Written by Mean Lean on Monday, 12 December 2011 15:18

Not a bad little weekend of Premier League football was it? I suspect that the footballing gods have finally come across my  letters asking for fairness. You know how these things are, letters hiding at the bottom of the pile and if you don't chase it up then it just sits there forever. In the last week or so we have witnessed the best center back at one club getting injured and being ruled out for the season, we also witnessed another team go to Stoke and lose after some awful refereeing decisions. Decisions that would have me spitting blood if it was Arsenal. That is just it, two of those situations have Arsenal written all over it but none of it negatively affected us.

Even when it came to our game, Robin woodwork Persie hit the post after a wonderful first time volley but instead of rolling out into the keepers arms, it  nestled nicely into the back of the net.

Is the tide changing? After all these years a little bit of luck is finally coming our way. That being said, there is plenty of time for that to change and I need to reel in my excitement somewhat.

I made a few predictions before this weekend and they were that either we would win narrowly against Everton or we would drop points and gain injuries. Luckily it was the former. I also predicted defeats for Tottenham at Stoke and for Chelsea to beat Manchester City. One down, one to go.

Judging by the Gooner opinion that I have read so far, it seems as if the preference is split between wanting a Chelsea win or a City win. A Manchester City victory keeps us in fourth but a Chelsea win knocks City off their perch.

I guess that opinion depends on your expectations of the team and our target for the end of the season. Many are praying for a top four finish and going by our start to the season, that could be seen as a successful campaign. The start was awful, crushing even. Since our new boys, settled down into life at Arsenal, I have been hoping that we could remain consistent and continue to win games.

I have an issue with aiming for fourth place. That is far too similar a mentality from that lot from down the road as far as I am concerned. I hold my hands up and agree that I have been a little too hopeful in certain seasons like the 2008/09 season, because I have my heart set on the title every single year and this season is no exception.

There is talk of a Tottenham title challenge as it is their best start since the Premier League began. This was our worst start yet we are two points behind them albeit with them lot having a game in hand.

Let me paint this picture for you, if Chelsea beat the Mancs at Stamford Bridge and then we go to Oil City and win then the gap between them and us gets reduced to six points. We all know that six points in a title race is diddly squat. I want to know how the blue Mancs would deal with Champions League exit and subsequent defeats to Chelsea and Arsenal. I would love to see a dressing room of mercenaries looking around at each other. Which one of Nasri, Balotelli, Agüero will pump their fists and inspire their team mates?

There I go, doing what I hate. Talking about things I have no knowledge about but you catch my drift, It has been all smiles and high fives in that part of Manchester, let us see how they fair when things are difficult because they like everyone else will have difficult moments. We will have more difficult moments and obviously winning the title is very very difficult for us at this stage, it is just not impossible. The same goes for the cluster of teams around the top even those that contain diving rat boys.

It just goes to show how far this team has come since the OT darkness. Boy was it dark but I always expected us to improve not because I claim to be Nostradamus in an Arsenal replica shirt but because a large core of this team put in a title challenge last season, ok one that faltered embarrassingly in the end but in February the title was in our hands, we were the team in form. Cesc barely played due to hamstring injuries and Nasri was already counting his pennies by then. How can that core plus experience additions end up dangling around the relegation zone?

We didn't see the true reflection of the team back then, especially defensively. The question I want to ask once again is who is the new defensive coach? Who is the mystery man who has come in and shaped and organised the defence? We all know the answer, it is the same guys who were at the club during the 8-2 defeat, the same guys who were in charge when we went through the season unbeaten.

I only bring this up because Arsene Wenger, Pat Rice and the coaching staff have hardly received a shred of credit for turning us into a much stronger outfit not only our defenders but the entire team are fighting and working for each other like I haven't seen in a very long time.

It has been said that Arsene Wenger does not know how to buy a good defender well when I look at Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny then I have to disagree completely.

We haven't been able to keep the same defence together for the most part so imagine when we get Bacary Sagna back and Koscielny and Vermaelen get a long run together in the center of defence, and with that I have just received a text informing me of Santos being out for three months.

Why didn't the footballing gods tell me that I was not allowed to talk about this publicly. At least warn me, instead we have been instantly punished. Kieran Gibbs is still a few weeks away from full fitness and there is certainly no guarantee that he will stay fit once he returns.

It looks like Vermaelen will have to get used to playing at left back for a while.

Anyway, I am going to stop talking before anything else bad happens.

Back tomorrow.

• Add New
• RSS

Comments (44)

• 12-Dec-2011 16:03 | | Omglol
  

  Draw is good option for us. IF we win vs MC after, we cut them for 5 points plus 2 from Chelsea. This way we get close to MC and cut the pressure from Chelsea. But if we predict that Chelsea will drop lot more points then MC then we should aim for Chelsea win. But as you said, if We and Chelsea win plus CL drop it will be hard for them to sort it out. And yes.
  The Professor and his coaching team did fantastic job.

• 12-Dec-2011 16:07 | | Barndoor Bendtner  - Be careful what you wish for
  

  I work with a Spud, who to be fair doesnt get in yer face too bad which ever way the North London wind is blowing.
  For years he has been wishing for a team like Arsenal, and boy has he got it. Its so ironic watching them get clogged off the field, getting decisions against them, teams parking the bus and long balling them in to oblivion.
  I got it in the neck for saying Stoke and other pub teams bend the rules back on themselves to get an advantage and get away with it because "they play English style football".
  Welcome to the world of the Gooner, and thanks for taking the flack for us.

• 12-Dec-2011 16:24 | | MeanLean
  

  I think you are spot on about teams getting away with 'playing English style football' you hear it from the pundits all the time.
  
  The way Birmingham City played against us away last season would never be tolerated anywhere outside of the Premier League.

• 12-Dec-2011 16:33 | | Mike
  

  Love the possitive vibes

• 12-Dec-2011 16:39 | | MeanLean
  

  A draw wouldn't be too bad but I like the idea of adding to their misery. We shall see.

• 12-Dec-2011 17:24 | | richie
  

  Thats the point about the English public - English press. So many Journo's & Pundits used to have a little chuckle and say "Poor Scholesy" he just can't tackle "He's always getting it wrong" instead of Paul Scholes is a dirty player. I know Scholes was a talented midfielder going forward,but the facts are that he used to get away with murder on the field, especially defending. If it had been our players, our foreigners the cards would've been red everytime. As it was after 3 or 4 diabolical tackles Paul Scoles would get a yellow, usually amidst comments reminissing about how bad you used to be able to go in without getting carded. In reality Scholes was a nasty piece of work that got away with things because he was deemed to be typically English.

• 12-Dec-2011 17:56 | | Vuja De
  

  @Richie,
  
  I completely agree with your point about Paul Scholes being a dirty player, one who - like Rooney in the current Utd team - got away with murder because of his nationality.
  
  Some people think that Vieira was a dirty player too, because of the number of yellow and red cards that he got, but that was more to do with him being targetted by both opposition players as well as the match officials, who combined together to give Vieira the "full English treatment", on a regular basis.
  
  Vieira was no angel, but he knew how to tackle - unlike Scholes - and certainly wasn't a dirty player.
  
  You are right to point out the role that the insight-free pundits played in promoting an apologist narrative in the media for Scholes, just as they have been for Rooney too.

• 12-Dec-2011 18:04 | | richie  - ML Glad you brought that to the attention of some!
  

  Well thee made ML! Its really amazing that people don't ever analylise before they speak/type! We once had a famous back 5 that I loved, but it never went a season unbeaten. George Graham never had Lauren, Toure, Campbell and Cole in his defence, not even for a day. That defensive unit was wholly brought together by Arsene Wenger, and in case some need reminding it went 49 games unbeaten. Yet even amongst our own there were some questioning if our manager had ever bought a good defender? Had ever had any idea's about how to build a defense? Oh ye of limmited memory. I still think there's room for improvement but then I'm bloody gready for my team.

• 12-Dec-2011 18:04 | | Vuja De
  

  Good write up Mean Lean.
  
  Did you ask to speak to the Customer Services Manager when you initially had to chase up the Footballing Gods about your letters being at the bottom of the pile?
  
  I agree with you that a victory for Chelsea tonight against City would be better for us than a draw. I also want City's unbeaten start to the season to end asap, which is another reason why I want Chelsea to beat them tonight.
  
  You are right on the money in stating that not enough credit has been given to Arsene Wenger, Pat Rice and the rest of the coaching team in effectively addressing our defensive issues.
  
  It's funny how very few fans - if any - within the Arsenal blogosphere are now asking for a stronger number two to be recruited as Arsene's assistant manager. I wonder why that is?

• 12-Dec-2011 18:16 | | richie
  

  Thanks VDe Mate!
  I agree with you too Vieira wasn't a nasty player, he learnt the hard way to give as good as he got in the prem (otherwise your weak according to the pundits) and he was certainly targeted by our Ref's, which was the opposite to the treatment that both Neville and Scholes enjoyed, and yes Rooney enjoys.

• 12-Dec-2011 18:16 | | Vuja De
  

  @Richie,
  
  I also think that there's still room for improvement, and the area that this improvement is required in was on full view in the first half of the game against Everton on Saturday.
  
  I'm referring to the four clear cut goal scoring chances that we had in that half, which we somehow conspired to miss. Arsenal should have been out of sight, score wise, and the game should have effectively already been won by half time. But it wasn't.
  
  When we become much more clinical and efficient in the final third, we will take our game onto the next level.

• 12-Dec-2011 18:22 | | richie
  

  Yeah Clinical finishing seems to be our holy grail. At the Mo only RvP has it. Our players must surely be working on it? Wouldn't it be wonderful if it suddenly clicks into place 2nd half of the season. If only!

• 12-Dec-2011 18:29 | | MeanLean
  

  Spot on about Pat Rice. He couldn't do any right earlier now we hear nothing about his 'needed departure'
  
  We need to convert more chances also. I am amazed at how often Aaron Ramsey gets into the box and has chances but has yet to convert. I keep saying but I am sure he will score plenty and we already know that Theo can score.
  
  I just hope they can find their shooting boots before van Persie's goal streak dries up.
  
  Oh and Richie, the Paul Scholes thing used to drive me mad. The MOTD guys used to just chuckle about how he still hasn't learnt to tackle.

• 12-Dec-2011 18:36 | | MeanLean
  

  I'd most certainly take that. Judging by Arsene's comments, it seems as if he might dip into the market to buy an attacking player but I wonder what type. As in wide forward who can play central or a straight forward center forward.

• 12-Dec-2011 18:38 | | richie
  

  By the way Vu'de that was the same clinical finishing point I made in the review of the Everton game.

• 12-Dec-2011 18:44 | | richie
  

  Well thats a really interesting point if you take some of Arsene's other comments into consideration about how the current stikers role has evolved. Defenders generally have to be faster, and I think the stikers role has changed too. TH wasn't anywhere near a typical CF type, and neither are some of the others I currently admire. So possibly neither of the positional types mentioned.

• 12-Dec-2011 19:24 | | Vuja De
  

  I obviously & definitely agree that we need to convert more of our goal scoring chances into actual goals.
  
  This is something that I've been going on about for several years now, including on this blog, as we are incredibly wasteful in front of goal.
  
  I believe that Arsene is more than aware of this issue...I think he tried to address it with the purchase of Eduardo, but sadly we all know how he ended up.
  
  Ramsey has got goals in him, but it's not happening for him in that department at present. Let's hope that changes sooner rather than later.
  
  I've also noticed how very right footed he is. We know that he can score goals with his left foot from time to time, but he needs to learn how to play with and use his left foot in open play, so that it becomes natural for him to do so. It's a confidence thing.

• 12-Dec-2011 19:31 | | Vuja De
  

  What comments from Arsene make you think that he might be
  purchasing a striker of some type?
  
  I got the impression that he is going to rely on Van Persie, Park, Arshavin, Chamberlain, and Walcott - possibly even Diaby if need be - in the absence of Chamakh and Gervinho at the ACN in January 2012.

• 12-Dec-2011 19:34 | | Vuja De
  

  @Richie,
  
  Who are some of the other forwards that you currently admire?

• 12-Dec-2011 20:11 | | MeanLean
  

  That we were 'a little bit short' but as you say, he also follows up with we have Chamberlain, Arshavin and Park.
  
  I guess it depends if he intends to let anyone go next summer and if someone comes available that he wants to bring to the club.
  
  I wonder what Arsene would do if Theo and Chamberlain were the two in form. I guess he would move Theo to the left as he is the senior more experienced player although Chamberlain would probably suit the left more given that he is more a passer than Theo.
  
  I still expect Arshavin to be given the role at that time if fit.

• 12-Dec-2011 21:08 | | Vuja De
  

  Yes Mean Lean, it'd be interesting to see Walcott and Chamberlain played in the wide forward positions at the same time.
  
  I suspect Chamberlain would get the wide left position if that were to happen, simply because he's two footed and could go either in or outside the right full back of the opposing team.
  
  When Walcott has played there or drifted over to that side of the pitch (swopping with Gervinho or Arshavin), he has a tendency to always cut inside and use his right foot.
  
  I really don't know what is happening with and to Arshavin - perhaps it's a mental thing with him - but it's clear now that he's not going to put Pire's legacy at Arsenal under threat anytime soon.

• 12-Dec-2011 21:54 | | richie
  

  Sorry Vu'de I stopped for dinner my better half was on my case Forwards I currently admire? You must mean more than the obvious ones like Messi, Villa, and Aguero who I liked before he arrived at Money City. Like everyone and his dog it seems, I think Naymar looks the part from what I've seen of him playing for Brazil. Not seen a lot of him playing in his local league.
  
  Or are you asking me who I'd realistically like us to buy? Well before Arsene picked up Chamakh (On a free please remember before everyone jumps on him for buying someone not really good enough) There was a youngster at Feyenoord (RvP's old club) who looked really classy, typically Dutch and technical, and had pace called Castaignos but I think one of the big Italians clubs snapped him up last transfer window. (Not heard of him playing as of though). He reminded me a bit of all that was good about Fernando Torres before he bounced from Athletico to Chelski via Liverpool for £50 Mil. I saw him as a player that Arsene could work with someone that would slot straight into our style of play.
  
  I'll be honest I haven't really been checking out strikers since the year before Chamakh arrived when like everyone I thought we were desparate for one. Back then I was sniffing around checking out all the up & comings in La Liga, Holland, and France. Since those days we've been through Which GK? What central defender? Who as a defensive Mid? And recently full backs. Its been a busy old time wondering about signings.

• 12-Dec-2011 22:15 | | Vuja De
  

  @ Richie,
  
  Ok, thanks for letting me know.
  
  I'm so happy that Chelsea have halted the supposedly run-away City train. Can't wait for Sunday's game now.

• 12-Dec-2011 22:16 | | Vuja De
  

  Mean Lean, your two predictions were spot on!

• 12-Dec-2011 22:22 | | richie
  

  To be fair its unlikely that anyone currenly in the prem would give the classy Pires competition. Whatever Shava's suffering from his recent outings for us have been real low points. He's never had the greatest work ethic, nor the greatest engine. So some of those you might not be expecting, but of late his first touch has been poor, the stats say his pass completion rate is down, worse still his dribbling seems to have dropped off and his legendary vision has deserted him. Played in the team he's just been making up the numbers. I actually hate criticsing our own but his head has dropped of late and he looks nonchalont. I don't know whats to be done?

• 12-Dec-2011 22:34 | | Vuja De
  

  That's why I wonder if it's a mental/psychological thing with him.
  
  At Zenit St Petersburg he was a big fish in a small pond. At Arsenal, however, he's just another player, not the main man. Maybe he needs to feel that the team are reliant on him. Who knows?

• 12-Dec-2011 22:41 | | richie
  

  Yeah me too! Before this blog appeared, earlier I posed that same question to all on the last blog up "All action song" I asked who do Gooners fancy? It was more of a question asking how far we think we can go this season i.e. Which result long term really suits us?

• 12-Dec-2011 22:55 | | MeanLean
  

  Makes a bloody change

• 12-Dec-2011 23:05 | | richie
  

  That could be it, but it could be so many things, it could also be a lot simpler (mental /psychological). Its not always easy to keep getting up for games. You know you can only raise yourself up mentally so many times. At Arsenal the big games keep coming. At Zenit there wouldn't have been anywhere near as many. I'm sure if there was something that Arsene could've done in man management he would've done it. He says Shava is very self critical of himself so he must know his level has dropped. It could easily all come down to his confidence, like you said at Zenit he was the man. At the Arse Cesc was in front off him. big time, then possible Jack. Certainly RvP. His confidence might've gone when he saw how good his team mates were. It could just be the prem of course, remember the Beast Bautista? He openly said the prem was too quick for him, he couldn't think that quick.

• 12-Dec-2011 23:09 | | richie  - could be mental psychological eh Vu'de?
  

  Maybe your predictions only work when you don't sleep

• 13-Dec-2011 08:23 | | indian gooner forever  - Left sided player needed!!!
  

  The news of Santos going out for three months surely should pave the way for the signing of Jan Vertonghen. We all know the fact that despite being immensely talented, Kieran Gibbs never plays more than 3 games on the trot.
  We need cover in the left back position and who better than Jan Vertonghen in that position.......He can play left back, CDM or even in left mid-field position!!! Absolutely the versatile player we need.
  
  And Podolski wouldn't be a bad signing either considering Wenger's reluctance to use Park at all!!!!

• 13-Dec-2011 09:49 | | pieceofcake  - defense and luck and a confession
  

  I found this blog during the last international break(via the arseblog) trawling through any link that was Arsenal related just to try and fill that two week void of boring international fixtures that comes round three times within the space of the seasons first four months???....I HATE IT.
  Relating to our defence I suppose it was within only about 2/3 weeks after keenly watching them (especially our Big german adapting to the premier league,give him a year, kozza was no better this time last year) that I noticed how our offside trap started to consistently work. Even though Everton did not offer too much in attack for most of the game,especially in the first half , our offside trap now is reminiscent of the legendary back four under Graham,very apt since he was there to witness(and hear) the 1-0 to result. I notice that you credit Kozza and the Verm as our ideal partnership but already I feel Per is a big reason for our sudden overnight change in defense. He has definatley played a big part in our defensive reorganization ,bringing composure to the team,the man deserves credit.
  In terms of luck, in 34 years as a Gooner I cannot recall when we ever had all four of our fullbacks injured...Stats on that anyone??? I dont term that as our luck changing,I think its just nudged sideways.
  Finally my confession (and deep down this is probably true to most of our hearts) I watched the Chavskis actually do us a favour, meaning that they protected our unique title of a season unbeaten. Since that occassion it has really only been Citey this year that have have shown that it could possibly be repeated. Last night watching that game I actually realized that I will never see any other team take that unique title from us,except for maybe one. Saturdays game with all the 125 year birthday celebrations of Arsenal, reminded the whole world what a truly unique and class act we are and that every other football fan aspires his team to have even just a grain of our substance. There is only one truly class act and I dont have to remind anyone reading this site who they are. Arsenal.........Forward ,with the rest blazing in our trail.

• 13-Dec-2011 10:07 | | pieceofcake  - Arsenal
  

  Who's that other team that could possibly take that Unique unbeaten title? Everyone laughed at Wenger the season before, when he proposed that his team could go all season unbeaten....if he proposed that it could happen again with this team in the next year or two, I suspect nervous laughter would be everyones reaction this time round...I sense a certain steel and resiliance in this team that we have not seen since the invincible's and I'm sure I'm not the only gooner to have felt this recently
  Maybe, just maybe this team is the new trick that Wenger has pulled out of the hat????

• 13-Dec-2011 12:03 | | richie
  

  Lets keep our feet firmly on the ground for the time being, because we'll know more about the levels of steel & resiliance that this team possesses after we've face Money City in their own back yard.

• 13-Dec-2011 12:35 | | MeanLean
  

  "I found this blog during the last international break(via the arseblog) trawling through any link that was Arsenal related"....
  
  "....I HATE IT."
  
  That's a bit harsh!
  
  It seems to be the Arsenal way to accumulate a host of injuries in the same position. Its either our forwards, full backs or goalkeepers. Weird.
  
  I hope this is the worst of the injuries and from now on we slowly (or quickly) get everyone back. But that is proper wishful thinking going by our recent history.

• 13-Dec-2011 12:52 | | richie  - Just a quick update
  

  There's a lot of chat about Podolski and I like the look of him. I wonder?
  Like RvP he's southpaw although Robin seems to have greatly improved his right foot this year which is one of the reasons he's banging them in. He's currently a defenders worst nightmare steer him away from his famous left foot and "bingo" he slams one in with his right. Of course Lukas would definately ease the strain on RvP but if we bought him how would you name a team without both him and Van P?
  Alternatively you play both strikers at who's expense? Can't imagine us returning to 442.

• 13-Dec-2011 13:33 | | richie  - Vuja De Further to our observations on AA
  

  Further to our chat about why Shava ain't doing well, check out Desi Gunner's current article on his blog (One of the other well worth reading blogs IMHO). He puts me firmly in my place concerning my reading (miss- reading) of AA's poor form. Desi always has great stats analysis.

• 13-Dec-2011 20:47 | | pika
  

  podolski would be a great addition no doubt but wenger is holding 4 aces up his sleeve for 2nd part of season. wilshere sagna park and arshavin. the first three will give arsenal the league title and the last one will score the winner in munich. it is written. ..

• 13-Dec-2011 22:31 | | dkgooner  - Hmmm - maybe ...
  

  I'm not sure about Podolski, he seems a bit of a plodder, but he does seem to be scoring goals again. And there's that problem which has been raised before: How do you accommodate him AND RvP? Podolski is not likely to come if he thinks he's going to sitting waiting for RvP to be rested or get injured. Robin can't be replaced - simple as that. If he gets crocked, we will need to find a new format I think.
  Interesting that Wenger has apparently said that he will be keeping an eye on who is available (at a reasonable price, of course). It's not only a striker I hope. With André's long-term injury, the left-back situation is now urgent. Everyone knows that when Gibbs gets back he'll play a maximum of 1½ games and then sprain a tonsil and be out for 3 months. For all his promise, he's not unlucky, he's fragile and the squad policy needs to recognise that. Same with Diaby. Jack is unlucky. TV was unlucky. But not Gibbs and Diaby - it's part of their genetic inheritance. So we urgently need a left-back who can play in the Premiership and could play regularly. I'd go for Baines - he's good defensively, quick, robust and can cross a ball, as well as take free kicks. And he's not CL tied. I'm sure he'd jump at the chance to join Arteta. It would also be kind on him - he wouldn't have to hang on to Theo's shirt anymore. He's 27 so got a good few years in him yet; in his prime, as they say. But I dare say AW has his eye on someone in France again. Whatever, this is the most critical issue at the moment IM(not so)HO.
  Laters
  dk

• 14-Dec-2011 00:35 | | richie
  

  DKG Podolski a plodder? What have you been looking at? If you watch a YouTube selection of his goals he's almost a direct replacement for RvP........ Plodder would be the last thing I'd call him. As you eccoed how would we accomodate Lukas and RvP together? Thats why I can't imagine it. That and breaking the wage structure which for us seems to be unthinkable, therefore we'd have to sell again first. Didn't you see Theo run Baines ragged the other day? When ML couldn't sleep I suggested he count Theo's skiping over struggling prone Leightons.

• 15-Dec-2011 20:43 | | colesy  - predictions for Man City game
  

  What's peoples thoughts on this Sunday's match. Anyone care to offer a prediction?

• 15-Dec-2011 20:49 | | MeanLean
  

  Its gonna be bloody difficult, we will need to defend really well to stop the likes of Silva and Agüero but we can score. We have players who can hurt them and I know the team will be up for the game.
  
  I think it all depends on how we defend throughout the game. Will Mertesacker be able to handle the small technical players? The same goes for Djourou. Can he handle their wide players? If those two have good games then I am confident.
  
  What about you?

• 15-Dec-2011 21:17 | | colesy
  

  Sorry to be negative but I can't see us getting a win. Perhaps a score draw if we're lucky. I fear a bit of a back lash from the Chelski result though. With our makeshift defence and tendency to go to pieces when a goal goes in against us, I could see 3 past Szczesny. So 3-1 or 3-2 to Citeh.

• 16-Dec-2011 08:15 | | Tony  - Not anymore
  

  Gone are the days we go to pieces when a goal gets past us, we proved that against chelsea, and then again against fulham. I think the decider on the city match would be -like someone already commented- if djorou and the german gaint have a good game. As for Szcn, he would be up to the task am sure.

Write comment

Your Details:

Name:

Comment:

Title:

Message:

Powered by Compojoom comment 4.1.7 stable