fans do not know the details.
  
  Taking Barcelona for example, we could call Alves a defensive liability because of how far he pushes up the pitch (Which Valencia exploited fantastically well a few weeks back) but in truth, his role within the set up is to provide that extra offensive threat because he is often unmarked.
  
  Sagna was often the player pushed up supporting the attack last season while Clichy often did not cross the half way line. I wouldn't be surprised to see Sagna sit more when he returns.
  
  For all we know, Arteta and Santos may have been involved in many training drills working on how each player covers when a ball is lost.
  
  With plenty of games coming up, I think Santos will keep improving and will convince many people soon. Well at least that is what I hope for.

• 19-Nov-2011 21:41 | | Podge
  

  Ask a Brazilian cause Santos is a traditional Lateral not a full back its a completely different role and he does it brilliantly. He needs to adapt to a new position as well as a new league. Cut him so slack, his offensive play is brilliant and has been a threat in every game he's played and his tackling is top drawer. Once he adjusts his positioning and gets his stamina up he wont be a liability.

• 19-Nov-2011 22:02 | | FallRiver Gooner
  

  As stated before, Santos is obviously NOT a prototypical English back, so get over it. Does he worry me at times, yes yes yes. Saying that, he's a better defensive player than most are giving him credit for. He has won a butt load of 1v1 tackles (especially the toe poke variety) over the last 5-6 games. End of.

• 19-Nov-2011 22:33 | | David
  

  I find it interesting that so many fans seem keen on Santos and across the web so many have had it in for young Jenkinson. The Brazilian is so fortunate that the lumbering German is playing on such a regular basis (now what a poor signing he is looking like - a right footed Pascal Cygan methinks), otherwise the focus would be even more on him
  
  Clichy never knew at Arsenal how to close down a right winger to prevent a cross coming into our box so it is unwise to use him as any defensive yardstick - at least Santos can cross a ball and score goals, I grant that! I take the point over the Santos/Arteta training practice but to counter that I would say that takes Arteta away from his primary function of keeping the play ticking over.
  
  I truly dread Santos one on one against Gotze on Wednesday; I watch a lot of Bundersliga action and he is likely to make Santos look inadequate and out of his depth. People mocked Eboue for lacking defensive so why so much grace for Santos???
  
  Simple test for you fellow Gooners: if so many seem to think Santos is good enough for Arsenal, would you pass up the chance to have say Leighton Baines as our left back any times soon - I think not.

• 19-Nov-2011 22:48 | | man.t  - critics wanted out.
  

  Cool article...It's somewhat irritating n annoying to hear some gooners if they really are criticize, complain n condemn our players. This fans if given the ball cannot even juggle up to 5 times...to ease things out, go support chelski or some club. To be honest, the Arsenal fan base is way too much so we are downsizing at the moment, we want all U losers out! GUNNERS!!!

• 20-Nov-2011 00:41 | | richie
  

  Is it me or is David missing the point? David are you missing the point?
  A full back these days has two functions. To use Clichy as an example as he was brought up, he wasn't a problem when defending (part one of a full backs duty) it was going forward that he could never handle. I would argue that as a defender Clichy was fine. Ask Clichy to ping in a cross and thats where you'd have a problem. Asking Clichy to join an attack would be where you'd court danger, because he'd enevitably give the ball away leading to a counter. During all his time with us rubbing shoulders with some outstanding players, he never learnt to attack. I don't think it was possible to teach him to attack.
  
  Santos already knows how to go forward, and given a little time to adjust to the prem, I'm hoping he'll improve his positional play, but another attribute he possesses is tackling. Clichy's best feature was his interceptions but he wasn't much at tackling, Santos can and does tackle well. I think you must like a particular type of full back, those who don't venture too far forward. I like Brazilian full backs who go forward, I like Santos and I see him improving. For me Baines ain't an Arsenal type.

• 20-Nov-2011 01:58 | | Donnie Gooner  - we*re back
  

  I hate negative Arsenal supporters more than the spuds. The team covers for santos cause they obviously train that way. They say he gets exposed but name one full back that pushes on doesn't. Its football and there are great athletes in every team. This team is not better than last season but is a 100 times stronger. I love it and I guarantee VP10 signs on. Up the Arsenal!!!!

• 20-Nov-2011 02:34 | | East Stand Alex  - Santos no. 10!!
  

  Love your take on Santos, ML.
  
  Just as much as I love Santos' little chipped passes to team mates a couple of yards away. Just to avoid interceptions..?
  
  He's so different!!
  
  And strong enough as a defender, I agree. Though perhaps not the greatest athlete we'll ever see - he does seem to be much quicker when he's attacking with the ball than when he's chasing back... That's 'laterals' for you...

• 20-Nov-2011 06:27 | | LB
  

  Love Santos, love Walcott and love Arsenal. Santos is FANTASTIC in the air and very 1-on-1. He needs a bit more cover at times but hecertainly is NOT a bad defender. These are the same characters who sauid Koscielny was a bad player.

• 20-Nov-2011 07:40 | | ozziearsenal  - ozziearsenal
  

  Mr Wenger must be content 2 left backs Gibbs and Santos one is better at attack and the other is a better defender when both fit he can tailor the position to his liking and to top it off Gibbs can learn from a international and Wenger might think attack is the best way to defend.

• 20-Nov-2011 07:59 | | ozziearsenal  - balance
  

  TV5 left centre back can cover Santos and Kos right side can cover young Jenkinson our trouble is Per his to slow to cover but useful for Epl Teams who play the high balls to the centre what do you think guys..

• 20-Nov-2011 08:23 | | Bob-bayyy  - Theo's form
  

  The only reason Theo is playing so well is because he has to. Oxlaide chamberlain is a very similar player who is even better than theo was at his age.Theo has seen his ability in training and realises he has to raise his game for arsenal and England.
  Believe me Oxlaide chamberain will be a important player for us and England. The future is very bright for arsenal and this season can still be a good one. United and Chelsea are very shaky this season and we need rvp to stay fit to surprise alot of people.

• 20-Nov-2011 08:47 | | ozziearsenal  - Mr Danger
  

  @ bob bayyy Theo is Mr Danger even Barca know one loose pass Theo in behind them there is No defence for pure speed We have a attacking weapon that few teams have got Theo

• 20-Nov-2011 11:02 | | dan  - santos is slick
  

  santos as we can see is a great player. he is a plus for the team because he is positive in tight situations. in every situation at norwich he new what to do. even when they tried to stick a winger in at half time on his side; he was not defeated. arsenal are gettin better. i thought maybe gibbs should get the nod as a starter. but santos is showing that he is an asset in the team. things he is doing are clearly helping arsenal win. gibbs can get down the wing and cross to nobody (no offence, chamack or a drogba would benfit) but he could never turn into an attacking central midfielder. remember arsenal are meant to have the ball and teams sit back. with his runs up top maybe it tricks teams into attacking more which gives us more space. there is something about his game that makes arsenal sharper. there is no hesitation in his blood. clichy done what per mertasaker done a few times. gibbs also made mistakes they both made up for some mistakes wiyh pace but santos does not make mistakes. if song is in his way he will not leave the ball for song he will use song or run past song and this confidence is good for the team. he gets caught out 5 times plus in a game because of being in advanced positions, but if other players dont have the nuts to want or attack at all times then they should stay back and cover the attacker. conclusion : he makes arsenal attack more thus making song maybe stay back or players with no business attacking because he deserves an attacking spot..

• 20-Nov-2011 11:48 | | dan  - santos is slicker
  

  baines is hesitant like all chlichy and the young unfit gibbs, cole was the last good one who had balls. santos is so cool he is part of these so called mature players arsenal have been screaming for. there were countless times he bossed tight situations where others would have passed it to someone else to clean up or panicked into clearing or playing poor passes that would force us back. well santos forces us forward. passes are sharp (short or long), unfazed by pressure in tight situations, eye for goal, confident at all times. the only left back that could have topped him maybe is roysten drenthe due to his confidents attacking flare and his comparisons to tyson pre tattoo. ooops i missed something havent i...... lol
  
  stop knocking the players with nuts. eat snickers
  whats wrong with the slow arteta or the wink wink defensive song staying back and staying defensive or central. did it ever occur to you that maybe his runs are bring balance to the team. how many times did we say song is pushing up too far. now song has turned into a cm that looks like the star man and not often gets caught out.

• 20-Nov-2011 13:31 | | Dazi  - In arsene we trust
  

  David- why dont you replace wenger n instill your favourite left back, but meanwhile just sit n watch!!! Too many complaints made me sick.. U can just only comment and complaint without grounds

• 20-Nov-2011 13:38 | | Dr khumalo
  

  Must we look 4 fault anytime we win games. Our team is getting stronger by d day and some losers are moaning. Jenkinson was d worst Arsenes buy cos he cost 1mpounds, Kos was too skinny 2 be a defender, Arteta has passed it, Tv5 is 2 short, so many fault finders yet we are winning our games. I've always said 2 u guys dat it is not by 4c 2 support D Arsenal. We dont need ur sentiments. Run 2 other teams dat does not make mistakes pls

• 20-Nov-2011 14:38 | | Ian  - Santos
  

  Gentle men fans will always stay fans yes santos gets back slower than he pushes up front bt like some 1 mentioned its abt the training details who falls in when he is up ther thats wat matters most end of.

• 20-Nov-2011 14:52 | | g0on3r
  

  i've read a stats pointed that arsenal conceded more from center and right area than from left. im not sure the percentage but goals conceded from left area is around 20% while the rest from center and right. so for some of you who don't like santos, perhaps this could calm you people down a bit.

• 20-Nov-2011 15:54 | | True gunner
  

  I can't wait to see Theo to tear clinchy apart for song to take silva out if the game as he did against mata, for TV5 to show the midget what true defending is all about for sanga/kos to show nasri what arsenal are all about for gervino to tear their defence to shreds and for rvp to do what he does best and our mid controlling the game

• 20-Nov-2011 19:14 | | redboy
  

  Is this german are worst ever center half its got to be close

• 20-Nov-2011 21:38 | | David  - Santos
  

  There is a real split between online Gooners and those I chat to at matches as whilst Santos is a something of a cult hero on here, in the open air most fans feel as I do he is a complete liability. Just count the number of times on Wednesday Dortmund will get in behind him compared to the other side of the pitch.
  
  But I accept, perhaps I know nothing about football and Santos is infact the best left-back in the business and is a shoe-in for the EPL team of the year come May. I think there is more chance of the Euro-zone become stable!

• 20-Nov-2011 23:50 | | Mohammed  - Santos
  

  I understand about Santos. Classic Brazilian attacking defender, leaving holes at the back. All he needs is Wenger n co to make him think about this. He can get better.

• 21-Nov-2011 00:08 | | Eric  - Not sure
  

  Not sure that I would classify santos as cult hero but more like some of the fans here appreciate the fact that:
  1. It his first season here so adaptation period is a factor (not an excuse but a factor)
  2.he is not your typical left back more of a libero (of the manuel vargas variety i think)whose positional play and (more importantly) his fitness will improve
  3. He adds more attacking options to a team that has to share the creative duties In attacking as well as provde space in the midfield
  4.his ball control is useful and very 'arsenal'
  5. It his possible that other members are meant to cover for him whilst he dashes forward...who knows what's been said in training.
  
  Granted He makes things difficult for himself at times especially in our own half but I would like to think that this will change over time..
  Personally it is great that we have a choice of different left backs to suit the varying games we play

• 24-Nov-2011 12:14 | | Tony  - Dont blind yourself cos of hate...
  

  @ David; "santos has no defence...better teams than norwich will destroy us by taking advantage of his forays forward...out of puff after 20mins"...? Did you mean teams like BD in the cl last night?..oh i remember, you did say something about a wednesday night whooping should santos play.and not to mention they are definitely so much beta than norwich, so what do you think went wrong for that not to happen in the cl last night?I just had to come back and ask you this man. Has it ever occured to you that he's only playing as the boss asked him to?..probably hasn't. You will do well to remember that santos is professional footballer -its what he does. yes they make mistakes every now and then, but thats no reason to just write them off. You may not like santos or the way he plays, but that's no reason to blind yourself to the possitives he brings to the team.

• 24-Nov-2011 12:16 | | Tony  - Dont blind yourself cos of hate...
  

  @ David; "santos has no defence...better teams than norwich will destroy us by taking advantage of his forays forward...out of puff after 20mins"...? Did you mean teams like BD in the cl last night?..oh i remember, you did say something about a wednesday night whooping should santos play.and not to mention they are definitely so much beta than norwich, so what do you think went wrong for that not to happen in the cl last night?I just had to come back and ask you this man. Has it ever occured to you that he's only playing as the boss asked him to?..probably hasn't. You will do well to remember that santos is professional footballer -its what he does. yes they make mistakes every now and then, but thats no reason to just write them off. You may not like santos or the way he plays, but that's no reason to blind yourself to the possitives he brings to the team.

• 24-Nov-2011 12:19 | | Tony  - Dont blind yourself cos of hate...
  

  @ David; "santos has no defence...better teams than norwich will destroy us by taking advantage of his forays forward...out of puff after 20mins"...? Did you mean teams like BD in the cl last night?..oh i remember, you did say something about a wednesday night whooping should santos play.and not to mention they are definitely so much beta than norwich, so what do you think went wrong for that not to happen in the cl last night?I just had to come back and ask you this man. Has it ever occured to you that he's only playing as the boss asked him to?..probably hasn't. You will do well to remember that santos is professional footballer -its what he does. yes they make mistakes every now and then, but thats no reason to just write them off. You may not like santos or the way he plays, but that's no reason to blind yourself to the possitives he brings to the team.

• 24-Nov-2011 12:19 | | Tony  - Dont blind yourself cos of hate...
  

  @ David; "santos has no defence...better teams than norwich will destroy us by taking advantage of his forays forward...out of puff after 20mins"...? Did you mean teams like BD in the cl last night?..oh i remember, you did say something about a wednesday night whooping should santos play.and not to mention they are definitely so much beta than norwich, so what do you think went wrong for that not to happen in the cl last night?I just had to come back and ask you this man. Has it ever occured to you that he's only playing as the boss asked him to?..probably hasn't. You will do well to remember that santos is professional footballer -its what he does. yes they make mistakes every now and then, but thats no reason to just write them off. You may not like santos or the way he plays, but that's no reason to blind yourself to the possitives he brings to the team.

• 24-Nov-2011 12:20 | | Tony  - Dont blind yourself cos of hate...
  

  @ David; "santos has no defence...better teams than norwich will destroy us by taking advantage of his forays forward...out of puff after 20mins"...? Did you mean teams like BD in the cl last night?..oh i remember, you did say something about a wednesday night whooping should santos play.and not to mention they are definitely so much beta than norwich, so what do you think went wrong for that not to happen in the cl last night?I just had to come back and ask you this man. Has it ever occured to you that he's only playing as the boss asked him to?..probably hasn't. You will do well to remember that santos is professional footballer -its what he does. yes they make mistakes every now and then, but thats no reason to just write them off. You may not like santos or the way he plays, but that's no reason to blind yourself to the possitives he brings to the team.

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