No excuses, but no Ozil, Walcott, Ramsey, Wilshere or Diaby(haha), and the rest of the team physically exhausted, Arsenal showed tremendous determination in Saturday's match against Man City. When Man City scored after 19 minutes, I dropped my head and expected the worst, and I also expected the team to do the same, boy was I wrong. I couldn't be happier for the way the team responded and fought back to get in the game, and get a result. If Joe Hart didn't make that brilliant save on the Podolski shot (how that did not go in, is mind boggling) Arsenal might have taken all 3 points. Anyway it was a well earned point against the title favorites, and in the immortal words of Arsene Wenger "the team showed good team spirit."
The Good - Flimini is the heart and soul of this team. In a team full of happy-go-lucky nonchalant personalities, Flimini is the passionate angry guy who gets his teammates organized, and makes them focus. His goal was well taken, but his celebration is what I enjoyed the most, his passion and intensity really had a great effect on the crowd and his teammates.
Rosicky had another solid game, he's definitely the engine, and pace setter going forward. Whenever he receives the ball he pushes it forward at pace, and it seem to have a contagious effect on the other players going forward. Also his technical ability controlling ball , turning defenders, and accelerating up the pitch is right up there with some best to wear and Arsenal jersey.
Santi got his groove back. He showed wonderful control all match and was the teams creative force in attack. I felt his ball control had been letting him down in recent matches, but against Man City he showed his technical quality.
The Bad - The defense on the first Man City goal was typical, and unnecessary. Man City easily scored on the counter, when Arsenal push too many players forward, and when you play against a team like City they make you pay for it with goals, even if this goal was a little on the lucky side. The eagerness and intensity Arsenal display going forward, has to be replicated whenever the opponent has the opportunity to counter. All players must communicate and bust a gut to get back defensively, especially early in the match against a quality team. I must give a shout out to the way the defense responded to giving up that early goal. The defense really buckled down and put in a solid defensive shift in the 2nd half, which led to the ability for Arsenal to really attack and go for the win.
The Ugly - Clichy's and Nasri's hairdos, even Sagna looks at those two and shakes his head in disgust. The pair go to City, get paid loads of money, and still cant get a proper haircut.
Peace Out,
Blanco
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
Kill Your Ego
Another big game this Saturday for Arsenal's quest for 3rd place. It's going to take a lot to achieve but I do believe it can be done. The next 3 league games for #Arsenal will be the deciding factor for MY 3rd place aspirations. It all starts with the title favorites coming to the Emirates. If #Wenger hasn't learned anything by now then he's never going to learn, so just in case he's as clueless as the pundits suggest, I will share with him my expertise in footballing tactics(wink wink). Before we get to my brilliant tactics, I need to start with the manager's mental approach, because if Wenger's mental approach is correct then the tactics to be used will fall right in place. First, kill your ego Mr.Wenger. Man City are the better team with better players currently in waaaay better form. Secondly, Mr.Wenger you should not have any misconceived notions of Arsenal winning the league, even if you believe the team still can, DO NOT relay that message to the team. The message to frenetically stress to the team is getting 3rd place. By taking this approach, the manager will quell the player's competitive spirit and actually motivate them, instead of insulting this depleted squads intelligence by constantly selling the pipe dream of winning the title.
Once Wenger accepts the reality of the situation, and redirects the teams focus on finishing in 3rd, the tactics will have to coincide with the manager's new humbled mindset.
Tactics for the next 2 games (Man City & Everton)
Defending - Don't play a high line keep it tight and defend as one solid unit be COMPOSED, RELAXED and FOCUSED. Avoid getting stretched by any means, and the best way to achieve this is by not playing high line.
Attacking - Attack responsibly don't get stretched attacking, everybody cant go forward at the same time and leave the center backs exposed. When the team finally gets the ball, its imperative to be patient in possession, dont rush through the build up, slow it down, make sure we keep our offensive and defensive shape, and then pass it around (sideways backwards, forward) it doesn't matter just keep the ball to frustrate them, get them stretched, and slowly but surely break them down, and get goal.
Man City, unlike Arsenal really do have the opportunity to win the league title, so all the pressure will be on them, a draw does them no good they need to win and will be desperately trying to defeat Arsenal Saturday. If the team uses my brilliant (wink wink) tactics, then all that pressure and anxiety starts to drastically multiply, and the longer we can frustrate them, the more desperate and stretched they will become, which will lead to more space for Arsenal to exploit and more scoring opportunities on the counter attack.
Prediction: Arsenal 2 - 1 Man City
Goals by Ox & Arteta
Peace Out,
Blanco
Attacking - Attack responsibly don't get stretched attacking, everybody cant go forward at the same time and leave the center backs exposed. When the team finally gets the ball, its imperative to be patient in possession, dont rush through the build up, slow it down, make sure we keep our offensive and defensive shape, and then pass it around (sideways backwards, forward) it doesn't matter just keep the ball to frustrate them, get them stretched, and slowly but surely break them down, and get goal.
Man City, unlike Arsenal really do have the opportunity to win the league title, so all the pressure will be on them, a draw does them no good they need to win and will be desperately trying to defeat Arsenal Saturday. If the team uses my brilliant (wink wink) tactics, then all that pressure and anxiety starts to drastically multiply, and the longer we can frustrate them, the more desperate and stretched they will become, which will lead to more space for Arsenal to exploit and more scoring opportunities on the counter attack.
Prediction: Arsenal 2 - 1 Man City
Goals by Ox & Arteta
Peace Out,
Blanco
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
3rd Place? Si Se Puede!
#Arsenal 2 - 2 #Swansea City
It takes a lot dedication to be an Arsenal supporter, especially when spring rolls around. By the time spring rolls around the squad is ravished with injuries, drained mentally and physically, and completely debilitated heading into the most important part of the season, and as much as I fooled myself into thinking that this spring would be different, its not, its the exact same scenario, Arsenal bravely fighting for fourth place. Last nights match was a tough pill to swallow, but it's in the past, and all the teams focus and energy should now be getting 3rd place. Arsenal can't win the league now, but 3rd place is not out of reach. With Liverpool's upcoming fixtures( Spuds(haha),Man City, and Chelsea), if Arsenal take care of their business, then maybe, just maybe they could sneak in there for 3rd place, and avoid champions league qualifiers, which would be a massive necessity and achievement with the World Cup looming. #COYG #AFC
The Good - The enigma that is known as Lukas Podolski. Its been a while since Arsenal were in a situation to bring in a substitute who would drastically change the match. I cant remember, but when was the last time Arsenal were down a goal and brought on a 2nd half sub who changed the game? That is exactly what happen in the 2nd half against Swansea City. Podolski came on and in true Enigma like fashion, he was eager, involved, and changed the course of the game with a well taken goal and quality cross to assist Giroud for the go ahead goal. Its games like this that leave Arsenal supporters perplexed about why there is so much inconsistency in Podolski's game. In some games he barely gets a kick of the ball, and some games he scores and assist brilliant goals, and in last nights match against Swansea it was the latter. In a match where Arsenal huffed and puffed, but could not get that breakthrough goal, Podolski was just the spark Arsenal needed to get going and finally take the lead.
The Bad - The amount of time Neil Taylor had to swing in that cross to Bony was irresponsible. One of the things that frustrates me most about the way Arsenal defend, is the complete lack of urgency, and the lack of awareness early on in matches. Go back and watch the replay of Swansea's first goal. You should noticed the amount TIME and SPACE Taylor had to pick out Bony for the opening goal. The pundits lament on and on about how Swansea only had two shots on goal, well thats all it takes when you give players at the highest level time and space to pick out teammates in the box. How about for the rest of the season, Arsenal employ the tactics, that worked so well during last year's run in. Last year Arsenal's mental approach, no matter who the team was playing, was absorb pressure, keep it tight, desperately defend as a unit, and counter attack.
The Ugly - The last 10 min of the game. If you didn't know the score and watched the last 10 minutes of that game, you would've thought Arsenal desperately needed a goal to get a result. Players were frantically pushing up field in attack, rushing passes in an attempt to create scoring chances. Players were out of position, and showed no composure when it came to controlling and retaining the ball. It was an absolute horror show, that culminated into an bumbling own goal that cost Arsenal all three crucial points. When is the last time you can remember, the Emirates singing "Ole Ole" during the closing stages of a match, as Arsenal pass the ball around? It's been a while since I've heard the "ole's", but I do hear the rumbling groans of "Oh shit Oh shit" every time an Arsenal player looses the ball, and makes a bad decision late in a game.
Peace Out,
Blanco
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Isn't It Ironic?
#Chelsea 6 - 0 #Arsenal
Match Stats
Isn't it ironic, that on this momentous occasion ( #Wenger #1000th match), playing against the cunt-like manager who labeled Wenger a "specialist in failure." Mourinho in brilliant cunt-like form also refused to give any credit or acknowledgement to Wenger's 1000th match, and instead insulted Wenger by insinuating Arsenal Football Club deserve all the credit for sticking with Wenger "in the bad moments, and especially when the bad moments were quit a lot." And after all this, Mourinho's squad then proceeded to go out and destroy Arsenal in the first 20 minutes of the match, and effectively turning Wenger's career milestone into one of the most forgettable matches in all his 1000 games. Yep, definitely ironic.
The Good - The combined efforts of Matic and Luiz for Chelsea FC. The two of them brilliantly controlled the midfield with power, pace, and precision. They looked like they were playing against an u-21 side, physically intimidating the Arsenal midfield with precise collisions and timely fouls. Every time an Arsenal midfielder received the ball, Matic and Luiz aggressively swarmed with pace and power, like when you stick a piece of meat into a fish tank full of piranha's. Isn't it ironic, that all the qualities these two defensive midfielders possess, (steel, metal, size, strength, pace) are all the same qualities Arsenal supporters have been hopelessly craving since the days of Viera and Gilberto.
The Bad - Arsenal's inability to technically control the ball under pressure, and string a few passes together was atrocious, and a continuation from the last 2 matches. Every time big clubs play the pressing game against Arsenal, the technical control and quality has not been up to par. In today's match, Arsenal had too many loose passes, too many loose touches, all of which led to what Chelsea love to do tactically. When the opportunity presents itself, Chelsea aggressively press, win the ball back, and counter attack at pace, score a goal and sit in their defensive shell, and wait for the opportunity to do it all again. Saturday Arsenal played right into Chelsea's counter attacking trap, and gifted them the all 3 points in the first 20 minutes of the match.
Ox's is red card. Not a lot to say about it, just that Arsenal players continuously do dumb-ass-shit at the worst possible times, during the most important matches.
The tactics chosen were atrocious. First let me start out with the obvious, Arsenal didn't need to win the match against Chelsea, they just could not afford to loose the match. The game plan for Arsenal should have been the same tactics used in the Tottenham match. Absorb pressure and catch Chelsea on the counter attack, and maybe, just maybe, nick a goal late. Chelsea would have gladly obliged and played out a draw, just like in the previous meeting. Chelsea were always going to play not to loose, they made their intentions very clear by playing two very defensive minded holding midfielders. The same mistakes Arsenal made away from home against Man City and Liverpool, were the same mistakes made today. Arsenal came to Stamford Bridge with the assumption of getting all 3 points in splendid fashion. The same Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea are unbeaten in 76 games, the same Stamford Bridge where Jose Mourinho has never lost.
The Ugly - Jose Mourinho's flagrant lack of respect and unwarranted criticism towards a coaching icon has been disgraceful, and the no handshake at the end of Saturday's match was the icing on the shit cake.
Peace Out,
Blanco
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Match Stats
Isn't it ironic, that on this momentous occasion ( #Wenger #1000th match), playing against the cunt-like manager who labeled Wenger a "specialist in failure." Mourinho in brilliant cunt-like form also refused to give any credit or acknowledgement to Wenger's 1000th match, and instead insulted Wenger by insinuating Arsenal Football Club deserve all the credit for sticking with Wenger "in the bad moments, and especially when the bad moments were quit a lot." And after all this, Mourinho's squad then proceeded to go out and destroy Arsenal in the first 20 minutes of the match, and effectively turning Wenger's career milestone into one of the most forgettable matches in all his 1000 games. Yep, definitely ironic.
The Good - The combined efforts of Matic and Luiz for Chelsea FC. The two of them brilliantly controlled the midfield with power, pace, and precision. They looked like they were playing against an u-21 side, physically intimidating the Arsenal midfield with precise collisions and timely fouls. Every time an Arsenal midfielder received the ball, Matic and Luiz aggressively swarmed with pace and power, like when you stick a piece of meat into a fish tank full of piranha's. Isn't it ironic, that all the qualities these two defensive midfielders possess, (steel, metal, size, strength, pace) are all the same qualities Arsenal supporters have been hopelessly craving since the days of Viera and Gilberto.
The Bad - Arsenal's inability to technically control the ball under pressure, and string a few passes together was atrocious, and a continuation from the last 2 matches. Every time big clubs play the pressing game against Arsenal, the technical control and quality has not been up to par. In today's match, Arsenal had too many loose passes, too many loose touches, all of which led to what Chelsea love to do tactically. When the opportunity presents itself, Chelsea aggressively press, win the ball back, and counter attack at pace, score a goal and sit in their defensive shell, and wait for the opportunity to do it all again. Saturday Arsenal played right into Chelsea's counter attacking trap, and gifted them the all 3 points in the first 20 minutes of the match.
Ox's is red card. Not a lot to say about it, just that Arsenal players continuously do dumb-ass-shit at the worst possible times, during the most important matches.
The tactics chosen were atrocious. First let me start out with the obvious, Arsenal didn't need to win the match against Chelsea, they just could not afford to loose the match. The game plan for Arsenal should have been the same tactics used in the Tottenham match. Absorb pressure and catch Chelsea on the counter attack, and maybe, just maybe, nick a goal late. Chelsea would have gladly obliged and played out a draw, just like in the previous meeting. Chelsea were always going to play not to loose, they made their intentions very clear by playing two very defensive minded holding midfielders. The same mistakes Arsenal made away from home against Man City and Liverpool, were the same mistakes made today. Arsenal came to Stamford Bridge with the assumption of getting all 3 points in splendid fashion. The same Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea are unbeaten in 76 games, the same Stamford Bridge where Jose Mourinho has never lost.
The Ugly - Jose Mourinho's flagrant lack of respect and unwarranted criticism towards a coaching icon has been disgraceful, and the no handshake at the end of Saturday's match was the icing on the shit cake.
Peace Out,
Blanco
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Monday, March 17, 2014
An Absolute Thunder Bastard!
Tottenham 0 - 1 Arsenal
Match Stats
Coming into Sundays North London derby match I was a bit anxious, especially since Arsenal have not won at White Heart Shame since 2007. I figured with Spuds having an abysmal week culminating in that terrible home lost to Benfica. A loss in which the Benfica coach pulled a Theo and flaunted the scoreline to the Spuds bench causing Tottenham's psycho coach to flip out for the 2nd time this week. I thought coming into Sunday's derby match Tottenham would invoke the good ole siege mentality ploy. You know the one "it's us against the world" or "it's us against are crazy manager, who called us all a bunch of gutless punks, after an unlucky loss to Chelsea." I thought surely after a two hour players only meeting/shouting session Tottenham would come into today's game fired up, desperate to put last week behind them against their bitter rivals. And to be honest, Spuds put in a lot of effort and competed admirably, but it wasn't to be for Spuds, and Arsenal had enough class to get all 3 points.
The Good - Rosicky's goal was fantastic. It was an absolute Thunder Bastard, shot like an arrow into the upper left corner. The goal came from and errant pass in midfield by Sandro, and to make things worst, while trying to win back the ball, he was out muscled by guess who, thats right you guess it, The OX, who continued up the pitch and found Rosicky out wide who in return passed it back to OX. The pass by Rosicky to OX had a little too much pace, but OX did well to control the pace of the pass with a little flick to right of the defender, and thats when it fell perfectly to an on coming Rosicky who just flat out kicked the hell the ball. It was the perfect way start (72 seconds) to a very tense North London derby. Rosicky not only scored the winning goal, but he also ran his socks off for the team and had an all around solid match. It is no surprise that when he finally came off the pitch, Arsenal really struggled to pass and keep the ball, and Spuds really controlled possession and pinned Arsenal back. I could not be happier for Rosicky, a player who's been through a lot, with all those years injured. Rosicky has shown the type of class, resiliency, loyalty, and most important the honesty to stay at the club and "pay back" the club for sticking by him all those years injured with the kind of wonderful displays of quality and enthusiasm that we all witnessed in Sundays derby.
Per and Koscielny were solid and brave all match, their performance could not have come at a better time. When these two get it right, boy do they get it right, they perfectly compliment each other. Everything Per lacks as a footballer Koscielny has and vice versa. The way Per "lets" Koscielny cover for him is genius, and every time one of those desperate Spuds crosses came into the box, Per was there to head the ball to safety. Koscielny battled with a bearded African twice his size (Adebayor) all game, and every time he had to make a last ditch tackle he pulled it off. Arsenal's defense was under a lot pressure today, but these two showed the type of commitment and teamwork needed for Arsenal's title challenge.
The Bad - The Ox, first let me start out by saying, Ox had a wonderful game.. BUT LETS BE HONEST, Ox missed two wonderful chances in the first half that could have made my Sunday afternoon a little less stressful. I'll give Ox a break on the 2nd chance although he really should be hitting the target, but the 1st chance was inexcusable. On the first chance Ox had so many choices, he could have passed to Podolski, he could have chipped the keeper early, or he could have just shot on target, but instead he choose to do his best Gervinho impersonation, and leave all Arsenal fans perplexed has to what in the hell was he thinking. Ox is a young exciting versatile player, and I accept the fact that composure comes with maturity, and when Ox fully matures, Arsenal are going to have one hell of player.
The Ugly -Almunia, I mean Szczesny in goal looked rusty and indecisive. You could actually see the wheels turning in his head, to come or not come that was the question, and he got the answer wrong on a couple of very nervy occasions during a very difficult stretch in the game. The way Fabianski's been playing the manager really has to think about going with the hot hands, not because Szczesny is terrible or anything like that, but because Fabianski is in better form. Some might say I'm over reacting, but those blunders could have really cost us the game and the title challenge. If the manager chooses which keepers to start, based on the last two matches they've played, then you would think Wenger would choose Fabianski. Young keepers have those stretch of matches where inconsistency and poor decision making start to creep in. Lets hope this isn't one of those stretches, but if it is, Arsenal have a proven backup keeper who has shown he can step in and fell the void, at least until he gets hurt( I kid I kid).
Final Thought - Last year when Arsenal went to Germany and defeated Bayern, it really laid the ground work for Arsenal's season to get on track. After that win in Germany against the future CL cup winners, Arsenal went on one of the best run in's I can remember. The run in was so unforgettable because of the way the team won games. Arsenal didn't win those games with that swashbuckling, free flowing, lots of goal scoring style. Arsenal won those games the old fashion way, with solid defense and timely goals. I cant remember exactly off hand how many 1 nil victories Arsenal won during that stretch, but I bet it was a lot, and Sunday's derby match really reminded of what this squad is capable of defensively. As Arsenal supporters lets all hope that this years return from Germany sets the wheels in motion for another brilliant run in to the season.
Peace Out,
Blanco
Match Stats
Coming into Sundays North London derby match I was a bit anxious, especially since Arsenal have not won at White Heart Shame since 2007. I figured with Spuds having an abysmal week culminating in that terrible home lost to Benfica. A loss in which the Benfica coach pulled a Theo and flaunted the scoreline to the Spuds bench causing Tottenham's psycho coach to flip out for the 2nd time this week. I thought coming into Sunday's derby match Tottenham would invoke the good ole siege mentality ploy. You know the one "it's us against the world" or "it's us against are crazy manager, who called us all a bunch of gutless punks, after an unlucky loss to Chelsea." I thought surely after a two hour players only meeting/shouting session Tottenham would come into today's game fired up, desperate to put last week behind them against their bitter rivals. And to be honest, Spuds put in a lot of effort and competed admirably, but it wasn't to be for Spuds, and Arsenal had enough class to get all 3 points.
The Bad - The Ox, first let me start out by saying, Ox had a wonderful game.. BUT LETS BE HONEST, Ox missed two wonderful chances in the first half that could have made my Sunday afternoon a little less stressful. I'll give Ox a break on the 2nd chance although he really should be hitting the target, but the 1st chance was inexcusable. On the first chance Ox had so many choices, he could have passed to Podolski, he could have chipped the keeper early, or he could have just shot on target, but instead he choose to do his best Gervinho impersonation, and leave all Arsenal fans perplexed has to what in the hell was he thinking. Ox is a young exciting versatile player, and I accept the fact that composure comes with maturity, and when Ox fully matures, Arsenal are going to have one hell of player.
The Ugly -Almunia, I mean Szczesny in goal looked rusty and indecisive. You could actually see the wheels turning in his head, to come or not come that was the question, and he got the answer wrong on a couple of very nervy occasions during a very difficult stretch in the game. The way Fabianski's been playing the manager really has to think about going with the hot hands, not because Szczesny is terrible or anything like that, but because Fabianski is in better form. Some might say I'm over reacting, but those blunders could have really cost us the game and the title challenge. If the manager chooses which keepers to start, based on the last two matches they've played, then you would think Wenger would choose Fabianski. Young keepers have those stretch of matches where inconsistency and poor decision making start to creep in. Lets hope this isn't one of those stretches, but if it is, Arsenal have a proven backup keeper who has shown he can step in and fell the void, at least until he gets hurt( I kid I kid).
Final Thought - Last year when Arsenal went to Germany and defeated Bayern, it really laid the ground work for Arsenal's season to get on track. After that win in Germany against the future CL cup winners, Arsenal went on one of the best run in's I can remember. The run in was so unforgettable because of the way the team won games. Arsenal didn't win those games with that swashbuckling, free flowing, lots of goal scoring style. Arsenal won those games the old fashion way, with solid defense and timely goals. I cant remember exactly off hand how many 1 nil victories Arsenal won during that stretch, but I bet it was a lot, and Sunday's derby match really reminded of what this squad is capable of defensively. As Arsenal supporters lets all hope that this years return from Germany sets the wheels in motion for another brilliant run in to the season.
Peace Out,
Blanco
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Respectable
Bayern 1 - 1 Arsenal
(3-1 agg.)
A respectable game against the best team in Europe. As an Arsenal supporter thats all we could ask for,especially since the tie was already tarnished because of the red card in the first leg. Against a team like Bayern you need luck on your side, and Arsenal didn't have any, but by the end of the two legs Arsenal had respect.
The Good - OX once again was lively aggressive and Arsenal's best player by far. His runs with the ball were tremendous, every time Arsenal were backed into their own half Ox would break out and go on a run and get into Bayern's half. He's really turning into a handful for defenders and really showed his skills against the best team in Europe. One of things I like about Ox is how versatile his game has become, we've always known he could play in the middle and out wide, but it seems like he can play different styles in those positions. Aggressive, physical, technical you name it Ox can play it, and tonight he was extremely aggressive and effective.
Podolski's finish was pure class. The ease and power in which he was able to dispatch the goal showed the class he's capable. Once he got away with the little tap on Lahm and rounded the corner, I just had a funny feeling he was going to score. The guy has class and with Ozil hurt we're going to need him to step up in the coming fixtures.
Fabianski - I cant tell how much this guy has improved, I was one of those fans who thought Wenger should have kept Almunia over Fabianski.....I know right crazy, but that's how bad his decision making was. I know you all remember Sol Campbell's back pass to Fabianski at the Camp Nou or how about the FA Cup final against Chelsea. My how things have changed, Fabianski's performance tonight was excellent. He looks way more solid and mature in his decision making and extremely athletic. The save on the PK and then the reactions to get the rebound,was brilliant.
The Bad - The inability for Arsenal to keep the ball,was just not good enough for a team with the technical ability of Arsenal. Arsenal's ability to pass the ball and keep the ball was embarrassing at times. There was a lot of lashing at the ball, kicking it anywhere when pressured, instead of having some composure to find the open man. There were a few moments when Arsenal put some quick touches/passes together but all in all Arsenal didn't do a good job particularly in the midfield, where it really looked like Bayern successfully shut Arteta out the game.
The Ugly - Robben diving. If there was a top ten most wanted list for diving then Robben would be serously pushing Suarez and Bale for that #1 position. Why do players dive? Because it works. The ref's continuessly fall for blatent dives, from players with the most notorious reputations for diving. If there is any doubt, then you have to deny the penalty, because you know the player drawing the foul is a con artist. If the refs start taking reputations into account for penalties, I think we could see a decrease in diving in the box.
Peace Out,
Blanco
Saturday, March 8, 2014
The Correct Response
FA Cup Quarterfinal Match - Arsenal 4 - 1 Everton
Match Stats
The Good - The team as a whole played outstanding, they were intense focused and ready to play from the beginning & kudos to Wenger for having the team mentally prepared Saturday.
Santi Carzola had a great match. This whole season Ive been half heartily telling myself "Santi's coming around, he's getting back to form", but now, with full conviction, I can honestly say, "Santi's coming around, he's getting back in form." Saturday his play reminded me of the player we relied upon so much last year, buzzing around creating opportunities, and setting up the 1st goal with a killer pass to Ozil.
Mesut Ozil, the man has been taking more hits than a Colorado pot head. Saturday he showed all the haters his class by scoring the opener and dishing a wonderful dime to Giroud. Was there another player in the world who needed to have great game? I cant think of one, and the overly excited German's response to all the criticism was well timed.
The Ox once again set it off from jump street, flying around the pitch creating danger bullying players loosing the ball and getting it right back out muscling fools scratching clawing not staying down complaining not whining earning a PK, and most importantly, showing the drive and passion it takes to earn a victory.
The Not-So- Bad - Mikel Arteta had quite a few loose touches and passes for his high standards, and he was really becoming rattled during that little stretch before the penalty. You could clearly see he was getting angry with himself, Everton players, and the ref's, which makes the fact that he could calmly make back to back PK's even more impressive. Be honest how many of you could watch that 2nd PK? I couldn't watch either, I know right.
The Ugly - Mark Clattenburg's John Terry haircut, and the decision to have the PK re-taking was ugly and uncalled for. To me, its always going to look very suspicious if the ref makes that decision. Why, in a well contested big game does the ref make that call on something that happens on all PK's? Why would the ref choose to possibly decide the game at that moment? No coaches or players complained or asked for that call to be made. That's because they and the ref know it happens every PK, it even happens right after the ref chooses to make that dumb-ass decision(Giroud does the exact same thing on the 2nd PK). Mark Clattenburg is an attention whore who loves putting his sticky hair gelled fingers all over the game, he loves everybody talking about Mark Clattenburg, why else would he make the most unnecessary match deciding decisions.
Peace Out,
Blanco
Match Stats
A wonderful response to the Stoke City match. What Arsenal lacked in energy, drive, and urgency against the Ogre's, was on full display against Everton. I was put at ease early on with the way the Gunner's started the 1st half. I knew it was going to be one of those games Arsenal would win. You could see the team was ready and willing to compete, and as Arsenal supporters that's all we crave, is for the team to consistently competes with urgency, NO MATTER WHO THE COMPETITION. Arsenal beat a good Everton side the way Arsenal are supposed to, with more class, more technical ability and an all-around better squad with better players. Better players who were fully committed and ready to compete from the opening whistle. Hopefully Arsenal can replicate this mentality for the rest of the season, and end the ear-beatings about the trophy drought Arsenal supporters endure on a weekly basis.
Blanco
Friday, March 7, 2014
All Eggs In FA Cup Basket...Please?
Aw yes, now that’s more like it, an Arsenal player getting hurt while playing in a useless International friendly. Arsenal fighting to hang on to fourth place and Arsenal getting knocked out of Champions League all within a week’s time. Does that sound familiar? Why does it sound familiar? I tell you why, because at this point in the season, Arsenal are worn out, exhausted due to injuries and not having the squad depth to compete in four competition’s. Last year when Arsenal crashed out of all competition, it was the best thing for the team because of the battle Arsenal were in to achieve fourth place, and even with crashing out of all competitions, Arsenal still barely scraped by for that last Champions League spot. This year Arsenal are in a similar position as far as being on the cusp of crashing out of all competitions. Some supporters would say the team is still in it for the league title, but c’mon really, stop it. The only difference between last year and this year is Arsenal are in the Quarterfinals of the FA Cup and with a win on Saturday Arsenal are in the last four, and if we get a lucky draw who knows.
That brings me to my next point, the debate this week has been should Wenger field a strong squad or a weak squad in lieu of the midweek Champions League match vs Bayern Munich. The answer is unequivocally field a strong squad, for the simple fact that Arsenal will not win the league(too many better teams to play), and there’s no way Arsenal are going to overcome 2 away goals in Munich. BECAUSE of what HAPPEN LAST YEAR, Pep will have all the motivation material needed for his squad to prevent lightning from striking twice. And since Arsenal have to score 3 goals, the counter attack for Bayern will be twice as potent, and that is why I’m predicting a loss for Arsenal in the return leg. With that said, to me Arsenal do have enough quality to battle on 2 fronts (4th place and the FA Cup). Arsenal have a much better squad in terms of quality, and Wenger has to realize the wonderful opportunity Arsenal have, and that's why he’s got to put all his eggs in the FA Cup basket and play a strong squad. The last time Everton came to the Emirates, they really outplayed Arsenal, especially in the 1st half, passing it around beautifully. Everton will come into the game knowing they have the players and confidence to cause Arsenal all sorts of problems, and because of this Wenger has to play his strongest side. The only change I would accept is Fabianski instead of Szsz.
Tactics – Everton like to keep the ball and play it on the ground. Everton also like to get both fullbacks heavily involved in the attack leaving themselves open for the counter attack. Arsenal should sit back, be very organized and keep it tight defensively, absorb Everton’s pressure and when the opportunities present themselves, counter with pace and efficiency. #FAcup #Arsenal #COYG
Prediction - Arsenal 2 – 0 Everton
Goals – Giroud & Ozil
Peace Out,
Blanco
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Once Again Arsenal Stoked
Stoke City 1 - 0 Arsenal
Match Report
Oh man what an awful game to watch from an Arsenal perspective. When I saw the line up I knew it was going to be a long game, and when I saw Arsene Wenger and Steve Bould giggling during the 1st half I knew the squad wasn't prepared to match Stoke City's intensity, an play with that frenetic desperate no holds barred approach Arsenal's title challenge needed in today's match.
The Good - Wow! Not a whole lot of good things in this match, but if you press me on one thing I would say Ox. I cant for the life of me explain why he didn't start, this was the type of match Ox should be starting. Ox's energy attitude and physicality are all things you need when playing against Ogre's in Ogre Land. When is the last time you can remember Ox writhing wallowing and complaining after being fouled? When The Ox finally came on he was bright lively and created a couple of wonderful scoring opportunities. My only knock on Ox would be his honesty, I felt he should've went down in the box late in the match, just to see if the shitty ref felt guilty enough to award Arsenal a penalty. Desperate times call for desperate actions and Arsenal were beyond desperate at that stage in the game.
The Bad - Arsene's decision not to start Ozil Ox, and Flimini. Ozil has had 10 days off and that's plenty of time off, especially considering the fact that Arsenal are very much in a title race AND Arsenal dont play midweek AND Arsene hardly EVER rotates for league games. It was pretty obvious at halftime that Podolski had dipped into Diaby's medical marijuana and Rosicky just looked tired warranting the manager to make some changes sooner rather than later. I felt if the manager was going to rest a player then it would be Jack. If your squad is going to be playing a bunch of animals, then your going to need to play at least one animal, and Flimini is Arsenal's animal, and the team needed Flimini's attitude and intensity against Stoke City.
The Ugly - Stoke City fans, The Britannia Stadium, the first half were all very ugly, but not half as ugly as Charlie Adam and the refs performance. Charlie Adam is the dirtiest player in the BPL, not just his appearance but his play on the pitch. He's fat out of shape and slow, and since he's playing in the midfield, he's always going to be late for tackles. Charlie Adam doesn't care about being late for tackles, his attitude is since I ran all the way over here, I might as well do the river dance on somebodies shin bone. The beauty of it all is he ALWAYS gets away with committing terrible fouls. That brings me to the ref who refused to give Charlie Adam any cards, and awarded a soft penalty to Stoke City. How does the ref think its possible for a human to jump in air and kick a ball with is hands by his side. The decision was terrible and gave Stoke City who created nothing all match a beautifully wrapped gift and all 3pts.
Final Thought - Flat uninspired performance at the wrong time against the wrong team at the wrong place with the wrong referee. Arsenal must now pick themselves up get back on track and get ready for next weeks FA Cup Quarter Final match against Everton, their last opportunity for cup. That's right I said it, lets hope not, but lets be honest, it aint looking so good. COYG!
Peace Out,
Blanco
Match Report
Oh man what an awful game to watch from an Arsenal perspective. When I saw the line up I knew it was going to be a long game, and when I saw Arsene Wenger and Steve Bould giggling during the 1st half I knew the squad wasn't prepared to match Stoke City's intensity, an play with that frenetic desperate no holds barred approach Arsenal's title challenge needed in today's match.
Peace Out,
Blanco
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