Written by Mean Lean on Saturday, 12 March 2011 00:53

A couple of weeks ago we were allowed to gently pick ourselves up from Carling cup final defeat by smacking Leyton Orient for five at the Emirates. A nice and kind way of restoring a little belief as well as being able to rotate the squad around.

We really could do with another home tie against weaker opposition after our Camp Nou frustration, instead the only team above us in the top tier of English football await us in the theatre of nightmares or whatever stupid name they call their stadium.

Two heavy weights with crushed and battered ego's go head to head in the sixth round of the FA cup. The red Mancs have lost their last two games against Chelsea and Liverpool, continuing their poor away form this season, whilst our draw against Sunderland and defeat against Busacca Barcelona may have sapped away at our belief.

I am sure that both managers would have wanted to rest personnel for different reasons. Manchester United have a big Champions League game in midweek against Marseille, the tie delicately poised at 0-0 after the first leg. The Arsenal squad have a few injuries at present and the players who played on Tuesday would have some tired legs after playing a majority of the game without the ball.

This game is not just a chance of progressing in the FA Cup, it is a chance to lift morale and push the rival that little further down psychologically.

Arsene sounded very certain of fielding his strongest side and perhaps playing Tuesday as opposed to Wednesday has meant that the extra day rest along with a late kick off will give his troops enough recovery time.

Arsene is likely to make a few changes from midweek but perhaps not as many as he would like. Andrey Arshavin should start the game and he may have Kieran Gibbs behind him at left back.
Wenger has a few decisions to make in his midfield and wide attacking positions.

Cesc Fabregas has yet another hamstring problem and will not be available so that position needs to be filled. I would love to see Aaron Ramsey make his come back in this game. It may be a big stage for his first game at Arsenal since last year but he is fresh and has the ability to make things happen. I would also love to see his link up with Jack Wilshere to bring back memories of past Carling cup evenings at the Emirates.

Chances are that it will be either Tomas Rosicky or Samir Nasri to play in the central role. Nasri has often been overlooked to play in the hole as Arsene likes to utilise his pace to get in behind the opposition. Denilson also has a chance of being involved after taking no part in Europe.

Many of those candidates for the midfield are also an option for the wide attacking position. Nicklas Bendtner is probably the most likely player to get the spot although I worry about Evra using every opportunity to pin Bendtner back towards his own goal. Also without Nasri, Rosicky and Walcott we lose a little creativity in the wide areas and that could be important at a place like Old Trafford where possession will be important.

Mean Lean's Predicted Line UpA couple of weeks ago we were allowed to gently pick ourselves up from Carling cup final defeat by smacking Leyton Orient for five at the Emirates. A nice and kind way of restoring a little belief as well as being able to rotate the squad around.

We really could do with another home tie against weaker opposition after our Camp Nou frustration, instead the only team above us in the top tier of English football await us in the theatre of nightmares or whatever stupid name they call their stadium.

Two heavy weights with crushed and battered ego's go head to head in the sixth round of the FA cup. The red Mancs have lost their last two games against Chelsea and Liverpool, continuing their poor away form this season, whilst our draw against Sunderland and defeat against Busacca *** Barcelona may have sapped away at our belief.

I am sure that both managers would have wanted to rest personnel for different reasons. Manchester United have a big Champions League game in midweek against Marseille, the tie delicately poised at 0-0 after the first leg. The Arsenal squad have a few injuries at present and the players who played on Tuesday would have some tired legs after playing a majority of the game without the ball.

This game is not just a chance of progressing in the FA Cup, it is a chance to lift morale and push the rival that little further down psychologically.

Arsene sounded very certain of fielding his strongest side and perhaps playing Tuesday as opposed to Wednesday has meant that the extra day rest along with a late kick off will give his troops enough recovery time.

Arsene is likely to make a few changes from midweek but perhaps not as many as he would like. Andrey Arshavin should start the game and he may have Kieran Gibbs behind him at left back.
Wenger has a few decisions to make in his midfield and wide attacking positions.

Cesc Fabregas has yet another hamstring problem and will not be available so that position needs to be filled. I would love to see Aaron Ramsey make his come back in this game. It may be a big stage for his first game at Arsenal since last year but he is fresh and has the ability to make things happen. I would also love to see his link up with Jack Wilshere to bring back memories of past Carling cup evenings at the Emirates.

Chances are that it will be either Tomas Rosicky or Samir Nasri to play in the central role. Nasri has often been overlooked to play in the hole as Arsene likes to utilise his pace to get in behind the opposition. Denilson also has a chance of being involved after taking no part in Europe.

Many of those candidates for the midfield are also an option for the wide attacking position. Nicklas Bendtner is probably the most likely player to get the spot although I worry about Evra using every opportunity to pin Bendtner back towards his own goal. Also without Nasri, Rosicky and Walcott we lose a little creativity in the wide areas and that could be important at a place like Old Trafford where possession will be important.

Mean Lean's Predicted Line Up

One to watch: Abou Diaby

It is fair to say that Abou didn't have his best game in midweek, Barcelona's pressing really neutralised his game and for that reason I was surprised that he got the nod ahead of Denilson but this is the type of game that Diaby thrives on. Away from home in the Premier League against one of our rivals. In Song's absence, he may well have to put the breaks on a little but when he can, he will get forward and I think he will cause Manchester United some problems.

Key Battles to look out for:

Darren Fletcher vs Abou Diaby
Paul Scholes vs Jack Wilshere
Wayne Rooney vs Laurent Koscielny
Da Silva vs Andrey Arshavin

Mean Lean's Match Prediction:

Manchester United 1 Arsenal 2 (Arshavin, Diaby)

I expect Arsenal to put on a very determined display and it will be interesting to see how Ferguson approaches the game. He is without Nani and Valencia and without those two wide men, his side look like they lack creativity. I expect Manchester United to be compact and try and catch us on the break but I believe we will be ready. Our team defending has improved since we last met them at Old Trafford and I hope that we have enough on the pitch to overcome them.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS.

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Comments (60)

• 12-Mar-2011 11:39 | | Mighty Manchester United.  - Can't believe Arsenal fans.
  

  I can't beleive Arsenal fans. I've seen predictions of wins and draws. Do you actually know what you're up against. You have the honour of facing the greatest club on the planet - Mighty Manchester United and your pathetic team will be anihilated.
  
  Prediction:
  
  Man Utd 4-0 Arsenal
  
  Rooney hatrick and Rafael to slot home the fourth. Season over for English football's most overrated club.

• 12-Mar-2011 12:04 | | adam
  

  arsenal 3 man u 1

• 12-Mar-2011 12:11 | | angelic beardy
  

  How can we be over rated when before the season started noone expected us to be in the top 4 you prat. You are the pathetic one. In any case i am expecting to lose just because we seem to have a phsycological barrier about beating United lately and they are playing home so will get the benefit of tight decisions as per usual.

• 12-Mar-2011 12:12 | | Sobin the Indian gooner
  

  I Believe we can do it.our boys r up for it.my 11
  szczesny-sagna-djourou-koscielny-clichy-diaby-wilshere-nasri-rosicky- vanpersie-arshavin

• 12-Mar-2011 12:14 | | AFC  - Man u is infinity times overrated to Arsenal
  

  Don't call yourselves a greatest club.Others should.
  I feel very sorry for your club because your team is overrun in all departments.
  Your performance was poorer than wigan athletic against Liverpool.
  It is a mere luck that you have gone unbeaten for 20 matches(i wonder how?)
  you can't even match to Arsenal's 49 games unbeaten.
  Liverpool have trashed you into pieces.
  You have lost to chelsea.
  And today you will lose to the Mighty Arsenal!!!!
  Count your days Man u!!!
  After two years you will be fighting for champions league spot.

• 12-Mar-2011 12:31 | | theo  - haha united fans
  

  man united fans are pretty pathetic calling us overrated... the fact is no matter how many titles you win, you will never be as classy or as big as a historic club like liverpool. as far as arsenal goes, its a common theme these days to think of arsenal as a team who is not achieveing and in all honesty whoever actually believes that either doesnt have much clue about football or just doesnt like arsenal. As an arsenal fan i would be ashamed if my club goes and spend 40 or 50 million on 1 player, not if we havnt won a trophy in 5 years like many people talk about. i have never been prouder of the team arsene wenger has built and even though pundits and other people want us arsenal fans to believe our club is underachieving, i would challenge any of them or ny manager in the world to build such a good team with the budget we have. the easiest thing in life is to criticize, i just hope all arsenal fans dont buy into the nonsense people are trying to create. ARSENAL for life

• 12-Mar-2011 14:02 | | Wenger Boy
  

  Draw or a win for us. Man U are more depleted than we are at the moment, in attack and defence. It will be a strong resolute game from both teams but without Nani, Valencia, Park, Ferdinand and Vidic we will either just pip it or certainly grab a draw.
  
  For once I'm pretty confident about the prospect of beating them.

• 12-Mar-2011 17:13 | | Anonymous  - A week too late MMU
  

  We played the greatest team on the planet last Tuesday and they needed the 11 plus the Ref to get past us. No Gooner will be surprised if the Ref comes to Manu'ers aid, because no team in the prem gets more help from the Ref than Taggarts boys. In Europe Barca owns the I.O.Y's from the Ref's in the prem its Man U.

• 12-Mar-2011 17:44 | | Man United Killa  - Find your way home kid!
  

  How the heck did you make your way here.maybe this might be a good time to think of your depleted midfield.After the Barca game,you guys seem like a joke of a game to me.Dude!!!get a grip!

• 12-Mar-2011 18:21 | | jeroomme
  

  Diaby can be safely shipped out next season. Did you see a laid back manner that he has? Not involved as much as he should and do not link up well with Nasri and Wilshere.

• 12-Mar-2011 18:22 | | richie  - Typically Undone
  

  We had the possession but didn't manage many clear cut chances VdS had to make a couple of saves. And then we get caught on the break a couple of times firstly because Gibbs wasn't tight enough. Then for their goal Kosh let De Silver get to the ball first after a great save from Big Al. We defended well but just not quite good enough, they are defending really well and its only their 2nd string defense. This sounds like my old school reports ''Should do better''. Long way back 2nd half now despite then fact that yet again we looked like the better team.

• 12-Mar-2011 18:26 | | jeroomme
  

  fuck the team with no character. too much space for manure to counter attack. Kocielny - are you a striker or defender?

• 12-Mar-2011 18:28 | | richie  - Thats it we are undone again
  

  Mountain to climb now 3mins in and no one from our team tracks Rooney's run into the box. It's simple yet again we are not defending well enough as a team.

• 12-Mar-2011 18:40 | | jeroomme
  

  A few key players are sleeping- either suffering from menstruation that made them become anxious, irritated, and suffer from severe body pain. Kocielny must learn to defend as a team and cover Almnia. How can he let Silva to slip in?

• 12-Mar-2011 18:48 | | richie  - Countering too slow
  

  When we get the chance to break we are way too slow instead of a fast passing break we are letting Manu'er get 8 or 9 behind the ball before we get into position. Maybe the their are too many heavy legs in our side after Barca, because we've got no speed in our play.

• 12-Mar-2011 18:50 | | jeroomme
  

  Kocielny is playing soccer like a see-saw. His performace goes up and down. Sent off twice, fatal error in cup final conceded many penalties.

• 12-Mar-2011 18:52 | | Anonymous
  

  Arsenal can't work without cesc&walcot

• 12-Mar-2011 19:01 | | Man United Killa
  

  This Man U team fielded is no where near their full strength but yet again, we came undone.What is the reason?
  Oh I know.Like you said yesterday, we have better backup than they have..that is why we lost to them.Sorry to disturb you Sir...I forgot you gave me the reason yesterday.

• 12-Mar-2011 19:01 | | richie  - Shit!Shit!Shit! Yet another injury
  

  We are only half a mitre out at either end but at this level its that 0.5 thats making all the difference. And now our best defender is out.

• 12-Mar-2011 19:03 | | Man United Killa  - Djourou!! No!!
  

  Big shame to have lost Djourou.He is such a dedicated servant.Hope to see him again soon.

• 12-Mar-2011 19:06 | | Man United Killa  - richie's reply
  

  Yeah..You make a good point.But I am thinking we have not used the flanks effectively enough...crosses too high and not good enough.Not enough players in the box when its squared/crossed and finally we might want to attack through the middle sometimes.

• 12-Mar-2011 19:08 | | Man United Killa
  

  Jerome,honestly I think Koscielny has done a good job.I dont our defense gets enough help from midfielders.Our defense is not the best..true but I think our midfielders have not helped either.Too many ball watchers sometimes.

• 12-Mar-2011 19:09 | | jeroomme
  

  Kocielny - No discipline of defending skill and vision. Diaby has appeared in 3 consective games and we did not win. Hope we can have Song back.

• 12-Mar-2011 19:14 | | jeroomme
  

  I agree that his performance is good but only being let down by silly mistakes. Vermalen is a better defender than him - robust and more focused

• 12-Mar-2011 19:22 | | jeroomme
  

  Diaby who seems to get caught on the ball time and time again. I can't really understand that 3 games in a row he is playing, he is still such a crap and dreaming to play for Barcelona.

• 12-Mar-2011 19:27 | | richie  - Psychologically Defeated & Physically Depleted
  

  We matched them but our youngsters aren't quite there yet. Its in the final ball to score it doesn't come, or we aren't clinical enough, next the final position or touch of the defender likewise is missing. VdS was their man of the match which is typical of our season.

• 12-Mar-2011 19:34 | | Man United Killa
  

  which youngsters? Wishere and Gibbs?..what an excuse!

• 12-Mar-2011 19:37 | | richie  - I got it wrong
  

  I hold my hands up Manu'er didn't need their famous favourable Ref's decisions they didn't need them they were better than us today, but not by a long shot are they the best team we've played this season. Everyone knows which team that distinction goes to!

• 12-Mar-2011 19:54 | | richie
  

  I ain't making excuses I've already posted Manu'er were better than us today. Which youngsters? Where would you like me to start? Nasri Wiltshire, Gibbs, Denilson, Kosh, Djourou, are all young and thats over half of our team out there today. We played with 5 senior players which with the exception of Sagna are all short of first team practice which for me was very evident. Diaby Rosicky Chamakh & Almunia ain't been at their best for a while. Am I wrong Muk?

• 12-Mar-2011 20:06 | | richie
  

  Thats true neither of our full backs got round the back of their defence, and when they did both Gibbs & Sagna's crosses were either over hit or didn't beat the first defender.

• 12-Mar-2011 20:09 | | Man United Killa
  

  In my opinion we didnt lose because of our youngsters.We just gave up in the final third.The killer instinct is lacking.Though I may agree with most of your previous comments,I dont agree Nasri,Song,Denilson,Kos and Djourou are youngsters? For God's sake Kos is 25 and Djourou is 24.Gibbs and Wishere are 21 and 19 respectively.That is understandable.

• 12-Mar-2011 20:11 | | Man United Killa  - Reply for Richie
  

  In my opinion we didnt lose because of our youngsters.We just gave up in the final third.The killer instinct is lacking.Though I may agree with most of your previous comments,I dont agree Nasri,Song,Denilson,Kos and Djourou are youngsters? For God's sake Kos is 25 and Djourou is 24.Gibbs and Wishere are 21 and 19 respectively.That is understandable.

• 12-Mar-2011 20:24 | | dkgooner  - The old fox outfoxed us yet again
  

  Credit where it's due. SAF knows exactly how Arsenal are going to play because AW never does anything surprising. I had suggested that we put out two front men to put more pressure on Vidic and Smalling, but no, it's plan A again and it seems there is no plan B, except when it gets desperate, then plan B is to throw on everything but the kitchen sink.
  Tactically, SAF has AW in his pocket and, to be honest, he always will have.
  Psychologically, this team has gone. Yes, I know - now we can concentrate on the league :-) We can still win it on paper, but it has to be won on the pitch and ManU have more spirit, more pace and more verve than Arsenal.
  Roll on next season. Let's hope we get some fresh troops. This squad is not strong enough.

• 12-Mar-2011 20:26 | | richie  - Clarification
  

  Kosh is a youngster in Footballing terms this is only his second season as a top flight player. He came out of France's second division played one season in France's 1st division and then he came to us. (What a baptism of fire he's had!) Likewise this can only be described as Djourou first full season because he's been out injured for so long. Of course Nasri Denilson Song & Wiltshire are young even Cesc is still young really.

• 12-Mar-2011 20:33 | | Macdub
  

  Spot on. At least we have to be honest with ourselves. The league is gone now. This squad are mentally gone and will struggle for 3rd place. its all very depressing.

• 12-Mar-2011 20:46 | | Man United Killa  - hmmm
  

  Come on Richie..there is a fine line between a young player and a player who is playing in top flight football for the first time.I am a big fan of Kos especially his positioning and his common sense.I think the midfield makes our defenders look bad.
  But i respectfully disagree with your point of view about the youngsters.I think the only youngsters here are Wishere ( who does not even play like a youngster), Ramsey, and Gibbs (who is a better crosser of the ball than clichy will ever be)

• 12-Mar-2011 20:49 | | richie
  

  For me only Big Al, Rosicky & Shava are senior players in terms of age and experience.

• 12-Mar-2011 20:58 | | Macdub
  

  Well at least its not every week Arsenal will have to play against world class players like O'Shea, Gibson etc.

• 12-Mar-2011 21:01 | | Man United Killa  - fair enough...
  

  I can accept your point of view...I only think that a squad is divided into youngsters, young players and senior players.Most of those you mentioned in my opinion are young players and not necessarily youngsters.

• 12-Mar-2011 21:12 | | richie
  

  But your right it is only a fine line
  Kosh is one hell of a prospect to leave France's 2nd division and within 2 years be playing at this level is nothing short of miraculous, with the experience he's got thus far I expect him to improve exponentially next year, likewise Djourou has well and truly stepped up. I posted earlier that our problem is the team isn't defending as a team. Our defenders defended but Rooney was aloud to run straight through to head home. None of our mid tracked his run so he was given a free header. This isn't something new we've seen this before.

• 12-Mar-2011 21:17 | | richie
  

  Allowed for Aloud above

• 12-Mar-2011 21:21 | | richie
  

  There's a thin line between love and hate I'm an old Gooner so young for me might be different to you.

• 12-Mar-2011 21:22 | | Man United Killa  - LOL
  

  hahaha...you got jokes Richie...but i guess you might be right.

• 12-Mar-2011 21:29 | | Man United Killa
  

  Oh ARSENAL!!!When O when?

• 12-Mar-2011 21:31 | | richie
  

  Strangely enough my mood after today's result isn't anywhere near as black as it was after the Wembly Final and the Barca's game even though the CC was only 4th on our wish list.
  Much as it pains me to admit it today we were beaten by a better team.
  Barca were also better than us but what angered me was the help they were given that they didn't need. Today all I want to do is hold my hand up.

• 12-Mar-2011 21:38 | | Man United Killa  - EPL
  

  I am staring to get immune to this disappointment...But Do you sincerely think we can realistically win the EPL?

• 12-Mar-2011 22:24 | | Macdub
  

  If we don't win the Emirates Cup can we bring our ball home?

• 12-Mar-2011 23:09 | | Macdub
  

  Bring back Charlie George

• 12-Mar-2011 23:16 | | dkgooner
  

  Agreed richie - but what's depressing is that we were beaten by a better team which included Wes Brown, John O'Shea, Darren Gibson and two young full-backs playing out of position in midfield.
  Yet again, the opposition wanted it more. When they attacked, they moved fast, as United always do, running into the spaces where they expected the ball to come and we weren't picking up the runs. Our shower were waiting for the ball to come to them. I lost count of the number of times Sagna, Arshavin, Robin put the ball into the danger zone and there was no-one attacking the space - they all stood ball-watching. And that's something we have to stop doing. I think our squad could learn a lot from watching United's movement off the ball. That's where they beat us every time. Plus the hunger they have. Rooney had a great game today - he was always in space, spraying balls for Hernandez and later Valencia to run on to. And then busting a gut to get on the end of the return ball. We never got to grips with him.

• 12-Mar-2011 23:26 | | dkgooner
  

  MUK, I think it all depends on how they respond. They've gotta stop feeling sorry for themselves and find a way of injecting some pace into their game. All this pass, pass, pass takes too long. Look at the second goal against Barca at the Emirates - we need to be doing more of that.
  We have a problem in that we don't have our best goalkeeper, Djourou is now out for a spell so central defence is a weak point again, and they've gone from being in contention for 4 competitions to only the EPL. I think they look nervous and lacking in self-belief, which is not a good sign. Statistically, of course we can win it. But football isn't about statistics, it's about confidence and guts and skill. And luck of course but sometimes you have to create your own luck. That's where the guts come in. I'm very doubtful now, but still hoping they prove me wrong.

• 13-Mar-2011 03:27 | | Man United Killa  - fantastic
  

  "They've gotta stop feeling sorry for themselves and find a way of injecting some pace into their game".....I like that comment.Maybe you should be doing the team talks..
  I love Arsenal but I dont think we have all the tools to dominate the EPL.I think we need a few more signings but signings only will not solve the problem.Our crossing is diabolic,creativity is on vacation without Cesc,Counter attacking prowess is non-existent.There are a few things we need to get through as a team.
  Is it just me or was there too much space for Man U to run into.I think SAF has figured AW out.He always sits back and gets us on the counter.
  
  Thumbs up to the boy Wilshere..He has more fighting spirit than half of the team ever will.

• 13-Mar-2011 03:29 | | Man United Killa  - moving into space
  

  Talk about moving into space...I love the way Barca move into space.That is something we can learn.It's extremely difficult to track their attackers.We will benefit hugely from that kind of play.

• 13-Mar-2011 05:20 | | jeroomme
  

  No excuse from the FA Cup exit. We are outplayed because Diaby is not ready or Theo is injured. Bollock! During the days of Viera and Petit, Arsenal used to show resilience with 10 men and odd is stacked against them. Currently, there is so much wrong with the current Arsenal team and one man has to take responsibility - AW.
  
  He has not really sorted the defence. Obviousely, we are caught so many times during the counter attack and set pieces. Djourou is by far the best CB Arsenal have for now after Vermalen. His ability in the air is just good and he has a great pace in what we need against aerial and counter attack threats espescially breaking at pace on the flanks.
  
  However, he cannot be everywhere. He needs a capable CB to complement him. Kosh is very erratic like a see-saw. Hope that Vermalen will recover on time in the title run-in.
  
  We are playing against a depleted side who have been defeated .Rafael da SIlva is a young and inexperienced player. He was not intimidated by us. He played well against us as opposed to fucking Diaby who is trying to cope with the play.

• 13-Mar-2011 13:00 | | dkgooner
  

  Well, they have a week to get over it and regroup. Three points against West Brom are now a must. Wonder if AW is regretting let Kyle Bartley go on loan to Rangers? We could really use him now - no, he doesn't have experience at this level, but how else is he going to get it. He can't be more of a risk than Squillaci. Let's hope Song is back and that Ramsey starts instead of Diaby. And maybe AW can start with Plan B for a change. I'd still like to see Chamakh starting up front with Robin dropping back a bit - it will give him more space. Chamakh is the best we have at receiving, holding and laying off. We need to switch from defence to attack much faster instead of pass, pass, pass.
  Try something new Arsene! Mix it - let's have some long balls too. Otherwise everyone's just going to stifle us. ManU have shown everyone how it's done.

• 13-Mar-2011 14:27 | | MeanLean
  

  Good afternoon Gooners,
  
  I am still away from home and have yet to watch the match, not so sure that I want to now.
  
  I did watch a part of the first half and we had all the ball then the first half chance they had they scored.
  
  It is hard to give a definite opinion but it seems as if the players are short on confidence and are lacking the spark that we had a few weeks ago.
  
  It is easy to say that the players are not good enough or do not care when it is very normal to lose form.

• 13-Mar-2011 19:28 | | Man United Killa  - lol
  

  ML and his optimism!!! Impressive but this will get you nowhere.we need to keep it real...the backup sucks big time

• 14-Mar-2011 00:18 | | richie  - DKG responding in a roundabout way
  

  A load of our own slate Nicky B but I think he's a real tried, the reason I like him is (he never hides) he still keeps calling for the ball even though he's screwed up time and again. Whereas some strikers fade away realising its not their day, NB having missed a dozen sitter's unbelieveably still thinks he can score.
  
  So thats what I like about him but what really P's me off is when he waits for the ball to come to him. If he could only attack the ball he'd score bundles more, I see him attack the ball when he moves in for a header but play a square ball on the ground and he's almost moving away from it before its with him, instead of moving to it, Inevetably while he's waiting its intercepted, or he's crouded by the time he's waited.
  
  Yesterday it seemed like half the team had caught the part of NB's game that P's me off. Only Nasri & Jack had some of the good part of Nicky's B game.
  Diaby waited and then waited some more before he moved the ball on. (In Abou'd defense for me he might be match fit but he's far from being match sharp)
  Shava lacked any real impact and he rarely penitrated.
  Rosicky has never fully come back from his injuries and he too when he arrive didn't look match sharp.
  Denilson didn't commit his usual crime of giving the ball away too much but then again his job was as a defensive midfielder and I can't remember any of our midfielders covering our defense.
  
  Of our subs only Ramsey looked match fit and sharp. (Could it be he has a point to prove or is it just he's got the Championship bit between his teeth?)
  
  Running into space only works when you anticipate a ball will arrive
  without Cesc the forward balls weren't coming. Nasri carried the ball forward by himself but no one ran onto a defense splitting through ball from him, likewise Shava/Rosicky. I saw a few forward runs but whoever was on the ball didn't pick them up, and by the time the movement was picked out the forward runner was coming back from offside.
  
  You rightly called it we were a shower!

• 14-Mar-2011 00:37 | | richie
  

  Not to blow my own trumpet too much but before Arsene loaned Kyle to Rangers when we were stuck with only Kosh n Squilla who by the way are not any kind of partership for the run in I advocated a promotion for young Mr Bartley on the grounds that although he lacked expirence there was a chance he could develope a partnership with one of central defenders. A central defender typical English center half combo usualy works well think Sol & Toure or Terry Carvalho.

• 14-Mar-2011 00:54 | | richie
  

  You still on that trip Name us who's second 11 is better than ours?

• 14-Mar-2011 02:04 | | Man United Killa  - ?
  

  is that question meant for me Richie?

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